MancMode

MancMode Meets Manchester Composer Francesca L Hall

2012-02-14T19:11:00.004Z

With the release of her second album 'Lost' featuring 12 stunning original tracks, MancMode catches up with Francesca L Hall to get the lowdown on life as a busy composer living and working in Manchester. Being born into a musical family and having played the piano since the age of four, Francesca has composed the soundtracks to numerous short films, which have exhibited at the Raindance, Edinburgh and Cannes film festivals, dozens of promos and the acclaimed 'Lost', a follow up to her first album 'Beyond the Wall of Sleep.' She is married to a Manchester film producer and has a two year old son.

MancMode: Congratulations on the release of Lost.

Francesca: Thank you. It's good to finally get it out there. I started this album about four years ago and then life and other projects got in the way of its release but I made it my absolute goal this year to get it finished.

MancMode: Four years is a long time! What inspired you to keep going with it?

Francesca: Mainly the support I have received from people all over the world. I set up a Myspace page around the same time as I started composing Lost and was overwhelmed by the response. When you see that your music has been played by thousands of people on every continent on the planet that kind of serves as a boost!

MancMode: Who are your musical influences?

Francesca: How long have you got? I grew up in a musical family (her Mother is a concert pianist and Grandfather, Rudolf Botta, was a Professor of violin at the Royal Northern College of Music) and have listened to music since birth. I adore classical music and composers such as Bach, Beethoven and Rachmaninov, but then have been greatly influenced by modern composers such as John Barry, John Williams and David Arnold and it is probably their music that inspired me to write soundtracks for films. Of course I am an avid follower of my favourite band Elbow too! I think I have very eclectic taste and will listen to anything and everything as long as it moves me in some way.

MancMode: David Arnold (Official Bond soundtrack composer) said he thought your music had a stillness to it and compared it to the music of his friend David Julyan who has composed the soundtracks for the Descent and Memento amongst others. How did that feel?

Francesca: Wow that was a massive day for me. I have been a huge fan of his ever since I heard Bjork singing Play Dead when I was 15. To think that one day he would listen to my music and actually like it is still surreal to me! Also to be compared to David Julyan is very humbling. His music is outstanding.

MancMode: You not only wrote the music for but also starred in a short film that premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. Is this another career path you'd like to pursue?

Francesca: Gosh no! (laughs). Don't get me wrong I'm really proud of Incubus but it didn't come that naturally to me to be in front of the camera. I'm definitely committed to making music and in particular film soundtracks.

MancMode: So what's next for you?

Francesca: I'm currently working on the soundtrack for a game called Fantasy Quest, on promoting Lost and organising a couple of live performances in Manchester for late this year/early next year. I'm also the Mum of a gorgeous two year old son, so I'm kept pretty busy!

Visit Francesca's official myspace page:- CLICK HERE

2011-12-30T15:12:00.000Z

Swinging in to Manchester at various venues in the near future are the 'Swing Commanders'. A five piece group of multi talented musicians, playing 1930's 40's and 50's music and creating a happy infectious atmosphere wherever they play. For anyone with an open mind (ear) for music, this group should not be missed. You will end the night smiling, such is the quality of their playing and their original presentation. This group, already popular are now selling out venues

Help yourself to their website and catch them where you can.

http://www.swingcommanders.com/profile.php

31.Dec.11 - St Kentigern's social club, Fallowfield.

3.Feb.12 - Waterside Arts Centre Sale

2.Mar.12 - Mayor's Charity Ball Salford

Quick! Get Your Clothes Back

2011-10-14T22:57:00.000+01:00

The Laundry Shop on Peter Street is to open, albeit briefly, on Tuesday and Wednesday 18th & 19th October to allow the people of Manchester to liberate their clothes. After months of captivity relieved owners are looking forward to being reunited with their apparel and getting long awaited answers to those burning questions including- 'Did you get dry cleaned during your ordeal?', 'Hey, how come there's an extra stain on here which wasn't there when I dropped you off?' and 'That's strange, why don't you seem to fit anymore? Well it can't be me I hardly eat anything.'

If you are planning on taking part in the big reunion don't expect to waltz in there with your ticket and claim what is rightfully yours. As well as the ticket your going to need more ID than you would if you were planning to adopt a Romanian orphan. So go armed with passport, driving licence, utility bills, bank statements, and a full description of the item you are claiming in the form of a sworn affidavit together with character references from your last 12 employers, a warrant and your great grandmother's entire credit history. Oh and if you don't claim your clothes back apparently they are going to be donated to charity so if you are reading this on the 20th October after returning from a holiday, bad luck. I bought your Armani suit for 50p at Barnardos to use as lining for my dog bed. Unfortunately Fido sicked up on it so I have to get it dry cleaned tomorrow. Know anywhere good?

Chopin in Manchester without your credit card...

2011-09-21T21:07:00.000+01:00

Manchester has a new work of art. A bronze statue of the great pianist and composer Fryderyk Chopin was unveiled on Deansgate on 16th September 2011.Created by Polish sculptor, Robert Sobocinski the statue is the largest of Chopin outside of Poland and celebrates his visit to Manchester in 1848 and the 200th anniversary of his birth.

The statue depicts, 'Chopin at the piano gazing across at his muse Baroness Aurore Lucile Dupon. Carved into the work is an eagle in flight, the symbol of Poland for over a thousand years and a battle scene representing the Polish fight for freedom.'

A great addition to our fair city not only aesthetically but also culturally showing that we Mancunians have an appreciation for great music and artistry that is anything but limited to our Hacienda heritage.

Jamie Oliver's Restaurant to Open in Manchester

2011-09-07T19:33:00.000+01:00

©Stanley Walker. Licensed for further reuse

Jamie Oliver will be soon opening his Italian restaurant on King Street in the old HSBC building.
Choosing our fair city to open his biggest eatery to date (have you seen the size of the building? It's massive) he is also unfazed by being in direct competition with Rio Ferdinand, whose swanky Italian restaurant Rosso is a mere stone's throw away. The big launch is coming this autumn and food aside it is surely likely to have one of the most impressive locations of all. Built in the 1930's the Grade II listed building was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. Mr Oliver must be making a fair whack to have bought it. Seems swapping pie and chips for salad leaves in schools can't have been all that unpopular...

Pint of The Week...

2011-09-07T19:13:00.002+01:00

MANCHESTER’S PINT OF THE WEEK

Pint: Cumberland Ale

Venue: Briton’s Protection, 50 Great Bridgewater St

The Briton’s Protection is one of the more traditional British pubs in the city centre and is a welcome change from all the trendy bars and student dives scattered around town. You can also get an interesting array of great gamey pies for lunch if you arrive at the right time (between 11.30am-2pm). They have a selection of books on offer at the bar for a modest charity donation, and here is also one of the most comprehensive selections of whiskey available in the area. However, today we’re here to talk about their most popular pint of bitter: Cumberland Ale. And there’s a reason it’s so popular. Smooth and fruity, the Cumberland Ale is far too easy to drink and goes down much more quickly than a fizzy pint of lager. Even moreso now that the summer is finally gone and darker, more bitter days are upon us. For a guiding light towards a refreshing pint in the coming winter look no further than the Briton’s Cumberland Ale to soothe your woes and wile away your afternoons and evenings, in the warmth of a lovely British pub with very friendly staff. Although it has to be said that some of the chairs can be rather uncomfortable. Arrive early to get good seats!

Red Hot World Buffet

2011-09-06T01:18:00.001+01:00

Well if it's quantity not quality you're after then this is sure not to disappoint. With a mind boggling array of dishes and cuisines it took me about 10 minutes just to try and decide what to pick first. They even put polite notices in front of the bread baskets and ornamental globes that state "not for human consumption" (presumably in response to the over whelming number of people who misinterpreted 'All You Can Eat' for 'Eat All You Can'). From Mexican tortillas to Japanese sushi via Chinese, Indian, English and Italian I carried my overflowing plate back to our table only to realise I had lost my friend in there. I didn't go looking for her-there's no time for niceties when there's an all you can eat buffet to be had. Unfortunately our table was the furthest (and by that I mean you could measure the distance in a car) from the actual buffet. Considering everyone in the restaurant pays the same for their meal you can't help but feel a bit ripped off as you take your 3 mile walk through the restaurant trying to balance a towering food mountain whilst being rammed into by waiters, especially when you see other folk practically reaching over to the buffet without leaving their seat or those who have the pleasant view of Deansgate from their table. The floor was really slippy near our table and what with the epic walk and everything, a pair of hiking boots and stretchy maternity pants would have been a much more appropriate ensemble than the heels and spangly top I had chosen to wear. In addition our table was right next to the kitchen where they take all the waste, the sight and smell of which was enough to cause some dry heaving amongst us all by the end of our meal.

Whilst you simply cannot fault the diversity of what is on offer (there were even oysters on ice) unfortunately I wasn't dazzled by any of the dishes. If I had to pick a favourite it would probably be the tortilla chips and dip and let's face it you can get those at the supermarket for a lot less than £13.95. Thinking about it, the squid rings were probably quite tasty and I remember thinking that the beef in black pepper sauce was flavoursome but that's the thing with all you can eat buffets- they're a hoist of their own petard. Gordon Ramsay could spend hours cooking up his finest top twenty michelin starred dishes but once you invited people to slop them all together onto one plate whilst telling them they can eat until they are sick for £13.95, then I defy anyone to be truly impressed. Gordon probably thought that through back in the early days. Still though, if 'Ramsay's All You Can Eat Kitchen Nightmares' ever does come to Manchester, I'll be the one at the front of the queue in the stretchy pants and hiking boots....

N4 Loves You festival, 3rd - 4th September 2011

2011-09-03T20:05:00.004+01:00

As part of the I Love MCR campaign, Northern Quarter businesses are hosting a two-day free festival called N4 Loves U Festival on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th September from midday until 9pm each day. With live music (including Mr Scruff), on-street barbecues, stalls, bars and much more the festival really enhances the community feel in our city.

MancMods

2011-08-29T23:12:00.004+01:00

A couple of dashing gents from the Manchester Lyons Scooter Club .

Did you Know?

2011-08-29T23:12:00.000+01:00

Standing outside the Bridgewater Hall this monolith is made of Carrara marble and was made in Italy by the sculptor Kan Yasuda. It is called Ishinki -Touchstone and cost a staggering £100,000 when it was commissioned in 1996. It will therefore come as no surprise to learn that it has been specially treated with an anti-graffiti solution.

