If you fancy a slice of light political relief after straining your mind around the recent News International hacking saga, then get yourself down to the Capitol Theatre this August for a production focused on affairs of the heart and set in 2010, around the time of the last General Election.
It’s called Tall Tales, Tantrums and Gordon Brown, and its about a boy who falls in love for the first time. This focus on romance and friendship puts the might of the General Election ( a sub focus of the play) on a back seat, as the main character, a young boy named Alfie, explores his feelings.
After weeks of analysing Rebekah Brook’s morals / hair do, this play should lighten your political mood some what!
It’s being shown on August 12th and August 13th and it’s only £ 7 (£4 concess) for a ticket – Bravo eh.
Capitol Theatre is part of Manchester’s Metropolitan University, and it has been open a few decades now - since 1960 actually, so the theatre holds a firm place in Manchester’s performing arts scene.
The production of Tall Tales, Tantrums and Gordon Brown is directed by Liz Postlethwaite, and presented by the Library Theatre Company, who have been in operation for the last 68 years, so they really know which way their bread is buttered when it comes to treading the boards!
To find out more about the other productions that happen at the Capitol Theatre, look here.
annaw on July 20th 2011 in Manchester, Theatre & Film, art
Opening this Saturday at The Lowry is a newly curated Andy Warhol exhibition focusing on iconic Divas of the 20th Century.
The Lowry has curated a special collection of Andy Warhol’s most iconic works, focusing on the most alluring Divas of his time. Included in the exhibition are stars such as Liz Taylor, Debbie Harry, Marylin Monroe and Jane Fonda.
Blackglama (Judy Garland) 1985 Collection of The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh
The exhibition will also focus on the transformation of Andy Warhol himself – a man who started off as an artist for an advertising company, and went on to become one of the most influencial modern artists of our time, surrounding himself with eccentric bohemians, challenging the perception of art for the modern audience.
This is the man who coined the expression ’15 minutes of fame’ and expressed his facination with Hollywood glamour and American consumerism through brightly coloured silk screen prints, which often had a repetitive theme. Warhol was one of the founding pioneerers of the Pop Art movement.
Jane Fonda 1982 Collection of The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh
This (FREE!) exhibition contains a selection of silkscreen, Polaroid and film works. The Lowry, mainly associated with hosting theatrical performances, is a perfect setting for this exhibition focused on some of the worlds most glamourous performers. Not to be missed!
Information & Box Office Telephone: 0843 2086005
Gallery Opening Times: Everyday 11am – 5pm (10am – 5pm on Saturdays)
The Edinburgh International Film Festival – now in its 65th year kicked off on June 15th and runs until 26th June showcasing an array of talent both internationally and from home with short and feature length films. With indoor and outdoor cinema, networking opportunities and a masterclass with a BAFTA nominated director and writer as well as over 60 different international and UK premieres there is something for everyone to get their teeth into.
The event kicked off on opening night with the UK premiere of Irish comedy / thriller The Guard starring Don Cheadle at the Festival Theatre. Other big names in this years films include Kim Cattrall in Meet Monica Velour and The Bang Club with Ryan Phillipe. But the one I’m personally most looking forward to is Norweigan director Andre Ovredal’s The Troll Hunter, tipped to be the new Blair Witch mixed with Cloverdale.
If the weather holds up this weekend – (no mean feat in Scotland) there is always the St Andrews Square Outdoor Cinema showing a range of family friendly classics such as Mamma Mia, Grease and School of Rock as well as my personal favourite Some Like it Hot on Sunday. Best of all it’s free! Just turn up and bring your picnic rug and some nibbles. This is an alcohol free event though and glass is prohibited.
If your attention span is a little short there’s always the Nokia Shorts Weekender starting next Thursday and showcasing up and coming short film makers from not only Scotland but also as far flung destinations as Spain and Australia, with family friendly fairytales and fables, to murderous romances and wildlife documentries.
There is also the chance to rub shoulders with the industry’s finest in Q & A’s, debates, pop up film schools and surprisingly a sustainable bike powered cinema in conjuction with Alchemy Arts taking place at Festival House Teviot Underground, but you must be over 25 to participate. The film, will be Belleville Rendezvous – very fitting for the occasion and absolutely one of my favourites!
For more information on events and cinema screenings check out the EIFF website.
Image courtesy of Edinburgh International Film Festival
Marti Jeremiah-Shelley on June 17th 2011 in Edinburgh, Scotland, Theatre & Film, art, food and drink
