It takes a lot these days to get me out of The Towers, (I half jest the cat goes out more than me) especially on a damp. miserable Thursday evening, to the dreadfully named, Northern Quarter, always Shudehill to me, but I digress.

Brian Gorman a man of many talents, artist, author, actor, man about town etc has written and illustrated his new book, Atmosphere described as being "Words and Art about the Manchester Post Punk Music Scene" and I will go along with that description.

The launch was at Disorder Bar, a Joy Division inspired bar/restaurant which was quite apt really, it was good to see, so many old friends, Pam Lee, Tony Davidson, Mick and Vicky Middles, John Burscough, and many more,

Tony Davidson who has written the forward to the book opened the launch and spoke of his days when he was head of TJM Records and set up the TJM rehearsal studios, if you have seen the video for Love Will Tear Us Apart where the door opens to show Joy Division playing....that was his studios...he told of his encounters with so many local bands, The Fall, The Drones, The Smiths and Mick Hucknall about whom the less said the better?

Music journalist, author and all round good chap, Mick Middles, the first journalist to interview Joy Division incidentally and who has contributed heavily to the book spoke of his days writing for Sounds magazine in the 1980s and gave hilarious anecdotes of his trip to America with New Order and other rock n roll tales.

John Burscough that should read, Dr John Burscough told of his days as an obsessive fan of the Manchester music scene earning him the nickname Joe 90 and It dawned on me that many of the gigs he attended i was at,  Alberto's, Smirks, The Fall, John Cooper Clarke, The Freshies and was it really that long ago?

Book? what book?  you thought I had forgotten about it didn't you?

I looked through it last night and once again this morning and it is a joy to read, written with both attention and love, the illustrations by Brian are a revelation, the one of Ian Curtis holding his microphone and looking into the void is magnificently haunting, also memories of not only the bands but venues are lovingly recalled by fans who were there...I really, really enjoyed it and I doff my oversized cap.

From the more than wonderful book cover designed as a 45 rpm single cover...oh the memories...to the, Then and Now fade out section each page a delight, written and illustrated with love.

So treat yourself or a friend to a copy it's a fine read, lavishly illustrated and a fine addition to any bookshelf.

Dare I say the ideal Christmas present? worth a try surely..

Contact: brianinchester@yahoo.co.uk and he will do the rest

June Griffin who writes under the pen name of Amber Gray has just published her first novel, What Goes Around which she tells me is based on real life experience which explores family relationships, community etc through the decades from the 1940s to present day.

She was born off Parrin Lane, Winton the seventh child of nine and the first one to pass the scholarship exam for Eccles Grammar this despite her Mother leaving when she was aged just eight and her Father being a heavy drinker, a life she admits was tough but lessons were learned.

With an intriguing strap line that reads... Four women, Three generations, Two deaths, One broken family the stage is set for a psychological domestic drama in tough, working class, post war Manchester homes, women from the same family struggle to find stability in a world shaken by, power, control and abuse.

In the 1940s, Kathleen is desperate to break free of her domineering and abusive mother, she falls for Cyril at a dance but finds herself in a worse situation than before.

Marian, born to Kathleen and Cyril, raised in neglect and abuse, is determined to break the cycle.

Shauna, the offspring of an incestuous liaison, is a social misfit set on revenge.

Marian's daughter Dolores has a less than perfect start in life, but will she be the one to break the mould?

Sounds intriguing with a plot that promise much doesn't it?

So why not support your local author and purchase a copy of What Goes Around.

Available from Amazon £8.99 paperback.... £3.99 Kindle

https://www.amazon.co.uk/What-Goes-Around-Amber-Gray/dp/B0C1J3HPKZ

When I received this book to review my first thought was that it would be a standard history of the clergy in the Diocese of Salford from 1850 -1902 which in effect it is, telling the story of the  clergy who were ordained for, or arrived to minister in, the Diocese from its formation in 1850 to the death of the third Bishop of Salford, John Bilsborrow in March 1903.