Manchester's Street Race

2011-08-29T22:27:00.001+01:00

Thousands of people turned out to see Jenson Button drive his Formula 1 McLaren through the streets of Manchester today. Despite the pounding rain, some had queued up for more than 4 hours for the chance to get a front row view. With the streets packed and people standing on bins, bollards and climbing up onto the window sills of buildings everyone was eager to witness this first for our city. Shortly after 1.00pm the deafening sound of Jenson's Mercedes filled the air as he sped down Deansgate, up John Dalton Street and round to Albert Square.

If you have never heard the noise a Formula 1 car makes then let me tell you now loud does not even come close to describing it. A friend of mine likened it to an alien invasion. Whilst it was difficult to get a prime view of the events because of the numbers of people and the speed at which the car went past, Jenson made sure he did all he could to give everyone the opportunity to see him with doughnuts and a run around. With the Pride festival still in full swing Manchester was certainly busy this weekend showing the rest of the world how we have put recent events firmly behind us.

Upcoming Gigs

2011-08-28T10:27:00.000+01:00

Arctic Turn-Midweek Special

Sheffield's coolest sons 'Arctic Monkeys' take to the MEN Arena on November 2nd.They will be joined by The Vaccines and Chicago indie band Smith Westerns on the Wednesday evening.What a treat, and seeing frontman AT has split from AC put your best look forward on the dancefloor, Ker-Chung!.

Show Me The Bunny

Manchester Palace Theatre will play host to eighties indiefaves 'Echo And The Bunnymen' on Saturday September 24th as part of their 'Ocean Rain' Tour.

It's Quids In as Race for Life Organiser Cashes Up

2011-08-28T10:18:00.004+01:00

MANCHESTER women who took part Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life are being urged to make every step count – by returning their sponsorship money as soon as possible.

Last year, just under half the women who took part in Race for Life didn’t return any sponsorship money.

Race for Life is an amazing women-only series of events which raises millions of pounds every year for life-saving research into all cancers – helping men, women and children across the UK.

All the money raised though Race for Life goes to fund Cancer Research UK’s crucial work.

More than 12,200 women took part in Race for Life in July at Heaton Park and it is hoped they will raise £651,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Cancer survival rates have doubled since the 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress.

Paula Jones, Race for Life event manager for Manchester, said: “Race for Life in Manchester was a fantastic event. We want to say a heart-felt thanks to everyone who took part or supported our participants, as well as the wonderful volunteers who helped make it happen.

“Now the big day is over, we are asking our supporters to take one last step – by returning the money they have raised so that we can go on funding much needed research.

“Last year, just under half the women who took part didn’t return any sponsorship money. Without this money, Race for Life can’t fund all the research that’s needed to help save more lives. As the number of people diagnosed with cancer in Manchester continues to rise, and the economy tightens, we need the support of local people now more than ever.”

Paula added: “Many women don’t realise their entry fee only covers the cost of the event and that the sponsorship money really makes a difference.

“So, whatever the amount, we’re asking everyone to make every effort to return their sponsorship money as soon as possible. It can be paid in online, by phone or by cheque.”

There are three ways to return sponsorship money:

Online at www.raceforlife.org
By phone by calling 0871 641 1111
By post. Send a cheque, payable to "Cancer Research UK", to Race for Life, PO Box 442, Northampton, NN3 6UU.

Until September 30, everyone who crossed the finish line at Carlisle Race for Life can buy a pre-paid place for next year’s event, at a specially reduced entry fee of £10.00.

Participants will receive a voucher code so they can book a place as soon as the Race for Life website goes live in January. Visit www.raceforlife.org/earlybird or call 0871 641 1111 and ask about the early bird discount.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Paula Jones Cancer Research UK Regional Events Manager on 07918 661706.

About Cancer Research UK

Cancer Research UK is the world’s leading cancer charity dedicated to saving lives through research
The charity’s groundbreaking work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has helped save millions of lives. This work is funded entirely by the public.
Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of the progress that has already seen survival rates double in the last forty years.
Cancer Research UK supports research into all aspects of cancer through the work of over 4,000 scientists, doctors and nurses.
Together with its partners and supporters, Cancer Research UK's vision is to beat cancer.

For further information about Cancer Research UK's work or to find out how to support the charity, please call 020 3469 6699 or visit www.cancerresearchuk.org

Together we will beat cancer

You Said It.......

2011-08-24T23:11:00.001+01:00

Is that Tilda Swinton bird really from Swinton? Only noone I know has ever seen her in the Farmer's Arms...
Jamie Harris

Why do they advertise Fosters like it comes from Oz?...It doesn't. Couldn't get it anywhere when I was there last xmas/new year. They had never heard of it. Fosters is brewed in Moss Side...
Lynn Rawlinson

Have just been watching a man hold up traffic by jogging down the A6. You've gotta love the 'characters' of Salford!
Naomi West

Manchester Pride 2011

2011-08-24T21:14:00.001+01:00

Celebrating 21 years this year. The theme of this year's parade is 'Best of British'.

The parade starts at 1pm on Saturday 27^thAugust.

Formula 1 Comes to the streets of Manchester!

2011-08-24T21:07:00.002+01:00

Jenson Button will be driving his McLaren Mercedes through the streets of Manchester on Monday 29th August from 12.00pm - 2.00pm as part of the Vodafone Formula 1 Festival taking place in Manchester this weekend.

The Festival starts on Friday 26th with exhibits and interactive experiences. Don't miss the opportunity to see this spectacle.

2011-08-24T20:50:00.001+01:00

The 'I Love MCR' campaign aims to show the world that the people of Manchester are proud of their city and united against anti-social behaviour.

What to Watch (Film Reviews by Hall or Nothing)

2011-08-18T00:13:00.000+01:00

SUCKER PUNCH *
Pitched squarely at teenage boys Zack ‘300’ Snyder’s latest movie is a messy tableau of young, attractive women in fetish outfits fighting everything from giant samurai robots through clockwork Nazis to orcs and fire-breathing dragons. So what’s not to like?? Well, for one there is ~~almost~~ nothing emotionally engaging about the whole event. Even an eye-candy popcorn fest like this needs something to ground you, the audience, in the unfolding story. But this effort truly throws Zack Snyder’s directorial music video beginnings into stark relief. The heavily stylised ‘ramping’ (slo-mo to fast-mo and back) in the action scenes, and ham-fisted overuse of green screen becomes tiresome rather than awesome. Drifting between the highly gratuitous action sequences is an extremely loose tale about an abused girl thrown into a mental asylum and escaping her awful world by dancing her way into a dream world that is so fundamentally flawed it leaves your head spinning. What influences has this girl grown up with that lead her to fantasise about armoured mechs, machine guns, sword fights and ninjas? None can say. Her fellow girly inmates are so scarcely drawn that their names are as vacuous as their characters: Baby Doll, Sweet Pea, Rocket, Blondie. Before long you won’t care how it ends, just that it will end. Everyone is allowed a misstep, and given that this is the man who brought us the crushed beauty of 300, the brain-flaying majesty of Watchmen and the first (and only?) brilliant horror remake – Dawn of the Dead – let’s hope he gets his mojo back for the new Superman movie “Man of Steel” when it lands next year.

TRANSFORMERS 3-D ***
Continuing the teenage boy theme, here we have gigantic robots smashing each other up in a battle for the earth. This time the treacherous, wryly named Decepticons have a plan that would put Pinky and Brain to shame, because tonight they are going to take over the world. Again. Our story follows the misadventures of the increasingly annoying Shia LeBeouf played by Sam Witwicky. Or is the other way around? Either way, this time out his ‘earth story that we’re supposed to relate to’ is his struggle to find a job, despite having saved the world twice. He also suffers insecurities about his mansion-dwelling, esteem-deficient supermodel girlfriend Carly The Chin ‘played’ by Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, who drains the life from everything around her by eerily exhibiting none whatsoever herself. Carly’s new boss buys her sports cars and does other stuff to make Sam jealous, like, you know, smiling at her and that. The gags are sparse, tactless and strained this time around, with the supporting menagerie of plotless side characters each getting wheeled out for their moment in the spotlight, including a baffling appearance by John Malkovich as Sam’s new boss. For two minutes or so. This clusterbang of unwieldy character arcs and dubious plot devices eventually resolves itself into what you came for: a massive, dizzying ruck between arse-kicking robots destroying the city of Chicago in an eye-mashing face-slam of top notch 3D FX. Goodie Autobot leader Optimus Prime finds it in himself to become all NWA and pop caps in robot asses left, right and centre. He’s also not above tearing the spine out of a Decepticon or two with his bare robot hands – this is serious violence which you couldn’t ordinarily crowbar into a family movie. But it’s okay because it’s robots. In summary, although Rosie H-W lacks the charisma of a Megan Fox fart, you’ll enjoy this one in spite of yourself.

TRON LEGACY **

Tron’s special effects – and if there’s another reason to watch this film, answers on a post card please - run the clichéd gamut of adjectives from the sublime to the redonculous. The Blind Alley bike races and Throwing Disc fights are kinetic, frenetic and quite beautiful. But the digital youngification of Jeff Bridges is a perplexing mix of 20% laughable and 80% piss poor. How anyone okayed the final render of these scenes for viewing anywhere outside an X-Box 360 game is beyond comprehension. Suspension of disbelief only comes from the fact that this amateurish CGI travesty was allowed to shart its way onto your screen. If they’d only let creepy Simulacrum Jeff out whilst the characters were in the electronic ‘Grid’ world of Tron you might almost let it go. The Grid is a highly stylised, manufactured space after all. But the opening flashback scene where Digital Young Jeff is talking to his son in the ‘real’ world would not look out of place in Who Framed Roger Rabbit?. To summarise: it done looky bad. It’s a 90 minute digital action film inexplicably stretched out into northwards of two hours, and the padding is obvious. Swathes of meandering chitchat could’ve been cut to earn Tron an extra star, but no doubt the Blu Ray Director’s Cut will follow current practise and add even more pointless scenes to the film, rather than chisel away at it. But once you overcome Creepy Jeff, the lacklustre plotting, and the thinly drawn characters, you might actually find a way to enjoy the intermittent blitzing action, Daft Punk soundtrack, Dafter Jeff Bridges, and semi-retro charm of Tron Legacy. At the end of the day, it’s a remake/revisit/re-sequel of a film, which – if five year old me is to be believed – wasn’t that good to begin with.

