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Month: August 2019

Review: Killers Anonymous

There is no greater cinematic sin than wasted potential. Unfortunately, there persists a well-trodden path for conceptual genius and spot-on casting which has an end product that is doomed to eternal cinematic damnation. A biblical fate which director Martin Owen’s latest release, Killers Anonymous, has narrowly avoided – but only just.

Billed as a crime thriller which follows a mysterious group of killers who attend a murderous Alcoholics Anonymous-style weekly support group, the film promises a cerebral, stylish, action-packed thrill ride with a star-studded cast, but ultimately fails to deliver on them.

Starting with the film’s casting, which has made for a laughably cynical and misguided marketing campaign. Given that three of the main billed cast members in the promotional material – Gary Oldman, Suki Waterhouse, and Jessica Alba – only feature in what are effectively glorified cameos in the finished film.

By far the most egregious example is Oldman who, despite getting slightly more screen time, seemingly exists purely for his “Academy Award winner” poster caption and could be easily removed from the film entirely without any plot ramifications whatsoever.

In terms of the overall plot, the film does succeed, at least on a basic level, in telling a compelling story with enough twists and turns to keep the events unfolding on screen as engaging as possible. However, any successes are undermined by the plot’s convoluted nature and tonally-confused ending. Whilst there has always been a long history of thrillers with surprising end reveals, the plot fails to lay any of the groundwork required for such a drastic left-turn causing the ending to stray dangerously close to ‘jumping the shark’ territory.

There are also similar issues with the relatively uninspired characters themselves. Despite the potential that a group of serial killers affords, they are mostly written as caricatures of real-life murderers and as a result can feel particularly one-dimensional and hollow at times.

Despite this, the performances contained within are remarkably good and the moments of tension between the group are electric. In particular, Tim McInnery’s creepy Harold Shipman-esque medical murderer Calvin, and Michael Socha’s sensitive ex-Triad Leandro, are impressive stand-out performances.

The film’s strengths are sturdily reinforced throughout by Håvard Helle’s excellent cinematography, which does a fantastic job of keeping the entire production afloat. His near-constant striking neon-lit shots are a delight to watch and the colourful retro aesthetic of the group’s kitsch meeting place is essential to allow the character’s long monologues to remain engaging.

In fact, given the acting talent delivering them, the monologues are themselves the greatest indicator of the film’s wasted potential. They do a great job of providing genuine flairs of writing brilliance, but ultimately struggle to support the crushing weight of the film’s numerous plot issues.

It must be remarked that Killers Anonymous is certainly not as truly rotten as some of its cinematic-sinning purgatory-dwelling compatriots. Despite its flaws, it is well-acted and stylish daydream of promise, but unfortunately still one that is trapped inside a swirling nightmare of plot confusion and banality.

2.5/5.

Killers Anonymous is now in cinemas and also available on Digital Download and Home Entertainment. 

Match Report: Salford shock Wire to go third

Salford Red Devils upset newly-crowned Challenge Cup winners Warrington Wolves 22-6 in their penultimate regular-season home game.

Salford’s sixth straight league win, which is a first in the Super League era, takes Salford up to third in the table tonight – with only two games to play until the play-offs begin.

This fixture controversially came only five days after Warrington’s Wembley triumph – which itself was a shock as they defeated runaway league leaders St Helens 18-4. Indeed, Wolves Head Coach Steve Price said such a small gap was “100%” a problem for player welfare – and revealed Warrington’s first post-Wembley training session was only the day before this match.

In a first half characterised by solid defence, Krisnan Inu scored the only points – a penalty kick right in front of the sticks on the 10-minute-mark. Both sides conceded a large amount of penalties throughout the opening 40 minutes, but were unable to capitalise on any of those opportunities – that pattern of attacking malaise from set-pieces was also replicated by Warrington in open play.

Frequently, the primrose and blue found themselves going laterally, and often using the left-hand side of Goodwin and Lineham which ran out of room with fast defence from Salford Winger Ken Sio.

Whilst Salford did offer more going forward, their attacking platform too often had to start from their own half – that led an over-reliance on magic from Hastings and Lolohea which has seen them through previous slow starts in this winning run, but the intensity of the Wire defence neutralised that threat. Salford Head Coach Ian Watson said his side “didn’t respect the ball enough” before the second half.

However, that changed from the beginning of the second half, with Salford’s upped intensity and reduced penalty count resulting in a far more cohesive attacking game, controlled by Scrum-Half Jackson Hastings. Indeed, it was his up-and-under kick on the 49th minute which led to Tom Lineham’s handling error that Salford Winger Ken Sio pounced on to score the first try of the match.

Sio was in again only eight minutes later, after an aerial battle on the left-hand-side resulted in a repeat set for Salford only five metres out. Once Bibby and Dudson had gone close, the Red Devils worked the ball right, into the arms of Centre Kris Welham. Welham offloaded out wide, and one pass later Sio had his second in the corner.

The break-neck pace continued from the home side, as Jake Bibby dived over the whitewash after a Joey Lussick break was finished off by the Centre, via a cool Hastings pass.

The result was confirmed by Sio’s final try of the night, with his hat-trick being completed with perhaps his easiest score: Warrington, pushing for a way back into the game, flung the ball left 20 metres from the Salford line, only for a messy Goodwin offload to be worsened by Tom Lineham.

Lineham attempted to chip the balls over the Red Devils’ defence, but only succeeded in directly kicking the ball to Sio, who won the footrace with the Wolves’ Harvey Livett.

Danny Walker grabbed a consolation for the Wire, diving on his own grubber kick with only one minute remaining.

Player of the Match: Jackson Hastings. Despite Sio’s hat-trick, the Wigan-bound Scrum-Half controlled the attacking game throughout the second half and provided the spark for the onslaught of Salford tries.

XR announce four-day Deansgate occupation

Climate protest group Extinction Rebellion (XR) have announced that they will occupy Deansgate for four days starting on Friday 30th August, in action they are calling the “Northern Rebellion”.

Hundreds of people are expected to turn up to what XR’s website describes as a “peaceful, public uprising” in the heart of Manchester, which will feature a “canvas city” of tents pitched outside House of Fraser – alongside workshops, talks from leading scientists, DJs, bands, and performers.

The protest is expected to cause serious disruption in Deansgate, a popular shopping district and one of the city’s busiest streets, which currently has illegal levels of air pollution.

In a statement, Greater Manchester Police told those planning to travel into Manchester to allow more time when planning their journeys, and warned that “the public can expect to see an increased police presence in and around the city centre and across our transport network.”

“Our aim is to facilitate the protest, whilst trying to minimise disruption to all those who work, live or who will be visiting Manchester over this period.”

