UK Top 10 News

The musical adaptation of 2004 romcom 13 Going on 30 has opened at Manchester Opera House, with original screenwriters Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yuspa providing the book and Jennifer Garner serving as executive producer.
The production follows the film's premise closely: after being humiliated at her 13th birthday party, Jenna Rink rejects her best friend Matty and wishes to be 'thirty, flirty and thriving'.
She awakens to find herself with a grown-up New York apartment, a hot boyfriend and a job editing her favourite fashion magazine—but questions whether this dreamlike existence is truly what she wants.
The silliness of the premise suits musical theatre's heightened register, and director Andy Fickman's production features colourful staging and spirited choreography from Jennifer Weber.
However, Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner's poppy songs, whilst solid, lack memorability except for teen empowerment anthem 'Own It'.
The essential message about embracing one's true self, dorkiness and all, remains simple and saccharine, though occasional knowing winks cut through the sentimentality.
Lucie Jones delivers a lovably goofy performance as Jenna, contrasted with David Hunter's world-weary Matty and Grace Mouat's deliciously catty Lucy.
The excellent young cast frequently appears alongside the adult performers as reminders of their more hopeful, innocent former selves.
Whilst Fickman and his team have produced a decent musical adaptation that stands alone, questions remain about whether this material needed adapting, though perhaps that sentiment reflects a thirtysomething perspective rather than the inner 13-year-old who might simply enjoy the music.