PAUL***

Paul’s stars - Simon Pegg and Nick Frost – have an easygoing and charismatic chemistry which is hard to resist. Their prior outings, Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, were great British comedies brought to life with Hollywood pizzazz by wunderkind director Edgar Wright. Wright’s absence is notable here in the laidback, steady pacing of this buddy/road movie comedy. A palpable love for uber geek convention Comic Con, and all things Spielberg/Cameron is on display in spades and movie in-jokes splutter out of the screen at every opportunity. English sci-fi nerds Graeme har har Willy (Pegg) and Clive Gollings (Frost) meet a zany alien runaway named, har har, Paul, whilst touring the UFO sites of America in an RV. The jokes are pitched low and lewd, and at times painfully obvious. For example, the chaps meet one-eyed religious nut Ruth (Kristen Wiig, working hard with very little) who has her mind and religion blown by Paul’s existence and ensuingly decides to swear and ‘fornicate’. Cue much awkward spewing of clunking, sweary torrents and a bungling love story side-plot with Willy which falls sadly flat. Weed-smoking, God-refuting Paul himself is voiced by a more agreeably foul-mouthed Seth Rogen, who lends the eponymous Paul a heart of gold under his gruff exterior. An eclectic supporting cast of great comedy actors (including Arrested Development’s Jeffrey Tambour and Jason Bateman) wrestle with a smidgeon of screen time and the film clips along at an acceptable pace. Coming across as a fairly obsequious love letter to Pegg and Frost’s comic con fans and to Steven Spielberg, Paul is rescued by great actors working hard with fairly average material. Guaranteed to make you smile - but not necessarily laugh - Paul is worth a watch, but not on a par with the gang’s previous offerings.

Manchester's Worst Violence in 30 Years

2011-08-10T00:12:00.002+01:00

Dark days for Manchester and Salford as rioters loot and set fire to shops and businesses across the two cities. Do not let the actions of a mindless, idiotic few break our spirit.
THIS IS NOT WHO WE ARE AND NOT WHAT WE STAND FOR...

Manchester Artist Matt McFadden

2011-08-02T23:25:00.000+01:00

So how did Manchester's answer to Tim Burton begin his career? "Well, I suppose I have to start off by saying the same thing that everybody else must say, which is that i've always loved drawing" says a surprisingly modest Matt McFadden. But unlike everyone else he really can draw. He first came to the public's attention when he posted one of his pictures online prompting rave reviews, much to his bemusement- "it was essentially just a fat stick man with a silly comment next to it." From that the 'scwibble people' were born and Matt went on to launch a website selling gift cards and original works.

"Even though the scwibbles are very simple pictures, they still fit in very well with my 'style'. Most of my work tends to be very monotone and a touch dark in nature, even the funny pictures tend to have slight dark undertow."

Citing the likes of Alan Lee & the aforementioned Tim Burton as artists he admires he is currently working on a book entitled "A Fairy's Tail" which will include the outstanding illustrations seen here.

©Matt McFadden

See Matt's work and make your purchases at:
http://www.scwibbles.co.uk
http://www.facebook.com/mrmattsscwibbles

MCM Expo Comic Con 2011 Manchester

2011-07-30T20:14:00.002+01:00

The streets of the city centre were filled with the weird and wonderful as the MCM Expo Comic Con hit Manchester's G-Mex today. The first time this particular convention had been held in our city, MancMode was delighted at what a friendly bunch the fans were; "We usually go to the London convention but this year decided to come to Manchester. It has been a brilliant day and we come to meet other people who like to dress up" said 'Blind Prophetess' who had made her amazing costume along with that of her friend 'Wolf-in-A-Dress'. Here are just a few of the costume highlights:-

Manchester Jazz Festival- Highlights

2011-07-29T14:42:00.002+01:00

Burden of Paradise Review

Fans and newcomers alike, were treated to a wonderful night of entertainment, at the Manchester Jazz Festival, Wednesday 27th July. Of the many artists appearing, non could have been warmer received than Burden of Paradise, who brought the audience to their feet with two sets of the most delicious music.

The tandem rythms of guitarist Mark Cresswell and bassist David Bowie, was a perfect platform for the voice of Helen Watson and the contribution of Snake Davis. All four artists together performed an immaculate presentation of songs, some self penned, others by Peter Gabriel, Bob Dylan and many more. Not a note was out of place.

The main theatre tent was packed with over 600 people who watched as the foursome showcased their individual expertise, sychronised with their collective harmony. Harmony in music and their rapport with each other shone through into the warm Manchester evening.

As one who enjoys listening to music, I found it a pleasure watching the performance and delightful to afterwards meet members of the band to say a sincere thanks for a night which will be etched on the memory. And as one who helped publicise the group I can say, feeling very smug, I told you so!

Manchester World Premiere- Batman Live

2011-07-21T21:11:00.001+01:00

Honestly, I was not sure what to expect from Batman Live after a generous friend bought me a ticket to an early showing. Would it be a musical? A comedy? Would the show take its cues from the unbearably kitsch 60s TV series? Or maybe from the comics (and if so, which ones)? Perhaps inspiration would come from the animated series? Or would it dare even to draw from the hyper-real ultra-gloomy Christopher Nolan movies??

Well, this is family entertainment after all, and what transpires is a pleasing mesh of the cartoon and comic Batman that’s fun for the kids and not too childish for the parents/big kids. With original art from DC Co-Publisher Jim Lee and set design courtesy of Es Devlin (who brought you Take That’s striking ’Progress Tour’ sets) Batman Live sidesteps the musical numbers to deliver spectacular thrills and wire-fighting action.

Opening with Bruce Wayne’s childhood loss of his parents the tone is set for a tale which does not shy away from the more sinister elements of the Batman canon. The cast, a coterie of 43 circus-trained acrobats, also bring to life the melancholic origin story of Dick Grayson (Robin) with those two essential live performance ingredients, gusto and aplomb. Quick aside about the character of Robin: I was never a fan. Even as a kid I always found him to be an annoying distraction from, and a recurring liability for, the eminently more interesting Batman. But somehow, this show manages to inject the character with a little more, well, cool.

Essentially a Batman-themed circus the first half of the show rolls out cart-wheeling clowns, trapeze-straddling stunts, acrobatic jugglers and prancing dancers all jumping and tumbling to the whims of Dick’s parents, and later on in more twisted form to the capricious impulses of the magnificent Joker - played with exuberant excess by Mark Frost.

A gigantic cinema screen in the shape of the Batman logo provides the awe-inspiring backdrop to the onstage action, rolling constant barrages of scene-related comic art and dizzying CGI. This element really comes into its own when a ride in the remarkable real-life Batmobile takes the heroes through the screen and segues effortlessly into an onscreen pulse-pounding chase sequence.

The cinematic music whilst not immediately recognisable perfectly captures the orchestral pomp of a great Batman adventure whilst side-stepping direct comparisons to the Burton films or animated series’ scores.

Incredible costumes and creative set pieces like a gargantuan Joker’s head (with gyrating eyes, teeth and hair played by the cast) and a fairly disturbing Arkham Asylum (with chained and straight-jacketed bodies hanging from the ceiling) frame the non-stop and meticulously choreographed action. Batman and Robin wire-fight and cartwheel their way through swathes of evil henchmen to chase down the menagerie of Batman villains running the gamut from a slinky Catwoman and hilarious Harley Quinn, through to a chilling Scarecrow and camp but enjoyable Penguin.

The accomplished actors seemd to be having a lot of fun with it, and the alarmingly small audience - the MEN was at least half empty – caught up gradually in the second half, laughing along with Alfred’s jokes and cheering and booing the heroes and villains as appropriate.

Whether or not Batman Live successfully runs its ambitious five-year worldwide tour, or goes the way of the problematic Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark musical remains to be seen. Either way, Batman Live begins its international journey in our fair Manchester and delivers gymnastic feats, booming bombast, actual magic*, physical comedy and old fashioned spectacle in equal measure. It really would be a crying shame to miss it this early on - if you do, the joke’s on you.

* Not actual.

MancMode Meets Burden of Paradise

2011-07-21T20:57:00.003+01:00

The news is all across Manchester:- 'Milan, Paris, New York, but mainly Manchester'. The slogan you may see on the sides of buses in the city, means it's happening in Manchester. It certainly is. For my money the slogan could be referring to the fact that the band 'Burden of Paradise' would walk into any venue in the world and make an impact. In fact they are appearing in Manchester, on July 27th to be exact, during the Manchester Jazz Festival.

Although the Festival is billed as a jazz festival, this band I feel sure will also play blues and soul during their performances.

I found the band quite by accident. I fist heard the wonderful voice of Helen Watson, accompanied by the incredible guitar of Mark Cresswell at a club, generally associated with folk music. After the opening bars, I knew the two were something special. The next time I was able to see them, they were accompanied by Snake Davis on saxaphone and David Bowie on the double bass. This is the line up who are 'Burden of Paradise'. I urge anyone who appreciates all kinds of music to keep an open mind (and ear) and go and see them as they add their wealth of talent to the Festival.

Mancmode has been in touch with David Bowie, about the band and his musical experiences and put the following questions to him.

What was the catalyst for your interest in music and how did it lead to your choice of instrument?
I come from a musical background -- my dad (Brodie Bowie) was a session violin player and worked, among many, many others, with The Beatles and Frank Sinatra. He played on the world's first satellite broadcast in 1967, which was All You Need Is Love from Abbey Road. I was there, but I don't remember touching anyone famous. I started out as a flute player, and became best mates with Snake at Leeds Music College. I moved onto electric bass in the hope of attracting more (or any) girls. When that proved fruitless, I took up the double bass.

How did the band get together?
Snake worked with Helen on her Blue Shoes album, and I'd always admired her singing. Eventually I plucked up courage to suggest a relatively acoustic project. Mark and I have played together consistently for three decades, and I think we have a fabulous mutual understanding of rhythm and function. Our very first project was a band called Really, which featured Kitty Lux, who is now a prime mover in the Ukulele Orchestra Of Great Britain. Burden Of Paradise, from it's first rehearsal, was like coming home -- we simply enjoy ourselves and each other.

At the Manchester Festival you will be performing in a tent and there will doubtless be hundreds of people there. How does such a gig, compare with doing an intimate venue with perhaps a hundred people or less, in the audience? Which do you prefer?
My preference is always for intimacy. The audience makes such a huge contibution to any event -- we're all in it together. I feel I'm there to help channel energy created by the whole room. In many ways big gigs and small gigs are exactly the same ... I'm just trying to generate connection between us all.

