review
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts

Madagascar The Musical Review

No comments
Disclosure - We were invited to watch Madagascar The Musical. All thoughts, opinions and photographs are our own. this post contains some affiliate links

It's hard to believe that Madagascar the movie took the world by storm 19 years ago. We all fell in love with Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria as they escaped from New York Zoo and ended up in Madagascar where they had to brave the wild so far away from home. Big J was only 3 when the movie came out but he absolutely loved it and I think we used to play "I Like To Move It" on repeat. Since then it's become a family favourite and we were so excited to see Madagascar The Musical on it's UK and Ireland Tour. 

Madagascar The Musical



Madagascar The Musical 
Alex the lion is the king of the urban jungle, the main attraction at New York's Central Park Zoo. He and his best friends – Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo – have spent their whole lives in blissful captivity before an admiring public and with regular meals provided for them. Not content to leave well enough alone, Marty lets his curiosity get the better of him and makes his escape – with the help of some prodigious penguins – to explore the world.

Madagascar The Musical cast on stage


Our Thoughts
Madagascar The Musical was better than I expected. It was bright, colourful with a great script and even better music. I fell in love with all the characters again and I now have a new favourite - King Julien. 

The first half of the show lasted about 40 minutes and was based around New York's Central Park zoo and Marty's birthday wish to 'visit the wild'. When Marty escapes the zoo he is soon joined by his three friends as they try to ride the subway but are soon caught by animal control. The whole first half was so enjoyable with great songs and really showcasing the friendship between the four main characters especially Alex the Lion and Marty the Zebra. 

Alex (played by Joseph Hewlett) and Marty (played by Francisco Gomes) dominated the first half of the show with their great chemistry and catchy duets. I would have loved to see more of Gloria (played by Jarnéia Richard - Noel) and Melman (played by Joshua Oakes Rogers).

cast of madagascar the musical


The second half started after a 20 minute interval and began in Madagascar. The animals have washed up on the beach and are ready to explore the island when they meet King Julien, Maurice and Mort who are hiding from the Fossa, the largest carnivore on Madagascar. We see how Alex struggles to think of anything other than steak, Gloria and Melman begin a romance and Marty loves being in the wild and feels right at home. However Alex overcomes his desire to eat steak and helps his new friends be free of the threat of the Fossa. 

The highlight of the second half was King Julien (played by Karim Zeroual). He was absolutely brilliant as King Julien. He really made us all laugh out loud and dance in our seats to 'I like To Move It'. 

With a running time of 1 hour and 45 minutes approx including the interval it's perfect for all ages. 

Madagascar The Musical program


Where Can I See Madagascar The Musical?
The Uk and Ireland tour is on now starting in Manchester and ending in Southampton.

08 - 11 Feb 2024 - Manchester Opera House

14 - 18 Feb 2024 - Alhambra Theatre Bradford

21 – 24 Feb 2024 - Blackpool Winter Gardens

28 Feb – 02 Mar 2024 - Swansea Grand Theatre

06 – 09 Mar 2024 - Grand Opera House Belfast

14 – 17 Mar 2024 - The Alexandra Birmingham

21 – 24 Mar 2024 - Grimsby Auditorium
Click Here For More Info and To Buy Tickets

29 – 31 Mar 2024 - Liverpool Empire

11 – 14 Apr 2024 - Dublin Gaiety Theatre

18 – 21 Apr 2024 - Oxford New Theatre

25 - 27 Apr 2024 - Edinburgh Playhouse

2 - 5 May - Inverness Eden Court

09 – 11 May 2024 - Wimbledon New Theatre

16 – 19 May 2024 - Regent Theatre Stoke on Trent

22 – 25 May 2024 - Sheffield Lyceum

27 May – 01 Jun 2024 - Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

06 – 09 Jun 2024 - Dartford Orchard Theatre

13 – 16 Jun 2024 - Eastbourne Congress Theatre

19 - 23 Jun 2024 - Queen’s Theatre Barnstaple

27 – 30 Jun 2024 - Wales Millennium Centre Cardiff

10 – 13 Jul 2024 - Newcastle Theatre Royal

18 – 21 Jul 2024 - Northampton Royal & Derngate

24 – 27 Jul 2024 - Nottingham Theatre Royal

01 - 04 Aug 2024 - Southend Cliffs Pavilion

7 – 10 Aug 2024 - Glasgow King's Theatre

14 – 17 Aug 2024 - His Majesty's Theatre Aberdeen

Wed 21 – Sat 24 Aug 2024 - Southampton Mayflower Theatre

Have you seen Madagascar The Musical yet? if not have you booked your tickets? You definitely won't be disappointed. 

