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On Wednesday 11th February, Lawrence, Alice (8) and I headed into the pouring Manchester rain for press night of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical at HOME Manchester — and it turned into such a fun, high-energy family theatre night. The show started at 7.30pm and runs for approximately 2 hours 10 minutes (including a 20-minute interval), with a recommended age of 8+, which felt absolutely right for Alice and the many excited young fans in the audience. ?? Our Evening at HOME Manchester After collecting our tickets, Alice immediately chose a large popcorn (£4 — because what’s theatre without popcorn?). We were invited upstairs to the second-floor guest area before the show, which was such a lovely touch. There were drinks available (red and white wine, orange juice and apple juice), a rail to hang our very wet coats — honestly a lifesaver — and a big screen showing promotional material for the venue and the production. At around 7.15pm we made our way down to the auditorium. We were seated in the stalls, Row F seats 13–15, and had an excellent central view. One thing I always notice at HOME Manchester is how comfortable it is — generous legroom, comfy seats and such helpful staff. We asked for a booster seat for Alice and one was brought over straight away. It immediately felt like we were in for a good night. The Story – Gods, Monsters and Finding Where You Belong Based on Rick Riordan’s bestselling novel, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical follows Percy Jackson — a teenager who’s never quite felt like he fits in. After a series of strange events, he discovers he is actually the son of Poseidon and is suddenly thrown into the world of Camp Half-Blood. Alongside Annabeth and Grover, Percy sets off on a quest to recover Zeus’ stolen lightning bolt and prevent a war among the gods. The story moves quickly, packed with humour, action and heart. Themes of friendship, identity and embracing what makes you different run right through it — and that message really resonated with the young audience around us. The industrial-style set transforms cleverly into different locations, and the lighting adds atmosphere without ever overwhelming the performers. It all works together to keep the adventure flowing smoothly. Performances That Brought It to Life Vasco Emauz leads the production confidently as Percy, bringing warmth and relatability to the role. You really feel Percy’s confusion, bravery and determination as his world turns upside down. Kayna Montecillo delivers a strong and assured Annabeth, balancing intelligence and strength beautifully. At this performance, the role of Grover was played by understudy Alex Anderton , who gave a fantastic performance with great vocals and a really engaging stage presence. Danny Beard, who has taken over the role of Mr D in 2026, is an absolute standout. With sharp comic timing and powerful vocals, he injects the show with energy and humour every time he appears on stage. The wider company — including Joseph Connor, Ellie-Grace Cousins, Paolo Micallef, Simone Robinson and Niall Sheehy — take on multiple roles with impressive clarity and enthusiasm, helping keep the pace lively throughout. The HOME Manchester Difference I actually saw this production last year at the Liverpool Empire and enjoyed it then — but I enjoyed it even more this time. HOME Manchester is a more intimate venue, and that closeness really benefits The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical . You feel nearer to the action, the humour lands more directly and the sound felt clearer and more immediate in this space, which really enhances the pop-rock score. Interval Ice Cream & Merch (Because These Things Matter!) In the interval we treated ourselves to ice cream — chocolate for Alice and mint choc chip for me (£7 for the two). We also browsed the merchandise stand. Available items included: Hoodie – £50 Camp Half-Blood T-shirt – £24 Cropped T-shirt – £24 Logo T-shirt (Adult) – £22 Logo T-shirt (Youth) – £18 Backpack – £28 Pens (price not listed at the time) There were no programmes available at this performance. Final Thoughts The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical at HOME Manchester is lively, funny and full of energy. It clearly connects with younger audiences while still offering enough wit and theatrical creativity for adults. While the final moments don’t quite reach the scale the build-up promises, the journey itself is packed with humour, heart and imagination. Alice especially loved the moment when foam rained down onto the audience — it completely surprised her and she thought it was brilliant. It’s little touches like that which make live theatre feel exciting and immersive for children. A fun, fast-paced mythological adventure that works especially well for families — and one that definitely leaves younger audience members smiling. If you’d like to read a more in-depth theatre-focused review of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical at HOME Manchester , you can find my full review over on All About Theatre   here: The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is at HOME Manchester until Saturday 21st February 2026. Tickets are available via the venue website . If you’d like more information about the show, you can also visit the official production website. Our tickets for this performance were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review.

