Kool Story Bro, Grand Opera House York, May 2026

Medieval chickens, the curse of Tim Henman, chairs in compromising positions…just a few of the improvised sketches in last night’s Kool Story Bro

Kiell Smith-Bynoe – of shows like Ghosts, Taskmaster and Stath Lets Flats – hosts a troupe of comedy improvisers on this national tour. Taking anecdotes from the audience, the team spin these into skits and often go off on surreal tangents.

Each show promises a different celebrity guest, often featuring comedians from Taskmaster, sitcoms and panel shows. Ours was Farrel Hegarty from Coronation Street and TikTok who, for us, didn’t quite match previous billings of well-known comedians and performers like Amy Gledhill, Lily Allen and Adam Buxton. If you’re a Corrie fan though, it might be different.

For a show that relies on audience stories, the team had some challenging material to work with. Stories offered up at this performance often didn’t make sense, or didn’t have enough going for them to riff off.

The performers sometimes stood confused and had to ask lots of questions to eke out any comedy potential. At times, instructions from the improvisers and Hegarty were a little unclear, especially to those new to the concept or who hadn’t been before.

A single microphone was slow to be brought to audience members, which slowed the pace and led to shouting and the company struggling to hear or understand. They did eventually find the magic though – even with so little to play with – and were all skilled with accents, physical comedy and of course improv.

Rude? Of course! Plenty of smut and adult language, but that’s to be expected at a show like this – and it’s the sort of material that does get easy laughs. And there were laughs aplenty, with highlights including Tim Henman’s strong backhand killing people with one touch – from a true story of him saving a choking man’s life then shrugging it off.

The final sequence had clever call-backs to early stories, and wrapped things up as The Worst Story Ever Told – another dig at the poor selection of stories from the audience.

Whilst ‘yes let’s’ is key in improvisation (agreeing to offers) it felt that if the performers weren’t happy with initial stories, they could’ve asked for more suggestions and then picked from the best. However, they tended to run with the early offers or quickly dismiss others – with mixed results.

That being said, it was a fun evening, and there’s no doubting the skills, timing and performance ability of Kiell and his motley bunch. And of course each show is guaranteed to be different, so you never know what to expect or which way it will pan out.

Unpredictable, unscripted and worth a shot if you like improv.

Kool Story Bro continues a UK tour, details can be found at www.koolstorybro.co.uk

Disclaimer: Tickets were kindly provided for this performance, however all opinions are honest and are our own.

The Psychic, York Theatre Royal, May 2026

As a young wizard I vividly remember passing Alita Lee’s fortune-telling shack in Whitby, and being intrigued by the exotic mysteries within. The juxtaposition of British seaside town and Romany spiritualism is the unique setting for The Psychic, a new play at York Theatre Royal by Andy Nyman and Jeremy Dyson.

This will be one of my less detailed reviews, and with good reason…the less you know going into the show, the better. We’re encouraged to ‘keep the secrets’ and this reviewer will remain tight-lipped.

The plot follows renowned psychic Sheila Gold, down on her luck after being exposed as a charlatan with an earpiece. She embarks on a new stage tour to try recoup some money, and credibility, but struggles to cope with the accusations.

Distant cousin Tara arrives keen to learn the art of of dukkering, a form of Romany fortune telling. Sheila takes her under her wing and the pair soon start running home readings. Things take a dark turn when wealthy clients offer sizeable donations for seances, and expect contact before cash, proof before payment. But, is any of it real?

Fans of spook shows might be curious how this compares to, say, Ghost Stories, 2:22 A Ghost Story or The Woman in Black. There are some wonderfully crafted scares here, but it’s less a ghost story and more a creeping thriller. The tension builds slowly but cleverly, and we’re drawn in by the intriguing story and stellar performances.

Protagonist Sheila Gold (Eileen Walsh) switches effortlessly from sweet-talking stage psychic to down and out dukkerer. Hitting the bottle and pills, she questions everything she believes in. It’s a solid performance throughout, and Walsh shows real variety too.

