I reviewed this performance for Broadway World UK: read my critical review here!

Expectations: 2.5/5
Reality: 4/5
Chronic Illness Friendly: 4.5/5 – No strobe lights! One flickery lighting moment with torches, and one jumpy moment. Aside from that, this one’s a nice, safe choice for those with chronic illnesses/sensory issues.

I absolutely loved being back at Sheffield Crucible Theatre to review this performance. It’s honestly one of the most beautiful, intimate theatre settings around and I have so many memories of performing there myself. And What We Wished For is likely going to become a new addition to my positive memories of the place; this performance completely exceeded my expectations.

I’ve said most of what I wanted to say in my BWW review linked above, but I wanted to add that I personally don’t think the advertising/promotion of this show does it justice. The actual story seemed completely different and so much more entertaining than that described in the promotional material, and I hope that doesn’t deter people from seeing this show. The actual story is a unique mash-up of classical fairytales with modern day Sheffield culture, and the result was rather beautiful. Whilst some aspects of the writing could have been more coherent and the themes presented towards the end of the story could have been better embedded throughout, on the whole it was very well-written by Chris Bush, and performed excellently by Sheffield People’s Theatre. The set design was absolutely stunning (the huge book props positioned around the stage were seriously tempting me to declare an audience participation game of The Floor Is Lava) and well handled and maneuverered by the cast, and the whole show struck just the right balance between classical and contemporary culture.

I’d really recommend giving this one a go, especially if you’re a Sheffield local. Find out more and book your tickets here, and let me know what you think!