My Night at the Theatre I headed to The Lowry on Tuesday 20th January for the press night of Murder at Midnight . I was actually supposed to be going with my mum, but she was unwell on the day, so instead I made my way to the theatre on my own. The performance took place in The Lowry’s Quays Theatre, with an 8.00pm start time, and even before the show began there was a real buzz in the auditorium. I collected my programme, found my seat and settled in for the evening. I was seated in the stalls, Row J, Seat 4, and I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better spot. I had an excellent view of the stage, plenty of leg room, and the seat itself was really comfortable — always a bonus for a longer show. With a running time of around 2 hours and 10 minutes including an interval, it felt like a full and satisfying night at the theatre without ever dragging. The Story (Without Spoilers) Murder at Midnight  is set on New Year’s Eve and opens after something has already gone very wrong. The police are on the scene, the house is in chaos, and you instantly know this is not a night that’s ended well. From there, the story rewinds to show how a group of very different people all ended up under the same roof. At the centre of it all is Jonny, a gangster known as “The Cyclops”, who arrives home unexpectedly to surprise his girlfriend Lisa and his mum Shirley. What follows is a collision of secrets, disguises, misunderstandings and very bad timing. There’s an undercover policeman trying to get close to Lisa, a burglar in a clown mask who is completely out of his depth, and several characters just trying to survive the night as everything slowly spirals out of control. Rather than being a traditional whodunnit, the play is much more about watching the chaos unfold and seeing just how spectacularly things can go wrong as midnight approaches. The Set & Atmosphere One of the things I loved most about this production was the set. The split-level design means you’re watching action take place across multiple rooms at once, with characters narrowly missing each other or overhearing conversations they really shouldn’t. From my seat in the stalls, it was really easy to take everything in and follow what was happening across the different levels. By the interval, it was already clear that the audience were completely on board. There was plenty of laughter, a few shocked gasps, and that lovely sense of shared experience you get when everyone around you is fully engaged in what’s unfolding on stage. The Performances The cast fully commit to the madness of this piece, which is exactly what it needs. Jason Durr is brilliant as Jonny, managing to be both unsettling and funny at the same time. Susie Blake is an absolute joy as Shirley, and by the second half, the audience were already laughing in anticipation before she even spoke. Katie McGlynn and Max Bowden bring great energy to the story, and the ensemble as a whole work incredibly well together. With so much happening on stage, it could easily feel overwhelming, but instead it feels fast-paced, intentional and genuinely entertaining. Age Guidance Murder at Midnight  comes with an age guide of 14+ and contains strong language, violence and references to drug use. It’s definitely one for older teens and adults rather than a family theatre trip, but it’s worth being aware of the content before booking. Final Thoughts By the time the curtain call came around, it felt like the whole audience had been on a wild ride together. Murder at Midnight  is loud, chaotic, dark and unapologetically over-the-top — and it knows exactly what it is. Even though my evening didn’t quite go to plan, it turned into a really enjoyable solo theatre trip and a reminder that sometimes those unexpected nights out can be just as memorable. A fast-paced night of twists, laughs and chaos Murder at Midnight  will be at The Lowry until Saturday, 24th January 2026. Tickets are available for purchase through this link Click Me For more information about the show, visit the official website at this link Click Me

The Night Out Lawrence and I headed to The Lowry on Tuesday 3rd February 2026 to see MÁM , and from the moment we arrived it felt like it was going to be a very different kind of theatre night. As we entered the theatre, we were handed a free little programme, which is always a lovely touch. We then headed over to the press desk to collect our tickets before taking a look at the merch available in the foyer. For anyone who likes to plan ahead (I definitely do), this is exactly what was on sale on the night: CD – Tunes in the Church  – £13 Book – Title of My People  – £17 CD – In To The Loam  – £17 CD – Concertina Album A/B  – £17 Concertina vinyl  – £30 It was a really thoughtful selection and felt very in keeping with the tone and atmosphere of the show. Seats & View We were seated in the stalls, Row M, seats 32 and 33 . These were side seats, but honestly the view was excellent. We never felt like we were missing anything, and the sightlines were really clear throughout. The seats themselves were also very comfortable, with plenty of legroom – which is always appreciated, especially as MÁM  runs straight through with no interval. The Show MÁM  runs for 80 minutes with no interval, and it fully pulls you in from the start. This isn’t a show with a clear, traditional storyline. Instead, it unfolds more like a series of moments and emotions. The dancers feel like