On social media, SU Welfare and Community Officer Adam Haigh tweeted about the occupation. Haigh himself was involved in the 24-hour-long occupation of the University with the People and Planet Society in June.

XR, who were officially supported by the University of Manchester Students’ Union (SU) after a vote at Senate last February, have held large protests across the UK over the last year, most notably in London, where over 1,000 protesters were arrested in April after more than a week’s worth of disruption took place in the capital. It is estimated that somewhere between 3,000 and 6,000 protesters took part.

SU support for XR has come most prominently from Activities Officer Lizzy Haughton, who herself was arrested for her involvement in an XR protest in Manchester last November.

In a joint statement from Adam Haigh and Lizzy Haughton – who will continue her role as Activities Officer during the upcoming academic year – said: “Extinction Rebellion has had a huge role to play in increasing awareness in the climate crisis this past year, and has seen a number of protests occur, as part of the local group’s efforts to bring attention to the crisis, here in Manchester.

“We are blocking a central part of Manchester because we need to show that business-as-usual cannot go on, that we need the general public to be on side and to turn their anger towards the government with us.

“What’s more, we need students on side; this is our fight for our future among youths across the world, and our educational institutions have incredible amounts of power to lead in this fight that they are, so far, ignoring. We need students to get involved in any way they can in environmental activism and to be able to hold their universities and local councils to account.”

On their website XR have welcomed anyone to join the “Northern Rebellion”, writing: “We need you – whoever you are, however much time you have – to help build a powerful movement. Our vision of change involves mass participation. Together we’re unstoppable.”

The protest is expected to start at 10am on Friday 30thAugust, and end on Monday 2ndSeptember.

A guys’ guide: How to update your wardrobe ready for the new season

It’s that time of year again when the leaves turn from green to brown and begin to pave the streets. As the pavements fill up so do the high street stores ready with the new season’s collections. It is a time for change not just in the weather but on the high street too. Stores clear out the last of their summer sales to make way for the must-have pieces for Autumn.

To help you choose the right pieces for your wardrobe we’ve put together a guide to update your options ready for the new season.

Autumn is nearly here, along with the new term, so it’s important to be looking and feeling your best ahead of the drop in temperature, dark nights, and many lectures. Whether you’re looking to try out a new sports jacket and jeans combination, need something more formal for the office or laid back for date night we have you covered. One thing is for sure, we are all getting excited to be able to throw on sweaters again! Check out some easy style options below to update your wardrobe ready for the coming months.

Chore coats and jackets

A great transitional piece is a trusty jacket. Think chore coats this season when piecing together your casual looks. This type of jacket not only keeps you warm but offers a laid back approach to an outfit that still feels put together. Pair with a shirt and pants for a more formal look or stick to jeans and sneakers for a casual vibe. It may be worth investing in an iconic bomber jacket as well as a classic piece for this season. A black bomber jacket can be dressed down or added to an outfit for going out on the town.

A simple shirt

Button up, and keep it simple with a shirt. Keep it classic with a crisp long-sleeved white shirt to be paired with jeans, sneakers, and a jacket. Or opt for a quirky checked shirt, jeans, and suede boots. By adding a collection of shirts to your wardrobe you can form multiple outfits using them to layer or wear as loose jackets over a tee. Pair with chinos, duffel bag, and a snapback and you’re good to go!

The right trousers

If you’re heading into an office environment, you want to pair your jacket or blazer with some loose fitting chinos or wool-blend trousers. If you’re heading to the library and have a day full of lectures, it’s probably best to go for comfort and choose some slim fit jeans or ankle length pants with an elasticated waistband for a smart jogger look. A staple pair of blue denim and black denim jeans should see you through the semester. Add a few more trouser options to the mix and you will be set for winter.

Appropriate footwear

When it comes to dressing your feet, it can be tricky with the ever-changing weather. Shoes are often the most expensive part of an outfit too, so if you choose a pair or two that will compliment multiple outfits you can afford to go for a more durable option that will not only last a long time but will work with many different looks. The must-have Chelsea boot – whether it be suede or leather – should make a statement in your wardrobe this season. As well as the latest sneakers that of course you are going to buy, it might be worth purchasing something a bit more sophisticated that sits middle of the road between smart dress shoes and something more relaxed such as the plain toe derby.

Accessories

Lastly, as we live very busy lives you will more than likely need a satchel or bag of some description. Whether you opt for a formal briefcase or casual duffel bag it will allow you to carry all the books, files, and food you need for the day. Investing in a good quality one will not only last for a considerable amount of time but can be used as a travel bag for weekend breaks. You will also need a good pair of sunglasses, especially if you drive as the winter sun can cause some serious sun glare. Again, purchase a long-lasting pair to wear for years to come. Function 18 sell a variety of Oakley golf sunglasses that would be a great option.

This post is sponsored advertorial from Function 18 Designer Golf Clothing for The Mancunion.

Six fashion tips for students this season

As students you are constantly on the go from the moment you wake up! It’s time to gather your folders for university, make breakfast, and pack your lunch – amongst trying to shower and put a brush through your hair. It can be easy to neglect yourself with all the chaos going on around you leaving you with the constant ‘I can’t be bothered’ feeling. As students you need a quick and easy routine with plenty of ‘go-to’ outfits you can throw on as you rush out the door.

As you work so hard, it’s nice to take some time to put together a few outfit choices ahead of your hectic schedules, that way it’s one less thing to worry about in the mornings when you open your closets. You also deserve to feel and look your best whilst attending lectures and carrying out your daily routine. From go-to pants to dresses, shoes and skirts, we have you covered with a few staple looks you can put together to leave you looking a million dollars with as little effort as possible!

The go-to pants and jeans

Pants and jeans whether it be straight or boot-cut, these are the best options for students. It is best to go with full length pants, preferably high-waist, to slim everything down and make the legs appear longer. Who said students couldn’t do chic whilst on the run from class to class! Flare pants are a great option for this season to give your body some breathing space. Pair an over-sized top with skinny jeans and you can look amazing whilst completing your daily tasks!

Skirts

It might be time to ditch the pants and try a skirt instead. If you prefer something more light and free-flowing instead of skinny jeans then it’s time to put the focus on your waist, with an A-line skirt! But, if you love your curves and work hard at the gym to make them even better, then go with a pencil skirt with high elasticity to show off how you even find the time to work out! You’re that good!

Dresses

It’s not just about A-line skirts, A-line dresses can also be a great option for students. Maxi dresses are another very good choice. They are wide, long and flowy, not to mention super-comfortable. As for length, choose knee-length or longer and add a waist belt for some extra style! Maxi dresses are great for every shape and size and are a great choice for people on the go who want comfort and style. They are perfect for this season and give a real effortless look!

