Events

Halloween Lakeside Trail

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The Halloween Lakeside Trail returned to Partridge Lakes, Culcheth this weekend for is second spooktacular year. 

Taking up residence at the stunning Cheshire site from Friday 4th October until Thursday 31st October this family-friendly enchanted walk takes you on an unforgettable adventure through the magical forest.

You can shake your boo-tay with the dancing ghosts, play pranks with the silly skeletons and shiver with delight at all the super surprises along the way.

As you make your way through the woodland spiders tunnel toward the witches’ lair the Halloween magic brilliantly comes to life with fabulous performers, incredible installations, spooky sounds and wicked lighting. Even better this fabulous event is dog-friendly so your pet pooches won’t miss out on the fun either.

In addition to all the fun of the trail there’s an incredible selection of sweet and savoury treats to satisfy even the grizzliest of ghouls. We tucked into delicious hot chocolates while we toasted gooey marshmallows, delicious!

This family-friendly trail will without doubt appeal to all ages, and really gets you in the mood for the spooky season. It’s a fang-tastic addition to the autumn calendar which sells out quickly, so book now for a fa-boo-lous time!

HALLOWEEN LAKESIDE TRAIL

Friday 4 October – Thursday 31 October 2024 

 Partridge Lakes

Glaziers Lane,

Culcheth,

Warrington, 

WA3 3AQ

Tickets are available www.halloweenlakesidetrail.co.uk

Blackstock Market

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Having opened its doors back in April this year when an incredible 2,000 punters flocked to the venue on it’s very first day, Blackstock Market has continued to go from strength to strength.

The brainchild of Hot Water Comedy Club founders Paul and Binty Blair, this stunning entertainment venue offers something for everyone, there’s comedy nights, live music, sports screenings, mouth-watering street food and extensive drinks options. Future months will bring even more with the opening of Liverpool’s largest roof-top terrace, additionoal theatre spaces as well as podcast studios which will all compliment the already enormously successful 590 seat purpose-built auditorium, the new home of Hot Water Comedy Club.

Phase 2 recently saw the opening of a stunning bespoke bar, Whisky & Water which houses more than 320 whiskies, boasting the premier whisky collection inside the UK. The atmospheric bar looks stunning and gives off a gorgeous speakeasy vibe with the addition of two secret rooms which are set to open over the coming months. The first, which will be accessed through a hidden entrance, will transport guests back to the Prohibition era with classic cocktails while the second will be a basement jazz bar offering a cosy space to enjoy live music up close at ticketed events. This brand-new bar which opens Wednesday to Sunday 5pm until midnight really does feel special, the staff know their stuff while the clientele as with the rest of Blackstock Market are all about the good vibes.

Heading into the impressive auditorium you’re spoilt for choice with comedy offerings, on our visit the laughs came thick and fast from MC Phil Chapman, comedians Garry Little, Tony Carroll and Simon Wozniak. There’s an extensive mixture of free and ticketed show both throughout the week as well as multiple weekend shows, if you’re brave enough, you could even give the Monday night open mic night a try.

The recent addition of family friendly comedy shows Hot Water’s Comedy For Kids which take place on Sunday’s at 2pm add another brilliant string to Blackstock Market’s bow. With 50% of the venue still to open in further phases, Blackstock Market is fast becoming the most-loved destination venue in the city, you can guarantee we’ll be back, make mine a Whisky Sour with a dash of comedy on the side!

The Brit Fest – Ashley Show Ground

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Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

If there’s one thing us Brits love, it’s a summer festival, come rain or shine, if there’s a festival to attend, we’ll make a party of it whatever the weather. Thankfully Cheshire’s brand-new family friendly festival, The Brit Fest, was blessed with sunshine (mostly), a superb lineup and a little something for everyone to enjoy.