a community – coming together, breaking apart, clashing, reconnecting, celebrating and grieving – sometimes gently and sometimes with huge bursts of energy. Although the piece is rooted in rural Irish life, it never feels literal or obvious. It’s much more about atmosphere, shared history and emotion, and it invites you to interpret what you’re watching in your own way. A young girl remains present throughout the performance, quietly observing everything that unfolds around her. She becomes a calm, steady presence amid all the movement, and your eye is often drawn back to her as everything else swirls around the stage. Movement, Music & Atmosphere Visually, MÁM  is quite stripped back, which I really loved. Nothing feels overdesigned, and your attention stays exactly where it should be – on the dancers and the connection between movement and music. The choreography is intense and physically demanding. The dancers are constantly in motion, moving as a collective one moment and then breaking into smaller groups or individual moments the next. There’s a real sense of stamina and commitment running through the entire piece. One of the standout elements for me was the live music , especially the concertina, which is played on stage throughout. It never feels like background music. Instead, the music and the dancers feel completely connected, almost as though they’re responding to each other in real time. At times the music feels traditional, at others more modern and unexpected, and it adds so much to the emotional weight of the performance. After the Curtain Call There was a free post-show talk and Q&A after the performance, which Lawrence and I would have loved to stay for, but we had to head back home to the kids. If you’re able to stay, it sounded like a really great opportunity to hear more about the piece and the creative process behind it. It’s also worth noting that MÁM  was only at The Lowry for two days, but it is currently on tour, so if it’s coming to a venue near you, it’s definitely one to consider. Final Thoughts MÁM  is one of those shows that’s quite hard to explain, but incredibly easy to feel. It’s intense, emotional, strange and, at times, very beautiful – and it stays with you long after you leave the theatre. It’s not like anything else I’ve seen before, and that’s exactly what made it so special. You can find out more information and book tickets for the show at this Link Disclosure Tickets to see MÁM  were gifted to me for the purpose of writing a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Hello Kitty Cafe at Manchester Primark is a delightful homage to the beloved pop culture icon, celebrating 50 years of Hello Kitty in the most charming way possible. Located inside both the Market Street and Trafford Centre stores, this café offers fans the opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant and whimsical world of Hello Kitty, complete with Instagram-worthy décor and an array of themed treats. As soon as you step inside, you're greeted by a sea of pink and red, with colourful cupcakes, doughnuts, and bows decorating the space. The café is a visual feast that captures the essence of Hello Kitty's signature kawaii style. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just looking for a fun and unique experience, the café's cute aesthetic is sure to bring a smile to your face. The menu at the Hello Kitty Café is just as delightful as the décor, featuring a variety of limited-edition items inspired by the iconic character. I decided to try the Kitty Pink Milkshake, a strawberry delight topped with whipped cream and a pink iced doughnut. At £5.95, it was a bit indulgent, but the presentation was so charming that it felt worth every penny. The shake was sweet and creamy, and the doughnut added a fun twist to the experience. Lawrence opted for the Pineapple Bubble Tea with mango boba, priced at £4.95. The tropical flavours were refreshing, and the boba added a nice texture, making it a perfect choice for fans of bubble tea. We both ordered our own portions of the BBQ Pulled Pork Bow Buns, which are served as a pair for £6.50. The buns were soft and filled with flavourful pulled pork, though Lawrence mentioned that the portion size left him a bit hungry afterward. In addition to the café, Primark has launched a new Hello Kitty collection in collaboration with Sanrio, featuring over 100 items across womenswear, kidswear, and homeware. The collection embodies Hello Kitty's timeless charm and includes everything from cosy loungewear to playful accessories, making it a must-see for any fan. Overall, the Hello Kitty Café at Manchester Primark is a must-visit for anyone who loves all things cute and sweet. The café's fun and delicious food options, coupled with its adorable décor, make it a delightful spot for a break from shopping or a whimsical outing with friends. Whether you're enjoying a milkshake, bubble tea, or the irresistible Bow Buns, you're sure to leave with a smile on your face. The Hello Kitty Café will be open until June, so there's plenty of time to step into this purr-featly delightful world. The café at Trafford Centre operates from 10 am to 5 pm Monday to Thursday, 10 am to 6 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11:30 am to 5 pm on Sundays. The Market Street location is open from 9 am to 6 pm Monday to Saturday, and 10:30 am to 4 pm on Sundays. Make sure to visit before this kawaii pop-up closes for the season!

