Theatre Review – DollyWould at HOME

And people say she’s just a big pair of tits. (David Brent). Yes, I’ve said tits in a blog post. But there’s no point being polite as the Theatre Company I had the good grace to see perform this evening are called Shit Theatre. Although for polite publications it’s written Sh!t Theatre. I’ve already writtenContinue reading “Theatre Review – DollyWould at HOME”

Theatre Review – Kindertransport, Opera House

This is a tale of mother/daughter relationships. Of course it is set against a backdrop of one of the most important and harrowing world events in history. However,  Diane Samuels’s play is,  I believe,  a story of human relationships, specifically between mothers and daughters; both biological and nurtured. 2018 marks the 80th anniversary of the Kindertransport,Continue reading “Theatre Review – Kindertransport, Opera House”

Manchester Jazz Festival launches

I like to think of myself as a touch bohemian. I’ve been to Matt and Phred’s more than 10 times, I’ll have you know. And not only when the free pizza offer is on. To be fair, I’ve also gone international with my fondness for jazz and its clubs, for example paying a visit to NewContinue reading “Manchester Jazz Festival launches”

Theatre review – Minefield

Walking into HOME theatre on Thursday night, my plus 1 and I discussed the subject matter of the production we were about to see; that of the Falklands War. Both of a similar age (he 15 months older – devil is in the detail), we both agreed that the Falklands was one of the firstContinue reading “Theatre review – Minefield”

Theatre review – The Winslow Boy

Coming home from The Lowry theatre last night, my designated plus 1 in theatre and basically life, told me the story of the snail and the ginger beer. It’s a little like the owl and the pussycat. Well actually nothing like it. The snail and the ginger beer was the court case Donoghue v Stevenson, whichContinue reading “Theatre review – The Winslow Boy”

New Music Launch! Manc favourites Jess Kemp & David Gorman to hit The Deaf Institute

Fans of singer/songwriters Jess Kemp and David Gorman will be thrilled at this double bubble news that they will be co-headlining a gig at top city venue, The Deaf Institute, on 18 May 2018. Each will be individually taking to that iconic stage with a full band, to launch some brand new music to treatContinue reading “New Music Launch! Manc favourites Jess Kemp & David Gorman to hit The Deaf Institute”

Madama Butterfly 🦋 Fatal Passions and Attraction

I last wrote about this topic (in more detail)in my dissertation in the year cough cough etc. You understand my entire dissertation wasn’t based on Michael Douglas but a small portion of it. I don’t have a degree in Michael Douglas. I focussed on the femme fatale on film and how feminist theory has beenContinue reading “Madama Butterfly 🦋 Fatal Passions and Attraction”

All aboard for Brief Encounter – destination West End, first stop Salford…

I’ve been commuting since I was 12 years old, getting the bus to school, 2.9miles away (that 0.1 is very important given that it disqualified me from the free bus pass that the elusive and illustrious 3 mile commute brought you). Buses gave way to trains once starting uni and then work, and I seriouslyContinue reading “All aboard for Brief Encounter – destination West End, first stop Salford…”

*MCR Event* Burns Night in style – Chivas Regal with Paul Smith

Dear old Rabbi Burns Chivas Regal celebrated Burns Night at Paul Smith on Cathedral Street this year. Whisky never tasted so stylish…

My Manchester in 2017 – in pictures

The highs, the lows and the love that stemmed. Beautiful Manchester. .

Bowled over by the Hilton

Brought up by cricket-loving parents. I can boast that I was there at the infamous Headingley Test in 1981. I was barely stringing a sentence together given my young years what’s new? (Good one, me. Who just wrote that too. About me) … but I was there. And so with that grounding, I had noContinue reading “Bowled over by the Hilton”

The Tram Tribes – a Manchester subculture. 

The Manchester Metrolink. It has its knockers but I’m a fan and think, in general, it’s pretty good. Pretty good doesn’t include when it terminates early at Timperley or Navigation Road (Alty commuters, right?). But as a service, it mostly works. Whilst crowding and cancellations can drive you to the brink at times (or not, ifContinue reading “The Tram Tribes – a Manchester subculture. “

Mancs vs Food – aka my Saucy Sunday 

Sunday, Bloody Sunday.  You wake up in the morning, you’ve got to read all the papers, the kids are running around, you’ve got to mow the lawn, wash the car, and you think  Sunday. Bloody Sunday With a few adjustments to the woes listed by Alan Partridge , I often do think the same. They’reContinue reading “Mancs vs Food – aka my Saucy Sunday “

Brasserie Abode – bringing it home.

It was on a balmy night in Manchester when Brasserie Abode threw open its doors, banged on its bongos and welcomed Manchester into its loving, refurbished arms. If the recently rebranded bar and restaurant is anything like its welcome party, us mancs (born and honorary) are in for a treat. Last Thursday I got aContinue reading “Brasserie Abode – bringing it home.”

Malmaison brings the Millennial touch to Afternoon Tea 

When I was young, I had two major concerns about getting older: I wouldn’t be allowed to wear my hair in a ponytail anymore; and  What would I do about coffee mornings – I hated coffee and indeed tea. What world I was living in where the latter was a real worry, I don’t know.Continue reading “Malmaison brings the Millennial touch to Afternoon Tea “