This three-day extravaganza hosted by presenters Jenny Powell and Mike Toolan was packed with top class musical acts, surprise special guests, creative workshops, fun activities and fabulous food offerings. The brainchild of brothers Anthony and Edward Prophet, The Brit Fest is a true celebration of music, community and culture.

paulvelasco@mac.com

Staged at Ashley Hall & Showground in Cheshire over the weekend of 5th, 6th 7th July and bringing acts as varied as Scouting For Girls and Bonnie Tyler to the stage it was clear to see the appetite for a family friendly festival right here in the heart of Chesire is huge and The Brit Fest well and truly delivered. The brilliant big names such as Kim Wilde and Heather Small were complimented by up-and-coming acts such as The Lottery Winners fresh from their Glastonbury set as well as a brilliant mix of fantastic regional talent.

With over 15,000 attendees joining the party over its inaugural weekend the festival looks set to become a permanent fixture in Cheshire’s social calendar with a return in 2025 officially confirmed.

paulvelasco@mac.com

With general entry and a VIP option available The Brit Fest offers choice and great affordability with both weekend and day tickets on offer. What we loved so much about the festival was the vast age range of attendees and the super friendly vibes, from babes in arms to their glorious grandparents everyone was made welcome at this innovative event. There is also the option to camp, glamp or even bring your own motorhome to the event with pitches just a short stroll from the main arena. The entertainment options went way beyond the music with a fairground, artisan market, a family cinema, comedians, and classic cars as well yoga and self-love workshops in the ‘Mindful Meadow’.

paulvelasco@mac.com

With such a successful first year we can’t wait to see where 2025 takes The Brit Fest when it returns on 4th, 5th and 6th July. This feel-good festival is the perfect summer celebration.

Sign up now via the link below to be the one of the first to know the 2025 line-up and also be in for a chance to win VIP tickets for next year’s event.

https://thebritfest.co.uk/

The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals

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Now a much-welcome fixture to lift the January spirits, the National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals returned to the AO Arena in Manchester on Monday evening – bringing once again some spectacular musical theatre performances expertly compared by seasoned pro Jason Manford.

Featuring a mix of absolute classics to more modern hits, the evening was a big-budget affair that saw some of the biggest and best shows in London and on the road performing alongside a full size orchestra and host of talented singers.

Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for The National Lottery

Tanisha Spring and Dom Simpson gave an absolutely gorgeous performance of ‘Your Song‘ from the current West End hit Moulin Rouge. With thousands of mobile phones lighting up the arena, it was a really beautiful moment.

The Broadway hit Hadestown is due to open this side of the pond soon, so it was a really exciting moment getting to watch the first UK TV performance of the West End cast as they performed ‘Wait For Me’.

Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for The National Lottery

The cast of the critically-acclaimed immersive revivial of Guys & Dolls, lead by Cedric Neal as Nicely Nicely Johnson raised the roof and audiences to their feet with the brilliant number ‘Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat’.

Daniel Boys popped down the road from the Palace Theatre to give a crowd-pleasing turn as King George III with ‘You’ll Be Back’ from Hamilton, showing again what a gift of a number for a performer that song is.

Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for The National Lottery

Another clear winner was the quartet of Jean Valjean’s from Les Miserables (Milan van Waardenburg, Alfie Boe, Killian Donnelly, Pete Jöback) singing a specially-arranged version of the beautiful ‘Bring Him Home’. 

Another iconic show performing to big cheers was The Phantom of the Opera – John Robyns and Lily Kerhoas clearly enjoying belting out the famous title number to a 12,000 audience.

Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for The National Lottery

And plenty of shows heading towards Manchester in the next few months also got a chance to show what audiences can look forward to.

Curve’s production of A Chorus Line heads to The Lowry in July, ahead of a London run, and the dazzling full company performance of the show-stopping ‘One’ was a highlight of the evening.

Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for The National Lottery

The tour of Disney’s Aladdin heads to the Palace Theatre in May and Genie Yeukayi Ushe gave a brilliantly high energy rendition of ‘Friend Like Me’.

There was also a glimpse of new musicals to look forward to this year – including 42 Balloons which comes to The Lowry in April.

