Frankie goes to Bollywood

Frankie never wanted to be a star, and after a chance encounter with a director, she finds herself transported to the ruthless world of Bollywood. As she climbs the sparkling staircase of stardom, Frankie must confront what she is willing to do for fame and fortune. Can she stay in the Bollywood family and stillContinue reading “Frankie goes to Bollywood”

Tender – HOME MCR

Tis a strange thing. Strange but true. I get a frisson of excitement, a soupçon of a thrill, when I enter a theatre space and the set is sparse. There’s no particular science here but it usually equates to good, honest theatre. A statement as broad and sweeping as they come. But there’s nowhere toContinue reading “Tender – HOME MCR”

Sweat – Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester

A sweeping state-of-the-nation play that embraces huge political and economic ideas in a magnificent gritty social drama. Nottage’s stunning writing pits friend against friend as social and racial tensions, once buried by a sense of solidarity, soon rise to the surface in this breathtaking drama.  Divide and conquer. If it wasn’t for the accents, IContinue reading “Sweat – Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester”

The Mousetrap at The Lowry

Years, I’ve been in a state of tension. For many reasons, granted. But akin to a reality TV show fan, nervously scrolling through online forums, terrified to uncover some spoiler from the latest episode before they’ve had chance to catch up (I say all that like that’s also not me), I’ve spent years, years, avoidingContinue reading “The Mousetrap at The Lowry”

Bloody Mary: LIVE! – HOME Mcr

One of my favourite names for a mocktail (like I ever have one…) is the Bloody Shame at Con Club, Altrincham – the gag being that it’s a Bloody Mary without alcohol… Deviating for a second, my favourite ever name for a tribute band is R We Them…give it a second. Bloody Mary’s (aka MaryContinue reading “Bloody Mary: LIVE! – HOME Mcr”

Cluedo 2 at The Lowry

The boardgame Cluedo had a special place in my family’s hearts growing up. Once I’d got everything I could from Rings on your Fingers, Matching Pairs and Ludo, it was time to graduate to the heady heights of Monopoly and Cluedo. And given my maiden name is Peacock, we of course found it oh soContinue reading “Cluedo 2 at The Lowry”

A Taste of Honey – Royal Exchange Theatre

I’m sat writing this looking out on Salford Docks. Well strictly speaking Salford Quays. Well strictly speaking, one of the Basins, with all its accoutrements; bridge(s), birds, runners, dog-walkers, lanyard bedecked workers, high-rises… But not the high-rises that one would have come to expect from Salford. A whole different shinier, floor-to-ceiling windowier animal. And yetContinue reading “A Taste of Honey – Royal Exchange Theatre”

Frankenstein at The Lowry

An Imitating the Dog and Leeds Playhouse co-production, directed by Andrew Quick, Pete Brooks and Simon Wainwright, and performed by Georgia-Mae Myers and Nedum Okonyia. A storm gathers outside. In an ordinary home, the lights flicker, a radio crackles, and an extraordinary tale begins. As a couple confront their own fears about impending parenthood, theContinue reading “Frankenstein at The Lowry”

Birmingham Royal Ballet’s, The Sleeping Beauty, at the Lowry

Yes, that’s right. It’s actually THE Sleeping Beauty. I did not realise that, but there you go, big moment for me. The Sleeping Beauty. Do you know, reader, there are times when I wish I could sleep for 100 years… (That’s got that obvious quip out of the way). Cursed by a wicked fairy, aContinue reading “Birmingham Royal Ballet’s, The Sleeping Beauty, at the Lowry”

Work It Out – HOME Mcr

What are you watching at the moment, any recommendations? Television has always been the mainstay of what was known as the ‘watercooler moment’. With the amount of content at our literal fingertips, there’s more to discuss than ever before. It’s the ultimate topic to fill a silence, share a bond and a viewing tip orContinue reading “Work It Out – HOME Mcr”

Shed: Exploded View – The Royal Exchange

I’m often drawn to starting my blog with a pithy or whimsical anecdote. Not so, this time. I feel inclined to do away with the preamble, the “how does this relate to me”s, the “int Manchester/theatre/art/food/drink (delete as appropriate) great”s of it all. Three couples. Thirty years. Mothers and daughters. Lovers, partners, husbands and wives.Continue reading “Shed: Exploded View – The Royal Exchange”

Drop the Dead Donkey – The Lowry

Nostalgia ain’t what it used to be, goes the old witticism. Last night was pure nostalgia. A knowing nostalgia. A trip back to a 90s televisual treat none of us really expected was coming. But come it did, as Drop the Dead Donkey marks the 30th anniversary (yes 30) with The Reawakening! Starring the originalContinue reading “Drop the Dead Donkey – The Lowry”

Murder In The Dark at The Lowry

New year, and much musing and reviewsing to look forward to for this Honorary Manc. Entering my 24th year as a resident in this beautiful little city, and more in love with it than ever, let’s kick-start 2024 with a dark and dastardly thriller at the theatre. Are you sitting comfortably? Then I’ll begin… WellContinue reading “Murder In The Dark at The Lowry”

Little Women at HOME Mcr

I’m not really into ‘over sentiment’, as a rule. Nostalgia is a different story. I can lament about the good old days of last Tuesday with a wistful sigh, but in the moment, I can’t do twee. I feel awkward, embarrassed and also awkward again. But Little Women was truly hand-claspingly, heartwarmingly lovely. It justContinue reading “Little Women at HOME Mcr”

The Snow Queen – Waterside Arts, Sale

At the top of the world lives the Snow Queen who is supposed to control the weather.But the seasons aren’t behaving. The world is getting warmer. And it hasn’t snowed for years….Lumi gazes up at the stars and worries about the world. The adults don’t seem to have noticed that the seasons aren’t behaving, orContinue reading “The Snow Queen – Waterside Arts, Sale”