Dave PorterAlan Turing broke the enigma code and played a central part in making sure the Germans did not win the war. But he could not win his own war and to others remained an enigma throughout his entire life. Why did he tell police about his homosexual...
Carmel ThomasonActor and poet Zoë McWhinney is coming to Home, Manchester in a new extended production of Eloise Pennycott’s award-winning play, Barrier(s). She talks to Quays Life about breaking barriers as a profoundly deaf actor and what it takes to...
Martin ThomassonIf you don’t exit Hofesh Schechter’s new show, “Theatre of Dreams” feeling like you’ve really put in a shift, then my guess is you’re a professional dancer or some other form of highly tuned athlete. Mere mortals will depart drained but, I hope...
Cathy CrabbWhy can’t every show be like Slava’s Snowshow? Creating a childlike sleeping fantasy of elation and melancholy, played out by fools. Lots of people, me included, say they hate or fear clowns. But that’s only when those clowns are hiding behind make...
How does a person end up sleeping rough in a hostel and spending their days camped out on a park bench asking strangers for loose change in exchange for a swift rendition of Danny Boy? More specifically, how does a woman fall so much lower rather...
Steve TimmsIn a cine literate world, critics happily acknowledge the combined effort that goes into film production, from the contributions of the director, writer, and set designer, right down to the grips, stunt men and dolly operator. Even caterer Madge...
A huge bodhran hangs over the set of Dancing at Lughnasa like some leaden sky settling down on the inhabitants of this village in Donegal. Together with the fiddle it represents freedom from the cares of everyday life, a chance to dance and escape...
In the early 2010s, when Ray Davies was first telling his story of 60s icons The Kinks on stage, who would have thought flying the Union Jack flag and talk of Britishness could be so controversial? Forget the high jinks of an intoxicated Dave Davies...
There are very few times I’ve been left speechless after a performance. Watching Rambert’s recent collaboration with French company (LA)HORDE is one of them. (LA)HORDE is a Paris-based collective of artists — Marine Brutti, Jonathan...
The 90’s and noughties was a golden age for television comedy. Looking back, it’s hard to believe Father Ted, The Day Today, Knowing Me Knowing You, Big Train, The Fast Show, League of Gentlemen, Smack the Pony, The Mighty Boosh, Brass Eye, and The...