Six years ago, in November 2018, I walked through the door at NTWAC (North West Theatre Arts Company) for the first time. The theatre is situated on Lightbowne Rd, Moston and I’ve been through that same door many times since.

I was there that evening to watch a musical called ‘Trench’. I had no idea what to expect but the performance moved me so much I wrote my first ever review at 5am the following morning.

This week, to coincide with remembrance, NTWAC performed Trench for a second time and I jumped at a chance to see it again. Would it, could it be as good?

It might be worth at this point explaining who NWTAC are and what they do. So, in their own words…

About NWTAC: Formed in 2009, in north Manchester, to continue to encourage young people in the performing arts, the North West Theatre Arts Company CIC (NWTAC) delivers a full and varied programme of productions throughout the year. 

Based at NWTAC Theatre in Moston, NWTAC runs the North West Stage School (NWSS), training young people from the ages of 7 to 24 in the performing arts; in preparation for academic drama courses, a career in the industry, or simply as a hobby. 

Since the company was formed, it has staged a considerable number of well-received productions, gaining a reputation for a unique style and professional experience from beginning to end. 

NWTAC aims to create a creative arts ‘hub’ for the north providing affordable working space, productions, classes, and sessions for all within the community.

The Managing Director, Prab Singh, wrote the story himself following conversations his wife’s grandmother, Peggy. It’s not about war but rather a love story. The words, lyrics, thoughts and feelings are taken from true accounts from letters, journals and factual recollections.

Trench is in honour of Peggy, her friends, their boyfriends and husbands whose lives were changed forever fighting for a cause that wasn’t theirs. It was written so that we would never forget what they went through and what they sacrificed.

Was the performance as good this time around? Of course it was. This is NWTAC! It’s what they do, train young people to act, sing, move, perform and they’re brilliant at it.

Tempany Windsor and Melissa Grimes took the lead female roles while Anthony Horricks and Billy Morrison played the leading male roles. They’re all strong vocalists with plenty of experience under their belts and they excelled themselves. Tempany and Melissa sounded like nightingales when they came together for the duets. Anthony and Billy, likewise, sang their hearts out, whilst breaking ours. A love story played out with genuine sensitivity from the whole cast.

One or two cheeky moments lighten the mood a little and make you smile but the backdrop is a horrible war and the final scene is as shocking as it should be. When they cried, we cried.

The lyrics (by Prab Singh) and music (by Ross Johnson) are inspired.

The supporting cast, the set and lighting design (Mark Beaumont), choreography (Tempany Windsor) with Bethany Singh as the Choir Mistress all bring their amazing talent to produce a wonderful musical that deserves a place in the West End. Wardrobe, sound, make-up and stage staff play their part too and it wouldn’t work without them.

Trench runs until 16^th November. Remaining tickets can be purchased via NWTAC’s website here where you can find details of upcoming shows. They can also be found on the following social media platforms:

Facebook: North West Theatre Arts Company

Instagram: @NWTAC

Tiktok: @NWTAC

In 2018 Trench was my first attempt at a review, this review will probably be my last. I’m not going anywhere but like to think I’ve come full circle since joining Another Music in 2017.

Well, when I say ‘I’m not going anywhere’ I will be going to NWTAC. I’ve got eyes on tickets to next months panto and later this month there’s a two night tribute especially for Taylor Swift fans.

They’ve only gone and done it again! Last month’s performance of ‘The Addams Family’ at NWTAC’s theatre on Lightbowne Road, Moston was yet another sell-out.

I went to the opening night with my family, we had a fantastic evening and were still laughing the next day.

Some of you may remember the original 1960’s TV series. Or, like my daughter and son-in-law, you’ve seen later movie or Netflix versions. If you are not familiar with the creepy, spooky and mysterious Addams family then you’re missing out and need to get a grip.

NWTAC’s cast were up there with the best of them and put on a hilarious version of the Broadway Musical.

The story-line centres on Wednesday Addams’ invitation to her boyfriend’s ‘normal’ American family to meet her distinctly ‘abnormal’ family for dinner. The Addams home is located deep in Central Park woods. It has a great banqueting hall, torture chamber and its own spooky graveyard full of Addams’ ancestors who have a knack of turning up all over the place.

Wednesday and her boyfriend, Lucas Beineke, are in love but she begs her father Gomez to keep it a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia, to ensure the evening goes smoothly. That’s quite a challenge for this household!

Poor, poor Gomez. He connects with the audience immediately, gains their sympathy for his situation and our toes curl when his wife Morticia gets suspicious. Plenty more secrets are thrown into the pot to be winkled out as the fateful evening unfolds.

