Erin Whatmough
(5 Reviews)

STICK MAN IS A JOYOUS WATCH FOR ALL AGES, INTERACTIVE AND SIMPLY MESMERISING!

I just have to start out by saying this was such a nostalgic watch for me. I remember reading this book as a little girl and being completely mesmerised - the stage adaptation was no different. I was so excited to watch this show because I knew it would bring back fond memories, which undoubtedly happened. I loved the show, and I know that if I enjoyed it so much, just imagine the thrill it would bring to a beaming little child.

The story starts out with Stick Man taking a jog, but ends up on quite a few misadventures. He tries his very best to get back to the family tree, but it’s no use. Everywhere he turns, there’s more mischief just waiting round the corner. By the end of it Stick Man has been used as a dog toy, floated down a river out to sea, and even used as a flag on a sandcastle! All of Stick Man’s crazy experiences were brought to life through incredible musicianship, fantastic visual displays, and an all-round stage enthusiasm.

On first walking into the theatre, I was immediately intrigued by the variety of instruments on the left side of the stage. I was very interested to see how all these instruments would be used, and I was not disappointed. Moving to the middle of the stage, there was Stick Man’s family tree, but it was also transformed into a sandcastle later on in the show, which was another example of the amazing visual displays. The lighting was intelligently used too, and I particularly loved the way it was used to transform the stage to appear underwater, when Stick Man was thrown into a river. The setting and lighting really pulled together the show, and Katie Sykes (Designer) and Elanor Higgins (Lighting Designer) did a fantastic job.|

I have to admire the wonderful cast of Stick Man, because the amount of skill they have was extraordinary. I have to start with Peter Shipway (The Show Must Go On, Virgin Voyages It’s A Ship Show, Santa’s Magical Gift), because he was simply incredible throughout the whole show, playing multiple roles- even Santa Claus! As well as playing multiple roles, he played multiple instruments, such as the ukulele, percussion and the saxophone. Shipway was amazing to watch, with clear musical talent. Rosie Malone (A Soldier’s Woman, As You Like It, Lucky Stiff) also took on a multitude of roles, from a barking dog, to a hula-hooping little girl, but played each and every one of them with outstanding stage presence and grit. I was seriously impressed with her wide range of theatrical skills. The amount of physical ability also needed for this show was no joke, but Shaun Mendum (CATS the musical, Nutcracker the musical, Romeo and Juliet) had it under control. I couldn’t have pictured anyone better to play Stick Man, bringing life to the stage with a hilarious personality and skill. The whole cast were wonderful in engaging the young audience with fascinating visuals and imaginative performances, and I applaud them for that.

The amount of interactivity in the show was refreshing to see, and a personal favourite moment of mine was when the performers came into the audience in a chase. Stick Man runs away from a dog (Malone) and really gets the audience involved, asking everyone where the dog was and running away when he saw it. I thought this was a brilliant way to interact with the young members of the audience and really get them excited for the rest of the show. There were more fun moments like this, but you’ll just have to go and watch the show to find out!

It was great to see all the young children that read Julia Donaldson books enjoying theatre, and this is such a wholesome way to introduce your children into the magic of theatre! The show is a joyous watch for children of all ages - interactive and simply mesmerising. Book your tickets ASAP because it's only at Lowry until the January 5th and tickets are running out! I can’t stress enough the wonder it would bring to a child seeing Stick Man come to life, and I know adults would love it too.

WE SCORE STICK MAN...

RUN, REBEL IS A FIRST-CLASS SHOW ANSWERING MANY LINGERING QUESTIONS  THAT A TEENAGE GIRL HOLDS


Run Rebel has been a highly loved book since it was first released in 2020, and this stage adaptation is no different. The story follows Amber, a young girl desperate to do what she loves- run. However, she is trapped by her family’s rules and expectations, but when she’s on the running track she feels free. The show is a fantastic representation of female strength, determination, and shows how everyone has their own story. This performance has been beautifully brought to life by Manjeet Mann (Author- Run Rebel, The Crossing, Roar) and Tessa Walker (Northanger Abbey, Biscuits for Breakfast, Symphony of Us), and is perfect for all ages.

