by Malcolm Pheby | Dec 30, 2020 | Manchester, Theatre
It’s fair to say the glittering array of talent in Manchester pantomimes of the 1960s read like a Who’s Who of British light entertainment. Norman Wisdom, Bob Monkhouse, Bruce Forsyth, Ruby Murray, Des O’Connor, Alfred Marx and Freddie and the Dreamers all trod the...
by Malcolm Pheby | Oct 30, 2019 | Manchester, Theatre, TV
Popular presenter Matthew Kelly and Shakespearean stalwart Sir Anthony Sher have a big reason to thank a Manchester institution celebrating its 55th birthday this year. So too does Educating Rita star Julie Walters, along with celebrated actors Richard Griffiths and...
by Malcolm Pheby | Oct 26, 2019 | Liverpool, Movies, Theatre
There was quite a coincidence in the Liverpool theatre world this month in 1985. While Willie Russell was finishing his play Shirley Valentine about a bored Merseyside housewife who finds a new zest for life on a Greek holiday, Liverpool Playhouse were importing 30...
by Malcolm Pheby | Aug 22, 2019 | Celebrity, Theatre
What do Ralph Fiennes, Minnie Driver, Dame Thora Hird and Eric Sykes all have common? It’s not Academy Awards or BAFTAS. Neither is it appearances in the same movies or TV shows. The link they share is much closer to home. It’s the Oldham Coliseum. All four spent part...
by Malcolm Pheby | Nov 10, 2018 | Liverpool, Theatre
Since way back in 1826, crowds have been entertained on the spot where the Royal Court Theatre proudly stands today. In the early 19th century it was John Cooke’s royal Amphitheatre of Arts – a home to circuses, operas, plays and concerts. One of the most popular acts...
by Malcolm Pheby | Oct 3, 2018 | Manchester, Theatre
Playwright Noel Coward was in exceptionally high spirits when his play of the same name opened at Manchester’s Palace Theatre in October 1964. It was a double celebration for the legendary impresario as another of his plays, Hay Fever, had started its run at the Opera...
