Blog Archives

Aml Ameen as D in YARDIE (2018) © Alex Bailey

Despite its cluttered plot and thin characterization, Idris Elba brings flair and colour to Victor Headley’s eponymous cult classic YARDIE

It’s fair to say Idris Elba has his fingers in many pies. Alongside his career as an actor, producer and part-time DJ, Elba now adds director to his resume with the release of his debut film YARDIE.

Based on the eponymous cult classic novel by Victor Headley, YARDIE centres on the life of D (Aml Ameen), a yo...

The cast of Circa Tsuica’s NOW OR NEVER. ® V Berthe Pommery

Circa Tsuica’s Tom Neal and Baptiste Bouquin talk about their new travelling Big Top show NOW OR NEVER

French circus company Circa Tsuica set up camp in The Lowry Plaza next week for a special week-long run of their new show NOW OR NEVER.

Working with young musicians from the MAPAS Jazz Band, Salford, NOW OR NEVER is an exhilarating fusion of stunning acrobatics and funky brass rhythms, where acrobats, musicians and audiences all pla...

Director Matthew Warchus about taking MATILDA THE MUSICAL out on tour and why the story continues to captivate audiences

The multi-award-winning MATILDA THE MUSICAL finally heads to Manchester’s Palace Theatre next month for a three month run as part of a new UK tour.

Inspired by Dahl’s beloved book, MATILDA THE MUSICAL tells the story of a precocious 5-year-old girl with the gift of telekinesis, who overcomes obstacles caused by her family and school and helps her teacher to reclaim her life...

Mila Kunis and Kate McKinnon in THE SPY WHO DUMPED ME (2018) © Lionsgate Entertainment

Despite its likeable leads and cracking action sequences, THE SPY WHO DUMPED ME ultimately opts for style over substance

Ever since James Bond first introduced himself on the big screen back in 1962, the spy spoof genre has thrived...

Kara Lily Hayworth as Cilla Black in CILLA THE MUSICAL. Photo: Matt Martin

Kara Lily Hayworth talks about taking on the iconic role of Cilla Black in CILLA THE MUSICAL

Following the success of the critically acclaimed ITV mini-series, CILLA THE MUSICAL finally heads to Salford’s The Lowry next week for a week-long run.

Based on the life of Cilla Black, CILLA THE MUSICAL follows the extraordinary life of the ordinary teenage girl from Liverpool, Priscilla White, and her rocky, yet incredible, ...

Lloyd Daniels as Ben and Sam Retford as Henry in CLOSETS THE MUSICAL

Sweet, heart-warming and fantastically camp, CLOSETS THE MUSICAL is a coming-of-age story that inspires the soul and warms the heart

With musicals like PARADE, YANK! and PIPPIN all making their debuts at Hope Mill Theatre, it’s easy to understand why the team behind new original musical CLOSETS decided to open their new show in Manchester...

THE LAST MOVIE STAR has its heart in the right place but never really finds the warmth needed to make it memorable

Even if you weren’t around in the 70s or 80s, you’re sure to know the name Burt Reynolds. With box office hits like DELIVERANCE (1972), THE LONGEST YARD (1974) and SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT (1977) to his name, Reynolds seemed an unstoppable force in Hollywood for almost two decades...

Matt Terry as Alex The Lion in MADAGASCAR THE MUSICAL. Photo: Scott Rylander

Comical, colourful and completely charming, MADAGASCAR THE MUSICAL successfully brings the much-loved film to life on stage

When Dreamworks’ animated comedy MADAGASCAR first hit cinema screens back in 2005, it took the world by storm. Generating over two billion pounds for the studio, the franchise quickly spawned multiple sequels and spin-off films, including a stage musical which is currently on tour in the UK.

For...

Emma Williams as Paula and Jonny Fines as Zack in AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN. Photo: Manuel Harlan

Despite a few dodgy moments, AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN is an uplifting adaptation of the classic film

Considering the success of fellow 80s musicals DIRTY DANCING, FAME and FLASHDANCE, it seems surprising that it’s taken this long for AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN to make the transition from screen to the stage – more than thirty years in fact...

Looking for something to keep you entertained this week? Check out the latest film, theatre and music events on in Manchester this week from 13 to 19 August 2018

As the British heatwave comes to an end and Manchester sees some welcome rain and a not-so-welcome drop in temperature, you may be wondering what to do with yourself this week? Well, fear not, because there are plenty of events on in the North West this week to keep you entertained, from new film releases to all-singing, all-dancing mu...