Carmel ThomasonIt’s almost 60 years since Ernie Thompson joined the newly established Smithfield Market Police Force, in what is now Manchester’s Northern Quarter. Known as the ‘baby of the force’ he was 24-years-old and the only recruit with no previous...
Opera North is celebrating 40 years as the opera company for the North of England and what better way to celebrate than with a new production of one of the most accessible and popular operas, Puccini’s Tosca. If you are looking for an introduction...
Comedian and playwright, Jackie Hagan has written a brand-new Christmas show, The Forest of Forgotten Discos, that innovatively integrates sign-language and visual storytelling into all its performances. She talks to Quays Life about improving...
The Oldham Coliseum has set the bar high for family theatre during the festive season. Their Christmas show is always a fun-filled, traditional pantomime. But sticking to the traditions doesn’t mean sticking to the past, and it is this fusion of old...
Photographer and owner of Bakasana Activewear, Heather Lawrence explains why she loves Salford Quays and used the area as the backdrop to a very personal charity fundraising drive. What drew you to Salford Quays? I live a few miles away in Mottram...
Writer, David Lane talks to Quays Life about writing for teens and his new play, Off the Grid, an immersive production which has been developed by children’s theatre specialists Half Moon, in partnership with young people. Tell us a little about...
Opera has been inspiring people around the world for more than 400 years. So why is it viewed by many as exclusive and elitist? If you think opera isn’t for you, we bust some of the common myths that might be holding you back from experiencing it...
The true story of the Calendar Girls is now almost as deep a part of British culture as the Women’s Institute from which it arose. Just like a prized WI cake competition, the drama has all the right ingredients – love, loss, friendship, community...
The north west’s favourite pantomime dame, Fine Time Fontayne returns for his 11th Christmas season at Oldham Coliseum. And this year he’s joined by another of the theatre’s much-loved faces, Sue Devaney as the Wicked Stepmother. Taking a break from...
Having premiered in Bordeaux in 1789 and London two years later, La Fille Mal Gardée (The Wayward Daughter) is the oldest ballet still in existence. For this reason alone it feels a fitting choice for David Bintley to launch his final season, as he...