Many of these priests were immigrants or refugees from Ireland and Continental Europe often labouring in great poverty and battling against prejudice and injustice to provide not just religious services, but also schools, orphanages, hospitals etc.

However the meticulous research into the 609 priests mentioned in the book has thrown up some fascinating stories, take these for example..

Father Gaetano Fracassi the Rector of St Alban in Ancoats who in June 1940 allowed local Blackshirts to hold meetings in the Parish Hall, he was arrested and eventually was put on the ill fated Arandora Star along with other Italian internees which was sailing to Canada, it was torpedoed by German U boats resulting in  the loss of over 800 lives including Father Fracassi who was last seen on the deck giving benediction to fellow passengers.

Father Nicholas McCarthy from Irleand was first in Bolon but left under a cloud when he publicly refused to march in a procession to celebrate, Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee and was moved to St James in Pendleton, when it came time to bless The Manchester Martyrs memorial in Moston, the Bishop refused, Father McCarthy had no such qualms and did the deed, he too was embroiled in religious politics between the English Catholics and the Irish Catholics in his diocese.

Father Joseph Rettori who for a time in the mid 1890s was Chaplain to the Rescue Home in Patricroft, possibly St Joseph's orphanage where he is credited with painting fine murals in the chapel yet very little is known of his life.

Other priests who are included in this fine book are the one who set up the Iron Church in Trafford Park, the priest who tended to the Manchester Martyrs on the gallows, tales of both outstanding work in their community and others who shall we say, fell by the wayside...

The authors Lawrence R Gregory and David Lannon are to be congratulated on this magnificent book which has taken almost 20 years to put together, not only is it recommended for the serious scholar and historian but makes a fabulous read for anybody interested in their local parish priests and I can't praise it highly enough.

The book is available to purchase from Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C1J1WQ94?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_A2WB6ZF5VMXCJTGSGDCF

In the Summer of 2005 Ray Lowry the original rock and roll artist set it upon himself to visit all the towns and venues that Gene Vincent and Eddie Cochran played on their UK tour in 1960, to record, draw and record peoples memories of it, this became a magnificent obsession with Ray and like Gene and Eddie's tour was to be ill fated.

I actually trekked around Manchester with him one sunny day in Manchester to the Rampant Lion, Anson Road which was then known as The Milverton Lodge when Gene and Eddie stayed when they played the Manchester Hippodrome, 28th March 1960, the hotel has become famous as this is where Eddie had a premonition of his death, sadly the staff had never heard of them and the annexe where they stayed was locked and empty... we slunk away, dejected.

Shortly after Ray had a bad fall at home which put a stop to his pilgrimage, however this enforced lay off gave him time to fully focus his attention to his labour of love which he did with a new found passion.

I saw some of his original artwork for the book and it was both astounding and yet frightening, with visions of death, breakdowns, coupled with newspaper cuttings, period photographs and Ray's signature hand written text scrawled across the pages... and then?

Ray sadly died in October 2008 ironically just as his career had just taken off again following a sell out exhibition of his work at See Gallery in Crawshawbooth and I feared the book would never see publication... but wait.

Last month I visited Ray's son, Sam who is now the Guardian of Ray's estate who is doing an incredible job of looking after Ray's legacy through his website https://raylowry.com/ as we were leaving he mentioned the book and was astounded when he told me that it was now in print!

Yesterday the postman banged on the door with a huge parcel as heavy as the old telephone directories, you young 'uns will not remember them, I opened it as excited as a child at Christmas opening his football annual present... and it really is Somethin' Else.

I doubt I have ever seen such a magnificently presented book which comes in a hard back presentation  case and then has 102 pages of text and images, most never seen before in what I have been told is" 102 pages of text and images on heavyweight paper, using layflat binding technology, this ensures that each double page spread lies flat when open, and nothing is lost from view in the central vertical gutter between the pages. in a bespoke presentation box which also includes two 8 x 10 inch limited edition prints (one of Gene, one of Eddie) suitable for framing.

