Search Results

Family Weekly Update This week felt like a lovely mix of family milestones, creative projects and days out. We attended Leo's leaving assembly at school, enjoyed another trip to the Trafford Centre, finally got my Cutting Stacker set up, spent a fantastic morning exploring the new Wild Things exhibition at The Lowry and rounded off the week by making personalised teacher gifts together. Here is this week's Family Weekly Update, sharing everything we got up to during the week. 🏡 Monday – Editing & Weekly Catch Up Monday was one of those quieter days that gave me the chance to catch up on work behind the scenes. As usual, I spent most of the day editing last week's weekly vlog before writing my previous Family Weekly Update blog post. Although these are probably my most time-consuming posts to write, they've become one of my favourite parts of the week as it's nice looking back over everything we've been up to as a family. By the time I'd finished editing the vlog, written the blog post and sorted a few jobs around the house, the day had flown by. 🎓 Tuesday – Leo's Leaving Assembly, Trafford Centre & Family Games Tuesday was a really special day as Lawrence and I attended Leo's leaving assembly at school. For anyone who has followed our family for a while, you'll know that Leo often finds assemblies overwhelming and doesn't usually attend them, so seeing him confidently taking part and joining in with all of his classmates made us incredibly proud. Watching him stand up with the rest of his class and take part in the celebration was one of those moments that reminds you just how far he's come over the past year. After the assembly, Lawrence and I decided to make the most of having a little time together before collecting the children from school, so we caught the bus to the Trafford Centre. Our first stop was the Disney Store inside Selfridges. I always enjoy having a look around whenever we visit because the stock changes so regularly, but although there were lots of lovely things to see, nothing quite tempted me enough to make a purchase this time. Afterwards, we headed to one of our favourite lunch spots, Pesto. We've become quite regular visitors recently and once again decided to go for the excellent £13.99 lunch menu, where you can choose three dishes each. I ordered my usual favourites — chicken wings, spicy sausage and a pepperoni pizza — while Lawrence chose the spicy sausage, arancini and lasagne. We also shared some garlic bread with cheese and enjoyed a Diet Coke each. Everything was absolutely delicious and it was a lovely little midweek treat. Once we'd finished lunch, I popped into the Haribo shop to pick up a couple of bags of sweets that you don't normally find anywhere else. This time I chose a bag of the red and white sweets along with a bag of the Strawberry Softies, both of which are favourites of mine. We then walked across the bridge into Trafford Palazzo to have a look around Primark and Primark Home. There were so many new Disney items in both stores that I couldn't resist filming another Disney Come Shop With Me video while I was there. It's always fun seeing what new Disney products have arrived. Before long it was time to catch the bus home to collect Alice and Leo from school. Once everyone had changed out of their uniforms, we all sat down together and played several rounds of Uno followed by Matching Pairs. It's become a bit of a new tradition after school and we've all been enjoying it so much. It's such a simple thing, but spending half an hour playing games together has quickly become one of my favourite parts of the day. After dinner, I finished editing my Disney shopping video ready to upload. ✂️ Wednesday – Finally Setting Up My Cutting Stacker Wednesday was one of those really satisfying days where I finally got around to doing something that had been sitting on my to-do list for months. I finally unboxed and set up my Cutting Stacker, which I'd bought quite a while ago but had never actually found the time to use. Thankfully, everything worked perfectly straight away and after doing a few test cuts I knew it was going to make future crafting projects much easier. I've been wanting to create my own range of theatre-themed stationery for quite some time, so I spent the rest of the morning designing my first collection of notebooks. By lunchtime I'd created five different theatre-inspired notebook designs and I'm really excited to start turning them into finished products over the coming weeks. After school, Alice and Leo immediately asked if we could play more games together, so once again we had several rounds of Uno and Matching Pairs before dinner. Later that evening, I made a start on editing the first of our three London vlogs, which brought back lots of lovely memories from our trip. 🎶 Thursday – Speech Therapy & Alice's Ukulele Concert Thursday was definitely one of the busiest days of the week. After dropping Alice off at school, I took Leo to school before heading home for a quick breakfast. Not long afterwards, it was time to head back to Alice's school to pick her up as she had a speech therapy appointment. Originally I wasn't planning on sending her into school beforehand because she was only going to be there for around fifty minutes, but the school asked if she could attend first, so that's what we did. After her appointment, I took her back to school before heading home for a quick lunch. Then, before I knew it, I was back at school once again for Alice's ukulele concert. She did such a fantastic job. She joined in with everything, played beautifully alongside the rest of her class and looked so confident throughout the performance. Lawrence and I were incredibly proud of her. Once the concert had finished, Alice was allowed to come home with us a little early, so we collected Leo from school before heading home together. The children were desperate to carry on our new tradition of after-school games, so this time we played Hungry Hippos followed by a game called Windy Knickers, which had everyone laughing. It's been such a lovely way to spend time together and it's something we're definitely hoping to continue over the summer holidays. Later that evening, once the children were in bed, I carried on editing Day 2 of our London vlog series. 🌊 Friday – Leo's School Trip to the Beach Friday was a really exciting day for Leo as his class headed off on their school trip to the beach. While he was busy collecting shells and enjoying the seaside with his friends, I spent the day finishing the final edit of Day 3 of our London Vlogs before making a start designing some of the pages for my theatre journal. School pick-up turned into a little bit of an adventure. Leo's coach unfortunately got caught in traffic on the way home and ended up arriving around an hour later than planned. I collected Alice from school as usual before heading back to wait for Leo, who eventually arrived home at around 4pm looking very happy despite the long journey. He proudly showed us everything he had collected during the day, including shells, interesting stones and several sticks that he'd decided were too good to leave behind. After hearing all about his adventures, we finished the afternoon with another game of Matching Pairs before I settled back down to edit a few more videos. 🦁 Saturday – Wild Things at The Lowry Saturday morning was one we had all been looking forward to as we were invited to the launch event for Wild Things, the brand new family exhibition at The Lowry. My dad came with us and, because the trams aren't running to The Lowry at the moment, my mum kindly dropped us off opposite the Imperial War Museum North before we made the familiar walk across the bridge. We arrived just after 10am and headed upstairs to the Circle Bar where there was already a lovely atmosphere. Families were being welcomed with face painting, temporary tattoos, live illustration sessions, colouring and activity sheets for the children, along with refreshments while everyone waited for the exhibition to open. Alice and Leo each chose a juice carton and a chocolate muffin while Grandad enjoyed a cup of tea. We then joined the queue for face painting. Alice decided to become a magnificent lion, while Leo, who has never been keen on having his face painted, opted instead for a colourful rainbow and butterflies painted onto his arm. Soon afterwards, Michael Simpson, The Lowry's Director of Visual Arts, welcomed everyone, told us a little about the exhibition and what visitors could expect before inviting us through to experience it for the very first time. Rather than rushing straight in with the crowd, we stayed behind for a few minutes while an artist created beautiful personalised animal illustrations for both children. Alice chose a lion and a snake, while Leo requested a giant butterfly. Watching the artist work was probably one of my favourite parts of the morning. I've always loved drawing and painting myself, and seeing someone create such wonderful illustrations from a blank sheet of paper reminded me that it's something I'd really like to start doing again. As we entered the exhibition, the children were each given a free notebook where they could write and draw their own animal stories inspired by everything they discovered inside. The exhibition itself was absolutely fantastic. Based around an A to Z of animals from beloved children's stories, every area was bright, colourful and packed with things for families to discover together. One thing I particularly enjoyed was learning lots of fascinating facts about the different animals featured throughout the exhibition. Even I came away knowing things I hadn't known before. Alice's favourite area was definitely the furry wardrobe filled with animal costumes. She spent ages dressing up before deciding that the tiger costume was her favourite and immediately began chasing Grandad around the gallery pretending to be a tiger. Leo was completely drawn to the creative drawing spaces. Small desks had been set up with colouring pencils and postcards where children could draw different animals before pinning their finished pictures onto large display boards. He proudly created both a giraffe and an X-ray fish before carefully pinning them onto the display boards. We also spent ages playing at Vera's Veggie Delights market stall, while Leo and I particularly enjoyed a matching game where you had to pair the correct collective noun with different groups of animals. Before leaving the gallery, we had a look around the small exhibition shop, which was full of books, animal-themed gifts and some very tempting soft toys. Although we didn't buy anything this time, both children had already started making lists of what they'd like to get when we visit again — including a giant inflatable Elmer the Elephant! 🐝 More Family Fun Around The Lowry The first thing we did after exploring the exhibition was take part in the Wild Things Animal Safari. After picking up one of the activity leaflets, we set off around the building looking for ten pairs of hidden animals. As we spotted each pair, the children excitedly ticked them off in their booklet. Leo absolutely loved this activity. He enjoys anything that involves searching for clues and was determined to find every single animal before we left. Our next activity was Queen Bee's Hive Drama, a 25-minute interactive drama session inspired by Queen Bee's Day Off, which takes place in The Lowry Bar and Kitchen. The children buzzed around pretending to be busy bees before joining in with a game of Queen Bee Says, which is very similar to Simon Says. Alice absolutely threw herself into the session and joined in with every activity, while Leo found it a little overwhelming. After about five minutes he decided he'd rather come and sit quietly with Grandad and me, which was absolutely fine. One of the things I really like about The Lowry is that there's never any pressure for children to join in if they don't want to. As we left the drama session, we spotted Elmer the Elephant making his way through the building. Of course, Alice and Leo immediately wanted to follow him and were delighted when they got the chance to meet him and have their photograph taken together. Our final activity of the morning was one of the storytelling sessions in the Storytelling Corner. This time the story was We're Going on a Bear Hunt. Once again, Alice loved joining in, acting out the different parts of the story and following all of the storyteller's instructions, while Leo was happy to sit quietly nearby, listening and watching everything unfold. Before we left, we remembered to pop into The Lowry Shop to collect the children's special Wild Things stickers after successfully completing the Animal Safari. They were both really pleased with their reward. By this point it was around 1pm and we were all starting to feel hungry, so we decided it was time to head home for some lunch. Mum came to pick us up and, once we got home, we had something to eat before spending the afternoon relaxing together on the sofa watching Monsters, Inc. followed by Monsters University on Disney+, which was the perfect way to wind down after such a busy morning. Overall, we all had a fantastic time at Wild Things. There was so much more to experience than just the exhibition itself and it really felt like a full family day out with plenty to keep children of different ages entertained. We'll definitely be back for another visit during the summer holidays. ☕ Sunday – Making Leo's Teacher Gifts Sunday turned into a full day of crafting as Leo and I worked together to make some personalised teacher gifts ready for the end of term. Leo had the lovely idea of making each of his teachers their own personalised mug, so he started by drawing lots of pictures before carefully writing each teacher's name. Once he'd finished, I scanned all of his drawings into the computer and separated each character into its own individual image so I could arrange them into a mug design. After showing Leo a few different layouts and making a couple of little changes together, we were both happy with the final design. I printed everything onto sublimation paper before carefully cutting each design out and taping them tightly around the mugs. Each mug was then placed into a shrink wrap sleeve before I used my heat gun to shrink the plastic tightly around it. This creates the pressure needed for the sublimation process to work properly. The mugs then went into my dedicated crafting air fryer, which is only ever used for sublimation projects. Once an air fryer has been used for sublimation, it can't be used for cooking food, so I always keep this one just for crafting. After eight minutes at 200°C, it was time for the moment of truth. Thankfully they all came out perfectly. Using the same drawings, I also created matching personalised pens for each teacher. These were sublimated using the same process, although they only needed five minutes at 190°C. The whole project took us most of the day, but it was lovely working on something together and seeing Leo so excited to give his teachers something he'd helped to create himself. Hopefully they'll love them just as much as we do. 💭 Final Thoughts Looking back, this week was full of moments that made us smile. From attending Leo's leaving assembly and watching Alice perform so confidently at her ukulele concert, to family games after school, creative crafting projects at home and a brilliant morning exploring Wild Things at The Lowry, it was one of those weeks that reminded me how much joy can be found in spending time together. I'm also really pleased to have finished editing all three of our London vlogs and finally got my Cutting Stacker set up, so I'm looking forward to getting started on some new stationery projects very soon. With the summer holidays now just around the corner, I'm excited to see what adventures next week brings. 🎥 Watch This Week's Family Weekly Vlog You can watch everything we got up to in this week's Family Weekly Update over on my YouTube channel. This week's vlog includes our trip to the Trafford Centre, setting up my Cutting Stacker, our visit to Wild Things at The Lowry and making Leo's personalised teacher gifts. I hope you enjoy watching it!

