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1 month ago | 
northernsoul.me.uk | Fran Yeoman |Megan E. Bond |Amy Stone
I usually write theatre reviews the minute I walk through the door. It’s all still there in my head, sharp and bright, every detail could make it into the copy. This time, however, I had to decompress. Josh Seymour’s production of A Streetcar Named Desire was just too good. It completely discombobulated me. I went with a new friend I don’t know that well, which caused an issue because I felt obliged to maintain some semblance of normality after the well-deserved standing ovation at the end.
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1 month ago | 
northernsoul.me.uk | Fran Yeoman |Megan E. Bond
You know the kind of thing you’re getting with a Shakespearean comedy. Lovers falling out with each other amid some crossed wires. Someone (usually a hapless male) dressing up in ridiculous fashion. Mistaken identity, often resulting from the aforementioned dressing up. It’s a bit like an Elizabethan version of how nobody can tell Clark Kent is Superman because he wears glasses.
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1 month ago | 
northernsoul.me.uk | Megan E. Bond |Helen Nugent
I’ve been a bit under the weather of late (who wouldn’t be in the year’s darkest, greyest months?). So a self-care retreat in the heart of Manchester was just the ticket. From the moment I arrived at the Marriott Manchester Piccadilly Hotel, I was met with warmth and professionalism from the polite and welcoming staff at reception, the mezzanine and the lounge. Their attentiveness set the tone for a truly relaxing visit.
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Dec 5, 2024 | 
northernsoul.me.uk | Desmond Bullen |Fran Yeoman |Megan E. Bond
My introduction to Wicked was 11 years ago on a school trip to Manchester’s Palace Theatre. Last night, I came full circle right back to where it all began. As I made my way to the Palace, I wondered if I’d still be enchanted by a musical which has entered the cultural zeitgeist. I needn’t have worried. As the emerald attire of the Ozians hoved into view, I relived my original feelings of astonishment and bedazzlement. No wonder those on stage wear sunglasses.
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Dec 2, 2024 | 
northernsoul.me.uk | Chris Wallis |Desmond Bullen |Fran Yeoman |Megan E. Bond
Step out of the chaos of Manchester city centre life and into a cosy retro three-in-one day to night venue. This is Side Street. With its 70s-style interior, low lighting and homely furniture, Side Street meets multiple demands, whether that’s a quiet glass of wine by the bar, a sophisticated bite to eat by the Side Store or live music in the Side Space. Located in St John’s, a new menu, created by self-styled sexy chicken specialist Tartuffe, has a lot to offer.
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Aug 25, 2024 | 
northernsoul.me.uk | Desmond Bullen |Megan E. Bond
It all began with Charlie Williams. Less well remembered these days than some of his peers, the former footballer was, in the early 1970s, Britain’s best-known black stand-up, having been promoted from the ranks of Granada’s ensemble showcase The Comedians to host top-rated game show The Golden Shot following the departure of Bob Monkhouse. It’s in the latter role that photographer Andy Hollingworth remembers him, provoking his typically grave grandfather into uncharacteristic fits of merriment.
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Aug 18, 2024 | 
northernsoul.me.uk | Megan E. Bond |Desmond Bullen
I had to bring my sister to Underneath the Stars. When you know that a festival will blow someone’s socks off, only family will do. Thanks to the beaming sunshine throughout the weekend, we spent the whole festival in sandals enjoying the celestial headliners: Kate Rusby, The Feeling, and Bill Bailey, as well as 26 incredible artists stretched out across the stages. Endless toe-tapping talent had us all chasing back and forth between the stage tents.
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Jan 31, 2024 | 
northernsoul.me.uk | Robert Martin |Desmond Bullen |Megan E. Bond
One of 2023’s finest albums is headed to Manchester’s Band on the Wall in February as part of a tour from the genius musical combination that is HiFi Sean and David McAlmont. Happy Endings, their critically acclaimed, soulful, pop, Bollywood, dance-influenced collection of tremendously infectious songs, was, for many, the soundtrack of the year, ending up on numerous ‘Best of’ lists as 2023 came to a close. McAlmont is no stranger to successful partnerships.
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Jan 31, 2024 | 
northernsoul.me.uk | Desmond Bullen |Megan E. Bond
Whereas much modern art aims to leave its mark on the world, the work of Jo Lathwood is, by contrast, enchanted by impermanence. Her pieces seem to arise in part from her efforts to reconcile the inspiration to make something more with the knowledge that there is already too much. As such, they seems to stand to one side of a culture driven by a voracious appetite for novelty, a hunger algorithmically designed never to be sated.
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Jan 30, 2024 | 
northernsoul.me.uk | Desmond Bullen |Megan E. Bond |Fran Yeoman
It is a curiously invigorating thing to watch new and talented artists try something out. I Am Steven Gerrard is a chance to do just that. It is even better to watch a new actor – a sporting metaphor seems appropriate here – knock it out of the park. At just 19, Joe Cowin holds the stage in this one-man play with a presence and charisma befitting a far more experienced performer.
