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 →
Lady of Jazz – Hope Mill Theatre
Lady of Jazz is an original play that depicts the life of fictional jazz singer, Honey Grey. The narrative is delivered single-handedly by Michaela Bennison, and the performance is punctuated by songs, accompanied by pianist Tony Pegler. Over nearly two hours, Honey Grey tells her life story; from her humble childhood in Lafeyette, Louisiana, to... Continue Reading →
Light Falls – Royal Exchange Theatre
Light Falls marks the end of an era at the Royal Exchange Theatre. It is Sarah Frankcom's final directorial piece as Artistic Director, before becoming the director of LAMDA. She began her tenure at LAMDA by cutting audition fees by 75%, showing just what a fantastic asset she is to the theatre industry. She will... Continue Reading →
Playland – The Empty Space, Footlights Theatre
Over the past few years, Elysium Theatre Company have become a force to be reckoned with. They are on the forefront of making high quality theatre for northern audiences. Having previously staged critically acclaimed productions of Jesus Hopped on the 'A' Train and Miss Julie, Elysium have built a reputation for producing complex plays that... Continue Reading →
The Witching Way – Royal Exchange Theatre (Studio)
The Witching Way is a concept album by Ali and the Celestial Seasonings. It tells the story of W, a millennial born and raised a witch. She is the kind of woman you might bump into at Affleck's Palace on an afternoon. It depicts how W loses and finds herself again, as she is suddenly... Continue Reading →
What’s On in Manchester – November 2019
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 →
Black Men Walking – Oldham Coliseum
On the first Saturday of every month, three black men go walking in the Peak District. They are part of the Black Men's Walking Group in Sheffield. They walk for their health and wellbeing. They walk in the footsteps of their ancestors. They walk for freedom. "We walk. Though we are written into the landscape,... Continue Reading →
Rich Kids: A History of Shopping Malls in Tehran – HOME, Manchester
We have all been there: sat in the theatre enjoying a play and someone decides to get their phone out to check social media, take a picture, or record the performance. The bright glare of the screen lights up like a Christmas tree and causes a distraction, not only to those sat behind them, but... Continue Reading →
Scottee: Class – HOME, Manchester
With Brexit stagnating British politics, all our politicians seem to care about is delivering "the will of the people", based on the results from a divisive advisory referendum result in 2016. We hear repeated sound bites that 17 million people voted for Brexit. However, what you don't hear mentioned is that 14 million people currently... Continue Reading →