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West Midlands Theatre Review, Solihull (2026)

20/04/2026

🍫🎩 W***y Wonka — Gene Wilder ❤️ || Johnny Depp 👍 || Timothée Chalamet 🥰 🍭✨

❤️ Gene Wilder’s Wonka is pure magic with a hidden blade. He made Wonka feel whimsical, warm, and slightly dangerous all at once — like a man smiling kindly while testing your soul. There was mystery in every line and mischief in every glance. Gentle on the surface, but absolutely in control underneath. Timeless. 🍬

👍 Johnny Depp’s Wonka took the character somewhere stranger, colder, and far more unsettling. His version felt like a broken genius raised in a world with no normal rules — awkward, eerie, and fascinating to watch. Love it or hate it, Depp didn’t play safe for a second. He made Wonka feel less like a candy man and more like an emotional riddle in velvet. 🎭

🥰 Timothée Chalamet’s Wonka brings a younger, softer, more romantic kind of charm. His version feels brighter, dreamier, and easier to love — less menace, more wonder. He doesn’t try to out-weird the others; he leans into heart, optimism, and pure storybook charisma. A sweeter Wonka, but still undeniably watchable. ✨

👇 Who’s your ultimate chocolate king?
Gene Wilder’s magical mystery ❤️
Johnny Depp’s eerie brilliance 👍
or
Timothée’s charming dreamer energy 🥰

18/04/2026

REVIEWING SOON:
PREVIEW: Lord of the Flies
The Dovehouse Theatre,
23rd - 24th April 2026

There are some stories that arrive with a sense of unease already woven into their fabric. Lord of the Flies is one of them. Raw, unsettling, and unflinchingly honest, William Golding’s classic is not an easy night at the theatre - and that is precisely why it remains so powerful. In the hands of Obsidian Theatrical Productions, this promises to be a gripping and thought-provoking staging.

At its heart, Lord of the Flies is a study of human nature stripped bare. A group of young boys, isolated from civilisation, attempt to create order… only to watch it fracture under fear, power, and instinct. What begins as structure quickly descends into something far darker. It is this descent - from innocence to chaos - that gives the piece its enduring weight and relevance.

Obsidian Theatrical Productions have built a reputation for tackling bold material, and this feels like a natural fit. There is a clear sense of intent behind this production - not to soften the edges, but to lean into them. Expect a staging that embraces tension, atmosphere, and psychological depth. This is theatre that invites its audience to sit forward, not settle back.

The Dovehouse Theatre offers an ideal setting for a piece like this. Its intimacy allows every glance, every shift in tone, every moment of silence to land with impact. In a story where relationships unravel and alliances shift, that closeness between performer and audience becomes part of the experience itself.

What stands out most is the ambition behind bringing this story to the stage. It is not spectacle-driven in the traditional sense, but instead relies on performance, direction, and mood to carry its force. When done well, Lord of the Flies lingers long after the curtain falls - raising questions rather than offering comfort.

With performances across two evenings only, this is a limited opportunity to experience something that steps away from the familiar and into the unsettling. Tickets are priced at £15 (£14 concessions), offering accessible entry into a production that aims to challenge as much as it entertains.

For those drawn to theatre that explores the darker edges of storytelling, this is one to take notice of. It may not be comfortable viewing — but it is likely to be compelling.

Tickets: https://www.ticketsource.com/whats-on/olton/the-dovehouse-theatre-langley-arts-sports-complex/lord-of-the-flies-obsidian-theatrical-productions/e-rbvakp

Direct booking: [email protected]

Reviewed by Richard
WM Theatre Review

18/04/2026

The curtain rises once more… and what a moment it is.

WM Theatre Review is over the moon to be back where it belongs, in the glow of the stage lights, celebrating the magic, passion and sheer brilliance of local theatre. From the hush before the opening line to the final bow, we’re here to champion the performers, the creatives, and the communities that make our stages come alive.

We’re also stepping into a slightly newer spotlight… Instagram. A different kind of stage for us, and we’ll admit, we’re learning as we go. If you fancy joining us on that journey, do come and follow along here:
https://www.instagram.com/wmidstheatre/

Any tips, guidance, or friendly nudges are always welcome.

