The Deaf Institute. 12/02/2022 There was a buzz about the Deaf Institute this evening. At the third time of asking, Smoke Fairies returned to this amazing venue. Having been cancelled twice before for obvious reasons, Jessica Davies and Katherine Blamire have embarked on a short seven date tour in support of their 2020 album, Darkness … Continue reading Smoke Fairies
The Charlatans 15/11/21
The Charlatans ♥ the NHS - Gorilla 15/11/21 The capacity venue is full of everyday heroes brought together under the Anderson-style corrugated roof of Manchester's Gorilla. The Charlatans take to the stage tonight as both a warm-up show to their postponed 'A Head Full of Ideas' 30th, 31st Celebration Tour and also to thank and … Continue reading The Charlatans 15/11/21
The Charlatons – 31st Anniversary Tour
It’s hard to believe that The Charlatans are about to embark on a 31st anniversary tour (should have been 30th but we all know why this didn’t happen last year!). I mean if bands had gone through half of what these lads have gone through, they'd have packed in a long time ago: nervous breakdowns, … Continue reading The Charlatons – 31st Anniversary Tour
Fontaines DC – Manchester Academy
Fontaines DC - Manchester Academy 7th October. Reviewer: Matthew Forrest Sometimes you get a feeling when walking up to a venue that the night ahead is going to be pretty special, a vibe in the crowd, a buzz around the venue. As I joined the queue at the Academy for Fontaines DC for the second … Continue reading Fontaines DC – Manchester Academy
Cast All Change 25th Anniversary Tour
ALL CHANGE’ 25TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR Back in the summer of 1996, big things were happening for 16-year-old Master Forrest. Sure, I’d just left high school for the last time, nervously awaiting my GCSE results. However more important than that, I would be seeing three bands that had provided the soundtrack to my final, care free year at … Continue reading Cast All Change 25th Anniversary Tour
Anna X – The Lyric. 12.8.21-14.8.21
Anna X – The Lyric Theatre, The Lowry Writer: Joseph Charlton Director: Daniel Raggett. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reviewer: Matthew Forrest It would be fair to say that over the last 18 months most Instagram accounts have, for obvious reasons, showed a different slice of life from what was probably intended: gone were the snaps of flash parties, … Continue reading Anna X – The Lyric. 12.8.21-14.8.21
Spike Island: The Resurrection
Spike Island: The Resurrection At this moment in time, a trip back in time to the 1990’s doesn’t seem too bad an idea. No pandemic, no face masks, no allegations of Tory sleaze! A step back into time to the so called, “Second Summer of Love” may be something we could all do with... well … Continue reading Spike Island: The Resurrection
The Strange Tale of Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel
The Strange Tale of Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel: The Unity Theatre, Liverpool Writer: Paul Hunter Director: Paul Hunter Reviewer: Matthew Forrest 4 Stars. Depeche Mode once informed us that we should Enjoy the Silence: sound advice for the modern age and a rather accurate summary of the Told by an Idiot theatre company’s production: … Continue reading The Strange Tale of Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel
The Woman in Black – nationwide tour
Writer: Susan Hill Adaptation: Stephen Mallatratt Director: Robin Herford 3 ½ stars The desire to be scared out of our wits shows no sign of waning. Last year saw the first national tour of a theatrical adaptation of The Exorcist, and this year the hit play Ghost Stories is on tour. As well as being … Continue reading The Woman in Black – nationwide tour
Thumper preview – 27.2.20 at Night People
What’s better than a band with three guitars? Of course, the answer is four guitars! The excess doesn’t just stop there as the band have two drummers as well. Thumper have gone for it straight, creating a fearsome wall of noise - I’ve no doubt they're preparing themselves for the leap from pubs and clubs, … Continue reading Thumper preview – 27.2.20 at Night People