Ian Cheeseman finds laughter, nostalgia and standout comic brilliance in Bradford Alhambra’s joyful pantomime Snow White. In an era when youth and social media can…
View More Snow White proves a festive triumph at Bradford’s Alhambra
Author: Ian Cheeseman
A tale of two Pantos: Saddleworth and Stockport dazzle local audiences
Two very different festive productions — Hansel & Gretel in Delph and Aladdin in Stockport — prove just how magical a first taste of live…
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Singing in the Rain dazzles at Manchester’s Royal Exchange
The Royal Exchange in Manchester is a wonderful place to watch theatre, but as I ventured out into the damp evening to see one of…
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A Fairytale Christmas Awaits at the Alhambra
Ian Cheeseman previews this year’s star-studded pantomime at Bradford’s much-loved Alhambra Theatre and speaks to Snow White herself, Sarah Pearson, about festive fun, long days…
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Guys and Dolls shines in Moston as NMAODS hits all the right notes
Ian Cheeseman finds energy, warmth and West End-worthy talent in North Manchester Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society’s superb production of Guys and Dolls at the…
View More Guys and Dolls shines in Moston as NMAODS hits all the right notes
Bolton’s Octagon brings Coward’s Private Lives gloriously to life
Images kindly supplied by Bolton Octagon Theatre This 1930s comedy comes alive under Tanuja Amarasuriya’s direction, with a lively, talented cast delivering Coward’s wit with…
View More Bolton’s Octagon brings Coward’s Private Lives gloriously to life
Oldham’s Clive Rowe steals the show in The Addams Family’s spooky, feelgood stop at The Lowry
Ian Cheeseman spends an evening at The Lowry with Oldham’s own Clive Rowe, whose lovable Uncle Fester steals the show in a fun, feelgood production…
View More Oldham’s Clive Rowe steals the show in The Addams Family’s spooky, feelgood stop at The Lowry
From Broadway bargains to big laughs: Ian Cheeseman on Death Becomes Her
While in New York for the Club World Cup Final, Ian Cheeseman swapped the pitch for the stage, discovering a hilariously sharp musical take on…
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The 39 Steps is a theatrical Tour de Force at the Octagon
Ian Cheeseman reviews director Ryan McBryde’s audacious take on The 39 Steps, which turns Hitchcock’s classic thriller into a laugh-out-loud theatrical triumph. The 39 Steps…
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Practically perfect: Rosie Ashe brings joy to Mary Poppins tour
Veteran stage star Rosie Ashe reflects on a glittering career – from Phantom of the Opera to Mary Poppins, as she delights UK audiences once…
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A knight to remember: Hilarious new musical debuts in Manchester
Ian Cheeseman reviews the premiere of ‘A Knight’s Tale’ at the Opera House, Manchester, praising its energetic rock vibes, standout performances, and promising future on…
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Saddleworth Players shine in stirring take on ‘The Rise and Fall of Little Voice’
The Rise and Fall of Little Voice is brought to life at Delph’s Millgate Arts Centre, with director Phil McCarthy’s spot-on casting and standout performances…
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Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men brings timeless power to Bolton’s Octagon
John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men remains a powerful, poignant story of dreams, hardship, and human connection. As the Octagon Theatre prepares to stage this…
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Chitty Chitty Bang Bang takes flight at Manchester’s Palace Theatre
The Break-a-leg column is proudly sponsored by Counting KingJoin Liam Fox and Martin Callaghan as they bring the beloved classic to life on stage, celebrating…
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Local lad George eyes the biggest of stages
THE BREAK -A-LEG column knows more than most the best theatre talent can be found on its doorstep. Here, Ian Cheeseman speaks to local lad…
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Jungle Book swings into Bolton Octagon
Ian Cheeseman of Break a Leg reviews Bolton Octagon’s adaptation of The Jungle Book, a lively and intimate retelling of Rudyard Kipling’s classic. As much…
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Lovely Jubbly! Only Fools and Horses musical is a triumphant tribute
The cherished humour of Only Fools and Horses is alive and well in this rollicking musical adaptation, currently entertaining audiences on its UK tour. Ian…
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Break-a-Leg goes cushty with Only Fools and Horses star
ALL IS cushty with Break-a-Leg as Ian Cheeseman sat down with Del Boy himself as Only Fools and Horses The Musical heads to the area.…
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Singing star Kerry Ellis shows she is ‘Queen of the West End’
BREAK-A-LEG met musical theatre royalty as Ian Cheeseman came face-to-face with singing star Kerry Ellis during her current tour. And as he found out, ‘Queen…
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Review: Brassed Off at Bolton’s Octagon: A heartfelt, humorous tribute to Northern grit and glory
IF ever there was a show that Northern Folk should go and see it’s Brassed Off, at Bolton’s Octagon Theatre. It was originally a film,…
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Small theatre talent on a par with big shows
Break A Leg is proudly sponsored by Counting King WHILE big stage shows may take many of the plaudits and awards, equally impressive performances may be…
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Column: Break A Leg earns its Brass
Break A Leg is proudly sponsored by Counting King THE BREAK A Leg column has finally got some Brass – but we are not talking…
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Saddleworth’s theatre community is in safe hands at Millgate
AFTER a European trip that turned into an odyssey, the Break A Leg column goes much closer to home by visiting the theatre at Milgate…
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How a theatre trip turned into a Herculean effort amid ‘Groundhog Day’
THE BREAK A Leg column went a bit further afield for its musical theatre fix – in a different language. But Ian Cheeseman tells fans to expect…
View More How a theatre trip turned into a Herculean effort amid ‘Groundhog Day’
Colossal achievement to save Oldham Coliseum
THE NEWS that Oldham Coliseum has been saved has been a huge boost to the area’s theatrical community. And much of it is down to…
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