From Star Wars and Royalty to CBeebies, animatronics whizz Tahra Zafar talks about bringing Bing Live on stage. Bing Live Mention Bing to any family with pre-school kids and you’re guaranteed to get a knowing smile in response. Not just because of...
In 1817 bookseller, publisher and satirist William Hone stood trial for parodying religion, the despotic government and the libidinous monarchy. His only real crime was to be funny. Just over 200 years later, this forgotten hero of free speech, and...
Great British Bake Off and QI presenter, Sandi Toksvig is starting off the New Year with a new live tour, National Trevor. Ahead of the opening at The Lowry, the comedian and writer talks to Quays Life about celebrity, unpredictable live audiences...
There was a time when Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise were as much a part of Christmas as tinsel and turkey. In an age before Netflix their Christmas specials drew in audiences of 28m. And on their move to ITV the comedy duo even had their own TV...
The Band, a stage musical with the songs of Take That, comes to The Lowry in January. Vicky Edwards talks to producers Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen to find out the secret behind its success. Gary, Mark and Howard (everyone is on first...
It’s a rare show that mesmerises adults and children alike. And Dutch comedy troupe, Släpstick go one further, by breaking down language barriers too. Winners of the 2017 Edinburgh Spirit of the Fringe Award, Släpstick is an inventive mix of music...
We’re offering a chance to win tickets for a family to see the award-winning M6 Theatre Company’s ‘Little Gift’ at The Lowry. This heart-warming new Christmas show tells the story of Ted, a lonely old soul, who lives alone in the big city. Then, one...
Pull on your Christmas jumper and get down to Heaton Park for sleigh-bells, singing and some traditional ghostly tales. The Grade I listed Heaton Hall has been the source of many tales over the years, and this Christmas it’s being opened to the...
‘I’ve never seen anything like it!’ exclaims Brian Capron’s Greatest Showman style circus owner, Albert Blossom on seeing the two-headed llama, Pushmi-Pullyu – and in years of reviewing, neither have I. The puppets, and there are lots of them, are...
Cinderella gets a Manchester make-over at The Opera House this Christmas – it’s all magic and sparkle mixed with attitude and northern humour. From Cinderella’s lively opening song about the theatre, the scene is firmly set in the city. And...
Carmel Thomason