Watch…
Shabby Tiger. Made by Granada TV in 1973 it’s the adaptation of  a novel by Howard Spring. Set in 1930’s Manchester,  it’s the love story between an artist and an Irish waitress,  and  the story of how the depression affects the lives of the lovers and as the city. Brilliant acting (especially by the late Christine Hargreaves as Communist Olga Kepple) and it’s well worth tracking down the book and its companion piece, Rachel Rosing. The author, Howard Spring was a journalist for the Manchester Guardian and in the books he describes the life of the city including the Irish and Jewish communities. The DVD is available from Network DVD.

Go to…

The Daughter-in-Law by D H Lawrence at the Lowry in Salford until 10 March 2012 Set in Lawrence’s home town of Nottingham in 1912 on the eve of the Miner’s Strike. Its class and passion writ loud. Its not just war between the couple, Minnie and Luther but the real battle is between wife and mother-in-law.Using the original script there is a wonderful Notts dialect but not too much or the real drama might be lost on us. It might be 100 years old but it seems very modern in its take on sexual politics. Further info here

Listen to …
radio plays by local playwright, Sheila Delaney. In  Baloney said Salome, for instance, four older women prepare for a farewell. Sheila was born in Broughton,Salford of Irish descent. Her first play and most famous drama was A Taste of Honey which she wrote at the age of 20 and in 10 days. Her plays depicted the working class she knew and valued. Even today her plays stand out for their freshness, courage and honesty. they can be heard for a short time on Radio Four extra.

Speech Project by Gerry Diver (OneFineDayRecords 2011) Over four years Gerry interviewed various musicians and singers and interwove   their words into the music and by doing so produced a heightened emotional experience for musician and listener. Some of the interviews are taken from the past and one of my favourites is that of Margaret Barry, singer. Her beautiful Cork voice tells the story of her Mum dying and  the effect it has on her. The  wonderful music and Margaret’s voice  will make you want to cry……