Megan Placito is believable as a teenager trying to better herself, and we feel for her lack of self worth. She’s instrumental in uncovering the twists and turns too. Smug radio DJ Robert Hamm is played by Dave Hearn, of The Play That Goes Wrong. The kind of presenter who gets under your skin, he grates (but is…great!)

Frances Barber’s Rosa is a triumph, and gets some of the biggest laughs of the night with her acid tongue and dry wit. Sitcom fans may recognise her from The IT Crowd and Friday Night Dinner, but it’s a joy to see her on stage – and she relishes every moment.

Deepak and Nisha (Jaz Singh Deol and Nikita Lesler) embody the grieving couple, desperate for one last goodbye with daughter Amara. Audience members have the opportunity to become part of the action too – with the opportunity to make contact through Sheila via requests dropped in a box pre-show.

Rae Smith’s set design is first rate. We’re treated to everything from a battered seaside caravan, neon-lit studio and creepy old house. A Spanish villa that appears almost from nowhere is a highlight, with it’s towering staircase and continental plants trailing the walls.

No spoilers here but there are some clever theatrical tricks and effects courtesy of Chris Fisher, who conjured up the magic for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Fisher keeps things simple, in a good way. Everything works as it should and the effects gel perfectly with the narrative.

Nyman and Dyson have worked a special kind of magic here too, as writers and directors. The writing is sharp, engaging and like nothing else I’ve seen. Peering into the future, I see The Psychic touring and becoming a long-running hit like other stage thrillers.

A standing ovation from this enraptured audience, and you don’t need to be psychic to work out why.

Solid gold, gaze into your crystal ball and book today!

The Psychic runs at York Theatre Royal until Saturday 23rd May. Book at www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/show/the-psychic/

Disclaimer: Tickets were kindly provided for this performance, however all opinions are honest and are our own.

Photography credit Manuel Harlan

Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: In Concert, York Barbican, May 2026

I’ll come right out and say it, Labyrinth is one of my all-time favourite films. The old adage is true, ‘they don’t make ’em like they used to!’ and this cult classic stands the test of time. After 40 years, the hit film is touring with a live band to welcome diehard fans and those new to the magic of Jim Henson…

In an age of lazy AI, it’s refreshing to see all creature effects done solely through puppetry – courtesy of the Jim Henson team. There are practical effects throughout too, and even Jareth’s glass ball tricks were delivered by (hidden) juggling master Michael Moschen. There’s clearly still a lot of love for the 1986 film – the venue was packed, and many fans had dressed up in some of the more memorable film costumes.

The plot follows fantasy fan Sarah (Jennifer Connelley) who accidentally banishes her baby brother to the goblin city, ruled over by Goblin King Jareth (David Bowie). Jareth offers her the chance to rescue said brother, by completing his labyrinthian maze of twists, turns and traps. Along the way we meet the loveable Ludo, loyal Sir Didymus and the surly Hoggle, plus a whole host of goblins…

The score of the film is delivered live by a talented band who appear on stage for the duration. It isn’t only the songs that receive musical accompaniment, but also much of the underscoring and incidental music – there’s very little time the band aren’t playing. A gong takes centre stage, and other instruments include keys, guitar, electric guitar, bass, saxophone and drums.

A smart lighting design also adds to the magic, with flashes of lightning as Jareth appears on a stormy night, a fiery glow during the song Chilly Down with the Fierys and swirling projections during the dreamy masked ball sequence.

The Barbican is an ideal venue for this film/concert hybrid. Although large, there isn’t a bad view in the house and the seating is tiered so that everyone can see. Sound was crystal clear, and the image quality on the huge HD screen was sharp.

But does it work? Yes and no. The evening opened with the conductor encouraging participation by singing along, shouting and cheering. From the opening scene it was clear that the film would be subtitled, perhaps to help those hard of hearing. However, subtitles throughout became distracting at times, and I’d have been reaching for the remote to turn them off at home…

During the songs though, there weren’t any lyrics onscreen at, almost as if to discourage singing along. This led to people trying to sing, but not always knowing the words, and not sure whether they could – or should – be joining in.

