The Turner Prize Exhibition: at Cartwright Hall, Bradford Until 22 February

There is still time to see the Turner Prize in Bradford. Bradford City of Culture 2025 is over. Well, not quite. Cartwright Hall is still displaying the prestigious Turner Prize exhibition until February 22nd. I have visited twice: once to a curator’s tour and once on New Year’s Eve. If you have not been, then […]

Fawlty Towers: at Leeds Grand Theatre Until 10 January

Fawlty Towers is one of those rare sitcoms that memorably achieved national treasure status after just twelve episodes. Twelve! That’s it. And yet Basil, Sybil and Manuel are as ingrained in British culture as afternoon tea and waiting in lines. So the big question is: can this much-loved TV classic successfully transition to the stage, or will […]

Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker: at Leeds Grand Theatre Until 4 January

The Nutcracker, currently playing at Opera North in the Leeds Grand Theatre, is a lively and playful take on the traditional Christmas ballet. Rather than trying to reinvent the story completely, the production focuses on fun and imagination, which makes it feel welcoming and easy to engage with. One of the strongest impressions across the […]

Opera North: David Fennessy: Pass The Spoon at Howard Assembly Room Until 21 December

Opera North’s own programme notes are carefully aimed at leaving its audience anticipating something altogether weird and wonderful, but it turns out to be a promise on which, sadly, Nicholas Bone’s production only half-delivers. Though not for want of trying … Bet Palmer‘s stage set whisks us over to a daytime television cookery programme, with […]