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Month: September 2019

Spend your Sunday at Albert’s Schloss

Written by Elena Meritxell Bradley on . Posted in Food & Drink.

In every student’s first term, you encounter the rut. The rut of missing your pet, your home, your family and probably, depending on the culinary skills of your parents, a roast.

Those who are graced with having parents who actually want to come and see them will, at one point or another, be presented with the ‘golden roast opportunity’. By this, I mean you will be blessed with a parent visit and told you can go out for food to soothe your homesickness and “give you a proper meal”. Do not be a martyr – take that golden roast opportunity and take yourself and/or family to Albert’s Schloss. 

Located on Peter Street, a five-minute walk from The Paramount Wetherspoons, Albert’s Schloss is a mixture of instagrammable heaven and to-die-for food.

Amidst the Spinningfields boujee-ness you find this German Cook-Haus, but don’t be put off – this is certainly not an oompah Bierkeller of Lederhosen and sausage (although excellent sausages they do provide) –  sophisticated eatery is far from kitsch.

From the in-house bakery that hand-makes ‘Cruffins’ (croissant-muffins covered in blow-torched meringue and fruit compotes) to the prestigious Sunday roast, Schloss is sure to become one of your favourite places in Manchester. 

Every Sunday from 12pm-9pm you can choose from Cheshire chicken or pork, lamb, Lancashire beef (with the option to have it pink) or mushroom and butternut squash strudel. All roasts accompanied with massive fluffy Yorkshire puddings, lashings of gravy, crispy roast potatoes, root veg mash and seasonal greens. Although priced at a luxury £16, for that ‘golden roast opportunity,’ they will not disappoint. The portions are massive, and everything is seasoned masterfully, roasted perfectly and plated beautifully. 

Sformato. Photo: WeAreIndigo

Equally, if you’re still being treated by mum and dad; twist their arm into getting the ‘sformato:’ a truffled, alpine cheese, baked mashed potato that is undoubtedly one of the nicest things you will ever put into your mouth. I promise.

Beside the amazing food, Schloss offer humongous steins of Pilsner Urquell, an amazing cocktail list with ever-changing twists on classics and the ‘Kunst Cabaret’, where every Tuesday, free of charge, you can be entertained by Manchester’s’ best drag, jazz, burlesque and cabaret!

Aside from its usual promotions, Schloss also facilitates dancing on the benches and hundreds of drunken photos from a permanent  photo booth. Although Albert’s Schloss easily seats 100 guests at a time, perhaps book to ensure you don’t have to queue – everybody loves Schloss on a Sunday.

Albert’s Schloss, 27 Peter Street M2 5QR. @albertschloss on Instagram.

Interview with the cast of & Juliet

Written by Jay Darcy on . Posted in Theatre.

& Juliet is a brand-new musical take on Romeo and Juliet, opening in Manchester this September before transferring to London.

Ahead of its opening, I met the cast at Impossible, the snazzy bar near the Opera House, where the musical is playing. See, the press event couldn’t be hosted at the Opera House, because the theatre had been taken over by all of & Juliet‘s set…

The cast is incredibly diverse, with even the titular Juliet (Miriam-Teak Lee) being played by a BAME actress. I asked Lee and Melanie La Barrie (Nurse) about theatre’s progress regarding diversity.

Lee, acknowledging her success (e.g. playing all of the Schuyler sisters in Hamilton and winning Best Actress in a Musical at the Stage Debut Awards), believes theatre has become more open to minorities, but desires more roles which aren’t as reliant on them being minorities. For instance, in & Juliet, ‘anybody’ could be Juliet.

La Barrie has  played many characters traditionally played by white actors (e.g. Madame Thenardier in Les Misérables and Madame Morrible in Wicked). She believes more minorities watch theatre now that more people who look like them are seen onstage and has hopes that & Juliet’s diversity will do ‘a lot’ for theatre audiences.

& Juliet is based on (but radically changes) the iconic and beloved Shakespeare play. It is billed as: “The most famous love story of all time. Remixed.”

Whilst this is intimidating, Lee reminded herself that the musical is ‘a brand-new take’. She believes the ‘strength’ she brings to Juliet is simply ‘adding on to’ Juliet, who was always strong, but lived in the patriarchal society of Renaissance Italy.

Brit-nominee Cassidy Janson (Carole King in Beautiful in the West End) is ‘thrilled’ to be in an original cast. Similarly, Arun Blair-Mangat (May) likes the collaborative nature of being part of a new show: the cast have ‘more input’ than in a long-running musical. Lee and Jordan Luke Gage (Romeo) agree that this has resulted in the characters having recognisable traits from the actors playing them.

Janson doesn’t find playing Shakespeare’s wife, Anne Hathaway, too intimidating, noting the freedom that comes from most people having not heard of the ‘original’ Anne Hathaway.

In contrast, Oliver Tompsett (Shakespeare) states Shakespeare has ‘done the work’ for him as playing the role Shakespeare automatically tells audiences he ‘knows what he’s doing’. Whilst the myth that is William is certainly a pervasive one, Tompsett still believes he is ‘creating’ this role and making it his own.

This jukebox musical is the first to centre on a songwriter’s musical catalogue. The songs featured in & Juliet range from Britney Spears to Katy Perry but what unifies them is that they all stem from the creative genius of songwriter and producer Max Martin.

Gage, who previously performed Meatloaf’s music in Bat Out of Hell, does not find singing such huge hits daunting. He revealed he was given the freedom to put his own take on the music and does not have to ‘live-up’ to the original singers.

Lee believes audience-members expecting to see the cast sing the songs the way Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake did will be ‘surprised’ to see how they have made the songs their ‘own’. I sassily remarked, if someone is wanting to listen to Britney, they can just go to see a Britney show… although, for the chance of actually hearing a Britney song sung live, & Juliet is the show to watch… Hit me, baby!

The cast of & Juliet. Photo: Michael Wharley.

Discussion turned to the topic of the challenges of the acting profession and Gage admitted he was close to ‘throwing in the towel’ before joining Bat Out of Hell. But he persevered and went from being ‘alternate’ for the part of Strat to taking over the lead-role. Unfortunately, Bat Out of Hell closed a few months later, but being cast in & Juliet softened that ‘blow’.

Tompsett was an original cast-member of Wicked (West End), before becoming the understudy for Fiyero and eventually taking over the role from Adam Garcia. He believes actors must be patient and persevere. Whilst striving for roles that change people’s perception of him, this is not always possible, because acting is a job: you can’t always do what you want. He stated acting relies on ‘tactics’ and ‘strategy’ to achieve ‘longevity.’

Another theatre icon in the cast of & Juliet is two-time Olivier-winner David Bedella, who playfully introduced himself as ‘David Bedella, but you all knew that already.’

Bedella might be an actor, but he is also a character… He told me there is a ‘reverence’ to achieving great success in theatre and that the ‘kids’ in the show can’t believe they are working with him. However, when they tell him their parents are excited, he is reminded his demographic is ‘the mums and dads’…

Whilst successful, he states he never feels he has ‘made it’ or ‘the work is done’. For instance, he is now branching out more into film and television, and he feels he has ‘fallen to the bottom of the totem pole again,’ but this unpredictability is exciting.

