Stories from Alison Norton | Shropshire Star

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Alison Norton

Theatre critic and unofficial 'am dram queen' for the Express & Star and Shropshire Star

November 21, 2025

Supporting image for story: It’s am dram time and panto is leading the way! We look at seven must-see shows to see in the Black Country and Shropshire this Christmas

It’s am dram time and panto is leading the way! We look at seven must-see shows to see in the Black Country and Shropshire this Christmas

November 13, 2025

Supporting image for story: Miss Saigon is coming to the Birmingham Alex - we speak to one of its biggest stars who is excited to star on its famous stage

Miss Saigon is coming to the Birmingham Alex - we speak to one of its biggest stars who is excited to star on its famous stage

November 12, 2025

Supporting image for story: Christmas has arrived early in Wolverhampton as cast of Elf the Musical 'sleigh it' on stage - review

Christmas has arrived early in Wolverhampton as cast of Elf the Musical 'sleigh it' on stage - review

October 13, 2025

Supporting image for story: Ghostly goings on for Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton in 2:22 A Ghost Story at Birmingham Alex

Ghostly goings on for Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton in 2:22 A Ghost Story at Birmingham Alex

July 22, 2025

Supporting image for story: "The Last Laugh", comedy of yesteryear at the Birmingham Alex

"The Last Laugh", comedy of yesteryear at the Birmingham Alex

July 19, 2025

Supporting image for story: The Best Family Entertainment This Summer. "Mary Poppins" flies into the Birmingham Hippodrome! FIVE GINGERBREAD STARS AT LEAST!

The Best Family Entertainment This Summer. "Mary Poppins" flies into the Birmingham Hippodrome! FIVE GINGERBREAD STARS AT LEAST!

July 15, 2025

Supporting image for story: "Bat Out of Hell" Roars on to the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Stage!

FOUR STARS

"Bat Out of Hell" Roars on to the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Stage! FOUR STARS

July 2, 2025

Supporting image for story: It's quick change for the two playing the characters in "Two!"

It's quick change for the two playing the characters in "Two!"

June 24, 2025

Supporting image for story: Janette Rocks "Chicago" at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre! FIVE STARS

Janette Rocks "Chicago" at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre! FIVE STARS

June 19, 2025

Supporting image for story: The epic musical, "Miss Saigon" heads for the Birmingham Alexandra Theatre later this year.

The epic musical, "Miss Saigon" heads for the Birmingham Alexandra Theatre later this year.

June 18, 2025

Supporting image for story: It's Am dram Time! A guide to amateur productions in your area.

It's Am dram Time! A guide to amateur productions in your area.

June 12, 2025

Supporting image for story: Amateur Performers Celebrate the 40 Year Anniversary of the Mighty "Les Miserables, Let the People Sing" with a Five Star Performance!

Amateur Performers Celebrate the 40 Year Anniversary of the Mighty "Les Miserables, Let the People Sing" with a Five Star Performance!

June 11, 2025

Supporting image for story: West Bromwich Born Actress Sian Reeves lends support to Care Home Open Week

West Bromwich Born Actress Sian Reeves lends support to Care Home Open Week

May 29, 2025

Supporting image for story: What it is like to play an Icon. "Tina" The Tina Turner Musical at Birmingham Hippodrome.

What it is like to play an Icon. "Tina" The Tina Turner Musical at Birmingham Hippodrome.

May 28, 2025

Supporting image for story: Beverley Knight Lights Up the City in "Marie and Rosetta." FIVE STARS!

Beverley Knight Lights Up the City in "Marie and Rosetta." FIVE STARS!

Supporting image for story: It's Am Dram Time! I've waited forty years to appear in "Les Miserables!"

It's Am Dram Time! I've waited forty years to appear in "Les Miserables!"

May 23, 2025

Supporting image for story: Classic C.S. Lewis tale sweeps into the Birmingham Alexandra Theatre

Classic C.S. Lewis tale sweeps into the Birmingham Alexandra Theatre

May 19, 2025

Supporting image for story: Ore Oduba set to charm audiences at the Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre next month.

Ore Oduba set to charm audiences at the Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre next month.

May 6, 2025

Supporting image for story: Mary Poppins Flies into Birmingham this Summer!

Mary Poppins Flies into Birmingham this Summer!

April 28, 2025

Supporting image for story: It's Am Dram Time and "The Producers" is guaranteed to make us laugh!

It's Am Dram Time and "The Producers" is guaranteed to make us laugh!

Supporting image for story: Louisa Lytton is a passenger on "The Girl on the Train" at the Birmingham Alex

Louisa Lytton is a passenger on "The Girl on the Train" at the Birmingham Alex

April 2, 2025

Supporting image for story: FIVE STAR REVIEW - "Dear Evan Hansen" raises the roof at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre this week!

FIVE STAR REVIEW - "Dear Evan Hansen" raises the roof at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre this week!