This is a call to arms for every theatre lover, performer, director and supporter. Let’s fill the seats, raise the curtain, and shine a light on the incredible talent right on our doorstep.

If you have a show coming up and would like a preview or review, simply drop us a message. We’d love to be part of your story.

Now then… places everyone. It’s time.

Let’s get promoting local theatre.

18/04/2026

REVIEWING SOON:
PREVIEW: The Wizard of Oz – The Musical, Kinver Light Operatic Society
Kinver High School Theatre, May 10–16, 2026

There is something quietly reassuring about returning to The Wizard of Oz. It’s a story so deeply embedded in theatre culture that it carries expectation with it – not just of spectacle, but of heart. Kinver Light Operatic Society lean confidently into both, delivering a production that understands exactly why this show continues to endure.

From the opening moments, there is a clear sense of care in the staging. The transition into Oz is handled with a welcome sense of theatricality, allowing the audience to fully step into that familiar yet always magical world. It’s in these moments that the production finds its rhythm – bright, engaging and unapologetically full of colour.

At the centre of it all is Dorothy, anchoring the story with a sincerity that gives weight to the journey. Around her, the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion bring a well-balanced mix of humour and warmth, each character distinct without ever tipping into excess. Their dynamic feels natural, which is crucial in a show that depends so heavily on the bond between its central quartet.

Musically, the production delivers what audiences hope for. Somewhere Over the Rainbow is given the space it deserves, landing as one of the evening’s quieter highlights, while the ensemble numbers bring energy and movement to the stage. There’s a clear commitment from the company to maintain pace, ensuring the show never lingers too long in one place.

The Wicked Witch, as ever, provides the necessary edge. There’s a controlled sense of menace here that works well within the tone of the production, particularly for a family audience. It adds just enough tension without overshadowing the warmth that defines the piece.

What stands out most is the consistency of the ensemble. This is a company that understands the importance of collective effort. From the Munchkins to the citizens of Oz, there is a shared energy that carries the production forward, reinforcing the sense that this is a fully realised world rather than a series of individual performances.

Kinver High School Theatre proves an effective setting for this kind of show. Its intimacy allows for connection, while still giving enough space for the larger moments to land. It suits the production well, particularly in scenes that rely on audience engagement and visual storytelling.

This is a Wizard of Oz that doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel – and it doesn’t need to. Instead, it focuses on delivering the story with clarity, colour and genuine affection. The result is an evening that feels both nostalgic and freshly performed, reminding us why this journey down the yellow brick road continues to resonate.

Tickets are £19.30, with performances running throughout the week at Kinver High School Theatre. For those looking for a familiar story told with care and enthusiasm, this is a production that delivers exactly that.

Written by Richard @ WM Theatre Review

17/04/2026

REVIEW SOON:
PREVIEW: Beauty and the Beast arrives at Sutton Coldfield this June, and it’s shaping up to be a production full of charm, spectacle and that unmistakable Disney magic.

Presented by Trinity Players, this much-loved Broadway musical brings the timeless story of Belle and the Beast to life with warmth, humour and a strong sense of theatrical flair. It’s a tale that audiences know well, but one that continues to captivate when placed in the hands of a committed and imaginative company.

With music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, the show carries some of the most recognisable songs in musical theatre. Numbers like Be Our Guest and Gaston offer big ensemble moments, while the title song delivers the kind of quiet magic that can stop a room.

Trinity Players have a reputation for delivering polished productions, and this feels like a show that plays directly to their strengths. Expect colourful staging, strong character performances and a production that leans fully into the fantasy of the piece.

Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Hall provides the perfect setting for this kind of storytelling – intimate enough to feel connected, yet grand enough to support the scale of the show.

If you’re looking for something uplifting, familiar and visually engaging, this is a lovely way to spend an evening (or afternoon) at the theatre.

Showing 3rd – 7th June 2026
Sutton Coldfield Town Hall
Tickets £20 | £16 (under 16)
Book here: https://www.ticketsource.com/trinity-players/beauty-and-the-beast/e-erqgbg

Written by Donald @ WM Theatre Review

17/04/2026

REVIEWING SOON:
Preview: Made in Dagenham – The Musical
Arrives at Brierley Hill this June, and it’s set to be one of those productions that blends energy, heart and real meaning into something quite special.