This not-quite-cinema not-quite-concert vibe is jarring at times, and leads to some confusion of what exactly the experience is trying to be. If we compare for example The Rocky Horror Singalong experience, there is an audience participation script with clear cues of when to join in, and a bag of props to use at key moments.

This reviewer feels Labyrinth: In Concert could’ve been pitched as either fully interactive, or not all, rather than some shaky ground between. An interval feels superfluous in a short film too.

The experience commands a high price tag, with tickets ranging from £45 to £80. A merch stand in the foyer also saw t-shirts at £25 and hoodies at £50. This isn’t a cheap night out, but if you’re a fan of the iconic film it’s certainly a treat to see it on the big screen, and with live music.

If you do book, we recommend staying through the credits. The band continue to play an excellent medley of songs, but many audience members were up and out sharpish, as if it was a mere cinema trip. Others were up (Magic) Dancing in the aisles, but many left before the band had chance to take a Bow-ie.

Film

Experience

Labyrinth: In Concert is touring the UK, before continuing a global tour in Canada and the USA.

Disclaimer: Tickets were kindly provided for this performance, however all opinions are honest and are our own.

Legally Blonde The Musical, Grand Opera House York, April 2026

Last night we saw Legally Blonde The Musical at York’s Grand Opera House. But were we tickled pink? Find out below…

I have no memory of the 2001 film but Mrs Wizard assures me the show is faithful to the plot, with a few modern twists. For what is essentially a rom-com, the love story plays second fiddle to a tale of bettering yourself, loving who you are and not judging a book by its cover.

The narrative revolves around Elle Woods, who lives a dream Malibu lifestyle and loves hanging out with her gal pals. Desperate to woo back love interest Warner, she applies to Harvard to study law alongside him. At law school she finds her new calling, and vies for one of four internship places offered by tutor Callahan. But first she must prove she’s more than a pretty face…

Amber Davies is a perfect fit for the role of Elle. Famed for Love Island, reality TV stars may not always be well accepted in theatre but Davies holds her own, and reminds this reviewer of a young Idina Menzel. She brings a star quality to the role, with fans anxious to meet her at the stage door after.

Later Elle meets Emmett, with George Crawford playing the secondary love interest with a real warmth and likeability. He grounds Elle and helps her believe that she has what it takes. His down to earth nature is a far cry from her big bubbly pink persona.

Special mention to Karen Mavundukure as Paulette too, who not only gets some of the biggest laughs of the night, but oh boy can she belt. The audience lap up her solo Ireland, and are rooting for her to find her Irish sweetheart.

A large ensemble snap, bend and change wigs with ease. The sharp choreography comes courtesy of Leah Hill, and is so slick it left us breathless at points. The fitness video inspired number Whipped Into Shape, sees the ensemble skipping at speed whilst simultaneously singing their hearts out. Brooke (Jocasta Almgill, also resident director) takes the lead vocals here, and is barely out of breath after. No easy feat.

Expect dogs too, in the form of Bruiser the chihuahua and Rufus the British Bulldog. The canine co-stars delight with each appearance, but never dominate or distract too much. They certainly have the ‘aww’ factor though and are expertly trained with treats. Who’s a good boy? They are!

For a pink and fluffy show, there are some inspired moments that add depth. Elle’s friends appear as a Greek chorus a la Hercules, and are always on hand to offer advice and motivation through song. The song Gay or European turns what would be a dated reference into a tongue-in-cheek stroke of genius.

Colin Richmond’s set design is a triumph, and even features a mini Harvard – and a comically oversized judge’s booth, that doubles as a shower! Ben Cracknell’s lighting design dazzles, and you can expect an abundance of pink in Tom Rogers’ costumes.

This is a musical in every sense of the word, and the songs far outweigh the dialogue. Some might be forgettable, but all are delivered with the fizz and energy of a crate of Red Bull.

Legally Blonde is undoubtedly West End worthy. The production values are first-rate in this feelgood musical packed with toe tapping hits. This opening night crowd were on their feet by the end, and some had been all night…standing tickets were added to meet demand!

Polish, pizazz and pink, pink, pink!

