Manchester Wire • 21st November 2022

The best theatre in Manchester this December FT Royal Exchange, The Edge, HOME and more

We really are spoilt for choice in Manchester this December, with a jam-packed calendar of theatre, dance and spoken word to look forward to. Whether you’re after some festive fun, puppetry for all the family, or ballet from one of the UK’s most ground-breaking dance companies, read on for our picks of this month’s must-sees.

Manchester Wire • 28th October 2022

Must-see Manchester theatre this November FT HOME, Contact, Hope Mill and more

The longer nights and dropping temperatures make for a perfect excuse to hide away from the cold and enjoy the very best of Manchester’s independent theatre scene this November. Here are our picks of November’s must-sees…

Manchester Wire • 15th October 2022

Review: The Color Purple shines bright at The Lowry

Expectations were high when Tinuke Craig set out to direct the first UK tour of the musical adaptation of The Color Purple; the novel won the 1983 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and made Alice Walker a household name, and Steven Spielberg’s 1985 film adaptation received four Golden Globe Award nominations. This week at The Lowry, the musical’s cast and crew proved that they were more than up to the challenge. Craig expertly navigates the story’s many intense highs and lows and...

Manchester Wire • 13th October 2022

The best Manchester theatre this October FT Contact Theatre, HOME, Royal Exchange and more

Whether you want to catch a Fringe favourite or brave a chilling vampire story right in time for Halloween, Manchester’s independent theatre scene has loads to offer this October. Here are our picks of this month’s must-sees…

Manchester Wire • 27th April 2022

Diversity, activism & expression: The best exhibitions to see across the North West

Aspiring art connoisseur? Feed your creative side with our picks of some of the best exhibitions taking place right across the North West over the coming weeks and months.

CN Traveller • 23rd April 2022

The 10 best things to do in Liverpool

Birthplace of The Beatles and home to one of the world’s most famous football clubs, Liverpool has firmly established itself as a must-see UK city destination – and there's plenty of things to do. From dockside dining to indie arts and culture venues and one of Europe’s biggest cathedrals, it has everything you could hope for from a city break with bucketfuls of history and character.

Manchester Wire • 12th April 2022

Local artist spotlight: Akinyemi Oludele—a celebration of free expression

Manchester-based artist Akinyemi Oludele has been making art for over 20 years and is a familiar figure in the city’s arts and music scene. If you’ve spent much time around the Northern Quarter, you might even have been drawn by him yourself—he’s a familiar figure at Night and Day Cafe, where he can often be seen capturing quick-fire sketches in the midst of the drinkers and the dancers.

Manchester Wire • 7th February 2022

Broadway… And all that jazz! The Hallé is bringing theatreland to Bridgewater Hall this March

For one night and one night only, Manchester’s most celebrated symphony orchestra will present a programme of everyone’s favourite West End and Broadway hits at The Bridgewater Hall.

Manchester Wire • 5th January 2022

Royal Exchange 2022: Three unmissable shows to book for the new year

The Royal Exchange Theatre has been a hub of storytelling and creativity in Manchester city centre for almost forty years. Its immersive theatre space continues to capture the hearts and imaginations of theatregoers from all walks of life, and it has welcomed (and discovered) some of the best talent from across the North West.

Manchester Wire • 23rd November 2021

Five must-see theatre shows taking over Manchester this December

Theatre-lovers in Manchester are in for a treat this December. Whether you’re after a thrilling adaptation of a classic ghost story, a musical mystery, or an award-winning West End hit, you’re sure to find something that will have you racing to book tickets.

Manchester Wire • 14th November 2021

The best alternative family theatre coming to Manchester this Christmas

No matter the age of your little one, you’re sure to find some wonderful Christmas theatre in Manchester this festive season. Travel to space with Noli the grumpy astronaut, fight off evil King Rat with Dick Whittington, or learn the truth behind the Cinderella story with a new twist on the classic fairytale.

Manchester Wire • 8th November 2021

Must-see art events & exhibitions opening in Manchester this November

Manchester’s cultural bounceback is in full swing, with a huge range of art events and exhibitions happening across the city this month. Catch a display of rarely seen works from an Italian old master, learn about the city’s constructive and creative responses to the coronavirus pandemic...

The Manc • 5th November 2021

24 hours in Chorlton | An insider's guide to the bohemian heart of Manchester

Make the most of your day in one of Manchester’s most creative neighbourhoods with our insider’s guide to the best things to eat, drink, and do in Chorlton.

The Manc • 29th October 2021

A giant 11-foot puppet named Little Amal is coming to Manchester - here's where to find her

She has travelled through 65 cities, towns and villages in search of her new home – now, Little Amal is coming to Manchester.

Mancunian Matters • 21st October 2021

Manchester's lost cinemas

More than 100 picture houses have closed across Greater Manchester since the 1930s — MM pays tribute to five of Manchester’s best-loved lost cinemas. Going to the pictures was once the UK’s favourite leisure activity, with cinema-going peaking at 1.64 billion admissions in 1946.

The Manc • 20th October 2021

How to spend 48 hours in Manchester city centre

Got 48 hours to spend in the capital of the north? Spend it wisely. You can pack a lot into a weekend, especially when you’re in a city with as much to offer as Manchester.

Mancunian Matters • 15th October 2021

Northern Quarter welcomes Manchester's first LGBTQ+ bookshop

Founder of Manchester’s first LGBTQ+ bookshop talks representation in literature, the overwhelming response to the shop, and the debate over the LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum

The Manc • 11th October 2021

5 spooktacular Halloween brunches happening in Manchester

Halloween is right around the corner, and you can get the party started early at one of these ghoulishly-good themed brunches right here in Manchester.

Mancunian Matters • 9th October 2021

Gig review: Black Honey at Manchester Academy 2

A set full of indie rock magic from the masters of cinematic grunge. From the reverberating opening chords of ‘I Like The Way You Die’, Black Honey had Friday night’s Manchester Academy 2 audience under their spell.

Mancunian Matters • 8th October 2021

Travelling communities rally outside Conservative Party Conference to protest new police bill

Travellers say the new Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill threatens the very roots of their culture. The bill once made into law will make ‘residing or intending to reside on land without the permission of the owner or occupier’ a new criminal offence.