I am almost lost for words as I turn the pages of the book and I can see Ray's passion for rock and roll literally screaming from the pages, it is truly a phenomenal work of art from the packaging to the minute details all a product of Ray's feverish mind, the man was genius, this can't be denied. what I wouldn't give for Ray to have seen the finished product... Sam you have done your Dad proud.

The book is available in two formats the De Luxe Box Set and Regular Version, I urge you to buy this book, sell your clothes, your guitars, your blood if necessary, why wait?

Available from info@snapgalleries.com

I was delighted to receive a copy of, The Origins of Manchester by renowned author and historian, Alan Kidd a superb book chronicling the growth of Manchester from the Romans to the first Industrial Revolution.

The research is meticulous which makes the book a delight to read and I learnt so much from reading this book, I am a proud Salfordian and yes Salford does get several mentions I am pleased to report.

If you are interested to know about such diverse topics as the Roman fort and the impact it had on Manchester, the slave trade, street battles, food riots, housing conditions, religion, entertainment, politics, working conditions, Civil War,  government, sanitation etc then this is the book for you.

There are fascinating chapters on Manchester Cathedral, Hanging Ditch, Chetham's Library, Georgian Housing, The Shambles, St Anne's Square. Market Street etc

The food riots of 1757 following a poor harvest were an eye opener for me, with the "Shudehill Fight""as troops fired upon rioters killing two of them as they protested about food prices and demanded they should be capped.

Lavishly illustrated in full colour with maps, people of note, buildings, churches, handbills etc it is a must read for both the serious historian and for those with a love of Manchester and curious to know more.

Published by Carnegie Publishing Ltd of Lancaster at £12.99 and available at most good bookshops 

Highly recommended, Manchester so much to answer for.

https://www.carnegiepublishing.co.uk/product/the-origins-of-manchester/

Alexandre Dumas’ classic swashbuckling adventure is almost so obvious a candidate for being parodied/adapted that I wonder why I’ve not seen it done before.

Dan Chadwick & Natasha Rasos’ original script throws Athos, Aramis, Porthos, D’Artagnan and many of the famous story’s familiar characters into Pantoland with wonderful results.

The plot goeth thusly: King Louis has commissioned a diamond encrusted crown as the Queen’s Birthday present (It’s definitely not for him, honest). However two typically dastardly villains, Robbie Nicks and Milady are plotting to steal the crown and pin the crime on everyone’s favourite tavern owner (and panto dame) Madame Petit Pois. Can the Musketeers foil the scheme and save the day?

The script is rapier sharp, pacy and fun with all the audience interaction and knockabout goings-on - including swordfights; this is the Musketeers - that you’d expect from a panto. There are also some moments of pathos and emotion which will probably go over the kids’ heads but that we so-called grown-ups sometimes appreciate.

The set was simple, blacks with two revolves painted to represent our two main locations, the tavern and Louis’ Throne Room. It was simple but worked to let us know where we were and made for quick scene changes.

Music was very good particularly helped by it being played live by two talented musicians/singers. The music was used to help cover those scene changes meaning the pace never dropped. Production numbers were well chosen and performed well. One of them, a rendition of “From Now On” built into the greatest showstopper - the audience stamping, clapping and singing along - that was easily the highlight of the evening.

Costume was good with all costumes having the right look for the setting. I particularly liked King Louis’ regal white and gold suit.

The performances of all the cast were very good indeed with a wonderful amount of energy that never dropped. This engaged the audience who were happily very responsive. Dan Chadwick (King Louis) made a good comically clueless king. Sinead Doherty (Constance) was lovely as the feisty and capable Principal Girl (who didn’t need D’Artagnan to save her). Gareth Smith (Robbie Nicks) was very good as the stereotypical panto villain. He combined well with Marit Schep (Milady) who portrayed a fabulous scheming femme fatale villainess.

One of the show’s only crimes was that Milady wasn’t given more to do; her character had potential and was underused. Her backstory with Athos (pleasingly carried over from the source material) could have had more made of it.  I also felt that perhaps the first Act ended a little weakly. I wasn’t quite sure that it was the interval until the announcement was made. However, all in all, it was a terrific show and a good night’s entertainment that the audience obviously enjoyed.

