TELL ME EVERYTHING

'THE DEMON BARBERS XL – DISCO AT THE TAVERN' -part of Refract:17 || Photo courtesy of Waterside Arts Centre 

I am not sure if every month this year has been teeming with people wanting to share their stories but let's just say I am hearing July's bunch loud and clear. Be it a woman talking about what it's like living with inflammatory bowel disease or a man sharing his rather comical adventures climbing the Alps, I want to hear it all. Come on Manchester, tell me everything!

'CITIZEN' - part of  Co:Lab Festival || Photo courtesy of The Royal Exchange

According to my calendar, there are at least three events kicking off this week: Co:Lab Festival (21st -23rd July) at the The Royal Exchange - cannot wait to see 'Love Letters from Blackpool' ; Gutted (19th - 22nd July) at HOME - a performance by Liz Richardson that explores (with honesty and humour) the life of a 20-something year old living with inflammatory bowel disease; and finally Refract:17 (21st - 30th July) at Waterside Arts Centre - a new 10-day jam-packed theatre and music summer event that has something for everyone.

'ANYDAY'-part of Refract:17 || Photo courtesy of Waterside Arts Centre 

Refract:17 is said to be filled with engaging and experimental performances aimed at challenging the perspectives of those who attend. With theatre on trampolines (Anyday - 26th July); amazing comedy shows (like Jan Ravens: Edinburgh Preview and WiFi Wars); adventures within a giant birds nest (Flit Flap & Fly - 22nd July); and topical stories shared in a caravan (Mobile - 29th - 30th July) there does not seem to be a shortage of activities sure to tickle the fancy of people of all ages. 

As always I shall report back with my views on the shows I will be seeing but until then, I hope the rest of your week is great!

P.S. Slightly off topic but I cannot believe my arms have been publicly naked these past few days. Can't say I don't like a good summers day ;).