Legally Blonde The Musical runs until Saturday 25th April. Bend and snap your way all the way to the Box Office, or book online at www.atgtickets.com/shows/legally-blonde/grand-opera-house-york/

Disclaimer: Tickets were kindly provided for this performance, however all opinions are honest and are our own.

Horrible Histories: The Concert, York Barbican, April 2026

Our Wizard family love Horrible Histories, and were excited to see the songs from the CBBC series brought to life in this touring show.

We weren’t sure what to expect, and wondered if the production would just be a string of songs one after another – concert-style. Whilst that wouldn’t have been horrible (history), far more effort has gone into it – there’s a throughline involving finding the right monarch to sing the final song. Poor Shakespeare faces Queenie’s guillotine if he messes up the show, and the plot thickens as more and more monarchs are unwittingly signed up for the solo number.

Like all the best shows aimed at families, it’s interactive. There are plenty of opportunities for kids – and big kids – to join in. From crooning along to the hit songs and boos and oohs aplenty, to participating in mock-gameshow Chop or Not.

The stellar cast features many of the performers from the later CBBC series – and they’re all first-rate. Richard David-Caine plays host Shakespeare, and gets some of the biggest laughs. He moves with the silky precision of a crab, and is a master of comic timing. Want to see Shakespeare twerk? You won’t be disappointed. We look forward to seeing him in York Theatre Royal’s Snow White this Christmas.

Ethan Lawrence, who we recognised from the Ricky Gervais series Afterlife, plays Henry VIII amongst others. He gives a right royal performances, and can belt out the tunes with gusto. He’s clearly honed his comic skills too, and will have you laughing your head off…eek.

Harrie Hayes gives a sharp performance, with the delightfully dark and daft Stupid Deaths. Comparisons to the TV show are perhaps inevitable here, but Hayes puts her own stamp on the iconic role. She’s anything but grim…and make no bones about it.

Horrible women are well represented too with Queen Elizabeth I (Harrie Hayes again), Queen Victoria (Alison Fitzjohn) and Cleopatra (Verona Rose) all…coming at ya! All the femme fatales excel, and and are all suitably frocked-up in historical attire by designer Jackie Trousdale

Birmingham Stage’s own Neal Foster directs but also dons the wigs and hats, and effortlessly switches between party animal Charles II, Dick Turpin, and – bizarrely – a Dudley-born Viking. As Shakespeare quips…’Questionable regional accent!’

We were surprised at just how strong vocally the entire cast is too. The production team don’t scrimp on talent and there’s no ‘oh it’s for kids, it’ll do’ attitude here. Musically the show is a treat, with a versatile live band hitting all the right notes. They are led by none other than Richie Webb, who we were delighted to find out wrote all the Horrible Histories songs! The love for his work shines through, and we’re glad he gets to witness that every day of the tour.

The action spans multiple eras, and the only part that felt slightly out of place was PT Barnum. Whilst technically historical, the circus theme felt a little jarring against the ‘ye olde’. However, It’s How You Put on a Show is a banger that made up for it, and Inel Tomlinson’s Barnum is a triumph. His I Want to Spend It, Spend It as Mansa Musa is also…solid gold!

Despite reviewing theatre all over the region, this was our first trip to York Barbican, and the concert production fits the venue perfectly. Sounds levels were balanced, and we could hear every word. The concert format means it’s loud, so those sensitive to noise might want to bring ear defenders. Expect smoke, glitter, a diverse lighting plot and more. Sparks don’t fly though, and this reviewer would’ve loved a pyro or two!

If you know the series as well as us, there’s lots to enjoy here. And even if you don’t, it’s presented in such an engaging and interactive format that’s fun for the whole family. Educational? Maybe. But entertainment takes priority, and it’s never boring.

Horrible? Hardly!

If you’re thinking of booking…chop chop (guillotine pun) Look sharp (another) and visit https://www.yorkbarbican.co.uk/whats-on/horrible-histories/

Disclaimer: Tickets were kindly provided for this performance, however all opinions are honest and are our own.