And exciting, too, is this show – & Juliet runs at the Opera House 10th Sep – 12th Oct. ‘If music be the food of love… play pop!’

The best alternative bars in Manchester

Written by Elena Meritxell Bradley on . Posted in Food & Drink.

With every Freshers’ Week, the same old clubs and bars are recommended to new first years and oh-so-wise third years – so this year, The Mancunion will shed some light on some of the lesser known, more alternative gems. 

 

Jimmy’s

A five-minute walk from Piccadilly Gardens presents you with rock and roll, dive bar royalty – Jimmy’s.

Started by a pair of musician brothers, Jimmy’s was the aim to create a neon-lit, zebra-sofa, leather heaven for the Manchester music scene.

Its crowd is less student-y than YES, but you see the best outfits, listen to the likes of Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and Jack White whilst you choose from classic cocktails or Jimmy’s own draft such as the Honeycomb pale ale.

During the week Jimmy’s offers a cool place for a pint with good tunes and gigs downstairs on most nights. On the weekend, it’s capacity surges and you see the most interesting mix of people enjoying its alternative styling.

 

YES

A stone’s throw from Factory and Fifth you encounter YES. Although only a year or so old, YES already has a massive reputation as one of the coolest spots in the city.

It’s ground floor offers Scandinavian, minimalist-chic with pizza slices, reasonably priced pints of Amstel but also affordable Aperol Spritz, G&Ts and cocktails – especially if you go before 6pm any day to take advantage of their special offer of a second drink for £1.

The middle floor, a kitsch, powder-pink themed ‘Pink Room’ hosts gigs and club nights such as the loved alternative music classic ‘Remake Remodel’. 

Up the stairs once more and you reach the terrace, where vast amounts of glass and succulents echo the spacious, light minimalism of the ground floor. Here too you can buy drinks and sit on the rooftop terrace to either smoke or enjoy slurping alcohol al fresco. There is a venue space in the basement for gigs too. 

Photo: @yes_mcr via Twitter

 

Behind Closed Doors

With the tag-line ‘sex, rugs & funk ‘n’ soul’, comes our final alternative bar – Behind Closed Doors. This recommendation is usually given through word of mouth as there is an alluring air of secrecy about this bar.

Located on Oldham Street, the road epitomising the Northern Quarter, Behind Closed Doors has a modest entrance. With a black door and a neon sign above it, it’s easy to miss but for that reason remains one of the best hidden gems in Manchester.

This bar is not for the faint-hearted nor for the conservative. Its theme is a sordid boudoir of funk music and 70’s porn with its custom cocktails revelling in this theme.

Above the booths, old-fashioned phones allow you to call the bar for cocktails, and those cocktails are unforgettable. To detail a few; ‘Love bite’ is a Manchester raspberry gin and cucumber sorbet, ‘Penis Colada’ is well, a Pina Colada with a punny name and ‘Stop if I scream’ is a flaming brulee cocktail with ice cream, rum, liqueur 43 and a condom clipped to the glass (I’m not making this up). You will have the best night. 

YES, 38 Charles Street. Jimmy’s, 12 Newton Street.  Behind Closed Doors, 93 Oldham Street. @yes_mcr, @jimmys and @bcdnq respectively on Instagram.

Chinese students vulnerable to new scam, warns advisory body

Written by Megan Oyinka on . Posted in News.

Warnings have been issued to international Chinese students after new scamming techniques that have surfaced over the summer appear to target them in particular.

Universities up and down the country asking students to stay vigilant after reports of fraudsters calling up students impersonating the Home Office, the student’s bank, or the Chinese Embassy.

A warning from the international student advisory body UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) suggests that the scammers pretend to be an authority that has control over a student’s visa status. They tell the student that there is some issue with their papers and threaten to deport them if they do not transfer thousands of pounds to them (usually via Western Union or Money Gram).

The criminals usually appear to call and work through legitimate phone numbers or websites to make the scam more believable. For example, the phone numbers they use will have (Home Office) next to the number or their emails will have .gov in them.  During these phone calls and interactions, the scammers will ask for personal information, putting students at risk of further scams.

The Guardian reported recently that one student in Nottingham was contacted by people pretending to be the police. They pretended to have evidence of her being involved in illegal activity and she was coerced to pay around £30,000 as “bail money.”

Another scam has been specifically targeting Chinese students through media widely used by the demographic – such as WeChat – and claiming to be their bank. These schemes usually involve a message from a ‘bank’ requesting a payment of some kind and some even offered preferential exchange rates on currency conversions.

An official at the Chinese Embassy said: “We are warning all Chinese students when they come to the UK. What makes us feel heartbroken is that there are always Chinese students who fall for it […] drilling down to their individual fears – being sent home to China a failure, being sent to prison, being ejected from the UK – would all be fears that would work to manipulate and gain the upper hand.”

Whilst numbers of international students are increasing, so are the range of techniques being used to con these vulnerable students. These scams, which are simple but effective, not only steal students’ money, but also their sense of safety in their new home.

The UK Council for international affairs has released a statement to warn students in both English and  Mandarin which can be found on their website.

If you believe you have been a target of this kind of scam you are encouraged to report it via Action Fraud.

Manchester’s University sport – a preview

Written by Harry Deacon on . Posted in Sport.

As the 2019/20 academic year draws ever closer, the new British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) season comes with it, and the University of Manchester has its fair share to be excited about in the coming weeks and months. Here is a taster of how our university teams fared last season and what they will face in the coming year.

To kick things off, after winning their respective divisions last year, the women’s first and men’s second badminton teams will be facing tougher competition in higher leagues this time around. The women’s first team has moved up to the Northern Tier 1 and will face Newcastle University in their opening fixture, while the men’s second side face a trip to Keele in the Northern Tier 2 division as they look to build on last season’s successes.

The season’s glory didn’t just belong to badminton, as the men’s and women’s basketball first teams also finished top of the pack. This year the men will be hoping to replicate their year, finishing as champions of the Northern Tier 1 for successive seasons.

However, last year was not full of success stories. The Mixed American Football side only managed two points last year but they will be hoping to bounce straight back up to the top division. Their opening Northern Tier 2 fixture sees the team taking on the long journey to Aberystwyth in search of a promising start to the season.

As for cricket, last season saw both the men’s and women’s first teams have mid-table finishes. Admittedly with English weather being how it is, the cricketers will have to wait a while before they can once again play on the outside wicket.

Solid mid-table performances were also had by the men’s and women’s football firsts. Tough away matches against Leeds Beckett and UCFB lay wait in October for the footballers who will be aiming to go one better and push the top teams of their respective divisions down to the wire this upcoming season.

With hockey having the most teams out of any sport at our university, the achievements of both the men’s and women’s firsts should be mentioned. Both sides managed to retain their status in the Northern Tier 1 in what is an extremely competitive sport. Away fixtures at Sheffield and Durham await the men and women, respectively, in what will kick off another testing season against opposition of the highest quality.

Elsewhere, the women’s first team fencing, lacrosse, squash, and table tennis sides should be in for more promising seasons, after all the teams were relegated last year and are, thus, playing in lower divisions this time round. The men’s tennis firsts also find themselves in the same boat.

However, with the men’s first team fencers winning their division, they will have to adapt quickly to life in the Northern Tier 1 if they are to avoid the drop-zone.