Family Weekly Update This week felt like one of those weeks where there was a little bit of everything — missing teeth, visits from the Tooth Fairy, theatre trips, school fairs and plenty of time spent working away on blog posts and videos behind the scenes. There were also two press nights this week, with trips to see Thespians at HOME Manchester and Fun Home at the Royal Exchange Theatre, while the weekend was all about family time, donuts and Leo's school fair. 🦷 Monday - A Visit From The Tooth Fairy Monday morning started with a little bit of drama before school when Alice discovered that one of her teeth had fallen out — but nobody could find it anywhere. She was convinced she had lost it while sitting on the sofa, so after dropping the children off at school I had a proper hunt for it and eventually found it wedged down the side of the cushions exactly where she thought it would be. Thankfully disaster was avoided and the Tooth Fairy would still be able to visit later that evening. A little later that morning, Lawrence and I headed into school for Alice's EHCP update meeting. After the meeting I came home and spent the rest of the day doing what has become my usual Monday routine — editing the weekly vlog and writing last week's Family Weekly Update blog post. For dinner we decided to treat the children and order Domino's as they had one of their Monday offers running on the app. We ordered two large pizzas — a Meatfielder with a thin and crispy base which is my favourite and also Alice and Leo's favourite because of the meatballs, and a Mighty Meaty which is always Lawrence's first choice. There was plenty left over, which turned out to be useful later in the week. Before bed, Alice carefully placed her tooth under her pillow ready for the Tooth Fairy's visit overnight. 🧚 Tuesday - Spending Tooth Fairy Money Tuesday morning started with an excited Alice discovering a shiny £1 coin waiting under her pillow from the Tooth Fairy. After dropping the children off at school, I spent the day writing up my High School Musical press launch feature from the previous week and catching up on a few bits of housework around the house. Once Alice got home from school, we headed to the local shops so she could spend her Tooth Fairy money. She still had another pound left over from the last tooth she had lost, so she had a grand total of £2 to spend. Originally, she had her heart set on buying an axolotl plush toy, but unfortunately they had sold out. After much deliberation, she eventually decided on a Minecraft Ender Dragon plush instead. The only slight problem was that the toy cost £10, which was rather more than the £2 she had in Tooth Fairy money. In the end, I paid the remaining £8 on my card and Alice happily used her Tooth Fairy money towards it. She was absolutely delighted with her new Ender Dragon and spent the rest of the evening showing it to everyone and deciding where it should live in her bedroom. It was another incredibly warm day and by the evening I couldn't face cooking, so I happily finished off the leftover Domino's pizza from the night before. 🎭 Wednesday - Thespians at HOME Manchester Wednesday morning was spent writing my blog post about our trip to see The Gruffalo at The Lowry the previous week before heading into Manchester in the evening with my dad for the press night of Thespians at HOME Manchester. This was a show I had been looking forward to for quite a while. I had previously seen Peter Pan Goes Wrong, but this was my dad's first experience of a Mischief Theatre production and I was interested to see what he would make of their first full musical. After collecting our tickets we stopped for photos on the red carpet before heading upstairs for the pre-show drinks reception. My dad enjoyed a lager while I stuck to apple juice, and we spent some time looking through the cast information sheet and chatting while more guests arrived. The reception itself felt really special, with white and gold balloons, photo opportunities and cast members mingling with guests before the performance began. The show itself was exactly the sort of theatrical chaos you would expect from Mischief Theatre, with plenty of laughs throughout the evening. More than anything though, it was just lovely sharing another theatre trip with my dad. 👉 You can read more about my Thespians visit and shorter review HERE 👉 Read my full All About Theatre review HERE. 🎶 Thursday - Fun Home at the Royal Exchange Thursday was largely spent writing up my review for Thespians before it was time to head back into Manchester for another press night, this time for Fun Home at the Royal Exchange Theatre with Lawrence. We arrived with plenty of time before the performance started, collected our tickets and picked up a programme before spending some time exploring the building. One of the things I love most about visiting the Royal Exchange is that every production seems to spill out beyond the auditorium itself, with props and pieces of the set often displayed around the theatre building for audiences to discover before taking their seats. The production itself was beautiful, emotional and incredibly moving. Unlike the big spectacle musicals I often review, Fun Home felt much smaller and more intimate, which suited the Royal Exchange's in-the-round staging perfectly. There were moments where the audience were laughing together and others where the entire theatre felt completely silent. After the performance, guests were invited to stay behind for food and drinks with the cast and creatives. Mini burgers and sweet potato fries were served in the Great Hall while everyone chatted about the production. Lawrence and I stayed for a while before reluctantly heading home to relieve my parents who had been looking after the children for us. 👉 You can read more about my Fun Home visit and shorter review HERE 👉 Read my full All About Theatre review HERE. 🎬 Friday - Reviews, Reels & Family Games Friday was another work-from-home day spent writing my Fun Home review and editing the reel from Thespians. By the time the children got home from school, I was more than ready for a break from the computer. We ended up spending the evening playing several games of Uno together followed by a few rounds of matching pairs before it was time for bed. Sometimes those quieter evenings at home end up being some of my favourites. 🍩 Saturday - Krispy Kreme Treats On Saturday morning my dad kindly drove the children and me over to the Krispy Kreme shop in Trafford Park because we had a 12 donuts for £12 voucher that expired that day. After what felt like a very important family discussion about which flavours to choose, we finally settled on our dozen donuts before making a quick stop in ASDA so I could buy Alice some onion ring crisps, which are one of her favourite snacks. Once we got home, I made the children some lunch and afterwards they enjoyed choosing a donut each as their treat. While the children played upstairs, I spent the afternoon editing my Fun Home reel and writing up my blog post about my theatre trip to see Thespians with my dad, which ended up taking up most of the rest of the day. 🎪 Sunday - Leo's School Fair Sunday was all about Leo's school fair, which he had been looking forward to for weeks. My parents and my brother came along too and we arrived shortly after midday ready for the fun to begin. The first thing the children wanted to do was head straight for the bouncy castles. Wristbands cost £3 each for unlimited use throughout the day and my brother very kindly paid for both of them. After that they tried hook-a-duck, picked out cuddly toys from the toy stall and had a go on the tombola where they both managed to win prizes. Alice was particularly pleased with her rainbow dinosaur pop-it while Leo was excited about his bubble wand. One of their favourite stalls was the mystery book stall where all the books were wrapped up so you had no idea what you were choosing until you opened them. Inside the school they also made little teddy cars using mini Mars bars and Smarties before choosing cakes from the cake stall. Unfortunately both children picked cakes they didn't actually like, which meant buying a second round of cakes that they would actually eat! Sometimes parenting really is trial and error. Unfortunately Leo started feeling unwell during the afternoon, so Lawrence took him home while the rest of us stayed a little longer. I treated Alice to a hot dog, some face glitter, and a temporary tattoo and her nana treated her to a rather spectacular mermaid ice cream complete with sprinkles and a flying saucer on top. By the time we eventually got home, Leo was already feeling much better and happily eating a cheese toastie for lunch. 💜 Final Thoughts Looking back, this week felt like a lovely mix of family life and theatre life. From helping the Tooth Fairy find Alice's missing tooth and taking her shopping to spend her pound, to press nights in Manchester and Leo finally getting to enjoy the school fair he had been looking forward to for so long, there were lots of little moments that made the week feel special. Theatre-wise, both Thespians and Fun Home offered completely different experiences but I really enjoyed both of them, while spending time with my dad at HOME and with Lawrence at the Royal Exchange made those evenings feel even more memorable. And honestly, I think any week that includes theatre trips, donuts and a mermaid ice cream is probably a pretty good week. 🎥 Watch Our Weekly Vlog If you'd like to see everything we got up to this week, including our trips to see Thespians and Fun Home, our Krispy Kreme donut run and all the fun of Leo's school fair, You can watch the full vlog below and come along with us for another week of family adventures. .

Our Trip To See Fun Home At The Royal Exchange Theatre 🎭 On Thursday 9th July, Lawrence and I headed into Manchester for the press night of Fun Home at the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester. The performance was due to begin at 7:30pm, so we caught the tram at around 6:15pm before arriving at Market Street shortly before 6:40pm. From there, it was a short walk through the city centre and we arrived at the Royal Exchange at around 6:45pm, giving us plenty of time before the show started. The outside of the theatre was surrounded by scaffolding and restoration work during our visit, but stepping through the doors into the Great Hall still felt like entering another world entirely. As always, one of the first things we did after arriving was head straight to the box office to collect our tickets. We also picked up a programme for £5 before taking some time to have a look around the building. Programmes, Props & Exploring The Royal Exchange 📖 Unlike many touring productions, there wasn't any merchandise available for Fun Home, although I don't think I've ever seen the Royal Exchange sell show merchandise for one of their in-house productions. The £5 programme was the only souvenir available to purchase on the evening. One thing I always enjoy when visiting the Royal Exchange is having a wander around the building before taking my seat. Not only is it one of Manchester's most beautiful theatre spaces, but the productions often extend beyond the auditorium itself, with props and pieces from the show usually visible around the building. I always find myself having a look to see what I can spot before the performance begins. Another little tradition of mine is having a peek through the windows of the musicians' booth to see what instruments are waiting inside before the show starts. At the Royal Exchange, the musicians are housed in enclosed booths around the outside of the performance space rather than sitting within the auditorium itself, and I always enjoy trying to work out what sort of sound the production might have before the first note is played. Because Fun Home runs without an interval, I also noticed staff walking around selling ice creams before the show started, which isn't something I can remember seeing before at the Royal Exchange. I assume it was because this production doesn't have an interval. Before long, a bell rang throughout the building and the audience began making their way towards the various auditorium entrances. Our tickets directed us towards Door 5, so we joined the queue and headed inside. Our Seats At The Royal Exchange 🎟️ For this performance we were seated in Row C, Seats 41 and 42. The view was perfectly fine, although one thing worth knowing if you're booking for the Royal Exchange is that Rows A to D on the ground level aren't raked. If you happen to have somebody tall sat in front of you, your view can become a little restricted. Personally, I think Rows E to G probably offer some of the best views in the stalls once the rake begins. That said, my favourite seats I've ever had at the Royal Exchange remain Row A of the First Gallery, where you get a fantastic unobstructed view of the entire stage and can really appreciate the venue's unique in-the-round staging. The Banquette seats are another interesting option and offer a brilliant view of the action as they sit right on the edge of the stage itself. However, they are low bench-style seats and can become a little uncomfortable during longer productions. One of the things I love most about the Royal Exchange is simply looking around the auditorium before the show begins. With three levels of seating wrapped around the stage and the famous web of lighting suspended overhead, it remains one of the most distinctive theatre spaces in the country. The show began promptly at 7:30pm and ran for approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes with no interval. The Show 🎶 Based on Alison Bechdel's graphic memoir, Fun Home follows Alison as she looks back on her childhood, her family and her relationship with her father through memories brought to life by three versions of herself on stage. It's a funny, moving and incredibly honest piece of theatre that explores family, identity, sexuality and the complicated relationships that shape who we become. The Royal Exchange's in-the-round staging feels like the perfect home for the production, creating an intimacy that draws audiences directly into Alison's story. There were moments where the audience were laughing out loud and others where the theatre was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop as some of the show's most emotional moments unfolded. The cast were exceptional throughout, with outstanding performances across both the adult and young company, while Jeanine Tesori's score perfectly supports the storytelling from beginning to end. One of the things that impressed me most was just how well the show worked in the Royal Exchange's unique in-the-round space. Watching the story unfold with the audience completely surrounding the stage made the whole experience feel incredibly intimate. If you'd like to read my more theatre-focused review, you can also head over to All About Theatre. Food, Cast Celebrations & The Journey Home 🍔 Following the performance, guests attending the press night were invited to stay behind and celebrate with the cast and crew. Food was served in the Great Hall after the show, with mini burgers, including halal, vegan and gluten-free options, alongside sweet potato fries. Glasses of what I think was prosecco were also being served around the room for those who wanted them. I don't drink alcohol and Lawrence rarely does either, so we bought soft drinks to enjoy with our food instead. The atmosphere afterwards was lovely, with audience members, cast, creatives and press guests all mingling together throughout the building while discussing the production. Even as people began making their way home, plenty of audience members were still deep in conversation about the show, which probably says as much about the impact of the production as the standing ovation that greeted the cast. We spent some time chatting to a few people before reluctantly having to head off to get back to the children. By the time we made our way back towards Market Street it was around 10pm and we caught the tram home shortly afterwards. Final Thoughts ⭐ Overall, Lawrence and I had a really lovely evening at the Royal Exchange. Fun Home isn't your traditional big musical filled with huge dance numbers and showstopping songs, but what it offers instead is something much more intimate and personal. It managed to be funny, warm and quietly devastating, often within the space of a single scene. The standing ovation at the end of the performance showed just how much the production had connected with the audience. It's easy to see why this musical has received so much acclaim over the years and the Royal Exchange has delivered a production that feels perfectly at home in its unique space. A thoughtful and emotionally powerful night at the theatre. More Information About Fun Home 📍 Fun Home is at the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester until Saturday 1st August 2026. Tickets are available from £12 via the Royal Exchange website. For more information about the production, visit the official Fun Home page on the Royal Exchange website. If you'd like to read my more theatre-focused review, you can also head over to All About Theatre. 🎥 Watch Our Visit In Weekly Vlog #459 If you'd like to see what Lawrence and I got up to during our visit to Fun Home, you'll be able to watch our theatre trip in Weekly Vlog #459 once the vlog goes live. At A Glance 📍 Venue: Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester 📅 Running Until: Saturday 1st August 2026 ⏱️ Runtime: Approx. 1 hour 40 minutes with no interval ☕ Interval: None 🎟️ Tickets From: £12 via the Royal Exchange website. 💺 Our Seats: Row C Seats 41 & 42 👀 Seat View: Good, although Rows A-D are not raked 📖 Programme Available: Yes (£5) 🛍️ Merchandise Available: No merchandise available at this performance 🚋 Travel: Easily accessible by tram, bus and train 🚊 Closest Tram Stop: Market Street, St Peter's Square and Exchange Square (all within approximately 10 minutes walk) 🚆 Closest Train Station: Manchester Victoria but Manchester Piccadilly, Deansgate and Oxford Road are all within walking distance (all within approximately 15 minutes walk) 🚌 Bus Access: Numerous bus stops are located within a short walk of the theatre 🚗 Parking: Multiple city centre car parks are available nearby, including Q-Park Deansgate North and Manchester Arena Car Park ♿ Accessibility: The Royal Exchange Theatre is accessible by lift and wheelchair spaces are available within the auditorium 🌍 Official Website: Royal Exchange Theatre website