We've noticed that Snake sometimes holds a 'Masterclass'. Is that something he does alone, or do the group take part in such events? Snake's masterclasses tend to be based around the saxophone, which he does alone. Helen does singing workshops with Julie Matthews and Chris While. I would be intrigued to do workshops about connection and projection, but so far it amounts to doodles on envelopes. I think 'technique' is best left at home.

The group occasionally splinters and members perform their own gigs, i.e. Snake Davis Band, Snake Strings and Helen and Mark as a duo. Do you see a possible danger that this will split the group, or do you see it as an opportunity for the members, to take an outside view of the group and the music scene in general?
You've no idea how hard it is to make a living as a musician. Small and medium venues are in sharp decline, and many people don't appreciate what a great experience live music can be. Mostly we're just trying to keep busy! I think it's rewarding to explore different types of music, and it makes us all more interesting when we're back together. I've recently done the Four Seasons, and worked with singer/songwriters such as Steve Tilston and Phil Cockerham. I think the Burden Of Paradise has a long and exciting future ahead.

Have you seen who the other artists are at the festival and will you have the opportunity to see any of them play?
Doreen Edwards (July 22) is one of the warmest performers I've seen. And John Ellis (July 30) is so gifted.

Members of the band excepted, who would you like to line up with?
I'm completely in love with Ron Sexsmith at the moment, and saw him at Holmfirth Picturedrome last week. He's my favourite songwriter on the planet.

What's your favourite colour?
Currently I adore burnt sienna.

There are no excuses for anyone to miss this group. Mancmode told you so.

Catch Burden of Paradise on the 27th July at 8.00pm in the Festival Pavillion at Albert Square

http://www.burdenofparadise.co.uk/

Bob Dylan's Art Comes to Manchester

2011-07-16T21:29:00.000+01:00

The multi-talented one is exhibiting his drawings and sketches at Castle Galleries. Occasionally, someone will come along and totally disprove the old adage of 'jack of all trades, master of none' and Bob Dylan is certainly one of those people. Musician, actor, director and artist his artwork is a collection of portraits, still lifes and landscapes created whilst he was on tour. With an electrifying use of colour and vivid imagery these pictures would be an asset to any art collection.

Castle Galleries will be exhibiting limited edition prints from the 23rd July 2011.

http://www.castlegalleries.com

Manchester's New Shopping Experience- The Avenue

2011-07-14T22:00:00.001+01:00

Manchester's Fifth Avenue

Billed as Manchester's 'Luxury Retail Quarter' this new addition to the city centre is situated just off Deansgate next to the John Rylands library. Featuring outlets such as Armani, DKNY, Kurt Geiger, LK Bennett and Mulberry there is certainly an air of a New York street about it, albeit a very small one. Other points of interest are 'Australasia', a swanky underground restaurant, the glass pyramid entrance of which echoes that at the Louvre. You see, we really do have it all here in Manc. It's just a shame my finances don't stretch to actually shopping in any of the aforementioned places, hence my appreciation of all the outdoor aesthetics instead. They can't make me pay for that. Unless they gate it all off and charge an entrance fee....

Cadbury's Flake Dress

2011-07-14T21:36:00.001+01:00

Clearly whoever made this dress:-

a.) is a man
b.) donated all the chocolate bars to their friends, or
c.) ate all the aforementioned chocolate bars and will not be seen modelling it around town anytime soon.

See the dress on display on Brazennose Street.

MancMode Meets

2011-07-10T22:04:00.003+01:00

John French Bray - Wistful songwriter, accomplished guitarist

Edward Thomas Keller - American born, bringing memorable basslines with a rich creamy undertow. Adding his inimitable vocal harmonies...

Mark Allan Smith - Aka "Mr Biscuits" driving the band with his backbeat.

And then there were three. Despite the departure of one quarter of Linus earlier this month (in the form of harmonica player Ian Ashworth) rather than taking a breather to regroup, the remaining three members are working harder than ever. With five gigs in the offing over the next month and the premiere of the music video for 'Generation Reveal', life is on the up and up for this northern indie rock/pop band. MancMode was fortunate that they could spare us a few minutes to have a chat.

MancMode: How did you find each other?

John: Divine intervention like all great bands. No, seriously...through a mutual friend myself and Mark got together and because we didn’t want to go down the well trodden Jack & Meg (Mark having better rhythm) route we started to advertise for more members. We were initially approached by Ian or 'Marvin' as we christened him as a 'Harmonicist.’ After I looked up what that was, we decided that three was better than two. Ed came to us later on as there seemed to be a shortage of bass players, we found him via 'the web' and he seemed a good fit...but he is American. So I guess Social Networking found us and thought it a good idea for us to be in a band called LINUS...

Edward: And of course, now Ian's just moved on and the band is back to being a trio, although in a completely different shape.

MancMode: What with all the furore over super injunctions and twitter at the moment your song "Generation Reveal" seems to be particularly prescient. Is this coincidence or a deliberate deconstruction of the human zeitgeist?

John: Well, it’s deliberate in its content and delivery. The whole globe has cracked on to the 'Social Networking' bug, it’s madness how it has touched everyday life. Everything we do has to be uploaded in 1's & 0's (by this I mean bits & bytes) and judged if it’s worthy of a comment or 'Like'. G**!*y [that footballer], he just handled it wrong, badly advised cause it’s built up more than if he’d just owned up to it. It’s not all bad, either, we use it to get out there with the music.

MancMode: John, you're described as a wistful songwriter. What are you wistful for?

John: We all yearn to be somebody else, I'm sure all artists relate to removing themselves from themselves. I've always considered myself a bit on the melancholic side of the street, which comes out in the lyric. It’s a juxtaposition alongside the upbeat of the music we make.

MancMode: Have you considered sending your version of "News at Ten" to ITV? I can just imagine Trevor McDonald lounging on the news desk, in an open-necked shirt, to the strains of the harmonica filling the airwaves...

John: Oh I can see that now...you could call it 'Blues news'. It would be a change from those bongs of Big Ben and relax you into the headlines lol.

MancMode: You recently postponed your gig at TNT Experience in Salford. Why? Any plans to reschedule?

John: Yeah we will reschedule it, just awaiting dates. Their PA system blew the night before we were due on and they couldn’t get it seen to till the weekend is all, or so they said! We are really looking forward to it, have you been?

MancMode: Edward, you've been compared to Sir Paul McCartney. Is it true that with this kind of comparison comes great responsibility?

John: …and a one-legged girlfriend.

Edward: What, like I was bitten by a radioactive Beatle or something? I'm happy with the comparison, but it doesn't keep me up at night. Paul’s definitely an influence, one of many!

MancMode: What's next for Linus?

John: Things are really starting to percolate, we have only been together for a little under a year. We just completed a video shoot for 'Generation Reveal', filmed in the city for the most part. It’s really gonna drive the message of 'There's nothing real' with regards to the whole Twitter-Book thing. Our friend Paul Cryer - Freeze Frame Productions is filming/directing/editing the whole thing for us, between us we came up with a cool story line and hopefully some groovy imagery... We will keep you posted on it.

Edward: And we’ve got loads of gigs coming up, new songs in the set, new arrangements in the trio format, which we’re really excited about. So lots to look forward to!

http://linusuk.tumblr.com
http://www.facebook.com/LinusBandUK

See the premiere of Linus' video for 'Generation Reveal' at The Venue, Colne on Friday 22nd July 2011 at 9.30pm.

MancMode Parking of the Week...

2011-07-08T01:05:00.000+01:00

Tried and Tested- 5 day Detox

2011-07-04T23:05:00.003+01:00

It seems a bit weird, sticking tea bags to the soles of your feet instead of in a tea pot, but willing to try anything to flush the ever growing toxins flooding my liver (most of them alcohol based) I ventured into Selfridges after having read in a magazine about 5 years ago that this was the place to buy this no-effort-required wonder treatment. It seems however that my information was slightly (ok 5 years) out of date and Selfridges no longer stocked it. Ushered onto Harvey Nichols the very kind shop assistant told me that the packaging had changed but that the product was still the same as before and "I think you'll find the price has been reduced as well". Not really, I remember reading that it cost about £12.00. The price now...£19.99. Not wanting to lose face and convincing myself my liver was worth it I threw caution to the wind and bought them. (That's about as reckless as I get nowadays.)

The blurb on the box promises that the detox alleviates the effects of :-

burning the candle at both ends
one too many drinks
restless sleep/difficulty getting up
generally feeling less than fabulous

Tick, tick, tick and tick and not a mung bean or sprout juice in sight! The ingredients inside these magic tea bags? "An age-old Far Eastern recipe, organic detoxifiers like Agarijus Mushroom, Eucalyptus Tree Vine and Tourmaline Bio Stone work their magic all night long, gently drawing out your body's toxins." I'll tell you something for free, agarijus mushroom, eucalyptus tree vine and that other thing when mixed together smell like a 3 week old hot dog.

I didn't sleep well the first night. I kept imagining it would go horribly wrong and all my organs would be sucked out of my feet. When I could finally remove the pads in the morning they were covered in a disgusting black sticky tar like substance. Apparently these are the toxins and as I progress with the detox the black tar like substance should become paler as my body expels the toxins. It's day four and it's still looking very tar-like. Either I'm doomed or it has something to do with the junk food I had for tea and the glass of wine I am sipping on as we speak....well it doesn't say anything on the package about changing your lifestyle. It just promises to alleviate the effects of one too many drinks, which I take to mean I can now have as many one too many drinks as I like as long as I stick those rancid hot dog tea bags on my feet every night.

Staying Safe in Manchester

2011-07-04T22:27:00.000+01:00

Never walk home alone after dark
Walk quickly and purposefully and look confident. Attackers are more likely to choose those who look vulnerable
Keep to busy well-lit roads. Remember short cuts aren't worth the risk
Keep your house keys in your pocket rather than in a bag
Cover up jewellery
Listening to a personal stereo not only tells thieves that you have something to take but also could prevent you from hearing an attacker approach from behind
If someone tries to grab your bag, let it go. Personal safety is more important than belongings
When withdrawing from a cash machine, use a machine inside a bank as it is less likely to have been tampered with
If someone stands close to you when withdrawing cash or makes you feel uncomfortable, cancel the transaction, retrieve your card and walk away

2011-07-02T13:07:00.001+01:00

MancMode Meets....

2011-06-30T22:00:00.010+01:00

Gary 'Mani' Mounfield

Mani & Francesca L Hall

Needing no further introduction (but in case you have been in a cave for the past 20 years, he's the bassist from The Stone Roses and Primal Scream).