It’s fair to say the Addams Family characters are iconic. This must have inspired the casting at NWTAC as each part was perfectly matched. Gomez and Morticia, played respectively by Anthony Horricks and Evie Lucas, were simply delicious and brilliant.

I couldn’t keep my eyes off ‘the eyes’ of Uncle Fester played by Olivia Hollamby. The expression on his, or rather her face, was astonishing and her comic timing gifted. I think I gasped when she first entered the stage. She looked amazing and I had to check my programme to make sure I’d read it right.

Poppy Evans, who took the part of Wednesday, delivered wile and sass in equal measure and was wonderfully wicked. She wrapped her parents around her little finger and oozed confidence. However, when the prim mother of Lucas, Alice Beineke (aka Paige Garth), went wild and passionate on the night of the dinner, on the table no less, Wednesday’s hopes for ‘normal’ flew out the door.

Entwined throughout the story are the Addams Ancestors. They complement the production with their own comedy input, sweeping dance moves and choral contributions. It was a brilliant show with a happy ending. Relationships get their ‘zing’ back while Gomez and Morticia celebrate success with a romantic weekend at the worst hotel in France. Perfection!

Too many to mention individually, every single member of the cast gave it their all and shone.

The script was hilarious, the vocals and dance routines swept the audience along. Sitting quietly at their stations either backstage or in the tech area of the theatre are the production crew. They work their magic to create an experience and atmosphere that’s quite special. Do not under-estimate their skill. The sound, lighting, sets, costumes and make-up play an essential part while Front of House staff complete the package.

My utmost respect to the management team and directors, this has to be one of the best musical comedies I’ve ever seen.

NWTAC are committed to entertain you with a range of performances throughout the season and they’re working on 2023/2024 right now. Tickets are all reasonably priced so keep an eye on their website and social media so you don’t miss out.

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I’m seated in the front row at NWTAC’s theatre on Lightbowne Road, Moston to see an award winning rock opera called Rent, set in the late 80’s. I have no preconceptions. I know only one song from the show, “525,600 minutes”.

The audience filter in from the bar, get comfy and settle down.

There’s a hush as the lights go down…

The opening scene is set in a cold, bleak attic apartment and the opening number places it in New York – there’s no missing that accent. Mark and Roger can’t afford food nor pay the rent. The storyline follows the two young men and their friends; musicians, dancers, film makers, etc., for one full year.

Poverty, drug addiction, sexual orientation, new relationships, lost love and a deadly illness called AIDS all impact on their dreams and aspirations as the year unfolds. 525,600 minutes to be precise.

There’s no spoken dialogue…

It’s a musical! The story-telling ability of the cast is superb. Each song is not just recited it’s delivered with passion, you empathise automatically with each individual character. Whatever anguish or emotions they are experiencing leaves you as sad or happy or crushed or defiant or desperate as they are.

Owen Garcia, played the flamboyant and vivacious Angel Schunard beautifully. He owned the space when he took to the stage and won the heart of Tom Collins, played by Prab Singh. In fact, he won all our hearts.

The multi-talented Anthony Horricks played the mournful musician Roger Davis. He and James Llewellyn Burke, aka Mark Cohen, had a great rapport. They are both powerful singers who worked really well together, with a treat from Anthony’s guitar playing thrown in. Solomon Asante-Owusu conveyed a clean cut, controlled Benny Coffin III and looked every bit the part of a wealthy landlord.

There’s love in the air as well as despair…

Bring on the girls! Mimi is a dancer in a strip club, she’s seductive and sultry but yearns for real love. Maria Collins played her perfectly. Maureen, played by Halle Kerley, is also a performing artist; bi-sexual, risqué and self-assured. She’s rejected Mark to be with the affluent Joanne Jefferson, a lesbian activist, played by Annabelle Cook. Ladies, what would your mother’s say! You all looked and sounded AMAZING.

The vocals were fabulous. The faces on the main line-up says it all. They love what they do.

The supporting cast played anything up to three roles each. They lightened the mood, brought a brighter tone to the dark subjects being portrayed and were really refreshing.

Hats off to Beth Singh, Musical Director. She stepped lightly onto the stage at the end to take a bow on behalf of all the Production Team. It doesn’t happen without them and they thoroughly deserved the applause too.

Next up for NWTAC is A Night at the Cavern Club starring Beth Singh as Cilla Black and featuring hits by The Beatles, Gerry and the Pacemakers and more. It runs on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th Feb. Tickets are on sale now but will sell fast so don’t hang about.

Follow NWTAC on Facebook for details of future performances, tickets, offers and updates or click here for NWTAC’s website. You can add your details to the mailing list and get updates straight to your inbox.

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