Tops

When it comes to tops try to avoid crop tops as they tend to shorten the upper body. Go for slightly longer than the hips for length and choose light and bright colours for summer, to bring attention to the upper body. Wear frill-sleeves or deep V-necks and layer with vests underneath. Oversized tops are also great for those of us who want some comfort to go with style – pair them with skinny jeans to achieve just that.

Shoes

When wearing slimmer pants such as skinny jeans, avoid stilettos and opt for chunkier heels. Stay away from ankle straps or contrasting-colour booties. Nude shoes and heels that match your skin tone will help lengthen the legs and make them appear thinner. As we are often running from place to place, it’s best to opt for comfort over style and choose more affordable options to dash about in. Students are often on a budget so we recommend you shop a range of very cheap sandals at Uppersole to complete this season’s look!

Colours

Lastly, you will want to consider the colours you choose. For pants, skirts and dresses, go for darker colours, like the staple LBD, navy, maroon, brown, khaki, or grey. If you prefer lighter colours, look for pastels, and softer prints. Avoid bright and bold colours for pants and for denim jeans opt for one colour designs. Be mindful, as contrasting colours and sizes can work in your favour. It might take some time to play about with different shades and styles that suit you!

This post is sponsored advertorial from Uppersole shoes for The Mancunion.

Five reasons to book a bubbly brunch

It’s five o’clock somewhere right? That’s what we tell ourselves when it comes to booking a brunch date filled with bubbles. Most people take pleasure in a champagne breakfast or a liquid lunch, and if you can have both – at the same time – even better.

There are many reasons to book a brunch rendezvous whether it be to catch-up with friends, take time off from the library or treat a loved one to great food and even better company! We have listed some of our top reasons below, not that you need any encouragement…

You know it’s finally the weekend

Not many of us are lucky enough to enjoy brunch on a Monday or any other weekday for that matter. The weekend usually takes centre stage for a classic brunch date. A Saturday is perfect to sit and indulge in rich foods and fancy glasses of bubbly knowing that you have a day to digest the exquisite plates you scoffed along with the unlimited amounts of wine you swilled it down with.

Drinking during the day

Day drinking isn’t for everyone but students are usually those more susceptible to it and you always have the excuse that you can get an early night! Unless of course you carry the sophisticated brunch date into the early hours of the next morning…

You might feel it mandatory to have a Bloody Mary or sip a Mimosa before your mountain of food. The key is to pace yourself!

You can never be late for brunch

For those of you that are always late: Brunch is perfect. Often, these events will take place over several hours between 10am and 3pm, although each venue will differ slightly. Regardless it gives you multiple options to either sleep in or start the day the right way with breakfast and a champagne in hand!

It’s time-saving

If you’re the type of person who struggles to fit in three meals a day then brunch may be your only option. Combining the two meals into one gives you the perfect excuse to skip either breakfast or lunch. Brunch is an efficient way to maintain your calorie intake and save time doing so!

There is something so satisfying about this occasion, and whatever you fancy is totally acceptable – no one questions your decisions at brunch, so if you want a double helping of crispy bacon and scrambled eggs that is perfectly fine.

Book brunch for an occasion

Some of us may be accustomed to brunching with friends, others may see it as more of a treat and book it to celebrate an occasion with family or loved ones. For special events why not book somewhere with a breath-taking backdrop or stellar view.

You may wish to raise a glass of sparkling wine and enjoy a brunch date at Hencote vineyard – not only do they have a beautiful restaurant where you can experience both local and international cuisine including gorgeous buttermilk pancakes, but you can wallow whilst looking out over the epic vineyard.

Let us know where your favourite brunch spots are. Do you prefer the bustling city or relaxing countryside?

This post is sponsored advertorial from Hencote Vineyard for The Mancunion. If you need help with your relationship with alcohol, you can visit the Students’ Union Advice Service website for more information and learn how to speak to an advisor face-to-face.

Home storage issues and how to resolve them

It’s that time of year again. Whether you’re beginning your journey in halls, or branching out into a student house with your new university friends, it’s time to consider a few common problems most students face when moving from their family home into a smaller, shared accommodation.

It’s time to pack up the essentials and tackle the home storage issues many of us face when living in a new place. Lucky for you, we have put together this guide on ways to utilise your space and resolve any home storage issues that you may have.

Overall household space

If you are struggling for storage space in your home or flat, we have provided you with some hacks to make your life a little easier. By properly utilising your space it will keep your home clean, organised and free of any clutter.

In your main living space, we suggest hanging lamps to save the need for side tables so you can use this space for something else. You could also stack your chairs in a corner of the room to free up the sitting area. For those of you who prefer to cycle to uni, install some brackets to hang your bike to declutter the hallway. Lastly, add some vertical magazine racks to store your files, magazines, and important documents.

Bedroom space

Is your box room and tiny closet giving you problems? Of course, it would be because of the lack of space, not the extra discounts you’re receiving on a new wardrobe. Regardless of whether you’ve been treating yourself or not, try hanging scarves and shoes in organisers on the inside of your wardrobe door to free up space.

If you have too many scarves, then use shower curtain hooks to hang them on a single coat hanger. Add hooks to your bedroom door to hang towels and coats ready for the winter. Lastly, you could try propping your bed on riders to utilise the under bed space to store boxes of your belongings. We also suggest using desiccant bags for your home storage to prevent mould and damage when housing your most prized possessions.

Kitchen space

Does your lack of kitchen space give you a headache every time you prepare a meal? Get creative with turning your fridge into a spice rack by using magnetic spice jars. This will allow you to clear out your cupboards and stick them to your fridge door instead. Get even more artsy with a peg board to arrange your pots and pans on the wall.

You could also try an over-the-sink chopping board to temporarily expand your counter space when it’s your turn to cook for your housemates. In addition to this, add some command hooks under the sink to hang a small basket, this way you can easily store household essentials.

Bathroom space

Finally, it’s time to resolve the issues in probably the most crowded place in the house. Make use of whatever space is available in your bathroom. Put up some spice racks beside the mirror, you can install one for each housemate to store daily hair products and lotions. As well as this, hang some mason jars to house little things that don’t have a home such as cotton wool pads and makeup sponges. Lastly, install multiple towel rods on the back of your bathroom door so that you’ll never have to pick up another towel again… hopefully!

We have faith that these household issues may just save your sanity when it comes to venturing into the big wide world and learning to fend for yourself!

This article is sponsored advertorial from Weirbags packaging.

