ReviewCentral

Tips to Take on Safari With You

2017-02-13T09:14:00.000-08:00

So I’ve just got back from the trip of a lifetime – an African safari. It was an amazing experience, and part of my honeymoon which made it even more special. However, going on this type of holiday which is different from anything else is a bit daunting. I didn’t know anybody else who had ever been on safari, so we didn’t really know what to expect.

If you’re thinking of booking a trip to the African wilderness, here’s a bit of advice from yours truly.

Always be on the lookout

OK, so you’re obviously going to have your glasses on during your game drives – but that’s not the only time you’re going to bump into the wildlife. When checking into our luxury lodge, we were warned not to leave anything out on the balcony as the monkeys like to steal what they can! Even from your balcony or lodge you are likely to make quite a few impressive sightings. As soon as we arrived we saw impala and kudu wandering across our view. On our last day, I nearly missed a herd of elephants passing because I had my head in a book! Whenever you have a good view of the bushland, whether you’re eating breakfast or chilling on the balcony, be on the lookout.

The view from Kuname Lodge

Have your camera ready

We calculated we were going to go on six game drives in total – that’s 18 hours out on the safari truck. With this in mind, we thought we wanted to experience the first drive properly and take in the sights with our eyes rather than through a camera lens. I’m a true believer in this, especially as people are becoming obsessed with documenting their lives through their phones and social media. We decided not to take our cameras, phones or Go Pro. Our ranger couldn’t believe us when he asked where our cameras were.

It was a great idea and I’m glad we did it, however looking back we saw some of our best sightings on that first game drive – and don’t have any lasting memories to keep. We didn’t understand that each game drive is completely different, you never know what you might see. We could have spotted one of the big five on that first drive, and not seen it again during our stay. For example, we didn’t see a cheetah or a leopard until the last half hour of our very last game drive. Similarly, you could see an amazing sighting such as an animal making a kill, and then you’d regret not having your camera to hand. It’s about finding the right balance between living the experience and documenting it.

Cheetah spotted just after making a kill

Forget the typical safari gear

I was intrigued about safari fashion and really wasn’t sure what to wear on the game drives. It was summer so really humid from 7am – there were only a couple of times when we felt the need to wear a jacket. Most of the people we were staying with were dressed as if they were going on a trek, with hiking boots, long trousers and lots of layers. But it really wasn’t necessary! Unless you plan on going on a walking safari, you can wear suitable sandals or trainers the entire time, and I wore shorts when it was really hot.* The weather is changeable, but in our truck there was a poncho for every person so you didn’t even have to worry about taking a raincoat. You’ll only get out of the truck for a sundowner or a coffee break, and it’s not likely to be in jungle terrain, so if you’re worried about carrying around heavy walking boots then just leave them at home.

*Depending on your location you might want to cover up as much as possible to prevent mosquito bites.

Here I am rocking comfy shorts, a denim jacket and Birkenstocks for sundowners

My last piece of advice is just to savour every moment! There’s nothing like the genuine peace and quiet of the wilderness, or the starry night sky without a light for miles. Most safari lodge stays are quite short, between two and five days, so it really does fly by. But it’s long enough to see the majestic wildlife of Africa and experience true solitude. There's nothing else like it and it should be on every avid traveller's bucket list.

Let me know if you have any safari related questions! J x

George the Poet - Review

2016-10-24T05:38:00.000-07:00

George the Poet - Search Party
Band on the Wall, Manchester 23/10/16

I've never been to a spoken word performance before. I've seen some poets perform live, but not in this hybrid form with musical accompaniment. Yet I've always been a fan of George the Poet, right from the start - and if he's to be the mainstream face of spoken word, then there's going to be a lot of new fans of poetry.

First up we were treated to Manchester's own B Franklin as the warm up act. I think it's fair to say his blend of rap and spoken word pleasantly surprised the room. Tackling real issues such as alcoholism and homelessness, it's easy to see how his work aligns with George's. His deep vocals and simple acoustic guitar accompaniment grabbed the audience's attention - and he continued to impress us by boasting with his his backwards rap.

When The Search Party finally got started, the live band really lifted the mood. Suited and booted with a head mic, George the Poet almost looked like a religious minister or pastor up there on the stage – or perhaps an American ‘motivational speaker/get rich in 10 days seminar’ - and the way the crowd respected his presence he could have been. Only this was much more fun.

He started spitting his poems with charm and charisma straight away, engaging with the crowd and explaining the set up of the show. Instead of simply rolling off each of his hits, George seamlessly led the audience through stories which connected each poem. He explained how and why he left his music label and is now an independent artist - and couldn't resist cleverly linking his departure with Brexit. He noticed the irony that it was all happening at the same time, and gave us one of the best lines of the night:

"The only difference is I was 100% sure I could make it on my own - not 52%."

Well known for his politically fuelled poems, the wordmaster continued to touch on difficult social issues, from climate change to the failing criminal justice system. After all, The Search Party tour is all about promoting social action through the arts and trying to connect with people, to get fans thinking about things that really matter. His work outside of his music career, with charities and organisations, further advocates his stance as a social warrior. George the Poet has influence - and he knows how to use it.

However witty and inspiring his poems are, I have to say I'd be watching him and listening intensely, whatever he was talking about. He has a natural ability as a public speaker, almost demanding silence and craving to be heard. His mesmerising musical performance combined with his clever social commentary makes George the Poet a unique talent. If we listen, we'll see some changes.

If this show was about proving he can make it without being a signed artist, I think it’s fair to say George the Poet needs a label as much as America needs Donald Trump. If more individuals in the public eye were this focused on social change instead of getting rich, the world would be a better place.

Catch him while you can - the tour heads to Birmingham and London before the end of the month.