Thespians at HOME Manchester - Our Press Night Experience On Wednesday 8th July, my dad and I headed into Manchester for the press night of Thespians at HOME Manchester. This was a show I had been looking forward to for quite a while. I had previously seen Peter Pan Goes Wrong, but this was my dad's first experience of a Mischief Theatre production, so I was interested to see what he would think of the company's first full musical. We left my house at around 5:30pm and walked to the tram stop before catching the tram into Manchester at around 5:45pm. One of the things I really like about visiting HOME is how straightforward it is to reach by public transport. After getting off the tram at Deansgate-Castlefield, it was only a short walk to the venue and we arrived just after 6pm. As always, one of the first things we did after arriving was head over to the press desk to collect our tickets. Next to the desk was a red carpet and a large Thespians backdrop featuring both the show's branding and the HOME Theatre logo, so naturally we stopped for a few photos before heading upstairs. Staff were handing out glasses of fizz beside the red carpet and my dad picked one up before we made our way upstairs to the second floor for the pre-show drinks reception. Drinks, Balloons & Photo Opportunities 🥂 We were some of the first guests to arrive upstairs and managed to grab a seat while the room slowly began to fill up. Waiting at the bar were glasses of wine already poured out, jugs of orange juice and apple juice and a bucket filled with bottles and cans of lager. My dad opted for a bottle of lager while I went for a glass of orange juice. Unlike many theatre trips, there wasn't any merchandise available for this production and there were no programmes on sale either. Instead, guests were given a printed cast and creatives sheet, which we spent some time reading through while enjoying our drinks. The room itself had been decorated with white and gold balloons and there was also a fun photo opportunity where guests could place their heads through and become part of the Thespians artwork. Of course, my dad and I couldn't resist giving it a go ourselves. One of the friendly HOME staff members kindly offered to take our photo for us and it ended up being one of my favourite pictures from the evening. There was also another backdrop featuring repeated HOME Theatre logos where guests and members of the cast later stopped for photographs throughout the reception. My dad and I spent the next hour chatting, looking through the cast information sheet and enjoying another drink while more guests gradually arrived. Before long, some of the cast and creatives joined the reception and stopped for photographs in front of the HOME backdrop before everyone started making their way towards the auditorium. Our Seats At HOME Manchester 🎟️ At around 7:25pm we headed into the theatre and found our seats. For this performance we were seated in the Circle, Row C, Seats 7 and 8. The view was excellent. Our seats were centrally positioned with a clear, uninterrupted view of the entire stage and I would happily choose those seats again for a future visit. I've always found the sightlines at HOME to be very good and this was no exception. The show began promptly at 7:30pm and ran for approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes including a 20-minute interval. The first act lasted around 65 minutes before the interval, while the second act ran for approximately 75 minutes, bringing the performance to an end shortly after 10:10pm. Mischief Theatre Goes Musical 🎶 Going into the evening, I knew surprisingly little about Thespians other than the fact that it marked Mischief Theatre's first venture into musical theatre. Set in Ancient Greece in 534 BC, the story follows a group of islanders who accidentally discover the art of acting and storytelling while attempting to save their community. As strange as that premise sounds, it somehow works brilliantly. Fans of Mischief Theatre will find plenty of the theatrical chaos, visual comedy and misunderstandings that the company has become famous for, while the musical format feels like a surprisingly natural fit for their style of comedy. There are Greek mythology jokes, theatrical in-jokes, larger-than-life characters and plenty of moments that had the audience around us laughing throughout the evening. One thing I particularly enjoyed was the number of references and playful nods to the wider world of musical theatre hidden throughout the show. As someone who spends a lot of time watching musicals, spotting some of those references became part of the fun and I suspect many theatre fans will leave having noticed entirely different ones themselves. What impressed me most though was how accessible the humour remained. Even if someone had never seen another musical before, there would still be plenty here to enjoy. My dad and I both found ourselves laughing regularly throughout the performance and there were several moments where audience laughter almost drowned out the next line entirely. The songs were also much stronger than I had expected going in and I still had several of them stuck in my head on the tram home later that evening. While I personally preferred the second half of the show once the characters and world had been fully established, there was plenty to enjoy throughout and it was lovely watching the audience become more and more invested in the story as the evening went on. The Journey Home 🚋 Once the curtain calls had finished, my dad and I joined the crowds making their way back out into Manchester. We made the short walk back to Deansgate-Castlefield tram stop before catching the tram home, chatting about the show and some of our favourite moments from the evening along the way. It had been a really enjoyable night out and it was lovely to share another theatre trip with my dad. Final Thoughts ⭐ Overall, my dad and I had a really enjoyable evening at HOME Manchester. The drinks reception and photo opportunities helped make the press night feel that little bit more special and the production itself delivered exactly the kind of theatrical chaos audiences have come to expect from Mischief Theatre. While it may not quite reach the heights of some of the company's biggest hits for me personally, there is still plenty here to enjoy and it was fascinating seeing Mischief take their first steps into the world of musical theatre. With catchy songs, plenty of laughs and enough theatrical references to keep musical theatre fans smiling, Thespians makes for a fun and entertaining night out. Most importantly though, it was another lovely theatre trip to share with my dad. More Information About Thespians 📍 Thespians is at HOME Manchester until Saturday 18th July 2026. Tickets are available to purchase through the HOME Manchester website. For more information about the production and future tour dates, visit the official Mischief Theatre website. If you'd like to read my more theatre-focused review, you can also head over to All About Theatre. 🎥 Watch Our Visit In Weekly Vlog #459 If you'd like to see what I got up to during my trip to see Thespians, you'll be able to watch our visit in Weekly Vlog #459 once the vlog goes live. At A Glance 📍 Venue: HOME Manchester 📅 HOME Run: Until Saturday 18th July 2026 ⏱️ Runtime: Approx. 2 hours 40 minutes including interval ☕ Interval: 20 minutes 🎟️ Tickets From: £27.50 available from HOME Manchester's Website 👤 Age Guidance: 8+ 🎭 Genre: Musical Comedy 💺 Our Seats: Circle Row C Seats 7 & 8 👀 Seat View: Excellent central view of the stage 🎶 Features: Greek mythology jokes, theatrical references and original songs 📖 Programme Available: No 🛍️ Merchandise Available: No merchandise available at this performance 🚋 Travel: HOME is easily accessible by tram, bus and train 🚊 Closest Tram Stop: Deansgate-Castlefield 🚆 Closest Train Station: Deansgate 🌍 Tour Dates: Visit the official Mischief Theatre website for future tour dates and show information.

The Gruffalo Returns to The Lowry for Another Family Adventure ✨ With Alice and Leo off school for an inset day on Friday, it seemed like the perfect opportunity for a family theatre trip. We were kindly invited to see the 4.30pm performance of The Gruffalo at The Lowry, and after loving the production when we first saw it here four years ago, we couldn't wait to return. There was just one slight difference this time! Lawrence had forgotten to book the day off work and my parents were away on holiday, so for the first time in years I was taking Alice and Leo on a theatre trip completely by myself. I've taken them out individually lots of times, but not the two of them together since they were little enough to fit in a double pram! Thankfully, everything went brilliantly. We left the house at around 3pm to begin our journey to Salford Quays. Getting to The Lowry means catching two trams, but the children always enjoy travelling by tram, so it's all part of the adventure. We arrived at MediaCity at around 3.45pm and, with a little time before heading into the theatre, made a quick stop at the Cadbury Outlet in The Lowry Outlet Mall. The children each chose a bag of Mini Eggs, which were on offer at two bags for £3, while I treated myself to a pick 'n' mix of my favourite Roses chocolates — the strawberry and orange creams! I don't think I can ever walk past a pick 'n' mix without filling a bag. With our chocolate safely packed away, we headed into The Lowry at around 3.50pm and made our way around to the Quays Theatre, ready for our woodland adventure. 🛍️ Merchandise & Pre-Show Fun As we walked towards the Quays Theatre, Alice and Leo were each handed a free fold-out programme which doubled up as a colourful Gruffalo poster — a lovely little keepsake before the show had even begun. At the press desk the children were each given a Gruffalo activity book, a carton of juice and a little activity pack containing colouring sheets and crayons, which was such a thoughtful touch and kept them happily entertained while we waited for the auditorium to open. While Alice and Leo worked through their activity sheets and enjoyed their juice, I took the opportunity to have a quick look at the merchandise stand. Merchandise available included: 📖 The Gruffalo Story Book – £7.50 🎨 The Gruffalo Activity Book – £5 🧸 The Gruffalo Toy – £10 🎭 The Gruffalo Pop-out Playset – £10 As the children had already been given activity books, we decided not to buy anything this time, but it was nice to see a few affordable souvenirs available for younger fans. The atmosphere before the performance was lovely, with excited children proudly carrying their Gruffalo books and cuddly toys while chatting about their favourite characters. It really felt like everyone was looking forward to stepping into the deep, dark wood. 🎭 Our Seats & View At around 4.15pm the auditorium opened and we headed inside to find our seats. We were sitting in the stalls, Row G, seats 13–16, with seat 16 being the aisle seat. These turned out to be fantastic seats for a family show. We had a brilliant, clear view of the stage and felt close enough to really appreciate all the action without being too near for younger children who might find some moments a little overwhelming. Leo initially insisted he didn't need a booster seat, but as soon as someone sat down in front of him he quickly changed his mind! Thankfully, booster seats are conveniently stored just inside the stalls entrance, so it only took a moment to grab one before the performance began. Once he was sitting a little higher, he had a perfect view for the rest of the show. As the audience began to fill up, there was a lovely buzz around the theatre. Everywhere you looked there were children clutching copies of The Gruffalo, cuddly Mouse and Gruffalo toys, and eagerly chatting about their favourite characters. It was clear there were lots of excited little theatre-goers ready for their journey into the deep, dark wood. 🐭 The Show Running for approximately 55 minutes with no interval, The Gruffalo is perfectly paced for younger audiences and makes a brilliant introduction to live theatre. Based on Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's much-loved picture book, the story follows a clever little Mouse as he wanders through the deep, dark wood in search of hazelnuts. Along the way he encounters a hungry Fox, Owl and Snake, each hoping Mouse might become their next meal. Thinking quickly, Mouse invents a terrifying creature called the Gruffalo in an attempt to scare them away... only to discover that the mysterious beast might not be quite as imaginary as he first thought. Although we'd seen the production before, Alice and Leo were completely captivated all over again. Alice couldn't stop laughing at Owl's rather clumsy attempts at flying, while Leo spent the whole show cheering Mouse on as he cleverly outsmarted each of the woodland animals. One of their favourite moments came during Snake's lively disco number, with its catchy song and colourful lighting effects. Before long they were both up dancing along with lots of the other children around the auditorium. Later in the show they loved joining everyone else in roaring as loudly as they could to help Mouse scare away Fox, Owl and Snake. It was lovely seeing so many children confidently joining in and becoming part of the adventure. The arrival of the Gruffalo himself was another huge highlight. He looked exactly as children imagine from the book and, although certainly impressive, never felt too frightening for the younger audience members. Towards the end of the show he also made his way into the auditorium, which created lots of excitement among the children as they watched him getting closer. By the time the cast took their final bows at around 5.35pm, both Alice and Leo had huge smiles on their faces. It was every bit as fun, funny and engaging as we remembered, and seeing the children enjoy it just as much four years later made the afternoon feel even more special. 🥤 After the Show After the performance, we made our way back to the main foyer. I'd been given a drinks voucher as part of our visit, but the Quays Bar was closed, so I exchanged it for a refreshing glass of lemonade from the main bar instead. While I enjoyed my drink, Alice and Leo made a beeline for the little wooden play kitchen they have in the bar. It's something they've spotted on previous visits to The Lowry and they always seem to enjoy spending a few minutes playing there before we head home. It was a lovely way for them to wind down after all the excitement of the show. I'd originally been hoping to grab something to eat before setting off home, but I discovered the kitchen had stopped serving food at 4pm because there wasn't an evening performance that day. It's something worth bearing in mind if you're planning an afternoon visit and fancy eating at The Lowry afterwards. After a little while, we made our way back to the tram stop and caught our tram home at around 6.30pm, arriving back home just after 7.15pm after a really lovely afternoon together. ✨ Final Thoughts Looking back, I'm so glad the three of us had this little adventure together. I was slightly nervous beforehand about taking Alice and Leo into Manchester on my own, simply because it had been such a long time since I'd taken both of them out together without another adult. In the end, though, I needn't have worried. We had a fantastic afternoon from start to finish. From the thoughtful pre-show activities and family-friendly atmosphere to the brilliant performance itself, everything about our visit felt relaxed, welcoming and well organised. Four years after our first visit, The Gruffalo is still every bit as magical. Alice and Leo loved revisiting the story, and it was wonderful watching them laugh, dance and roar their way through the adventure all over again. Sometimes the simplest days out really are the best. 🌲 More Information About The Gruffalo Although The Gruffalo has now finished its run at The Lowry, the good news is that Tall Stories' much-loved production is touring theatres across the UK throughout 2026, giving plenty more families the chance to enjoy this magical stage adaptation. If you're thinking of booking tickets, I'd highly recommend it for anyone with young children. Running for around 55 minutes with no interval, it's a fantastic introduction to live theatre and a brilliant family day out. If you'd like to read my more detailed theatre review, you can also head over to our sister site, All About Theatre, where I've shared my full five-star review of the production. 🎥 Watch Our Visit in Weekly Vlog #458 If you'd like to come along with us on our family trip to see The Gruffalo at The Lowry, you can watch our visit in Weekly Vlog #458 below. Our trip to see The Gruffalo begins at 18:51 in the vlog, although the video also includes some other family moments from our week. 🎭 At A Glance 📍 Venue: The Lowry – Quays Theatre, Salford ⌛ Running Time: Approximately 55 minutes (No Interval) 👶 Recommended Age: 3+ 🪑 Booster Seats: Available inside the auditorium for younger children who need a better view. 🛍️ Merchandise: Available from £5–£10, including books, activity books, toys and a pop-out playset. 🎁 Family-Friendly Extras: At our performance, children received a free fold-out poster programme 🚋 Getting There: The Lowry is easy to reach by tram, bus or car. The nearest Metrolink stop is MediaCityUK. 🎟️ Tickets: For current performances and ticket availability, visit the Lowry website. 🌍 UK Tour: The Gruffalo is touring theatres across the UK throughout 2026. For the latest tour dates and venues, visit the official Tall Stories website. 🐭 Best For: Families with young children, Julia Donaldson fans and anyone looking for a fun first theatre experience