Other shows performing included clear audience favourite Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, new musical Mrs Doubfire, as well as classics Grease and Wizard of Oz, both of which come to Manchester this year.

(Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for The National Lottery)

And the show also shone a welcome spotlight on the important work done by the National Lottery in funding theatres and theatre programmes around the country. Also highlighted time and time again was the important of supporting your local regional theatre.

 You can catch the show on BBC One and Iplayer this Saturday – it genuinely is a must-watch for musicals fans.

HopeFest

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Reviewed by Matt Forrest

The sunshine has arrived just in time to herald the start of Hope Fest, a 3-week program of outdoor arts and cultural events located in the heart of trendy Ancoats.

The festival takes place from the 16th July through to 8th August and promises a mix of comedy, music, theatre and special events that will cater to all tastes!

Events include various shows from Matt & Phred’s music sessions, a celebration of Jazz, Funk and Soul. There is also Dog Fest, a family friendly event, showcasing some talented, paw-fect pooches, hosted by Hope Mill Patron Hayley Tamaddon. In addition,there is a tip of the hat to some iconic mega stars, including Dolly Parton, with The Dolly Show, performed by one of the best Dolly impersonators around; as well as a musical extravaganza in the form of Judy & Liza, which looks at Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli’s 1964 London Palladium show.

The festival kicked off with a huge statement of intent, in the guise of Jason Manford’s Comedy Club: a comedy showcase highlighting the cream of British stand up, and an opportunity to unearth some undiscovered comedic gems.

Tonight’s show featured four comics Matt Rees, James Allen, Julian Deane and our MC for the evening Sally-Anne Hayward. Hayward offers a mix of razor sharp observations on feminism, along with a scathing critic of clap-for-carers, which is bang on point. This, interspersed with lewd gags, and the tried-and-tested audience ‘banter’ sees Hayward do a solid job of setting the tone for the evening.

First on is Matt Rees, whose sardonic routine mainly centres on his battle with alcoholism and his continued sobriety. In addition, there are some set pieces focusing on a Mega Bus journey and his stint working at Poundland that are good fun. However, it is Rees’ darker material that is his main strength, with gags about dwarf sex and dementia, which are as funny as they are smart. It is a low-key, droll, but welcome offering from Rees.

Next up is James Allen, a Salford University Graduate, who packs a great deal into his short set. Focusing on Allen’s awkwardness. This is a set filled self-deprecating gags, about awkward first sexual encounters and his time as a drama student. It’s a silly, light routine from Allen, and because of its short running time leaves you wanting more from his awkward adventures.


Following the interval is the show’s headline act Julian Deane. The gags come thick and fast, with Deane working through a-near-the-knuckle routine focusing on relationships, and fatherhood. Some punch lines are as brutal as they are funny, helped along by Deane’s deadpan delivery. What is appealing about his routine is that despite the confidence with which it is delivered Deane is often the butt of his own jokes, which is somewhat refreshing. This was a great headline set from a comic who I’d definitely be interested in seeing again.

The opening night of Hope Fest was an absolute triumph, a great indicator of what lies ahead for this bold, innovative festival and a wonderful addition to Manchester’s vibrant cultural scene.

More information on Hope Fest as well as tickets can be found at https://hopemilltheatre.co.uk/hope-fest

C.O.N.T.A.C.T

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📷 Phil Tragen

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Reviewed by Matt Forrest


Over the last 14 months many of us have had a great deal of time to take stock and reflect on the world around us, so wouldn’t it be exciting to enter the head space of someone different for a short while, and become immersed in their world.

Well for 50 minutes you can, with the unique production of C.O.N.T.A.C.T brought to audiences by Aria Entertainment, WEF Productions and The Lowry, staged either at Media City and/or a Manchester City Centre.

We were told prior to the event to meet near the tram stop at Media City and to bring a brolly: this after all is Salford where the city and grey sky fit like hand in glove. In addition we were asked to download the C.O.N.T.A.C.T app for your smartphone of choice and to bring a set of earphones.

