Last night I was invited to the press night of Something Rotten! at the Opera House, Manchester. I knew nothing about this show apart from the fact that it has cult status and has won many awards. This made me curious, but not fully hopeful. I love history, but this felt a bit slapstick. I was not sure if it was going to be something I would like. How wrong could I have been?
Something Rotten! is a show that combines comedy and musical theatre seamlessly to create something that feels fresh, dazzling and exciting to watch.
What You Will Find Here
About Something Rotten!
Something Rotten! first opened on Broadway in 2015 at the St. James Theatre in New York. Created by brothers Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick, with the book co-written by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell. The show brings together Shakespeare, musical theatre and plenty of comedy in a way that feels completely original.
The idea behind the musical is wonderfully simple: what if two struggling playwrights living in Shakespeare’s England tried to beat him to the next big thing in theatre? The result is a fast-paced comedy packed with catchy songs, larger-than-life characters and countless references to some of the most famous musicals ever written.
Audiences quickly fell in love with the show’s clever humour and theatrical in-jokes. Thus helping it become one of Broadway’s standout new musicals. The original production received 10 Tony Award nominations and won a Tony Award for Christian Borle’s scene-stealing portrayal of Shakespeare.
Since its Broadway debut, Something Rotten! has been performed around the world and has built a loyal following among musical theatre fans.
My Review of Something Rotten!
Just wow, who knew a production could have six leading characters? All equally vital to the story and the feel of the show. Each one plays their part perfectly, drawing you in and making you fall in love with them for completely different reasons.
Nick Bottom (Jason Manford) brings the heart of the story with his honest desperation to succeed. While Will Shakespeare (Richard Fleeshman) is all lovable superstar arrogance, and I really hope he was actually like that in real life!
Bea Bottom (Marisha Wallace) is full of grit, determination and unwavering support, completely holding everything together. Yet, Nigel Bottom (Cassius Hackforth) offers a quieter, beautifully understated talent that really stays with you.
Portia (Carla Dixon-Hernandez) radiates freedom, beauty and vibrancy, and Nostradamus (Cory Englsih) is pure chaotic genius, delivering so much comedy and energy every time he’s on stage.
Together, they balance each other perfectly, creating a production that feels rich, funny and completely unforgettable.
But That’s Not All
The set is phenomenal and captures the era perfectly, transporting you straight into the world of the story. It’s supported by a brilliant score, with huge musical numbers that are flawlessly choreographed; not a single note or step feels out of place.
Everything is brought to life by an incredibly talented ensemble, all wrapped around a warm, funny and genuinely engaging storyline. The show cleverly weaves in adult humour, along with plenty of theatre and historical references, all delivered in a way that feels sharp, clever and never once tacky.
Something Rotten! feels exciting, vibrant, and so much fun. Making history cool, it takes the past and makes it feel relevant, exciting and full of life in a way I never expected.
Where Can You See Something Rotten
Something Rotten is playing at the Opera House Manchester until the 19th July and omg dont miss this one.
Disclaimer: I was gifted the tickets, but a review is optional. However, all opinions are my own. Check out where to park near the Opera House Manchester.
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