We visited Manchester Museum to see Triceratops: Eat, Roam, Repeat , and it was such a positive, well-thought-out experience for our family from start to finish. The exhibition is free, but you do need to book in advance and select a time slot. When we arrived and were scanned in, the first thing we noticed — even before entering the main space — was how welcoming it felt. A Calm, Considerate Welcome Just inside the entrance, on the left-hand side, there were ear defenders and dyslexia-friendly information sheets available to take. That small but thoughtful detail immediately set the tone and made the space feel inclusive and supportive. The Wow Moment As you move through the exhibition, the focus quickly draws you towards the huge Triceratops fossil skull at the centre of the room. It’s absolutely enormous, and standing beneath it really helps you understand just how powerful this dinosaur must have been. Alice and Leo both stopped in their tracks, staring up and asking questions — always a sign they’re fully engaged. Behind the skull, a life-size projected Triceratops moves across the wall, helping children visualise how the animal might have looked and moved millions of years ago. Alice & Leo’s Favourite Bits The exhibition is packed with hands-on activities, and the kids loved being able to choose where to spend their time. Their favourites included: 🦴 The dinosaur dig , where they could put on goggles and high-vis vests and carefully uncover fossils 🎨 The giant felt wall , building prehistoric scenes again and again ✨ The sequinned frill , brushing it back and forth to watch the colours change 📱 Interactive screens  that responded to touch and movement Everything felt flexible — no rushing, no pressure — just space to explore. Easy to Navigate, Even When Busy Although the exhibition was popular and lively, it never felt overwhelming. The bold colours, clear labels ( Awesome Frill , Bird-Like Beak , Barrel-Like Body ), and open layout made it easy to move around and take breaks when needed. A Little Gift Shop Treat At the end, we popped into the gift shop, which had lots of dinosaur-themed items to browse, including tote bags, T-shirts, plushies, puppets, mugs, magnets and books — plenty to tempt any little dino fan. Alice and Leo were immediately drawn to the dinosaur plushies, but after a gentle reminder from their dad that we already have quite a collection of dinosaur cuddly toys at home, they agreed to pick something else instead. In the end, Alice chose a frog fidget toy and Leo picked an axolotl fidget, both priced at £12. Not dinosaur-related at all, but they were absolutely delighted — and it felt like a very “them” way to end the visit. Would We Recommend It? Absolutely. Triceratops: Eat, Roam, Repeat  is one of those rare exhibitions that gets everything right: it’s educational without being heavy, interactive without being chaotic, and genuinely inclusive. Free to visit, beautifully designed, and packed with dinosaur magic, it’s a brilliant choice for families — especially those looking for an engaging, low-pressure day out in Manchester. Tickets can be booked in advance via the Manchester Museum website . Top Info ℹ️ 📍 Manchester Museum, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL 📆 Now open until 22 February 2026 ⏰ Tues–Fri 10am–5pm | Sat 8am–5pm | Sun 10am–5pm | Mon closed 💰 Free – advance booking required via the Manchester Museum website ♿ Step-free access | 🦻 Ear defenders available | 🚾 Facilities on site | 🍽️ Café nearby

On Thursday 5th February, I headed to the Octagon Theatre Bolton to see The Memory of Water  at a 2pm matinee performance, and it turned into a really lovely and reflective afternoon at the theatre. My Journey There I travelled by tram into Manchester Victoria and then caught the train to Bolton. The journey itself usually takes around 20 minutes and is very reasonably priced — around £6 for a return if you book advance, specific-time tickets, or roughly £10 for an anytime return. I was booked on the 12:44 train, which should have arrived in Bolton at around 1:05pm, but due to a delay at one of the stations I didn’t get there until 1:20pm. Thankfully, Bolton is very easy to navigate. The Octagon Theatre is only a five-minute walk from the train station, with the bus station right next door to the train station. If you’re travelling by car, there’s also a dedicated NCP multi-storey car park right by the theatre. I arrived at the theatre at around 1:25pm and headed straight inside. Before the Show The box office is located just inside the main entrance, and although my ticket had been emailed to me, I collected my programme and drinks voucher there. As always at the Octagon, the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, which instantly made the visit feel relaxed and welcoming. After that, I headed upstairs to the bar and used my drinks voucher to get a lemonade. At around 1:35pm, there was an announcement to say that the auditorium was open, so I made my way in to find my seat. I was seated in Row H, Seat 33, an aisle seat with plenty of legroom, a comfortable seat, and a really great view of the stage. I genuinely don’t think I’ve ever had a bad view anywhere I’ve sat at the Octagon — it’s such a well-designed theatre. One thing I really enjoyed before the show even began was the playlist of 90s music playing in the auditorium. It instantly set the tone and felt very fitting for the era the play is set in. I took a couple of photos and short videos of the set, grabbed the obligatory programme photo, and spent a few quiet minutes reading the programme before the show began. About the Show The Memory of Water  has a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, including a 20-minute interval. Act One runs for around 55 minutes, with Act Two lasting approximately 65 minutes. The play centres on three sisters — Mary (Polly Lister), Teresa (Victoria Brazier) and Catherine (Helen Flanagan) — who come together in their childhood home on the night before their mother’s funeral. With such a small cast, the focus stays firmly on the relationships between the sisters