You won't find a more spectacular stage musical anywhere in the country than aladdin alkarooni at @palaceandopera in Manchester while @yeukayiushe is a Genie you will remember forever! cheshire-live.co.uk/whats-on/revie…

This incredible group of talented actors are this year's Storyhouse Young Company and the skills they display while performing in the challenging drama Shoot/Get Treasure/Repeat are nothing short of breathtaking. Just two performances left: cheshire-live.co.uk/whats-on/revie…

A stage musical that is SO much better than the movie on which it is based, I predict #burlesquethemusical will become a permanent part of the musical theatre canon. It runs at Palace & Opera Mcr in Manchester until Saturday and returns there in October: cheshire-live.co.uk/whats-on/revie…

Governments usually have control over our fates - today we have control over theirs. Voting is one of the most important things you can ever do. Don't do a Boris - remember to take your photo ID!

Whether you know all about the real crime which inspired it, remember seeing the 1948 Hitchcock film or have never come across the story before, the stage version of Rope at Theatr Clwyd in Mold is a fascinating interpretation of a thrilling tale cheshire-live.co.uk/whats-on/revie…

40 years ago today I entered the Chester Chronicle office as a trainee reporter as part of a team of about 16 writers just covering Chester + armies of photogs and subs. Needless to say things are a little different four decades later!

An absolute joy from start to finish, & Juliet UK at Palace & Opera Mcr in Manchester is packed with pop hits and features two stunning performances from Gerardine Sacdalan and especially the incredible Lara Denning . Catch it between now and July 20: cheshire-live.co.uk/whats-on/revie…

There is so much to love about Hairspray UK Tour at the Palace & Opera Mcr in Manchester but highlight of the night for me was Michelle Ndegwa as Motormouth Maybelle whose spine-tingling rendition of I Know Where I've Been will stay with me for a long time: cheshire-live.co.uk/whats-on/revie…

Gangs of New York may have been a surprise choice for this year's Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre from Storyhouse but it proves to be a bold, daring and triumphant decision which is currently thrilling Chester audiences. Full review here: cheshire-live.co.uk/whats-on/revie…

Went to Storyhouse last night to see National Theatre screening of the very moving Nye. National Theatre Live has become one of the indispensable jewels of our cultural landscape - long may it continue. Just wish The RSC Live would resume its cinema screenings. It’s been a while.

Southport Football Club is opening this Tuesday; various churches are welcoming people; and some phone numbers here for anyone in Southport who needs support. Know any others? Let me know #StandUpForSouthport #southport #southporttogether standupforsouthport.com/southport-come…

No hesitation in declaring Importance of Being Earnest at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre from @storyhouselive a five star masterpiece. I guarantee everyone who sees it will experience the most entertaining, joyous night out you could possibly imagine. cheshire-live.co.uk/whats-on/revie…

I may be new to the music of Canada's Julianna Riolino but it was a privilege to watch her compelling set at Gullivers in Manchester last night and to meet her afterwards while she signed some instantly treasured vinyl

"From women's eyes this doctrine I derive: They sparkle still the right Promethean fire"

“What need the bridge much broader than the flood? The fairest grant is the necessity.”

“That is my home of love: if I have rang’d, Like him that travels, I return again”

"How poor are they that have not patience! What wound did ever heal but by degrees?"

There is so much to recommend about the Graeae Theatre production of Romeo & Juliet at Shakespeare North Playhouse - so much talent and innovation on display and a perfect introduction to the work for anyone who may be wary of the Bard! cheshire-live.co.uk/whats-on/revie…

"I am a true laborer: I earn that I eat, get that I wear, owe no man hate, envy no man's happiness, glad of other men's good, content with my harm"

“‘Tis the soldier’s life to have their balmy slumbers waked with strife”