I went into this not too familiar with the story of Run Rebel, but I can easily say I was impressed. The sheer amount of talent was jaw-dropping, and each performer was highly skilled and enjoyable to watch. The story was gripping, and the fact it was told from Amber’s point of view, but also from everyone else’s made the show feel so real. The way physical theatre was incorporated was breath-taking, and added depth to the story. There was a key theme of running throughout, which tied really well into Amber’s ambition to make it to the national running team.

First looking at the set did confuse me a little. What looked like a skateboard ramp took up most of the stage, and left me wondering how they were going to use this when Amber was a runner, not a skateboarder. However, having the skateboard ramp was a genius design decision. It added dimension to the stage, and allowed performers to enter the stage and take different levels that would’ve otherwise not been a possibility. A moment I personally loved was when Amber’s father returned home drunk. When Amber and her mum were describing how he was swaying in the doorway, the father entered and stumbled against the ramp, and when they described how he ultimately passed out on the living room floor, the father collapsed onto the ramp and slid down. All the other props stayed on the stage too, such as chairs used in the classroom, and big chalkboard-looking screens at the back that were used to project scenes and photos. I have to applaud the work of the whole design team, from set to sound because their work pulled the show together in the most unbelievable way.

Whilst some of the topics in the show were quite heavy, there were moments where I did not hesitate to laugh. Amber is a 15-year-old girl, and Run Rebel plays into the humour of a girl at this age, such as when Amber breaks the fourth wall to ask the audience if she can replay ‘cute’ moments between her and David. Jessica Kaur (Brassic, Wolfe, An Adventure) was brilliant with these comedic moments, but oh my goodness could this girl deliver a speech! Her ability to bring about emotions from the audience was astounding, and every line she delivered was with gust and clear skill. Her performance was unlike any I’ve seen before, and brought Amber to life in such a way where you felt everything she felt and understood her completely. 

The whole cast was utterly brilliant, and most of them had to play multiple roles. They were on and off stage constantly, utilising many seamless quick changes to pull the story together, and one person I have to specifically applaud for this is Simran Kular (The Archers, Anita and Me, Girls Like That). She must’ve played about 3-4 different characters throughout the show, each one massively contrasting the next, but Kular had no problem pulling on different outfits, accents and even hairstyles for each of the characters, showing the audience her wide range of skills, and ability to portray such differing characters. 

Pushpinder Chani (Polterheist, Jungle Book, Faith) also pulled off a few different characters. One minute he’d be Amber’s drunk, angry and controlling dad, and then another minute he’d be a lively and flamboyant teacher, instilling the hope of a revolution in Amber. I also have to admire Heather Forster (The Colour Room, Casualty, Call the Midwife), as her stage presence was undeniable. She really embodied Amber’s slightly eccentric but worried best friend Tara brilliantly, and you could tell the audience loved her. Kiran Raywilliams (Against, Perfect Blend, Anarkia) was also loved by the audience. Raywilliams played David, Amber’s crush and one of her best friends, and I personally thought he was perfect for this role. He brought a young enthusiasm to the stage and a relatability to the character that is often hard to find. Asha Kingsely (The House of Bernada Alba, Romeo and Juliet, Eastenders) played Amber’s mum, and her emotional range was beautiful. The fire and love that Kingsely brought to this role was truly refreshing to see. She brought Surinder to life, and showed us as the audience the conflict the mother had whilst trying to make a better life for herself and her family. 

The show tackled a few hard to talk about topics too, such as patriarchal traditions, culture differences, abuse and alcoholism. They showed these themes in clever ways, showing the audience the reality of some young girl’s home situations, and the difficulty in language barriers. Neither of Amber’s parents speak English, and I have to applaud the way they showed this. When Amber and her dad enter their first conversation they speak in Punjabi, which made me wonder how I was going to understand the story, but Amber ‘paused’ the scene and addressed the audience as she usually would, explaining how she realised the audience wouldn’t be able to understand the conversation. Amber described how she and her parents were going to speak in English for the remainder of the show, and we were just going to have to imagine they were speaking in another language. Using Amber to break the fourth wall was an intelligent idea, and bridged the gap between the audience and the language problem. 

