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Dec 9, 2024 | 
leedsliving.co.uk | Debbie Rolls
In 1924 French poet André Breton, in reaction to the brutality of the First World War, wrote his, Surrealist Manifesto. Only “the omnipotence of dreams,” he said, could liberate humanity. The passion of his belief has inspired a century of unusual painting, photography and sculpture. Two key exhibitions, in Leeds and Wakefield, shine a light upon how surrealism has developed.
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Dec 2, 2024 | 
leedsliving.co.uk | Debbie Rolls
It’s been a busy year for Kuill. Appearances on The Voice, singing the national anthem at Twickenham and producing a new album have been just some of his achievements. Fragile Creatures, Kuill’s second album, went on sale on the 4 November. Saturday 30 November saw what was described as a Press Night at Leeds Conservatoire to launch the album. This was not only about the press. The sold-out show was packed with Kuill’s family, fellow musicians and fans.
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Nov 29, 2024 | 
leedsliving.co.uk | Debbie Rolls
I had been putting off visiting Blue Pavilion, thinking that the restaurant might be a case of style over substance. Yes, it is stylish, but it also serves well executed, delightful dishes. Two trips to China have made me hesitant to eat in Chinese restaurants in this country. They rarely live up to my memories. When I do find a place I like, it is often a small family endeavour that mainly caters for the local Chinese population.
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Nov 23, 2024 | 
leedsliving.co.uk | Debbie Rolls
Toxic came to Leeds Carriageworks for one night to shine a light on issues around male suicide. Presented by Divided Culture Co. the all-male cast of Northern actors presented an absorbing play of significant importance. Created and written by Dan Lovett and directed by Connor Goodwin, the show originally aired in 2021, a sellout, award-winning performance at Greater Manchester Fringe Festival.
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Nov 4, 2024 | 
leedsliving.co.uk | Debbie Rolls
The Stanley and Audrey Burton Gallery at Leeds University always has an interesting display of art from the university’s permanent collection. However, only a small selection of art can be on display at any one time. One of the attractions for visiting artists is that they can not only develop their own art but they interact with the permanent collection and use artworks as part of their exhibitions.
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Nov 2, 2024 | 
leedsliving.co.uk | Debbie Rolls
Mary Griffiths’ first major retrospective exhibition is at The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery, University of Leeds until 8 March 2025. ‘Everything and All of Us’ brings together artworks from the last 10 years, a site-specific wall drawing and items selected by Griffiths from the University of Leeds’ Special Collections. Rooted in geometric abstraction, Griffiths’ artistic practice is shaped by collaborations across literature, science and music.
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Oct 30, 2024 | 
leedsliving.co.uk | Debbie Rolls
Light Night saw the presence of the British Library making an impact in Leeds as images from the library’s book collection burst across the façade of the Queens Hotel. This was just the beginning of a number of events celebrating libraries in Leeds. The highlight of Light Night, the UK’s largest annual light festival, is the projection on the Queens Hotel. Providing a massive backdrop with a great viewing area from City Square, the historic hotel inspires creativity.
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Oct 28, 2024 | 
leedsliving.co.uk | Debbie Rolls
A Filipino restaurant is a rare thing in the North of England. We are fortunate that Sakku Pinoy has opened in Leeds. There has been a significant Filipino population in Britain for many years but there are relatively few restaurants serving the cuisine of the Philippines. Whilst food from across the world can be found in London and the South of England, the only Filipino restaurant I had previously found in the North is Sebu, in Hull.
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Oct 25, 2024 | 
corridor8.co.uk | Chloe Elliott |Debbie Rolls |Amelia Crouch |Emma Bolland
Harcourt Road in Broomhill, Sheffield, is a quiet residential road. Travel from the top of the street and you’ll gently descend towards Crookes Valley Park, an undulating mound of green surrounding Sheffield’s Great Old Dam. The road is replete with hawthorn bushes and broadleaved trees, a leafy stretch home to a row of red brick Victorian terraced houses. In one window, a meticulously cut-out paper sign reads WELCOME.
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Oct 3, 2024 | 
leedsliving.co.uk | Debbie Rolls
The Evolution of Creativity was one of the first events at this year’s Leeds International Festival of Ideas (LIFI). A full house at Leeds Playhouse’s Quarry Theatre enthusiastically greeted musicians BEKA and Nile Rodgers. BEKA, a rising pop star following her debut single, I’ll Be There, was clearly delighted to be asked to be on stage with the veteran musician. She was a positive and encouraging interviewer, although Nile Rodgers needed little encouragement to talk.