2:22 A Ghost Story, Grand Opera House York, March 2026

York. Arguably the most haunted city in Europe, if you believe in all that. Either way, it’s the perfect city to catch a ghost story in, and last night we did just that…

2:22 A Ghost Story has run in the West End for seven seasons, as well as touring nationally to rave reviews. This kitchen-sink drama sees a group of dinner party guests staging a vigil to investigate an apparent haunting at precisely 2:22am each night.

As the evening passes, the mix of believers and sceptics discuss life, death, science, religion, reincarnation and more. Personalities clash, props crash and the drama builds and builds. It’s not a shock-a-minute show but a slow-burner that grips you with effective storytelling, then startles with scares and revelations.

The cast of four give believable performances throughout. Sam (James Bye) is a staunch non-believer with an ‘I think you’ll find’ answer for everything. Wife and new mum Jenny (Shvorne Marks) is spooked by happenings in their daughter’s room, and frustrated with Sam’s lack of support.

Ben (Grant Kilburn) draws on his spiritualist mother’s beliefs, and is pivotal in trying to make contact with the dearly departed. Natalie Casey – of Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps fame – plays Lauren. She quickly descends into drunken depravity, and throws some epic dance moves, as she wrestles with her own early ghost-sightings and unrequited love.

The dynamic between the four works incredibly well. There’s a strong and tangible tension; not just because of the spooky shenanigans but down to the opposing views and belief systems. Any new parent will relate to Jenny’s maternal worries too; that desperate need to protect her daughter at all costs. And those sleepless nights that can play tricks on a weary mind…

The last spook-show we saw was Susan Hill’s The Woman in Black, a classic haunted house ghost story set in the Edwardian 1900s. 2:22 is an altogether more modern affair…you won’t find baby monitors or Alexa in Hill’s tale!

There’s something refreshingly different about a ghost story set in the present day. We arrived not to tinkling music boxes, but a pumping dance soundtrack. There are no creaky doors or creepy dolls, but other horror conventions are still very much intact. From sudden blackouts and inclement weather to footsteps on floorboards and wailing voices…there’s plenty to set the heart racing.

Danny Robinson’s writing is sharp, and a special mention should go to Anna Fleischle’s set design, and Lucy Carter’s dramatic lighting. It’s a haunted house, but not as you know it. Expect crumbling brickwork, flaking paint and a dodgy boiler, but also sliding glass doors and an IKEA fitted kitchen. Oh, and a garden besieged by mating foxes.

For kids? Not little ones! The recommended age is 12+. I took my 12-year-old and he loved it, and didn’t find it especially scary overall. He was hoping to be more scared – in a fun way – but appreciated the drama of it all, and the clever twists and turns had him gripped.

Scary? That depends on your terror-tolerance, but we didn’t find it as scary as anticipated. There are some effective jump scares and surprises though. It perhaps takes a little while to really get going, but the plot is engaging enough to build suspense, and the discussions of the afterlife are thought-provoking.

My advice if you are planning to see it, is avoid reading too much about it. There are spoilers to be…spoiled…and the less you know, the better! Thankfully, this reviewer went in cold and enjoyed not knowing what to expect.

Four stars from me, five from my son!

2:22 A Ghost Story runs at Grand Opera House York until Saturday 4th April. Feeling brave? Book your tickets at https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/2-22-a-ghost-story/grand-opera-house-york/

Disclaimer: Tickets were kindly provided for this performance, however all opinions are honest and are our own.

The Secret Garden The Musical, York Theatre Royal, March 2026

Last night we were transported from North Yorkshire 2026 to…North Yorkshire 1906, with York Theatre Royal’s revival of The Secret Garden The Musical, based on the 1912 book by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

The story revolves around orphaned Mary Lennox, who finds herself uprooted from India to the wuthering moors of Yorkshire. Taken in by her uncle – still grieving his wife’s passing from ten years prior – she befriends maid Martha and her brother Dickon, and learns of a secret walled garden on the estate.

Previously belonging to her aunt, the key is missing and the garden overgrown, but Mary’s curiosity gets the better of her. Discovering she has a bedbound and sickly cousin, Mary encourages him to leave the confines of his room and explore the outside world and the mysteries of the hidden garden.