📷 Phil Tragen

We are soon introduced to Sarah (Chloe Gentles), a young women with a lot going on in her head: from the uncomfortable fitting of her bra to the odd feeling in the pit of her stomach, all the while taking in the sounds of the city, lost in her own little bubble.

However her world is soon turned on it’s head with the introduction of Raphael (Cellan Scott), a mysterious stranger who knows more about Sarah then she knows about herself.

Sarah and Raphael soon begin a journey of discovery and reflection which will change Sarah forever.

C.O.N.T.A.C.T was first performed in Paris at the height of the pandemic, moving to London last summer and garnering huge praise for it’s bold, innovative attempt to stage live theatre. After all we can’t order a drink without an app, so why shouldn’t we enjoy theatre in the same way?

📷 Phil Tragen

Both Gentles and Scott do not utter a world throughout, with both giving visual, expressive performances whilst their dialogue is drip fed into our conscious’ via the app. The two actors performances, in conjunction with the highly impressive 3-D sound design allow you to switch off and become totally immersed in Sarah’s world, so much so that as we strolled around the grounds of the Blue Peter Garden I became aware that I was part of the production, as baffled on lookers watched a group of people with headphones observing two others have a silent but very heated debate.

This unique, production is the perfect reminder of how much we need human connection and the importance of looking after not only ourselves but also looking out for others. No matter what challenges we may face, there can always be a solution found.

C.O.N.T.A.CT is on in Manchester and at Media city until the 27thJune. Tickets available at: https://thelowry.com/whats-on/contact-salford-quays/

Critically-acclaimed outdoor show C-O-N-T-A-C-T comes to Salford & Manchester in May

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Aria Entertainment and WEF Productions have announced that the critically-acclaimed
outdoor production C-o-n-t-a-c-t will run for six weeks from Tuesday 18 May – 29 June 2021.


This immersive, two-hander outdoor performance featuring a captivating 3D sound design will
run in partnership with The Lowry in two locations – Salford Quays and central Manchester following a hugely successful run in London in autumn 2020.

This innovative production opened to 4* reviews from The Guardian and the i, with The Times
calling it “a tantalising vision of a new kind of theatre.” It will be one of the first live theatre show to open in Manchester & Salford following theatre closures last year.

Originally created by Samuel Sené and Gabrielle Jourdain and premiering in France with
French production company Musidrama last summer in a world where social distancing became
the ‘new normal’, this timely story of a moving and unexpected encounter explores the themes
of mental health and anxiety through the eyes of Sarah as she is approached by someone she
believes to be a stranger. She discovers that he can hear her thoughts but how? Who is this
man? Dive into her mind in this unique sensory and immersive new show and experience
theatre like never before.

The show runs for 50 minutes without an interval and audiences download the audio from the
app which is a completely new piece of technology synchronizing the spectators and actors,
allowing the show to play with theatrical concepts and a new form of dramaturgy. Audiences of
no more than 17 per show will purchase their tickets online and will then receive a link to
download the app and exact location details.

The show complies with the safety and hygiene measures arts as set out by the government. This pedestrian performance is an outdoor promenade experience for small groups of up to 17 and adheres to strict social distancing
between audience members. It is also an audio experience which involves no direct speaking of
any actor in the play.

Tickets can be purchased via The Lowry’s website Contact | What’s On | The Lowry


Immersive drive-in cinema SecretCity comes to Manchester

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Reviewed by Nicky Jones

As one of the first live events to happen in Manchester after the third national lockdown,
it was a welcome treat to attend SecretCity’s Opening Night!

Happening at EventCity throughout summer 2021, we were given chance to have an early experience and watch the 2020 remake of The Secret Garden at the drive-in cinema.

Arriving into SecretCity, we were greeted by an immersive Alice in Wonderland enchanted tunnel, complete with a water pistol armed dancing mushroom and a zebra on stilts.

