Tag Archives: Stanley Theatre

Of Mice And Men, Theatre Review. Stanley Theatre, University of Liverpool.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 7/10

Cast: Christian Darnell, Greg Vicary, Michael Cook, George Parsons, Katie Overbury, Liam Middleton, Jonny Campbell, Alex Webber-Date, Patrick D’Arcy, Devan Pankhania.

The number of people who do not know the story Of Mice and Men is becoming less each generation as schools adopt Steinbeck’s classic into their curriculum early on. Therefore, Liverpool University Drama Society (LUDS) decision to produce this as their first play of the academic year was, if nothing else, a signal of intent from a society that, at amateur level, is building a reputation of producing captivating and quality theatre.

Of Mice And Men, Theatre Review. Stanley Theatre, University of Liverpool. full post

(381 words, estimated 1:31 mins reading time)

The History Boys, Theatre Review. Stanley Theatre, University of Liverpool.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * * *

Cast: Alex Pardey, James Boys, James Telfer, Martin Poile, Harry Parker, Jonny Campbell, Jack Conway, Liam Middleton, Akthar, Gertaint Williams, Barney Elliot, Alun Simpson, Georgina Rose.

There are moments in a young actor’s life, whether or not they take it any further in years to come or are content with having been a part of just one show, where they will look back and relish in the memory of what they achieved in two hours on stage.

The History Boys, Theatre Review. Stanley Theatre, University of Liverpool. full post

(436 words, estimated 1:45 mins reading time)

Oedipus Rex, Theatre Review. Liverpool University Drama Society. Stanley Theatre, Liverpool.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

Cast: Georgina Panteli, Lucy Swain, Madeline Smart, Polly Couslon, Mark Raynor, Benedict Spence, Mary Jayne Cooper, Charlie Wilson, Alex Webber-Date, George Dorran, Graham Cain, Jacob Lowman, Pallav Ratra.

There is something about Sophocles’ play Oedipus Rex that speaks down through the ages in such a way that its brutality, jealousy, pride and ignorance are more akin to 21st century human nature than people probably care to admit. It is a play that can divide opinion and cause many a troubled thought to enter the audiences’ minds due to the graphic nature that can be readily employed by the company performing it.

Oedipus Rex, Theatre Review. Liverpool University Drama Society. Stanley Theatre, Liverpool. full post

(405 words, estimated 1:37 mins reading time)

Amsterdam, Gig Review. Stanley Theatre, University of Liverpool.

Originally published by L.S. Media. October 24th 2010.

Amsterdam may have been quiet on the recording front this year and only playing a select number of live dates, a critically acknowledged tour alongside The Wonderstuff and a sell-out evening at the Liverpool Academy amongst them, however when they have performed, the music is the same high quality, full of frustration, anger at the way of the world and beautifully, unarguably sentimental.

Amsterdam, Gig Review. Stanley Theatre, University of Liverpool. full post

(322 words, estimated 1:17 mins reading time)

The Strawbs, Gig Review. Stanley Theatre, University of Liverpool.

Originally published by L.S. Media. November 16th 2010.

The Strawbs are one of those acts that you should mark out in your diary as “leave free” for. With a career spanning over 40 years and considered one of the finest exponents of the British Folk/Rock tradition, it is no wonder their gigs are attended by some of the most dedicated followers of live music anywhere.

During the summer of 2010 they even had great success as the Acoustic Strawbs during this year’s inaugural High Voltage event in London.

The Strawbs, Gig Review. Stanley Theatre, University of Liverpool. full post

(330 words, estimated 1:19 mins reading time)

Taking Dawn, Gig Review. Stanley Theatre, University of Liverpool.

Photograph by Ian D. Hall.

Originally published by L.S. Media. February 8th 2011.

It’s not every band that gets to open for the legendary rock band Kiss, to do so you must have something really special in your armoury. Nevada based band Taking Dawn are one such band that have passed the acid test of touring with Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons and matched them in desire, ability and in some respects even showmanship.

Even with the last album having been in every decent metal fan’s collection for the last year, the crowd that greeted the band as they come on stage was as loud and full of expression for the new metal heroes.

Taking Dawn, Gig Review. Stanley Theatre, University of Liverpool. full post

(381 words, 1 image, estimated 1:31 mins reading time)

Kate Nash, Gig Review. Stanley Theatre, University of Liverpool.

photograph by Ian D. Hall.

Originally published by L.S. Media. April 5th 2011.

It’s been quite a while since Kate Nash played in Liverpool but on the strength of her audience that attended her show at the Stanley Theatre at the University of Liverpool, it may have only been last month since she parked her guitar and trademark keyboard on the stage, such was the excitement generated by the young songwriter.

Arriving on stage in a pastiche of one of her song titles Mariella, all dressed in black and looking mysterious and with two Mickey Mouse ears on for good measure, she produced a set of stunning quality and with just the right amount of social commentary thrown in to keep the crowd happy.

Kate Nash, Gig Review. Stanley Theatre, University of Liverpool. full post

(379 words, 1 image, estimated 1:31 mins reading time)

Magnum, Gig Review. Stanley Theatre, University of Liverpool.

Bob Catley rocks the crowd at the University of Liverpool. Photograph by Ian D. Hall.

Originally published by L.S. Media. April 17th 2011.

Magnum can arguably be called one of the finest bands to come out of the Midlands area, with a string of bestselling albums to their name and with a fan base that other rock groups would be proud to call their own, the band are on a second wave of popularity that has seen them deliver five well written and musically superior albums since they reformed after their split in 1994.

Magnum, Gig Review. Stanley Theatre, University of Liverpool. full post

(420 words, 1 image, estimated 1:41 mins reading time)

Judy Collins, Gig Review. Stanley Theatre, University Of Liverpool.

Originally published by L.S. Media. June 7th 2011.

Judy Collins is one of the great survivors of Folk music. Eclectic in her musical tastes and vision, she continues to thrill audiences with renditions of her own work and those of who she adores.

For the University of Liverpool to play host to one of the all-time greats of music can be seen as a particular pleasure and for the audience who sat patiently it was one of those rare nights where you allowed the artist to do whatever they wanted, talk about whatever they fancied and play whatever tunes they could muster. For Judy Collins comes across as one of those wonderful women who wants to impart knowledge of her life and who looks genuinely pleased to see people hanging on her every word.

Judy Collins, Gig Review. Stanley Theatre, University Of Liverpool. full post

(325 words, estimated 1:18 mins reading time)

Puressence, Gig Review, Stanley Theatre, University Of Liverpool.

Originally published by L.S. Media. October 8th 2011.

Puressence may come across as a typical Manchester band, full of self-assurance and a drive that would hark back to images of the “Madchester” scene of the 90’s but strip away the preconceptions, the Manchester look and what you are left with is band that on stage really know what they are doing, plenty of talent and a lead singer whose voice is that of real and exciting quality.

Puressence, Gig Review, Stanley Theatre, University Of Liverpool. full post

(401 words, estimated 1:36 mins reading time)