Niamh MelodyFor those who’ve never seen Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show before, it can be summed up in three words: crazy, catchy and confusing. In fact, the plot is so baffling and nonsensical that it is hard to explain. Directed by Christopher...
Nic DowlingNo balloon bosoms, garish make-up, gravity defying skirts or audience taunting here. The not-so-ugly sisters are far from the usual dames you’d see stomping around in more traditional Christmas pantos. But this isn’t your usual Christmas panto. Barb...
Paul ThomasonDavid Walliams is the current undisputed king of children’s books and, with over 25 million books sold, it is no surprise that his juvenile humour and easy to read stories are such a hit with so many children. His highest selling book, Gangsta...
Niamh Melody finds this innovative, graphic novel style retelling of Dracula a unique take on a familiar story Imitating the dog and Leeds Playhouse have successfully turned a classic horror story into a gripping, technologically advanced piece of...
Georgina WellsWim Vandekeybus’ work for Rambert was originally created and streamed live last year, when people were “desperate for old-fashioned physical interaction,” with the camera placed in the midst of the company dancers. It’s impossible to recreate this...
Carmel ThomasonIn 1985 ‘Back to the Future’ was a box office sensation that spurned two sequels and has stood the test of time as a classic favourite. If you didn’t grow up watching this series of movies – one, go see them and two, those who did are still huge...
Lorraine Worsley-CarterI met Peter Street In the late 1980’s. He had written a book of poems and I thought he would make an interesting guest for my then BBC Radio Manchester programme. I remember Peter coming into the studio, I was struck by his openness, his almost...
Martin ThomassonI couldn’t swear that the The Patience of Trees is the best thing at this year’s Manchester International Festival; I haven’t seen everything on offer. But, as an event, it has that necessary sprinkling of magic that will make it the experience I...
Simon A. Morrison“It’s such a privilege being back on a stage,” says Damon Albarn, half way through tonight’s show. “And extra super lovely for me, being back in Manchester. At the festival.” Indeed, Damon Albarn has become something akin to the spiritual heart of...
Do you have one of those brains that comes pre-equipped with an internal jukebox? Personally, every morning, I wake up and my mind immediately fires up that jukebox, flips in a dime, and on comes some track; a soundtrack as I fix my breakfast and...