Jx

Motionhouse Broken - Review

2016-07-25T03:57:00.000-07:00

Motionhouse Dance Theatre - Broken
Outdoor performance on Salford Quays, 16.07.16 (presented by Quays Culture)

A couple of weekends ago I had the pleasure of reviewing a free dance event for Salford Online. I was planning to go anyway and review it as I'm a Motionhouse fan, so it was great to get the VIP treatment!

The scene was set outside Media City; the large stage was waiting for the dancers to enter and a substantial crowd had gathered, eager to see this free performance. People of all ages were stood waiting in anticipation, (some had been clever enough to bring camping chairs) and for once the weather was on Salford’s side. Thanks to Quays Culture, the crowd were about to enjoy a thrilling multimedia ride into the shifting centre of the earth.

For the next hour or so, the crowd developed and people watched in awe as the epic scenes unfolded. Silence, which is unusual for large crowds, filled the atmosphere as we stood transfixed at the spectacle.

Motionhouse specialises in large scale outdoor performances, however Broken was devised as an indoor dance piece. Artistic Director Kevin Finnan had to adapt it for the outdoors, which included completely changing the first five minutes of the piece the day before, due to lighting issues. The original opening scene needed a complete blackout, which wasn’t possible at 9.30pm on Salford Quays. He also told me afterwards that he felt placing the show outdoors changed the feel of the performance altogether – the standing audience felt more connected to the performers and the themes, and the show grew in intensity as the skies grew darker.

The fluidity of movement and the exhilarating film backdrop created a mesmerising performance from start to finish. Athletic and poetic, the choreography was powerful and original, and enhanced by the creative scenes projected onto the stage. The audience was amazed by dancers hanging from bars, swinging around poles, dancing on stilts and falling from heights.

The performers took us on a journey which represents our relationship to the earth, starting with the big bang which created our planet. Other scenes took us deep underground, into the treetops and finally into a crumbling urban metropolis. The amazing ending scene was literally earth-shattering, as the dancers physically pushed themselves to the limits to survive the digital earthquake.

Thanks to Salford Online and Quays Culture I was lucky enough to speak to the Artistic Director after the show and asked what had inspired him. It was easy to relate the scenes to his various stimuli – fossils and life underground, the Chilean miners’ accident and his travel experiences around the world.

I was amazed at the energy of the dancers, which truly brought the story to life. The powerful choreography was beautifully exerted, especially within the impressive duets throughout the piece. The piece is strikingly original; there is no other dance theatre company successfully integrating digital like Motionhouse. It was near perfect – the only improvements I’d suggest would be to do with the digital elements, which at times looked a bit unrealistic. The dancers can’t be faulted, but some of the choreography was a little bit cheesy or ‘obvious’ to the trained eye. However, this makes it more enjoyable and easier to follow for audience members new to dance theatre. This is certainly a show which can appeal to people of all ages and introduce new audience members to contemporary dance...and it was FREE!

Greater Manchester Fringe Festival - Theatre Review

2016-07-05T14:46:00.000-07:00

Underdog Theatre Company - Two Rucksacks and a Map of the World
Eagle Inn, Salford - 05.07.16

It's been a while since I seen some theatre, and I thought the Fringe Festival would be a great place to see some fresh writing and up and coming actors. With so much on each night, it's hard to decide what performance to go and see but Two Rucksacks certainly delivered.

The first thing that impressed me was the venue at the Eagle Inn. Who knew that this Holts pub on a back street in Salford had such a beautiful and intimate performance space hidden at the back?!

Two Rucksacks and a Map of the World tells the story of three characters with total different agendas and plans. Ryan is stuck in the middle - his best friend Carl wants him to go travelling the world with him before it's too late, but his new girlfriend Kerry wants him to stay and settle down. He ends up lying to both of them to keep the peace, but who will he choose in the end?

This short play gave the audience lots of laughs as the amusing plot unravelled. Highlights include the characters using an ironing board as a dining table and Carl giving his best mate some much needed and overdue sex ed. Overall it was well written, well paced and well performed, just like fringe theatre should be.

You can catch the last performance of Two Rucksacks on Thursday 7th July at 8pm. Of course there's plenty more to see during the Fringe Festival, which runs until 31st July. Check out the website for more details and to book tickets: http://www.greatermanchesterfringe.co.uk/

Gig Review: Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, Manchester

2016-04-14T08:57:00.001-07:00

Manchester Arena - 12/04/16

So, before I get into the incredible headline act we need to talk about this guy...

Raury. I've been following him for a while because he is mega talented and unique, and I'm confident he is going to make it big. He is just 19 years old but makes incredibly thoughtful and mature music. As a support act, he might have been playing to a half full crowd but he totally owned it like a fucking superstar. He gave it his all, taking his shirt off and throwing water on the crowd...anyone would have thought he was the headliner. Mark my words, he is the next big thing!!

Next up was the pop-rap God himself, Macklemore and his DJ Ryan Lewis. Right from the start, they made it clear how the night was going to go:

"I know it's been a hard day and there's some comfy seats in here...but this is a hip hop concert, so stand the fuck up."

Stand up everyone did - and the party didn't stop until we got home.

As well as delivering their punchy hits, they also added really fun elements into the show - including giving away drawings and cookies. During the encore they also invited two people on stage to have a real life dance off to their anthemic track 'Dance Off' which was a great way to end the show.

The truth is, there is nobody making music like Macklemore and nobody putting shows on like Macklemore. If you've ever listened to one of his albums, you'd know he is a master of contrast. They sing the silliest songs about cadillacs, mopeds and junk food, then deliver heartfelt pieces of music about consumerism, celebrity culture and becoming a Dad. This tour encompassed all of the different emotions really well, seamlessly transitioning from party tunes with colourful, tongue-in-cheek video accompaniments to serious rap ballads with a string quartet and choir.