Hot Right Now: Polar States

Liverpool-based fourpiece Polar States are firmly establishing themselves as ones to watch, culminating in the release of their latest EP, ‘All You Couldn’t See’.

This has been a much-awaited release from a band that has graced BBC Introducing, Radio 1 and a multitude of festivals and consequently have become recognised by both a larger fanbase and industry leaders.

It is remarkable the extent of their writing; Polar States describe themselves as having “lots of songs”, which somehow feels like an understatement – their tracks are undeniably catchy and well-written, with recognisable and poignant lyrical themes.

In finding “common ground” in their new EP, they have a culminative condensation of their work and talents, both in the studio and onstage.

‘All You Couldn’t See’ is an eclectic and immersive six-track collection which is a testament to what’s to come from this promising group. It morphs seamlessly into pop music of today, without feeling forced and fabricated. Track ‘So Loud the Day You Left’ is eloquently catchy, with driven and fluid lyrics supported by a strong guitar backing. It is a firm reminder of the feel-good pop anthems of the early-to-mid noughties.

What lets the EP down is the way that, at times, the tracks feel almost too consistent – lacking distinguishing features that make them stand out from one another. This seems to indicate that, when writing, Polar States know what they’re comfortable with.

Their stylistic consistency does help to cement their identity as a band, but I hope that in future releases they push these boundaries ever so slightly more, to produce a more dynamic and radical approach to their style. It is by doing this that they will attract the respect and interest of both new fans and the wider music scene.

As far as the industry as a whole goes, Polar States know they have mountains to climb, but they seem confident. They recognise that the “gatekeepers” within the field are “in different places” than in previous generations, but that bands have the “same problems, just in new places”. This practical and realistic approach does them credit and endorses their work ethic, something which seems to frequently distinguish the quality of work being released, as well as the overall success and drive of artists.

In their live performance, Polar States are charismatic and engaging; they are more than capable of putting on a great show and the energy they displayed onstage is shared by the crowd with an ease which is difficult to obtain.

In gracing one of Manchester’s tight-knit venues, Jimmy’s, Polar States demonstrated their ability to deliver a seamless performance that was well structured, with excellent vocal tone and control. The band successfully displayed their onstage professionalism through strong harmonies and subtle but dynamic onstage skill.

Polar States, with some fine tweaking, look set to become equal to the high task they have set themselves and I firmly look forward to seeing more of them in the future.

In Memoriam: Beloved Manchester lecturer James Lincoln

University of Manchester lecturer Dr. James Lincoln drowned in Wales last week, while trying to save his son from the sea.

The econometrician was on holiday with his family in Borth y Gest in Wales. His six year old son got in trouble in the water, but was successfully rescued with the help of his father.

A message from the Economics department informed Lincoln’s students that, unfortunately, “despite swift help by the public and the ambulance services James passed away.”

The loss felt by everyone Lincoln worked with is profound and sincere.

Mihai Codreanu, a recent graduate to whom Lincoln was his academic advisor, said: “James has been an absolutely great lecturer and academic advisor, always looking out for his students and being as helpful as he could have been.

“But most importantly, he has been a great person and a loving father. Quite often in our meetings, he would just start speaking about his children, and you could just notice how important they are for him.

“James had an impact on many different cohorts of economists formed at Manchester. We will all greatly miss him.”

Economics lecturer Peter Backus remembers: “I’ll miss the little conversations we had about teaching and the bigger conversations we had about life. I’ll remember him as someone who genuinely cared about his students, something that buoyed me and reminds me why we teach.

“I’ll remember him as someone who was never afraid to ask for help and was very generous with his time to help others. I’ll remember his kindness and patience with his students. James was my colleague and my friend and I will miss him greatly.”

James graduated from the University of Manchester in Physics in 1995. James then enjoyed a successful corporate career before returning to Manchester to complete an Msc and PhD in Economics and Econometrics. His first teaching contract at Manchester began in 2016.

Final year student Pao Engelbrecht said: “James‘ lectures were easily the best during my past academic year… I will not forget our sometimes philosophical discussions resulting in me going to Blackwell‘s to buy books he recommended. I am very thankful for the chance of having been taught by him and for all his support.”

Eduard Krkoska, who graduated this year, told The Mancunion: “I can say with confidence that James was appreciated by all the pupils whom he taught. His lectures were interesting and insightful and moreover he was a witty speaker with an abundance of character.

“James was always happy to chat with students around lectures and gave up significant free time to help us out. Anyone who has chatted with James would agree that he was kind, patient and easy to get along with.

“James will be missed by all those whom he taught and especially by those of us who often spoke with him outside of his teaching. It is sad knowing that so many future students at the university will miss out on meeting James.”

The funeral service will be held on Friday 23 August 2019, 1pm, at the Crematorium next to the Southern Cemetery in Chorlton (Barlow Moor Rd, Manchester, M21 7GZ).

James’ family have extended an open invitation to students of the University of Manchester and have asked for it to be passed on that there is no dress code.

The condolences of The Mancunion go out to all James Lincoln’s loved ones.

If you are affected by the issues discussed in this article, you can speak free to Samaritans on 116 123, or the Students’ Union Advice Service on 0161 275 2952.

Review: Amélie The Musical

Amélie is the musical adaptation of the acclaimed French film of the same name, which is currently touring the UK. Its plot revolves around a shy but passionate young Frenchwoman who realises that to find happiness, she will have to risk it all and open up to the world and the man she loves.

The cast was cast and orchestra combined who walked freely and unashamedly about the stage with their instruments, the way we do with mobile-phones. Alongside creating all the show’s music themselves, members of the ensemble also played numerous characters, some only brief, yet each well-written and acted.

Like the film, the musical is quirky and surreal, reflected evidently in the set design (Madeleine Girling). The Manchester Opera House’s grand stage was transformed into a black box studio, of sorts, with black sheets covering the sides of the stage and removing access to the wings. This enabled the musical to operate in its own fixed world.

The set consisted of one large, elaborate set piece, designed to look like an old-fashioned Parisian street. All the action took place on, inside, and in front of this one piece of set, confining the musical into one tiny world. This gave the show an intimate feel, allowing the audience to feel a part of the action. My favourite part of the set is how the clock would open up and reveal Amélie’s tiny room, reminiscent of the imagery of Alice in Wonderland.

One of the best ensemble-led scenes was Act One’s final scene. Princess Diana was mentioned sporadically throughout the show; the announcement of her death helped this magical musical feel more real.

At one point, Amélie wishes she was a princess. Then, in Act One’s final scene, she imagines the newsreader calls out her name instead of Diana’s. She reaches into the television and plucks out a tiara, which she then places on her head: she is now a Princess. This was followed by Diana/Amélie’s funeral, complete with Elton John (fabulously played by Caolan McCarthy) and a glittery choir singing about the late, great Amélie.

