By Graham Hiley. If the shoe fits wear it – or in this case, if the show fits watch it. And you should watch Cinderella at the Chichester Festival Theatre as it is a perfect fit for children and adults alike. This well-worn tale is given new polish by...
Entertainment Reviews
Review: Jack and the Beanstalk, Mayflower Theatre, Southampton
By Sally Churchward. BANG!!!! The Mayflower Theatre’s panto is back with a bang – literally. Many audience members leapt out of their seats last night (17/12/24) when the show unexpectedly launched into a simulated peal of thunder, and we were off. There was no hanging around as we...
Review: There’s a Monster in Your Christmas Show, The Berry Theatre, Hedge End
By Melanie Adams. There’s a monster on stage in Hedge End and the mischievous little creature isn’t keen to give up the spotlight. Having escaped from the pages of the well-loved book series, he and his magical friends bring an hour of fun and chaos to the delight on...
Review: Hey! Christmas Tree, Minerva Theatre, Chichester
By Graham Hiley. If only my new grand-daughter was a couple of years older! She would absolutely love Hey! Christmas Tree at Chichester’s Minerva Theatre. Aimed at three to seven-year-olds this charming story is the perfect introduction to theatre for younger children. In fact, it is something of a...
Opinion: Winchester and Southampton – which is the king of Christmas markets this year?
By Mabel Wellman. It’s that time of year again! It’s getting darker earlier, and the cold weather is starting to set in for the next few months. And to help us all get through it, our cities and towns are adorned with bright and warming lights and decorations. Last...
Review: Mother Goose, Theatre Royal Winchester
By Chris Richards. Theatre Royal Winchester have done it again! They cannot fail, they have the best traditional family pantomimes I’ve ever seen. Mother Goose is no exception. Before I say anymore, just go and book your tickets now, to make sure you get a seat! I’ll wait. Now...
Review: Michael Kiwanuka, Vinolo outstore at The 1865, Southampton
Words: Nick Mabey. Photos: Liz Bogdan. The 1865 was absolutely heaving last night (2/12/24) as Michael Kiwanuka continued to celebrate his first album in five years in his adopted home of Southampton. He might have been on the road for most of the year, but last week’s release of...
Review: Nutcracker – English National Ballet, Mayflower Theatre, Southampton
By Nick Mabey. The English National Ballet have been producing versions of this much-loved Christmas-themed ballet every year since 1950 and I’d be surprised if any of the previous 73 versions of Tchaikovsky’s Nutracker outdo the visual spectacle we were treated to at the Mayflower Theatre last night (29/11/24). ...
Review: Light Up Trail, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey
By Sally Churchward. Twinkly lights brightening up the winter darkness have long since been a feature of Christmas. But in recent years there’s been a growth of specific light-based seasonal attractions. And on Thursday (28/11/24), the Light Up Trail opened at Hillier Gardens in Romsey, Hampshire. If you’ve never...
Review: Mariposa by DeNada Dance Theatre, MAST Mayflower Southampton
By Spring Wise. I expected to be able to write a somewhat narrative review of this show, being that it’s an adaptation of Madame Butterfly, and spoiler rules do not apply to 120 year old operas! Mariposa, however, is something entirely its own. Choreographer Carlos Pons Guerra sets his...