🍿 Getting into the High School Musical Spirit On Monday afternoon, Lawrence and I headed over to The Lowry for the exclusive press launch of Disney's High School Musical. I'd been looking forward to this event ever since the invitation arrived, especially after hearing that we'd be getting an exclusive first look at the UK premiere of the first-ever non-replica production. As a long-time fan of the films, I couldn't wait to see what Hope Mill Theatre had planned. We arrived at The Lowry at around 3.45pm, giving us plenty of time before the main presentation, which was due to begin at 4.30pm. Walking into the Circle Bar, we were greeted by red and white balloons while the soundtrack from the original High School Musical film played in the background. It immediately got everyone in the High School Musical mood While everyone gathered, refreshments were available for guests. There was a selection of teas, coffee and water, alongside bright red slushies that felt perfectly on theme for High School Musical. Naturally, I couldn't resist trying one! Lawrence opted for two cups of tea while we waited—an English Breakfast followed by a Ginger & Lemon tea. There was also a popcorn stand and a freshly made candyfloss station. Lawrence and I both picked up a bag of popcorn, while I couldn't leave without treating myself to some candyfloss as well. It was freshly spun and really tasty, and all the little themed touches made the afternoon feel much more like an experience than a typical press launch. At around 4.30pm, an announcement invited everyone through to The Lowry's Compass Room, where the main event was about to begin. 👀 Exploring the Compass Room Walking through the doors genuinely felt like stepping into East High. Large round tables dressed in crisp white tablecloths filled the room, each styled in the show's iconic red and white colour scheme. Lawrence and I made a beeline for one of the tables right at the front so I'd have the best possible view for filming the presentations and interviews for my vlog. Each table had been carefully dressed in the show's iconic red and white colour scheme. Every place setting included an East High Year Book notebook, a mini basketball keyring, an East High drinks bottle, red napkins and glassware. Red and white balloon centrepieces added height and colour to the tables, while buckets filled with bottled soft drinks and jugs of iced water sat in the centre, ready for guests throughout the afternoon. It immediately created a warm, welcoming atmosphere and showed just how much thought had gone into every detail. Before taking our seats properly, Lawrence and I wandered around exploring everything that had been set up. One of my favourite displays was the row of East High Wildcats lockers. Some of the locker doors could actually be opened, revealing basketballs, costumes, school books, photographs and personal belongings inspired by different characters from the show. It was such a clever idea and really helped bring the world of East High to life. Another standout display was Sharpay Evans' dressing table. Complete with a glamorous Hollywood-style mirror surrounded by glowing bulbs, pink feather boas, jewellery and beauty accessories, it perfectly captured Sharpay's larger-than-life personality. Unsurprisingly, it became one of the most popular photo opportunities of the afternoon, and of course Lawrence and I couldn't resist sitting at the dressing table for a photo ourselves. There was even a basketball arcade game where guests could test their shooting skills and channel their inner Troy Bolton. Lawrence and I both had a go and probably spent longer there than we intended! It was such a fun interactive addition and kept everyone entertained while people chatted, took photographs and explored the room. What impressed me most was how immersive the whole experience felt. Rather than simply decorating a function room, the team had created an environment that celebrated everything people love about High School Musical. Every prop, every display and every little detail felt carefully considered, building excitement for the presentation before a single member of the cast or creative team had even taken to the stage. Eventually, it was time to take our seats. I helped myself to a bottle of rose lemonade from the table while Lawrence chose a bottle of dandelion and burdock. Once everyone was settled, Matthew Eames, Director of Theatre & Performance at The Lowry, welcomed guests before introducing Michelle Eagleton, who would host the afternoon's presentation. The Presentation Begins After Matthew Eames welcomed everyone and introduced host Michelle Eagleton, the afternoon got underway with a short video montage celebrating the original High School Musical films. It was a lovely way to start the event and instantly brought back memories of watching the movies. Although I certainly didn't grow up with them, I remember watching all three films when they were released and completely understanding why they became such a huge phenomenon. Even twenty years later, they still have that same feel-good energy. Michelle then welcomed Joseph Houston and William Whelton, founders of Hope Mill Theatre and co-directors of the production, to the stage. It was clear from the way they spoke about the production just how much the project means to them. They explained that this isn't a recreation of previous productions but the first-ever UK non-replica production, giving them the opportunity to create something completely new while remaining faithful to the heart of the much-loved Disney story. One quote that really stood out to me came from Joseph Houston, who said: "The world right now needs High School Musical. It's a show that is so much love and joy. It's about being your true authentic self and not sticking to the status quo." It really summed up why the story continues to resonate with audiences all these years later. William Whelton also spoke about how the films have found a whole new audience through Disney+, meaning the production isn't just for those who remember watching the original films when they first came out, but also for younger fans discovering East High for the very first time. A First Look at the Production One of the most exciting parts of the afternoon was getting an exclusive first look at the production's set and costume designs. Concept artwork was projected onto the screen, giving us an early glimpse of what audiences can expect when the show opens at The Lowry. The set immediately caught my attention. At its heart is a full-size basketball court complete with the Wildcats branding, surrounded by towering lockers, huge LED screens and digital scoreboards. Even from the concept artwork, it looked incredibly ambitious. What impressed me most, though, was hearing just how immersive the production is going to be. Around 100 audience members will actually be seated on specially created courtside seats built directly onto the stage, while the orchestra pit is being transformed into a runway extending out into the auditorium. It sounds like audiences really will become part of the action rather than simply watching it from their seats. The costume artwork was equally exciting. Rather than modernising the story, the creative team have fully embraced the early 2000s style that made the original films so recognisable. Looking at the designs, you could immediately see familiar nods to the characters everyone knows and loves, while still giving this production its own identity. They even revealed a bespoke Wildcats logo created especially for this production. Seeing both the set and costume artwork together really helped bring the directors' vision to life. Hearing From the Cast Next, it was time to meet two of East High's most iconic students. Tobias Turley, who will play Troy Bolton, and Leonor Correia, who takes on the role of Gabriella Montez, were welcomed onto the stage to perform Start of Something New. It was a brilliant way to introduce the pair. Their vocals sounded fantastic together and they already seemed completely at ease performing alongside one another. Judging by the applause around the room, everyone else was equally impressed. After their performance, Tobias and Leonor joined Michelle, Joseph and William for a chat about landing the roles. Leonor described High School Musical as simply "iconic," explaining that the films have been part of her life for as long as she can remember and that being cast as Gabriella still felt surreal. Tobias spoke about his own connection to the films and even revealed that he posted a basketball-themed audition video on social media before landing the role of Troy. It was a fun story and showed just how much enthusiasm he has for the character. Once the interview had finished, Tobias and Leonor headed backstage to prepare for another performance later on. With them off stage, the focus returned to Joseph and William, who spoke about some of the other casting choices for the production, including Caitlin Tipping as Sharpay Evans and Luke Bayer as Ryan Evans. They also discussed the exciting news that KayCee Stroh, who famously played Martha Cox in the original High School Musical films, will be returning to the franchise as Ms Darbus. Although KayCee wasn't able to attend the press launch in person, she appeared via a specially recorded video message that was played to everyone in the room. It was a lovely surprise and a wonderful way to connect this new production with the films that so many fans know and love. The afternoon wasn't over yet, though, as there was still another very special guest waiting in the wings... Jason Donovan Takes to the Stage The next guest to join Michelle Eagleton on stage was Jason Donovan, who will be playing Coach Bolton. As someone who's enjoyed watching Jason in numerous stage productions over the years, it was lovely to hear him talk about why he wanted to be part of High School Musical. He explained that his own children grew up watching the films, making the opportunity to join the cast particularly meaningful. One thing that really stood out during the interview was how thoughtfully he spoke about Coach Bolton. Rather than seeing him simply as the strict basketball coach, Jason explained that he wanted to explore the relationship between Coach Bolton and Troy, showing a father who genuinely wants the best for his son, even if they don't always see eye to eye. Listening to him speak, it was clear he's approaching the role with real warmth, and I think audiences are going to enjoy seeing his take on the character. A Perfect Finale To bring the presentation to a close, Tobias Turley and Leonor Correia returned to the stage for one final performance. This time they sang Breaking Free, one of the most iconic songs from the entire High School Musical franchise. It was a brilliant way to end the afternoon. Their voices blended beautifully, and although we'd only heard two songs, they left me excited to see them perform the full score when the production opens. Judging by the reaction in the room, I don't think I was the only one who wanted to hear more. With Michelle Eagleton thanking everyone for coming, the formal presentation came to an end. Time for Food... and a Chat Afterwards, guests were invited to stay for food and drinks while chatting with one another about everything we'd seen. The catering continued the relaxed, informal atmosphere, with trays of mini burgers, hot dogs, nachos and French fries being served around the room. I'll happily admit I'm quite a fussy eater, especially when it comes to sauces! The hot dogs were served with ketchup and mustard, so I spent a few minutes carefully scraping it off before I could eat it. Once I'd done that, though, it was very nice. Lawrence, on the other hand, had no such problems! He thoroughly enjoyed the food and managed to work his way through the nachos, a hot dog and no fewer than three mini burgers, so I think it's fair to say he definitely left happy. It was also nice having the opportunity to chat with some of the other guests after the presentation. Everyone seemed genuinely excited by what they'd seen, particularly the ambitious set design and the immersive staging, and it was interesting hearing everyone's thoughts before we all headed home. Heading Home As the event drew to a close, Lawrence and I made our way back to the tram stop and began the journey home, arriving back at around 7.30pm. The journey gave us plenty of time to chat about everything we'd seen during the afternoon. We both agreed that so much care had gone into every aspect of the event, from the themed decorations and interactive displays to the presentations themselves. It was clear just how much love there still is for High School Musical twenty years on, and the launch felt like a fitting celebration of that. I also came away feeling genuinely excited about the production itself. The concept artwork, immersive staging and passion shown by the creative team suggest that this isn't simply trying to recreate the Disney films on stage. Instead, they're putting their own stamp on the story while keeping everything that has made High School Musical such a beloved favourite. I'm really looking forward to seeing the finished production when it opens at The Lowry this August, and it'll be fascinating to see how everything we saw during the press launch translates to the stage. 🏀 Planning Your Visit to East High Following its world premiere at The Lowry, Disney's High School Musical will transfer to London for a festive run at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre. The Lowry, Salford 📅 22 August – 13 September 2026 Tickets are available from the official The Lowry ticket page. Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, London 📅 12 October 2026 – 3 January 2027 Following its Salford run, the production will transfer to London for a limited season at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre. Tickets are available from the official London ticket page. For more information about the production, cast and creative team, visit the official High School Musical website. 🎥 Watch the Vlog If you'd like to see even more from the afternoon, I've filmed a full vlog from the High School Musical Press Launch at The Lowry. Join Lawrence and me as we explore the East High-themed décor, take a closer look at the interactive displays, hear from the cast and creative team, see the exclusive set and costume reveals and experience all the highlights from this exciting launch event. 🎶 Start of Something New One of the highlights of the afternoon was hearing Tobias Turley and Leonor Correia perform Start of Something New. It was our first chance to hear the pair sing together as Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez, and judging by the reaction in the room, audiences are in for something very special when the production opens. 🎵 Breaking Free The presentation concluded with a performance of one of the musical's most iconic songs, Breaking Free. It was the perfect way to end the afternoon and left everyone excited to see the full production this August. Read My Full Feature If you're looking for a closer look at everything revealed during the press launch, including the exclusive set reveal, costume concepts, interviews with the cast and creative team, and my thoughts on what audiences can expect from the production, you can also read my full feature over on All About Theatre.