The funeral scene felt deliberately out of place as the quiet, intimate, folksy show suddenly transformed itself into a grand, camp musical – à la The Producers or Wicked. We had been sucked into Amélie’s mind, which itself had been sucked into the television screen. Then there was a blackout and the house lights went up, transporting us out of Amélie’s wild, wondrous mind for a 20-minute break.

The show’s titular character was played by Audrey Brisson, who worked extensively as a vocalist and acrobat with Cirque Du Soleil as a child and teenager. She put her flexibility and versatility to great use in this role.

I can honestly say Brisson is one of the greatest leading ladies I have ever seen; she was captivating from her first appearance right until the very end. She channelled huge amounts of emotion and vibrancy, which could even be felt when her character was doing a good job of hiding her emotions from the other characters.

Stepping into a role made famous by Audrey Tautou, one of France’s leading actors, and then played on Broadway by Phillipa Soo (Hamilton’s Eliza) must be nerve-wracking. But Brisson held her own and forced the audience to stop making comparisons: she is Amélie now.

Nino, the male lead, was played by Danny Mac (Hollyoaks). I saw Mac in Sunset Boulevard a couple of years ago, so I had no doubt he would excel in this role. He is a real quadruple threat: a great singer, actor, dancer (as we know from his time on Strictly), and ridiculously attractive. His French accent was superb, and he excelled at making his odd character quite lovable.

Despite the strong performances of the cast, the plot was at times a little confusing and seemed to rely on the audience having already watched the film version. But this is the only fault I could find with this marvelous production.

Surreal and whimsical, Amélie might not be your cup of tea, nor is it trying to be. It is folksy and intricate, refusing to be at all mainstream or commercial. The production team have created a real (rare) gem here that deserves to be cherished and appreciated.

Amélie finished its run at The Opera House, Manchester, on August 10th and is currently playing at The Pavilion in Bournemouth, before continuing its tour of the UK.

Edinburgh Fringe Preview: Who Cares

This summer at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, LUNG and The Lowry present Who Cares.

The play is described as ‘a three-hander about young carers, examining our failing care system, the impact of austerity and what happens when a child becomes the parent.’ It has been touring around the country for the last two years, visiting not just theatres but also schools, youth zones and community settings.

Who Cares comes from multi-award winning verbatim and documentary touring theatre company LUNG, who make work with, for and about communities. Their play Trojan Horse won both the Amnesty International Freedom of Expression Award and Fringe First Award in 2018.

The script is adapted from real-life testimonies gathered from young carers over two years in Salford. LUNG worked with the carers throughout the production of the show, ensuring what was being put onstage was true to them.

Described as ‘documentary theatre,’ the piece tells the story of three young people who live ordinary lives when out-and-about but very different ones at home. For instance, Nicole started caring for her mother when she was just four years old, whilst Jade bares the responsibility of not only caring for her younger brother, but also her own father.

Award-winning playwright and director Matt Woodhead says the aim of the play is to help identify ‘hidden’ young carers in the UK, of which there are over 800,000. He describes sharing the ‘inspirational’ stories of young carers from Salford as ‘a real privilege and a vital part of the campaign to raise awareness of this, often hidden, issue.’

Indeed, the production serves as more than just a play with a strong message; it is a campaign. 1 in 12 young people care for someone, and they save the country £123 billion in the work they do.

LUNG, The Lowry and Gaddum believe the services these young people receive should be improved and have launched a Parliamentary petition.

The petition calls upon the government for ‘all councils to have a statutory responsibility to monitor the quality of their young carers’ and ‘include young carers in the School Census’ and the Ofsted Handbooks’ definition of vulnerable young people.’ It also advocates for the introduction of a ‘young carers identification card’ in Parliament.

After every performance, audience members are invited to sign the petition and join the campaign to ‘stand up for the rights of young carers in the UK’.

Who Cares has even garnered celebrity support from Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones), who tweeted: ‘We must shine a light on those who’ve been in the dark for so long.’

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@edfringe OH MY GAAAAAAD! Ok- I might’ve got stuck in a thunderstorm or two, I might’ve slept less than I have done at any point in my life I might’ve laughed and cried and all that’s in between at the talent I was witness too and so…get on a train and get to the festival! 🚨🚨🚨And here’s a list of the people you MUST go and see! 🖐Unknown @_rise_strong_ (❤️POWERFUL SURVIVOR QUEEN YOU HAVE MY WHOLE HEART❤️) (greenside at infirmary street) 🖐Square go @danportman (talent on legs as if we didn’t already know 🥰🥰🥰🥰) (Roundabout at summer hall) 🖐Diane Chorley @dianechorley (Will you adopt me?! Please? Profound love in abundance- YAS KWEEEN 💃) (assembly george studios) 🖐Who cares @lungtheatre (We must shine a light on those who’ve been in the dark for so long 💔🏆🙌👌🔥) 🖐 Cat Cohen @catccohen (JADORE you beautiful chic kitten❤️❤️❤️) pleasance courtyard 🖐 the canary and the crow @middlechildhull (🤩mind blowing and toe tapping BRILLIANCE) summer hall 🖐 john kearns (😂HYSTERICAL happy making heaven) monkey barrel 🖐 Roisin and Chiara @roisinandchiara (LADIES I SALUTE YOU AND THEM FUNNY FUNNY BONES!👑) the hive #❤️ #🙏🏻 #peaceout #offtosleepcrazyfringedreams

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The Mother of Dragons included LUNG theatre’s production in her list of must-see shows playing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this month.

You can catch Who Cares at the Summerhall at the Edinburgh Fringe until August 25th, and LUNG theatre’s other production, Trojan Horse, at the Lowry in Manchester between October 8th-12th .

For more recommendations of shows at the Fringe from Manchester-based production companies, check out our reviews of Sound Cistem and EAST.

Match Report: Salford take final play-off spot with Hudds win

Salford continued their good form with a fourth successive victory in the Super League, with a win over strugglers Huddersfield.

The Red Devils came out 32-12 victors, but the result was given extra shine by two late tries from Tui Lolohea and Krisnan Inu. Huddersfield will have plenty to be pleased with in their performance, but ultimately succumbed to second-half pressure from Salford, which was down to consistent kicking from Inu to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Indeed, Giants Head Coach Simon Woolton said his side’s “effort was tremendous”.

Salford Head Coach Ian Watson called the fixture “a real arm wrestle”, with Huddersfield arriving at the AJ Bell Stadium “with a purpose to play”.

