We take a look at what is being said about the European premiere of the musical, playing at the Manchester based theatre until the 4th March.
I Love Manchester.com: “With great songs, jokes, representation of LGBTQ+ values and uplifting message of finding your own identity, there is something on show for everyone, and it all comes to life in the intimate setting of Hope Mill Theatre.”
WhatsOnStage: ** “There are witty touches, such as Maiya Quansah-Breed’s suspended note held into a scream of exasperation as the freedom-stripped daughter in “Good Girl”, or two lovers defiantly trying to out-trill each other at the end of “Automatic Rainy Day”. Mostly, though, the music and verse combo is a no-go that makes a beat you’d rather skip.”
West End Best Friend: **** “With many of the stars of RENT returning to the Hope Mill Theatre for the production, the cast of Head Over Heels are all excellent and with support from the band (led by musical director Arlene Mcnaught) all give powerful vocal performances to bring the music of The Go-Go’s to life, specifically Jenny O’Leary’s performance as Pamela. Other stand out performances come from Iz Hesketh as the mystical oracle Pythio and Daniel Page as the loyal yet humorous Dametas.”
The Guardian: *** “Although a variety of intersecting love interests lead to satisfying resolutions, in terms of partnerings, realisations of sexualities and acceptance of gender fluidity, we are never in any real doubt that all will end well. Characters, while delivered with tremendous oomph by the all-singing, all-dancing cast of eight plus four-strong chorus, never face any real jeopardy – physical, psychological or emotional.”
The Telegraph: **** “This ‘queer jukebox musical’ from 2015 turns a trouble-in-Arcadia scenario into a fabulously engaging romcom.”
Number 9 Reviews: “A hugely talented company, no less a talented team of creatives behind the production, and a truly feel-good and thoroughly modern LGBTQ musical for our contemporary milieu. Guaranteed to blow away the wintry blues and leave you with a huge grin on your face.”
For more information and to book tickets visit: https://hopemilltheatre.co.uk/event/head-over-heels/