Family Weekly Update This week was a lovely mix of theatre, family time, shopping and cinema fun. We started the week with something really exciting as Lawrence and I headed to The Lowry for the press launch of High School Musical, then later in the week I took Alice and Leo to see The Gruffalo, before finishing the week with a family cinema trip to see Toy Story 5. Here is this week’s family weekly update, sharing everything we got up to throughout the week. 🎭 High School Musical Press Launch at The Lowry On Monday morning, Lawrence and I spent some time catching up on housework before heading to The Lowry in the afternoon for the High School Musical press launch while my parents watched the children. We arrived at around 3:45pm and headed to the Circle Bar, which had been decorated with red and white balloons. The High School Musical soundtrack was playing as we arrived, which instantly made the whole event feel fun and nostalgic. There were refreshments available while everyone waited for the main event to begin. Lawrence tried a couple of teas, while I had to go for one of the red slushies because it felt very on theme. There was also popcorn and candy floss, so of course we had to try those too. When it was time for the presentation, everyone was taken through to the Compass Room. The room looked fantastic with red and white decorations, balloon centrepieces and tables set up with East High themed items including notebooks, mini basketball keyrings and branded drinks bottles. Lawrence and I chose a table near the front so I could get a good view for filming the interviews and performances for my vlog. Before the presentation started, we had a look around at all the different themed areas. There were East High lockers filled with props and costume pieces, Sharpay Evans’ dressing table, and even a basketball arcade game where guests could have a go at shooting hoops. It was such a fun way to bring the world of East High to life and Lawrence and I really enjoyed looking around and taking photos before everything began. The presentation included an exclusive first look at the set design and costume concepts, plus performances from Tobias Turley and Leonor Correia, who will be playing Troy and Gabriella. They sang The Start of Something New and Breaking Free, which was such a lovely preview of what’s to come. There were also interviews with the creative team, including Joseph Houston and William Whelton from Hope Mill Theatre, and we heard more about the casting of Caitlin Tipping as Sharpay, Luke Bayer as Ryan, KayCee Stroh as Ms Darbus and Jason Donovan as Coach Bolton. Jason Donovan was also interviewed during the event, which was a really exciting moment. After the presentation, food was served including nachos, mini burgers, hot dogs and fries. As I’m a fussy eater, I stuck with a hot dog after scraping the sauce off, but Lawrence enjoyed trying a bit of everything. After chatting to a few people and taking everything in, we headed home on the tram and got back around 7:30pm. Once the children were home and in bed, I transferred all the footage onto my computer ready to start editing the next day. 👉 You can read more about the High School Musical press launch HERE. 🍝 Trafford Centre Lunch & Shopping Lawrence had the day off on Tuesday, so we decided to get the bus to the Trafford Centre and go for a nice lunch at Pesto. We arrived a little before Pesto opened, so we had a look around ASDA first. They had lots of lovely Toy Story home items in, including bedding, plates, bowls and glasses, as well as some nice children’s clothes, although we didn’t buy anything this time. We then had a quick look around the toys in Selfridges and found the new Disney Store section, which was really nice to browse. After that, we headed to Pesto for lunch. We chose from the £13.99 lunch menu where you can pick three dishes each. I went for my usual favourites, including the chicken wings, spicy sausage and pepperoni pizza, while Lawrence chose the spicy sausage, arancini and lasagne. We also shared garlic bread with cheese and had a Diet Coke each. Lunch was delicious and it was really nice having some time together while the children were at school. After lunch, we headed into Primark to pick up some leggings for Alice for school and pyjamas for Leo. We ended up getting Leo some Mario pyjamas, which I knew he would love. While Lawrence queued to pay, I popped across to Primark Home to have a quick look. They had a new Minions range in, as well as some Ratatouille items like plates, cups and bowls. There were also quite a few older Disney ranges in the sale, including some of the Bambi items. We then got the bus home in time to collect the children from school, and I spent the evening writing up my blog post about the High School Musical press launch. 💻 Editing the High School Musical Vlog Wednesday and Thursday were mainly spent working on the High School Musical content. On Wednesday, after taking the children to school, I finished off my blog post from the press launch and started editing the vlog from the event. On Thursday, I finished editing the High School Musical press launch vlog, which took quite a bit of time because I had filmed so much during the event. It always takes longer when there are interviews, performances and lots of different clips to go through, but I was really pleased to get it finished. 🐭 The Gruffalo at The Lowry On Friday, the children were off school for an inset day, so we went to see the 4:30pm performance of The Gruffalo at The Lowry. Lawrence had forgotten to book the day off work and my parents were away on holiday, so I had to take both children by myself. That might not sound like a big thing, but I realised I hadn’t taken both Alice and Leo out on my own like that since they were in a pram. I’ve taken them out one-to-one, but not both together for a theatre trip using public transport. We left the house at around 3pm and got the tram to The Lowry. We had to get two trams to MediaCity and arrived at around 3:45pm. Before heading into the theatre, we went into the Lowry Outlet Mall to visit the Cadbury shop. I bought the children a bag of Mini Eggs each, which were on offer at two bags for £3, and I got a pick and mix filled with my favourite Roses chocolates, the strawberry and orange creams. We then headed into The Lowry and made our way round to the Quays Theatre. On the way, the children were handed free little programmes that folded out into a poster, which was a nice touch. When we arrived at the press desk, the children were each given a Gruffalo activity book, a carton of juice and a little bag with activity sheets and crayons inside. We sat down at one of the tables while they worked on their activities and drank their juice before the auditorium opened. At around 4:15pm, we headed inside and found our seats in the stalls, Row G, seats 13–16. The view was excellent. Leo originally said he didn’t want a booster seat, but once someone sat in front of him he changed his mind, so I went and got one from near the stalls door. The show itself was fantastic. It was fun, funny and such a lovely family theatre trip. Alice and Leo both really enjoyed it and it was a great show to take them to on their inset day. Afterwards, we went to the main bar area because I had been given a drinks voucher, although the Quays bar wasn’t open. I got a lemonade while the children played with the little toy kitchen they have in the bar. I had hoped we might be able to get some food there, but they stop serving food at 4pm when there aren’t any evening shows on, so we headed home instead. We got the tram home at around 6:30pm and arrived back around 7:15pm. Once we were home, I made dinner and let the children play for a little while before bedtime. 👉 You can read more about our trip to see The Gruffalo HERE. ✍️ Reviews, Reels & Catching Up On Saturday, I spent most of the day writing my review for The Gruffalo. I also worked on creating reels for both The Gruffalo and the High School Musical press launch, so it ended up being another content-heavy day at home. It always feels good once the posts and social media content are finished, especially after a busy week of theatre trips and filming. 🎬 Toy Story 5 Cinema Trip On Sunday, Lawrence had the day off work, so we took the children to see Toy Story 5. We went to the Odeon in Manchester because it’s the only cinema Alice will really go to. She doesn’t like the recliner chairs that most cinemas seem to have now and refuses to sit on them, so the city centre Odeon works much better for us. It’s also much cheaper than the Trafford Centre Odeon, and it cost just £20.36 for all four of us for the 2pm showing, which I thought was really good value. We got the tram into town at around 1pm and arrived at Deansgate-Castlefield at around 1:20pm. As we were early, we popped into Sainsbury’s across the road to buy some drinks before heading into the cinema. Once we arrived, we bought popcorn because Alice absolutely loves getting popcorn at the cinema, then headed into Screen 4 to find our seats. The film finished around 3:55pm and we all absolutely loved it. Afterwards, we walked up to Market Street and went to the food court for dinner. I got KFC and everyone else chose McDonald’s before we walked to Piccadilly Gardens to get the tram home. We got home just after 6pm and then finished the evening watching The Wild Robot before bathing the children and getting them ready for bed. 💜 Final Thoughts Overall, this was such a lovely week with a really nice mix of theatre, family time and a little bit of work behind the scenes too. The High School Musical press launch was definitely a highlight for me, especially getting to hear the performances and see the creative team bring East High to life at The Lowry. I was also really proud of myself for taking both children to see The Gruffalo on my own. It felt like a big step, especially travelling by tram and managing everything without Lawrence or my parents there to help. Finishing the week with Toy Story 5 felt like the perfect family day out, especially as the children have been so excited about the film. It was one of those weeks that felt busy but full of really lovely memories. 🎥 Watch Our Weekly Vlog This week’s vlog includes the High School Musical press launch at The Lowry, our lunch and shopping trip at the Trafford Centre, our family theatre trip to see The Gruffalo and our cinema trip to watch Toy Story 5. You can watch the full vlog below and come along with us for another week of family adventures.