Highlights for me were definitely Thrift Shop, Can't Hold Us and Downtown, they are my favourite songs and really got a club atmosphere going. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis may not have sold out the arena, but shame on every empty seat - you missed a damn good party.

J x

https://www.instagram.com/p/BEIksFlxLTy/?taken-by=jadeycayton21

Restaurant Review: Date Night at Est Est Est

2016-02-18T04:12:00.000-08:00

So let's make one thing clear before I start this post - I don't celebrate Valentine's Day. That's right, I'm one of those cynics who says that V Day is a load of commercial crap (and I'm right!) The hubby to be and I have never really bought cards or gifts for one another, or gone out on the day itself, and it doesn't bother me in the slightest.

But this year, we did end up going out on 14th February - only because it was Rik's only day off work that week! We rarely get a date day these days so we were looking forward to it, and had just decided to go to the cinema and for a meal at the Trafford Centre. We decided to try Est Est Est because neither of us had been before. Also there was 25% off prosecco which was an added bonus...

Of course the TC was rammed, which was a bit annoying, (this is why we refuse to go out on V day) and we had to be squeezed in by the hostess because we hadn't booked ahead. The menu is really varied, and where I'd usually go for a pizza I decided to be different and try a chicken dish. I was really impressed when the chicken breast was served in a heart shape! The romantic in me isn't dead after all.

I really enjoyed my meal but Rik's wasn't as great. He also went for chicken - an escalope with spaghetti. But it kind of looked like a kiddy meal! The pasta was really dry so there was no sauce at all on the chicken. This would have been fine for me as I kind of love dry food but Rik would have preferred it smothered in sauce. So Est Est Est only got a thumbs up from me, but I think we should go again and try something different on the menu as we'd probably enjoy it a bit more.

In terms of the restaurants on offer at the Trafford Centre, I reckon this is still one of the nicest and offers good value for money. I bet they do really good pizzas, calzones and pasta dishes - it's just a shame we didn't get to try them out.

What did you do for Valentine's weekend? Are you the opposite of me and like to do something extra special (and pay premium price hikes)?! J x

Secret Santa Night!

2015-12-22T01:04:00.000-08:00

So this weekend my group of friends hosted our annual Secret Santa night, which is one of the best nights of the year. We get together with lots of food, swap our gifts and generally get in the festive spirit just before Christmas! We also like a good games night so we usually have a bit of a quiz, splitting into teams and getting competitive, and play other fun games.

Even though we're all really close, sometimes it's difficult knowing what to get your Secret Santa - especially when you have to stick within a price limit. But this year I was really impressed with my gift - it shows my friends know me so well! I was handed a small envelope which was wrapped really pretty with twine and a candy cane. But I thought, what could possibly be in here - surely someone didn't buy me a gift voucher?

My Secret Santa really thought about the perfect present which was, of course, a ticket to a dance performance. And it's not just any old dance company - one of my favourites, NDT2. So now I have something to look forward to for 2016 (not that I didn't have enough, I'm only getting MARRIED). But I've got a theatre night in my diary for April and know it's going to be an incredible night. I'll of course be reviewing it right here.

You can catch NDT2 at The Lowry on 19th and 20th April. The dancers will also be touring in Woking, Bradford, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Nottingham and London.

Finally I'd just like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, and a happy, healthy 2016.

Gig Review: Mumford and Sons, Manchester Arena

2015-12-07T01:14:00.000-08:00

06/12/15

I've barely seen the arena as lively as it was last night for the return of folk rockers Mumford and Sons. Frontman Marcus even said it was the best gig they've done in ages...(do they say that to all the crowds though?!)

The talented musicians had a treasure trove of instruments filling the stage, and Marcus himself switched between most of them while singing the band's back catalogue of hits. Their new music has taken a slower, electronic pace recently but Mumford and Sons made sure they still treated the crowd to their foot stomping roots - everyone was on their feet for Little Lion Man, The Cave and I Will Wait.

Marcus has so much energy on the stage - and off it. During one track he decides to get down on the floor, run down the side of the arena and then pushes himself through the crowd of revellers all the way back to the stage. For the encore though they slow it down, taking to a small stage at the back of the arena and performing a short acoustic set.

Mumford and Sons certainly put on a good show - is it possible not to clap your hands and stomp your feet to most of their tunes?! A dreary Sunday evening was transformed into a thrilling hoe down... Catch the band if you can on their world tour.

Washhouse: Manchester's Dirtiest Speakeasy

2015-11-06T09:42:00.000-08:00

I've always wanted to go to a speakeasy bar - and since there was so much hype about The Washhouse when it opened earlier in the year, I was excited to check it out. I made a reservation for my birthday and (when we finally found it) had a brilliant night.

Once you actually find the building, step into the laundry and then you'll have to figure out how to be let into the hidden bar. But it's all part of the fun - even the website is disguised as a laundry too.

Yep, you have to delve past the dirty knickers...

Inside you're led to your table and I was really shocked at just how tiny the place is. There are only a few booths, and the intimacy really makes it feel exclusive. Of course, the most impressive thing about The Washhouse is the cocktails - the menu is wasted on you if you decide to go for a beer or spirit and mixer. We decided to be daring and choose some of the most innovative mixology wonders, including cocktails with cakes, popping candy and sugar puffs. As my other half is a cocktail bartender himself, he's hard to impress but couldn't fault the unique concoctions.

My favourite was the 50 Shades - trust me I'm no fan of the books but this little beauty is hard to resist. It even comes complete with a real rose - it's the little extra touches on each cocktail which really make the experience first class.

This is a dark drinking den you should definitely check out - just be sure to make a reservation first - and it books up fast.

