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

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

David Upton

Been watching theatre for more than 50 years and still enjoys a night out in the stalls. Sometimes...

Reviewer

Jeffrey Wainwright

Former northern theatre reviewer for The Independent, and a respected poet, critic and translator. Reviews carry no rhyming couplets, promise...

Reviewer

Jan Barker

Former deputy news editor at the Oldham Chronicle and once, many years ago, a would-be actor alongside Anne Kirkbride. Acting's loss was journalism's gain...

Reviewer

Sue West

Sue is enthralled, entertained and challenged by theatre. A student of Renaissance theatre, so don't argue with her about Shakespeare...