Manchester
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I’m a misery when it comes to children’s literature, films, television (although my wonderful young whirlwind of a niece is changing that – Hey Duggie is my ride or die. I’m ageing myself but I’ve never read or watched a Harry Potter. I’ve not watched a Disney film that wasn’t made post 80s and I…
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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 explain…
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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 films…
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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!…
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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). So…
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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 all…
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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 months…
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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. Yes…
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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 to…
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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 jadedness…
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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, and…
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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 years…
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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 Manchester…
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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 available…
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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 translated…
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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 there…
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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 view…
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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.…
honorary manc 