The Lowry has released it's schedule of activities and events for their Open Day on Sat 5 August. The venue will open its doors from 10am until 4pm for a day of free activities that enable visitors of all ages to explore the venue in a completely new way.

The most recent additions to the previously announced activities include a puppetry workshop hosted by the National Theatre and Pier Eight's 'Design a Dessert' competition - with the winning creation taking pride of place on the autumn kids menu. 

Visitors will be able to take a look behind the scenes with backstage tours and workshops in lighting and sound.

There will be the opportunity to get involved in a variety of performance related workshops. Members of Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures will lead a dance workshop inspired by their upcoming production of Cinderella; practitioners from Opera North will work with those interested in vocally exploring the music of Gilbert and Sullivan and representatives of Rambert will be located around the venue teaching movements influenced by one of their most-loved pieces, Ghost Dances. Other workshops include stand-up comedy, beatboxing, physical theatre, adult art sessions and stage combat.

The LS Lowry archive will pop-up at several locations around the foyer where visitors can view items such as photographs, interviews, letters to and from LS Lowry and even some of the painting tools used by the artist himself.

A makers market consisting of stalls occupied by a range of suppliers from Pier Eight Bar and Restaurant will allow visitors to sample food and drink offerings available at the venue. Pier Eight will also host live music throughout the day.

The range of activities will also spill out of the building and on to the plaza where Lost in Translation Circus will present Cirque Bordello. Visitors will be able watch a live open air performance that blends thrillingly spectacular circus skills seamlessly with charm, physical comedy, clowning, juggling, theatrical storytelling and slapstick in a colourful, loud and funny show.
 
All activities and events are free. Visitors can book places online for the workshops in advance. There will also be a limited number of places available for each ticketed event on the day, these will be allocated on a first come first served basis. 

Larissa Drake, 23, was reported missing to police earlier today (Tuesday 1 August 2017). 

She was last seen in Manchester city centre on 27 July 2017. 

Larissa is described as white, with long brown hair, and wears glasses. It is unknown what clothes she was last wearing. 

She recently changed her name from Amy Noble so it is possible that people will still know her by this name. 

Anybody with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting missing person reference number MP/17/0104937 or incident number  818 of 1 August 2017.

Jack Thompson (10/07/95) of Bradley Avenue, Salford, was sentenced at Minshull Street Crown Court to six years and four months in prison.

Kyle Meighan (23/10/92) of Chancel Avenue, Salford was sentenced to five years and four months in prison.

Both men pleaded guilty to robbery at a previous hearing.

Yesterday, Monday 31 July 2017 the court heard how on Monday 3 April 2017, the men entered a phone shop on Bury New Road, Sedgley Park, armed with a sledge hammer and a machete.

Meighan, who covered his face with a red motorcycle helmet was armed with a sledge hammer, whilst Thompson was wearing a balaclava and was armed with a machete.

They then forced staff members to empty the stockroom before fleeing the scene with more than £40,000 worth of mobile phones.

They then got in to a red Ford Focus Estate which they had previously parked on Vine Street, Prestwich before driving away.

Further enquires led police to Cowling Street, Salford, where they recovered the getaway car along with clothes and weapons used during the robbery.

Officers then attended an address on Kersal Hall Avenue where the stolen phones were recovered.

After reviewing CCTV and carrying out extensive enquires, both men were arrested and subsequently charged.

Robert O’Brien from GMP’s Serious and Organised Crime Group, said:

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“These men terrified innocent shoppers and staff who were just going about their daily business.

“The staff genuinely feared for their lives if they didn’t obey Thompson and Meighan’s orders. They didn’t care about how they made the victims feel and were motivated by greed.

“However their greed got the better of them and thanks to the hard work of GMP officers and the cooperation of victims, they were traced and are now behind bars.”

 

Housing association Salix Homes, which owns more than 8,300 homes in central Salford and Swinton, is launching its first ever Love Your Neighbourhood Week to encourage people to take pride in their communities.

The event will run from Monday, August 7 to Friday, August 11 and involves an action-packed week of activities across Salford.

The line-up includes community clean-ups, skips days, garden maintenance workshops and the transformation of an overgrown allotment site in Broughton.

There’s also a family-fun day at Ordsall Café on Thursday, August 10 where people can look forward to a range of stalls, giant games and hanging basket making.

Salix Homes’ Neighbourhood Teams will also be on hand to chat to residents about any issues in their communities.

Sue Sutton, executive director of operations at Salix Homes, said:

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“Salix Homes is passionate about building safe, clean and happy communities where our residents can be proud to live and work.