Overall, I have to say this show was first-class, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Watching Amber face her fears and rebel was thrilling, and really made me think about what type of woman I want to be. The show answers many of the lingering questions that a teenage girl holds, and spreads family love and strength. I urge you to get tickets as soon as you can, because missing this performance would be the regret of a lifetime! Be quick though, because Run Rebel is only at Lowry until 2nd November, so time is limited. You do not want to miss such an outstanding show.

WE SCORE RUN, REBEL...

THE 13-STOREY TREEHOUSE IS A WONDERFUL INTRODUCTION INTO CHILDREN'S THEATRE

Review by Erin.

When I first heard that The 13-Storey Treehouse was coming to the Opera House, it was an immediate must-see. I knew I had to take my little brother with me to experience this performance, because I remember reading the Treehouse book collection when I was younger, and being completely immersed in Andy and Terry’s13-StoreyTreehouse, which holds a bowling alley, marshmallow machine, secret underground laboratory, and much more! So I expected the stage adaptation would be the same; adapted by Richard Tulloch (The book of everything, Bananas in Pyjamas) and directed by Julian Louis (Love for One Night, Railway Wonderland, Dreamland), the show brings Andy and Terry to life, and will continue to enchant children all over the UK.

The show begins with Andy and Terry mixing up the dates of their stage show, and having to completely make up a show on the spot! With the help of stage manager Val, they use their imagination and the very expensive and high-tech 2D-3D converter to go on some seriously crazy adventures! With plenty of bananas, seamonkeys and a ‘super finger’, this show is perfect for the younger audience!

If you are thinking of getting your kids into theatre, this is a great introduction. Featuring classic fart and snot jokes, anyone is sure to crack a laugh whilst watching. Andy and Terry were bright and hilarious characters that encouraged the use of imagination to create all sorts of things, and the flow of the show on a whole mimicked the way a child would use their own imagination - giving in animate objects superhuman ability, and quickly rushing onto the next matter-at-hand. I loved the structure of the show, and whilst the beginning was more slow-paced, we as the audience were quickly rushed into fun-filled adventures.

These twas minimal, with stage scaffolding to give the illusion of a ‘stage on a stage’, a basic prop box, and a small cluttered desk downstage left. However, lots of props are soon revealed to help take on the storytelling, even featuring some shadow puppeting by the skillful Ryan Dulieu (Murder is Forever, Agent Anna, The Golden Hour). Dulieu played Andy well, and was enthusiastic in his role. He bounced around the stage with heaps of energy, and the same goes for Edwin Beats (The Lost sock, Jesus Christ Superstar, Billy Elliot), who delivered his lines with conviction and engaged the children in the audience with witty jokes. Ellie Wootton (The Griegol, Hole, The Road That Wasn't There), who played Val, was outstanding in her own rights. She took on multiple different characters for Andy and Terry’s show, bringing a new accent and new personality with each one. And I have to say, I was quite surprised in the first place when I realised the whole cast was Australian!

I would also like to make the point that the show was extremely interactive with the audience. The cast frequently broke the fourth wall - in fact, it was practically non-existent! Dulieu, Beats and Wootton were asking the audience questions, initiating responses, and prompting laughter from the children. The way they interacted was almost personal in a sense, and ensured everyone leaving had a great time!

Me and my 11 year old brother loved this show, and I highly recommend you go and watch it for yourself. It is a wonderful introduction into children's theatre, and I know if my brother, who is very picky about the shows he likes, said he would go back and watch again, I know all children aged 6-12 would love it too. It is on stage from Thursday 15^th - Sunday 18th August, and really encourages imagination, even when you get a little bit older.

WE SCORE THE 13-STOREY TREEHOUSE...

