Stan Graham's Leisure Guide for North and West Yorkshire
I feel as though I can now regard myself as a seasoned theatre writer after my visit to this show. It is the first one where I have been to both the world premier and the second version, which is described in the programme as, ‘featuring a re-imagined book and new music.’ The difference between…
Read More
I saw Penguin Cafe for the first time last September when I was so impressed that I made a mental note to watch out for their return. Just over a year later and here they are again, this time with an extra member of the band who began by playing balafon, an African version of…
Read More
I approached this evening with mixed feelings. I saw the film with my mum and dad as a seven-year-old when it was first released and I was bored stiff for most of the two and a quarter hours. The songs were good but the plot, what there is of it, left me cold. When I…
Read More
30th October and here I am writing about my first Christmas show of the season and all I can say is that the bar is now pretty high for the rest of them. Although it is aimed at the younger audience – 4 years and up – it is probably the most grown up thing…
Read More
No, the small case ‘r’ in the title is not a mistake, Italian operas, I have recently found out, do not use upper case in titles except for the first letter in the sentence. You’re welcome. Regardless of the grammar, this is the third and final work in Opera North’s Green Season devoted to making…
Read More
This performance by Manchester Collective was not so much a concert as an event. Have seen them several times before at this great venue, the one thing I have learned to expect is the unexpected. It is not only the music which varies each time, but so does the line-up. Tonight it was Rakhi Singh,…
Read More
I normally post reviews as soon as time permits with events which run for a few performances getting priority so that you can read about them whilst there is still time to book, or avoid! One night stands may be left for a day or two as they have come and gone. This particular article…
Read More
Strange how some nights you just know everything will be good. The train from Leeds to Huddersfield was rammed and lots of passengers were standing but one thoughtless numpty was sitting in the aisle seat with no one in the window. I hate people who are inconsiderate so I tapped him on the shoulder, as…
Read More
A funny thing happened on the way to the theatre. No, it is not the beginning to a corny comedy routine from the Fifties, a funny thing really did happen to me on the way to the theatre. I try to avoid going into Leeds on a Sunday during the NFL season, as that is…
Read More
Well, The Green Season has hit with a vengeance. Not only are all of the components of the production, such as costumes, scenery, sets and props being reused or made from recycled or second-hand elements, but this opera is concerned with the fate of the planet and the devastation it is facing. Being opera it…
Read More
Tyke It To The Limit 