All in all, there is evidently too much going on to even break the surface of what is to come in the following academic year for those representing the university in their sports. What is certain, however, is that there will be many more twists, turns, brilliant victories, and agonising defeats as the new season gets underway.

University drinking culture – it’s time for a change

Written by Aisha Al-Janabi on . Posted in Lifestyle.

Fresher’s Week is upon us once more. This can be an overwhelming time, especially when navigating the highly anticipated nightlife and drinking culture promised from a ‘typical’ university experience.

This article is certainly not the first of its kind – there have been quite a number written on this subject in The Mancunion and other student publications. But, despite the rare and under-advertised film nights organised for Fresher’s Week, I don’t feel enough progress has been made. Perhaps because of my own insecurities about how much or how little I drink, but I feel student life is still often hyped up as one of sex, drugs and techno.

There need to be more alcohol-free events on offer throughout the year, both by societies and the university. These cater to everyone – from teetotalers to those of us who can’t afford a hangover because of deadlines to people who just don’t want to drink that day – you don’t need to have a reason. And when I say alcohol-free, I mean it. Of course, you don’t have to get an alcoholic drink at a pub crawl, but being the sober friend gets boring and there are so many alternatives to going out.

The Mancunion asked students and recent graduates in Manchester what advice they would give on having fun at uni without the help of a drink.

On the topic of sober clubbing, Rosa, a recent Manchester graduate argues a fair point for reluctant clubbers: “try clubbing at least once, but go home as soon as you want to. It can actually be more fun than you think” even sober.

There is a pervasive stereotype in our society that being drunk is equatable to having fun, meaning those who stay sober are left to wonder if they are missing out on something. But Elizabeth, a second year, recommended to “have a positive outlook, don’t think ‘I’m not going to have as much fun as everyone else because I’m not drunk.’”

“There are loads of pub quizzes on in Manchester, [and you can] have a sociable time without the pressure of drinking loads,” which Sylvie, a third year, suggests.

And if you are someone who enjoys going out, be considerate of those who don’t and make an effort to occasionally stay in and do something else – I’m sure it’ll be appreciated, and you’ll have a great time too.

Megan suggests to “eat together, have brews and game nights” to get to know your flatmates, trust me if you can survive a game of Monopoly together you’ll be fine for the rest of the year.

Until the prospect of university drinking culture stops being intimidating and isolating for students, this narrative needs to be written and re-written. The default should not be that as a student you enjoy drinking, we’re not all the same and that needs to be taken into account.

I hope the term sober student can stop being a label, there’s should have to be different sub-categories based on your drinking preferences. You are a student whether or not you decide to go clubbing or watch a film on a Friday night.

Gigg Lane packed for Bury vs Shrewbury Town

Dead and Bury-ed?

Written by Iwan Hopkins on . Posted in Sport.

Bury Football Club had been a part of the English Football League for 125 years and are two-time winners of the FA Cup. Yet, little over a week ago, it was decided that they would be expelled from the EFL – leaving many supporters heartbroken over the blow to their team.

There is no doubt that in recent years football has become a sport which basks in wealth. With big sides such as Chelsea and Manchester City leading the way in England, financial strength can buy both success and support. To many, Bury were an irrelevant, lower-league team. To some, perhaps, unheard of.

However, recent events have demonstrated the impact that the club has had on peoples’ lives and asks moral questions of the game loved by so many.

On the 27th August (three days prior to the decision to expel Bury from the football leagues), fans arrived in their masses to help clean the side’s Gigg Lane stadium. These supporters, both of Bury and other nearby teams, were all pitching in to try and revive any hope that the Shakers might have had.

Joy Hart, an avid supporter and former director of the club, even hand-cuffed herself to a drainpipe at Gigg Lane to protest the seemingly inevitable demolition of the side – around which much of her life has revolved. Joy was just one of many that turned out to display her angst and disgust at the situation, much of which was directed at club owner Steve Dale – who is deemed responsible for the financial collapse of the Greater Manchester team.

ITV reported that accompanying the fall of Bury would be the loss of around 150 jobs in the town, found just ten miles from Manchester city centre. Economically, the football club’s destruction will only be the epicentre, with the shockwaves doing more damage to the local people than initially expected.

Joy Hart claimed to The Guardian that the loss of Bury will “kill the town”, with another supporter telling the BBC that the town “relies on the club” and that it “puts it on the map.”

The fall of Bury appears to mirror the fate of smaller British communities, with a slow demise from their former glory due to an inability to contest with the financial might of larger cities (and football clubs).

While the financial and emotional toll is clearly very high, the mental impact of the loss of Bury has also been witnessed. The NHS is running mental health sessions for distressed fans of the former League One club, which are the first of their kind within the UK. Kate Kubacki, a worker at Bury Healthy Minds told The Guardian that the loss of Bury was not just that of a football team but of “social supports”, “social networks”, and of a regularity that keeps many people “active”.

The severity of the situation cannot be underestimated. While a football team is being lost to the financial whirlwind that is the modern game,  the town, and people, of Bury are losing much more than that.

As Bill Shankly once said: “Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it’s much more serious than that.”

Photo: Elislike @ Wikimedia Commons

Manchester’s University sports available for fun

Written by Harry Deacon on . Posted in Sport.

No matter who you are, there will be a sport waiting for you at the University of Manchester – and not all of them will be so serious that they end up engulfing your entire week’s worth of free time. Freshers to final years alike can benefit from the abundance of fun opportunities on offer.

For example, let’s say you’re a first year looking to meet new people while wanting to maintain the illusion that you are staying healthy at uni. Why not join the pole fitness or dancing societies? Or perhaps, kickboxing and mixed martial arts are more your style?

Maybe you’re a second year who has realised a new talent for pub games during first year. Then why not go along to the Darts Society and fine-tune your newly learned skills?

As mentioned, there are opportunities for everyone, even the stressed out final year students. The University of Manchester Yoga Society could provide a welcome escape from those looming deadlines and presentations.

Also not to be forgotten are the campus leagues for football, and rugby, which offer the chance to partake in a team sport, while providing an experience that is not as time-consuming as being in a society.

The campus league is a great way to get involved in some competitive sport, without the long away trips of official uni teams. Photo: Cil Barnett-Neefs.

In truth, there is no real formula behind which sport to take up while studying in Manchester, with options as varied as handball and ice hockey, powerlifting and quidditch. There are clearly many different paths to choose in order to get some exercise alongside your degree.

The main thing to do is to make the most of the opening weeks of the upcoming academic year by taking a look at all the options that are available at both the Freshers’ Fairs and the Students’ Union website – and remember that if there is not a society for your exact desires, why not make one?

Romelu Lukaku urges the FA to take action against racism

Written by Harry Deacon on . Posted in Sport.

Romelu Lukaku has joined the ever-growing list of footballers to call for more action against racism, as he urged UEFA, FIFA, and the English Football Association to follow in the footsteps made by the Italian footballing authorities.

The Belgian international has spoken up after a spate of players in the Premier League, including Manchester United’s Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford, have been subjected to racist abuse on social media.

Now playing for Inter Milan in the Italian Serie A, the 26-year-old was the subject of monkey chants by Cagliari supporters earlier this month – a group condemned for similarly horrific chanting towards Everton’s teenage striker Moise Kean, when he was playing in Serie A for Juventus last season.