Most of the plot here is told through song, and at times it feels almost like a opera – albeit with more of a folk song vibe. There is little movement to go with the music – no real dance or choreography to speak of – and the music very much underpins the narrative throughout.

The large cast of actor-musicians exude talent; playing everything from guitar, double bass, piano, flute and even a grand harp. Sound is rich and levels are balanced; we hear all the lyrics clearly except maybe during the chaotic storm songs where vocals get a little lost.

All the adult actors are strong, but special mention to Martha (Catrin Mai Edwards) and Dickon (Elliot Mackenzie) who brought a real joy to the characters, and a liveliness to the stage. Mackenzie brings a youthful energy to a role that is meant to be a 12-year-old boy in the novel.

The two actual children, Mary (Estella Evans) and Colin (Dexter Pulling) are exceptional. Both are strong, confident performers with excellent singing voices. The book suggests that both characters are brattish and unpleasant, but soften as the plot unfolds. This doesn’t quite come across in the play, simply because there isn’t a lot of time for such character development.

Staging is generally basic but effective. The tale is beautifully told, but a lot is left to the imagination rather than shown visually. This reviewer was reminded at times of The Woman in Black, with suitcases and boxes becoming elements like beds and stairs. Large flowing drapes drop in and and out, representing the rolling moors and billowing storm clouds.

Costumes by Gabrielle Dalton are largely in-keeping with the era, with one notable exception – Mary wears a modern pink hoody, striped t-shirt and jeans, without any explanation. It stands out – and it’s clearly a conscious design choice – but we weren’t sure why.

Is it suitable for families? We don’t feel it would especially engage young children, there isn’t a lot of action and the pace is a little slow overall. At 1 hour 25 minutes too, it’s not lengthy although there is no interval – so it’s perhaps a long time for children to sit. Our 9 and 12 year olds said they enjoyed it but admitted it dragged at points for them, and that some songs were repetitive.

The Secret Garden is well-staged, and expertly cast and directed. It’s not a fast-paced feelgood musical like some, but a clever retelling of a classic story. The themes of loss soon make way for a tale of redemption and hope, and don’t we all need a little more of that in a weary world?

The Secret Garden The Musical runs until Saturday 4th April. Tickets can be booked at https://www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/show/the-secret-garden-the-musical/

Disclaimer: Tickets were kindly provided for this performance, however all opinions are honest and are our own.

Barnum The Circus Musical, Grand Opera House York, February 2026

The circus has come to town, and we headed to York’s Grand Opera House to see Barnum, The Circus Musical

At first glance, you’d be forgiven for thinking that this show is a stage adaptation of The Greatest Showman. It isn’t, although a theatrical version of the hit Hugh Jackman film is coming.

Barnum predates this by decades, starting first on Broadway in 1980 then London’s West End the following year. The title role was popularised by Michael Crawford – famed for his Phantom (of the Opera) and, yes, Frank from Some Mother’s Do ‘Ave Em. Ooh Betty!

In this 2026 revival, Any Dream Will Do winner Lee Mead steps into the ringmaster’s boots. Mead has plenty of presence and charm, as he humbugs his way through the life of Phileas Taylor Barnum.

Mead walks a fine line – literally and figuratively – between conman and showman. The American accent never waivers, and there are some sharp comedic moments and asides with the audience. He’s strong vocally too, and boasts an impressive range.

Wife Charity (Monique Young) grounds Barnum and takes no nonsense. Young plays her with a real authenticity, and the chemistry between the pair is believable. Penny Ashmore’s Swedish opera sensation Jenny Lind is a triumph, with powerhouse vocals and elegant harpistry.

The huge ensemble sees a talented troupe playing over one hundred live instruments. This adds an extra dimension to an already vibrant show, but at times levels aren’t balanced and we struggle to hear the vocals.

Although dubbed a circus musical, it isn’t until the end that Barnum moves into the big top with business partner Bailey. Circus acts pepper the action throughout though – everything from aerial skills, acrobatics, contortion, juggling, fire breathing, and a tightrope act (walked by Mead himself) These are impressive but can sometimes feel superfluous.