To paraphrase that famous line: All for fun. And fun for all. 

Musketeers is on at the Lowry until Sunday.

The best magic tricks are not a simple case of getting from A to B: magician takes off his hat, and then pulls out a rabbit; trickster removes a card from his deck, and it is miraculously yours.

No, behind the best conjuring is so much more. It is not the trick itself that is magic; it’s the impact.

Magic requires attention and anticipation, pathos and performance, wows and wisecracks.

And beauty. Magic turns the ordinary into the extraordinary, the natural into the supernatural, and the seemingly inhuman feats shine a light on what it is to be human.

The Ocean at the End of the Lane is magic at its purest: a dazzling array of theatrical magic.

The National Theatre has transformed Neil Gaiman’s fantasy novel into a stunning production that leaves the audience utterly spellbound.

From the casting to the staging, the writing to the direction, the result is an exquisite, fantastical tale where imagination is limitless.

A man (Trevor Fox), who remains nameless, is grieving for his father, and whilst in a daze following the funeral, he returns to his hometown - and to Hempstock Farm.

It is a familiar place from his childhood, and yet he cannot quite grasp those memories from his past; not forgotten, per se, but just out of his reach.

When he encounters the mysterious Old Mrs Hempstock, charmingly played by Finty Williams, who is arguably the star of the show, the memories start to flood back to him. And the story begins in earnest on his 12th birthday in 1983.

After a dark and deadly event, involving a lodger at his familial home, the Boy (Keir Ogilvy) meets the eccentric Hempstock family: the aforementioned Old Mrs Hempstock, the maternal Ginnie Hempstock (Kemi-Bo Jacobs), and the seemingly young girl, Lettie (Millie Hikasa).

This ancient farm with its ancient inhabitants, with a duck pond that’s described as an ocean, begins an amazing adventure for the Boy and Lettie - where dreams are real, and more importantly, so are nightmares.

The staging for this production at the Lowry is simply stunning. The illusions are breathtaking, the costumes, props and set are phenomenal, and the choreography is timed wittily.

The direction from Katy Rudd is incredibly clever, turning a barren stage into a world of witches, monsters, and pure wonder.

The faithful adaptation of Gaiman’s novel hauntingly and beautifully explores childhood, grief, family, and relationships, whilst taking you away to a dark and magical place.

Leading you on this fantastical story are the brilliantly paired Ogilvy and Hikasa, as the leads. They exude childhood imagination, fascination, and insecurities. 

Eastenders star Charlie Brooks is clearly having a hoot as the villainous Ursula, aka the Flea. It would be very easy to stray into the realm of pantomime with this role, cackling laugh an’ all, but she manages to deliver a considered and deliciously evil performance.

The Ocean at the End of the lane is the perfect fairy tale for teenagers and the older teenagers amongst us. It is a thrilling, darkly funny, and occasionally scary ride.

The most effective and expertly crafted fairy tales are the ones that challenge and terrify kids; so be warned, it might not be suitable for the more nervous and anxious of our younger ones.

And like the magic tricks that stay with you forever, the spectacle stays behind the auditorium. 

The standing ovation was rightly deserved after the theatrical phenomenon, with the Salfordians completely under its spell.

On until Sunday 8th January 2023.

I paid a visit to The Blues Kitchen, Manchester last night to witness a band, named, Daddy Long Legs described by Rolling Stone magazine as playing, "Chicago blues, fired at the Moon by the demented children of the Pretty Things" on the first night of their British tour

The stage was bathed in blood red lights and then bam!  lead singer, Brian Hurd dressed in what looked like a preachers frock coat, adding to the already evangelical feel to the night, rips into a howling, harmonica blast as the band kick in and they can kick.

Guitarist, Murat Akturk who I thought bore a resemblance to Johnny Marr, the haircut perhaps? unleashed a barrage of dirty, raw, blues riffs which held me speechless, and then the drummer, oh yes the drummer...you ever seen a drummer use a maraca as a drumstick? Josh Styles does as he powered the band along, thundering away at his kit, making Rat Scabies look timid.

