Author Archives: The author

Review: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at The Lowry

Last night was just what I needed. Never have I seen such a happy, smiley post-show foyer. Ok everyone was masked up (well done everyone) but the eyes and laughter had it. In a world where we’ve entered plan B, plan A was to head to press night of The Lion, the Witch and theContinue reading “Review: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at The Lowry”

Preview: The Northern Chamber Orchestra to bring in Christmas at Tatton Park this December

I have never been so ready for Christmas. Note when I say ready, I don’t mean the practicalities. No matter what I promise myself every year, I will never be that person who’s done, dusted and has Christmas wrapped up (figuratively and literally) by November. No, after Christmas was almost cancelled last year, any jadednessContinue reading “Preview: The Northern Chamber Orchestra to bring in Christmas at Tatton Park this December”

Review: Forgotten Voices at Hope Mill Theatre

Forgotten Voices is something special. To listen to the story of somebody’s life experiences is already a privilege. For that story to be written by that person’s grandson, moreso. But when that story is important, powerful, heartfelt, beautifully written and acted, it’s a whole other level. Written by David Moorhouse, directed by Margaret Connell, andContinue reading “Review: Forgotten Voices at Hope Mill Theatre”

Review: Hold Me Close at Salford Arts Theatre

I LOVE going somewhere new and nothing takes me more places than fringe theatre. Last Friday night it was the turn of Salford Arts Theatre and Two in a Bed Theatre Company’s Hold Me Close. The theatre company, isn’t new to me having seen their work before at The Kings Arms a couple of yearsContinue reading “Review: Hold Me Close at Salford Arts Theatre”

Review: Death Drop at the Lowry

Who knew murder could be so fabulous? It’s 1991, it’s Tuck Island (because of course), it’s Charlie and Di’s 10th wedding anniversary, a storm’s brewing (oh how apt) and the scene is set for a murder mystery so dramatic, so devastating, so…drag. Starring Ru-Paul US drag legends Willam and Ra’Jah O’Hara, Drag Race UK Star VinegarContinue reading “Review: Death Drop at the Lowry”

Review: The Same Rain that Falls on Me (Greater Mcr Fringe)

I’ve written my love letter to fringe theatre before and my opinion never changes. I love you all, theatre concepts, venues, genres…but fringe is definitely a head turner for me… Apart from the opportunity for writers to write and actors to act with a no holds barred emotional, brave and raw approach to the subjectContinue reading “Review: The Same Rain that Falls on Me (Greater Mcr Fringe)”

Review: Everybody’s Talking About Jamie – The Lowry

Everybody’s talking about Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. It’s being recommended to me, I’ve been asked if I’ve seen it, asked if I recommend it… Yes In short. In long, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, is an award-winning ‘feel good musical sensation,’ which debuted in the West End and has opened its UK tour at The Lowry.Continue reading “Review: Everybody’s Talking About Jamie – The Lowry”

Review: Manchester Rum Festival

Rum and Rummer. A rum do Comfortably numb. From rum. Dare I say young, dumb and full of rum? Seems I do. Ok the puns are out of my system now. Which is hopefully also the case for the sheer amount of rum I consumed last Saturday at the Mercure Hotel, Piccadilly Gardens. The ManchesterContinue reading “Review: Manchester Rum Festival”

Exclusive Manchester rum for lucky festival-goers this weekend

If you’re heading to Manchester Rum Festival this weekend [Saturday 28th August] you’re in for a very exclusive treat. Festival owner Dave Marsland and The City of Manchester Distillery have created an entirely unique, never-tasted-before rum solely for ticket holders. Just 100 bottles of The Double Distillery Pot Limited Edition Column Still Rum will be availableContinue reading “Exclusive Manchester rum for lucky festival-goers this weekend”

Review: The Play That Goes Wrong at The Lowry

I like to think that I have a fairly good grip on the entertainment zeitgeist. ‘Think’ and ‘fairly’ being the key words. As although I am aware of the theatre production The Play That Goes Wrong, I wasn’t aware of the television show ‘The Goes Wrong Show’, until asked by a friend whether it translatedContinue reading “Review: The Play That Goes Wrong at The Lowry”

Gigs, digs and mental health – ‘The Roadie Cookbook: Toured There, Ate That‘ launches in Manchester

My Dad was a professional museum, which led to him being away on tour a fair bit when I was growing up. ‘Gigs and digs’ were oft heard words in our house. And it’s all very rock and roll and glamorous, isn’t it? Well like everything, dig (not always deep) below the surface and thereContinue reading “Gigs, digs and mental health – ‘The Roadie Cookbook: Toured There, Ate That‘ launches in Manchester”

It’s a Rum Do in Manchester as Festival returns this August bank holiday

2020…events…pandemic…cancellations and so on and so forth. Stick a pin in that. It’s 2021, it’s the August bank holiday weekend and the Manchester Rum Festival is on! Bringing with it over 30 rum brands from around the world, this year’s festival takes place in the 4-star Mercure Hotel on Saturday 28 August, at the heartContinue reading “It’s a Rum Do in Manchester as Festival returns this August bank holiday”

Review: A Home for Grief – Contact

A sound walk around Manchester. I’ve done what might be referred to as sound walks before. These were the kind set in museums, art galleries, places of interest. My last was interestingly (or not) in San Francisco, at Alcatraz. I have a love/hate relationship with them. Mostly hate as I prefer to read and viewContinue reading “Review: A Home for Grief – Contact”

Review: The Patience of Trees at MiF – now available to stream

Only a few days earlier, I’d enjoyed the wonder that was the Damon Albarn gig, as part of the very special Manchester International Festival. Friday it was back to GMEX (am I being tedious refusing to get upto date with this? Such a mouthful) and the space had been transformed into a very different place.Continue reading “Review: The Patience of Trees at MiF – now available to stream”