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 →
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 →
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 →
"Divorced, Beheaded, Died. Divorced, Beheaded, Survived." Everybody is taught the rhyme in school. The fate of Henry VIII's wives is drilled into us at a young age. "Remember us from your GCSEs?". History teaches us about the tyrant king's six notorious marriages. We all know how they ended, but how much do we actually know... Continue Reading →
2019 has been quite an eventful year for theatre in Manchester. It has been a year of new beginnings, with Sarah Frankcom stepping down as the Artistic Director of the Royal Exchange, paving the way for Roy Alexander Weise and Bryony Shanahan to put their own stamp on the theatre. This year also saw 53two... Continue Reading →
*Puts on best Noddy Holder voice*... IT'S CHRISTMAS!!!!! I wish it could be Christmas every day because December really is the most wonderful time of year. Although the weather outside is frightful, there is nothing better than sitting in the warmth watching some wonderfully festive theatre. Manchester never fails to deliver theatrical Christmas crackers and... Continue Reading →
Originally written over 60 years ago, there is no denying the urgent relevance of Bohuslav Martinů's opera to a contemporary audience. The Greek Passion depicts the plight of refugees in an intolerant society, where they are shunned by the residents of a village. Priest Fotis, who travels with the group, makes a desperate plea for... Continue Reading →
The original composition of Handel's Giulio Cesare (Julius Caesar) is nearly four hours long. For this Opera North revival, Tim Albery has revised the music to a more manageable three hours in length. Nevertheless, this is still an epic historical opera that demands a high level of attention and investment from its audience. It is totally... Continue Reading →
Puccini's La Bohème is one of the most popular operas performed. For someone who is unfamiliar with opera, it is easily accessible and the story is understandable. Its tragic tale of star-crossed lovers is one that has captivated audiences for over a century. As winter hits Paris, Rodolfo falls in love with Mimì, who is... Continue Reading →
In the words of house Stark, "Winter is coming". The dark evenings are closing in, and it's time to dig out the winter woolies again. The annual Christmas market stalls are springing up around Manchester and the mood is turning festive. What better way to escape the cold winter weather than watching some theatre? With... Continue Reading →