Whoops..looks like I broke the first rule! But I had to share it with you... Jx

Greater Manchester Comedy Fringe Festival - Opening Night Review

2015-11-02T00:13:00.000-08:00

Cupid's Stunts and Plenty of Fish - Egriega Productions
01/11/15, Albert Square Chop House

I'm a big fan of fringe festivals and a big fan of comedy, so I knew the city's comedy festival was something I'd be interested in. With so many shows taking place on opening night, it was hard to decide which to go and see but I finally settled for Egriega's Cupid's Stunts and Plenty of Fish.

This comedic musical performance delved into the world of online dating, where of course there are plenty of opportunities for laughs. The piss taking is even more brilliant though, when the star of the one man show reveals he really does know what he's talking about - as he met his current partner on Plenty of Fish (and dated plenty more before that).

The stage was set with artwork titled 'Pussies I have known.'

It's fair to say that opening night (and the premiere) didn't go without a few technical glitches... it was a show where everything that could go wrong did go wrong, but it still felt so right. Pieter is an absolute natural when it comes to poking fun at mistakes, improvising and keeping the crowd laughing whatever happens. He's also a really talented musician and takes the audience on a musical journey which can only be described as a crazy collection of personal experiences - starting with the time he lost his virginity.

One of Pieter's most significant life experiences which he talks about is his stroke, which changed his life a couple of years ago. Re-learning how to play his instruments has been a huge part of his rehabilitation and recovery but of course he still managed to make a few jokes about it - such as his internet dating profile turning into an advertisement for a full time carer. Suffering a stroke has of course had a huge effect on Pieter's life, and it could have been the end of his music and painting talents. However he fought back, and as a performer in his own right, I don't think this show needs to be defined by that event. It's unique and funny and deserves to stand alone, although Pieter is of course an inspiration to other stroke survivors.

Image credit - Nigel Maitland

Cupid's Stunts and Plenty of Fish plays again 8th November at Taurus Bar, and I recommend you go and see it if you like new music with a twist and want to be entertained on a Sunday night.

There's also lots more to see as part of Greater Manchester Fringe. There's 5 or 6 shows to choose from every single day in venues across Salford and Manchester city centre so take advantage of the cheap laughs. Link to programme and tickets below. J x

http://www.greatermanchesterfringe.co.uk/

Autumn Essentials...

2015-10-16T13:34:00.000-07:00

It's officially Autumn people! The leaves are turning red and falling from the trees, and even though the sun is still mostly shining there's a definite chill in the air. Which means one thing...updating your A/W wardrobe and beauty bag!!

Take a look at some of my autumn essentials:

The hat.

Hats are so on trend right now, pretty much any hat will do. I don't think it's quite cold enough to pull off a woolly hat though so I've gone for the sophisticated look in a rust colour. I'm not sure if this classes as a Fedora or not, I just call it my floppy hat. It was £20 from H&M and really takes an outfit to the next level in my opinion.

(Yes that is an amazing Slattery's chocolate cake!)

The skincare.

With the weather turning colder, it's more important than ever to look after your skin. The cold outside and the central heating inside can leave skin dull and devoid of moisture. I was lucky enough to be treated to an Elemis set for my birthday - it's expensive but highly recommended!

Pictured: Pro-radiance cream cleanser, pro-collagen marine cream and don't forget your hand cream too.

The boots.

Ankle boots are DEFINITELY an essential this season, and as I'm quite bored of black I decided to go for brown, which I think is the perfect autumnal colour. This lovely pair was a bargain from Dorothy Perkins and I think I'm going to have them on my feet 90% of the time until Christmas as they're a perfect fit with jeans, leggings and tights.

The ripped jeans.

So everytime I need new jeans I head to Topshop, because they have the biggest variety in styles and sizes so I'm always spoilt for choice. I thought it's about time I bought some ripped jeans and I decided on my favourite fit, Joni. This is my 3rd pair, they look and feel so good!!

[Entire outfit from Topshop]

The smock dress.

While in Topshop I couldn't help picking up this little number. It's available in loads of colours and I just thought it's great for layering and would suit a lot of different casual occasions.

What have you invested in this season? Let me know! J x

A Greek Island Escape

2015-09-30T10:27:00.000-07:00

I've just returned home from a really lovely, relaxing family holiday in Greece. Sometimes when I see the beauty of the Greek islands, I wonder why I'd ever want to travel further afield to more exotic places.

We visited the island of Kos, probably one of the most popular of the country's 277 inhabited islands. The reason why I love Greece is because it has a bit of everything: gorgeous beaches, vibrant hubs with restaurants and shops and plenty of history and architecture. In Kos you can actually visit the Tree of Hippocrates, where the Greek father of medicine used to teach his pupils. It's apparently stood there for over 2,000 years!

In Kos there's also an opportunity to go island hopping, as there are lots of other islands close by, dotted across the glittering Aegean Sea. We went out for a full day on a boat trip, where we got the chance to explore a small, traditional Greek community and swim in the crystal water. We even saw dolphins from the boat - I didn't even know there were dolphins in Europe?!

You can also go on a day trip to Bodrum in Turkey, as it is only a short boat ride from Kos. We didn't get around to that as we were too busy trying (and failing) to tan our English skin....

Another highlight of the holiday was riding around on a tandem bike! We got to rent out this beauty for the entire day for just $5. Everything, including food and local drinks, was really reasonable but the bike hire was a real bargain. We were staying in Lambi and it's really bike friendly - they have cycle lanes down the main road and the beach road, straight into Kos town.

It was so much fun, we got the technique down pretty quickly and I'm definitely looking into hiring a romantic tandem for the wedding!

But the main reason we went on holiday was to celebrate my Mum and Dad's 30th wedding anniversary. They made it all the way to their Pearl, which is pretty incredible! To celebrate we drove up into the hills, to one of the island's best restaurants, to soak up the spectacular sunset view - I'll do a separate post about that!

