About us
There's a ton of theatre in the Manchester area. It can't all be great all the time, can it? Unfortunately your pocket is often the final judge.
We hope to help you not waste your money, or perhaps suggest shows you wouldn't otherwise have tried, using the judgment we have hopefully sharpened over decades of reviewing thousands of shows.
Yes, we've all been around a long time. Does that make us unqualified to give an opinion in an age of youth, experiment and change? Of course not: the things that make theatre great, rather than merely apposite or trendy, are potentially in all shows - namely great writing (text and music), great directing and great performing. There is little difference whether you are doing the latest anti-Trump polemic or Julius Caesar – well, except Shakespeare probably did it better.
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Writers
Reviewer
Alan Hulme
Former Theatre Editor, Manchester Evening News. Seen everything. Mostly enthusiastic, but reserves rave reviews for those that deserve them.
Reviewer
Robert Beale
Music and theatre reviewer for the MEN and several national outlets. Been writing about music since Beethoven was a lad.
Reviewer
Paul Genty
Former theatre/arts editor for the Oldham Evening Chronicle – the former Oldham Evening Chronicle, that is.
A lot older than he believes he is.
Reviewer
Kate Goerner
Gamekeeper-turned-poacher. Former PR chief for the biggest theatres in Manchester, then likewise for national tours by ever such famous people.
Reviewer
Jeffrey Wainwright
Former northern theatre reviewer for The Independent, and a respected poet, critic and translator. Reviews carry no rhyming couplets, promise...
Reviewer
David Upton
Been watching theatre for more than 50 years and still enjoys a night out in the stalls. Sometimes...
Reviewer
Sue West
Sue is enthralled, entertained and challenged by theatre. A student of Renaissance theatre, so don't argue with her about Shakespeare...
Reviewer
Linda Isted
Has worked for everybody, including the BBC and a big Manchester PR company. Also, as you can see, an international woman of mystery...
Reviewer
Heather Edwards
Always a bit of a drama queen, Heather has enjoyed theatre and writing from an early age and throughout her career in print, broadcast and PR.