Salford began the match the brighter of the two sides, and opened up an 8-0 lead at the 20-minute-mark, with Hooker Logan Tomkins burrowing over from one metre out after Prop Gil Dudson drove forward to gain the extra half-yard needed for Tomkins’ efforts.

However, the middle 40 minutes of the game belonged to Huddersfield, who defended well and kicked intelligently to put the hosts on the back foot. Having grown into the fixture, Scrum-Half Tom Holmes’ break and kick provided the platform for McIntosh to slide in at the side in the 33rd minute.

Oliver Russell and Inu both then added a penalty kick apiece before the half-time hooter, taking the score to 10-6 at the break.

Huddersfield continued their defensive pressure and kicking game at the start of the second half, with Russell collecting a grubber kick on the right-hand side in the 51st minute to take the scores to 10-10.

Russell then converted his own try to give the visitors a 12-10 lead, prompting a lively response from the Red Devils – forcing repeat sets and goal-line drop-outs until a series of head injuries dulled their momentum. After these injuries, Huddersfield could have added a third try, but Winger McIntosh lost control of the ball under a Salford challenge.

After this, Salford kept their focus and continued to force the issue, with Huddersfield finally cracking with around 15 minutes to go, with Mark Flanagan sliding under the posts following good work by Salford star Jackson Hastings.

From there, Salford only grew in confidence – with Inu scoring two more penalties, as well as a try, alongside Lolohea who was on the end of a good run by Full-Back Niall Evalds.

It leaves Salford in the fifth and final play-off spot with just four matches to play, and Huddersfield remain only two points above bottom of the table London Broncos and relegation, with Woolton saying the Giants were “playing for our lives” each week. Salford travel to fellow play-off hopefuls Hull FC next Saturday, whilst Huddersfield face a Yorkshire derby again Castleford: The side bearing down on Salford in the hunt for the final Super League play-off spot.

Man of the Match: Krisnan Inu. Ian Watson said he was first class for us” and he was the leading point scorer, not missing a kick and grabbing a try of his own at the end.

Lords: Unis face “significant consequences” if tuition fees drop to £7,500

A House of Lords report has said that the Augar Review, which recommended the government cut tuition fees to £7,500 per year, would have “significant financial consequences for universities” if it was implemented without increasing the grants given to universities by the government.

The report comes from Lords’ Science and Technology Committee, and added that “any loss in funding would require universities to divert other income streams to support teaching, reducing the resources available to support research”, and went on to claim that the original review was “a distorted assessment of the sector’s financial health as a whole”.

As well as recommending a slash in tuition fees, May’s Augar Review suggested that the threshold at which graduates pay back their student debt be lowered to £23,000, a decrease of over £2,000.

In addition, the Review suggested the ‘write-off’ period for student debt be extended from 30 to 40 years, meaning graduates could still be paying off university bills until their sixties.

The House of Lords says if Boris Johnson’s government were to follow the Augar Review’s recommendations, “it must implement them as a full financial package, including increasing the teaching grant to cover the loss of tuition fees, to ensure that universities are no worse off than they are now”.

Their formal recommendation also included a call for the government to re-address the falling level of Quality-Related (QR) funding.

The inquiry stated that QR funding had fallen by 12.8% in real terms since 2010 – despite being a “significant element” of the funding provided to universities by the government – adding increased pressure to the ability of universities to conduct high-quality scientific research.

QR funding has been a source of contention at Manchester, with wholesale boycotts of the National Student Survey (NSS) being officially endorsed by the Students’ Union in previous years, due to the NSS’ link to the Teaching Excellence Framework – the mechanism which allows universities to charge an extra £250 per year.

Lord Patel, Chair of the House of Lords Committee, said: “The Augar Review has completely missed the mark by not considering research funding in its review. By ignoring research and cross-subsidies, it has made recommendations which, if implemented, could prove harmful to the already challenging ecosystem of university funding.

“Without adequate research funding, the consequences for the UK will be devastating and the UK risks falling behind other countries.

“The Government intends to spend 2.4% GDP on research and development by 2027, but we conclude that it will be extremely difficult to meet this target unless funding for research in universities is secured and the UK can attract researchers from overseas.”

The University of Manchester have been contacted for comment.

New podcast celebrates ‘Strong Manchester Women’

MIC Media has launched a podcast which tells the stories of fourteen inspirational women from across Manchester.

Each episode is a conversation with the change-makers, activists, and trailblazers who make Manchester and beyond a better place to live, work, and play.

Supported by the Manchester City Council and The Pankhurst Trust, Strong Manchester Women is the latest production from MIC, a Manchester social enterprise ran by Hyde-based audio producer, Vic Elizabeth Turnbull.

Featured guests including champion boxer Stacey Copeland, 90-year-old Pride of Manchester winning gardener Dena Murphy, and Trans Creative Artistic Director Kate O’Donnell.

Boxer Stacey Copeland is profiled on the podcast. Photo: MIC

One of the women profiled is Sarah Judge, a councillor for Manchester City Council and Lead Member for Women. She says that the campaign and subsequent podcast is important to help celebrate everyday women: “The women profiled in the campaign and podcast are normal women like you and me, women you may not have heard of before.

“With women’s rights and issues by no means solved, I hope the Strong Manchester Women campaign can inspire more women to rise up and make a difference, no matter who they are, or where they come from.”

The Strong Manchester Women podcast was inspired by Manchester City Council’s annual campaign of the same name.

Portraits of from the campaign will be on display in the Pankhurst Centre, the birthplace of the suffragette movement, throughout summer.

Dr Tessa Chynoweth, Curator at the Pankhurst Centre, believes the podcast will leave a lasting legacy for the campaign: “Manchester has a history of very strong women: women who were forces to be reckoned with, who started movements, smash glass ceilings, and stand up for their rights!

“We’re so pleased to support this podcast and show the world the latest Manchester HERoes.”

Strong Manchester Women is free to listen to online and is available on Apple and Google Podcasts and Spotify. Episodes are released weekly. 

Review: Bluedot Festival 2019

Having split a taxi with two men in bright orange NASA jumpsuits, we quickly got the vibe of Bluedot Festival at Jodrell Bank: Sciencey. Our campsite was awash with even more nerdy types, some donned in astronaut outfits, others as aliens, and even a few Star Wars characters – UNESCO World Heritage Site Jodrell Bank’s iconic location combined with Bluedot’s host of science related talks and activities attracts a different audience than your average teen-jammed festival.

However not everyone was palpitating at the sight of the Observatory, as there were plenty of families and young people like myself, but naturally the crowd were older due to the longevity of headliners Kraftwerk and New Order.