and how their shared history begins to surface as the evening unfolds. Their mother, Vi, appears throughout the play and is played by Vicky Binns, adding another emotional layer as memories and unresolved feelings are revisited. There are also supporting roles from Charlie De Melo and Reginald Edwards, who help to flesh out the wider family picture and add depth to the conversations taking place. The entire production is set in the mother’s bedroom, which creates an intimate and personal atmosphere. The room feels full of memories and personal belongings, making it feel as though you are sharing the space with the characters rather than watching from a distance. I really liked how this single setting keeps the focus on the dialogue and emotions without the need for scene changes. This is a gently paced and thoughtful play, allowing moments of humour to sit comfortably alongside quieter, more reflective scenes. It doesn’t rush its storytelling, instead letting relationships and memories unfold naturally. Interval Treats During the interval, I found myself feeling a little peckish, so I popped back to the bar and bought a packet of crisps and a Twix. They came to £2.75, which I thought was very reasonable for theatre prices and just enough to keep me going through Act Two. Heading Home Once the show finished, I made my way back to the train station and headed home, arriving back at around 6pm. It felt like a really nicely timed afternoon out that didn’t feel rushed or overly long. Who Would Enjoy This? I think The Memory of Water  would particularly appeal to anyone who enjoys character-driven drama, thoughtful storytelling and plays that focus on family relationships. If you like theatre that mixes humour with reflection — and leaves you thinking rather than emotionally overwhelmed — this one is well worth seeing. Final Thoughts Seeing The Memory of Water  at the Octagon Theatre Bolton as a matinee made for a really enjoyable and reflective afternoon. From the easy journey and welcoming staff to the comfortable seating and thoughtful production, the whole experience felt relaxed and well paced. This is the kind of play that stays with you quietly rather than dramatically. You don’t leave feeling emotionally drained, but you do leave thinking — about family, memory, and how differently we all remember the same moments. A thoughtful and quietly moving matinee that explores family, memory and the moments that shape us. Show Information & Tickets The Memory of Water  is on at the Octagon Theatre Bolton until Saturday 21st February.🎟 https://octagonbolton.co.uk/events/the-memory-of-water#dates-and-times The production then transfers to Liverpool Everyman Theatre, where it runs from Wednesday 25th February to Saturday 14th March.🎟 https://everymanplayhouse.com/ Disclosure Tickets to see The Memory of Water Octagon Theatre Bolton  were gifted to me for the purpose of writing a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Lawrence and I were lucky enough to attend Big Night of Musicals again this year, and it’s honestly one of our favourite theatre nights of the year. One of the things that makes it so special is how the tickets work — each year, around 12,000 free tickets are released as a thank you to National Lottery players. You can book up to four tickets, pay a small £2 booking fee per ticket, and just need to show proof of a National Lottery product on the night. We’ve been incredibly lucky and have managed to get tickets to every Big Night of Musicals since it started, which still feels a bit mad when I think about it. One year we actually missed out on both of the main ticket releases, but on the day of the show we checked again and managed to grab returned tickets — and they ended up being floor seats! So it’s always worth checking closer to the event, and even on the day itself, because you just never know what might pop up. AO Arena Manchester Entrance This year felt very grown-up for us — no kids, no school runs, just me and Lawrence heading into Manchester for a proper date night at the AO Arena. We got the tram into Victoria Station, which is literally right next to the arena, and even though it was absolutely packed with people, everything was surprisingly smooth. You walk straight through body scanners, get your tickets scanned, and suddenly you’re inside this huge buzzing space full of excited theatre fans. We were sat in Block 214, Row R, right at the back of the upper tier, so we were very  high up… but actually the view was much better than I expected. Because we were near the side of the stage, we could see everything really clearly and didn’t even need to rely on the big screens. Before heading to our seats, we tried to get some water near the main entrance — massive mistake. The queues were enormous. We ended up walking round to the concession stands near our block where it was much quieter… although we did pay £8 for two bottles of water, which still feels outrageous 😂 but when you’re not allowed to take anything in, you don’t really have a choice. The View From My Seat in Block 214 Row R Seat 18 The Atmosphere Before the show even started, the atmosphere was amazing. There was a DJ, then comedian Johnny Cowling warming up the crowd with singalongs like Sweet Caroline  and We Will Rock You , and lots of cheering and clapping. There were also some really lovely moments celebrating local theatre heroes, which I always think is such a nice part of this event — it’s not just about big stars, it’s about real people and communities too. Then Jason Manford came on as host to chat to the audience and set the tone for the night, the orchestra tuned up, and you could feel the excitement building around the arena. Lawrence and I having a great time at the Big Night Of Musicals The performances The show opened with The Lion King, and honestly nothing could have prepared me for how good it was. Puppets and performers came walking through the audience, with towering giraffes, gazelles and even a huge rhino on stage, and I just sat there grinning like a child.. It was easily my favourite performance of the whole night — I’m such a sucker for puppets and big theatrical spectacle. The Lion King performing at The National Lottery's The Big Night Of Musicals There were so many brilliant moments, but a few real standouts for me were: Sam Ryder singing Gethsemane  – his voice was unreal. Actual goosebumps. Ava Brennan in Oliver!  – so emotional and beautiful. The Annie performance with the kids from Oldham  – genuinely heartwarming. The Choir of Man  – which turned into the biggest singalong of the night. One of my favourite performances of the night was the Disney medley, which was introduced by Alan Menken via a pre-recorded video message. It included Mae Ann Jorolan singing Colours of the Wind , Lucy Jones performing Part of Your World  (which gave me instant chills), and Trevor Dion Nicholas singing Tale As Old As Time . What made it even more special was that they were joined by young performers from the Royal Northern College of Music, The National Youth Music Theatre, and The Lowry Centre for Advanced Training. Seeing professional West End stars sharing the stage with local students was such a lovely reminder of what this event is really about. Lucy Jones, Mae Ann Jorolan and Trevor Dion Nicholas performing a Disney Medley The full line-up Here’s the full list of shows and performers who appeared at Big Night of Musicals 2026: The Lion King  – West End cast Oliver!  – Ava Brennan as Nancy Miss Saigon  – UK tour cast Annie  – La Voix as Miss Hannigan, with Wild Things Performing Arts Sunny Afternoon  – UK tour cast The Producers  – West End cast Disney medley  – Mae Ann Jorolan, Lucy Jones & Trevor Dion Nicholas Paddington The Musical  – Victoria Hamilton-Barritt Jesus Christ Superstar  – Sam Ryder The Choir of Man  – with Infant Hercules Choir & Jason Manford Wicked  – Emma Kingston & Zizi Strallen I’m Every Woman: The Chaka Khan Musical  – Alexandra Burke Final thoughts Overall, it was such a special night — funny, emotional, uplifting, and a real celebration of musical theatre. From the huge opening number to the big singalong moments, it felt like one of those evenings that reminds you exactly why live theatre is so magical. It’s the kind of event you’ll always remember. If you missed it in person, Big Night of Musicals airs on BBC One on 21st March and will be available on BBC iPlayer after broadcast. And honestly? I’d go every year if I could. 💜 Big Night of Musicals is exactly what it promises to be — a big, joyful reminder of why I fell in love with theatre in the first place. If you’d like to see more of the night, including little clips from the performances and our full experience at the arena, you can watch my vlog below 💜

Some weeks are all about big adventures, and others are more about the little everyday moments — and this one was a really lovely mix of both. From a rare midweek shopping date and mini golf with family, to self-care baths and a cosy Frozen movie afternoon, it felt like one of those gentle, feel-good weeks. Here’s everything we got up to during our week of 16th – 22nd June. A Midweek Shopping Date in Manchester 🛍️ On Tuesday, Lawrence and I headed into Manchester city centre for a rare midweek shopping date — something we don’t get to do very often without the kids! Our first stop was Pop Mart, where I was on the hunt for Disney Princess blind boxes and Lawrence was hoping for Marvel ones. Sadly, nothing tempted us enough to buy this time, but it was still fun to browse. We then popped into Primark and spotted the new Winnie the Pooh and Pixar collections — so cute and very tempting! But we were sensible and stuck to essentials: Socks Leggings for Alice A Pokémon water bottle for Leo I also had a little browse around Miniso and absolutely loved their Toy Story blind boxes and a pink handheld fan I nearly bought… but somehow managed to resist! Lunch was a cheeky KFC, followed by a very dangerous stop at Krispy Kreme, where we picked up a box of 12 donuts for £12 — far too good to pass up. We ended our trip with a quick stop at B&M, then jumped on the tram home feeling very pleased with ourselves (and slightly sugared-up). Editing, Tea & A Little Self-Care 🛁 Wednesday was much quieter and honestly quite needed after a busy day out. I stayed home catching up on video editing, drinking lots of tea and ticking things off my to-do list. That evening, I treated myself to a long, relaxing bath using one of my favourite Lush bath bombs — the perfect midweek reset. There’s just something about a cosy bath that makes everything feel a bit calmer. Mini Golf, Melting Weather & Costco Hot Dogs ⛳🌭 On Thursday, we headed to the Trafford Centre for a belated Father’s Day treat for my dad — a game of mini golf at Paradise Island Adventure Golf with my parents and brother. We had such a laugh, even though I came joint last with Dad 😅 The only downside was the heat — it was so  hot and there was no air conditioning, so we were all absolutely melting by the end! After mini golf, we popped into ASDA to grab some white T-shirts for Alice, then headed to Costco where I couldn’t resist their legendary £1.50 hot dog and drink combo. Honestly, one of the best bargains going. A Cosy Frozen Afternoon ❄️🎬 We ended the week on Sunday with a really cosy family afternoon at home, watching Frozen: The Musical on Disney+. Alice and Leo were completely captivated, and I may (definitely) have sung along to Let It Go  — again. It was such a simple, quiet way to finish the week, all snuggled up together on the sofa. Final Thoughts 💛 This week felt like a really gentle, easy-going one — full of small treats, family time and cosy moments. From shopping and donuts, to mini golf and Frozen singalongs, it was one of those weeks that didn’t need anything big or dramatic to feel special. Sometimes it’s the little everyday moments that really make a week feel lovely. And as always… I’m already looking forward to the next adventure ✨ Watch Our Weekly Vlog 🎥 If you’d like to see everything we got up to in real time, you can watch our Weekly Vlog below — come and join us for shopping trips, mini golf, cosy family moments and lots of everyday magic.