As we followed the journey round, we saw an Alice in Wonderland scene with a vibrant butterfly who threw a giant beach ball our way! This was a fantastic welcome, and really set the tone for the rest of the event.

Before the film, a DJ set was blasted out of speakers and on radio waves – perfect for a party in the car!

The SecretBar was a huge hit with attendees, including a popular beer garden area for catching up with friends. The drinks were flowing and plenty of hot food was on offer to warm us up.

Spectacular aerial artists and roaming performers put on a stunning show throughout the build up to the film.

Popcorn in hand, we headed back to the car for the film to begin. A light show and pyrotechnics were a feast for the eyes in the last few moments before the film began, whilst the DJ encouraged the audience to flash their car lights and honk their horns!

Various films are being shown throughout the summer on the UK’s biggest LED outdoor screen, but the stunning remake of The Secret Garden was the perfect choice for opening night.

There are plenty of photo opportunities at SecretCity – so dress up and enjoy a night out from the comfort of your own car!

Fancy it?
Tickets are £35 per car, available to purchase on: https://parknpartymcr.co.uk/secret-city/

What’s on the schedule?
Wonder Woman (1984) | Thursday 15th April | 9pm
Bridesmaids | Wed 21st April | 8:30pm
Onward | Saturday 24th April | 4pm
Greenland | Sunday 2nd April | 8pm
Mulan (2020) | Saturday 7th May | 4pm
The Greatest Showman | Sunday 8th May | 4pm

Mythos: A Trilogy

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📷 David Cooper

Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Fresh from taking the Edinburgh Fringe by storm, Stephen Fry brings his one-man trilogy to the Lowry as part of his first UK tour in almost 40 years.

Mythos: A Trilogy based on his best selling books Mythos and Heroes allows Fry to focus on a different subject matter in each of the three shows starting firstly with Gods, then secondly Heroes before thirdly and finally taking on Men.

Effortlessly charming and unquestionably entertaining Fry weaves through the history of Greek mythology right from the origins of the Ancient Greek Gods all the way through to the realisation that mortal man had progressed so far that perhaps the glorious Gods who’d ruled with such majestic power were no longer needed. Each and every story is packed with brilliant and witty observations as the Great Gods are brought to splendid and spectacular life.

Sitting centre stage on a throne-like leather armchair, Fry, a natural storyteller draws his audience in as though huddled round a campfire: his knowledge and enthusiasm bursting to be shared. Large screens surround him as projections of animations and classical paintings play out.

Stories roll off Fry’s tongue captivating the audience while delving deep into the origins of the Greek Gods. The names of the Original 12 Gods, their children, their cousins, heroes, creatures and mortals are reeled off effortlessly as Fry adds depth to his delivery with witty anecdotes and entertaining ad libs.

Stories are made accessible with Fry designating regional accents to the various individuals and comparing their personalities to modern day references, Heracles for example is a Brummie while Titan is described as being a “bit of an emo”.

As well as Fry’s captivating storytelling he adds various interactive elements to each show firstly in the form of the ancient version of trivial pursuit, in this case ‘mythical pursuit’. Audience members are invited to pick a subject from which Fry regales the listeners with interesting facts about said subject. In addition to this Fry opens up his oracle during the interval giving audience members an opportunity to email their burning questions in the hope of Mr Fry selecting theirs for discussion at the start of Act II. Sadly on this occasion even the oracle was stumped when the word Brexit emerged.

Wonderfully this Herculean sharing of what can only be described as an encyclopaedic knowledge never feels overwhelming or inaccessible. Fry’s warm and playful nature ensures every audience member feels part of this mythological ride and will leave the theatre armed with both a huge respect for the ancient Greeks and plenty of interesting facts to wow their friends and family with thus achieving Fry’s aim of returning to a storytelling society.

Mythos: A Trilogy covers all bases, there is love, war, heroism and devilment, with each and every story told with passion and joyful delight. The ancient is brought to wondrous life in this epic trilogy of olympic storytelling we have just one request: please Mr Fry don’t leave it another 40 years.

