Theatre through the eyes of a Manc
For opera audiences, Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro is a much loved classic, perhaps equivalent to a good version of Shakespeare's Hamlet to the regular theatre-goer. It is an opera that is well known and cherished by many. But, as a recent opera convert, I had never watched it before Opera North brought it to... Continue Reading →
In 2017, HOME theatre launched a pioneering project with the aim of bringing the UK's next generation of visionary, acclaimed artists to HOME's main theatre stage. Their first ever T1 Commission is a brand new musical led by award-winning musical comedy cabaret artists, Bourgeois and Maurice. With so many films being recently adapted into musicals,... Continue Reading →
There is something distinctly Mancunian at the core of We Won't Fall, and it's not just the incredible wealth of emerging local talent that it showcases. The piece is devised and performed by the company members of Switch Mcr, a Manchester based theatrical collective driven by young artists, who have created a dystopian drama that is... Continue Reading →
March is here. The evenings are getting lighter and it has finally stopped raining! Hopefully it means that spring is on its way. March also heralds the beginning of the new Spring/Summer theatrical season. Many theatres across Manchester have some really exciting work lined up over this season; from brand new musicals to classic revivals.... Continue Reading →
Ladies in Lavender is perhaps best known as the 2004 film, starring Judi Dench and Maggie Smith. Written and directed by Charles Dance, the film tells the tale of two sisters, Ursula and Janet, who live in a remote fishing village on Cornwall's coast. When a handsome Polish violinist is washed up ashore, the two... Continue Reading →
Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights has long been considered a Gothic masterpiece; a romantic love story that transcends time. However, it is a novel that I have always struggled with. Unlike many others, I find it difficult to detect much romance in the book. I certainly don't identify Heathcliff as a tragic, romantic hero. Personally, Heathcliff... Continue Reading →
In 1880, a conference was held in Milan that had serious repercussions for the deaf community and its impact is still being felt to the present day. At the International Congress on Education of the Deaf, a law was passed that banned sign language from being taught in schools. Oralism was seen as a superior... Continue Reading →
"Discuss the role of the Rake in Restoration comedy" - This was a university assignment I had to write last year. After studying the drama produced during this period, I wrote about William Wycherley's The Country Wife, Etherege's The Man of Mode, and Molière's Misanthrope. Despite Restoration comedies celebrating sexual liberty, the plays written by women have... Continue Reading →
Those familiar with Hope Mill Theatre would have seen a baby grand piano in their bar area, which has an important history. It was donated by a remarkable lady called Barbara. Music was an important part of Barbara's life and a piece of sheet music was found inside the piano stool. Written and performed by... Continue Reading →
It's February! January Blues are in the past and Dry January is over. It's time to launch into a new month with a spring in your step. There is so much exciting theatre on offer this month in Manchester, my diary is already full. The city is proudly hosting the musical premiere of my favourite... Continue Reading →
