Author: Lucia Cox
Review: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Lowry, Salford
A year ago, I reviewed this production at the West Yorkshire Playhouse.
Read the full story..Review: When Both Sides Surrender, 53Two, Manchester
Simon Naylor and his merry band of brothers (and sisters) are creating a bit of a fuss down at this new venue in city centre Manchester.
Read the full story..Review: Love’s Labour’s Lost & Much Ado About Nothing, RSC, Opera House, Manchester
I visited London’s Old Vic recently to watch its overly intellectual presentation of Lear. Like a pretentious, post-modern meal, there is much to wonder at in this show, but it left me cold and hungry for something more filling. Impressive looking food doesn’t always taste that great. So it’s great to be back in Manchester and in safe hands seeing this Shakespearian double bill by the RSC and the Chichester Festival.
Read the full story..Review: Seth Lakeman, RNCM, Manchester
If, like me, you have been to a seated music gig in a posh venue, there is a fight between your heart and your head.
Read the full story..Preview: Return to Grey Gardens, Contact Theatre, Manchester
So, I’m pretty excited right now. There’s a new show coming to town which features fabulous drag queens and pays homage to my favourite documentary of all time. Welcome to Return to Grey Gardens.
Read the full story..Review: A Pacifist’s Guide to the War on Cancer, HOME, Manchester
You know, it’s been a slightly bumpy ride for HOME’s theatre department since the grand opening just over 12 months ago, including mixed reviews about their in-house shows, poor Christmas sales and critical opinions on visiting productions.
Read the full story..Review: Ramsbottom Festival 2016, Lancashire
Several years ago, I schlepped from festival to festival with my performance poet boyfriend who was performing at each one. My memory is one of wet tents, horrid Portaloos and fairly awful poetry.
Read the full story..Review: Fazenda, Manchester
I like old things. I prefer the charms of Manchester city centre to the high gloss fakery of the Trafford Centre. I like antiques rather than Argos, and I like eating in old, bespoke, establishments rather than shiny glass restaurants.
Read the full story..Review: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, West Yorkshire Playhouse
Some people hate the M62 – that windy, high-peaked, lugubrious trek from east to west or west to east. But I like the journey, especially the one from Manchester to Leeds.
Read the full story..Review: Into the Woods, Royal Exchange, Manchester
Matthew Xia’s first production as associate artistic director at Manchester’s Royal Exchange is a bold festive choice and one that is bound to be a crowd pleaser.
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_
Proper happy with the latest edition to the walls of Northern Soul Towers. pic.twitter.com/GmKjdRb8Dd
Right Good Mid-Week Read: Notes from an Exhibition by Patrick Gale pic.twitter.com/WiCGjdomf8
“Where language is beyond some individuals, music becomes that language.” Helena Bull, Project Manager at Manchester Camerata's Community Team, writes about its dementia programme. northernsoul.me.uk/where-lang… @MancCamerata @TheMonasteryMcr #DementiaActionWeek @alzheimerssoc pic.twitter.com/rI5TQdE8jd
"Is there still enough fuel in the tank?" Theatre Review – Alan Partridge: Stratagem, Liverpool M&S Bank Arena northernsoul.me.uk/theatre-re… ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ @MrGeetsRomo #AlanPartridge pic.twitter.com/pTeJVNghXC
“I feel like an imposter waiting to be caught out by other writers.” Writer and composer Tim Firth talks to Northern Soul's Carole Baldock as Now is Good opens at Chester Storyhouse. northernsoul.me.uk/i-feel-lik… @StoryhouseLive pic.twitter.com/dLmUrzYCV1