However, the ex-Manchester United striker clearly felt that those in power in Italian football are being more proactive than their English counterparts when he said: “Now I think Serie A is taking action, I’m hoping UEFA and FIFA is going to be next, and also the FA.”

Serie A did not punish Cagliari after Moise Kean was abused but condemned the club over Lukaku’s treatment. Next month it will launch a campaign with the aim of educating supporters.

It’s not the first time that the FA and Premier League have come under fire for their lack of action against the rising number of racist attacks taking place in recent years.

Earlier this year Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling led the way in demanding that the English footballing authorities do more to both open up discourse over discrimination in football, and crack down harder on those found guilty of racism.

Some clubs are now taking their own action. Manchester United and anti racism group Kick It Out said they would meet Twitter bosses to discuss the abuse experienced by Paul Pogba after his penalty miss against Wolves in August.

The FA is also seeking a meeting with Twitter and has written an open letter, alongside the Premier League and the English Football League, to the Minister for Sport asking for a greater emphasis on social media companies to help prevent “discriminatory behaviour online”.

The number of racist incidents reported to anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out rose from 192 to 274 last season. This season there’s a minimum ban of six matches for anyone found guilty of racist abuse – up from five – and the FA told the BBC it’s becoming more proactive by making the reporting system easier, and offering more support to victims.

While these measures are being taken off the field, on it the FA must try and mirror the Italian associations with stricter punishments if they are to ensure they are doing all they can to inspire cultural changes. This should be the priority if there is any chance of an end to discrimination in the near future.

New Zealand perform the Haka

Preview: Rugby World Cup 2019

Written by Iwan Hopkins on . Posted in Sport.

With the Rugby World Cup just around the corner, the teams to watch will come as no surprise. Three-time winners New Zealand are Sky Bet’s heavy favourites to claim the Webb Ellis Cup, with the majority of spectators seemingly split between the Kiwis, their neighbours Australia, and South Africa. At first glance, it would appear that not much has changed, but there are strong suggestions that the 2019 edition of the Rugby World Cup will throw up some surprises…

This year sees the smallest disparity between these teams and their Northern counterparts since the tournament’s conception in 1987. Wales, Ireland, and England have all been sniffing around the top spot in the world rankings in recent months, with the home nations looking to put up as strong a fight as ever. The Scottish too, have made a strong push towards the top, currently occupying seventh space. This leaves many asking, is there a chance of a second England win or first celtic champion?

Scotland head into the tournament with a clash against Ireland on September 22nd. Gregor Townsend has inspired his side to play a free flowing, attacking form of rugby and will be sure to set them up to push the Irish to the maximum.

Coming off the back of three straight victories against Georgia (home and away) and, more impressively, a strong French side, the Scots will be full of confidence in their opening fixture. Darcy Graham looks a bright spark, and Greg Laidlaw’s kicking reliability will surely prove a huge outlet and an effective way for them to get points on the board. A number of injuries perhaps provide a worry for Townsend’s team selection, but they will still be expecting to challenge Ireland for the top spot in pool A.

Joe Schmidt’s Ireland appear to be favourites to top their pool over the Scottish and look a force to be reckoned with in Japan. Though they suffered a very heavy defeat at Twickenham, his side replied with back-to-back victories against the then-World number one team, Wales.

However, the absence of Dan Leavy will surely be a massive loss at flanker, following surgery on his knee in April. Keith Earls was strapped with an ice pack around his quad after the weekend’s victory, but coach Schmidt has remained optimistic, claiming in his post-match press conference that the winger was “walking around okay.”

The only real challenge in pool A for the Irish seems to be their opening fixture against Scotland, with Russia, Samoa, and hosts Japan making up the remaining numbers. Star man Johnny Sexton will be a massive influence on Irish success in the latter stages, as the Leinster fly-half has a sparkling talent to turn a game on its head. Ireland will certainly be looking to improve on their last World Cup, where they crashed out of the 2015 tournament to Argentina in the quarter finals, and their squad suggests a real potential to do so.

Injury-stricken Wales will no doubt put up a strong fight for the crown. Gareth Anscombe and Taulupe Faletau’s absences will prove a large blow for the Welsh with The Guardian also reporting that Rhys Patchell may struggle for match fitness. Though Wales have suffered some serious casualties to both their back and front lines, this is a side which less than a month ago was ranked top of the world and will surely still pose a threat.

The World Cup is set to be Wales head coach Warren Gatland’s last hurrah, and he will certainly be hoping to go out with a bang. Coming off the back of the 2011 World Cup, where a moment of madness from Sam Warburton cost them a place in the final, the Welsh will be surely seeking unfinished business this time around. Australia provide the main source of competition from their pool, and if Wales hit top form, they should be able to dispatch of them when the two sides meet in Tokyo.

Though suffering a torrid time in the Summer Internationals, with three defeats from four games against Ireland and England, Wales will be hoping to bounce back in fine form when their World Cup kicks off against Georgia, a side who Gatland’s men should, on paper, breeze past.

Photo: Marc @Flickr
England were knocked out of their own World Cup by Wales in 2015 – can they do better in 2019? Photo: Marc @Flickr

Seemingly, the best chances of a British side lifting the World Cup rest on England’s shoulders. At the time of writing, Sky Bet have them at 9/2 second favourites (only behind New Zealand) to go all the way in Japan. What’s more, they have a coach who has walked the walk before. Eddie Jones will be coaching his fourth World Cup, and already has a winners’ medal from the South African victory in 2007 – who beat England in the Paris final.

England managed to sneak through all four Summer Internationals without taking a major injury hit, and only suffering one narrow defeat in Cardiff. Jones’ side showcased their ability to turn on the flair and blow away very difficult opposition with a 57-15 victory over Ireland at Twickenham, eliminating many peoples’ doubts over whether England can do it against the ‘big’ teams. Eddie Jones claimed back in August that he is taking ‘a risk’ with this year’s England squad, but if their performances in the summer are anything to go by, that risk might just pay off for the Australian.

With the tournament opening with Japan vs Russia, could we be in for a shock victory or will the Southern Hemisphere sides make it eight wins from nine tournaments?

The 2019 Rugby World Cup kicks off on Friday, 20th September. You can read match reports and more with The Mancunion.

Reno at the whitworth

The Reno at The Whitworth: In Conversation with Linda Brogan and John Lloyd

Written by Chess Bradley on . Posted in Arts.

The Reno, with the open black door way. Photo courtesy of Linda Brogan at The Whitworth Gallery.

“D’ya smoke?” Linda Brogan asks me after our initial introduction. I don’t, but we leave the exhibition space so John Lloyd, her videographer, and her can have a cig.

We end up conducting the interview there; we can’t interview in her exhibition space as she’s decided to turn the space into a Prince party for the day. Rather appropriately, then, our interview becomes like a smoking area chat as we discuss the Reno, the Moss Side club from the 1970s and 80s that is the subject of her residency.

The Reno excavation site. Photo courtesy of Linda Brogan at The Whitworth.

The project initially emerged from the excavation of the site where the Reno once stood. Linda tells me, rather poetically, about coming across the site as it was covered in poppies. War imagery emerged of stories being buried in the fields, and thus the Reno was excavated.

