Stan Graham's Leisure Guide for North and West Yorkshire
Looking at the credits for School of Rock – The Musical, I could think of no stranger pairing to come up with for this adaptation of the 2003 film than Lord Andrew Lloyd Weber and Julian Fellowes. It just goes to show that appearances are not everything and great talent is transferrable. I must not…
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When I told people that I was going to a concert of Tuvan Throat Singing at Howard Assembly Room on Friday their reactions generally fell into three categories; a roll of the eyes, a ‘What the … is throat singing?’ and ‘You do realise that Friday is April Fool’s Day’. There was a fourth which…
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As part of Compass Arts Festival 2021, artists and performers Katie Etheridge and Simon Persighetti aka Small Acts, presented an installation in Kirkgate Market called Yorkshire Square. It explored the interaction between pub goers and the inns and taverns they frequent. They have now taken this theme one step further with a performance called Future…
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At last we were able to see the World Premier of the new musical Say Yes To Tess. It was due to happen a couple of years ago but was one of the casualties of lockdown. It is the true story of an accidental female politician and, while no Evita, it was fun and just…
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I had reason to venture into town this morning before writing my review and took the opportunity to have a look at a Cluedo box in WH Smiths. What I was looking for was the recommended age for players which turns out to be 8+. For anyone over that age then I am sure that…
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This year there is lots going on under the Opera North banner. The big operas staged in the Grand Theatre have mostly moved on to other venues but there is still one to come. Howard Assembly Room, however, is packed with great stuff. The final opera of the current season will be staged at Leeds…
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In keeping with its original roots, the City Varieties has a host of one-night stands lined up over the coming months. There are so many of them that I would be sitting here typing until it was time to do my Autumn/Winter Previews. I have decided to take the easy way out and highlight a…
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Spring and summer see another eclectic mix at Leeds Playhouse. There are new shows, ones returning and those which should have been staged before the pandemic but had to be postponed. One thing which is making a welcome return is the restaurant which has now reopened. Insofar as the drama is concerned Macbeth is in…
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After hosting a programme of opera and ballet in the months since Christmas, the wonderful Grand Theatre now moves on to the mixed bag of entertainment which we all know and love so much. There is plenty of variety, pardon the pun – which was intentional of course, with not only plays and musicals but…
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I seem to be spending a lot of time at Howard Assembly Room lately, for which I am truly grateful, especially when I get to see some of the country’s, nay world’s, best musicians and singers up close and personal. Such was the case last night when I witnessed a supreme performance by baritone Roderick…
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Tyke It To The Limit 