Every Greek island is different and I'd like to explore them all! Next on my wishlist is Skiathos and Santorini...
What's your favourite Greek island? Any recommendations? J x

Interview with a Dancer: Aria Scere

2015-09-06T05:43:00.001-07:00

Aria is a dancer and choreographer, currently working on a physical theatre piece fusing contemporary dance and spoken word. Stagnant Change explores the realms of black oppression and aims to make a positive change for future generations. Here is what she has to say about the devising process and her plans for the future of the piece.

What inspired you to create this performance piece?

I drew inspiration from history, learning of the Black Panther Movement in the USA and UK, about lynchings and the civil rights movement. Also learning of the origins of black people and how we were not always enslaved. These accounts of black communities and oppression made a real impact on me as it felt personal, and I also did not understand how it was that we got to this point now in present day. Being a creative individual I felt the need to make this piece as a way of understanding myself, what is was like to be black in those times and to encourage people to stop this ignorant narrow mindedness that I feel today. I want to inspire people with this performance to make a positive change in their actions which in turn will grow to make change throughout the world.

Why did you want to include spoken word?

There is something about hearing poetry that evokes feeling. I have always been keen to use spoken word and dance together and this piece was perfect for this as I believe the audience can really get involved in the movement of the words in relation to the dance. From an audience perspective, words are much easier to understand than dance, for this piece Stagnant Change I wanted to take the audience on a journey. Incorporating dance and spoken word in the same performance creates a vivid imagery that holds onto the audience's senses and will hopefully sit with them long after the performance is over. The poets I have are forever inspiring and surprising me, so the journey we have been on thus far is incredible, I am really excited for future opportunities with them and my dancers too.

Where do you see this project going - what are your future plans?

The piece itself is a work in progress, so future plans would be to get financial backing for it so I can develop it and push it further to become the performance I envision it to be - and have the impact I imagine it could have. I would like to tour this piece EVERYWHERE! In community centres, schools, theatres and even as a site specific - take the theatre to the audience. The true reason I created Stagnant Change was to make a positive difference, the only way I knew how - through a performance modality. I am a dancer so why not use my creativeness to evoke change and inspire young people. I would like an educational outreach programme to stem from this to teach young people from all creeds about the REAL accounts of Black history; to learn about Ruth Ellis, W.E.B Du Bois, Althea Jones, Darcus Howe, Marcus Garvey and so on and so forth, so the same names are not always being circulated (Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks).

Educating young people about this I believe will make a difference. It's as simple as showing in particular young black children that you are capable of creating something positive for yourself and society so we can begin to break down the racial stereotypes and statistics that give the impression that Black people are lesser than White or Asian counterparts.

In the big picture of global racial equality, do you think Stagnant Change can really make a difference?

Yes. I have all the confidence in the world that this performance piece and the educational stem from this will inspire and help re-build communities to further make that difference. Stagnant Change is a start, a platform to build upon and I know elsewhere similar projects are taking place. The G.A.P (Getting Ahead Project) programme is already a summer school that teaches about black inventors, what good hair is and of Black histories and cultures globally with the use of art, dance, creative writing and music workshops.

Stagnant Change going on a global scale I believe can re-define the current misrepresentations that are portrayed about black people - in particular in the media, we are only ever shown to be criminals, in gangs or with an exaggerated defiant attitude. It is my intention with Stagnant Change to evoke and change in the mindset of people, world wide, until something affects us directly we generally do not take action or notice such things which only further encourages the issue. Taking this performance into community centres and schools to deliver creative workshops we can start to ask why these racial stereotypes exist and how to stop them. Stagnant Change is not the sole solution but it is certainly a great place to start.

Stagnant Change is being performed at the Zion Centre, Manchester on 8th September. Oh, and did I mention I am in it? :) Please come down and show your support for this passionate and inspiring performance.

Wild: Book Vs Film

2015-08-21T10:05:00.000-07:00

[ "Wild2014Poster" by Source. Licensed under Fair use via Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wild2014Poster.jpg#/media/File:Wild2014Poster.jpg]

So I heard about this book before I went travelling, and thought it would be one of the best on-the-road stories to read. However, I never got around to reading it while on my journey, mainly because I couldn't afford to buy brand new books so I was left with the exchange shelf in hostels. I thought it sounded like a memoir that had a lot more substance than Eat, Pray, Love.

A couple of years later I finally got around to reading the book - and watching the movie - and I can confirm I was right. The real life story of Cheryl Strayed is powerful, fascinating and inspiring. How any woman can hike a thousand miles all alone in the vast wilderness of the Pacific Coast Trail is beyond me - it is such an impressive feat. But when you find out the reasons which pushed her to make the journey, and the psychological breakdown which followed, it becomes clear that this life defining trek is about so much more than the pain, the loneliness and the despair of the physical hike (although this is described so well in the book and portrayed so believably in the film that you really do feel those blisters).

The one thing that strikes me about the journey is that everyone Cheryl meets is so shocked and surprised that she's a young woman who has decided to set out on this journey alone. Hearing the same old "What's a young girl like you doing out here all alone?" gets a bit tiring, especially from stereotypically predatory male characters. However, you have to remember that Cheryl's trek took place 20 years ago in 1995, so it was more unusual to see lone female travellers at the time. People express concern but then like me, they are impressed and in awe of how Cheryl conquers the PCT.

So let's get down to comparing the book and the film. After reading the book, I couldn't figure out how they could make the film as exciting and moving. After all, for 90% of the story Cheryl is hiking, alone, in the deserts and mountains of the USA. That doesn't really make for great viewing. Obviously in her memoir Cheryl can describe the monotonous actions of the trek, her longing for real food and a shower and explain what was running through her mind at each stage. I knew for the film that would be hard to convey without corny voiceovers, but director Jean-Marc Vallee hit the nail on the head.

