Immersive art shows have a chequered reputation, but Lightroomâs collaboration with David Hockney is something of a triumph. Perhaps it is that Hockney often works in light (quite literally, given his now famous iPad âpaintingsâ). Or perhaps it is...
A story about the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the US doesnât sound like a topic for either your typical feelgood musical or Christmas production. But âCome From Awayâ is far from your average show. It tells the true story of what...
The Smiths remain one of Manchesterâs most beloved bands. The musical alliance between Morrissey and Marr gifted the world a catalogue of melodic pop songs with lyrics which spoke to those on the margins of life: the lonely, depressed and...
Itâs a mad, mad world â and sometimes feels increasingly so as we head towards the festive season â but none more so than in Wonderland, the magical underworld kingdom created by Lewis Caroll more than 150 years ago. Carollâs classic tale has been...
The BBC Philharmonic Orchestra: The Sound of Gaming was an ambitious and innovative classical musical event catering for three separate audiences simultaneously. The first, of which I was a part, was the in person audience in the BBC Philharmonic...
Mozartâs The Magic Flute is enduringly popular because it is the perfect mix of fantasy and fabulousness in an accessible opera that entertains and enchants regular opera-goers and those new to opera alike. Indeed, this Opera North autumn season at...
There was no shortage of Elf devotees in Manchester this week for an early slice of Christmas fun. We could tell by the amount of elf hats, Christmas sparkles and Elf merch adorning the crowds outside the Palace, that this show has a serious...
When it first premiered in the 1990s, Stones in his Pockets caused a stir. A winner of two Olivier awards for best new comedy and best new actor, the play by Marie Jones has played consistently in the West End as well as endearing audiences abroad...
This play could not come at a more apposite moment. Next week not only marks Anti-Slavery Day but the subject of this production â abduction and enslavement in Sudan â comes at a time when the sub-Saharan country has been plunged into yet another...
Grease is back in Manchester for a welcome return with this energetic touring production featuring a youthful cast. This current version is a blend of one of the greatest movie musicals of the last half century and the original 1971 stage show it...
Martin Thomasson
Carmel Thomason
Steve Timms
Dave Porter
Paul Thomason
Nic Dowling