Mancmode was fortunate enough to attend a private viewing of an exhibition by photographer Karin Albinsson at Manchester Photographic in the Northern Quarter. Featuring an historic collection of images of Manchester icons taken over the past 15 years, from Shaun Ryder to Ian Brown, Albinsson told MancMode that this was the first time these images had been exhibited together. "I'm really happy with the way it has turned out. People should make sure they come and view the pictures as we will have more going up after tonight."

With a plethora of well known faces in attendance including Shaun Ryder, Howard Marks and Manchester composer Francesca L Hall we were able to grab a couple of minutes with Mani to ask him what he thought about the exhibition "I think it's brilliant. I'm a big supporter of Karin's. Anyone who can made Shaun Ryder look that good, or me for that matter... She's been photographing us for the last 15 years so all credit to her". More than living up to his amiable reputation he was happy to stand around chatting to us and have his photograph taken.

AAA Shaun Ryder & Friends an exhibition by Karin Albinsson is showing at Manchester Photographic until the 30th August 2011.

www.manchesterphotographic.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HwgqoE5YNQ&feature=feedu

Pint of The Week...

2011-06-29T20:04:00.005+01:00

MANCHESTER’S PINT OF THE WEEK

Pint: San Miguel

Venue: The Beach, Potato Wharf, Castlefield

Nestled (an alarming number of reviews start with the word ‘nestled’) in the bosom of Castlefield is a newish treat for the summer of 2011 – a temporary beach. Perhaps directly in response to Ian Brown’s famous reflection that “Manchester’s got everything except a beach” the council have brought in tons of sand from B&Q and dumped it all over the place down by the railway arches. Luckily, they’ve also spruced it up with a load of deck chairs, parasols, outdoor tables, buckets and spades for the kids, a live stage for events, a barbecue grill and, of course, a bar. Whilst £3.50 has sadly become the norm for a decent lager in Manchester city centre, if you’re going to fork out that much you might as well do it somewhere new and interesting. Even at the very worst of times, San Miguel is always pretty excellent, and here it’s kept chilled and delicious. There’s no better way to spend a glorious summer day in the north than drinking a cool beer on the beach, and this was exemplified by how packed the place was, with people genuinely getting into the spirit and wearing the beach outfits and sunnies. So, how will the weather hold out (it’s looking awful today, for example) and how long will this temporary beach last? Who knows, but for the time being this is as close as you’re going to get to a nice sunny day at the beach without leaving the city.

Like a Beach, only not.

Warhol and the Diva

2011-06-28T22:47:00.004+01:00

The Lowry Galleries: From June 25- September 25th 2011.

Admission: Free

An unmissable opportunity to view some of the most iconic images of the 20th Century, for free, as the Lowry hosts the ‘Warhol and the Diva’ exhibit. Featuring 'those' portraits of Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe, can you really miss the chance to see the originals? Chart the transformation of stars such as Joan Collins from the pre-portrait polaroids Warhol took himself and marvel at the glamour of the finished product. Amongst the likes of Debbie Harry, Jane Fonda and Liza Minnelli are some self portraits of Warhol in drag. Perhaps he wanted to see if he had Diva qualities himself.

It is somewhat ironic that Warhol’s concept of repetition anaesthetising the senses is one that very much applies to his work today. We are all familiar with (and perhaps a little tired of) the garish coloured prints of Marilyn and the tasteless self productions thousands of c-list celebs have plastered over their living room walls in a bid to fool themselves that they have legendary status- and you only have to type 'Warhol' on the internet to be presented with 8 million results on how to make your own. But this is why it is so vital that you immerse yourself in the true beauty of the artist’s original work, devoid of any vulgarity. Whilst it is true that he was fixated with fame and the famous, don’t let this media image of him fool you. He was a man of outstanding talent, a glimpse of which can be seen in his portrait of Mick Jagger. Look beyond the instantly recognisable face and the lips and see what the artist has really produced- a haunting image showing that we leave an indelible but perhaps invisible trace in life, and flashes of that other great too, Picasso.

Bjork- World Premiere of Biophilia

2011-06-28T12:32:00.004+01:00

Manchester International Festival until Saturday the 16th July 2011.

After a 3 year absence from the UK, Bjork has chosen Manchester as the city for the world premiere of her latest project 'Biophilia'. With rave reviews after last night's first performance, fans of the kooky Icelandic popstrel will not be disappointed. This is a multimedia project (you know a bit like what that Jean Michel Jarre does) in which she attempts to find out where nature and music meet using mediums such as a pendulum that harnesses the earth’s gravitational pull. Luckily it seems she only wants to use the aforementioned item to make tunes... for now, but I for one do not sleep easy knowing that she holds the power to send us all floating off into the vast nothingness of the universe. Well she has to do something to grab our attention now that Lady Gaga has stolen her loony crown.

MancMode Meets Brutius Selby

2011-06-24T10:12:00.002+01:00

It's not often I get to pass the time of day with classically trained Italian actors so when the opportunity arose to interview Brutius Selby, naturally I didn't hesitate (and no, it has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that he bears more than a passing resemblance to Christian Bale). Visiting the UK from his home city of Rome, the impeccably dressed 31 year old ("I'm half Italian so I like to dress properly") has been acting professionally for the last 9 years. When he's not attending film premieres with the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, the opera loving anthropology graduate loves nothing better than walks in the countryside, horse riding and writing poetry (and he's looking for love ladies!).

Having toured in his home city of Rome, Naples. Sardinia, Calabria and London he is currently in talks with a Manchester film producer about launching his film career.

MancMode: Welcome to Manchester, how are you enjoying England?

Brutius Selby: Well I love England, it's my second country. I'm half-British (Selby's father was the talented British composer Philip Selby), I have a British passport. I might move back here, and find me a girl. Also for theatre, England is the place to be for experience and opportunity. I was fortunate enough to study at RADA where I worked with Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley of Harry Potter fame). One thing I have noticed though is it has become more violent over here and the Britishness I used to know is difficult to find.

MancMode: What about Manchester?

Brutius Selby: Well who knows, perhaps I'll move here someday!

MancMode: So who are you heroes?

Brutius Selby: I'm not sure I have any. I certainly admire old school actors such as Newman, McQueen, Mitchum, Brando and Eli Wallach. One of my favourite scenes in the history of cinema is the scene at the end of The Good The Bad and The Ugly where Wallach runs off to find the tomb where the gold is supposed to be hidden. The scene is absolutely gorgeous, and the music is amazing. It gives me shivers just to think about it.

MancMode: Would you say that these actors are your inspiration?

Brutius Selby: No. Teachers in a sense. That's sounds weird doesn't it! (laughs). Their acting was theatrical and the whole way of making movies back then was so different but I also admire contemporary actors such as Sean Penn, Joaquin Phoenix, Peter Mullan and Vincent Gallo.

MancMode: Didn't you have dinner with Vincent Gallo recently?

Brutius Selby: Yes. He came to Rome and did a monologue in the old Fori area which is one of the most ancient parts of Rome. Afterwards a few of us had dinner and we had a chat. He's a great guy.

MancMode: Okay so I'm not going to ask you about the Manchester project as I know you don't want to talk about it yet, but what's next for you?

Brutius Selby: I actually don't know. I think it's going to be a stage work but it depends first of all on if I'm going to go back to Rome for the autumn season. I mostly work in the theatre because of course it's the basis for any actor. Acting begins and ends with the theatre....

MancMode: Do you have any advice for any budding actors out there?

Brutius Selby: You need to have a good agency and a decent publicist. Most of the time it's not what you know, but who you know.

What the?

2011-06-22T23:47:00.003+01:00

With the mysterious closure of the Laundry Shop on Peter Street (Mancunian clothes are still being held to ransom) a new phenomenon hits our streets. Can anyone explain what purpose this monstrosity serves and why it has appeared outside the Central Library?

Renovations are taking place at the Manchester landmark and are not due to finish until 2013. Are we to be blighted by this eyesore for the next two years? They are renovating the Central Library aren't they? They're not going to demolish it and replace it with this? It's not an award winning piece of architecture is it? Who or what is in there? Did you even know that you could stack that many Portakabins on top of each other?

What's next? The Empire State Portaloos in Piccadilly Gardens?

Shameless USA

2011-06-22T23:29:00.000+01:00

Whilst the plot remains faithful to the original, the characters don't . Macy in particular is surprisingly disappointing. With a head of golden locks Curtis Stigers would kill for, less stubble than George Michael and, wait for it, that American staple... a set of dazzling, pearly white gnashers he's hardly convincing as a drunken waster. The original and inimitable Frank Gallagher (brilliantly played by David Threlfall) is a deplorable stumbling loser who occasionally shows glimpses of a hidden intellect. Macy's Frank is a well spoken middle aged man who ends up inexplicably unconscious at the end of a night. To be fair, his character is limited to a cameo in the opening show so I'll reserve final judgement until later, but it's not looking good. Emmy Rossum is engaging as Fiona but it's hard to see what the appeal would be for the American audience. The writers deliberately eschewed the obvious trailer park or deep south setting for somewhere not that grim in Chicago and Chatsworth Estate it isn't. The trouble is, it just doesn't have the lure of the original -gritty Manchester and all that it brings with it.

Catch Shameless USA on More 4 on Thursday 23rd June at 10.00pm

I Now Pronounce You Man(c) and Wife

2011-06-20T22:17:00.002+01:00

Noel Gallagher, not content with just appearing in the Manchester Parade this weekend albeit in larger than life form (see the MancMode pics) celebrated his wedding to long-term partner and mother of his sons, Sara MacDonald. Liam meanwhile was half the world away, touring with Beady Eye.

The Ronettes 'Be My Baby' provided the musical backdrop to the occasion with Russell Brand giving a toned-down speech at The Lime Wood Hotel in the New Forest.The bride wore a vintage gown and later Tom Ford sequins.Shine on!

MancMode wish the couple All the Best for the future.

Reminder Saturday 25th June 2011

2011-06-20T21:47:00.000+01:00

Armed Forces Day
The Big Manchester Thank You

11.00am- 5.00pm Piccadilly Gardens

Show your support .Events include live music, a Veterans Parade, family friendly activities and the Real Food Market

www.manchester.gov.uk/armedforcesday

Pint of The Week...