Far from boring, the film adaptation is fascinating and kept me engaged all the way through. The scenic shots were amazing too, which added beauty to Cheryl's descriptions of the ground she was covering. One of the reasons why it works so well is down to Reese Witherspoon, who not only starred as Cheryl - she bought the rights to the memoir before it was even published and produced the movie too.

[Image source: http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2014/07/10/wild_movie_trailer_reese_witherspoon_hikes_a_long_way_in_adaptation_of_cheryl.html]

Reese brings a sense of realness to the character, which is difficult with a story which is as far from being cinematic as possible. This may be down to the fact that the director banned her from wearing make-up and made sure the backpack she was carrying was just as heavy as it was for Cheryl when she was hiking. It's been called the performance of her career, and Witherspoon has said herself it was definitely her hardest role yet.

Whichever format you want to consume Wild, whether it's through Cheryl's words or Vallee's screenplay, you'll be with her each step of the way. You'll feel her anger at the world when she starts her epic journey, and believe her transformation as she takes her last steps over the Bridge of the Gods. But I think, for the first time ever, I might have to say the film takes the crown on this one. We'll put it down to the fact that it's an adventurous memoir, so the stunning visual shots really do add to the inspiring story of self-discovery.

Has anybody read the book and seen the film? What do you think about it? Let me know if you agree! J x

What to Wear to a Wedding

2015-08-04T01:06:00.002-07:00

Wedding season is in full swing, and I have to admit I really do love it. I've always enjoyed weddings, and now that I'm planning my own I find them even more exciting, and take more notice of all the tiny little details and efforts that go into such a special event.

However being a wedding guest can take its toll on the old wardrobe and wallet...especially if you have quite a few weddings to go to in the same year. You can't exactly wear the same outfit twice! It's also a bit of a dilemma if you're only going to the wedding reception - do you still need to get as dressed up, or will everyone have changed into flat shoes by then?! Is wearing white still out of the question in the evening?

I recently went shopping for a new outfit for a wedding reception, even though I'd promised myself I couldn't buy anything new. There isn't much on the high street at all at the moment when it comes to occasionwear, as all the stores have summer sales on beachwear and are introducing the A/W lines. It was hard work, but Miss Selfridge came to the rescue, as it often does.

For the night...

I found this mint bodycon dress, which I thought was a lovely pastel colour for a summer wedding, and a bit of a steal at £28.

For the day...

But while I was there I also tried on another outfit which was absolutely gorgeous. I decided it was more of a 'day wedding guest' ensemble, so decided to buy it for the next wedding I'm attending next March! No harm in being prepared ;) Plus it was in the sale, so how could I refuse?! I think the colour and fancy jacquard fabric scream wedding, and the two piece is a bit different from the standard dress most guests choose to wear.

What do you think about wedding fashion - have you found any bargains? Please share them! J x

Interview with a Dancer: Joseph Mannion

2015-07-25T14:21:00.000-07:00

Joseph Mannion is an inspiration to the local dance community in Manchester and around the North West. Teaching his experimental fusion movement style across the region, he has his sights set on international ventures and starting his own dance academy. I found out how he manages such a busy schedule and still finds time to dream big...

As a dancer, teacher and choreographer, you have a lot going on! What is your most exciting project at the moment?

Well I have a lot going on at the moment which is a great thing! Always best to be busy in what I do. The most exciting project I'm currently working on at the moment is I'm in talks with dancers in selected European countries on setting up international workshops. This involves me bringing them over to the UK to share their talent and visa versa, building more of a dance community around the world.

Your contemporary fusion style is very popular with students - when did you discover this individual style?

I began experimenting with the style around 3 years ago, I was taking a lot of classes during my student training and never knew where I could fit in style wise. I use to think "Okay, this style is popular now, maybe I should dance like this or like that guy" but then I took the decision to just go away and really do what felt right to me movement wise. After all, an original is always worth more than a copy! 3 years on, I'm mostly known for my Contemporary Fusion style within the community and people are starting to appreciate that individuality and my workshops are always well received which I'm very grateful for!

You're a current member of Allegiant Dance Theatre, a Manchester-based dance company. When can we see what you're working on?

I'm the newest member of the company and I've been working with the founding members in the studio to get a sense of each other's style. We're currently in the process of acquiring funding for the company which will allow us to work on creation and touring the UK and eventually Europe in 2016, so it's an exciting time to be apart of ADT!

You're in the process of starting up your very own dance academy in September. Tell us more!

At the moment, myself and my business partner are still drafting up ideas and looking at areas within Manchester that don't have a dance scene but have the potential. We're basing it around the idea of one full day of training which will consist of a versatility of Hip Hop, Contemporary, Jazz & House and bring in teachers to give students a variety of styles. Financially we've had to consider costs such as studio hire, tax and what students would be able to afford, comparing it with what we can offer, so a lot of ideas are floating around!

You're also looking for dancers to compete as a contemporary team in Paris next March. This is an amazing opportunity for upcoming dancers in the region - what are you looking for exactly?

That's correct! I'm currently looking for dancers who are interested in my style of contemporary, who are willing to work hard and bring their own sense of individuality to compete at a dance convention/competition in Disneyland Paris. I want to put together two teams, Under 14's & Over 14's, this will be an incredible opportunity to travel, gain performance experience and really just have fun doing what you enjoy. We'll be starting rehearsals for this in September so anyone who is interested should contact myself directly via my email. (josephmannion5392@hotmail.co.uk)

What else would you like to achieve in the future?

Oh there's so much, but in relation to career wise, I want to teach workshops around Europe and be touring with Allegiant Dance Theatre by next year. The combination of travelling, which is a love of mine, plus teaching whilst doing so, is a future that I want almost everyday. That's my own self fulfilment, but I also want to give back to my community because a lot of dance is focused within London, where the opportunities lie for many performers. I just know there is so much talent within the North that I'd like to set up my own project which will help develop young performers so they can pursue their dreams - without having to move to London.