Magic Gareth's Balloonatic – A Magical Family Theatre Trip at Z-arts On Saturday 6th June, we headed to Z-arts Manchester to see Magic Gareth's Balloonatic at the 2pm performance. This wasn't our first stop of the day though. Earlier in the afternoon we had been attending a family event at HOME Manchester, so once that finished we made our way across to Z-arts. Getting between the two venues was surprisingly easy. We caught the 256 bus from just around the corner from HOME at around 1:15pm and arrived at Z-arts at approximately 1:20pm. The two venues are only around a 15-minute walk apart, but as we already had bus tickets and Alice and Leo love riding on the bus, we decided to hop on rather than walk. One of the things I really like about Z-arts is how family-friendly the whole venue feels. Because we had arrived so early, we headed downstairs to the play area where Alice and Leo immediately made a beeline for the giant red bus. It's one of their favourite things about visiting Z-arts and they happily spent time climbing inside, pretending to drive and exploring before the show. By around 1:50pm we headed upstairs to see whether the auditorium was open yet and arrived just as staff were opening the doors. Our Seats at Z-arts Manchester 🎭 We were seated in Row E, Seats 15–18, which gave us a fantastic central view of the stage. One thing I've always liked about the theatre space at Z-arts is how well raked the seating is. Even with younger children sitting behind adults, everyone can still see comfortably over the heads in front. The stage itself looked colourful and inviting before the show began, with props, magic boxes and a large projection screen helping build anticipation. As the audience took their seats, funny animations and graphics played on the screen, including social media references and jokes that kept both children and adults entertained while we waited for the performance to begin. The atmosphere felt excited and relaxed, with lots of children chatting excitedly about what might happen during the show. The Show 🎈 The show began with a wonderfully silly voiceover explaining that Gareth had gained his magical powers after being bitten by a radioactive unicorn. That opening immediately set the tone for the fun and chaos that followed. Rather than telling a traditional story, Magic Gareth's Balloonatic is a fast-paced mix of magic, comedy, balloons and audience participation. There is always something happening, whether it's a magic trick, a visual gag, a balloon creation or an audience challenge, which meant the children around us remained completely engaged throughout. One thing that stood out was how good Gareth was at interacting with the audience. Throughout the performance he invited several children onto the stage to help with tricks and activities, but he also involved a few adults as well, which helped make the experience feel genuinely family-focused rather than simply a children's show. Even quieter children around us gradually became more confident about joining in and shouting out answers as the performance went on. My favourite moment was definitely the floating table illusion. It genuinely looked impossible from where we were sitting and had the whole audience completely captivated. Alice's favourite moment was when Gareth somehow managed to get a giant green balloon over his head, which she found absolutely hilarious. Leo was also fascinated by the floating table and spent much of the journey home talking about how he thought it might work. Meanwhile Lawrence's favourite moment involved Gareth swallowing one of the long modelling balloons like a sword swallower, which had the audience laughing and cringing in equal measure. Towards the end of the show, giant balloons were released into the audience and suddenly the theatre became a sea of bouncing balloons, laughter and excited children. For a few minutes it felt less like a theatre performance and more like one huge family celebration. The performance lasted around an hour with no interval and finished shortly before 3pm. After the Show 🎁 Afterwards, Gareth set up a merchandise stand in the foyer. Unfortunately we exited through the opposite side of the auditorium from where the stand was located and by the time we reached it there was already quite a large queue, so I wasn't able to get close enough to see everything that was available. During the show Gareth mentioned that he would be selling his book and magic wand slap bands, so I know those were available, although there may have been other items on sale too. As we had tickets for the Z-arts Access Day, our afternoon didn't finish when Balloonatic ended. Instead, we stayed at Z-arts and spent the rest of the afternoon exploring Adventures in Wonderland, where Alice and Leo had lots of fun before we eventually caught the bus home at around 4pm. Final Thoughts ✨ Overall, Magic Gareth's Balloonatic was a really enjoyable family afternoon and a great example of the kind of show that works just as well for adults as it does for children. The combination of magic, comedy, audience participation and balloon-based silliness kept the children entertained throughout, while Gareth's quick wit and easy-going stage presence ensured there was plenty for grown-ups to enjoy too. Alice, Leo and Lawrence all came away with completely different favourite moments, which probably says a lot about how much variety the show packs into its hour-long runtime. If your family enjoys interactive shows, visual magic and plenty of opportunities to laugh together, Magic Gareth's Balloonatic is definitely worth looking out for when it visits a venue near you. 🎈 A colourful, chaotic and thoroughly entertaining family show packed with magic, laughter and balloon-filled fun. 🎈 More Information About Magic Gareth's Balloonatic 🎈 Magic Gareth's Balloonatic is recommended for ages 5+ and has a running time of approximately 55 minutes with no interval. Tickets for our performance were £10, with discounts available for Bright Sparks and M15 members. For more information about the show and to find out where it will be visiting on tour, visit the official Balloonatic website. If you'd like to read my more theatre-focused review, you can also head over to All About Theatre. If you're looking for more fantastic family-friendly events, it's also worth taking a look at the Z-arts website to see what's coming up. From theatre shows and creative workshops to seasonal family activities and Adventures in Wonderland, there's always something fun happening for children and families to enjoy. 🎥 Watch Our Visit in Weekly Vlog #456 If you’d like to see what I got up to during my trip to see Balloonatic you can watch it in Weekly Vlog #456. Our trip to the show begins at 05:00 in the video, although the vlog also includes some other family moments from our week. 🎭 At a Glance 📍 Venue: Z-arts Manchester 📅 Date: Saturday 6th June 2026 ⏰ Performance Time: 2pm ⌛ Running Time: Approximately 55–60 minutes ☕ Interval: None 👶 Recommended Age: 5+ 🎟️ Tickets: £10 (discounts available for Bright Sparks & M15 members) 💺 Our Seats: Row E Seats 15–18 👀 Seat View: Excellent central view with well-raked seating 🚌 Travel: Easily accessible by bus, tram and train. The 256 and 263 buses stop almost directly outside the venue, while Deansgate-Castlefield tram stop and Deansgate railway station are both around a 15-minute walk away. ☕ Food & Drink: Ground floor café serving sandwiches, locally sourced cakes, fair trade coffee, tea, ice creams (including vegan options), vegan and gluten-free choices, plus Kids Picnic Boxes (£4.75). 📚 Library: Children's library and reading area available inside the venue. 🎁 Gift Shop: On-site gift shop selling books, craft kits, puzzles, cards, souvenirs and pocket-money treats. 🧸 Pre-Show Fun: Giant red bus play area at Z-arts 🛍️ Merchandise: Magic Gareth book and magic wand slap bands available after the show 🌍 Tour Dates: Visit the official Balloonatic website for future venues and dates *Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review Watch The Trailer

Something Rotten at Manchester Opera House On Wednesday 17th June 2026, I headed into Manchester to see Something Rotten at Manchester Opera House. I'd heard theatre fans talking about this musical for years and had seen countless people hoping it would eventually make its way to the UK. Despite all the excitement surrounding it, I'd somehow managed to avoid finding out too much about the plot beforehand. Apart from knowing it involved Shakespeare and featured lots of musical theatre references, I went in almost completely blind. Honestly, I think that was probably the best way to experience it. A Night At The Theatre I actually left home much later than I normally would for a theatre trip. Usually I'm already at the theatre by around 6:30pm, but recently I've been struggling quite a bit with anxiety and, if I'm honest, I've found some of my solo theatre trips harder than usual. It took me a little longer than normal to convince myself to leave the house and I also didn't particularly want to spend ages standing around on my own before the show started. I eventually caught the tram into Manchester at 6:35pm, arriving at St Peter's Square at around 6:50pm before making the short walk up to Manchester Opera House. I arrived at the theatre at 6:58pm, which actually turned out to be perfect timing. I had enough time to take a few photos and videos outside before heading inside. Being only the second preview performance, there was already a real buzz around the theatre. You could tell there were plenty of musical theatre fans in attendance, many of whom had been waiting years to finally see Something Rotten! arrive in the UK. Merchandise Before taking my seat, I had a look at the merchandise stand to see what was available. The merchandise on sale at this performance included: I Hate Shakespeare T-Shirt – £30 Bard T-Shirt – £30 Renaissance Hoodie – £55 Amazing Musical Tote Bag – £20 Wooden Magnet – £9 Bard Keyring – £12 Pin Badge – £9 Bottoms Up Mug – £20 I ended up buying a programme and a wooden magnet as a souvenir from the evening, which came to £17 altogether. My Seat At Manchester Opera House For this performance I was seated in the Circle, Row D, Seat 10. The seat was slightly off to one side rather than being completely central, but the view was excellent. The rake in the Circle is really good, which meant I could easily see over the person sitting in front of me and had no problems with sightlines throughout the performance. From this height I also felt like I got a fantastic view of the staging and choreography, particularly during some of the larger ensemble numbers. The only downside was that the Circle seats are a little more compact than those in the Stalls. Leg room is slightly tighter and the seats are closer together, so when the row is full it can feel a little cramped. As this was a preview performance, I managed to get a particularly good deal on my ticket. I believe this seat would normally cost around £60, which I still think would offer very good value given the quality of the view. The performance started at 7:30pm and finished at around 10:10pm. Act One lasted approximately 80 minutes, followed by a 20-minute interval, with Act Two running for around 60 minutes. The Story & My Thoughts 🎭 Set in the late 1500s, Something Rotten! follows brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom, two struggling playwrights trying to make a name for themselves in a world completely dominated by William Shakespeare. While Shakespeare enjoys celebrity status and sells out theatres across London, the Bottom brothers find themselves desperately searching for an idea that will finally bring them success. When Nick seeks advice from a soothsayer named Nostradamus, he learns that the future of theatre involves something called a musical. Hoping to get ahead of Shakespeare, Nick attempts to discover what the Bard's greatest future masterpiece will be so he can write it first. Unfortunately, things don't quite go according to plan. What follows is one of the most ridiculous, chaotic and genuinely funny stories I've seen on stage in a very long time. Without giving too much away, let's just say eggs become surprisingly important. From the moment the show began, it was clear this wasn't going to be a traditional musical. The script is packed with jokes, puns, visual gags and clever references that come so quickly you almost don't have time to recover from one laugh before the next arrives. There were several moments throughout the evening where audience laughter completely drowned out the following line because people were still reacting to the previous joke. What impressed me most was how well the humour worked for a British audience. Although the show originally premiered on Broadway, it feels perfectly suited to UK audiences. The comedy has a wonderfully silly, almost pantomime-style energy at times while still managing to be incredibly clever. The show is also a complete love letter to musical theatre. References to famous musicals are woven throughout the entire production and theatre fans will undoubtedly spot far more than I managed during a single viewing. However, what I really appreciated was that you don't need to understand every reference to enjoy yourself. Even if you've never seen another musical before, the story and characters are funny enough to stand on their own. In fact, I honestly can't remember the last time I laughed this much at a musical. The Music, Staging & Performances 🎶 Musically, Something Rotten! is an absolute joy. The score has a classic Broadway feel, packed with memorable melodies, huge ensemble numbers and songs that stay in your head long after the curtain comes down. The standout number for me was undoubtedly A Musical. The song sees Nostradamus attempting to explain the concept of musicals to a thoroughly confused Nick Bottom and it quickly becomes one of the funniest sequences I've ever seen in a theatre. Every time I thought the number had reached its peak, another joke arrived and somehow made it even funnier. I also loved Hard To Be The Bard, which gives Shakespeare an opportunity to showcase his enormous ego, while the increasingly ridiculous Omelette storyline builds towards some of the funniest scenes of the entire evening. Visually, the production looks fantastic. The detailed Elizabethan set creates a lively world packed with staircases, balconies and multiple levels, while the costumes perfectly capture the period setting while still allowing the comedy to shine through. The choreography is equally impressive, particularly during the larger ensemble numbers which regularly earned applause before they had even finished. This cast is packed with talent from top to bottom. Jason Manford is perfectly cast as Nick Bottom. The role suits his natural comedy style and he brings a warmth and likeability to the character that makes it impossible not to root for him. Cassius Hackforth is excellent as Nigel Bottom, bringing heart and sincerity to a character who could easily get lost amongst the larger personalities around him. Marisha Wallace is, as expected, vocally sensational as Bea. However, what surprised me most was just how funny she was. She gets some huge laughs throughout the evening while delivering powerhouse vocals with apparent ease. Cory English is fantastic as Nostradamus. His comic timing is impeccable and some of the biggest laughs of the evening came during his scenes. He fully embraces the absurdity of the role and clearly relishes every moment on stage. For me though, the standout performance of the night came from Richard Fleeshman as Shakespeare. His Shakespeare is arrogant, flamboyant, self-obsessed and utterly hilarious. Every entrance felt like an event and he commanded attention whenever he stepped onto the stage. It's one of those performances where you can tell the actor is having an incredible time, and that enjoyment transfers directly to the audience. Final Thoughts Something Rotten! is clever without being pretentious, packed with references without feeling inaccessible and consistently funny from start to finish. Whether you're a lifelong theatre fan or simply looking for a fun night out, there's a very good chance you'll find something to enjoy here. It's gloriously silly, wonderfully self-aware and completely embraces the ridiculousness of its own premise. By the time the curtain came down, I completely understood why so many theatre fans have spent years hoping for a UK production. I left Manchester Opera House with a huge smile on my face and found myself still thinking about some of the jokes on the journey home. It's one of those shows that reminds you just how much fun live theatre can be when it doesn't take itself too seriously. I would happily book to see it again. A hilarious love letter to musical theatre that had me laughing harder than any show I've seen in years. More Information Something Rotten! is playing at Manchester Opera House until Sunday 19th July 2026. For tickets and show information, visit the official Something Rotten! website. If you'd like to read my more theatre-focused review, you can also head over to All About Theatre. 