CHARLIE COOK'S FAVOURITE BOOK IS A WONDERFUL SHOW TO TAKE YOUR FAMILY TO THIS SUMMER

Nearly 2 decades after the book was published, Charlie Cook's Favourite Book is finally being brought to life at The Lowry, by Pierre Hanson-Johnson (In the night garden), Freya Stephenson (Stranger Sings!, Love’s Labour’s Lost, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) and Georgie Samuels (stage debut). This book has been read and loved by many children across the country, and we’re sure the stage adaptation will be the same. In a quick summary, Charlie is a bookworm, and has a love for pirate books especially. But, his sister isn't so keen. Follow Charlie on his adventure into a variety of different worlds, trying to convince his sister that books are exciting and fun to read. 

Today, we are coming to watch the show, ready for a fun-filled experience, and to see the show from 2 different perspectives. One of us is going into this having never read the book before, whereas on the other hand, the other could recite the book by heart as a child. We knew we would enjoy this show, and we hope others will too.

Charlie, Izzy and their Mum took us on many adventures, and it felt like we were a part of the show. You could hear the children in the audience laughing along whilst they were playing hide and seek, and trying to point out to the seeker where their counterparts were hidden, which brought about an immense feeling of togetherness throughout the audience. Another moment we enjoyed, was a moment of puppetry, where the actors made a frog come to life, using a book. It was nice to see Barb Jungr (singer/songwriter- Every grain of sand, Waterloo sunset, Who do you love) and Samantha Lane (The smartest giant in town, The singing mermaid, Only fools and horses- The musical.) including all of the fun stories from the book, but they also created new ideas and really made the adaptation their own.

Charlie, played by Pierre Hanson-Johnson, enchanted the audience with his outgoing personality and wide range of facial expressions. With these skills, he presented himself as Charlie in a way where it felt like we were watching a child use his imagination to explore. Accompanied by Freya Stephenson, who played Izzy, Charlie’s sister who dislikes books, but learns that they have potential to be fun, Stephenson was confident in her role. Her extensive range of skills, from using different voices to her master puppeteering, showed her commitment to the show and it was hard to take our eyes off her. We also feel we need to commemorate Georgie Samuels for her brilliant stage debut. She had a warm and welcoming stage presence and knew what she was doing. For her first production, she was extraordinary, and it is clear she is a talented singer, showing off her voice in all the songs.

Whilst the show began in a simple living room, we were thrown into bright and colourful stories, and taken all over the world, created using the staging around. Books turned into animals, shelves turned into doorways and tables turned into cakes. The way the set was placed was smart and easy for the performers to use. It was wonderful to see how much the kids enjoyed the show. Their eyes were glued to the stage, and many of them were leaning forward, clinging to the seats in front of them, ready for the next surprise. We would definitely recommend the show- it is a must watch. 

Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book is a great show to take your kids to see. It is an interactive and entertaining watch, allowing children to explore different worlds and experience the feeling of reading through the performer’s storytelling. Whilst the actual stories may have been placed before us, there was lots of room for imagination to grow. The songs were light and cheerful, and enjoyable for everyone, not just children. The puppets were brilliant and tied everything together, and the show is available to watch from 23rd July- 4th August. 

WE SCORE CHARLIE COOK'S FAVOURITE BOOK...

YOU'LL BE LEFT QUESTIONING YOUR OWN BELIEFS AND DUMBFOUNDED AT THE TWIST

At first, having very minimal knowledge of the play, 2:22 A Ghost Story, we recognise that the show’s name immediately pulls you in, as there can be many different interpretations of the title. One of them is that ‘2:22’ could possibly be a time of day, where ghosts and ghouls may appear. Haunted houses are at the forefront of modern psychological thriller/horror movies and shows, and Jenny believes that she and her husband Sam are now living in one. However, Sam disagrees and thinks she’s imagining things. How could their new home be haunted? Jenny feels a presence and argues with Sam’s old friend Lauren and her new partner Ben on the unknown side of death. Is there always a scientific explanation for everything, or do ghosts really exist, haunting houses and terrifying the living? 

We are watching this show from 2 completely different perspectives. One of us adores horror and the thrill of scares, but on the other hand, one of us is more of a rom-com fan. Luckily, this show seems to cover all bases, with the appeal of humour pulling us in. 

