36-year-old actress Clara Darcy is in rehearsals for a play when her life takes a dramatic turn. She has been suffering from headaches and neck pain for six months and ends up going to A&E when painkillers aren't doing the trick any more. Her world is turned upside down when an MRI scan reveals a... Continue Reading →
Beryl – Oldham Coliseum
Cyclist Beryl Burton is undoubtedly one of the greatest British sporting athletes of all time. Over her lengthy career, she smashed records across multiple cycling disciplines. She was the Best British all-rounder for 25 successive years, she won over a hundred cycling titles, received an MBE, and her record breaking time of completing the 12... Continue Reading →
The Jungle Book – Oldham Coliseum
Having been plagued by Covid setbacks, it's really nice to finally get the chance to watch Jessica Swale's stage adaptation of The Jungle Book at Oldham Coliseum. Back in 2020, the company were only six days into rehearsals when the pandemic hit and lockdowns closed theatres across the country. Over two years later, The Jungle... Continue Reading →
Must Watch Theatre in Manchester – 2022
There's no denying that the past two years have been incredibly difficult for the theatre industry. It has been battered and beaten by the Covid19 pandemic, but it remarkably still survives to fight another day. As we welcome in 2022, so too must we move into the new year with a renewed sense of optimism... Continue Reading →
Aladdin – Oldham Coliseum
When an army of panto dames marched on Westminster last Christmas, they helped highlight the importance of pantomimes to the theatre economy. Pantos are often deemed the theatre industry's lifeline, making more money than most other shows and helping to keep a venue going for the next year. Equally as vital, they serve as an... Continue Reading →
What’s On in Manchester – June 2021
After the past year, it feels really nice to finally be able to write about what theatre is available to watch across Manchester, as venues are finally allowed to open their doors and allow audiences back inside their auditoriums once more. Although all theatres have to comply with the government's strict social distancing measures, it's... Continue Reading →
What’s On in Manchester – February 2020
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 →
Top 10 Theatre Shows in 2019
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 →
What’s On in Manchester – December 2019
*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 →
Jack and the Beanstalk – Oldham Coliseum
Oldham Coliseum's annual pantomime is steeped in tradition. It has provided Christmas sparkle to northern audiences for over 130 years and has become a hugely popular event. This year it's Jack and the Beanstalk, which marks the first annual panto to be directed by the Coliseum's Artistic Director, Chris Lawson. Yet this is no ordinary... Continue Reading →