Review: The Bread We Break at Contact

I in no mean belittle this advice, I’m here to report the facts. And by facts I mean points of interest that capture my attention… Allergen warning: there will be loose wheat as part of the set This was in the programme notes and outside the door to the studio. The warning went onto explainContinue reading “Review: The Bread We Break at Contact”

Review: Balloon Animal at Manchester Film Festival

As a child I used to marvel at the concept and sheer artistry of those who could transform balloon into beast (ridiculous but alliteration, I can’t not). Even more so when I tried to do it myself not realising that a special type of balloon can only be used, and concluding that only those touchedContinue reading “Review: Balloon Animal at Manchester Film Festival”

Review: Spaghetti Junction at Manchester Film Festival

There’s a rich history of films centred around the ‘stranger visits town’ trope. Sometimes that trope is literal; a mainstay for many a Western. Sometimes, that stranger is coming from somewhat further afield, swapping out a small town for Earth itself. Starman, Superman, E.T. Close Encounters of the Third Kind – the list is prettyContinue reading “Review: Spaghetti Junction at Manchester Film Festival”

Manchester Film Festival 2022

This week was monumental. After what felt like a long, long dark winter, the sun set AFTER 6pm. Today is also monumental as Manchester Film Festival 2022 throws open its literal and metaphorical doors to us Mancs, honorary and actual, and all those visiting our fine city. From 12 – 20 March, over 130 filmsContinue reading “Manchester Film Festival 2022”

HOME announces award winning artists from the 2022 Manchester Open Exhibition

Having visited this year’s Manchester Open Exhibition and seen for myself the breadth of artistic talent on display, I can only imagine what a difficult job it would have been. But someone had to do it! The judging has taken place and last night, HOME announced the 5 winners of the Manchester Open Awards 2022!Continue reading “HOME announces award winning artists from the 2022 Manchester Open Exhibition”

Film review: Caravaggio, part of the Derek Jarman retrospective, Jarman at HOME

Before we start, HOME is one of my favourite spaces in Manchester. I just wanted to say that. I haven’t professed any feelings for the place itself in quite a while, given the frequency I visit. I don’t take it for granted, especially given the recent enforced absence (I’m over using the C word). SoContinue reading “Film review: Caravaggio, part of the Derek Jarman retrospective, Jarman at HOME”

Review: Private Lives at The Lowry

There was a certain excitement stroke cockiness as I strode, yes strode into the Lowry last night. I’ve been to the Lowry before. I’ve seen Nigel Havers on stage before. I’ve seen Nigel Havers in a play at the Lowry before. I’ve seen a production of Private Lives in Manchester before. But never had allContinue reading “Review: Private Lives at The Lowry”

Preview: Manchester Open Exhibition returns HOME this week

Can it be two years since the inaugural exhibition? And what a two years it’s been. Well let’s not go into that, but the first Manchester Open Exhibition was so super, I even walked away with a purchased piece. A piece that soon began to take on layered and multiple meetings in the 12 monthsContinue reading “Preview: Manchester Open Exhibition returns HOME this week”

Review: Looking Good Dead at The Lowry

I’ve been tussling with this. I’ve been going back and forth. The grown up writer in me (it’s there somewhere) tells me to not be so obvious, cliched and obvious again. The forever child in me behind the blog reminds me that I’m here to document my experiences, thoughts, feelings, passions, obsessions and delectations. YesContinue reading “Review: Looking Good Dead at The Lowry”

Review: The Northern Chamber Orchestra delivers Christmas cheer to Tatton Park

Last Friday 10 December saw the first of two Christmas concerts that day, given by the Northern Chamber Orchestra in Knutsford, And I was excited. But it won’t be the first time I’ve misjudged an entrance and it surely won’t be the last. It actually wasn’t even the first time I misjudged the entrance toContinue reading “Review: The Northern Chamber Orchestra delivers Christmas cheer to Tatton Park”

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”