Presented by Quarry Bank Musical Theatre Society, this is a story that still resonates today. Set in 1960s England, it follows a group of women who stand up, speak out and ultimately change the course of history. It’s a powerful narrative, but one that comes wrapped in humour, warmth and a brilliant musical score that keeps the audience engaged throughout.

From what we’re seeing, this production promises strong ensemble work, bold choreography and a vibrant visual style. The show thrives on its sense of unity, and when done well, it becomes something more than just entertainment – it becomes a shared experience between cast and audience.

The setting of Brierley Hill Civic Hall adds to that appeal. It’s a space that suits this kind of production perfectly, allowing the story to feel close, immediate and personal.

If you enjoy musicals that have something to say, alongside songs you’ll be humming on the way home, this is well worth a look.

Showing 3rd – 6th June 2026
Hill Civic Hall
Tickets £20.44 – £22.53
Book here: https://www.seaty.co.uk/mid/Book

Written by Richard @ WM Theatre Review

16/04/2026

REVIEWING SOON:
Beauty and the Beast – The Broadway Musical
Stourbridge Town Hall
5th to 9th May 2026
Tinkers Farm Opera

There is something quietly magical about a show that arrives with expectation already built into its name. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is one of those rare titles that carries both nostalgia and spectacle in equal measure. In the hands of Tinkers Farm Operatic Society, this much-loved musical looks set to become something rather special in the heart of Stourbridge.

At its core, this is a story that endures because of its simplicity and truth. Belle, yearning for more than her provincial surroundings can offer, meets a Beast trapped not just by a curse, but by his own past. What unfolds is not just romance, but transformation, and it is this emotional journey that gives the production its weight beneath the sparkle.

Tinkers Farm have built a reputation for delivering theatre with ambition, and this production promises exactly that. A full live orchestra alone sets the tone, elevating the show into something far beyond a standard amateur performance. Add to that the promise of richly detailed costumes, imaginative staging, and energetic choreography, and you begin to see a production that is aiming high and inviting its audience to come along for the ride.

Of course, no telling of Beauty and the Beast would be complete without its iconic score. Songs such as Be Our Guest, Gaston, and the title number itself are woven into the fabric of musical theatre, and when performed with care and confidence, they have the power to lift a room entirely. The challenge is always to balance familiarity with freshness, and it will be fascinating to see how this cast makes these moments their own.

There is also something particularly fitting about this production being staged at Town Hall. It is a venue that brings audience and performer into close connection, allowing the emotion, humour, and spectacle to land with immediacy. For a show built on character and heart, that intimacy can make all the difference.

What stands out most from what we know so far is the clear intent behind the production. This is not simply about retelling a well-known story. It is about creating an experience. One that appeals to families, theatre lovers, and those who simply want to step into a different world for an evening. That sense of shared enjoyment, across generations, is exactly what theatre at its best achieves.

With performances running from Tuesday 5th through to Saturday 9th May, including a Saturday matinee, there is a good spread of opportunities to catch the show. Tickets are set at £21.44, representing strong value for a production of this scale, and early booking would be wise given the enduring popularity of the title.

Tinkers Farm Operatic Society continue to demonstrate a real commitment to quality and community theatre, and Beauty and the Beast feels like a natural fit for their strengths. If the promise of the production is matched on stage, audiences are in for an evening of warmth, spectacle, and just the right touch of enchantment.

Tickets: https://www.seaty.co.uk/tfobeauty/Book
Contact: 01384 812812

Preview by Richard
WM Theatre Review

15/04/2026

A Favourite of WM Theatre Review - Coming Soon:
Anything Goes – The Musical

All Aboard for Classic Musical Mischief in Solihull
There are musicals that tell a story. . .
And then there are musicals that simply sweep you away.

Anything Goes is firmly the latter.

This May, it docks at the The Core Theatre Solihull, as Solihull Theatre Company bring this timeless, high-energy classic to the stage with all the flair and rhythm it deserves.

Running from 12th to 16th May, this production promises pure theatrical escape. . . the kind that leans into joy, absurdity, and the irresistible pull of a great song.