Instead of focusing on the circus itself, the plot follows earlier sideshow acts such as the world’s oldest woman Joice Heth (Dominique Planter) and the diminutive Tom Thumb (Fergus Rattigan)

Both performers have strong solos, and Rattigan’s Bigger Isn’t Better gets rapt applause. He’s joined by Jumbo the Elephant too, from a family of puppet pachyderms we’d seen previously in Circus 1903 in London. Think War Horse meets circus.

Lee Newby’s design is perfect, and really sets the scene of 1800s America. It’s circus but with that vintage edge; the slightly muted colours and lamplit haze. Costumes are tip-top too – from Lind’s opulent frocks to a troupe of stylised sad Pierrots. Mead’s own clown in the second act is adorable.

Choreography is by renowned Strictly Come Dancing dancer Oti Mabuse, and is slick and polished throughout. Sensibly, the creative team have hired consultants – such as Zippos Circus, and magician Richard Pinner – to offer expert guidance on these specific arts. Magic in The Colours of My Life is a nice touch.

Where Barnum perhaps falls short is that the musical itself is a little dated and shows it’s age. Comparisons to The Greatest Showman are inevitable – and that brings a modern twist to an age-old story, with a fresh new score and arguably more memorable songs.

Although delivered with an abundance of energy and talent, the songs here are sometimes forgettable and some tend to drag. The first act runs long, and the pace dips at times – especially during Barnum’s foray into politics later.

That being said, if you’re a fan of Barnum already then this is a solid production. Expect plenty of razzle dazzle, a sumptuous set, a huge cast of actor-musicians and circus skills aplenty. The rousing finale of Join the Circus is a feast for the senses, and there’s an undeniable appreciation for this huge cast and unseen hardworking crew.

Pack your trunk (elephant pun) and Follow the Band for a circus extravaganza.

Barnum The Circus Musical runs at York’s Grand Opera House until Saturday 28th February. Roll up, roll up and book your tickets at https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/barnum/grand-opera-house-york/

Disclaimer: Tickets were kindly provided for this performance, however all opinions are honest and are our own.

Here and Now – The Steps Musical, Grand Opera House York, February 2026

Last night we were teleported back to the 90s for a blast of pop-tastic nostalgia with Here and Now – The Steps Musical.

This isn’t the sort of show we normally go and see, in fact it was The Last Thing on my Mind. A musical masterpiece, or Better Best Forgotten? Find out in 5, 6, 7, 8…

Steps produce this jukebox musical, but it isn’t a biographical story of the band. Instead, think Eurovision meets Supermarket Sweep…

The action takes place in fictional Better Best Bargains. With her 50th birthday approaching, shopworker Caz challenges her colleagues to fix their broken love lives, during what she dubs The Summer of Love.

The narrative covers themes of broken relationships, affairs, and even baby loss. But if you’re not One for Sorrow, don’t worry – the plot feels more like a thread to hang the songs on. Some tracks fit, and others are clearly shoehorned in – with mixed results. Western hoedown 5, 6, 7, 8 is the most tenuous, but a real crowdpleaser nonetheless.

All the hits are here, often presented with nods to the original choreography. There are lesser known songs too…although a few are not so Hard 2 Forget. A preshow announcement about not singing along is a smart move, as this isn’t a concert and the excellent vocals and live band deserve to be heard unaccompanied.

The large cast fizz with energy and there’s plenty of talent on stage. We were thrilled to see Lara Denning as Caz; an absolute powerhouse performer who we loved as Anne Hathaway in &Juliet. Denning is effortlessly likeable and warm, and with possibly the best vocals we’ve heard on stage. A true asset to the show.

Also from &Juliet, Rosie Singha Steps up from ensemble to lead, and plays Neeta. Singha is engaging, and has solid vocals and a believable chemistry with love interest Ben (Ben Darcy)

Jacqui Dubois as Vel nails the down-to-earth, chatty supermarket shelf-stacker. Naive Robbie (Blake Patrick Anderson) hasn’t known love and is scared to commit when he meets a local drag legend. Store manager Patricia (Sally Ann Matthews) keeps the workers in check, and gets laughs with cheeky lines and an attempt at French.