Mythos: A Trilogy can be seen at various locations across the country further information can be found here.

Magical Christmas Movie Experience comes to Manchester

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Christmas

Here at Opening Night we’ve started to feel a bit festive with the announcement of some Christmas movie classics being screened at a new pop up cinema launching next month – including Home Alone, Love Actually and Die Hard (and yes Die Hard IS a Crimbo movie – no debate!)

The Magical Christmas Movie Experience will showcase some of the best-loved Christmas movies in the surroundings of a beautifully transformed Mayfield Depot near Manchester Piccadilly.

Cinema goers will enter a magical kingdom through a secret wardrobe, finding themselves in an enchanted forest full of festive surprises.

Running over four long weekends from November 23 to December 16, the festive film programme includes The Greatest Showman, Love Actually Weekend and two Christmas Classics weeks.

the-greatest-showman

The phenomenon that is The Greatest Showman will be brought to life in colourful fashion with, stilt walkers, fire breathers and a fabulous choir creating a fully immersive experience. And there will also be sing-along screenings. Yeah ok it’s not really an Xmas movie – but we’re not complaining!

The Love Actually weekend takes the yuletide feelgood favourite, starring Hugh Grant, Martine McCutcheon, Martin Freeman, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley among other famous faces and adds the seasonal sound of a live gospel choir as well as some more surprises. We’re already welling up at the thought of THAT Emma Thompson scene (dammit where’s the tissues!)

And the Christmas Classics weeks features a host of heart-warming, thrilling and hilarious favourites including Home Alone, The Holiday, Elf, Die Hard, The Polar Express and Gremlins.

Christmas 1

There’s be plenty of food and drink to feast on too.

In the cinema, a range of seating will include giant bean bags, and while people are encouraged to dress warmly for the winter weather, there will also be blankets on offer to snuggle under which will keep audience’s toasty – and which will be donated to the city’s homeless after the final screening.

Steven Matthews Event Organiser said: “Last Christmas Love Actually appeared in the same location, that was huge and really well received.”

Love-Actually-Gallery-2

“This is something new for Manchester – it’s the first experience of its kind with an enchanted forest and everyone’s favourite festive flicks. Audiences can expect loads of surprises, and a totally unique experience.”

Doors to the enchanted forest and food court open at 6pm on Thursdays, 5pm on Fridays and from noon at weekends.

Tickets for all the films start from £14.99.

For more details visit http://www.magicalchristmasmovieexperience.com

 

Casting News | Gulliver’s Travels

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untitled-1The Octagon Theatre has announced the cast for their exciting retelling of Swift’s classic novel Gulliver’s Travels, which can be seen in Bolton’s Queens Park from 16th to the 27th August.

The lead role will be played by a giant puppet of Gulliver which will stand at a whopping 8m tall and is currently being constructed by Handmade Parade in Hebden Bridge. Joining the incredibly impressive puppet will be the familiar faces of Michael Peavoy, Robert Jackson and Alexandar Bean all most recently seen in the Octagon’s critically-acclaimed site-specific production Summer Holiday, as well as Anne O’Riordan who previously appeared in the Octagon’s 2016 festive show Cinderella.

gullivers eye small

Throughout the production the cast will be joined by young performers and community companies culminating in the final scene that brings together local choirs from across Bolton in an exciting community collaboration. Various locations across Queens Park while be used in the production including the sunken garden, the duck pond and the amphitheatre which will be transformed into the magical land of Lilliput with festoon lighting, flags and sailboats adorning the space.

Audiences will meet at the Chorley New Road entrance to Queens Park and are encouraged to bring picnics or buy catering on site in what Elizabeth Newman, Artistic Director at the Octagon theatre expects to be ‘a big spectacle – we hope lots of people will want to come along and celebrate the final production of our 50th Anniversary Season after the sell-out success of Summer Holiday and our most impactful season to date.’