We arrived on Friday to be welcomed by some truly biblical rain showers as we set up our tent. Although the weather improved over the weekend, there was more rain than sun and I quickly regretted my decision of bringing only Adidas Gazelles as I slipped around in the mud. We sheltered in our tent until it was time to see some music, which began with Kate Tempest’s main stage performance after we’d sampled some tasty Russian Standard Vodka cocktails.

I was impressed by Tempest, and in particular how relevant and relatable her spoken-word lyrics were. A large audience gathered to watch her and in anticipation of Hot Chip’s arrival on the same stage.

This was my second time seeing Hot Chip and they did not disappoint. Despite playing their greatest hits such as ‘Over and Over’, ‘Flutes’, ‘Boy from School’, and ‘One Life Stand’ early on in their set, and therefore not having any material to provide an encore with, Hot Chip clearly pleased the crowd.

During their set, Hot Chip performed some synchronised dancing alongside their feel-good electronic music – to the audience’s delight. Personally I preferred their set earlier this year in Manchester’s Gorilla – which is probably due to the intimacy of a smaller room, as opposed to a large outdoor theatre – having said that, Hot Chip’s set highlighted how electronic music had developed from the pioneers Kraftwerk.

The next night saw 90s Britpop legend Jarvis Cocker take to the stage and play mainly new, unreleased tracks off his new project Jarv Is: It was quite frankly underwhelming. Despite it being novel to see Jarvis Cocker in person, as a Pulp fan I had hoped he would at least play a few of Pulp’s greatest hits but sadly that didn’t happen.

I appreciate an artist’s desire to keep exploring and evolving as a musician, but in Jarvis’ case the new material sounded neither interesting nor inspiring and I sensed everyone was hopefully awaiting the familiar tune of ‘Common People’. Instead, the most entertaining part of his performance was when Jarvis involved the crowd in some of his famed dancing. All in all the set reinforced the preconceived notion that Jarvis exudes style over substance, and perhaps also personality over talent.

Next on stage were Kraftwerk, the highlight of the weekend for most of the festival-goers. Emerging out of the artistic laboratory of West Germany in the 1970s, Kraftwerk identified with the krautrock scene and essentially created the electronic genre. For this reason, I was excited to see such an important and iconic band.

Kraftwerk played ‘The Model’, ‘Autobahn’, and ‘Computer Love’ alongside other favourites to 3D visuals which were viewed through 3D glasses handed out to the audience. Although I enjoyed the 3D imagery being near the front, those much further back in the crowd were unable to engage in the 3D visuals because the Bluedot don’t employ a stage large enough for massive acts like Kraftwerk or New Order, and nor do they use screens either side of the main stage like many other festivals. Quite simply, if you’re not near the front then you can’t see the band, or visuals in this case.

Kraftwerk appeared on the stage in luminous morph-style suits, and performed their set without flair, passion, or any signs that they were enjoying playing – almost as if they were actually robots. Clearly this neutral, impersonal display was intentional, and goes hand-in-hand with Kraftwerk’s ethos to create music using only computers as opposed to live instruments… from the perspective of an audience member however, it would have been more enjoyable to see Kraftwerk seem as though they are having fun. Alas, this is not in Kraftwerk’s nature!

On the final night, New Order played a set that included classics such as ‘Blue Monday’, ‘Temptation’, and ‘Bizarre Love Triangle’ as well as a few of Joy Divison’s greatest hits in remembrance of Ian Curtis. New Order are undoubtedly one of my favourite bands so it was worth being pelted with rain to hear the New Order’s upbeat melodies alongside the depressing hum of Joy Division’s distinguished post-punk sound in Stephen Morris’ hometown of Macclesfield.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Bluedot and am grateful to have seen such influential electronic bands play in the proximity of such an important landmark as Jodrell Bank Observatory.

7/10.

Album Review: Immunity by Clairo

Clairo’s (AKA Claire Cottrill) debut album Immunity begins in the same way she comes across – soft-spoken, gentle, self-deprecatingly unaware of her talent.

There’s a soft gentle buzz as ‘Alewife’ comes into play, tingling with piano keys before the drum track and vocals begin to kick. It’s typically “Clairo” in its elegantly poised lyrics – which in this track appear to detail a suicide attempt. Gradually building up, the track still isn’t heavy but reliant on her vocals, which move under the track as a graceful core.

Clairo’s career has been riddled with accusations of ‘industry plant’ alongside a clichéd box of ‘bedroom pop’, but this album has come to show that her musical skills span greatly over genre and connection. At the heart of the album lies sheer, unadulterated talent.

The album has faced accusations of blandness, and being samey. But the thrill of Clairo’s album lies in the undercurrent – the soft shifts between tracks, the delightful murmurs and changes in tone between tracks. While ‘Alewife’ is sad and tragically relatable for a world with a youth mental health crisis, tracks like ‘Softly’ are perfect tales of romantic adolescence.

The careful details of fluid pronouns and stories of girlfriends and boyfriends makes the album just right for the world that Clairo speaks to. As young people grow up, finding their footing amongst their sexuality and identity, Clairo tries to provide commentary to this journey: Listening to the album feels like listening to someone’s diary from their teenage years – except rather more well-written than most.

It’s soothing, but overwhelmingly informative at times. Like the songs she writes, the production is delicate and layered. In the centre of every track is drums, co-produced by Rostam Batmanglij,which they both agreed was necessary. A highlight in production comes in the form of pre-released single ‘Closer to You’, which jitters and slips over the oh-so-relatable “the things you do, only make me want to get closer to you”. Similarly, summer breakthrough track ‘Bags’ highlights Cottrill’s vocal talent. That’s one thing that really shines on this album, showing a definite development from the first Clairo the world met. A subtle but masterful voice is visible for the world to see.

Despite the album being strong overall, weak points do exist. Track ‘Sofia’ comes across a little jarring, almost too sweet for my liking. While the album is nuanced and elegantly composed, it does come across a little akin to background music when not listening intently. Its nuance also ends up being its downfall, causing the delicate changes and details to be lost in the wider context of the record.

Clairo’s emotion comes through the most, with snippets of Claire Cottrill’s personality on show for the world to see. While at points almost overly emotional, the album still appears restrained – there isn’t anything overt or “massive” about any of the tracks on Immunity, but it wouldn’t fit with Cottrill’s style if it was. It’s delicate, gentle, and soft-sounding. Its made to soundtrack deep summer dazes, not the dance floor. The album is completely and utterly hers, and makes an impressive debut.

7/10.