“The people of Salford are famous for their pride in this great city, but the aim of Love Your Neighbourhood Week is to encourage even more people to take a little bit of ownership of where they live because if everyone does their bit we can make a real and lasting benefit to our neighbourhoods.

“We want people to join forces for the benefit of their communities and we are urging as many people as possible to get involved and ‘love their neighbourhood’.”

 

You can find a full programme of events on the Salix Homes website www.salixhomes.org

Today, Tuesday 1 August 2017, he was sentenced to 33 months in prison. 

Between 2007 and 2012, Burke had befriended and gained the trust of his victim, an 83-year-old woman, who lives in Warrington. She became dependent on him to manage her finances and also had customer authority to access and speak to the banks on the victim’s behalf without her being present. 

Burke persuaded her to give him cheques, on the promise of a good return on her investment and a repayment of capital after a set period of 7-10 years. During the five years he stole £160,000 from her. 

Burke’s actions came to light when a family solicitor and financial advisor expressed concern about the lack of paperwork and lack of interest payments being made in respect of these ‘investments’. 

Greater Manchester Police’s Fraud Investigation Team launched an investigation and enquiries showed that Burke was not a registered accountant and was not registered to give financial advice by the Financial Conduct Authority. It also transpired that in 2013 a homemade will was prepared by Burke in which the victim had signed appointing him as sole executor. 

Officers established that Burke had spent the majority of the victim’s money on loans to another company, leasing a new Mercedes, a new kitchen, paying off his own personal debts, loaning money to a friend for the purchase of a motorhome and on his own living expenses, upgrading electrical items around the home and shopping. 

In January 2015 Burke was arrested following a warrant at his home. 

Between January 2008 and December 2014 £25,547.96 had been repaid to the victim from the accounts held by Burke. 

Detective Constable Laura Watson of GMP’s Economic Crime Unit said:

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“Burke targeted a vulnerable woman, gained and then obliterated her trust, by stealing hundreds of thousands of pounds from her. 

“The amount repaid in interest during the offence period by Burke is a fraction of the rate quoted and no capital repayments had been made during this time to her. 

“This is a sad case where an elderly woman has lost her savings and has been left extremely upset by what has happened. 

“I urge people to be vigilant and only ever use a registered financial advisor, regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority when making important investment decisions and together we can stop callous fraudsters like Burke.” 

Police constable Adnan Ali, has begun his 24 hour stay in a police cell in a bid to raise funds for Manchester based mental health charity Moodswings. 

PC Ali, based at Trafford Division, is carrying out the task after suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of an attack at the hands of an offender.

In April 2013, PC Ali and PC Peter Goulding attend a dispute between neighbours over a noise complaint. Having attended the victims address, the two officers visited the perpetrator at his home. It was then the male offender produced a knife and stabbed PC Ali three times in the head and slashed his face and neck.  PC Goulding received stab wounds to his shoulders.

Remarkably both officers made a full recover from their physical injuries. However the attack did result in PC Ali developing PTSD.  

PC Adnan Ali said:

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“The occupational health and welfare unit at GMP were a great support, especially in providing access to a psychologist. After my treatment finished I knew that I needed extra help, so I started looking at what local services were available.

“It was then that a friend recommended Moodswings and I already knew the charity’s chairman and founder, Tom McAlpine OBE.

“I can’t praise the charity, staff and Tom for all the support they provided. If it wasn’t for them I don’t think I would have had the strength to return back to work, to a job I love doing.  

“Sadly, Tom died earlier this year, I’m so thankful for the help that he and Moodswings provided. This seemed like the right time to give something back.

“Rather than do the usual charity fundraiser of a sponsored walk, I wanted to do something different. Being a police officer I thought it would be quite ironic to be the one in the cell.”

 

Regarding the current progress of the fundraising so far, PC Ali said:

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“Colleagues, friends and members of the public have shown a fantastic level of support and amazingly I’ve already broken my original fundraising target of £500. But every additional pound that we can raise is going to a great cause that helps local people with a range of mental health needs.

“Thankfully mental health is being talked about a lot more these days, especially among men. Hopefully this small gesture, along with people’s goodwill, will help the Moodswings charity continue with its great work.”

 

Linda Wilson, CEO of Moodswings, said:

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“Moodswings is very grateful to PC Adnan Ali for his ongoing support. He is not only raising money, but also awareness of the charity and the issue of mental health.