Follow Joseph on social media:

Facebook: /Joseph.Mannion

Twitter: @JosephMannion_

Instagram: JosephMannion

Steak: Simple but Sexy

2015-07-21T10:14:00.000-07:00

So a couple of weeks ago, it was a Tuesday night and I fancied a steak. The other half had a night off work so I dragged him to Simple in the NQ, where I'd seen they do a pretty good offer.

On Tuesdays you can get two steaks and a bottle of wine for £20....heaven. For that price my expectations weren't too high, but I have to say it didn't disappoint at all.

Yep...from the picture you can see that we also treated ourselves to cocktails and beers too as it was also HAPPY HOUR.

I really can't say a bad word about the food, it was lovely. I even can't blame the man I spotted across the room who was digging into two steaks and a bottle of red alone. While the place itself is nothing fancy (the name gives it away) it was a nice enough bar for a good meal and a few midweek drinks. I also have to give a special mention to something unique on the menu which I absolutely loved:

So this is chicken skin popcorn. Crunchy, yummy chicken skin!! I've always loved it but you don't often find it on a menu. The Simple chefs have decided to mix this deep fried greatness with salted popcorn for the best bar snack of your life.

Have you found any too-good-to-be-true offers in Manchester? Let me know and I'll go try it out and give you my verdict. J x

Summer Style: Fashion Post

2015-07-05T11:36:00.000-07:00

So I don't do many style posts but as I have bought so many new clothes for holidays and the hot weather (whoops) I thought I might as well share!

Floral high waisted bikini, Miss Selfridge
Platform floral sandals, H&M

Boho cover up beach dress, New Look
Floral platform sandals, H&M

Boho trousers and white crop top, both New Look. (**The boho pants make your bum look really good.**)

Lace maxi dress, Fabric boutique, Monton.
Floral chunky wedges, Bank (many seasons ago!)

So this is just a snippet of my summer style... hope you're enjoying the scorching weather! J x

Manchester International Festival Highlights

2015-07-01T11:21:00.003-07:00

I know what you're thinking - how can this be a highlights post, MIF has only just begun!
Well, I'm cherry picking what I predict to be the best of the wonderful cultural festival, what I'm excited to see and hoping to catch during the month.

Tree of Codes - Wayne McGregor
You probably know from the tiniest snoop around my blog that I favour dance over any other type of performance, so of course I'm looking forward to this the most. I have tickets for the preview night (tomorrow) and I can't wait. Not only is it set to feature beautiful choreography from McGregor - who I have only just realised is from Stockport - but he's also teamed up with talented music artist Jamie XX and a visual concept designer. I doubt it's going to disappoint!

Wonder.land

As a brand spanking new musical, this is particularly exciting as it has chosen its premiere right here in Manchester, before moving to the National Theatre in London. An adaptation of Alice in Wonderland, the production cast features the design team behind War Horse so we all have high hopes for this fresh Wonder.land concept.

The Skriker

Well, I won't be able to see this during Manchester International Festival as the whole run is already sold out. But it's continuing until 1st August, so I may just get the chance to see it yet. Maxine Peake, fresh from her Hamlet leading role, returns to The Royal Exchange with a gripping tale of an eerie shapeshifter in The Skriker.

So there is my top three, however everything looks great, I wish I could see it all. Let me know what you get to see during MIF15! J x

Gig Review: George Ezra, 02 Apollo Manchester

2015-06-04T10:10:00.001-07:00

03/06/15

So I'm super super busy at the moment and don't have time to write a full scale review - but I had to share our pictures because they are pretty amazing. Plus no words can describe the smooth tones of Mr Ezra! After cancelling on Manchester during his official tour earlier in the year, I think everyone in the audience could agree he was worth the wait. He was also wonderfully charming and had me giggling like a school girl in between each of his catchy songs.

I've been following George right from the start of his career, before Budapest was played on the radio every single day and CassyO was re-released. So it was great to see him live after all this time (now everyone else has jumped on the bandwagon and decided to love him too haha) We love you George Ezra!

I was pretty close for the encore :) J x

Friday Food Fight, Manchester

2015-05-28T00:04:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for something different to do for Friday after work drinks, then Friday Food Fight at B.EAT STREET MCR is for you. A wonderful mix of Manchester's best food vendors, quirky cocktails and banging tunes to get you in the mood for weekend - all in an industrial warehouse environment in the heart of the city. What's not to love?

Each Friday there's a different line up of DJs and a whole new range of dirty food on the menu. From lobster rolls to burgers filthy enough to compete with Almost Famous, it's actually difficult deciding on what to have. You might end up grabbing a snack and after a few more drinks find yourself trying all of the street food on offer!

There's also amazing desserts - the night I visited I couldn't take my eyes off Glamarang and their unbelievable sweet sensations.

So what are you waiting for? Start the weekend off right with a #FOODRAVE. Friday Food Fight takes place in The Great Northern Warehouse, Deansgate. Have fun, J x

12 Months to Go!

2015-05-20T03:58:00.000-07:00

So it's 20th May 2015 - exactly one one year until my wedding day.

I have a feeling these 12 months are going to fly by! I love planning and organising so I'm in my element now - in fact everything is pretty much sorted. If it isn't booked already we know what we are buying nearer the time. There are just two things stumping me at the moment - the dress and the honeymoon.

Searching for the dress - "the one" - is tricky because I want something boho and quite relaxed rather than an over the top princess dress.Turns out not many bridal shops cater to boho brides like me without trying to charge out of the arse for a bridal dress which is more casual!