Set aboard the S.S. American, the story unfolds in a whirl of mistaken identities, romantic entanglements, and delightfully chaotic ambition. At its centre is Billy Crocker, a stowaway chasing love across the Atlantic, aided by an unlikely cast of characters including the charismatic Reno Sweeney and the wonderfully dubious Moonface Martin.

It is a story that does not pause for breath.

And that is exactly the point.

Anything Goes thrives on pace. On movement. On that sense that anything might happen next. . . and probably will. It is theatre at its most playful, where logic takes a back seat and entertainment takes the wheel.

And when handled well, it becomes something quite special.

Amateur theatre is particularly well suited to shows like this. There is a natural energy, a willingness to embrace the larger-than-life nature of the piece, that brings these classic musicals into their own. The audience is not just watching. . . they are invited along for the ride.

Solihull Theatre Company, with their strong local reputation and clear passion for performance, look set to deliver exactly that. A production rooted not just in nostalgia, but in the joy of performance itself.

Musically, the show is built on the unmistakable work of Cole Porter, whose songs remain some of the most recognisable in musical theatre.

From the uplifting energy of Blow, Gabriel, Blow to the effortless charm of It’s De-Lovely, and the ever-playful You’re The Top, the score carries a sense of timeless sophistication. And then, of course, there is the title number… Anything Goes. . . a song that captures the spirit of the entire production in just a few unforgettable minutes.

In a venue like The Core, those moments take on a different quality. Closer. More immediate. More alive.

There is always something electric about a musical like this landing in an intimate theatre. . . where every laugh, every note, and every step feels shared.

It is also worth noting the accessibility of the Saturday 16th May matinee, which will feature a BSL interpreter, opening the performance to an even wider audience and reinforcing the inclusive spirit that theatre at its best represents.

Because ultimately, Anything Goes is not about realism.

It is about release.
It is about joy.
And it is about stepping into a world where, just for a couple of hours… the rules loosen, the music lifts, and anything truly does go.

Show Details at a Glance:
Production: Anything Goes – The Musical
Dates: 12th – 16th May
Venue: The Core Theatre
Time: 7:30pm (plus 2:30pm matinee on Saturday 16th May with BSL interpreter)
Prices: £23 (+ transaction fee)
Presented by: Solihull Theatre Company

Tickets & Information:
https://www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk

There is something enduring about a musical that knows exactly what it is meant to be.

Anything Goes does not try to be subtle.
It does not try to be quiet.

It simply invites you in…

And asks you to enjoy the ride.

15/04/2026

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
A Flight of Imagination Arrives in Lichfield

There are stories that feel timeless…
Stories that seem to belong not just to a generation, but to childhood itself.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is one of those rare adventures.

This May, it takes to the stage at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre, as Brownhills Musical Theatre Company bring this much-loved classic to life with what promises to be a production full of charm, energy, and a touch of theatrical magic.

Running from 5th to 9th May 2026, this is a show that invites audiences of all ages to step away from the everyday… and into something altogether more imaginative.

At its heart is the story of Caractacus Potts, an eccentric inventor whose world shifts the moment he restores an old race car. With his children by his side, and the ever-graceful Truly Scrumptious entering their lives, what begins as a simple project soon becomes something extraordinary.

Because this is no ordinary car.

And that is where the magic begins.

As the adventure unfolds, the stakes rise. The wonderfully eccentric gives way to moments of real tension, as the sinister Baron Bomburst casts his eye on the flying marvel. What follows is a journey that blends laughter with danger, fantasy with feeling.

It is a balance that musical theatre does so well… when it is done with care.

And this is where productions like this often shine.

Amateur theatre, particularly in family favourites, brings a kind of sincerity that cannot be manufactured. The joy is shared. The imagination is collective. And the connection between stage and audience becomes part of the storytelling itself.

Brownhills Musical Theatre Group clearly approach this production with ambition, marking the Garrick premiere of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. There is something special about a first outing in a venue like this… a sense of occasion, of stepping into something new.

Musically, the show carries a legacy that is hard to ignore. Songs such as Toot Sweets, Hushabye Mountain, and the instantly recognisable Chitty Chitty Bang Bang are woven into the fabric of musical theatre itself. Hearing them performed live offers something different.