Review: Humber Street Sesh 2019

Humber Street Sesh is Hull’s annual celebration of local musical talent, with over 200 acts playing across a multitude of stages in the city’s Marina and Fruit Market area. 2019 is the second year that the festival has enjoyed a much-expanded site, as well as the addition of some more-well-known artists, such as Yonaka, The Hunna, and The Blinders.

Friday was kicked off by Street Sesh regulars King No-One, spearheaded by Zach Lount in a vibrant green coat. The four-piece – who have played every edition of Street Sesh since 2016 – avoided the trap of wheeling out the same old material and musical tricks, and successfully provided an energised start to the main stage.

Brighton’s Yonaka took to the Main Stage later in the evening, and were determined to one-up King No-One in the energy stakes: singer Theresa Jarvis seems to exclusively survive on the adrenaline of singing her next lyric, and it made for a powerful and explosive set which allayed any fears that the quality of the Yorkshire festival was being diluted by Southern performers.

The second stage saw performances from two hometown heroes: Low Hummer and LIFE. Low Hummer have been formed out of the ashes of La Bete Blooms, with front-man Daniel Mawer taking the group in a new sonic direction. Whilst the post-punk elements of La Bete Blooms remained, the addition of Aimee Duncan as a second vocalist delivered an extra sardonic element to the performance that set it apart from most others.

LIFE, on the other hand, are no new thing. They are often seen as the golden child of Hull’s punk scene, having toured with Slaves and IDLES in the past two years, as well as releasing debut album Popular Music to some critical acclaim in 2016, with their second effort A Picture of Good Health coming in SeptemberIt is this grounding that has earned them some of the biggest crowds at Street Sesh in past years, and 2019 was no different. Singer Mez Green graced the stage with an irreverence few others can manage. As a former social worker, Green has seen the effects of austerity in person, and he seemingly uses those memories to motivate himself to deliver his lyrics with passion, anger, and pride in his city for being different.

The Blinders closed the Friday night on the Big Top, and like Yonaka and King No-One, seemed to be in another arms race with LIFE on who could be the most in-your-face Yorkshire act on show. Playing hit single ‘Brave New World’ early in their set, the Doncaster outfit certainly possess musical talent and ability to take it up to eleven, but as time progressed their lack of audience interaction and longer song performances – with their final track being over ten minutes long – made their show drag in parts. What had been a raucous evening came to a slow and steady conclusion.

Fans enjoy the music at Humber Street Sesh. Phoyo: Ethan Davies

Saturday was kicked off by the Evil Litter, who have the unusual distinction in that all of their songs have been written in 20 minutes and no more. They were swiftly followed by The Froot – an indie four-piece following the standard formula of past upstarts, but they kept things ticking along at a good pace before Alice Clayton’s accoustic set in the SpeakEasy Yurt provided some sedate tea-time relief.

The sedation was shattered by Allusinlove, who were a dark horse for the best of the fest award. Solid and polished, Allusinlove also have a certain something that sets them apart from other similar acts. Their hair is long, their trousers are ill-fitting, and they’re noisy – but they also have an accomplished swagger of a band that has been doing this for years coupled, with a youthful joie de vivre that is so often lacking in ostensibly ‘tight’ bands. Allusinlove obviously love making music, being on stage, and each other as people, and it’s for the best.

King Orange were next on, with the post-punk three piece fresh from their UK tour and release of latest single ‘Ingratitude’. Playing the Humber Dock stage inside a pub, the show had a fringe feeling to it that worked in the band’s favour, as they’ve spent years playing smaller venues like the Adelphi in Hull, Retro Bar in Manchester, and Sheffield’s The Globe. Packed and sweaty, their set hurled every fan through a tunnel of deep vocals, direct bass, and intricate guitars.

Back in the sunshine were Polo, with the Leeds alt-pop group playing Humber Street Sesh for the umpteenth time. Singer Kat McHugh remains one of the best vocalists in the North, and Luke Lount (yes, Zach’s brother) ably knows his way around the keyboard and drum machines which define Polo’s sound.

The Evil Litter on the BBC Radio Introducing Stage. Photo: Ethan Davies

As we neared The Hubbards’ headline slot on the main stage, another Leeds band – Marsicans – pitched up to warm the crowd up beforehand. This was a quiet masterstroke from Humber Street Sesh’s organisers, with Mariscians displaying obvious sonic similarities to The Hubbards, meaning it felt like a gig within a festival.

The Hubbards took their hometown crowd and used their energy to give one of the best performances to date. Singer Reuben Driver treated this as the farewell to the band’s developmental era, claiming their rendition of ‘Cold Cut’ would be the final time the band played the 2016 track live. This felt like a significant moment for Driver et al, having signed with Scruff Of The Neck records (home of Glass Caves and Cassia) this year.

Humber Street Sesh delivered what it usually does: fantastic musical talent, an unashamed celebration of the much-derided-gem that is Hull, and the best opportunity to see new bands right as they begin to climb the industry ladder. However, 2019 also alluded to the future of the festival: the larger site has now properly been bedded in. The Friday night now feels like it has always been around. The addition of some larger, non-local acts appeared to be a logical step for the festival, and the decision to mainly keep them on the Friday night didn’t dilute the DIY vibe on Saturday that Humber Street Sesh was built on.

9/10.

Students “disappointed” after Magic Bus price increase

Manchester students have expressed dismay after fares for longer single journeys on the 142 Magic Bus rose from £1.50 to £2 this July.

Over a thousand people have reacted to a post in Fallowfield Students’ Group by third-year German student Mandy Gao, notifying others of the changes.

“When I saw it had risen in price I was disappointed but not surprised”, Gao told The Mancunion. “I just moved back from a year in Germany two days ago, so imagine my surprise when I hopped on the bus and it was £2 now.”

This is the second price increase in the past two years as, in 2017, Stagecoach faced similar complaints after raising the price of a single ticket from £1 to £1.50.

Other students also expressed concern about the impact the fare increase would have on their weekly budgets, like second-year Politics and Modern History student Richard Marshall Lee:

“That extra 50p a trip is going to seriously dip into my food budget, it doesn’t sound like a lot but if you can’t afford a bus pass and you go everyday it adds up very quickly. Shame really”.

However, Stagecoach confirmed that the changes only applied to certain journeys on the 142 bus, tweeting: “Only the longer journeys on a 142 have increased to £2.00. We previously froze the fares on our magic buses during our price increase earlier this year.”

The Magic Bus covers routes popular with thousands of students a day – going from the city centre, down the Oxford Road Corridor and past institutions including the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Manchester into Fallowfield, and terminating in Didsbury.

The changes appear to have started on Sunday 21st July, with the Stagecoach website confirming that single fares will now range from £1.50 to £2.00 between 4 am and midnight.