Craft a fun and fluffy DIY lamb piñata using recycled cardboard and simple craft supplies Looking for a fun Easter craft or a unique party decoration? This homemade lamb piñata  is full of charm—and sweets! Plus, it’s eco-conscious, using recycled cardboard destined for the bin. With some tissue paper and creativity, you’ll have the perfect party centrepiece in no time. ✂️ What You’ll Need: Recycled cardboard (large enough for your lamb shape) White tissue paper Coloured card (for the face, bow, ears, nose, etc.) String Masking tape Scissors or craft knife Hot glue gun Pencil 🧰 Step-by-Step Instructions 1. Draw and Cut the Lamb Shape Start by sketching the shape of the lamb on the cardboard. This will be the front  of your piñata. Carefully cut it out. Then, place that cut-out onto another piece of cardboard to trace and cut the back . 2. Create the Sides Cut several strips of cardboard about 2 inches wide . These will make up the sides of your piñata. Using masking tape , attach the strips around the back piece of the piñata, bending them to follow the curves. Leave a gap at the top —this will be your opening to add sweets and treats. 3. Assemble the Piñata Once the sides are secure, tape the front piece on top. Your lamb should now look like a 3D shape with an opening at the top. 4. Decorate the Face Cut shapes from coloured card  for the lamb’s facial features—eyes, nose, ears, and bow. Stick them onto the face using a hot glue gun . 5. Fluff It Up! Rip white tissue paper into strips and scrunch them into little balls. Glue them all over the front  of your lamb to give it a woolly, fluffy look. For the back and sides , you have options: Cover them in more scrunched tissue (takes longer) Paint them white Or do what I did and simply stick plain white paper  on—quick and effective! 6. Add String for Hanging Punch holes on either side of the top gap. Thread string through and tie it tightly  so you can hang your lamb piñata up safely. 🎉 Time to Fill and Smash! Pop in some sweets and surprises through the top opening, and you're all set! It’s ready to hang, play, and enjoy. 💡 Crafting Tips: Let the kids help scrunch tissue or choose colours. Recycle where possible for a budget- and planet-friendly craft. This design can be adapted for other animals—just switch the shapes! 📷 Want to See the Lamb in Action? This lamb piñata featured in our Easter vlog on YouTube —check it out to see it in action with the kids! 🎥

What a week it’s been! In this week’s vlog, we’ve packed in a whirlwind of fun – from theatre trips and trampoline jumps to baking sweet treats and celebrating a very special Easter Sunday. 🎭 Room on the Broom and a Busy Tuesday at The Lowry On Tuesday, I had the joy of taking Alice to see Room on the Broom  at The Lowry – a magical experience (tickets were kindly gifted in exchange for a review). While we enjoyed the show, Lawrence took Leo to Oxygen, the amazing indoor trampoline park at Media City. After the show, we grabbed a quick McDonald’s dinner, and since Leo was tired, Lawrence took him home while Alice and I caught the new Minecraft Movie  at Vue Cinema. Double the screen time, double the fun! ✍️ Wednesday Writing & An Evening Mystery Wednesday was a quieter day spent writing up theatre reviews, before heading out with my mum to review Picture You Dead  at The Lowry (another lovely gifted experience). 🐑 Thursday Piñata Making & A Trip to Bolton The Easter party prep began in earnest on Thursday as I started creating a lamb-shaped piñata – a special request from the kids! I managed to build the structure before hopping on a train to Bolton to review The 39 Steps  at the Octagon Theatre (gifted tickets once again!). 🍪 Friday Baking and Piñata Decorating We had a relaxed Friday filled with Easter baking! The children helped me make Easter biscuits and cupcakes, and I added the finishing touches to our woolly piñata masterpiece. 🌿 Saturday Theatre & Grown-Up Time On Saturday, we took Alice and Leo to see Plant  at Waterside Arts in Sale (tickets gifted). It was such a thoughtful, sensory-friendly show. That evening, Lawrence and I enjoyed a meal out with friends and returned home to transform our house with Easter decorations for the big day ahead. 🐣 Easter Sunday – Bonnets, Baskets & Garden Games Easter morning arrived with lots of excitement! Alice and Leo discovered their Easter baskets and eggs laid out on the table. After breakfast, they decorated their Easter bonnets, while I prepped food for our Easter party. We hosted a fab garden celebration with friends and family – complete with an Easter egg hunt, piñata smashing, pin the tail on the bunny, and a ring toss game. After our guests left, Leo got cosy and painted the Easter suncatcher he’d received in his basket. 🎥 Watch the Full Vlog Below! 💬 Let’s Chat! Have you celebrated Easter with a piñata before? Or caught any brilliant theatre shows lately? Let me know in the comments! 📲 Follow Along Want more weekly vlogs, reviews, and behind-the-scenes peeks at our family life? Make sure to subscribe on YouTube  and follow on Instagram  for daily updates!