“We would also like to thank the Police Cadets for being involved in the challenge, as well as those who have already donated to PC Ali’s fundraising target.

“We’re all looking forward to seeing PC Ali on his ‘release’!”

 

PC Ali is completing the fundraising challenge in his own free time at Pendleton Police Station using a decommissioned cell. Local police cadets will be on hand to check on PC Ali during the 24 hours.

Anyone who wishes to support him with his fundraising, can donate at the following Just Giving page https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/AdzAli1?utm_id=60&utm_term=myjZkpPr2

All of the reports had similar circumstances with children being approached by a man with Class A, B and C drugs, across the Manchester and Trafford areas.

Some of the children were hospitalised but all have since made a full recovery.

An investigation was launched and on Friday 21 July 2017, officers executed two warrants in Northenden, recovering ecstasy, cannabis, cocaine and benzodiazepine as well as several phones and cash.

A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply and has since been released under investigation pending further enquires.

Police Constable Jamie Milligan of GMP’s City of Manchester Team said:

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“We are determined to eradicate the abuse of drugs within our community and will crack down on those who think it is acceptable to supply drugs, especially when it involves children.

“If anyone has any information about this investigation or any concerns about the supply of drugs in their area, I would urge you to contact us.

“We will work with you and treat your information with the strictest of confidence but need you to make that call.”

 

Anyone with information about criminality in their area should contact police on 101 quoting reference number 0374 of 21/07/17 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Bringing together a collection of the very best of Derren’s previous stage work, Underground is a spell-binding experience of showmanship and magical genius.

A unique opportunity to see Derren perform his own choice of some of his favourite work on the The Lowry stage, for three performances only.

Book quickly as tickets will sell out fast. 

Thursday 4th August : 20:00

Friday 5th August : 20:00

Saturday 6th August : 20:00

Additional Information

Not suitable for under 12 yrs.

For Bookings please see : https://www.thelowry.com/events/derren-brown-underground

What is real? Who are we? Where did this baby come from?

In RE:BIRTH, Russell Brand wrestles with these questions while unravelling the matrix of modern media, politics, sex, fatherhood and death. Join one of comedy’s fiercest talents as he tries to make sense of life having just made a new one.

Russell, re the show:

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"How do we make sense of the madness of our lives once we become parents?

What am I going to tell my daughter about conformity and responsibility? What happens if she grows up to be like me or, worse, date someone like me?"

Since rising to fame in 2003, Russell Brand has established himself as one of one of the world’s most celebrated stand-up comedians. His acclaimed tours include 2006’s SHAME, 2007’s ONLY JOKING, 2009’s SCANDALOUS (which marked his US live debut) and 2013’s critically acclaimed and hugely successful MESSIAH COMPLEX, which was also a best-selling DVD.

Aside from stand-up, Russell is also a phenomenally successful broadcaster, actor, author, podcaster, columnist, political commentator as well as a mental health and drug rehabilitation activist.

Tuesday 1st August - 20:00

Wednesday 2nd August - 20:00

For Bookings Please See: https://www.thelowry.com/events/russell-brand-rebirth

The Witch and her cat are travelling on their broomstick when they pick up some hitchhikers - a friendly dog, a beautiful green bird and a crazy frog. But this broomstick’s not meant for five and - CRACK - it snaps in two... just as the hungry dragon appears!

Songs, laughs and scary fun for children and their grown-ups, in this Olivier nominated show.

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★ ★ ★ ★ Sunday Times

 

Additional Information

Runtime: 60 minutes with no interval.

For Bookings and Availability Please See: https://www.thelowry.com/events/room-on-the-broom

Mr Darcy Loses the Plot
Wed 6 – Sat 9 September

The Jane Austen inspired comedy stars award-winning local performers Sue Ryding (Chorlton) alongside Maggie Fox (Whalley Range).
 
In Mr Darcy loses the Plot, multi-award winning actors Maggie Fox and Sue Ryding play an array of characters, moving effortlessly – well, almost – from frock to frock coat in their inimitable style on an entirely quilted set. 
 
Sue Ryding plays Jane Austen, sitting at her tiny writing desk, dreaming up Mr Darcy. But when a neighbour visits, Jane has to hide her work and take tea, leaving poor old Mr Darcy dangling in the ether.

Darcy, played by Maggie Fox, gets bored with his storyline, (endless balls and country houses) and decides to make his plot line more exciting, diving into lakes, wrestling carp and dancing the Berserka (a more extreme sports version of the Mazurka)
 
LipService explore the world of women writers, scribbling in secret or under pseudonyms, squeezing in their writing amongst the hustle and bustle of taking tea, choosing chintz and having the vapours.
 
