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Sparks talk about the inspiration behind their new studio album HIPPOPOTAMUS

Eight years after the release of THE SEDUCTION OF INGMAR BERGMAN (2009), musical mavericks Sparks make a welcome return with their new studio album HIPPOPOTAMUS.

Formed in 1972 by brothers Ron and Russell Mael, Sparks are an American new wave/synth-pop band known for their quirky approach to songwriting...

From the dressing rooms to the lighting tower, we go behind-the-scenes at The Lowry

If you live in the North West, chances are you’ve visited The Lowry Theatre at some point. The world-class arts centre hosts around 1000 performances each year from opera and musicals to dance, music and comedy and is the UK’s largest theatre space outside of London.

In 2014, a whopping 866,773 people visited The Lowry making it one of the most popular venues in Greater Manchester...

Stewart Wright as Mr Perks in THE RAILWAY CHILDREN Photo Credit: Mark Dawson Photography

THE RAILWAY CHILDREN remains undoubtedly charming and heart-warming despite its technical difficulties

112 years after it was first published, THE RAILWAY CHILDREN is brought to life once again in a new stage production directed by Paul Jepson.

Based on the classic 1906 novel by Edith Nesbit, THE RAILWAY CHILDREN tells the story of three siblings – Roberta, Peter and Phyllis – whose lives are turned upside ...

THE SONS OF PITCHES explore the highly entertaining world of television through their own inimitable style

Following the success of their 2016 tour, THE SONS OF PITCHES return to Salford’s The Lowry for their biggest UK tour yet named the “SOPTV Show”.

Affectionately known as The Sons’, THE SONS OF PITCHES are a six-member a cappella group, comprising of three lead vocalists, one bass vocalist, one percussion vocalist and one soprano vocalist...

This review was originally posted on The Reviews Hub. 

When Northern Rep launched late last year, the new theatre co-operative promised to deliver shows that are innovative, affordable and unpredictable… and their barking spoof of The Hound of the Baskervilles is certainly that.

Based loosely on classic mystery by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Hound of the Baskervilles follows the famous detective Sherlock Holmes and his trusted sidekick Dr Jane Watson as they journey from London to the Devons...

SIMON AND GARFUNKEL THROUGH THE YEARS by Bookends. Photo: Chris Groucutt

Bookends bring Simon & Garfunkel’s extensive back catalogue to life in SIMON & GARFUNKEL THROUGH THE YEARS

More than four decades after their breakup in 1970, American folk rock duo Simon & Garfunkel continue to inspire a generation as tribute act Bookends delicately demonstrate in their latest UK tour of SIMON & GARFUNKEL THROUGH THE YEARS.

Performed by childhood friends Dan Haynes and Pete Richards, SIMON & GARFUNKEL ...

Nichola McAuliffe and Jeffrey Holland in WAITING FOR GOD. Photo: Geraint Lewis

Jeffrey Holland talks to Frankly My Dear UK about his role in the new comedy play

When WAITING FOR GOD first aired on BBC One in the early 1990s, it became an instant hit with fans, running for a total of five series between 1990 and 1994. More than 20 years later, the hit sitcom has been adapted for the stage with an all-new script penned by the original creator Michael Aitkens.

Set at the fictional Bayview Retireme...

When Willy Russell’s heart-warming comedy SHIRLEY VALENTINE first premiered at the Everyman Theatre in Liverpool in 1986, the one-woman play took the world by storm. Now, in celebration of its 30th anniversary, Jodie Prenger takes on the lead role in the first major revival of the much loved national treasure.

Set in Liverpool in the 1980s, SHIRLEY VALENTINE tells the story a middle-aged Liverpool housewife trapped in a loveless marriage...

Albert Hammond re-records hits from his core back catalogue with IN SYMPHONY 

After more than five decades in the music industry, you’d think that Albert Hammond would be tempted to hang up his guitar and take it easy but the legendary singer-songwriter is showing no signs of slowing down. At 72, Hammond is still writing and performing material, re-scoring some of his biggest hits for his new album IN SYMPHONY.

For those who don’t recongise the name, Hammond is a London born, Gibraltarian ...

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG UK & Ireland Tour. Photo Credit: Helen Murray

Daft, inventive and utterly silly, THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG takes British slapstick to a new level

Following its successful run in London’s West End, the Olivier award winning play THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG heads Salford’s The Lowry this week as part of its UK tour.

Produced by LAMDA graduates Mischief Theatre, THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG is farcical play-within-a-play...