Stories certainly did emerge: the project is a collection of memories demonstrated in objects, donated photos, and vibrant interviews. Linda is a story-teller, a play-wright by trade. Despite her awards and accolades, however, she did not feel she could capture the nuances of the Reno within a play. Firstly, the Reno contains too many stories with too many nuances; Linda tells me that stories differed if you had an African dad or a Caribbean dad, an English mum or an Irish mum. Secondly, she tells me frankly, that the medium of the play would pander to the white middle-class audience who would tragedize the stories of working-class mixed-race youth.

There is, of course, pain and tragedy in the exhibition. 70% of the Reno’s regulars were mixed-race, born into a no blacks, no Irish, no dogs Britain. Mixed-race regulars exchanged stories in the Reno of having their prams spat in as children. They became, both tragically and beautifully, each other’s extended family as many of their own extended families rejected them and their parents. However, the Reno is far more than this. The stories show the joy and humour of good nights and the universality of a messy Manchester night out.

In many ways, as is the intention of Linda, the space is a recreation of the spirit of the Reno. Linda and John offer the space as an area to hang out, chat and share stories; like in the Reno. She is quick to tell me of reactions that the space has gained, from family reunions, closure and former curators crying and declaring that this is what a gallery should contain. I imagine she tells me this in part to justify the existence of the exhibition in this space (and no one would blame her, she has fought for the space to be as it is). However, a larger part can tell it is genuine delight that her vision has become a space for connection, history and community. This is art.

Linda and John with the photo collage and the speaker blaring Prince. Photo credit: Chess Bradley @ The Mancunion

Once our interview is over, Linda and John hug me goodbye. I wouldn’t expect anything less from two people who couldn’t have been warmer, more honest or funnier. They are cool. The Reno was cool. And the exhibition? Couldn’t be cooler.

The Reno is a living, evolving exhibition and will occupy the Whitworth until March 2020.

Photo: paseidon @Pixabay

Post-study visas for international students to be extended

Written by Nicole Wootton-Cane on . Posted in News.

A change in government policy means that international students will now be able to remain in the UK for two years after graduation.

The policy, which is a reversal of a 2012 decision made by then Home Secretary Theresa May, changes the amount of time that international students graduating from UK universities can stay in the country. The policy extends the amount of time allotted from the previous four months to two years.

It is aimed at encouraging international students to pursue careers in the UK, which is beneficial for both the UK economy and students looking to secure settled status in the country.

The changes, which will apply to all international students who start courses at an undergraduate level or above from next year, have been welcomed by Universities UK (UUK), whose chief executive Alistair Jarvis said:

“Evidence shows that international students bring significant positive social outcomes to the UK as well as £26bn in economic contributions, but for too long the lack of post-study work opportunities in the UK has put us at a competitive disadvantage in attracting those students.”

However, the policy has been criticised by Migration Watch UK, who told BBC News: “Our universities are attracting a record number of overseas students, so there is no need to devalue a study visa by turning it into a backdoor route for working here.”

Riddi Visu, an Overseas Students’ Representative at the National Union of Students (NUS) and past International Students’ Officer at the University of Manchester Students’ Union (UMSU), was one of the many involved in campaigning for the change.

In a post on Facebook, Visu wrote: “Since the post study work visas were scrapped in 2012, various organisations including students’ unions, the NUS, country specific student unions, Higher Education institutions…and international student campaigners have put their heart and soul into campaigning for the re-introduction of post-study work visas and finally, we relish the success of our campaign as a sector.”

However, she also used the occasion to highlight other issues that international students face in the UK, writing: “The re-introduction of the PSW visas is no doubt a step in the right direction but our fight WILL NOT and SHOULD NOT end here.

“The exorbitant NHS surcharge, the privatisation of visa services, the salary threshold, the economic restrictions on progression visas from student visas, xenophobia on campuses, the uncertainty over the future of a number of EU students, persisting deportations and cash cow treatment in institutions are still major issues we need to tackle to make the UK an attractive study destination for overseas students.”

Manchester Students’ Union comments on this week’s visa rules change affecting international students:

Reacting to today’s announcement from the Home Office that international students can stay in the UK for 2 years after graduation, the University of Manchester Students’ Union said: “We have been campaigning on this issue since Theresa May’s action as Home Secretary  in 2012 forced international students to leave the UK just four months after finishing their degrees. 

“While we broadly welcome this move from the Home Office, we believe many of our international students will still be confused by contradictory policy around Brexit, unfair charges in relation to health care and of course the ever-increasing cost of fees.

“We have always maintained that creating a hostile environment for international students stood against the values of UK Higher Education. International students add a very important dimension to universities, ensuring students leave with an international network of friends and develop cultural competence in addition to their studies.

“Though this move is a positive one, by no means does it address the much greater issue of the hostile, xenophobic attitudes that exist inside our universities and in wider society – an area that we continue to campaign on and work hard to address.”

Preview: Warehouse Project 2019

Written by Erin Botten on . Posted in Music.

Slowly exhale, the Warehouse Project is about to return. Manchester’s annual opportunity to flex your music taste across various social media has, as expected, delivered another solid lineup. 

The season gets off to a strong start on the 20th September with Aphex Twin’s headlining night; which, if his 2017 Field Day set is anything to go by, will be an absolute spectacle. In support is Nina Kraviz, who, with just about any other name on the set, would be guaranteed centre-stage. For these two acts alone, this will be a worthwhile night. 

The following night is ‘Welcome to the Depot’, arguably the most star-studded of this season’s offerings. Although Disclosure, Annie Mac, and Denis Sulta are likely to draw the biggest crowds, do not pass up the opportunity to see Maribou State, Mall Grab, and Jayda G; the latter of which is a name to watch in this industry. 

Fast-forwarding to the 12th October is my next pick for ‘go-to’ lineups. Hacienda Classical is an orchestra paying homage to Manchester’s legendary dance scene, the flag-bearer of which was Factory Record’s superclub, The Hacienda. Expect ‘anthemic’ dance classics from the era, perhaps most famously A Guy Called Gerald’s ‘Voodoo Ray’, with legendary names such as Soul II Soul, Mike Pickering, and Graeme Park in tow. 

Turn your attention to the 18th October which sees Mura Masa lead a lineup including Black Midi, Joy Orbison, Vegyn and Space Afrika. Black Midi are of particular note from this lineup as their current trajectory would suggest they truly are on the cusp of greatness at the minute. Adding to that, it would be very interesting to see how their high tempo jazz/rock style melds with a dance crowd. Vegyn is also very much worth checking out, most notable for their production on JPEGMAFIA’s Veteran album. 

For the ‘west-heads’ amongst you is ‘Adam Beyer Presents Drumcode’, bringing the heaviest of European techno to the shores of Manchester. This is the stuff that you measure in the rattling of your fillings, and is the natural heartland of the techno puritans. Drumcode delivers year-on-year, so is set to be another stonker of a night. 

One of the most buzzed nights comes on the 26th October with Four Tet’s expected re-appearance at the Depot; in tow is Skrillex, Peggy Gou, Jon Hopkins, Mall Grab, Daphnee etc. The list is long and the list is good. It’ll be interesting to see how Skrillex and Four Tet mould their, at best disparate, styles in their b2b set and, of particular focus will be Peggy Gou. Having, I think it is fair to say, just broken through, the crowd for this performance will be large and big things will be expected. 

