Martin ThomassonThe nice woman working security at the Lowry approaches me with her metal-detecting device.“Do you have a pacemaker,” she asks. “I don’t think so.” This is not to be found on anyone’s list of Sensible Answers. What was I thinking? That some rogue...
I posted a photograph on social media last night, showing the musicians starting to take their seats on stage at the Lowry’s Lyric theatre. You can also make out how thinly populated the auditorium is. “Sparse,” a friend of mine commented. Indeed...
Simon A. MorrisonCards on the table, I am somewhat unsettled in both my bones and my city as it is. For parts of this last year, living in the city was like existing in some dystopian Alex Garland movie. Free to walk down the middle of Deansgate, hardly...
Even without the masks (which most of us are wearing) and the deliberate, careful spacing of the audience, the metallic click and breathy “gasp” of cans of cider being opened around the auditorium (there’s no bar tonight), would tell you this is not...
Carmel ThomasonDutch artist, Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers has been called the rock star of paintings. The image of a simple bunch of flowers arranged in a pot has become one of the most recognised works of art across the world. What is less well known is that Van...
Paul ThomasonWith a plethora of construction toys on the market it can be difficult to decide which toy to purchase. Geomag is a magnetic construction toy that is made of metal balls and magnetic rods coated in 100% recycled plastic. The Swiss made Geomag...
“I nearly passed out in the middle of the flute solo,” says Honeyfeet’s singer Ríoghnach Connolly, at the end of an admittedly pretty hefty blast. “That’s always a good sign.” Indeed it is. Tonight we’re all finding our way back to life, back to...
Corks is a quick-fire game in which the simple object is to ensure you end the round holding a cork. But don’t underestimate the wit, speed, and competitive spirit this little game will uncover. The neat little box contains 15 brightly coloured...
How good is your pop knowledge? Do you know which song was the first UK No1 hit for Cliff Richard?Or, can you name the year The Killers released ‘Hot Fuss’? Are you up for the challenge or will you be ‘one year out’? Based on...
Georgina WellsAfter seven months with no live theatre, it felt like a miracle to be part of the audience that gathered outside The Lowry on a dark October evening to watch Dr Blood’s Old Travelling Show. Imitating the Dog’s new touring work – created with the...