Blog Archives

Raw, real and relentless, WIT is a beautiful play full of grace and redemption

Following his production of THINGS OF DRY HOURS back in 2007, Raz Shaw makes a welcome return to the Royal Exchange to direct WIT, the Pulitzer prize-winning play about a 50 year old professor dying of cancer.

Written by American playwright Margaret Edson, WIT tells the story of Vivian Bearing (Julie Hesmondhalgh) a renowned academic of metaphysical poetry being treated for stage IV metastatic ovarian cancer...

Venue changes from HOME to AMC Manchester due to pre-sale ticket demand

The Manchester Film Festival has been forced to change venues for its red carpet opening gala night due to pre-sale ticket demand.

The opening night gala was scheduled to take place at the new HOME venue on Thursday 3 March but demand for tickets has forced organisers to switch venues to the larger AMC Manchester at Great Northern.

“The response to pre ticket sales for Dennis Viollet – A United Man and also the presentati...

Brutal, intense and utterly breathtaking, Justin Kurzel’s thrilling contemporary adaptation of Shakespeare’s ‘Scottish play’ is spellbinding

Justin Kurzel’s critically acclaimed adaptation of MACBETH is available on VOD from iTunes from today and on DVD, Blu-Ray and Limited Edition Steelbook from 1 February.

MACBETH tells the story of a fearless warrior and inspiring leader brought down by ruthless ambition and desire...

Fast-paced, slick and funny, Move Over Moriarty makes a welcome return to the stage

Following the success of Inspector Norse and Withering Looks, satirical comedy duo LipService return as Holmes and Watson in a reprisal of their cult classic Move Over Moriarty.

Written by Maggie Fox and Sue Ryding, Move Over Moriarty follows super sleuth Sherlock Holmes and his dim sidekick John Watson as they investigate the Garibaldi Biscuit Affair, a case as impenetrable as a London pea-souper...

Smart, silly and wickedly funny, Austentatious: An Improvised Jane Austen Novel is fully deserving of its huge popularity

Improvised comedy (or ‘improv’ as it is otherwise known) has always had a bit of a bad reputation in the UK. Despite continued efforts to revive the genre, many ‘off-the-cuff’ improv productions can easily become meandering and flabby. One troupe that have truly mastered the art, however, is the team behind Austentatious: An Improvised Jane Austen Novel.

Austentatio...

The Independent Guide to New York City 2016 is the ideal guidebook for travellers on a budget

If you’re planning a trip to New York City this year, there are plenty of guide books on the market to help you plan your visit. From detailed travel guides such as Lonely Planet and Time Out, to pocket books such as Rough Guides and DK Eyewitness’ Top 10, there are lots of different options to choose from. One guide certainly worth checking out is the Independent Guide to New York City 2016.

Price...

Sharp, edgy and superbly written, Strictly Between Us is a gripping tale of friendship and infidelity

Following the brilliant Skeletons, bestselling author Jane Fallon is back with her latest offering Strictly Between Us, a contemporary novel about friendship, deceit and infidelity.

Strictly Between Us tells the story of Tamsin, a television producer who hatches a plan to expose her best friend’s husband Patrick who she suspects has been cheating...

Everything you need to know about the 2016 Manchester Film Festival, from venue locations to ticket availability

After its successful inaugural year in 2015, the Manchester International Film Festival makes a welcome return to the city this March, showcasing a strong slate of bold new films.

Film fans came out in their thousands last year to visit the festival which took place between the 10th and 12th July at the AMC Manchester...

Over 90 films to make their World, UK and regional premieres at ManIFF2016

The official selection for the 2016 Manchester Film Festival was announced today at a special launch event at Elliot House in Manchester.

Over 90 films will make their World, UK and regional premieres at ManIFF2016, which takes place between 3 to 6 March 2016 at venues across the city including AMC Manchester, Odeon Printworks and HOME.

The international premiere of Dennis Viollet – A United Man will open the festival o...

The Original CALENDAR GIRLS and the cast of new musical THE GIRLS. Image Credit: Matt Crockett

Gary Barlow & Tim Firth’s long awaited new musical THE GIRLS premieres at The Lowry

Following its short preview run at Leeds, Gary Barlow and Tim Firth’s long awaited new musical THE GIRLS heads to The Lowry, Salford this week for its world premiere.

Based on the award-winning film and play Calendar Girls, THE GIRLS tells the story of a brave group of women who decide to appear nude for a Women’s In...