2011-06-20T21:04:00.001+01:00

MANCHESTER’S WORST PINT OF THE WEEK

Pint: Tuborg

Venue: The Paramount, 33-35 Oxford Street

Tuborg, generally a more reliable brand at the lower end of the lager echelons, let me down this week. You may very well get what you pay for, and with a low end lager in a Wetherspoons pub one could be forgiven for thinking that I got what I deserved. But normally I’d attribute all credit to Wetherspoons, and Paramount in particular, for being able on the whole to deliver a decent pint of non-watered down lager. This week’s Tuborg came courtesy of the Beer & Burger combo I opted for whilst dazzling my wife with a high octane romantic meal for two. Expectations were already carefully managed with the food, and the burger did its job sufficiently, not more, not less. The average calibre of the food far outweighed the booze however. It tasted as though the dishwater my cutlery had just been washed in was introduced to the word ‘lager’ in a past-life, then poured into a pint jar with the expectation that it would come up frothy and delicious. It was neither. Come on, Wetherspoons, pull your socks up – don’t give me even less reasons for frequenting the McDonalds of the pub world.

MANCHESTER’S BEST PINT OF THE WEEK

Pint: Krombacher

Venue: The Temple, 100 Great Bridgewater St

Now this is more like it. Is it fair to compare a premium exported lager to a Wetherspoons staple? Who cares, I’m going to anyway. Some may decry the atmosphere of The Temple bar as being grungy and lavatorial – and they’d be right – but they know how to serve a good pint in there. Setting aside the miniature buzz of having watched the Manchester Day Parade I sat down to objectively enjoy a cool, strong lager and wile away the time to some excellent tunes in one of Guy Garvey of Elbow’s favourite haunts. And the reason why it’s one of his faves is because they take their booze seriously. Offering a staggering array of beers given their diminutive six-table setting it was perhaps remiss of me to not peruse their more obscure offerings, but what better way to test a venue than by partaking of its preferred brand? Needless to say after just a couple of sips my taste buds were in ecstasy, summer nostalgia was segueing into my every pore and I began to cry at the exquisite heavenly beauty of our lives and the world and man’s divine ability to distil alcohol. Admittedly, part of that sentence may not be true, but it was a damned good jar of Krombacher nevertheless.

Manchester Day Parade 2011

2011-06-19T21:35:00.005+01:00

I think it was Russ Abbott who once said in his dance-floor clearing classic "What an atmosphere, I love a party with a happy atmosphere" but today those words were more poignant than a Shakespearean sonnet. The Manchester Day Parade bought out the sunshine not only in the skies but also in the hearts of the gathered masses and the 2000 participants. After the success of last year’s spectacle this year did not disappoint. The theme was “A Voyage of Discovery” charting Manchester’s rise through the ages.

In addition to the parade, free ice cream was on offer, courtesy of the Co-operative, choirs sang in Albert Square, a bake-off was held in St. Ann’s Square and carnival music filled the air. What a great day for everyone.

Tried and Tested- Garra Spa Pedicure

2011-06-18T21:27:00.002+01:00

Fish ate my feet! It's a bizarre treatment that's been around for a while now, but I thought I'd give the little Garra Ruffa fish pedicure a go. Mr.S wimped out, having had a bad experience with a whitebait a few years ago, and I'll admit I wasn't entirely sure as I lowered my feet into the tank. The spa therapist told me I was their first customer of the day, which was evident from the way they all congregated in a pretty shoal, gazing eagerly at my gnarled trotters as if they were a Michelin starred delicacy. It is a weird experience: It tickles, and it feels a bit like having fishy boots. They really do get stuck in, but once you accept the surreality of the situation it's actually ok, and fascinating to watch them giving their fishy-all to your hard skin. You can tell when they've found a good bit as they keep going back for more and after my 15 minutes were up you could sense the piscine disappointment as I gently eased my foot out of the water and they dropped away.

It's certainly a different way of pampering yourself, but novelty value is not the only reason to give it a go: my feet are now baby soft and beautiful again. And despite the weirdness I'm sure Mr.S would agree that coughing up a tenner is preferable to me demanding he put in half an hours' elbow grease with the cheese grater. I'll definitely be paying my fishy friends another visit in the future.

Garra Spa Pedicures are available at Spa in the City, St.Annes Square, Manchester.

Prices start from £12.00 for a 10 minute treatment.

www.spa-inthecity.co.uk

Manchester Jazz Festival 2011

2011-06-17T21:14:00.000+01:00

Across Manchester from 22nd - 30th July 2011

MancMode recommends: 27th July 8.00pm 'Burden of Paradise' -playing two 45 minute sets in the Festival Pavillion at Albert Square,

Put it in your diary and if you get the chance see them. It's free and the singer is the sultry-voiced Helen Watson accompanied by the intriguingly named sax player Snake Davis, Mark Cresswell on guitar and wait for it...David Bowie on the double bass! Ok so it's not that David Bowie, but worth a watch anyhow.

http://www.manchesterjazz.com/

MancMode Meets Clockwork Radio...

2011-06-13T22:00:00.004+01:00

Richard Williams – vocals, guitar

Iwan Jones – lead guitar, vocals
Nadim Mirshak – bass
Dan Wiebe – drums and percussion
Sam Quinn – keys, samples, guitar

MancMode was fortunate enough to catch up with Clockwork Radio after their return from a successful European tour. As well as notching up an impressive gig resume they have two sell-out EP's behind them- State of Mind and The Soul Harmonic- and a further two in the offing. Setting themselves apart from the usual Manchester sounds (there's not a hint of Oasis about them) they exhibit an effortless ability to swing between acoustic busking and venue filling rock and what's more, these guys are still up for playing at your gigs and parties (if you're cool enough!). So sit back and tune into the progressive sounds of Clockwork Radio.

MancMode: A lot has been written about your sound e.g niche between independent rock and ambient electronica, but how would you describe it?

Rich: I don't really know.We just try to write the best songs we can and keep trying to craft out our own identity really. Probably a mix between The Police, Pink Floyd playing Simon and Garfunkel songs...I have no idea.

Dan: There was a review that described it as a mix between Pink Floyd and Bob Marley, I like that one.

Nadim: Future rock

MancMode: Your band members are from Manchester, Wales and Egypt what impact does this diversity have on your music?

Nadim: I don't really think it makes much difference to be honest, obviously we come from different cultures and backgrounds but when we make music we are all on the same page.

MancMode: Taking into account the geographical differences how did you become a band?

Iwan: Me and Rich moved up to Manchester to concentrate on music and we met Dan through a friend. Then we found Nadim when he was a street musician on Market Street playing a Kora and we got talking and he came over to write some songs with us and never left. The last to join was Sam, who was at Uni with Dan.

MancMode: Who are you heroes and influences?

Iwan: Musically there is an endless list of bands and people we love from Pink Floyd to Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley to Queen and people like Jeff Buckley, John Frusciante to Daft Punk. Just great musicians and bands and people who care about what they are doing and give out a good message.

MancMode: Who is responsible for song writing?

Rich: We all write and contribute songs everybody comes up with parts and song ideas and we all work together to finish them. It's how a band should work, that's how you develop your own sound in the long run.

MancMode: You are generously allowing fans to download your music for free on your website. Is it more important for your music to be heard by people than for you to make a profit?

Dan: Money from downloading is irrelevant to us as it seems only the huge bands who really make a profit from it, if any. We make the money from playing live and selling our CD's to the people who come and see us, and as we make all the merch ourselves we charge what we think is fair instead of a label or promoter dictating inflated prices.

Nadim: I think our music translates better in a live environment too so people feel the songs more and it makes more sense to see it live.

Rich: As long as we can cover what we put into it and continue making music I don't really care too much about giving it away and people sharing it.

MancMode:.What has been Clockwork Radio's biggest achievement to date?

Rich: Everything so far has been an achievement , recording, producing, making the CD's/t-shirts etc, touring Europe and so on. We are completely independent so we can see everything develop before our eyes and we are very proud of that.

Nadim: We just want to keep doing what we are doing and move it up a level with each release.

MancMode: What's next for the band?

Sam: Currently we are recording 2 new EP's one electric and the other acoustic (that we will hopefully release in the Autumn), then a small UK tour in September and a tour around France, Germany, Luxembourg and a few other countries in the EU at the start of October where were will be recording a Live CD to put out later in the year.

MancMode:. Is there a message you would like to send to the public.

Keep supporting the proper musicians in the world because there aren't many left and hopefully when all the bland pop/chart music dies down we'll start to see more and more great bands/writers coming through.

http://clockworkradio.co.uk
http://www.myspace.com/clockworkradio

Reminder Sunday 19th June 2011

2011-06-12T18:13:00.000+01:00

The Manchester Day Parade will take place a week today.

The theme of this year’s parade is A Voyage of Discovery. Come along and join in the celebrations of all things Mancunian.

Coming Soon...

2011-06-09T23:00:00.000+01:00

MancMode meets actor Brutius Selby...

MancMode meets Linus...

MancMode meet Clockwork Radio...

Hybrid at Sound Control, Manchester

2011-06-06T23:26:00.002+01:00

For us, it was a long day – and night - leading up to Hybrid playing at Sound Control, Manchester. A band I’d been following for years but never managed to see live, Hybrid are ostensibly a dance music act but refracted through a classic live band setup: guitars, drums and keyboards. Comprised of founders Chris Healings and Mike Truman, and recently complemented by the savvy addition of songwriter/singer/guitarist/keyboard-player Charlotte James, this band has been forerunning the dance music scene for over a decade.

A reunion of friends at Kro Bar drew us out over the long summer Saturday afternoon, and segued lazily into the night. Which was just as well, because it was only after the tickets arrived - following my eager impulse internet purchase – that I realised it was going to be a club night “Doors at 11pm”. 11pm being a time by which I would ordinarily be safely at home in bed. At 33, and mentally soaked with twelve hours of San Miguel, a witching hour appearance by the band was going to be a tricky moment to stay awake and aware for. But when Hybrid arrived onstage at 1.15am I was giddy as a school kid about finally having the chance to see them live.

Sound Control is a comparatively intimate venue for a group with the epic scope and verve of the people who brought you the blistering debut ‘Wide Angle’, but, as it turns out, it is also perfectly suited to that sound too. With a tricky opening as the techies levelled the bass, Hybrid took the floor with confidence, led by Charlotte James’ haunting vocals and easy charisma. With highlights such as the classic Original Sin and the eye-wateringly beautiful strains of Disappear Here this Manchester exclusive gig cemented itself in the skyward trajectory of the band’s historic musical voyage. And with the driving - and live - drum beats of Can You Hear Me rocking up the swaying crowd into an impassioned frenzy, Hybrid proved they are a live act tour de force to be reckoned with, whose long and successful musical gestation is even now still leading the way in the world of dance music. Can’t wait to see where they go next...