🎥 Watch My Theatre Trip in Weekly Vlog #457 If you’d like to see what I got up to during my trip to see Something Rotten! you can watch it in Weekly Vlog #457. My trip to the show begins at 11:09 in the video, although the vlog also includes some other family moments from our week. At a Glance 📍 Venue: Manchester Opera House 📅 Manchester Run: Until Sunday 19th July 2026 ⏱️ Runtime: Approx. 2 hours 40 minutes including interval ☕ Interval: 20 minutes 👤 Age Guidance: Under 4s not permitted. Recommended 8+ due to some bawdy humour and language 🎭 Genre: Musical Comedy 🎵 Features Songs Including: A Musical, Hard To Be The Bard, Welcome to the Renaissance and Make an Omelette 🛍️ Merchandise Available: T-Shirts, Hoodies, Tote Bags, Mugs, Magnets, Keyrings and Pin Badges 📖 Programme Available: Yes ♿ Accessibility: Accessible performances available on selected dates 🚋 Travel: Easily accessible by tram, bus and train 🚊 Closest Tram Stop: St Peter's Square 🚆 Closest Train Station: Manchester Oxford Road 🚗 Parking: Several city centre car parks are available within walking distance 🔗 Official Website: Visit the official Something Rotten! website for show information Watch The Trailer

Family Weekly Update This week felt like a bit of a return to normal after spending so much time recently catching up on blog posts, videos and theatre reviews. Monday was a fairly quiet day at home. I spent most of the day editing the latest weekly vlog and writing up last week's Family Weekly Update. As anyone who follows my blog regularly will know, there always seems to be another video to edit or blog post to write, so it was nice to have a day to catch up on some admin before the rest of the week got busy. A Shopping Trip Into Manchester On Tuesday, Lawrence had the day off work, so after dropping the children off at school we decided to get the tram into Manchester for a bit of shopping. Our first stop was Manchester Arndale. Lawrence wanted to look for some new work shoes in Shoezone, so while he was doing that I headed into The Entertainer for a browse. I'm glad I did because I managed to find some of the Super Mario Hot Wheels cars that Alice and Leo had been looking for. I picked up Peach, Rosalina and Bowser Jr and was quite pleased with myself. When I met back up with Lawrence, he decided he wanted to have a look in The Entertainer too, so we ended up going back inside. This turned out to be a good thing because we found even more of the collection and ended up buying Red Yoshi and Baby Mario as well. They also had Toy Story 5 wrapping paper in stock. Alice has already informed me that she wants a Toy Story 5 themed birthday party in December, so although it might seem a little early, I decided to buy it while I had the chance. Experience has taught me that if I leave these things until closer to the time, they often disappear from the shelves. While paying, I was also tempted by a special offer on a Lotso plush and managed to add that to my basket as well. Afterwards we had a quick look around B&M but didn't find anything we wanted before heading over to Primark. As always, my favourite part of Primark was the Disney section. There was so much new Disney stock in that I ended up filming a Disney Come Shop With Me video for YouTube while I was there. I was very tempted by a reduced Bambi bag which had been marked down to £6, but unfortunately the strap was a little too short for me so I reluctantly left it behind. We did manage to find a few bargains for the children though. Leo got a Pokémon sweatshirt along with a Super Mario sweatshirt and jogging bottoms, all reduced to half price. Lawrence and I also picked up some phone straps ready for our upcoming London trip, and I found a My Chemical Romance t-shirt which I thought would make a nice Father's Day gift for him. Before heading home, we made one final stop at Krispy Kreme. I had a voucher for 12 doughnuts for £12 and Alice had been asking if we could get some, so it seemed rude not to. We arrived home just in time to collect the children from school, who were absolutely delighted with both the doughnuts and the new Super Mario cars. A Solo Theatre Trip To See Something Rotten! Wednesday morning was spent catching up on some housework before I headed into Manchester in the evening to see Something Rotten! at Manchester Opera House. If I'm honest, I nearly talked myself out of going. My anxiety has been quite bad recently and I've found some of my solo theatre trips harder than usual. Normally I'd arrive at the theatre nice and early, but this time I left much later than I usually would because I spent far too long trying to convince myself to leave the house. In the end, I caught the tram into Manchester and arrived at the theatre just before 7pm. Ironically, my later arrival turned out to be perfect timing. I still had enough time to take a few photos outside, browse the merchandise stand and find my seat before the performance started. I bought a programme and a wooden magnet as souvenirs and then settled into my seat in the Circle. The show itself was absolutely hilarious. Without turning this into a full review, it was honestly one of the funniest musicals I've seen in years. More importantly, I was really proud of myself for going. When anxiety is telling you to stay at home, even something you normally enjoy can feel difficult. By the time I left the theatre at the end of the evening, I was so glad I had pushed myself to go. Sometimes the things we worry about the most turn out to be the things we enjoy the most. 👉 You can read more about my visit and shorter review HERE Housework, Blogging & More Theatre Thursday was another fairly productive day. I spent some time catching up on housework and started working on a few new blog posts. That evening, Lawrence went to see Something Rotten! himself and he came home saying how much he had enjoyed it too. It's always nice when we both end up loving the same show. Father's Day Shopping On Friday, Lawrence was off work again, so we headed to some of our local shops to pick up Father's Day cards and presents. We stopped at Home Bargains where I found some Father's Day cards and chocolates for Lawrence's gift. We also picked up some handheld fans ready for our London trip. Afterwards we headed to Aldi to do a food shop before returning home. The rest of the afternoon was spent working on blog posts. One thing people often don't realise is how long blog writing can take me. I have dyslexia and dyspraxia, which means it takes me longer to process information and organise my thoughts. When I was at university I received 50% extra time in exams because it simply took me longer to complete written work. I genuinely love writing and creating content, but it's not unusual for a single blog post to take me most of the day to finish. It's one of the reasons I always appreciate everyone who takes the time to read, comment and support what I create. Alice's School Fair & An Early Father's Day Meal Saturday was Alice's school fair. The children had an absolutely brilliant time and spent most of the morning bouncing between the different inflatables. There were two traditional bouncy castles along with an obstacle course inflatable that ended with a slide, and I don't think Alice and Leo stopped moving for the entire time we were there. Of course, no school fair is complete without ice cream. I chose strawberry sauce on mine, Alice went for chocolate sauce and Leo picked an Oreo ice cream. Lawrence didn't get one because he already knew what would happen. Sure enough, the children only managed about half of theirs and he ended up finishing the leftovers. We also treated the children to a cookie each before heading off. We couldn't stay all afternoon because we had a table booked at Coppice Wood Farm for an early Father's Day meal. My parents and my brother joined us and we all enjoyed a lovely family lunch together. The children always enjoy visiting because of the play area and they happily disappeared off to play while the adults chatted. The food was lovely and it was nice to spend some time together before Father's Day. A Relaxing Father's Day Sunday was Father's Day. The children gave Lawrence his cards and presents in the morning and he was really pleased with everything they had chosen for him. Because it was such a warm day, we decided to keep things simple and enjoy a relaxing day at home. We stayed in our pyjamas for most of the day, watched television, played games on the Nintendo Switch and generally enjoyed doing very little. While everyone else relaxed, I did spend some time editing this week's vlog and working on another blog post, but overall it was a much slower pace than we've had recently. Final Thoughts Looking back, this week was a nice mix of family time, theatre trips, blogging and getting organised for the weeks ahead. I was particularly proud of myself for making it to Something Rotten! despite feeling anxious beforehand, and it was lovely seeing how much fun Alice and Leo had at the school fair. Sometimes the quieter weeks end up being just as enjoyable as the busy ones. With London coming up soon and plenty more theatre trips already booked, I don't think things will stay quiet for long though! 🎥 Watch Our Weekly Vlog From shopping in Manchester to seeing Something Rotten! at Manchester Opera House, Alice's school fair and our Father's Day celebrations, it's been another busy week. You can watch the full vlog below.

Why We Returned To Mabledon Court Hotel We've stayed at Mabledon Court Hotel several times over the years and previously reviewed it very positively thanks to its friendly family-run atmosphere, convenient Bloomsbury location and excellent value for money. When we booked a Deluxe Double Room at Mabledon Court Hotel for another London theatre break at the end of June 2025, we were looking forward to returning to a hotel we'd genuinely enjoyed before. Our one-night stay cost £175.50 including breakfast and, since our last visit, the hotel had undergone significant changes, including refurbished rooms and ongoing renovation work. In this Mabledon Court Hotel review, I'll be sharing our experience staying in a recently refurbished Deluxe Double Room, looking at the room itself, the breakfast offering, the ongoing renovations and whether we'd still recommend the hotel today. As theatre lovers, our trips to London are usually packed with West End shows, meaning we spend very little time in our hotel room beyond sleeping and getting ready for the next performance. That's why location and value for money have always been more important to us than luxury facilities. Hotel Location One thing that hasn't changed about Mabledon Court Hotel is its excellent location. Situated in Bloomsbury, the hotel remains around a 10-minute walk from Euston Station and within easy reach of King's Cross and St Pancras. For theatre lovers like us, it's also within walking distance of many West End theatres, making it a convenient base for a London theatre break. The British Museum, Russell Square and numerous restaurants and cafés are all nearby, while Oxford Street can be reached on foot if you enjoy exploring the city as much as we do. For short London stays focused on theatre, sightseeing and attractions rather than spending time in the hotel itself, the location continues to be one of the property's biggest strengths. Check-In and First Impressions Check-in was quick and straightforward, and the member of staff working at reception was friendly and welcoming. One thing that hasn't changed is the hotel's luggage storage service. We arrived before check-in and were able to leave our bags safely at reception while we headed off to our first theatre show of the trip. After checking out the following day, we were also able to leave our luggage at the hotel while we explored London and attended a matinee performance before catching our train home. For theatre-goers and visitors wanting to make the most of their time in the city, this remains a very useful service. However, it quickly became clear that the hotel was undergoing significant renovation work. While refurbishment can ultimately improve a property, we were surprised that the work hadn't been mentioned when we booked. As we made our way through the hotel, we encountered unfinished walls, exposed wiring and visible construction work in some of the corridors and communal areas. The guest lounge that had previously been available during our earlier stays was also being used to store renovation materials and therefore wasn't accessible during our visit. The work didn't prevent us from enjoying our stay, but it did have a noticeable impact on the overall atmosphere and first impression of the hotel. The Room For this stay we booked a Deluxe Double Room and, in many ways, the room itself was the highlight of our visit. In fact, this was probably the nicest room we've stayed in at Mabledon Court Hotel. The room had clearly been recently refurbished and felt far more modern than the rooms we remembered from previous visits. While still compact, the layout made good use of the available space. The room included: Double bed En-suite bathroom Television Free Wi-Fi Desk and chair Safe Tea and coffee-making facilities Wardrobe space Fan Hairdryer The décor felt contemporary, with neutral tones, modern furnishings and a much more up-to-date appearance than the hotel's older rooms. The desk area provided plenty of space for charging devices and getting ready, while the large upholstered headboard and modern furniture gave the room a more premium feel. Like many central London hotels, space was limited, but for a one-night theatre break it provided everything we needed. One thing worth noting is that the room does not have air conditioning. A fan was provided, which helped during our stay, but the room was still noticeably warm due to the hot weather. Guests visiting during the summer months may want to bear this in mind when booking. Despite being compact, the room never felt uncomfortable for a one-night stay. We spent very little time there beyond sleeping and getting ready, but it provided everything we needed for our theatre trip. The bed was comfortable, the room felt clean and fresh, and the recent refurbishment gave it a much more modern feel than the rooms we had stayed in previously. Although the room had clearly been refurbished, there were still small signs that finishing touches were outstanding. Opposite the bathroom, near