Opening Night: Opera North’s Rigoletto. Leeds Grand Theatre

Giuseppe Verdi’s deformed court jester Rigoletto was transformed last night in central Leeds - and as a consequence, will become Opera North’s latest heavy-weight success. This tale of a father’s desperation to protect his daughter, has been masterfully re-worked by British-Nigerian theatre artist Femi Elufowoju jr, who makes his opera directing debut with Verdi’s interpretation …

Review: Manchester Collective ‘Heavy Metal’. The White Hotel, Salford

After what can only be described as a terrific year for the Manchester Collective people, they bring 2021 to a close with their ‘Heavy Metal’ tour – which through December has already received rave reviews in London, Leeds and Bristol. The penultimate show in the run saw the Collective – and friends, deliver a culturally …

Sussi Louise Smith. Seachanger – Wave Weaver. Poetry Collection launch

In addition to December 1st being the date that many of us will be opening the first door on our Advent Calendar, it’s also a key moment in the poetry world, as Ilkley-based poet, artist, writer, helper – and all-round special person, Sussi Louise Smith gifts ‘Seachanger - Wave Weaver’ to the world. Seachanger is …