And where do I start with the honeymoon? We really can't decide where to go. I want to do it all, I have a serious case of wanderlust at the moment. But we did get engaged in Fiji, so we have to top that! I want to do something really special, have one last adventure before we will have too many commitments to just go and explore when we fancy it. So a once-in-a-lifetime trip is on the cards - an African safari or South East Asian escapade. But how will I ever decide?! I need your help please.

To be honest I'd much rather spend more on the honeymoon than the wedding itself. After all, the wedding is just one day and you're investing in everyone else having a good time - the honeymoon is just the two of you, as it's going to be for the rest of your life.

So - suggestions, please? J x

Gig Review: The Maccabees, Manchester

2015-05-14T14:51:00.000-07:00

13/05/15 - The Ritz, Manchester

Last night I had the pleasure of going to a lovely little gig. The Ritz as a venue is an oldie but a goodie - more intimate than The Apollo and more room to dance than The Academy. It was the perfect setting for a band that I've loved for 8 years and not yet had the opportunity to see live, The Maccabees.

The quirky five piece treated the crowd to some of their most loved hits old and new, in addition to some brand new unreleased tracks from their forthcoming album. The slower songs have the crowd mesmerised while catchy tunes such as Precious Time, Wall of Arms and Pelican transform the audience into jumping, clapping, cheery creatures. New single Marks to Prove it went down well but not as well as their debut, the electric X Ray Vision.

The Maccabees really are one of the most unique sounds in indie rock - there's nobody else making songs like them. However I have a massive complaint about the set list - how could they shun one of their best ever songs, Toothpaste Kisses?! It's not only my favourite, it happens to be their most played song on Spotify. Why would you punish your fans guys!

I soon forgave the boys when one of the roadies threw me a pick. #Fangirl!
J x

Interview with a Dancer: Shelley Eva Haden

2015-05-04T05:44:00.001-07:00

This week I had the chance to catch up with an exciting and talented dancer who is busy touring the UK at the moment - Shelley Eva Haden. She is currently performing in Rosie Kay Dance Company’s 5 Soldiers, described as an intimate viewing of the human body in war and how it affects those that put their body on the frontline. The piece debuted last week in Birmingham and has received 5* from The Guardian’s Luke Jennings. Here’s what Northern graduate Shelley has to say about the whole experience…

You recently wrote in the Guardian about your training exercise and experience in the army - how demanding was it physically? Do you think you could be a real soldier?

Training in the army (4th Battalion The Rifles) was one of the best experiences of my life, mainly because of the people and the extreme situations that pushed my comfort zones and capabilities like never before. The training mainly focused on combat and the approach of enemy and hostage situations. I personally found the training more demanding mentally other than physically as it challenged my ability to adapt to completely new ways of thinking. The exercise was the most physical part of the training, this involved managing our rifle and defending ourselves against platoons of infantry soldiers as they landed in from real life off spray aircraft. This was the most terrifying yet infusing experience and I dived in with 100% guts. Do I think I could be a soldier? I truly don’t know the answer to that, and I don’t think I ever will. My week of training was merely a taste of military life and I don’t think any of us really know the reality of a soldier’s life unless we have been there.

Anyone who has seen any rep or photos of 5 Soldiers will know that you are the only female in the cast. (What an achievement!) What's it like being around so much testosterone all the time, how does it affect group dynamics when dancing together?

The cast of 5 Soldiers are amazing. I love the boys like my brothers and feel completely at one with them. Yes, of course I am aware that I am the single female of the company but I see this as positive rather than a negative as the female influence is so important in such a masculine, intensive work. The banter is hilarious and the chemistry we have as a cast is

very special, I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Has working on this piece changed your opinion on military action? What do you think the audience will take away from it?

I have never had a strong opinion on military action, it’s a very big and complex topic that quite frankly scares me. I have however gained a much stronger understanding of the Army and I truly value and appreciate the life and work of a soldier. I don’t just think, I know that audiences are touched by the experience of 5 Soldiers. Civilians/People get an insight into a world that is hidden from society, a military land that people finally get to see and understand. People feel and witness emotion, passion, guts, and sweat. The show really works and I have every faith in its success to connect with all audiences.

What do you have lined up after this UK tour?

Rosie Kay and 5 Soldiers has the potential to expand the tour internationally. Rosie is also working on a new piece which is due to tour in 2016. After the tour ends in June I have plans to continue performing, teaching and creating and can’t wait to continue doing what I love.

5 Soldiers is in London this week and on tour around the UK until 13th June – visit the website to find a venue near you and book a ticket: http://www.5soldiers.co.uk/

The General Election: Arts and Culture

2015-04-23T05:34:00.000-07:00

Unless you've been living under a rock for the past few weeks, you probably know there's an election looming and the battle for Number 10 is ON. People say this is the most unpredictable election of our times, with another coalition almost certain.

There's been TV debates, interviews and social media campaigns covering the usual 'big' issues: the NHS, the economy and the deficit, immigration, unemployment, the housing crisis. All these have been discussed at length and I think it's pretty clear where each party stands on each issue.

However, I don't think funding for arts and culture has been brought up at all. For people in the arts and culture sector or the creative industries, or even people who enjoy going to the theatre and having access to a free library - where the parties stand on the arts may be the deciding factor when May 7th rolls around.

It's been a dismal few years for the arts in the UK, with companies losing funding, theatres closing and the level of competition for jobs in the industry soaring. Everyone is hoping that this can be reversed in the next government, especially as the current one keep going on about much money they have saved and how the economy is booming thanks to them. (Raised eyebrow).

So the Arts Council have helped us out here, by scanning all the major parties' manifestos and pulling out the important bits when it comes to commitments and spending for arts and culture. Looks like the Greens are the only party willing to increase arts funding, and they also want to give local authorities powers to support local performances. Ed Miliband has also pledged to put the arts "at the heart" of a Labour government, by setting up a special committee which he will chair himself. Read up on all the political parties and their summaries here.

So who will you be voting for? J x