Listings Info 
Mr Darcy loses the Plot
Dates: Wed 6 – Sat 9 September
Times: 8pm. Sat 2.30pm
Tickets: £16.50 - £22.50
Access: Captioning/BSL interpretation 8 September. Audio description on 9 September (matinee).
Box Office: 0843 208 6000
Website

A Volkswagen Passat was travelling along the M61 when it was involved in a collision with a pedestrian. Just seconds later, a Toyota Avensis was also involved in a collision with the pedestrian.
 
Sadly, the pedestrian, a man, was pronounced dead at the scene.
 
Officers believe they have identified the man however formal identification is yet to take place.
 
Police Constable Paul Shore of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said:

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“This is quite an unusual investigation and it’s been difficult to identify the man but we now believe we know who he is.
 
“Our investigation has now turned to tracing his family. At this time we don’t believe that they are living in the UK so we’ll be working with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to inform them at the earliest opportunity.
 
“I would like to thank everyone that has helped us share this appeal and thank them for their patience as we continue with our enquiries.”

 

 
Anyone with information or dashcam footage should contact GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741 quoting reference number 284 of 16/07/17 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

This best-loved tale, made famous by the iconic 1970 movie starring Jenny Agutter and Bernard Cribbins, delivers a compelling coming of age story and a fascinating insight into Edwardian rural life.

When their father mysteriously disappears with two strangers one evening, the lives of Roberta, Peter and Phyllis are turned upside down. Forced to leave the comforts of their privileged London life in exchange for a simple existence in the depths of the Yorkshire countryside, this fractured family soon discover new friendships and an unexpected secret that will change their lives forever.

Complete with beautiful period costumes and ingenious designs, this new production promises an uplifting theatrical experience for all ages, packed with intrigue, adventure, joy and jubilation.

Running time: Act One: 55 minutes, Interval: 20 minutes, Act Two: 45 minutes.

Saturday 29th 15:00

Saturday 29th 19:30

Sunday 30th 15:00

For tickets please see : https://www.thelowry.com/events/the-railway-children

David Wood OBE is undisputedly the country’s leading writer and director of plays and musicals for children. His many successes include The Gingerbread Man, BFG, The Witches, Meg and Mog, Spot and Babe the Sheep Pig.

Running time: approx 55 minutes (no interval).

Saturday 29th - 13:00

Sunday 30th - 10:30

Sunday 30th - 13:00

For Bookings See - https://www.thelowry.com/events/the-tiger-who-came-to-tea

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“This Tiger is the cat’s meow” ★★★★ The Times

“A rare and grrreat achievement” ★★★★ Mail on Sunday

 

This is my second Ladies night I have organised and at the last one had over 200 ladies attend. I am doing this to help all those innocent people at the Arena to show how good Manchester people are and that we care.

Entertaining the ladies will be Drag Queen Sally Bowles and Strippers Dave Starr and Romeo.

I have also invited along Danny Daire - he is a Burlesque performer with a feminine twist. He is a male Burlesque performer and has some very amusing striptease acts which our Ladies will love.

During his Fallen Angel act he strips to a green corset and wriggles his bum. Our event is showing all our bums to say no to terrorism.

Manchester theatre group LipService are seeking community quilters to help make the set for their upcoming premiere performance of Mr Darcy Loses the Plot at The Lowry in September.
 
Co-Director of LipService Sue Ryding said “Community groups from across Greater Manchester have already helped to create beautiful squares for our stage backdrop but we need more. If you can quilt, have a good sense of humour and love Jane Austen we’d like to hear from you.”
 
LipService Theatre are "Britain's favourite literary lunatics" (The Independent) and have been creating original comedies from a distinctly female perspective since 1985. They have won many awards, most recently the Stage Door Foundation Award for Excellence.
 
Anyone who wants to get involved can find out more information on their Facebook page Mr Darcy Loses the Plot quilting forum
 
Mr Darcy Loses the Plot comes to The Lowry Wed 6 – Sat 9 September.
 
Listings Info

Mr Darcy loses the Plot
Dates: Wed 6 – Sat 9 September
Times: 8pm. Sat 2.30pm
Tickets: £16.50 - £22.50
Access: Captioning/BSL interpretation 8 September. Audio description on 9 September (matinee).
Box Office: 0843 208 6000
Website

Matt Knight, known for his performance on BBC’s Let it Shine, will star as Akela in a new urban version of Jungle Book at The Lowry (Tue 29 Aug – Sat 2 Sept). Fans of the show will remember the 27 year old who performed ‘Wake Me Up’ by Avicii in his audition and later joined boyband Iron Sun.

