The Curtain Theatre Reviewers

Friday 17th April 2026 "Pirates of Penzance" Melbourne Operatic Society Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 Stars) I have to admit, I haven’t seen Melbourne Operatic Society before and I don’t think I’ve ever seen this show so I came in with no expectations and nothing to compare it to, this however, made it all the more enjoyable. Before the show had even started I felt like I was back in the appreciative era of theatre, the MD walked in after the audience was seated and then the room erupted in applause. The overture lasted around about 10 minutes and already the audience were humming along. During the interval, I spoke to some audience members around me and they expressed their love for the G&S music and we agreed it’s sad to see it’s not being performed much anymore. Having performed in some older, more traditional shows myself I understand the appreciation for these types of shows. The story consists of a young pirate who has just finished his training and has now ...

Tuesday 14th April 2026 "The Wedding Singer"  LEOS Musical Theatre Company May Hall, Trent College ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 Stars) It’s opening night for LEOS at May Hall and it’s sad to see so little people in the audience! Saying that, they were not a quiet audience! The laughs, the cries and pure joy that resonated throughout the auditorium was immense. It is clear they appreciated every word from that stage. Having seen many versions of this show, I have to say, this was one of my favourites. The story tells of a wedding singer named Robbie who falls in love with a waitress named Julia who is already betrothed to someone else, however, this does not stop him from using his charm to get the girl. Set in the 80s, this show brings back a nostalgic feel with a comedic twist. On the whole, the entire cast were very strong, vocally and physically. I especially enjoyed the perfect casting of Natalie Webster playing Julia Sullivan and Shan Bhumbra playing Robbie Hart, harmonising impeccably du...

Saturday 4th April 2026 "Sisters 360" ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 Stars) Sisters 360 tells the story, written by Asif Khan , directed by Ameera Conrad and movement directed by Rachel-Leah Hosker , of two step sisters who found a love for skateboarding and are entering a competition. There are a few complications along the way, such as their parents going their separate ways and they split up! Along comes a magical bat to save the day! These events could be very relateable for some young people (except the magical bat of course!).  This show is fast paced, perfect for the 8-12 year olds it’s aimed at. The two cast members, Farah Ashraf and Sara Abanur were bounding, running and playing across the stage which also added to the fun feel.  This is complimented by the versatile graffitied set designed by Erin C Guan and constructed by Basement 94 which is full of coloured blocks and ramps that transform from skateboards to sofas. There was also an element of shadow puppetry, cleverly using the sk...

Thursday 2nd April 2026 "MacBeth" Derby Theatre ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 Stars) The auditorium is buzzing with excitement as we wait for the lights to go down. Press night at Derby Theatre is always such a supporting community and this did not disappoint. Macbeth tells the Shakespearean story of a man named Macbeth. It’s  a fast-paced, bloody tragedy that explores the psychological ruin caused by blind ambition and the thirst for power. This production has been modified to be set in the more fantastical modern day. With most men in camouflage army uniforms (which the only note I have for this show is that these uniforms were almost too clean) then swapped to guilly suits when they are ‘burnam wood’. The women in formal jumpsuits, coats and heels. This however is a juxtaposition to the three witches, whose costumes look like each piece of clothing was picked up from their victims, layers of patchwork style bits and bobs and completed by animal like yet alien masks. At first I was intrigued ho...