Annie Mac presents on the 2nd November and its following night, Patrick Topping on the 8th, will be big tech-house affairs. Of these two nights, my personal standouts would be Nightmares on Wax on the 2nd, and FJAAK on the 8th; the latter of which I would argue is a bit of a mistep by the curators of said lineup, given the musical style of the other performers on the night. 

Immediately after this comes one of the season’s most dense nights, with The Black Madonna (she had to perform at least once), Honey Dijon, Seth Troxler, Hunee, Mr Fingers, Robyn, Palms Trax and Horse Meat Disco all on stage. Given the sheer number of acts on this lineup, 50% of them could turn out to be dreadful and it’d still be a good night. 

The latter part of November and start of December appear to be geared towards a throwback theme with Bicep (90s romanticists if ever there were ones), Jeff Mills, and 808 State all performing on the 30th November. Following this is Underworld’s night, on the 5th December and anybody familiar with the little known, Trainspotting, will almost certainly be a fan of their track ‘Born Slippy’. Much like Hacienda Classical’s night, these two nights should serve as a love-letter to a bygone era of dance music. 

The last night worth your consideration would be Fatboy Slim on the 21st December. I can’t say I’m a huge fan of Eats Everything but I may well be in attendance, just to see Mr Slim. He’s a big name in the British dance scene and one that is almost certainly worth ticking off your list.

Crazy Pedro’s: the ultimate Freshers’ first date

Written by Elena Meritxell Bradley on . Posted in Food & Drink.

It’s freshers and you know what that means … Romance is in the air! Romance in this case meaning you pulled on the Factory dancefloor and now need somewhere to facilitate that awkward freshers first date. Either way, whether you’ve found a potential baby daddy/mummy or just someone to cuddle when your dog seems far, far away; the Mancunion has you covered for a perfect date location. 

Crazy Pedro’s: a casual haven of fusion pizza, tequila, beer pong and late-night dancing. Do not come here if you want formality. Do come here if your ideal first date is bonding over 16 inches of carbs, frozen margaritas and a lively atmosphere!

Crazy Pedro’s offers the kind of backdrop perfect for a first date, always busy and always full of semi-drunk, jolly people which gives you enough of a buffer if your date conversation isn’t as exciting as you’d hoped. Equally, if it’s going swimmingly then you can talk until close which here is 4am!

It’s a convenient five-minute walk from Piccadilly Gardens and even more conveniently, holds a Sunday-Friday Happy Hour that offers £5 pizza slices, £10 16-inch pizzas and 2-4-1 cocktails between 4pm-9pm. So being proximally convenient and frugal: it’s a no brainer. 

The Dirty Northerner Pizza. Photo: We Are Indigo

Pizza-wise, Italian purists look away. The toppings range from inspired to insane from fried chicken and waffle, Nacho Libre (nachos, guac and salsa) and the Dirty Northerner to name 3.  Of 18 oddball flavours there are 3 vegetarian and 2 vegan pizzas too, with the diplomatic option of being able to do half and half if you and your date can’t decide on one flavour.

There are 8 different frozen margaritas to choose from (I know…) including pink guava with watermelon, raspberry and balsamic and pink grapefruit and lychee. From my calculations 8 frozen margaritas to try gives you plenty of time to either tell your date you love them or get hallucinogenic-drunk while they discuss their commitment issues. Regardless, both sound fun.

This place is a Manchester must-visit and with its macho-libre-decor doors open every day from 4pm till 4am, I guarantee it will become one of your favourite spots at the end of any night out. 

Crazy Pedro’s NQ (Short Street behind Afflecks) & Crazy Pedro’s Bridge Street (55 Bridge Street). @crazypedros on Instagram.  

Preview screening at the BFI Imax - Photo: Tobias Soar

Review: IT Chapter Two

Written by Tobias Soar on . Posted in Film.

SPOILER-FREE REVIEW

The Muschietti Siblings’ second part of the incredibly successful It improves on every aspect of the film and the novel, concluding the duology in a fantastically executed rollercoaster. Perfect casting, snappy storytelling, clever camerawork, and clean CGI are marked only by the reliance on jump-scares which repeatedly haunt the film.

When reading King’s novel, I had to keep putting the book down to take a break from the rambling that ultimately detracted from the horrors of Derry. The back-and-forth flip-flop style of storytelling was overwhelming. Thankfully, IT Chapter Two trims the fat and streamlines many aspects of the novel which result in a snappy pacing which doesn’t reflect the long runtime.

Interestingly, the movie’s purpose as a second chapter allows the traditional three-act structure to be moulded to suit the needs of the story, taking the form of a second chapter as opposed to being a mere sequel.

To bring these nightmares to life, the technical aspects of Chapter Two are simultaneously more polished and more risky than its prequel was. CGI is used brilliantly to blur the lines between practical and software-born effects – particularly in the ways it’s used to transform Pennywise. David Fincher would approve. The sets of Derry and its twisted underbelly are also wholly believable; they feel lived-in and old, almost as if the town itself is another living being which has been scarred by “It” over the years.

It is a credit to the astounding casting and performances in the film that the transition of the Loser’s Club from kids to adults is almost seamless, with the adult actors imitating the mannerisms and minute physical traits of their younger selves. Bill Hader brings slapstick comic relief, James McAvoy battles regrets and guilt, Isaiah Mustafa paints a picture of obsession, and Bill Skarsgård flawlessly channels the evil spirit of “IT” — I could endlessly praise the whole cast, but I’d rapidly hit my word limit.

Attention to detail is everywhere in the film, especially in the plethora of easter eggs that Andy Muschietti has scattered throughout as a form of tribute to his cultural upbringing as an Argentine lover of cinema. From Peter Bogdanovitch and Steven King to David Cronenberg and Club Atlético Independiente, Muschietti’s homages and meta-humour are quickly becoming a staple of his film making.

However, this love of fine cinema clashes with the pervasive use of jumpscares in many scenes. Every element of the film comes together to create a feeling of dread with a hint of nostalgia that is momentarily shattered by cheap scares, pulling you out of the trance with a cheap trick. I’d love to see an attempt by the Muschiettis on making a slow-burn horror film, in the style of It Follows or Ari Aster’s Hereditary and Midsommar.

Despite my dislike for the jumpscares, the actual horrors of the film are some of the most disgusting and twisted beings I’ve ever seen on the silver screen. It briefly showed a handful of forms the creature takes but Chapter Two goes all-in, showing atrocity after atrocity of nightmares in their full splendor.

IT Chapter Two is the continuation of the story we deserve. It is a beast of its own, with many differences between the source material and the miniseries, telling the story in a concise manner that will stick with viewers’ for days after watching it. I believe that we are in the middle of a horror renaissance, and the Muschietti’s  IT duology is worthy of a place among the ranks of the contemporary horror greats.

 

4.5/5.

IT Chapter Two releases worldwide on 6 September 2019.

Opinion Piece: Is Morrissey no longer This Charming Man? And was he ever?

Written by freyathomson on . Posted in Music.

Morrissey, former front man of The Smiths, and successful solo artist of more than two decades, is something of a household name… and yet he remains an enigma.

