A childhood gaming favourite turned into a political hierarchy, Noughts and Crosses takes audiences on a high speed dramatic journey through love, loss and life threatening betrayal. The performance has a Romeo and Juliet style innocence, however is laced with the kind of mistrust and social divides you are likely to see in the Hunger Games Saga. District 1 represented by the influential Crosses squeezing their grasp on the poor, in this case the Noughts, towards the lower citizens of District 12.

Packed full of classical charm and dynamic vocal artistry, Macbeth takes audiences on a journey through Scotland’s civil war, yet adding the rich flavour of Verdi’s operatic genius. The English Touring Opera, conducted in this performance by Gerry Cornelius, incorporates the bloodthirsty and murderous Shakespearean favourite and balances it alongside the bellowing yet crisp tones sang by the vocalists.

Grease is well and truly the word in this Yorklight interpretation of the funky classic we all know and love, although does fall a little short of the soaring bar set by the original film. Filled with glittering set pieces, colourful attire and hair that is so gelled into place it looks as if the cast has to use olive oil to keep it at bay, creates the perfect staples for this jiving 50s musical.

Out in an abandoned back alley, four girls play in the muck. They inhabit different eras across the twentieth century but through the gap in a wire fence they’re born again into a timeless no-man’s land as their childhood selves. This is the wasteground of Charlotte Keatley’s play, an abstract and non-linear setting where all four characters can see themselves as equals. Their camaraderie is discarded here, forgotten in the main action of the play which pits women against one another.

The hints of a troubled city create a current under-running Rona Munro’s 1991 play Bold Girls, not so much dominating the action rather than leaking through.

Phoenix Dance sores into action with a new high flying repertoire, combining classic contemporary dance with styles such as hip hop and jazz, to create something truly original and intriguing.

Alan Bennett’s amusing yet hard hitting play of love and loss takes audiences into the rehearsal room of a piece which explores the joys and tribulations of art as we know it. Educational in parts, Bennett is clearly trying to send a clear and concentrated message to the audience, one which he does with upbeat charm and subtle intent.

A fresh new outlook and dazzling interpretation of one this country’s most beloved and traditional storylines, York Theatre Royal welcomes audiences on a trip down memory lane.

Courtesy of Ian Hodgson.

Sting’s personable journey to stardom, and early years as a kid growing up during major industrial upheaval within his childhood community, are explored in this charming, yet hard hitting, piece of musical theatre. The Last Ship tells a story of financial instability, social turmoil and the question of local identity throughout ever growing change. The musical repertoire blends deep rooted  traditional chanting with a Mumford and Sons folk friendly flavour, with impactful lyrics that set one on a patriotic singalong.

Paul Birch’s technological thriller takes audiences on a journey through reality and the inner workings of the dominated virtual world we live in today. Audiences are made to feel under surveillance, as the stage space is littered with tall screens and futuristic style set pieces that entrap one within the robotically inspired storyline.

Courtesy of Shaun Conway Photography.