READ THESE NEXT



text banner





- If you enjoyed this post leave us a comment.

-  Like us on FacebookTwitter or Instagram and follow us on our adventures.

- If you have visited any of the attractions mentioned in this post share photos with us on our socials. 

- If this post has helped you in anyway you can Buy Us A Virtual Coffee to say thanks.

- If you would like to work with us please visit on Work With Us page for more details

Michelle
Read More

Pretty Woman The Musical Review

No comments
I have waited what seems an eternity since receiving my tickets as a present to see Pretty Woman The Musical and I can honestly say it was worth the wait. I always worry watching the stage show version of such an iconic movie such as Dirty Dancing and The Rocky Horror Show but they are always done so well and Pretty Woman The Musical was everything I had hoped it would be. 

pretty woman the musical poster


I'm sure you all know the plot to the movie Pretty Woman but if you don't then Pretty Woman is a true fairytale. Vivian works on Hollywood Boulevard with her room mate Kit as they try to make enough money to pay rent. Edward is a successful business man who finds himself in need of some directions to his hotel room at the prestigious Regent Beverly Wilshire. 

What starts as just a one time thing, Edward and Vivian are drawn to each other and after making a business deal to spend the next 6 days together we watch as their love for each other grows and grows and the unlikely couple soon seem a perfect match. 

I knew I was going to love Pretty Woman The Musical as it is one of my favourite movies but I absolutely loved the songs. I thought both Edward and Vivian really showcased their vocal talents but for me Edward stole the show. His singing was effortless and I'm glad he got the chance to showcase his talent throughout the show. Filling Richard Gere's shoes is a hard task, but he did the job!

Pretty Woman The Musical is touring the UK and more information on venues and dates can be found below. 

23 Jan - 3 Feb 2024 - Liverpool Empire

5 Feb -  10 Feb 2024 - Hull New Theatre

12 Feb - 17 Feb 2024, New Wimbledon Theatre

20 Feb - 24 Feb 2024, Grand Opera House York

27 Feb - 16 Mar 2024, Palace Theatre Manchester

19 Mar - 30 Mar 2024, Milton Keynes Theatre

2 Apr - 13 Apr 2024, Edinburgh Playhouse

15 Apr - 20 Apr 2024, Theatre Royal Plymouth

29 Apr - 5 May 2024, Wales Millennium Centre

6 May - 11 May 2024, Churchill Theatre, Bromley

14 May - 25 May 2024, Leeds Heritage Theatre

28 May - Sat 8 Jun 2024, Sunderland Empire

15 Jul - Sat 20 Jul 2024, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent

20 Aug - Sat 24 Aug 2024, The Alexandra, Birmingham

Have you booked your tickets to see Pretty Woman yet?

READ THESE NEXT



text banner





- If you enjoyed this post leave us a comment.

-  Like us on FacebookTwitter or Instagram and follow us on our adventures.

- If you have visited any of the attractions mentioned in this post share photos with us on our socials. 

- If this post has helped you in anyway you can Buy Us A Virtual Coffee to say thanks.

- If you would like to work with us please visit on Work With Us page for more details

Michelle
Read More

Murder In The Dark Review

No comments
Disclosure - we were invited to watch Murder in the Dark. All thoughts and opinions are our own. 

I have loved going to the theatre since I was a little girl and it's only until the past few years that I have started to enjoy shows that are not musicals. Musicals have always been my favourite but since watching The Mouse Trap it opened a new door for me and now I have seen a wide range of stage shows and I hope to continue to enjoy them as much as I have. This week we went along to one of our favourite theatre venues in the North West, The Lowry to see Murder In The Dark. 

Murder in the dark programme


I'm not a fan of reading reviews of theatre shows before I've seen them however I had heard that Murder In The Dark was a show that would keep you on the edge of your seat with an atmospheric staging and plenty of jump scares. It certainly did have me jumping in my seat a few times and the staging was the perfect setting for this show. 