Queens Park

The production will be co-directed by Octagon Theatre’s Artistic Director Elizabeth Newman and Ben Occhipinti and showing on evenings Thu 16 – Mon 27 Aug at 7.15pm with a matinee performance on Sat 25 Aug at 2.15pm. Ticket prices from £12 – £15 and can be found here.

 

Doc’n Roll Festival

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Writer Matt Forrest

The Bank holiday weekend is upon us once more: with the inevitable heavy bank holiday traffic threatening to spoil our precious long weekend, it may be worth avoiding the jams and going for a different sort of ‘jam’ by taking in some great films packed with killer tunes!

From the 23rd May through to the 28th May, the great city of Manchester will host the Doc’n Roll film festival for the first time ever. This is a film festival like no other as it highlights some tremendous music documentaries from across the globe, regardless of your taste in music, the festival promises something for everyone.

Boasting 11 premiers at three venues across the city, this festival will provide music lovers not only with a chance to see some insightful and groundbreaking films, but also offer opportunities to quiz the musicians and directors behind the projects with several post screening Q & A sessions.

Unlike most music festivals, there are no headliners here, just an eclectic mix of films and artists spanning various musical genres: from Ella Fitzgerald to Badly Drawn Boy, Iranian Techno to Heavy Metal, the festival promises to leave you informed and entertained. There are also films taking a look at the vibrant 1960’s Liverpool music scene which gave birth to The Beatles, as well as a look at the infamous Ealing Club in London, a venue nicknamed “The Cradle of British Rock”.

Opening night will be attending several screenings throughout the weekend, one that we are certainly looking forward to is Play Your Gender, an insightful look at the lack of female representation in music production.

So this bank holiday why not get yourself down to HOME, Gulliver’s, and Plant Noma and catch some amazing films featuring some interesting stories, talented musicians, and some great music! Here is a full list of the all the events and where they are happening:

19:00 WEDNESDAY 23RD MAY – 3MT – 39 Oldham St, M1 1JG

** Manchester Premiere **

Walking In The Opposite Direction: Adrian Borland & The Sound

Director Marc Waltman, Netherlands, 2016, 96 mins

18:30 THURSDAY 24TH MAY – HOME

** Manchester Premiere **

L7: Pretend We’re Dead

Dir. Sarah Price US, 2016, 82 mins

18:30 FRIDAY 25TH MAY – PLANT NOMA – Dantzic St, M60 0AB

** Manchester Premiere **

Raving Iran

Dir. Susanne Regina Meures, 2016, Switzerland, 84mins

 

18:15 FRIDAY 25TH MAY – HOME

** Manchester Premiere **

Play Your Gender + Q&A Your

Dir. Stephanie Clattenburg, Canada, 2017, 80mins

Q&A (music industry panelists TBA)

15:30 SATURDAY 26TH MAY – HOME

*** World Premiere ***

About A Badly Drawn Boy + Q&A

Dir. THE MITCHAM SUBMARINE, 2018, UK, 72mins

Q&A with the director

18:00 SATURDAY 26TH MAY – HOME

** Manchester Premiere **

Manchester Keeps On Dancing + Q&A, plus After-Party

Dir. Javi Senz, 2017, UK, 90mins

14:30 SUNDAY 27TH MAY – GULLIVERS

** Manchester Premiere **

Suburban Steps to Rockland: The Story of The Ealing Club

Dir. Giorgio Guernier, 2017, UK, 89mins

17:00 SUNDAY 27TH MAY – GULLIVERS

**Manchester Premiere**

The Doom Doc

Dir. Connor Matheson, UK, 2017, 90mins

19:30 SUNDAY 27TH MAY – GULLIVERS

** Manchester Premiere **

DEATH by Metal

Dir. Felipe Belalcazar, 2016, Canada, 109mins

16:00 MONDAY 28 MAY – HOME

** Manchester Premiere **

Pure Love: The Voice of Ella Fitzgerald

Dir. Katja Duregger, 2017, Germany, 52mins

Tickets for all shows available at: http://www.docnrollfestival.com/films/