Theatre Reviews North

The northern theatres are buzzing with activity, but not every performance can be a standout. Sadly, your wallet often decides what’s worth your time. Our goal is to help you spend wisely on theatre tickets and maybe even introduce you to productions you might not have considered, drawing on years of experience from reviewing countless shows. Yes, we've been in this industry for quite a while. But does that mean we lack insight in a world that values youth and innovation? Absolutely not! The essence of what makes theatre exceptional – be it powerful writing (both text and music), skilled directing, or outstanding performances – can be found in all kinds of shows. Whether you're watching a contemporary piece critiquing political issues or a classic like Julius Caesar, the core elements of great theatre remain the same (though let’s be honest, Shakespeare set a high bar).

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Articles

All Hail Lady Macbeth: HER Productions take on Shakespeare's Macbeth

6 days ago | theatrereviewsnorth.com | Alan Hulme

Something wicked this way comes as HER Productions, Girl Gang Manchester and Unseemly Women return for their eighth annual Shakespeare production and their first four-stop tour. Featuring their trademark all-female and non-binary cast of emerging local talent, Shakespeare's Macbeth runs from June 5-7 at Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot, before heading to The Dukes, Lancaster (June 10-12); Hope Mill, Manchester (June 18-29) and Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield (July 2-3).
Gods of Salford mark Lowry's 25th birthday

1 week ago | theatrereviewsnorth.com | Alan Hulme

Gods of Salford brings 25 young people from across the city together with three professional actors for a high-energy theatrical adventure that reimagines Greek myths through the lens of Salford’s working-class spirit (April 29-30).
Fawlty Towers stage tour northern dates from North Wales to the East coast

1 week ago | theatrereviewsnorth.com | Alan Hulme

Nearly 50 years since TV comedy Fawlty Towers was first screened, Fawlty Towers - The Play sets out on a UK stage tour this autumn, with northern dates starting at the Manchester Opera House (November 4-8), followed by the Liverpool Empire (November 11-15); Leeds Grand (January 6-10, 2026); Sunderland Empire (February 3-7); Bradford Alhambra (March 24-28); Blackpool Opera House (April 2-4); Venue Cymru, Llandudno (May 5-9); New Theatre, Hull (May 12-16); York Opera House (May 19-23) and...
Blackpool Grand's Steve Royle named best panto comic at pantomime awards

1 week ago | theatrereviewsnorth.com | Alan Hulme

Blackpool's Grand's panto star comedian Steve Royle now has a trophy to prove it: the veteran panto star has won the "best comic' award at the UK's prestigious Pantomime Awards for his performance as Buttons in the 2024-25 Cinderella. He said: “I’m genuinely overwhelmed and deeply honoured to receive the award. Pantomime has always held a special place in my heart — it’s pure joy, shared laughter and the kind of magic that brings generations together.
RSC to bring Hamlet production north in 2026

1 week ago | theatrereviewsnorth.com | Alan Hulme

The Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Hamlet, which closed in Stratford on March 29, will tour next year to northern dates at the Bradford Alhambra (March 3-7, 2026); Blackpool Grand (March 24-28); Theatre Royal, Newcastle (March 31-April 4) and York Theatre Royal (April 14-18).
The Flood musical is a folk-style look at the Hebden Bridge flooding of 2015

1 week ago | theatrereviewsnorth.com | Alan Hulme

Folk musical The Flood - based on accounts of flooding in the Calder Valley on Boxing Day 2015 - is on tour, opening at Leeds Playhouse (April 19). On that day the picturesque town of Hebden Bridge was devastated by the worst floods in a century; homes and businesses were submerged and lives turned upside down. But amid the chaos the spirit of the area rose as neighbours joined forces and the town rebuilt itself - giving artists new inspiration.
Mary Poppins, Palace Theatre, Manchester

1 week ago | theatrereviewsnorth.com | Peter Ruddick

PL Travers and Julian Fellowes, Richard M Sherman & Robert B Sherman and George Stiles & Anthony DreweCameron Mackintosh and Disney Theatrical GroupPalace Theatre, ManchesterApril 9-May 17, 2025; 2hr 40min(Also Alhambra Theatre, Bradford, May 21- June 9; Sunderland Empire, October 1-25; Liverpool Empire, Jan 14-Jan 31, 2026)There are very few examples of musicals that take a genuine classic, tweak it, add to it, take away from it and create another genuine classic.
Holby CIty actir David Paisley to star in Jock Night at Hope Mill Theatre, Mancheester

2 weeks ago | theatrereviewsnorth.com | Alan Hulme

Holby City midwife David Paisley - whose same-sex screen kiss sparked a nationwide conversation - returns to the cast of Manchester Gay Village comedy Jock Night for its new run at Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester (May 20-31).
Review: Abigail's Party, Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester

2 weeks ago | theatrereviewsnorth.com | Robert Beale

Mike LeighRoyal Exchange Theatre Company, directed by Natalie AbrahamiRoyal Exchange Theatre, Manchester4 April - 24 May, 2025: 2 hours 20 minutesMike Leigh’s window on the world of late 1970s suburban life has been brought Up North by Natalie Abrahami and the Royal Exchange Theatre Company. That works beautifully: it’s every bit as funny as we’ve seen before. Subtle it ain’t. Abigail’s Party was first performed in 1977 and is set in precisely that era, in Essex.
Steel on UK tour

2 weeks ago | theatrereviewsnorth.com | Alan Hulme

First seen at Keswick's Theatre By the Lake last year, Steel, by local playwright Lee Mattinson, is embarking on a UK tour. Steel is set in the west West Cumbrian coastal town of Workington, once rich with coal seams and ore, carnivals and community, where James and Kamran have been mates for over a decade. They are fed up feeling different, and at 17 they want the world to be theirs.