The show takes place on New Year’s Eve, when the 'has been' pop sensation Danny Sierra crashes his car on a deserted road. Luckily Mrs Bateman is soon to the rescue and she brings the famous but troubled singer Danny Sierra and his dysfunctional family to an isolated holiday cottage in rural England. As soon as she shows them to her cottage the atmosphere becomes spooky with lights turning off and on sporadically as well as the TV. 

the cast of murder in the dark around the table


Over the course of the night we dig deep in to Danny's past as he is joined in the cottage with his much younger girlfriend Sarah, his ex wife Rebecca, his late teens son Jake and his brother who he was once in a band with. We find out that the choices and the sacrifices Danny made in the past will always come back to haunt him. 

Murder In The Dark is touring the UK with a list of venues and dates below.

Jan 23 - Jan 27 2024 , Salford, The Lowry
Book Tickets Online Here

Jan 29 - Feb 03 2024, Southend-On-Sea, Palace Theatre

Feb 06 - Feb 10 2024, Cambridge Arts Theatre

Feb 27 - Mar 02 2024, Cardiff, New Theatre

Mar 05 - Mar 09 2024, Cheltenham, Everyman Theatre

Mar 12 - Mar 16 2024, New Brighton, Floral Pavilion Theatre & Blue Lounge

Mar 19 - Mar 23 2024, Richmond Theatre, Surrey

Mar 25 - Mar 30 2024, Glasgow, the Pavilion Theatre

At the moment the show is only touring until the end of March 2024 however I am sure it will continue beyond this date as it really is a great watch and a great cast including Tom Chambers and Susie Blake. 

Have you booked your tickets to Murder in the Dark yet?

READ THESE NEXT




text banner





- If you enjoyed this post leave us a comment.

-  Like us on FacebookTwitter or Instagram and follow us on our adventures.

- If you have visited any of the attractions mentioned in this post share photos with us on our socials. 

- If this post has helped you in anyway you can Buy Us A Virtual Coffee to say thanks.

- If you would like to work with us please visit on Work With Us page for more details

Michelle
Read More

Who Killed Mia? Review

No comments
Disclosure - Who Killed Mia? was gifted to us however we were not asked to review. All thoughts, opinions and photographs are our own. This post contains affiliate links 

Over the past few years both John and I have become really interested in watching murder mysteries and crime series on TV. It's not something we have ever been in to before however since watching a program on Netflix it now suggests other shows and we have been hooked. Another interest that's popped up is games. We love Escape Room type games and we have done quite a few murder mysteries games too. When we received Who Killed Mia? for inclusion in our Christmas Gift Guide I knew that we would love it as it combines two things we love and not only that Who Killed Mia? boasts that it is a modern murder mystery which will have us searching for evidence both paper based and digitally. 

Who Killed Mia? game box



Who Killed Mia?
Who Killed Mia? asks you to do exactly what it says on the box - find out who killed Mia? Mia Star is an influencer who has took the world by storm. On the night of a very prestigious award show Mia livestreams from her dressing room to millions of fans. What no one expected is that Mia would be brutally murdered live whilst her fan watch in horror. 

three envelopes from inside Who Killed Mia? game

contents from inside Who Killed Mia? game



Game Play
Before game play can begin you will need to scan the QR code so that you can watch Mia's murder. You will get to see Mia alive before her murder and then it's time to get your thinking caps on as you open the three lots of evidence envelope where you read witness statements, news clipping, view photographs and even read emails. Each envelope is marked with a day on it, Day One, Day Two and Day Three. You cannot open the next envelope until you have successfully completed the one before.

content from inside Who Killed Mia? game

Once you have gathered all your evidence and you are sure you know who the killer is you can then make your accusation and get justice for Mia. 

content from inside Who Killed Mia? game


Our Thoughts 
Who Killed Mia? was a game like no other we have played before. Having evidence both paper based and digital really did bring it right up to date and it's the most modern murder mystery game we have completed. As it does have some digital elements you do need a smartphone device which was fine for us. There were over 40 pieces of evidence to go through and like other games some are red herrings and not needed but that just adds to the fun. You don't want it to be too easy and over quickly. In terms of time needed to play I do think that all depends on who's playing. We did it together and it took us around 90 minutes but I've read people have played in a bigger group and it's took less time or you could play Who Killed Mia? on your own if you wanted too as it's suitable for any amount of players. 

