Nantwich Chronicles

1 month ago | cheshire-live.co.uk | Nantwich Chronicles |Michael Green

In this age of virtual reality and photo realistic video game technology, it is both reassuring and extraordinary to see young audiences still getting excited by the concept of a flying car. No doubt there are those who are also still quite surprised to learn that Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was the subject of a novel by none other than Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond, and that he wrote said book towards the end of his career not long before his premature death in 1964, aged just 56.

1 month ago | cheshire-live.co.uk | Nantwich Chronicles |Michael Green

Three burly blokes in drag, dressed as Cher, belting out The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s In His Kiss). Would Shakespeare be spinning in his grave or laughing his head off from on high? As a lifelong admirer of the Bard’s works in all the madcap ways they have been adapted over the years, I am utterly convinced it would be the latter.

1 month ago | cheshire-live.co.uk | Nantwich Chronicles |Michael Green

I have no idea what kind of diet Christina Bianco is on but, to quote When Harry Met Sally, I want what she is having! What an extraordinary performer! I can’t remember ever witnessing such superhuman energy levels from a musical theatre performer as she absolutely makes the role of Narrator her own in this latest touring production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s breakthrough work which began its journey to legendary status as a 20 minute piece of entertainment intended for schools.

1 month ago | cheshire-live.co.uk | Nantwich Chronicles |Michael Green

When the first half of this show closed with a spectacular staging of Bat Out of Hell I was genuinely surprised and a little shocked. Why would you take a production full of Jim Steinman songs made famous by the legendary Meat Loaf, call it Bat Out of Hell and stick the title song at the half way point rather than making it the grand finale?

2 months ago | cheshire-live.co.uk | Nantwich Chronicles |Michael Green

Pity anyone who finds themselves in the audience for The Parent Agency who happens to be called Barry! The opening song was all about how the 10-year-old hero of this story absolutely hates the fact his parents lumbered him with the name Barry. The fact it also happens to be the best song in this new musical version of David Baddiel’s best-selling children’s book will be of little comfort to anyone who shares that name because it is a pretty merciless take down.