March 31, 2025

Supporting image for story: Broadway and West End Award Winning Musical "Dear Evan Hansen" comes to the Midlands.

Broadway and West End Award Winning Musical "Dear Evan Hansen" comes to the Midlands.

March 17, 2025

Supporting image for story: Strictly Pro Janette Rocks "Chicago!"

Strictly Pro Janette Rocks "Chicago!"

March 12, 2025

Supporting image for story: "War Horse" A play which will stay with you forever. FIVE STARS

"War Horse" A play which will stay with you forever. FIVE STARS

March 10, 2025

Supporting image for story: Local Am Dram Group is "Stepping Out" into the spotlight.

Local Am Dram Group is "Stepping Out" into the spotlight.

March 7, 2025

Supporting image for story: From " TV's Motherland" to theatre's "Rocky Horror," Jackie Clune is a versatile actress.

From " TV's Motherland" to theatre's "Rocky Horror," Jackie Clune is a versatile actress.

March 6, 2025

Supporting image for story: The ultimate drama. "An Inspector Calls." FIVE STAR REVIEW

The ultimate drama. "An Inspector Calls." FIVE STAR REVIEW

February 25, 2025

Supporting image for story: New Lead soprano joins Birmingham Savoyards Gilbert & Sullivan Society

New Lead soprano joins Birmingham Savoyards Gilbert & Sullivan Society

February 14, 2025

Supporting image for story: Walsall amateur dramatics players who are keeping Gilbert and Sullivan alive

Walsall amateur dramatics players who are keeping Gilbert and Sullivan alive

February 4, 2025

Supporting image for story: "Hairspray" the musical is a delight from start to finish! FIVE STARS!

"Hairspray" the musical is a delight from start to finish! FIVE STARS!

February 3, 2025

Supporting image for story: Birmingham Royal Ballet dancer from Stourbridge to appear in "Cinderella."

Birmingham Royal Ballet dancer from Stourbridge to appear in "Cinderella."

January 31, 2025

Supporting image for story: Musical theatre star has a famous brother and she's playing a rip roaring dream role in the West Midlands

Musical theatre star has a famous brother and she's playing a rip roaring dream role in the West Midlands

Supporting image for story: Solomon Davy from Codsall stars in Hairspray at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Solomon Davy from Codsall stars in Hairspray at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

January 29, 2025

"Honest Lies", a brand new play come to the Lichfield Garrick Theatre this February.

January 22, 2025

Supporting image for story: Still a must see even after forty years. FIVE STARS!

Still a must see even after forty years. FIVE STARS!

January 17, 2025

Supporting image for story: Sleeping Beauty is a dream of a pantomime!

Sleeping Beauty is a dream of a pantomime!

December 24, 2024

Supporting image for story: FIVE STARS! Peter Pan flies into the Birmingham Hippodrome and WOWs audiences!

FIVE STARS! Peter Pan flies into the Birmingham Hippodrome and WOWs audiences!

December 14, 2024

Supporting image for story: "Turn Again Whittington." A firm favourite returns to play the role.

"Turn Again Whittington." A firm favourite returns to play the role.

December 13, 2024

Supporting image for story: Have a Pantotastic Time in Am Dram Land this Yuletide!

Have a Pantotastic Time in Am Dram Land this Yuletide!

Supporting image for story: One of the best and funniest pantos around! FIVE STARS

One of the best and funniest pantos around! FIVE STARS

December 4, 2024

Supporting image for story: Definitely a "Beauty" not a "Beast!" FIVE STARS!

Definitely a "Beauty" not a "Beast!" FIVE STARS!

November 28, 2024

Supporting image for story: Don't miss out on the Fee-Fi-Fo Fun at the Lichfield Garrick

Don't miss out on the Fee-Fi-Fo Fun at the Lichfield Garrick

November 25, 2024

Supporting image for story: Fan of 1990's hit children's TV show, "Rosie and Jim", visits local filming locations.

Fan of 1990's hit children's TV show, "Rosie and Jim", visits local filming locations.

November 14, 2024

Supporting image for story: "Nativity The Musical" Sparkles and Shines at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre!

"Nativity The Musical" Sparkles and Shines at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre!

November 13, 2024

Could you be Birmingham's next Jean Valjean?

November 12, 2024

Supporting image for story: Iconic 1970's group are heading for Staffordshire venue

Iconic 1970's group are heading for Staffordshire venue

November 6, 2024

Supporting image for story: It's FIVE STARS for the unique "Come From Away" at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

It's FIVE STARS for the unique "Come From Away" at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

November 4, 2024

Supporting image for story: West End Star recreates "The Music of Dusty Springfield."

West End Star recreates "The Music of Dusty Springfield."

Supporting image for story: I experienced the "Come From Away" musical for real

I experienced the "Come From Away" musical for real