We loved Who Killed Mia? and I will definitely be keeping my eye out for any similar games from the makers What Do You Meme?


READ THESE NEXT





text banner





- If you enjoyed this post leave us a comment.

-  Like us on FacebookTwitter or Instagram and follow us on our adventures.

- If you have visited any of the attractions mentioned in this post share photos with us on our socials. 

- If this post has helped you in anyway you can Buy Us A Virtual Coffee to say thanks.

- If you would like to work with us please visit on Work With Us page for more details

Michelle
Read More

Christmas At Dunham Massey

No comments
We love a Christmas light trail and have been lucky to visit a variety of light trails across the country. Our love for lights all began with the original light trail, Blackpool Illuminations which I’ve visited since I was very little. Now Christmas light trails have become more and more popular and it’s now a tradition of ours to visit a light trail or two every year. We’ve just experienced our first Christmas trail of 2023 and it’s one of our favourites. Christmas at Dunham Massey always gets us in the Christmassy mood and this years trail did not disappoint. 

christmas at Dunham Massey sign

Reindeer lights


What To Expect at Dunham Massey, Altrincham WA14 4SJ

'A new after-dark illuminated trail through festive gardens. Firmly positioned as a must-see trail within the UK’s Christmas calendar, the gardens at the National Trust’s Dunham Massey shimmer with over a million twinkling lights as seasonal sounds fill the air with festive fun.'

Dunham Massey lights


'Look forward to some time together with friends and family as you discover sparkling tunnels of light and dancing lakeside reflections, then walk under giant baubles and beneath glistening trees drenched in jewel-like colour. For a moment of reflection pause at mesmerising flickering flames in the fire garden, gaze at the larger-than-life illuminations and, to make a moment to remember, don’t forget to glimpse Father Christmas along the way.'

light trail at Dunham Massey


When?

Selected dates from Friday 17th November to 31st December 2023 - 4:30 to 8:15pm (time slots may vary by date)

light trail at Dunham Massey


How Much?

Tickets are £19 for adults and £12.50 for children for off peak tickets. Standard tickets are £22.50 and Children are £14.50. Peak tickets are £24.50 and children £17. Family tickets are available and carers go free. 


light trail at Dunham Massey


How Long Does The Trail Last?

The trail is approximately one mile long. I think how long you visit depends on each individual family or group. We like to take our time, stop and look at all the lights and then stop half way round for a drink and maybe toast a marshmallow. 

hot chocolate at Dunham Massey

Can I Purchase Food and Drink?

Yes, food and drink and fairground rides are available onsite. Food and drink can be found at the beginning and end of the trail, with additional refreshments at around the midway point. Separate charges apply for all food, drink and rides.

Christmas light trail at Dunham Massey


What Should I Wear?

The event takes place entirely outdoors and appropriate clothing and footwear is essential.

Christmas light trail at Dunham Massey


Is There Parking?

Car parking is available onsite but must be pre-booked at the time of ticket purchase. Parking is free for National Trust members with a valid membership card when pre-booked. Parking is available at an additional charge for non-National Trust members.

Goodnight sign


Our Thoughts

This was our third year visiting the trail and for us each year it just gets better and better. This year was the first time we visited just John and I as we usually visit with the boys but they couldn’t make it this year. It was definitely a different experience just the two of us and although we enjoyed the lights, the ambience and being able to go at a much slower pace we did miss the boys more than we thought we would. Visiting a Christmas light trail is perfect for a family night out. 


READ THESE NEXT




text banner





- If you enjoyed this post leave us a comment.

-  Like us on FacebookTwitter or Instagram and follow us on our adventures.

- If you have visited any of the attractions mentioned in this post share photos with us on our socials. 

- If this post has helped you in anyway you can Buy Us A Virtual Coffee to say thanks.

- If you would like to work with us please visit on Work With Us page for more details

Michelle
Read More
Copyright © Playdays and Runways. Blog Design by SkyandStars.co