The Smiths have an impressive back catalogue of iconic songs such as ‘This Charming Man’ and ‘Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now’ as well as an array of exceptional albums like Meat is Murder (1985) and The Queen is Dead (1986). Morrissey’s role as lyricist undoubtedly earns him insurmountable credit for his contribution to The Smiths, along with that of guitarist Johnny Marr.

Morrissey’s lyrics epitomise working-class life in the north of England in poetry that is second to none. ‘I was looking for a job, and then I found a job / And heaven knows I’m miserable now’ is merely one example of a lyric that succinctly summarises the way so many people have felt, and still feel, when they discover they hate their new job. I know I hated working at GAP after about five minutes.

It is clear that Morrissey’s, and The Smiths’, contribution to music is great. The Smiths have been dubbed the first ever indie band which is monumental. And so it is no surprise that The Smiths, and Morrissey specifically, has built up a massive fan base.

As a result of Morrissey’s long standing seemingly left wing, anti-monarchist, pro-animal rights leanings, his fans tend to share similar ideals… therefore comments such as “I like Nigel Farage a great deal” have caused something of a stir among the Moz Army.

Has Morrissey changed his attitudes and should fans still respect him? In the eyes of many fans Morrissey has always been a strange mix of offensive and yet somehow endearing, that for one is nothing new. When combined with his effortless wit, that odd combination is dangerously intoxicating.

Having said that, a fondness for Farage, and support of the right wing For Britain, have turned hardcore fans away – although Morrissey has always denied holding racist views. Legend or not, he has lost respect on a grand scale from many.

The question arises why has he made such remarks? Does he truly believe what he says? Is it bitterness or provocation that prompts him to make such shocking comments? Regardless of the motive, Morrissey is not doing himself any favours. Instead he is creating an image of a racist, bitter granddad which is definitely not earning him any esteem.

While not condoning Morrissey’s behaviour, he has simultaneously applauded the likes of Jeremy Corbyn and Bernie Sanders which suggests he has not completely lost the plot. Furthermore, Morrissey retains staunch views on animal rights which I respect him massively for. His famed track ‘Meat is Murder’ from album of the same name turned many a Smiths fan away from eating meat and was well before its time in terms of the popularity of vegetarianism and veganism of today.

I am left wing, pro-EU and hate the likes of Nigel Farage, and any opportunist fascists for that matter, but I do accept that different political ideologies exist. Morrissey described Brexit as “magnificent” and while I wholeheartedly disagree with him, lots of the public are anti-EU and that in itself is not inherently wrong. I may not like Morrissey’s current political persuasion, but that doesn’t mean I will shun his music and the immense contributions he has made to music.

Another factor to consider is, whether he likes it or not, or tries to pretend otherwise, Morrissey has never been an intellectual.  His views are more gut instinct than careful analysis of issues.  Despite gaining three O-Levels in further education, 1970s state secondary school education in Manchester was likely substandard and described in Morrissey’s own words as “evil and brutal”. The suggestion is that Morrissey’s poor education has left him sporadically picking and choosing political values and beliefs on both the left and the right as opposed to aligning himself with just one, as more educated people may be inclined to do.

Perhaps provocation is Morrissey’s aim. Morrissey has always gone against the grain, whether that is shocking the public with his anti-monarchist rhetoric and meat is murder slogan of the 1980s; now embracing right wing views incites the liberal audience that thought he spoke for them.

Whatever the reason for Morrissey’s outbursts – whether that be lack of education, genuine feeling or mere provocation – the significance of the work of The Smiths and his solo music outweighs for me any of his bitterness.  His passion for words has inspired my own desire to read and to write and his lyrics have reached out to people all over the world and given them comfort at times of hardship; for that I can only applaud the man.

The UK is no longer measles-free

Written by Shivani Kaura on . Posted in News.

In 2016, the UK were declared as a measles free country for the first time ever. However, three years on, the UK’s measles status has been revoked, with 230 confirmed cases in England and Wales in 2019 alone.

For transmission of the lethal rash-like disease to be disrupted, the vaccination rate in five-year-olds must reach the recommended 95 per sent coverage across the UK population which ensures herd immunity. Although, the first dose of the vaccination reaches at least 95 per cent of children in the UK, the second dose is only 87.4 per cent, as reported by Public Health England.

The decline in the second dose, which is usually given to children before the age of three, is due to parents being scared of the surrounding controversy around the MMR vaccines, as explained by Helen Bedford, a professor of child public health at University College London.

Speaking to Wired Publications, Bedford exaggerated that, “Although we achieved the measles-free status a few years ago, we need to keep levels of vaccination uptake high to sustain that over the years. Because measles is so highly infectious, any small decline in uptake will threaten a community.

“Once you get high vaccine rates and you don’t see much disease, people start thinking the disease is not around anymore.

“It’s not parents not wanting the vaccine because otherwise you wouldn’t have 95 per cent [of the population] having one dose at five years.”

Following these reports, GPs have since come under fire for not reminding parents enough to bring their children for their second dose. Although given the growing pressure of practices being shut down and waiting lists growing longer, the underfunded NHS cannot be blamed for these problems.

Since the World Health Organisation stripped the UK of its measles-free status, Boris Johnson, has announced that ‘GPs are being asked to promote catch-up vaccinations for children who have missed both doses’, and ‘that social media companies in the UK are being urged to remove any misleading anti-vaccine taboos’, and ‘firms will be invited to a summit to explore how they can better promote accurate vaccination information’.

As reported by the BBC and NHS Digital, the greatest percentage of children vaccinated against measles by their fifth birthday are in North East Lincolnshire, with 95.8% of children being vaccinated. However the lowest region is in Merton, near London, with only 66.7% of children having their double dosage by the age of five.

Manchester fell into the 90-95% region, although, Public Health England have confirmed that more measles cases have been accounted for in Greater Manchester in 2019, than the previous two years combined. The first quarter of the year has seen 47 cases confirmed within Manchester, compared to just three in 2018, and seven in 2017.

Prof Helen Stokes-Lampard, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: “We are still suffering from the now entirely debunked MMR scandal of the nineties, and it is potentially disastrous that as a result so many young people are now susceptible to serious, often life-threatening infectious diseases, such as measles, that we could have completely eradicated in this country if this had never happened.

“People who were not vaccinated as children need to understand that it is not too late to have their MMR jab and we would urge them to do so.”

Earlier this year the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported a recent rise in measles outbreaks around the world; in 2018, there were 82,596 confirmed cases of measles across 47 countries worldwide, a 50% increase from 2017. This re-emergence of the disease is not only a grave cause for concern, but has also highlighted weaknesses within public health infrastructure across the globe.

It has been urged, particularly towards university students that the injection is never too late to get, and could save hundreds of lives.

Live Review: Children of the State

Written by Lily Martin on . Posted in Music.

Children of the State have emerged from the embers of the music scene in Yorkshire, like many other up-and-coming bands in the North at the moment, to baffle press and fans with their controlled easy vocals and psych vibes.

With clear influences from the 60s and 70s, where music pushed boundaries both politically and instrumentally to reflect changing times and attitudes, Children of the State seem to reflect the mirror in dynamic to the present day. Musically they don’t feel out of place with the releases of their peers; watching them onstage is like stepping back in time to the era of our parents and the juxtaposition of ease and passion that we associate with their generation’s music.