Brian Hurd prowling the stage like a demented preacher soon whips the audience into a fervour with the band, relentlessly steaming on with gospel, Mississippi, hoodoo, garage, romping stomping, beats with, no let up in the pace or the fervour.

Pink Lemonade, Evil Eye, Lowdown Ways, Death Train Blues, Motorcycle Madness, Bad Neighbourhood all harp driven bangers have the audience, dancing and singing along, and when Brian Hurd leapt in to the audience to lay his hands on the converted, it was like watching a young, manic Jerry Lee Lewis in his prime, sublime.

There was even a song dedication to John the Postman, the Manchester legend known for his onstage antics singing, Louie, Louie... which I thought was a nice touch.

This is the first time I have ever seen the band live, I know they have played Manchester before, but I was astounded how good they are and I can honestly say I rate them as a live band as good as The MC5, Dr Feelgood, Legendary Shack Shakers, I can only urge you to see these sinners if your tastes are similar...or you are in need of a jolt of pure rocking music

I leave the last word with Brian Hurd when asked, what are Daddy Long Legs...

"Rock and Roll salvation through the spirit of roots and blues"

Webpage: DADDY LONG LEGS (officialdaddylonglegs.com)

Venue: The Lowry Theatre - Salford Quays

Date: 16th March 2022

Our Verdict: An innovative but respectful take on a timeless classic, well worth a viewing with the family.

As a long time fan of the 1971 iconic film I had high expectations for the theatrical adaptation and I was not left feeling disappointed.

As an adult I can look back with fondness when I remember the vividly the deliciously colourful visuals and equally captivating tunes I bore witness to as a child, all of which I am happy to report, translate well from the silver cinema screen to the well trodden boards of the Lowry's Lyric Stage.

The addition of Neil Bartram's new lyrics and musical score only helps bring the story to life once more for another generation to enjoy. The new music blends flawlessly with the classical Sherman Brothers score from the movie which we love so well.

What Candice Edmunds and Jamie Harrison have created is a magical retelling of a timeless classic for the entire family to enjoy.

For those who have not seen the original material, the story in short is that of siblings Charles, Carrie and Paul Rawlins who are orphaned and fleeing war torn London to the safety of the countryside where they come to find themselves in the care of trainee witch Miss Evangeline Price, played perfectly by Dianne Pilkington who puts her own unique spin on the character formerly played by screen legend Angela Lansbury.

Calling upon the aid of the children now in her care as well as that of her bewitched broomstick and magical bedknob, Miss Price sets off on a quest to discover the long lost spell named 'Substitutionary Locomotion' which in the hands of the right witch can bring life to inanimate objects.

What follows is a delightfully surreal and equally ridiculous fantasy adventure set upon a magical flying bedstead, a meeting with the eccentric magician Emelius Browne (Charles Brunton), an underwater dance contest with the fishes as well as a terrifyingly close call at being eaten by the lion ruler of mythical Nepeepo, King Leonidas.

But that is just the start of the adventure to come as the children and their strange carer return home to defend the country from the jack boot of the evil Nazi's by using magic to bring to life the contents of the local military museum to defend the sacred isle. 

The story telling is first class and the adaptation to stage is utterly flawless in its implementation. The sets are just as mesmerising and magnificent as the visuals from the cinema release, if not vastly more so.

It is the perfectly ensembled cast that pull the whole show together, as whilst you are in their presence the audience is transported on that flying bedstead along with them, you really feel as if that magical fantasy world has come to life in front of your very own eyes.

Charles Brunton gives an energetic performance as the quirky Emelius Browne which is a delight to behold, whilst Dianne Pilkington was the perfect choice to take on such a beloved role as Evangeline Price.

As for the children, they were fantastic, professional throughout and never missed a cue.

If for some bizarre reason you have not seen the film then fear not, you are in for a pleasant surprise, if however you have then get ready to take a step into the silver screen as it is even better up close and personal as a theatrical performance. 

It is a perfect theatrical adaptation of an all time screen classic.

