The Dutty Moonshine Big Band: Gorilla, Manchester. Reviewer Matthew Forrest I’ll hold my hands up from the outset. Sometimes I’ll agree to review gigs without really reading the blurb I’m sent: I suppose in many ways, it’s a like a group of swingers throwing their car keys in the bowl – you’re never quite … Continue reading The Dutty Moonshine Big Band 29.11.18
Month: November 2018
Iain Stirling: U OK Hun? 24.11.18
Iain Stirling: U OK Hun? X - Quays Theatre, The Lowry, Salford Reviewer: Matthew Forrest Reviewed on the 24th November 2018 Reviewed for Reviews Hub. As Iain Stirling introduced himself to those at the Lowry this evening, you could be forgiven for closing your eyes for a moment, as you are transported to sunny Mallorca … Continue reading Iain Stirling: U OK Hun? 24.11.18
Tea Street Band 25.11.18
The Tea Street Band: Gulliver’s- Manchester Reviewed: 25/11/18 Reviewer Matthew Forrest There must be something in the water over in Merseyside; the city of Liverpool seems to have the knack of churning out damn fine distinctive bands. The Coral, Shack and The Zutons all have their own unique and unmistakable sound which sets them apart … Continue reading Tea Street Band 25.11.18
Cinderella – Oldham Coliseum 17.11.18
Cinderella – Oldham Coliseum Theatre Director: Kevin Shaw Writer: Fine Time Fontayne and Kevin Shaw Reviewer: Matthew Forrest The Oldham Coliseum is garnering quite the reputation for putting on great productions and this year’s pantomime Cinderella is no exception. This is an absolute treat for kids from 6 to 86, that will have them grinning … Continue reading Cinderella – Oldham Coliseum 17.11.18
Ayesha Hazarika – Girl On Girl: The Fight for Feminism. 17.11.18
Ayesha Hazarika – Girl On Girl: The Fight for Feminism. The Studio, The Lowry Ayesha Hazarika has made some interesting career choices indeed; whilst working as a press officer she tried her hand at Department of Trade and Industry and she chanced her arm at stand up comedy. Soon Hazarika progressed in both endeavours, … Continue reading Ayesha Hazarika – Girl On Girl: The Fight for Feminism. 17.11.18
Middle Kids 20.11.18
Middle Kids: Deaf Institute – Manchester 20/11/18 Reviewer: Matthew Forrest It’s been a year of firsts for Middle Kids: Their debut album, Lost Friends, came out in the spring and now the band are on their first headline UK tour. Lost friends earned huge critical acclaim across the board, with the NME calling it "timeless … Continue reading Middle Kids 20.11.18
Closer at Hope Street Theatre 15.11.18
Closer – The Hope Street Theatre, Liverpool Writer: Patrick Marber Director: Adam McCoy Reviewer: Matthew Forrest In 1997 actor/playwrite Patrick Marber was riding the crest of a wave: he had not long since had a prominent role in the comedy classic TV series Knowing Me, Knowing You with Alan Partridge. His debut play, Dealers … Continue reading Closer at Hope Street Theatre 15.11.18
The Americans 15.11.18
The Americans – Albert Hall Manchester Reviewed 15th November. Batten down the hatches and lock the doors because The Americans are coming! You don’t really need to do that, but The Americans have arrived and they aren’t taking any prisoners. Having released their debut, I’ll be Yours, the Los Angeles trio of Patrick Ferris, Zac … Continue reading The Americans 15.11.18
An Evening with Nigella 11.11.18
An Audience with Nigella Lawson: The Lyric Theatre, the Lowry-Salford Reviewer: Matthew Forrest It’s hard to believe that 20 years ago one of the nation’s favourite food writers, Nigella Lawson, had her first book published How to Eat: Pleasures and Principles of Good Food. This food bible changed not just how we cook, but … Continue reading An Evening with Nigella 11.11.18
Ian Felice 4.11.18
Ian Felice/Nick Panken – Night and Day Café. Manchester 4/11/18 Reviewer: Paul Roberts Ian Felice (Felice Brothers) returns to the Night & Day Café in support of his latest album, In the Kingdom of Dreams. This is Ian’s first solo album away from the Felice Brothers (although brother James plays drums and brother Simon produces) … Continue reading Ian Felice 4.11.18