More immediate.
More personal.

And in a theatre like the Garrick, those moments have room to breathe.

A run, where the energy of a live audience - families, children, and long-time fans alike - will no doubt bring an added warmth to the performance. There is always something unique about a show that spans generations, where nostalgia and discovery sit side by side.

Because ultimately, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is not just about invention or adventure.

It is about imagination.
It is about family.
And it is about believing, just for a moment, that the impossible might take flight.

Show Details at a Glance:
Production: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Dates: 5th – 9th May 2026
Venue: Lichfield Garrick Theatre
Prices: £28 (Under 14s £20)
Presented by: Brownhills Musical Theatre Group

Performance Times:
Tuesday 5 May – 7:30pm
Wednesday 6 May – 7:30pm
Thursday 7 May – 2:30pm & 7:30pm
Friday 8 May – 7:30pm
Saturday 9 May – 2:30pm & 7:30pm

Tickets & Information:
https://brownhillsmusicaltheatre.co.uk/events/?utm_source=web&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=chitty
~

There is something quietly magical about stories that remind us to dream a little bigger.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has been doing that for generations.

And this May, it looks ready to do it all over again…

One flight at a time.

https://www.facebook.com/Brownhillsmusicaltheatrecompany

15/04/2026

REVIEWING SOON:
9 to 5: The Musical
A Workplace Revolution with Heart and Humour

There are stories that entertain. . . and then there are stories that resonate.
Stories that, beneath the laughter, carry something sharper. More knowing. More real.

9 to 5 is one of those stories.

This June, it arrives at The Core Theatre with a spark of mischief and a message that feels just as relevant now as it did when it first hit the screen. Only this time, it comes with music, movement, and the unmistakable voice behind it all… Dolly Parton.

Running from 9th to 13th June 2026, Queensbridge Musical Theatre Society bring this bold and witty production to life in what promises to be an evening filled with laughter, energy, and a touch of rebellion.

At its heart, 9 to 5 follows three women - Violet, Judy, and Doralee - each navigating the frustrations of a workplace shaped by ego, inequality, and outdated attitudes. When pushed too far, they begin to imagine something different. And then. . . they act on it.

What unfolds is a story that balances comedy with catharsis. Absurdity with truth.

And that balance is where productions like this often thrive.

Amateur theatre has a unique ability to lean into stories that matter, not just because of their spectacle, but because of their spirit. There is an honesty in the performance, a shared understanding between cast and audience, that gives shows like this their real power.

Queensbridge Musical Theatre Society, with a history stretching back decades, have built a reputation on exactly that kind of connection. A vibrant and committed company, they bring not just performance, but presence.

Musically, the show carries its own identity. The title number 9 to 5 is instantly recognisable, but it is the wider score that gives the production its emotional depth. Songs like Shine Like the Sun and Get Out and Stay Out move beyond catchy melodies and into something more personal. . . moments of reflection, strength, and change.

And in an intimate venue like The Core, those moments have space to land.

WM Theatre Review will be attending during the run, where the energy of a live audience will no doubt add its own rhythm to the performance. There is something particularly fitting about seeing a show like this in a space that feels close, immediate, and connected.

Because ultimately, 9 to 5 is not just about a workplace.

It is about voice.
It is about courage.
And it is about what happens when ordinary people decide they have had enough. . . and begin to imagine something better.

Show Details at a Glance:
Production: 9 to 5: The Musical
Dates: 9th – 13th June 2026
Venue: The Core Theatre Solihull
Prices: £20 (Tuesday), £23 all other performances (+ fees)
Presented by: QMTS - Queensbridge Musical Theatre Society
Music & Lyrics: Dolly Parton
Book: Patricia Resnick
Age Guidance: 12+

Tickets & Information:
https://www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk/whats-on/all-shows/9-to-5-the-musical/27806

There is something quietly powerful about stories that make us laugh while asking us to think.

9 to 5 does exactly that.

And this June, it may just remind us that change does not always begin with grand gestures. . .

Sometimes, it starts with three voices. . . deciding to be heard.

West Midlands Theatre Review

20/04/2026

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