Stan Graham's Leisure Guide for North and West Yorkshire
When I see the two names, Manchester Collective and Howard Assembly Room, I know that I am in for a night of music, played to an unbelievably high standard, in wonderful surroundings. It will also be a challenge – but in a good way. The great thing about Manchester Collective is that they take your…
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I was a bit confused by the title of this play as I have always associated the term Shellshock or Shell shock, with the First World War, and the setting here is the period following the second global conflict. I thought it could have been because my grandfather and men of his age who had…
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After an extremely quiet January, the new month has started with an absolute treat. Three hours of Wagner, sung in German with English translation on display screens, might not sound like a way to tempt you away from your fireside on a cold Saturday evening, but, believe me, it was worth it. The evening began…
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What a way to return from a lengthy break. After the dearth of new shows since Christmas I was looking forward to getting back in the saddle and this production, which appeared to be more like a musical than a full-blown opera, seemed just the thing. It was written in 1948 by Kurt Weill and…
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After the pantomimes, Christmas shows, brass bands and the odd festive drink or several, a night of traditional music and stories was just the most amazing way to end my year’s reviews and look forward to the big day. The star of the show was Eliza Carthy MBE, who is bona fide folk royalty, her…
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What the Dickens would Christmas be without A Christmas Carol in some form or another. This year we were treated to a wonderful performance of the classic by Northern Ballet, Directed and Devised by Christopher Gable CBE and Choreographed by Massimo Moricone to Music by Carl Davis. A formidable trio indeed. For those of you…
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There is something about brass bands at Christmas which just seems right. Whether it is because it is the time when the Salvation Army regale shoppers with their renditions of carols, I don’t know, but it certainly adds a festive cherry to the fruit cake. Now where’s the Wensleydale? Naturally, the programme comprised a selection…
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Sadly, I missed last year’s inaugural mega animation using Queen’s Hotel in City Square as a screen, so was excited to be at the launch of the 2024 version. The weather was drizzly but good enough for the gathered crowd to enjoy the spectacle in reasonable comfort, especially the people ambling round the Christmas market…
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The Festive Season has got off to a great start this year. After two wonderful pantomimes and a stunning Christmas show, here I am at the fabulous Howard Assembly Room for an evening of song from Madeline Bell and Ian Shaw. The pair have been performing together for many years off and on but obviously…
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If last week’s trip to the pantomime took me back to my first childhood, this one certainly appeals to my second. The jokes were far more risqué, with lots of double entendres but even more single entendres! The age guidance is 4+ although there is advice for those who are bringing younger tots, due to…
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Tyke It To The Limit 