Author: Cathy Crabb
Theatre Review: CLASSIC!, Hope Mill, Manchester
‘All those writers all those pages
We’ve done it in a minute when it took them ages’
Read the full story..Theatre Review: Sweeney Todd, Buxton Opera House
The sheer exhilaration, nerves and excitement of an opening night for both audience and cast is a great evening out, and last night’s production of Sweeney Todd by Platform 9 at the beautiful Buxton Opera House had me grinning more than the unnerving barber himself.
Read the full story..Theatre Review: The House with Chicken Legs, HOME, Manchester
Untruths unveiled, reckless actions and distancing yourself from your carer, it’s all part of adolescence.
Read the full story..Poetry Review: Unexhausted Time by Emily Berry
While reading Emily Berry’s new poetry collection Unexhausted Time, I am reminded of those moments when a less than lucid mind sparks fresh perspectives on intrusive thoughts. The dark and pungent soil of experience is raked over in this book.
Read the full story..Book Review: Daring to Hope – A Memoir of the 1970s by Sheila Rowbotham
Three weeks ago, I became a grandmother to little girl called Emerald Green. I keep saying it’s wonderful but, truthfully, I’ve been unnerved by her.
Read the full story..Online Theatre Review: Sunset on Tantobie, Gala Theatre, Durham
Sunset on Tantobie, written by Gary Kitching and directed by Jake Murray, is a 40-minute, heartwarming audio tale about family reuniting, with a nod to Dominic Cummings’ laughable defence of his trip to Barnard Castle.
Read the full story..Theatre Review: I Won’t Go Back To Sleep Now, HOME, Manchester
I’ve just shared a moment with a woman outside Manchester’s HOME.
Read the full story..“You can’t be what you can’t see.” Northern Soul talks to Media Cubs and Odd Arts about creating opportunities for young people
When I was 13, I gave up sniffing aerosol cans to join Oldham Theatre Workshop.
Read the full story..“It’s about community and the people around you.” Playwright Chris Hoyle talks to Northern Soul
“Once I was sacked from Corrie, I had enough to probably buy a small terraced house,” says Chris Hoyle. “But instead I spent obscene amounts of money on designer clothes.”
Read the full story..The Picture of the Artist: poet Andrew McMillan talks to Northern Soul
“It’s the culmination of the trilogy, each of which I think looks at the idea of ‘monster’ and what that means in contemporary society.”
Read the full story..Editor's Picks
Advertising and Sponsorship Opportunities
Is your organisation interested in supporting quality journalism about culture, life and enterprise in the North of England?
For advertising and sponsorship opportunities contact Northern Soul’s Founder and Editor Helen Hugent at helennugent@northernsoul.me.uk.
Sign up for Northern Soul newsletter
The Northern Soul Poll

Recent Tweets for @Northern_Soul_
Morning by Dod Procter. Oil on canvas, 1926. Have a good weekend. pic.twitter.com/cxgHcONqFM
"This book works like a warm hug and a stiff drink." Read the latest selection from our book club, Northern Soul’s Right Good Reads. northernsoul.me.uk/book-club-… pic.twitter.com/cTXi1DamyD
"The financial return for every pound put into the arts is more than agriculture." @dreweyt talks to Manchester LGBTQ+ theatre company Green Carnation about weathering Covid and its new show. northernsoul.me.uk/the-financ… @hopemilltheatr1 @canalstmancs @G_C_Theatre pic.twitter.com/Cs9znVNt6t
#GinnelWatch #ShowUsYourGinnels South Queensferry ginnel by Helen N pic.twitter.com/Wdp0hFdOWZ
"like an open-plan office meant for fun rather than drudgery" @MrGeetsRomo gets his gaming on at Power UP, Science and Industry Museum, Manchester. northernsoul.me.uk/review-pow… #gaming pic.twitter.com/ryCjU4jdEE