Watch

The Measure of a Man or the French title The Law of the Market (Home)– another stunning film from France digging deep into the realities of life for the unemployed. Thierry, played by the wonderful Vincent Lindon, is 51, has been unemployed for a year and is now looking for work. But it is not easy to get back into the labour market –he is either too old or not qualified enough for most vacancies. But he has almost paid for the apartment he lives in with his partner and his disabled son and he does have some savings. And then he has a stroke of good luck and gets a job working as a detective in a supermarket. But more moral dilemmas present themselves as Thierry finds himself in the position of having to chase shoplifters and demand they pay up. And it becomes worse as he realises that to keep his job he must betray his colleagues.

Celebrate

Manchester Histories  on Saturday 11 June, 10.30-4pm, at Manchester Town Hall and Manchester Central Library.  There will be 90 exhibitors including the Mary Quaile Club.  The Manchester Beethoven Orchestra, whom I have never heard of, is playing and there are lots of screenings and talks. All of it is free and you get to have a look around two of Manchester’s iconic buildings. Further details see MHF website.

Go

To some new plays at Octagon Theatre in Bolton and their  Reveal Season (Mon 13 – Sat 25 June) They have pop up shows at venues as diverse as a pub, a local cafe and a car park. Like the sound of a new play about the Junior Hospital Doctors strike called Rounds by Resuscitate Theatre. Also in Changing the Story they interview older people about the problems involved in getting to the theatre. They say; The Reveal Season will explore themes and issues relevant to the communities of Bolton. The Octagon has always had a community feel about it and it’s good to see that they really want to engage with present day and new audiences.

Further details see

Listen

To some of the best classical music in Manchester on 10 June at 13.10 at the Martin Harris Centre Its the end of term at Manchester University and they say this concert is equivalent to the proms! Listen to the elite university chamber choirs  Ad Solem and The Cosmo Singers in a programme of Wilbye to Vaughan Williams and Jackson to Johnston.  It’s free, but always popular so get there early. Further details see