Bedknobs & Broomsticks runs from the 15th to the 19th of March 2022 at the Lowry's Lyric Theatre and we thoroughly recommend it.

Casting

Charles Brunton plays Emelius Browne. Charles starred in the iconic role of Miss Trunchbull in Matilda both in the West End and on Broadway. Other credits include Love Never Dies, Chess and Scrooge.

The rest of the company includes Mark Anderson, Jessica Aubrey, Georgie Buckland, Kayla Carter, Jonathan Cobb, Jacqui Dubois, Matthew Elliot-Campbell, Sam Lupton, Rob Madge, Vinnie Monachello, Nathaniel Morrison, Conor O’Hara, Sadie-Jean Shirley, Robin Simoes Da Silva, Emma Thornett and Susannah Van Den Berg.

The Rawlins children are played by Dexter Barry, Izabella Bucknell, Haydn Court, Poppy Houghton, Evie Lightman and Aidan Oti.

For tickets and information please see this link: https://bit.ly/363TofF

Last night, Thursday 23 January I visited The Glasshouse At Worsley to celebrate Burns Night with a traditional dinner with my good friends, Bill and Cath Nolan.

This was my first time here but I had been assured by many people that the food they prepare and serve is amazing also the prices are hard to believe, which is a good incentive to visit.

The Glass House is a specialist training restaurant manned by trained chefs and culinary students who are encouraged to express their culinary artistry to create mouth watering meals for the customers.

We were led to our table by a member of the attentive staff who gave us our menus and took our order, and what an amazing choice of food was available.

For starters you could choose from, Beetroot Marinated Mackerel, Arbroath Smokie Bon-Bons, Ham Hock Terrine, or Spiced lentil and Garlic Broth.

I chose the Ham Hock Terrine which came with pickled cauliflower and whisky soaked sultana salad, the pickled cauliflower's zingy taste really complimented the terrine to give a fresh, clean taste in your mouth, really delicious.

This was followed by, yes, you guessed, Haggis, Neeps and Tatties with a drizzle of rich gravy, the presentation of the meal was a delight to behold, the haggis was topped by a rich layer of mashed potato, prepared in a food ring, I was well impressed and it virtually melted in your mouth, beautiful.

Pausing for breath I had a bottle of Peroni lager brought to the table from a well stocked bar.

For the Main Course you could choose from, Roast Haunch of Venison, Poached River Spey Salmon or Risotto of Scottish Wild Mushrooms.

I plumped for the Venison which was served with Mealie Pudding and Bramble Jus, this was the highlight of the meal for me, the venison was rich, lean and cooked to perfection, possibly one of the finest meals I have ever tasted, full marks to the chef and staff.

As we felt our waistbands expanding we came to the Desserts a choice of Whisky, Walnut and Brown Butter Tart, Clootie Dumpling or Cranachan Parfait, a weight watchers nightmare there I fear!

I think you can guess which one I chose? the Tart was served with warm Atholl brose ice cream, how decadent is that? it goes without saying that I threw caution to the wind ate the lot, the joy of food guilt.

We sat back to soak up the ambience of the restaurant and to get our breaths back, just when we thought we had, had more than enough, the waiter Nathan presented us with a plate of sugary shortbread slices and Saltire flag decorated chocolate bon-bons, what a lovely gesture, these were placed in a "doggy bag" and taken home...by Billy!

So how much did this culinary feast set me back, it cost £20....you read that correctly, £20 for a four course meal which if you were to order in a Manchester or Worsley restaurant would cost you close to £80-100 easily.

The beauty of eating at The Glass House is that not only are you getting a first class meal made from the finest, locally sourced, seasonal ingredients you are also helping in the development of the skills of the trainee chefs and staff, a winner, winner in my book.

I cannot recommend the Glass House highly enough and I for one will be making return visits.

Finally a thank you to John and Wendy who took the time out from their busy schedule to talk to me about their students and their pride in working her, the pleasure was mine.

You can contact The Glass House at theglasshouse@salfordcc.ac.uk   0161 6315160 or Facebook.