It is clear that the emotion of those early years resonates within their writing; their confidence at times conveys arrogance… which only exposes an evident insecurity not about their production, but about where they stand in a developing and quite frankly not as intellectually advanced music industry at the moment. Their experimental but beautifully curated tracks, such as ‘How Right You Are’ and ‘Kill Your Darlings’ are a testament to talent which probably isn’t going to be appreciated for years to come. Children of the State have developed something that is catchy enough to grace the charts with the right endorsement in ‘I Shiver When I Burn’.

Gracing the new stage at Jimmy’s Liverpool, the group were supported by local bands Two Islands and Filthy Tricks. The former are a four-piece with a lot of work to do to curate their stage and musical presence. Their tracks are bass-led, with firm pop roots, but generic and don’t allow their musicianship to flourish. The set resonated as a series of demos of the same song in a disappointing amalgamation of uninspiring vocals and overproduced backing tracks. Nevertheless, there is promise in their songwriting, and with improvement in their stage presence and crowd engagement there is certainly an opportunity to turn catchy tunes into something more distinguishable and identifiable in the industry.

Filthy Tricks were a surprise. Their excellent musicianship was paired with an easy stage presence which engaged a thin at times room. Clearly natural headliners, with multilayered vocals perfectly synced with strong rock guitar riffs and a killer of a closing track, they seemed at ease in a struggling atmosphere. With perfectly harmonised vocals, there was an evident display of passion and flawless control. Every band member displayed skill and confidence onstage, in what felt very much like a partnership of enthusiasm for their work. By allowing their enjoyment to seep into the audience, they guaranteed their success. 

With Children of the State, it was like being thrown back in time. The energy and skill of what was being produced onstage can not be underestimated, their cross between sultry instrumentalism, smooth sax work and bitter lyricism is a momentous move both into the production of the past and a significant and radical step into a new way of writing in the modern age. The onstage detachment from the audience created an almost eerie environment which managed to engage through fascination. However, the audience was clearly too young and distracted to notice the poignancy of what was being produced onstage; Children of the State face a real battle to be appreciated in an industry swarmed with materialism and tacky pop, or the glamour of modern rock and roll. They appeal to neither. Their tracks are experimental, borderline genius, in their writing and production, however they don’t seem to take themselves seriously. If you are going to be so experimental, you need to be able to justify what you’re doing, or nobody is going to take you seriously – as much as they may want to.

Children of the State are a paradox of impressive talent and baffling egoism. With a clear drive to succeed, even if just to pay the bills, they interview poorly at best. Onstage they can convey their passion and talent for their work, but in person they seem to overcompensate by turning their intelligence and modesty into mockery. It will be interesting to see what people make of them, but more interesting to see what they make of themselves in the years to come.

Photo: The Mancunion.

SU Activities Officer glues herself to Barclays

Written by Ethan Davies on . Posted in News.

Lizzy Haughton, the Students’ Union (SU) Activities Officer, has glued herself to Barclays’ offices in Manchester City Centre as part of her activism with Extinction Rebellion.

It’s thought that Haughton is one of eight protesters who broke away from Extinction Rebellion’s Deansgate occupation which took place over the weekend to perform the action – which Extinction Rebellion claim is in protest to Barclays’ investment in fossil fuels.

The Deansgate occupation was scheduled to begin on Friday, 30th August and come to a close this evening.

Another SU Officer, Adam Haigh, was seen at the occupation over the weekend, and is known to be an Extinction Rebellion activist. However, there is no suggestion that the Welfare and Community Officer is involved in the Barclays protest.

Ahead of the Deansgate occupation, Haughton and Haigh told The Mancunion in a joint statement: “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.

“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.”

Extinction Rebellion protesters in Manchester. Photo: Megan Oyinka

Haughton has been arrested before for action with Extinction Rebellion – back in November, she was one of eight people charged with allegedly “wilfully obstructing the highway” during a protest on Oxford Road.

Extinction Rebellion graffiti has also appeared at Oak House and outside Whitworth Hall in the past twelve months.

However, not every SU Officer is an ardent supporter of Extinction Rebellion, with Access and Liberation Officer Sara Khan telling The Mancunion that she felt the Deansgate shutdown didn’t take the needs of “both disabled people and people who can’t afford to get around any other way” into account, due to the disruption the occupation had on public transport.

Khan added that she did support the Barclays protest, saying she thought it was a “good tactic because hitting at the heart of these companies and institutions is where are efforts are best focused.

“I 100% believe in direct action, I just think it needs to be used in the right way, where it’s targeted at the people in power and the institutions – rather than stuff that might affect normal people with access needs.”

XR believe they are saving the world. Photo: Megan Oyinka

The MEN reported that Extinction Rebellion activists were marching down Great Ancoats Street, causing traffic to be stopped whilst the protesters were in the road.

According to a BBC report, Extinction Rebellion activists congregated outside the Manchester Civil Justice Centre today to show their support to an anti-fracking legal challenge, which seeks to pull an injunction on protesting around Cuadrilla’s  Lancashire fracking site.

A Barclays statement said: “We recognise that climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing the world today and are determined to do all we can to support the transition to a low carbon economy, while also ensuring that global energy needs continue to be met.”

In a statement on behalf of the Students’ Union, Women’s Officer Ayla Huseyinoglu said: “Last year the SU senate passed a clear motion in support of the aims of Extinction Rebellion, and we know that for many of our students the environment is their number one biggest concern, so it’s a false premise to suggest that Lizzy’s activism stops her from delivering other priorities for students.

“As officers we’re constantly working on a wide variety of issues to have the biggest impact we can for students and to amplify students’ voices and concerns.”

Photo: US Embassy Valletta @Flickr

Pub quiz offers £10,000 prize

Written by Aya-Zoe Atallah on . Posted in News.

The National Pub Quiz, in collaboration with William Grant whiskey, kicks off its regional heats this week for the chance to win an impressive prize of £10,000.

If the huge cash prize isn’t enough excitement for quiz enthusiasts, the grand finale will be hosted by The Chase’s very own ‘Dark Destroyer’ at Tattershall Castle, London.

Manchester based pub quizzers can register now for local heats, taking place at the Turing Tap on Oxford Road on the 3rd and 10th of September.

Other regional heats are taking place on the 5th and 12th of September at the Navigation Hotel in Altrincham and the Buck Inn in Sale.

Winners of the first round will still have a few more hurdles to overcome to reach the £10,000 final prize as teams must first proceed to the regional semi-final in Manchester on September 17th, before taking on teams from across the country at the final in London.

Alan Armstrong, the Head of Marketing at Stonegate, spoke on the decision to host the National Pub Quiz heats. Armstrong said, “We pride ourselves here at Stonegate on putting on a show and fun-filled events that will give customers a night to remember.”

Speaking on the importance of the event, he said, “Our National Pub Quiz is set to be the very best, and not forgetting the huge prize that’s up for grabs. We can’t wait to see Manchester’s pub quiz contestants in action.”

If you and your friends think you’ve got what it takes to take on the rest of the UK in a pub quiz, visit The National Pub Quiz’s website to register at your nearest location.