Race for Life 2011- Your Updates

2011-06-06T23:00:00.001+01:00

Just to say thank you to all those who sponsored me in the Race for Life for Cancer Research, the run was yesterday I managed to reach the end despite having never run more than a few feet in years, I completed it in 36mins.

It was a fantastic event, with 1700 women running/jogging/walking on the day in Stockport.

And just to prove I finished it along with my sister-in-laws, here is a our celebratory image. In total along with your help I managed to raise around £300 for this great charity.

Laura Lee, Marketing Manager, Manchester

Boromir's Stark Return

2011-06-02T22:38:00.011+01:00

HBO or “Hope, Bastion Of” has become the byword for quality television. In fact, I could happily remove every other channel from my telly and I doubt they’d be missed. Gone are the days when the BBC was the proud, lead purveyor of quality drama, and it’s almost sad in a way. Luckily, our great British actors are still put to good use in the best shows America has to offer.

And on the subject of best shows, HBO’s A Game Of Thrones has recently begun to pillage our telly screens. Based on the “A Song Of Ice And Fire” books by the slightly disturbed George R. R. Martin, ‘AGOT’ is a dark fantasy series charting the battle for power between the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. It is also the stuff of John R. R. Tolkien’s nightmares. Taking the standard tropes of fairytale kingdoms and knights and princesses, Martin’s books, and thusly the TV show, turn tradition upside-down and deliver a violent medieval world of brutal political manoeuvring, angry sex, twisted relationships, bloody fighting and swift decapitations. And if that doesn’t hump your camel you might prefer BBC’s In The Night Garden.

The set pieces are spectacular, the costumes detailed and impressive, and the lavish production values give any modern movie a run for its money. Look out for the 700’ tall ice wall, a real eye opener for the breadth and capability of contemporary TV special effects. The sprawling ensemble cast – convincingly British – are collectively excellent, particularly considering the story’s heavy reliance on child characters. Though no single character claims the role of lead protagonist, Sean Bean as the honourable but moody Ned Stark is on track for a career best performance.

With its staggeringly effective history of translating long form novel-length narratives to the screen (The Wire, Deadwood, Generation Kill, etc.) HBO is perfectly placed to do the twisting, complex plots of Martin’s novels justice. Here’s hoping the cast returns for the rest of the books...

This Week You're Mostly Watching...

2011-06-02T22:12:00.001+01:00

Life of Riley with Caroline Quentin. You'll like it if you like Outnumbered.

Nicola Home

Britain's Got Talent but there's no talent in it this year. Except for Ronan. He's quite cute.

Natasha McCort.

Game of Thrones. Don't watch it with your Mum, and keep your curtains closed.

Ruth O'Kane

Duran Duran Cancel....

2011-06-02T19:11:00.004+01:00

Please Please tell me now, cos there's something you all should know Duran fans!

Duran Duran cancel tour dates due to Simon Le Bon's laryngeal problems after advice from his doctor.The 'All you need is now' Tour has become more a case of a 'All you need is a Rest now'. The 80's sensation who were due at MEN tomorrow (19 00 Friday 3rd June) plan to reschedule so hang on for that!

Simon Le Bon. Save a Prayer for him now.

Take That Progress Live 2011

2011-05-31T23:40:00.002+01:00

Was I excited about the return of the 'Fit Four' to the stage? Duh. Just a little. Was I holding my breath awaiting the appearance of the swaggering Robbie Williams? Not so much. After the success of The Circus Tour I was resolute that Gary, Howard, Jason and Mark could, nay should, tell Robbie where to stick his tail-between-legs return and astound us once again on their own. "We don't need you Robbie" I was thinking whilst dancing and singing to the nostalgic beats of 'West End Girls' by the supporting Pet Shop Boys (who were brilliant by the way).

The Fit Four came on stage on their own, singing the enchanting 'Rule the World' whilst yellow confetti rained from the sky. Suddenly an unexpected panic swept through me. What if Robbie had pulled out in the last minute? What if he wasn't coming? Why did I care? Gary and co performed a further 4 songs ('Greatest Day', 'Hold Up a Light', 'Patience' and 'Shine') with breathtaking atmosphere before the moment I didn't know I'd been waiting for arrived. If you haven't seen it yet, I'm not going to spoil his entrance but needless to say RW started with a 'Let Me Entertain You' bang and progressed rapidly upwards from there. He stole the blinking show, I write as chomping on my hat, and gained a new fan- me. Okay re-gained. (I admit it, I fancied the pants off him from the moment I saw him in the Could it Be Magic video.)

RW aside, the night was filled with fantastical set pieces, spine tingling sing-alongs from the 58,000 strong crowd and a roller coaster ride through the Take That & Robbie Williams back catalogue. They don't half put on a show those lads. If money was no object I'd be there for every night. Sadly it is, so I wait with baited breath until the DVD comes out.

2011-05-30T23:31:00.001+01:00

Everyone's Talking About...

Union Jack Handbag and Matching Purse

A 'MancMode Must Have'

£12.00 from Primark.

Union Jack Accessory fever is sweeping the nation. Get yours today!

Coming Soon...

2011-05-30T20:09:00.003+01:00

MancMode meets actor Brutius Selby...

MancMode meets Linus...

MancMode meet Clockwork Radio...

Can you believe it's 20 years since...

2011-05-25T20:15:00.003+01:00

...Oasis were formed.

It was 1991 when the brainchild of Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs (guitar), Chris Hutton (vocals), Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan (bass guitar) and Tony McCarroll(drums, percussion) was born in the shape of the band 'The Rain'. Their fate was sealed when Hutton was replaced on vocals by a cocksure Liam Gallagher (vocals and tambourine), who was later joined by Liam's older brother Noel Gallagher (lead guitar and vocals). Two changes of band name, 8 number one UK singles, 8 number one UK albums, 70 million records sold worldwide, hundreds of awards and a loss of Noel later, can anyone name one of Beady Eye's songs?

Manchester International Festival

2011-05-25T20:04:00.001+01:00

Manchester International Festival

30th June - 17th July, amazing lineup announced including Bjork, Damon Albarn and Snoop Dogg.

The lineup for the Manchester International Festival has been announced. There are some amazing artists performing this year. Highlights include:

Björk's Biophilia, an immersive, multi-media performance.

Damon Albarn working with the English National Opera on a show of magic, music and illusion about Dr John Dee.

Snoop Dogg will be performing his album 'Doggy Style' in it's entirety at the Apollo with all original collaborators.

Marina Abramovitch's show, bringing together the worlds of theatre, art and music to thrilling effect, staring Anthony (Anthony and the Johnsons) Hegarty and Willem Dafoe.

Returning for the 3rd time, the Manchester International Festival of new, original work will transform the city into a festival-zone bringing specially commissioned work by some of the world's best artists in visual and performing arts, music and popular culture.

2009 Festival brought 20 world premieres to the city including Prima Donna, Rufus Wainwright's debut opera; a double-bill performance by pioneers of contemporary music Kraftwerk and Steve Reich; immersive theatre It Felt Like a Kiss, created by Adam Curtis and Punchdrunk, with music by Damon Albarn; Marina Abramovic Presents…, in which a world-renowned pioneer of a long-durational art curates a unique group show; plus Zaha Hadid's extraordinary Bach concert chamber, world-leading ballet dancer Carlos Acosta, Jeremy Deller's uniquely Mancunian Procession, debates, family-friendly activities and international music featuring Antony & the Johnsons, The Young@Heart Chorus, Amadou & Mariam and The Beating Wing Orchestra, Durutti Column and Elbow - among much more.

http://www.visitmanchester.com/discover/what's-on.aspx

Ok so we can't go without mentioning...

2011-05-23T00:58:00.001+01:00

Manchester United 4 Blackpool 2 | Manchester Evening News - menmedia.co.uk

Pictures: Manchester City win FA Cup | Manchester Evening News - menmedia.co.uk

but you'll have to read all about it in the M.E.N....

Badly Drawn Boy raises the roof at Chorlton arts festival launch

2011-05-22T00:50:00.001+01:00

Badly Drawn Boy raises the roof at Chorlton arts festival launch | Manchester Evening News - menmedia.co.uk

Catch the Chorlton Arts Festival until Monday May 30th 2011.

This Week You're Mostly Watching....

2011-05-20T16:47:00.002+01:00

The Apprentice. I can't get enough of it. Vincent to win!

Victoria Davis, Paralegal, Manchester

The Eurovision Song Contest. We had a get together with some friends and played drinking games . It was the only way to get through it! Blue's song was rubbish. Can't believe I used to fancy Duncan...

Caroline Davenport, Fitness instructor, Stockport.

2011-05-19T23:20:00.002+01:00

A note to MancMode readers from...

2011-05-19T23:00:00.007+01:00

Paula Jones, Regional Events Manager for Cancer Research UK www.raceforlife.org.

Join the girls to help beat cancer at Tesco and Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life 2011. This year, we’re hoping to bring together 1 million women to raise an amazing £80 million for our lifesaving work. Race for Life is more than just an incredible day out – it’s helped fund amazing advances in cancer research across the UK for the last 17 years. In 2011 we need more women than ever to take part in Race for Life.

Every day in the North West 95 people are diagnosed with cancer. So walk, jog or run to help save more lives. It takes just an hour to walk. Enter your local 5k or 10k Race for Life at www.raceforlife.org or call 0871 641 1111.

Local Race for Life events:

Heaton Park, Manchester – 9^th July (Race for Life 10K) and 10^th July (Race for Life 5Ks)

Tatton Park, Knutsford – 11^th/12^th June (Race for Life 5Ks) and 19^th June (Race for Life 10K)

Thanks so much for your support with this.

Paula

What you have to say...

On the 5th June I will be participating in the Race for Life 5k in Manchester along with my two sister-in-laws. I have to be honest I am not a runner, much prefer mountain biking in the open air but it’s for a fantastic cause, Cancer Research, and I get to wear a pink tutu!

Cancer is a disease that has sadly touched my family and friends in all different forms, with many heartbreaking stories. With a number of my family members currently undergoing chemo and radiotherapy this is very raw for me so I want to help in any ways that I can, after all I am fortunately fit and healthy. I already make monthly donations to the charity but when it’s a huge organised event like this people are much more giving as your physically doing something to help raise the money, with sponsors the value of donations to the charity are much much larger which makes huge differences, all though saying that any donations help ;-)

Cancer Research is an amazing charity and has saved millions of lives by discovering new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, and with more money to invest in research I believe they will continue to help more people actually beat cancer.