the light switches, there was a small hole in the wall through which cabling was visible. I can't say what the cable was for, but it did add to the feeling that the hotel was still very much mid-renovation during our stay. Overall, the room was clean, comfortable and well presented, and it was clear that the refurbishment programme has significantly improved the accommodation itself. The Bathroom The bathroom was another area that had clearly benefited from the renovations. Finished with modern tiling throughout, it felt bright, fresh and considerably more contemporary than the bathrooms we remembered from previous stays. Facilities included: Walk-in shower Toilet Sink Mirror Towels Toiletries The shower enclosure was modern and easy to use, and everything appeared clean and well maintained. Of all the improvements we noticed during our stay, the bathroom was probably one of the most impressive. Renovation Work As returning guests, this was perhaps the biggest change we noticed. During our previous stays, Mabledon Court Hotel felt like a cosy family-run hotel with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This time, the ongoing renovation work was impossible to ignore. In the corridors we encountered exposed wiring, unfinished walls, missing fixtures and construction materials. Some areas were clearly still a work in progress, creating a very different first impression from the hotel we remembered. We also noticed a small unfinished area inside our room, which reinforced the feeling that the renovation work was still ongoing. The contrast between the newly refurbished bedroom and the unfinished communal areas was quite striking. Hopefully, once the renovation programme is complete, the rest of the hotel will reflect the same standard as the refurbished rooms. Breakfast Breakfast was included in the room rate and represented another significant change from our previous visits. When we stayed in 2022 and 2023, guests could choose between a cooked breakfast and continental options. Staff were present throughout breakfast service, taking order slips, bringing toast to tables and offering tea and coffee. It felt personal, friendly and very much in keeping with the family-run atmosphere of the hotel. This time, breakfast was continental only and entirely self-service. The selection included: Cereals Bread for toasting Croissants and pastries Cheese Cold meats Yoghurts Fresh fruit Jams and spreads Tea and coffee Fruit juice There was enough choice for a simple breakfast before heading out to explore London, and everything we tried was perfectly enjoyable. What stood out more was the difference in atmosphere. During breakfast there were no staff present in the dining room and, apart from the receptionist, we didn't encounter any other members of staff throughout our stay. The breakfast itself wasn't bad, but it felt much more basic than the service we had enjoyed on previous visits. Overall Thoughts Looking back on our latest stay at Mabledon Court Hotel, the biggest improvements were undoubtedly the refurbished rooms. This is quite a difficult review to write because, in many ways, the hotel is both better and worse than it used to be. The room itself was undoubtedly an improvement. Our Deluxe Double Room was modern, comfortable and well refurbished, while the bathroom felt fresh, contemporary and significantly upgraded from previous stays. In fact, this was probably the nicest room we've experienced at Mabledon Court Hotel. The refurbishment has created a more modern and comfortable space, and it's clear that money has been invested in upgrading the accommodation. At the same time, many of the qualities that originally made us recommend the hotel seem to have changed. The family-run atmosphere that we previously loved felt largely absent. The staff we did meet were friendly and helpful, but there was very little staff presence elsewhere in the hotel. The breakfast service had been simplified considerably, and the ongoing renovation work affected some of the communal areas. As returning guests, the biggest thing we noticed wasn't the physical changes to the building but the change in atmosphere. That doesn't mean Mabledon Court Hotel is a bad hotel. The location remains excellent, the refurbished rooms are a genuine improvement, and the staff we encountered were friendly and helpful. However, it no longer feels quite like the warm, family-run hotel we remembered from previous stays. Instead, it feels like a hotel in transition. Once the renovation work is complete, it will be interesting to see whether some of that character returns alongside the improved accommodation. Who Is This Hotel Best For? I would particularly recommend Mabledon Court Hotel for: Theatre-goers visiting London Visitors arriving via Euston or King's Cross Couples looking for a convenient central London base Short city breaks Travellers who prioritise location over hotel facilities If you're looking for a luxury hotel with extensive facilities, this probably won't be the right choice. However, if you need a well-located place to stay within walking distance of major transport links and many London attractions, it remains a practical option. Would I Stay Here Again? Possibly, but my answer isn't quite as straightforward as it would have been a few years ago. If I were choosing purely based on location, I'd certainly consider returning. The hotel remains within easy walking distance of Euston Station, King's Cross and many West End theatres, making it extremely convenient for the type of trips we enjoy. The refurbished Deluxe Double Room was also the best room we've experienced at the hotel, and it's encouraging to see investment being made in the accommodation itself. However, what made us return previously wasn't just the location or the rooms – it was the atmosphere. During our earlier stays, Mabledon Court Hotel felt welcoming, personal and genuinely family-run. Unfortunately, that was the aspect of the experience that felt most noticeably different during our latest visit. For first-time visitors, the renovated rooms and excellent location may be enough to make Mabledon Court Hotel a good choice for a short London stay. Returning guests, however, should be aware that the experience currently feels quite different from the hotel many of us remember. I'd be interested to return once the renovation work is complete to see how the hotel develops. For now, I'd describe it as a hotel with plenty of potential that is still very much a work in progress. If you're booking because of older reviews describing a cosy family-run atmosphere and cooked breakfast service, it's worth knowing that the experience has changed significantly in recent years. Hotel Information At A Glance Hotel: Mabledon Court Hotel Location: Bloomsbury, London Room Type: Deluxe Double Room Price Paid: £175.50 for one night (including breakfast) Breakfast: Continental breakfast included Free Wi-Fi: Yes Air Conditioning: No (fan provided) 24-Hour Reception: Yes Luggage Storage: Yes (available before check-in and after check-out) Lift: Yes Distance from King's Cross St Pancras: Approximately 5 minutes' walk Distance from Euston Station: Approximately 10 minutes' walk Distance from West End Theatres: Approximately 20-30 minutes' walk British Museum: Approximately 15-20 minutes' walk Renovation Work: Ongoing during our stay Watch My Full Room Tour & Review As part of this Mabledon Court Hotel review, I've also included my full room tour and hotel review video below, where you can see the refurbished room, breakfast offering and ongoing renovation work for yourself.

Mabledon Court Hotel Review When Lawrence and I visited London for our anniversary, we wanted somewhere affordable, comfortable and within walking distance of the West End theatres. As theatre lovers, our trips to London are usually packed with shows, so we rarely spend much time in our hotel room. Since we were planning to spend most of our time watching theatre and exploring the city, we were far more interested in location and value for money than luxury facilities. In this Mabledon Court Hotel Review, I'll be sharing my experience staying in a Standard Double Room at this family-run hotel in Bloomsbury, London, during an anniversary theatre break. After searching around and finding many London hotels surprisingly expensive, we booked a Standard Double Room at the Mabledon Court Hotel in Bloomsbury. We paid £121.50 for one night, including breakfast. Hotel Location One of the biggest selling points of the Mabledon Court Hotel is its location. The hotel is situated in Bloomsbury, just a short 10-minute walk from Euston Station, making it incredibly convenient if you're arriving in London by train. It was also around a 20-minute walk to the West End theatres we were visiting, meaning we didn't need to worry about navigating the Underground after a late-night performance. During our stay we also walked to Oxford Street to visit the Disney Store, which took around 30 minutes, and the British Library is only around a 10-minute walk away. The hotel itself was easy to spot thanks to its attractive frontage, complete with flower displays above the entrance, which gave it a welcoming feel from the moment we arrived. For the type of London trips we enjoy, where we're spending most of our time watching shows and exploring the city, the location really couldn't have been much better. Check-In and First Impressions Although check-in officially starts at 1pm, we arrived much earlier in the day as we already had theatre plans. The hotel offers a luggage storage service, allowing us to leave our bags safely at reception while we headed off to enjoy our first show. When we returned later that evening, checking in was quick and straightforward. By that point it was around 11pm and we'd already had a full day of travelling and theatre-going, so we were grateful that the process was so simple. The staff throughout our stay were friendly, welcoming and helpful. The Mabledon Court Hotel is a family-run hotel, and there was a warm, personal atmosphere from the moment we arrived. Everyone we spoke to was pleasant, and nothing seemed too much trouble. Although we only stayed for one night, the friendly service helped make the hotel feel welcoming and comfortable, which is something that can sometimes be missing from larger chain hotels. The following day, after checking out, we were also able to leave our luggage at the hotel until it was time to catch our train home that evening. This was incredibly useful as it meant we could continue exploring London without having to drag our bags around with us all day. The Room Our Standard Double Room was certainly compact, but that was exactly what we expected from a budget hotel in central London. As you entered the room, there was a small desk area with a chair, telephone, mirror and wall-mounted hairdryer. Tea and coffee-making facilities were also provided, including a kettle, mugs, tea bags and milk portions. The room included: Double bed En-suite bathroom Television Free Wi-Fi Telephone Hairdryer Tea and coffee-making facilities Wardrobe Desk and chair There was also a small wardrobe for hanging clothes, although as we were only staying for one night, we didn't bother unpacking. The room was definitely on the small side, but it was clean, tidy and well laid out. We arrived back at the hotel late in the evening after spending the day out in London and left again early the following morning, so all we really needed was somewhere comfortable to sleep. If you're planning a longer stay or prefer a spacious hotel room where you can relax during the day, you may find it a little small. However, for a short theatre break or overnight stay, it worked perfectly well for us. The Bathroom The en-suite bathroom was compact but functional. Inside there was: Shower Toilet Sink Mirror Towels Soap Shampoo Conditioner The shower cubicle was quite small, but everything was clean and well maintained. One thing I particularly liked was that the room had its own private bathroom. Some budget hotels in London still have shared facilities, so having an en-suite bathroom included was a definite plus. Breakfast Breakfast was included in the room price and was served in the hotel's dining room between 7:30am and 9:00am. The breakfast room itself was bright, clean and well maintained, providing a pleasant place to start the day before heading out into London. There was a good amount of choice available for a budget hotel. Guests could help themselves to cereals, fruit, yoghurts, fruit juice, tea and coffee, while cooked breakfast items were selected using an order card. Options included scrambled or fried eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans and tomatoes, allowing guests to create their own Full English Breakfast. Toast was also available. I opted for cereal, toast, bacon and sausage, while Laurence chose a larger cooked breakfast. Everything was freshly prepared and arrived quickly. Considering breakfast was included in the room rate, we felt it offered excellent value and was a great way to start the day before heading back out to explore London. Overall Thoughts Looking back on this Mabledon Court Hotel Review, the biggest strengths of the hotel were its location, friendly staff and excellent value for money. The room was compact and that may not suit everyone, but for the type of trip we were taking it was exactly what we needed. The included breakfast, free Wi-Fi, luggage storage facilities and friendly staff all added to the overall value. What really stood out to us was the friendly atmosphere. Being a family-run hotel, it felt much more personal than some of the larger chain hotels we've stayed in, and the welcoming staff helped make our stay even more enjoyable. For us, the biggest advantage was the location. Being within walking distance of Euston Station and the West End theatres made our trip incredibly easy and stress-free. Finding affordable accommodation in central London can be difficult, especially during the summer months, so paying £121.50 including breakfast felt like very good value. Would I stay here again? Absolutely. In fact, if Laurence and I book another theatre break in London, I can see us returning. The location was perfect for the way we travel, and it provided everything we needed for an enjoyable overnight stay. Who Is This Hotel Best For? I would particularly recommend the Mabledon Court Hotel for: Theatre-goers visiting the West End Couples looking for a budget-friendly London break Visitors arriving via Euston Station Overnight stays and short city breaks Travellers who prioritise location and value over luxury facilities If you're looking for a luxury hotel with large rooms and extensive facilities, this probably won't be the right choice. However, if you want a clean, comfortable and affordable base in a great location, it's definitely worth considering. Hotel Information At A Glance Hotel: Mabledon Court Hotel Location: Bloomsbury, London Room Type: Standard Double Room Price Paid: £121.50 per night (including breakfast) Check-In: From 1pm Check-Out: 11am Breakfast: Included (Full English or Continental options) Free Wi-Fi: Yes Luggage Storage: Yes Distance from Euston Station: Approximately 10 minutes' walk Distance from West End Theatres: Approximately 20 minutes' walk Would I Recommend It? Yes. The Mabledon Court Hotel offers good value for money, a convenient location and everything needed for a short London stay. While the rooms are compact, they're clean, comfortable and ideal for theatre trips where you're spending most of your time out exploring the city. Watch My Full Room Tour & Review As part of this Mabledon Court Hotel Review, I've also included my full room tour and hotel review video below, where you can see the room, breakfast and facilities for yourself.