Ru Paul’s Drag Race favourite River Medway plays Jem, and we’re treated to a full drag routine in the second act. Medway milks every moment, and has some of the standout costumes of the show. The character is delivered with heart, especially during the more poignant scenes.

Tom Rogers set design is striking, rife with Steps signature blue and pink motif. What it lacks is variety though; visually the show looks similar throughout, and the supermarket setting can look cheap at times. Maybe it was marked down? Perhaps the budget look is intentional, but we’ve been spoilt with the production values of jukebox shows like We Will Rock You.

That being said, fans won’t be booking for a sumptuous set or complex plot. Ultimately, if you’re a follower of the band, there’s plenty to enjoy here. A trip down musical memory lane, for those old enough to remember…

Here and Now is a few hours of camp, colourful fun. The inevitable megamix triggers a Chain Reaction that has this enthusiastic audience on their feet. Steps fan? Listen to these Words of Wisdom. Missing it would be a…you guessed it…Tragedy.

Step-tacular!

How to book? Here! When? Now! https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/here-and-now-the-steps-musical/grand-opera-house-york/. Runs until Sunday 15th February 2026.

Disclaimer: Tickets were kindly provided for this performance, however all opinions are honest and are our own.

The Woman in Black, Grand Opera House York, January 2025

Last night we saw The Woman in Black at York’s Grand Opera House. But did it leave us in high spirits? Time to shine a light on what we thought…

Based on Susan Hill’s novel, the plot follows solicitor Arthur Kipps, sent to middle-of-nowhere Crythin Gifford to sort the papers of deceased Mrs Drablow. A sinister tale unfolds, with the locals tight-lipped about mysterious sightings of a shrouded figure with a wasted face.

Desperate to unburden himself by telling his story, Kipps enlists the help of an actor. What follows is a play within a play, as the ghoulish tale is brought to life with inventive stagecraft and traditional, theatrical storytelling.

Something of a shape shifter, John Mackay effortlessly switches between characters and accents. He also plays a bad actor really…good (better than that grammar too!)

Guided by The Actor (Daniel Burke) there are flashes of comedy, as Kipps struggles to find his inner thespian. Both Mackay and Burke give stellar performances throughout, and had this audience hanging on every word.

Michael Holt’s set design is intentionally bare-bones. We’re met with an almost empty stage; just a few props draped in cloth, a hat stand and wicker hamper. A lot is done with a little here – the hamper for example becoming a bed, table, pony and trap and more. The Woman in Black relies on your imagination to fill in the blanks, and it works wonderfully well.

Set in a theatre in the 1950s, The Actor celebrates the invention of recorded sound – which is used to great effect throughout. Sebastian Frost’s sound design (and original sound by Rod Mead) adds drama and tension, and helps the audience suspend their disbelief all the more.

Kevin’s Sleep lighting design sets the scene perfectly too. Darkness is used cleverly to give us glimpses of things in the shadows. Elongated shadows by lamplight are reminiscent of vintage horrors such as Nosferatu. Fang-tastic.

Classic ghost story tropes are here, from rolling mists, locked rooms and creepy toys. Scary? That depends on your terror-tolerance. There were plenty of jumps, and some giggly screams from this enraptured audience. Some may find it slow-paced at times but it’s that creeping, psychological horror that really gets under your skin.

Thinking of taking your little terrors? It’s not for the easily spooked, and the suggested age rating is 12. My 12-year-old loved it, and we both agreed it was better – and scarier – than the 2012 film with Daniel Radcliffe.

There were several school groups in on this opening night, and I can see why. The Woman in Black is a masterclass in dramatic storytelling, a minimal approach with maximum impact.

Frightfully good.

The Woman in Black runs at York’s Grand Opera House until Saturday 17th January. Book your tickets at https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-woman-in-black/grand-opera-house-york/ if you dare…

Disclaimer: Tickets were kindly provided for this performance, however all opinions are honest and are our own.