Join me and my family this week as I jump straight back into the theatre scene after our holiday! We’re starting this Weekly Update on a Saturday, as it was our first day back from our break, and it turned out to be a brilliant way to kick things off. This week, I travelled to three different theatres across the North of England to review a trio of unforgettable shows. 🌟 Saturday – Leeds Playhouse: A Thousand Splendid Suns I took a solo trip to Leeds to see the harrowing yet powerful A Thousand Splendid Suns  (gifted tickets). After a relaxed train journey and a tasty Nando's lunch, I found myself deeply moved by the emotional performances and storytelling. → Read the full review 🌟 Wednesday – Octagon Theatre Bolton: Pride & Prejudice Midweek, I travelled to Bolton for a fresh and funny take on Jane Austen’s classic (gifted tickets). From sipping a lemonade in the bar to laughing through the show. → Read the full review 🌟 Thursday – Manchester Opera House: Come Fall In Love (Again!) Yes, I loved Come Fall In Love  so much the first time that I went back for more! I had a brilliant aisle seat in the circle and the view was perfect. Afterwards, I squeezed in some Father’s Day shopping—until an unexpected injury cut my filming short! → Read the full review Whether you’re a theatre fan or just here for the life updates, this week was packed with culture, laughs, and a few mishaps. Watch the vlog below to follow along with my week ⬇️

🚀 A Week Full of Family, Fun & Everyday Magic This week was extra special in our house – Leo turned six! 🎂 From baking and crafting to celebrating with family and sneaking in a night at the theatre, it was a whirlwind of Toy Story fun, party prep, and making magical memories. 🎂 Monday – Baking the Magic The week kicked off with me in full-on baking mode. I made Leo’s birthday cake, cupcakes, and biscuits  shaped like some of his favourite Toy Story characters. The kitchen smelled amazing, and the excitement in the house was already building! ✨ Tuesday – Decorating & A Night at the Theatre On Tuesday, I transformed the bakes into something truly special. Leo’s cake was a two-tier Toy Story masterpiece  – the top tier decorated like Woody’s outfit, and the bottom tier inspired by Buzz Lightyear. 🚀 I also wrapped his birthday presents, ready for the big day. That evening, I headed to The Lowry  to review Boys From The Blackstuff . Alan Bleasdale’s classic was brought back to life in a gripping new production. With raw emotion, humour, and a striking set, it was an unforgettable piece of theatre (gifted tickets). When I got home, I decorated the cupcakes and biscuits, including Forky, Buzz, Woody, and the Toy Story aliens. They turned out so fun and colourful! 👾 Wednesday – Piñatas, Treats & Party Prep Wednesday was all about creativity. Using cardboard boxes, masking tape, tissue paper, and glue, I crafted a homemade Toy Story alien piñata . 👽 I also made rice crispy treats  and fun alien-shaped chocolate lollies  for the party bags. The excitement was really starting to bubble! 🎉 Thursday – Leo’s 6th Birthday Party! The big day! While Leo was at school, I created custom cupcake toppers, straw toppers, and even a Toy Story T-shirt  for him to wear. Meanwhile, Lawrence got busy setting up the decorations. When Leo got home, he opened his birthday presents before we welcomed grandparents and uncles for his family party. We tucked into party food, played games like pass the parcel, and had a great time smashing the alien piñata. 🎈 Of course, no party is complete without singing Happy Birthday  and cutting into that Toy Story cake. Leo’s smile said it all – it was the perfect celebration. 🛁 Friday – A Well-Earned Rest After all the excitement, Friday was a reset day. We cleaned up after the party, and I treated myself to a relaxing bath with a Lush bath bomb I’d been saving from Mother’s Day. Bliss! 🌼 The Weekend – Slowing Down The weekend was calm after such a busy week. I caught up on video editing and enjoyed some much-needed downtime with the family. 💖 📹 Watch Our Weekly Vlog #406 Want to see all the birthday fun, Toy Story party magic, and theatre moments for yourself? Check out our Weekly Vlog #406 below ⬇️ 📌 Final Thoughts This week was all about celebrating Leo turning six  with a Toy Story bash to remember, and I loved every minute of it. Between baking, crafting, partying, and a theatre trip, it was busy but full of joy – exactly the kind of week that makes our family blog so special. ✨ If you’d like to see everything we got up to, don’t forget to watch our vlog at the end of this post! 🔗 Related Content 📝 Review – Boys From The Blackstuff at The Lowry 🎥 Watch More Vlogs on My YouTube Channel 💬 Leave a Comment Have you thrown a themed party for your little ones? I’d love to hear your ideas and tips – drop them below!