At first, the set comes across as homely and appears to be a regular, run-of-the-mill house that any young couple may live in. The walls haven’t been painted, which is normal when you move into a new house, but they jar with the well placed furniture putting you at unease. And then, as you pay more attention to the rest of the set, your eyes are drawn to the finer details. Take the clock, for example. It ticks faster than a regular clock, timing through days within minutes, and paired with the fast electro-synth music, you feel rushed, and tension begins to build. As if anything could happen. 

The staging is open, leaving much space for your imagination to wander when the play begins suddenly. Fiona Wade (Emmerdale, Waterloo Road, Grange Hill) begins alone on stage, painting the walls, at 2:22. At first, it piques curiosity. What is she doing up so late? Silence takes over, and the audience complies.  You could hear a pin drop. Tension and fear of the unknown fill the room. We soon find out about Jenny’s ghostly encounters. Footsteps around her baby’s cradle every night, at the exact same time. But her husband Sam, played by George Rainsford (Casualty, Wish You Were Dead, The Three Musketeers), is sceptical. Science is the only answer. There is always a logical explanation for everything. Wade and Rainsford mesh perfectly together in these roles, their lines bouncing off each other so naturally it was as if the show were alive. Jenny, being a nervous and clearly concerned mother about the state of her home, paces back and forth, rushes her words, but stays confident in her belief in a ghost. Wade portrays this beautifully, and although her character may be rushed, and raises her voice, Wade’s diction stays perfect, ensuring the audience can understand her every word, and grip onto the story like a lifeline.

Rainsford’s character is extremely enthusiastic and bubbly, but acts like a know it all when it comes to the facts. Completely confident in his belief that ghosts aren’t real, Sam clashes with Ben, a firm believer in ghosts, and even considers himself a spiritualist. At first, Sam’s wit seems charming, but unfolds into arrogance and stubbornness throughout the play.  Rainsford’s performance is unmatched, and it is clear that he’s put a lot of thought and effort behind his character.

Going back to Ben, portrayed by Jay McGuiness (The Wanted, Strictly Come Dancing, Big!), who sides with Jenny through the show. Whilst his habit of smoking takes him out of the room and into the garden on multiple occasions, his presence fills the room. His humour and comedic timing are an excellent relief to sudden jump scares, and McGuiness is clearly comfortable in his role, with a thick London accent rolling off the tongue. He performs well with co-star Vera Chok (Hollyoaks, Twelfth Night, Chimerica), who plays Lauren, Ben’s girlfriend and old friend of Sam’s. Lauren is presented as quite a mysterious character. There’s definitely more to her than meets the eye, and while she may have had a supernatural experience in younger years, she really only sides with Jenny and Ben to prove a point to Sam. Chok’s ability to depict a variety of emotions is outstanding, and she fits her role phenomenally. Not to mention her American accent - remarkable on all fronts.

Easily, one of the main focus points is humour. Whilst the show may be seen at first glance as a psychological thriller, the jokes from all members of the cast had the audience burst out in laughter on multiple occasions. However, on the other end of the spectrum, the audience could be left gripping their seats, terrified for the next move. Many moments hit the audience at full force, and when the stage blacked out, everyone, including us, would be left in the unknown. We would desperately try to fill the gaps, talking and sharing our opinions with neighbours, wanting to figure everything out. Watching the show, there was an immense feeling of togetherness. Shows like this are incredible, because they connect everyone in the room, and friends are easily made from the experience. 

This show deserves all the love and support it can get, because Matthew Dunster, Isabel Marr and Danny Robins have completely and utterly outdone themselves. 2:22 A Ghost Story is a one-of-a-kind show, and we urge everyone to get a ticket whilst they still can. From meeting the cast earlier in the day, it was clear that everyone knew what they were doing and were immensely enthusiastic about their roles. From the set to the music, to the cast, everything was cohesive and worked together just right. The cast and crew are an extraordinary team, working with each other to create this mind-blowing show! It’s at the Lowry until the 15^th June, so you only have 2:22 weeks left to get a seat! Coming out of the show, you’ll be left questioning your own beliefs and dumbfounded at the twist. You MUST experience this for yourself.