Laura Lee, Marketing Manager, Manchester

I will be doing the 5k run for life on 10^th July. I will be running to raise money for an amazing charity and every penny counts to make a difference.

I am also running in memory of all the beautiful women in my family who have died from different forms of cancer over the years. Some of these women I had the privilege to know, others sadly, I didn’t.

I see that the numbers are low this year. So, anyone who hasn’t signed up - DO IT TODAY!!

It’s a great day and you get to be part of something so worthwhile and so important.

The pink tutu is optional..J

See you there!!

Paula McDowell, Credit Control Manager, Manchester

2011-05-19T22:26:00.008+01:00

Everyone's talking about....

Red Hot World Buffet, Deansgate, Manchester.
Billed as a "Food Lover's Fantasy" have you been yet?.

http://www.redhot-worldbuffet.com/

Hybrid

2011-05-18T23:46:00.004+01:00

In 1999 Welsh band Hybrid released their first album Wide Angle. Founded by Chris Healings and Mike Truman they have over the years collaborated with many different artists and produced some of the most stunning electronic music I have heard.

Catch them at Sound Control, Manchester on Saturday the 4th June 2011.

http://www.allgigs.co.uk/search/tourdates/68758/Hybrid-1.html

2011-05-18T20:59:00.004+01:00

Manchester Day Parade Sunday 19th June 2011

Manchester Day is an annual event that celebrates everything great about our city. It is a day for residents and visitors alike to get together and celebrate all things Mancunian that have helped Manchester emerge as one of the world’s most iconic cities.The theme of this year’s parade is A Voyage of Discovery, inspiring a host of diverse and creative ideas from participating groups.

Manchester Race for Life 2011

2011-05-18T20:53:00.001+01:00

Unfortunately numbers are down this year and event organisers are urging women to sign up to this worthy cause. There are still places open for the races in Heaton Park on the 9th and 10th July for both the 5k and 10k races, so come on ladies, sign up today at www.raceforlife.org.

MancMode Meets...

2011-05-17T22:24:00.005+01:00

Kristen Gibson Managing Director of Galleon Productions.

What do you love most about your job? The fact that I get paid to indulge my creative side.

I can't live without.... My iPad 2

This week I have mostly...been editing and staring.

What's hot? Converse All Stars

What's not? The word "defo". Defo.

Favourite Manchester restaurant? The Grinch (Chapel Walks). Fantastic menu. You can pretty much have any cuisine from anywhere in the world as long as you don't mind it on a pizza base.

What's your favourite thing about living in Manchester? The fact that in a million years' time alien archeologists will look at Manchester and discover that all human life began and ended there.

If I have one piece of advice it is... everything you need to know about life and human behaviour can be found in Aesop's Fables. For everything else there's 'Friends'.

Galleon Productions is one of the North West's leading production companies offering state of the art studio facilities and cutting edge high definition filming services.
For more information visit http://www.galleonproductions.com/

Free Events in Manchester

2011-05-17T12:43:00.000+01:00

Fri 27 May 2011
12.30 pm- The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester

A Little Bite Music

The Magic Hat Ensemble

Free event in the foyer
Dynamic jazz five-piece The Magic Hat Ensemble, formed in Manchester in 2006. Since then they have toured the UK four times and released their debut album This Conversation is Over on Huddersfield based label Jellymould Jazz to much critical acclaim.

What to Watch (Film Reviews by Hall or Nothing)

2011-05-17T00:23:00.003+01:00

SKYLINE **

Blue Lights Bad, Red Lights Good

A witless shower of stereotypes (and Turk from Scrubs!) hole up in a luxury apartment whilst a generic CGI-fest of alien blue lights invade earth, abducting swathes of humans unfortunate enough to look up when they arrive. Relentless and pretty silly, it appears there’s nothing that humans can do to stop these naughty blue things from kidnapping everyone. Thus ensues a conveyor belt of meandering and predictable peak/trough events: you thought they were gone? They’re back! You thought they were beat? They’re back! You thought the film was finishing? It’s just starting! Or so it will seem. A respectably bleak plot through-line and half decent body count can’t salvage this pedestrian effort “from the guys who brought you the special FX from (the awful) Aliens Vs Predator 2: Requiem”. Quintessentially this is intergalactic space junk that should’ve been jettisoned light years away, with some sporadically cool-looking effects to keep your eyes open.
So why two stars instead of one? Because no matter how many of these dodgy sci-fi films they make, there simply won’t ever be enough explosive movies about aliens invading earth. And when you start complaining to me about the ubiquitous proliferation of dubious or staid s-f movies just take a deep breath and look at the glut of ponderous rom-coms that bilge up our screens on a weekly basis and shut your pie hole.

ANOTHER YEAR *****

Carefully constructed, beautifully nuanced observational drama.

Now, this is more like it. Mike Leigh’s latest film is in four parts – seasons, actually – about a contented older couple Tom and Mary played by Jim Broadbent and Ruth Sheen (who are both as charismatic, charming and convincing as each other) and the course of Another Year in their lives. Each season is represented by a half hour vignette of various social events with their friends and family. The focus rests primarily on their relationship with Mary’s friend Gerri (the brilliant Lesley Manville, whose BAFTA was cruelly robbed by Helena Bonehead Carter) who astonishingly and precariously balances the qualities of anxious, deluded, alcoholic and peevish with endearing and heart-breaking. Gerri’s apparently harmless crush on Tom and Mary’s son Joe (Oliver Maltman) is thrown into stark relief when he brings back his pleasant new fiancée to the family home.
However, this isn’t some crass Hollywood home invasion Fatal Attraction-derivative thriller, but rather the carefully constructed, beautifully nuanced observational drama born from intensive improvisation that Leigh is renowned for. The gentle humour and grace with which Tom and Mary comport themselves whilst supporting their put-upon family and neurotic friends is touching, heart-warming and riveting. No one does it quite like Mike Leigh and you’re in for a treat with anything he does. Another Year is no exception, so take the time out to put your feet up, go easy on the wine – you’d struggle to keep up with Gerri anyway – and languish in this master class of acting and direction. British film-making at its finest.

View the original article here:

http://hallornothing.wordpress.com/2011/05/06/hall-or-nothing-1st-may-2011/

Tried and Tested- St.Moriz Self Tanning Mousse

2011-05-17T00:16:00.026+01:00

St. Moriz fake tan available at Home Bargains, Quality Save and Bodycare. Price £2.99.

In these recession hit times who can afford £25 a bottle for St. Tropez? Or £500 to actually go to St. Tropez?Well not me, so you can imagine my delight when a friend told me to pick this up next time I was in Home Bargains. It gives an instant deep tan with easy coverage. The first time you shower after applying you might get a shock to see orange water washing down the plughole but, after the initial layer is washed off, it reveals a natural golden, streak free tan. If I had but one complaint? It fades really quickly (almost after a day or two) but at £2.99 it's cheap enough to reapply whenever you want without needing a bank loan. Hurrah! You need never be pasty again.

What not to eat....

2011-05-16T22:52:00.007+01:00

Don't eat out without checking this link first: Food Standards Agency Hygiene Ratings

http://ratings.food.gov.uk/QuickSearch.aspx?q=Manchester&lang=en-GB.

It's everything you did (and didn't) want to know about Manchester dining.

In addition if the above hasn't put you off from eating out ever again you may also want to check out Mister Tum & the chaps on Manc Munch http://www.mancmunch.co.uk/ .

They've tried and tested most eateries in the city centre. Read what they have to say before you book that table.

What's On in Manc?

2011-05-16T21:10:00.010+01:00

15th May 2011

Were you one of the spirited 40,000 to brave the wet windy weather and complete the Great Manchester run? How did you do?

27th May 2011 & 3rd June 2011

Step back into the 80's and see Sade & Duran Duran live at the MEN.

22nd & 23rd June 2011

OMG all you Glee fans out there. See the cast live at the MEN!! This is not one to miss, unless you hate Glee, in which case it's probably one to miss.

3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th & 12th June 2011

Take That at the City of Manchester Stadium. Got your tickets yet? Or are you having to make the arduous journey to Sunderland?

MancMode

MancMode Meets Manchester Composer Francesca L Hall

Quick! Get Your Clothes Back

Chopin in Manchester without your credit card...

Jamie Oliver's Restaurant to Open in Manchester

Pint of The Week...

Red Hot World Buffet

N4 Loves You festival, 3rd - 4th September 2011

MancMods

Did you Know?

Manchester's Street Race

Upcoming Gigs

It's Quids In as Race for Life Organiser Cashes Up

You Said It.......

Manchester Pride 2011

Formula 1 Comes to the streets of Manchester!

What to Watch (Film Reviews by Hall or Nothing)

Manchester's Worst Violence in 30 Years

Manchester Artist Matt McFadden

MCM Expo Comic Con 2011 Manchester

Manchester Jazz Festival- Highlights

Manchester World Premiere- Batman Live

MancMode Meets Burden of Paradise

Bob Dylan's Art Comes to Manchester

Manchester's New Shopping Experience- The Avenue

Cadbury's Flake Dress

MancMode Meets

MancMode Parking of the Week...

Tried and Tested- 5 day Detox

Staying Safe in Manchester

MancMode Meets....

Pint of The Week...

Warhol and the Diva

Bjork- World Premiere of Biophilia

MancMode Meets Brutius Selby

What the?

Shameless USA

I Now Pronounce You Man(c) and Wife

Reminder Saturday 25th June 2011

Pint of The Week...

Manchester Day Parade 2011

Tried and Tested- Garra Spa Pedicure

Manchester Jazz Festival 2011

MancMode Meets Clockwork Radio...

Reminder Sunday 19th June 2011

Coming Soon...

Hybrid at Sound Control, Manchester

Race for Life 2011- Your Updates

Boromir's Stark Return

This Week You're Mostly Watching...

Duran Duran Cancel....

Take That Progress Live 2011

Coming Soon...

Can you believe it's 20 years since...

Manchester International Festival

Manchester International Festival

Ok so we can't go without mentioning...

Badly Drawn Boy raises the roof at Chorlton arts festival launch

This Week You're Mostly Watching....

A note to MancMode readers from...

Hybrid

Manchester Race for Life 2011

MancMode Meets...

Free Events in Manchester

Fri 27 May 201112.30 pm- The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester

What to Watch (Film Reviews by Hall or Nothing)

Tried and Tested- St.Moriz Self Tanning Mousse

What not to eat....

What's On in Manc?

Fri 27 May 2011
12.30 pm- The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester