James Tortice at Basement Arts – Celebrating in Style
James Tortice celebrates his eleventh birthday this week. While I’m sure he’ll enjoy presents, cards and cake, the highlight of his week may well be on Saturday, his first solo art exhibition. Basement Arts Project has a reputation for supporting new artists, but James will be their youngest yet. James will be selling his art […]
My LEEDS Summer: Roundhay World Music & World Food Festival
This was one of the 33 community arts events, one for each ward in the City, that are happening to celebrate Leeds Year of Culture 2023. Leeds has had regular events that feature music and food from different communities. Some, such as Carnival and Chinese New Year, continue. Others, such as Mela, have fallen by […]
tamatanga – Fabulous Food and Fun Furnishings
One word sticks in my mind following my visit to tamatanga: vibrant. The furnishings are as bright and bold as the food. The outside colour scheme goes into overload, then jungle scenes and coloured lighting creating the first impression through the door. I am not usually a fan of highly decorated restaurants, particularly when they […]
The Beekeeper of Aleppo – A tale of tragedy, trauma and hope
Christy Lefteri’s bestselling book, The Beekeeper of Aleppo, is not an obvious choice for a theatre adaptation. The non-linear time frame, the journey from Syria to the UK and the nature of bees all pose challenges for staging. Nesrin Alrefaai and Matthew Spangler have adapted the story in a way that conveys movement, emotional and […]
A Passionate Woman – celebrating the life of Kay Mellor at Leeds Playhouse
It has been a year since Kay Mellor died, and thirty years since this play premiered at the Yorkshire Playhouse. This revival was a celebration of Mellor, her links to Leeds – and the Playhouse. A Passionate Woman is about love, loss and family. The love for Mellor’s work was palpable in the enthusiastic reception […]