The radical re-imagining of Kipling’s much loved classic Jungle Book will also star some of the UK's leading dancers and circus performers when it comes to Salford later this summer. Starring alongside Matt Knight are aerial artist Alfa Marks (Mowgli), dancer and actor Ellen Wolf  (Raksha), Kloé Dean (Bagheera/ Messua) who is founder of all-female Hip Hop dance company Myself, circus performer Nathalie Alison (Kaa/ Vee), dancer and choreographer Stefano Addae (Baloo / Buldeo) and Dancer Kaner Scott (Shere Khan).

Award-winning Metta Theatre’s new version of Jungle Book uses street dance, circus and spoken word. It is a contemporary urban jungle of skateboarding wolves, street dancing monkeys, a beat-loving bin man Baloo and graffiti artist Bagheera. With choreography from acclaimed hip hop artistKendra J Horsburgh. Kipling for the 21st century - this production astonishes with its physical virtuosity and provokes with its politics.

Metta Theatre are known for their powerful visual storytelling and exploration of multicultural stories often from a female perspective. In Jungle Book we follow Mowgli on her search for identity and belonging - vulnerable, isolated and trying to find her place in an alien environment. The story transcends boundaries and resonates with audiences young and old, urban and rural.

Composer Filipe Gomes has created a beat-driven score using real world sounds of the city. Add to this designer William Reynolds’ trademark minimalism and an urban jungle is created – a stark forest of streetlamps disguising circus equipment on which these recognisably human animals cavort and contort themselves. The show uses street dance and circus to explore the search for identity and belonging in contemporary multicultural Britain.
 
Listings Information
Jungle Book 
Dates: Tue 29 Aug – Sat 02 Aug
Times: 7pm, Matinees Thu & Sat 2.30pm
Tickets: £20.50. Conc £4 off. Family ticket £68.
Age Guidance: 8+
Website

The Lowry will open its doors on Sat 5 August from 10am until 4pm for a day of free activities that enable visitors of all ages to explore the venue in a completely new way.

Visitors will be able to take a look behind the scenes with backstage tours and workshops in stage make-up, lighting and sound.

There will be the opportunity to get involved in a variety of performance related workshops. Members of Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures will lead a dance workshop inspired by their upcoming production of Cinderella; practitioners from Opera North will work with those interested in vocally exploring the music of Gilbert and Sullivan and representatives of Rambert will be located around the venue teaching movements influenced by one of their most-loved pieces,Ghost Dances. Other workshops include stand-up comedy, beatboxing, physical theatre, adult art sessions and stage combat.

The LS Lowry archive will pop-up at several locations around the foyer where visitors can view items such as photographs, interviews, letters to and from LS Lowry and even some of the painting tools used by the artist himself.

A makers market consisting of stalls occupied by a range of suppliers from Pier Eight Bar and Restaurant will allow visitors to sample food and drink offerings available at the venue. Pier Eight will also host live music throughout the day.

The range of activities will also spill out of the building and on to the plaza where Lost in Translation Circus will present Cirque Bordello. Visitors will be able watch a live open air performance that blends thrillingly spectacular circus skills seamlessly with charm, physical comedy, clowning, juggling, theatrical storytelling and slapstick in a colourful, loud and funny show.
 
All activities and events are free but visitors will need to book places on the workshops in advance. Tickets will be available online from Monday 24 July.

At around 3pm on Tuesday 25 July 2017, police were called to reports of a fail-to-stop collision on Harrison Street, Lower Broughton. 

A cyclist was riding along Wheaters Street before turning onto Harrison Street when it was involved in a collision with a small silver car, which was reportedly driving at speed. 

The car then left the scene, turning left onto Great Clowes Street.

The cyclist, a 53-year-old man, was taken to hospital where he remains in a serious condition. 

Officers launched an investigation and a 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of section 18 assault and remains in custody for questioning.

Detective Inspector Damian Simpson of GMP’s Salford Borough, said:

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“The man arrested will be questioned by my team today but we still need people who witnessed the collision to get in contact, particularly if there’s dashcam footage available.

“We will continue to support the man in hospital and his family as the investigation continues and he receives treatment for his injuries. I’d ask those who know something about this collision to keep him and his family in mind and help us provide them with answers.”

 

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 5360 quoting reference 1255 of 25/07/17 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.