Stan Graham's Leisure Guide for North and West Yorkshire
Well, that’s that then. I have completed the Grand Slam of The Magic Flute. I have seen the September 2024 production, the February 2025 one, which was the same but with a few cast changes, the free, 40-minute pop-up version performed in Holbeck Working Men’s Club in June, 2021, The 30-minute rendering in County Arcade,…
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I must admit to being at a disadvantage here, as I have never seen Shakespeare’s original version of this play, although, as I have often said, it is difficult to see the original version of any of his works. When I was at school doing my GCE ‘O’ Level English Literature we studied Hamlet, well,…
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After a somewhat tortuous journey into Leeds, arriving only just in time for the show, I was more than a little stressed out, in fact, it was only the lure of the company who produced this performance, imitating the dog, which prevented me from abandoning my battle with public transport and going back home. My…
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Now here’s something I have never done before – seen the same production twice. For those of you who are paying attention, you will notice that I have copied my original review and posted it next to this. I thought it would save you scrolling to last September, when The Magic Flute began its run.…
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It was great to be back at Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House, to give it its Sunday name. The place looked better for its fettling, as we say in this part of the world, having had a nip and tuck rather than the full Cher. Just as well really, as this opera provides more…
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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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Tyke It To The Limit 