Ian Cheeseman reviews the premiere of ‘A Knight’s Tale’ at the Opera House, Manchester, praising its energetic rock vibes, standout…
A knight to remember: Hilarious new musical debuts in Manchester
Author: Ian Cheeseman
One Man Two Guvnors delights audiences at Romiley Forum
NK Theatre Arts delivers a side-splitting performance of Richard Bean’s adaptation, transporting audiences to 1960s Brighton with impeccable timing, laughs…
One Man Two Guvnors delights audiences at Romiley Forum
A tale of two shows: Homegrown talent light up local stages
In a week bursting with local theatre magic, Ian Cheeseman reviews Hyde Musical Society’s emotional tribute to friendship and fandom…
A tale of two shows: Homegrown talent light up local stages
Romiley Operatic Society shines in ambitious production of “Evita”
Ian Cheeseman admits Evita isn’t his favourite musical, but Romiley Operatic Society’s production at Stockport Plaza might just make him…
Romiley Operatic Society shines in ambitious production of “Evita”
Hyde’s young stars rise up in Newsies Jr!
Ian Cheeseman explores the magic of musical theatre, from witnessing Alan Menken’s genius at the London Palladium to the talented…
Hyde’s young stars rise up in Newsies Jr!
Ghostly magic returns to the stage as NK Theatre Arts takes on iconic musical
Ian Cheeseman steps into the world of NK Theatre Arts’ ambitious production of Ghost the Musical, where a passionate cast…
Ghostly magic returns to the stage as NK Theatre Arts takes on iconic musical
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…
Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men brings timeless power to Bolton’s Octagon
Am-Dram shines with fresh and modern Musicals
Spring is the season for talented amateur theatre groups to shine, offering top-quality musicals and plays at a fraction of…
Am-Dram shines with fresh and modern Musicals
Romiley Operatic prepares to bring the epic “Evita” to Stockport Plaza
Ian Cheeseman dives into Romiley Operatic’s ambitious production of “Evita,” showcasing local talent tackling Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical masterpiece,…
Romiley Operatic prepares to bring the epic “Evita” to Stockport Plaza
Mina Anwar shines in a triumphant revival of Shirley Valentine
Willy Russell’s beloved one-woman play comes to life at Bolton Octagon, with Mina Anwar delivering a heartfelt and hilarious performance…
Mina Anwar shines in a triumphant revival of Shirley Valentine
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang takes flight at Manchester’s Palace Theatre
The Break-a-leg column is proudly sponsored by Counting King Join Liam Fox and Martin Callaghan as they bring the beloved…
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang takes flight at Manchester’s Palace Theatre
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…
Local lad George eyes the biggest of stages
Breaking barriers with the magic of theatre
Ian Cheeseman reflects on the power of youth theatre to build confidence and resilience, as Tameside Youth Drama Group prepares…
Breaking barriers with the magic of theatre
Bat out of Hell: The musical returns – A rock spectacle like no other
Jim Steinman’s rock-infused masterpiece storms back to Manchester with Glenn Adamson and an electrifying cast. In his latest ‘Break-a-leg’ column,…
Bat out of Hell: The musical returns – A rock spectacle like no other
What’s next for a Musical Theatre fanatic in 2025?
As the curtain falls on 2024, Ian Cheeseman reflects on a year packed with 45 incredible shows, from Broadway blockbusters…
What’s next for a Musical Theatre fanatic in 2025?
Love in the time of tragedy: The true story behind ‘Come From Away’
Ian Cheeseman meets the cast and real-life inspirations behind Come From Away, the poignant musical about kindness, resilience, and an…
Love in the time of tragedy: The true story behind ‘Come From Away’
Spend, Spend, Spend: Viv Nicholson’s wild fortune brought to life at the Royal Exchange
Viv Nicholson’s extraordinary rise from a Yorkshire mining town to pools winner—and her infamous vow to “Spend, Spend, Spend”—takes centre…
Spend, Spend, Spend: Viv Nicholson’s wild fortune brought to life at the Royal Exchange
MAODS delivers a heavenly performance of Sister Act
This week, I had the absolute pleasure of watching Mossley Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society’s latest production, Sister Act. Renowned…
MAODS delivers a heavenly performance of Sister Act
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…
Lovely Jubbly! Only Fools and Horses musical is a triumphant tribute
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…
Break-a-Leg goes cushty with Only Fools and Horses star
Casting Magic: Stockport Operatic’s My Fair Lady shines
In his latest review, Ian Cheeseman delves into the pivotal role of casting in musical theatre, emphasising that while directors…
Casting Magic: Stockport Operatic’s My Fair Lady shines
Power, Humour, and Heart: TADAA’s ‘9 to 5’ Brings Dolly Parton’s Musical Magic to Life
In the latest instalment of Ian Cheeseman’s ‘Break-a-Leg’, TADAA’s production of Dolly Parton’s ‘9 to 5’ captivates with a stellar…
Power, Humour, and Heart: TADAA’s ‘9 to 5’ Brings Dolly Parton’s Musical Magic to Life
Leee John’s success no figment of the Imagination
MUSIC fans will be able to go back to the 1980s as Leee John and Imagination come to Manchester. And…
Leee John’s success no figment of the Imagination
Pop star Nik Kershaw takes Break-a-Leg back to the 1980s
The Break a leg column is proudly sponsored by Counting King MANY PEOPLE love the 80s, especially its music, and…
Pop star Nik Kershaw takes Break-a-Leg back to the 1980s
Review: NK Theatre Arts tackles gritty themes in hard-hitting musical ‘Bad Girls,’
NK Theatre Arts is based at the Forum Theatre in Romiley, near Stockport, and their latest show is the Musical…
Review: NK Theatre Arts tackles gritty themes in hard-hitting musical ‘Bad Girls,’
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.…
Review: Brassed Off at Bolton’s Octagon: A heartfelt, humorous tribute to Northern grit and glory
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,…
Small theatre talent on a par with big shows
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 –…
Column: Break A Leg earns its Brass
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…
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…
Colossal achievement to save Oldham Coliseum