Science Museum Group announces ‘world-first’ Cancer Revolution exhibition
'Cancer Revolution: Science, innovation and hope' is the first major exhibition to reveal the past, present and future of how cancer is prevented, detected and treated.
The Science & Industry Museum in Manchester has announced a major new free exhibition exploring the scientific revolution transforming global cancer care.
Opening in October 2021, Cancer Revolution: Science, innovation and hope has been described as a ‘world-first’; revealing the past, present and future of how cancer is prevented, detected and treated.
Created by the Science Museum Group with support from Cancer Research UK, the exhibition investigates how more of us are living longer with the disease than ever before – with one in two diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime.
Cancer Revolution will feature stories of people affected by cancer, together with those who study and treat it – showcasing the progress made by researchers, clinicians, policymakers and patients. It will also examine how the disease has been treated over the centuries, from high-risk surgeries to the discovery of the first chemotherapy drugs.
Cancer Revolution is coming to Manchester’s Museum of Science & Industry in autumn 2021
Katie Dabin, Lead Curator of the exhibition, says the revolution in cancer care is “about more than just science”.
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“There’s a profound shift in expectations and attitudes – cancer is no longer regarded as a terminal disease or as a disease that can’t be mentioned by name,” she stated.
“Today, more people than ever before can be treated or live with the disease for a long time. Hope has broken the silence that surrounded cancer.
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“Whilst we can’t cancer-proof our lives, we can take agency in the face of it – from speaking more openly about it, being aware of its causes and symptoms, dispelling misconceptions and stigma, and by being open to finding out more about it.
“Just like science is our route out of the pandemic, science is our route to beating cancer. So much progress has been made in the global fight against the disease and this inspirational exhibition will show our optimism for the future.”
Katie Dabin, Lead Curator of the exhibition says that the revolution happening in cancer care is “about more than just science”.
Deborah James, exhibition advisor, writer and podcaster, was diagnosed with Stage Four bowel cancer five years ago – and took part in trials which have “given hope and life to others”.
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“Science has always given me hope to take things one step at a time,” she said.
“I was given two and a half extra years of life, on a targeted drug combination not even on the table when I was first diagnosed.
“Through this exhibition we can open up the conversation of cancer even more – throw down the veil, and educate a new generation to know that prevention is key, science is wonderful, and always to have hope.”
The exhibition will present the stories of people affected by cancer, together with those who study and treat it
Features of Cancer Revolution include info on cutting-edge treatment, live research, artist installations, film, photography and personal stories from those living with the disease.
Displays also feature the latest technologies advancing cancer science and therapy today, including mini-tumours engineered to study cancer and virtual reality tumour maps.
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The exhibition is supported by principal sponsor Pfizer and major sponsor QIAGEN, along with Redx Pharma Plc.
Information and tickets are set to be released ahead of Cancer Revolution: Science, innovation opening in Manchester in autumn.
The Science & Industry Museum is currently hosting Top Secret – an exhibition focused on cybercrime, codebreaking and GCHQ – and Use Hearing Protection – exploring the early days of Factory Records.
ENB’s Romeo & Juliet at Palace Theatre Manchester – the world’s most famous story expertly reimagined | Review
Emily Sergeant
Every now and then you experience a bit of a full circle moment… and for me, this was one of them.
Back in 2011, when I was a dance-obsessed 14-year-old, taking and assisting classes countless times a week, I became enamoured by a BBC documentary series called Agony & Ecstasy: A Year with English National Ballet. As one of the country’s premier ballet companies – celebrating its 60th anniversary at the time of the documentary – ENB allowed cameras behind the scenes, from the rehearsal room to backstage, giving audiences a previously unseen inside look on what it takes to stage some of the most spectacular productions your eyes will ever meet.
One of the ballets being staged in the year the BBC followed the company was Romeo & Juliet.
Based on a story known around the world and with an unmistakable score by Prokofiev, it’s a ballet I was already fond of prior to the documentary, but seeing the work that went into making the show a reality, up close like never before, it turned into one of my favourites.
Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to see several different dance stagings of Romeo & Juliet – but last night, at the Palace Theatre in Manchester, was the first time I got to sit in the audience and see English National Ballet’s production live with my own eyes.
And it was just as magical as I was hoping it would be.
ENB’s Romeo & Juliet is now on stage at Manchester Palace Theatre / Credit: Laurent Liotardo
Right off the bat, I’m just going to presume you already have somewhat of a grasp on the story of Romeo & Juliet, right? Given the fact it’s arguably Shakespeare’s most famous work and one of the most iconic plays of all time.
And you’ll be pleased to know, even if you’re not seasoned in watching ballet, that the story we all know and love remains largely intact for this production, therefore making it easy for audiences of all ages and interests to follow along and admire.
The two title characters, the star-crossed lovers themselves, were embodied expertly by Rentaro Nakaaki and Julia Conway as Romeo and Juliet, who had the audience captivated from the second they entered the stage – with undeniable chemistry and enviable technique.
Fabian Reimair took on the role of Tybalt with ease, Noam Durand was Mercutio, and Rodrigo Pinto was Benvolio, all while Elvis Nudo and Minju Kang stepped into the shoes of Paris and Rosaline.
But the lead roles are nothing without the wider cast of supporting dancers and character actors, who really help transport you to 14th century Verona and help bring the authenticity a production as epic as this requires.
The world’s most famous story has been expertly reimagined / Credit: Bill Cooper | Laurent Liotardo
Aside from the dancing, it would be remiss not to praise the expert sets and costuming here from Ezio Frigero and Franca Squarciapino.
And I suppose I should also give a shoutout to little-known name, Rudolf Nureyev, who choreographed this version of Romeo & Juliet all the way back in 1977. Something tells me he would’ve had a great career… I could be wrong, though.
Romeo & Juliet really is one of the most tragic love stories of all time, and the power of that is not lost through dance. It’s still as raw and heartbreaking in this production as it always is.
And that is truly a credit to every single person forming part of it – both on the stage and off.
ENB’s Romeo & Juliet is now on stage at Manchester Palace Theatre until Sunday 25 October, and you can book your last-minute tickets here.
Featured Image – The Manc Group
Art & Culture
Tickets officially go on sale for rare 70mm IMAX screenings of Dune: Part Three in Manchester
Emily Sergeant
Tickets have now officially gone on sale for rare 70mm IMAX screenings of Dune: Part Three in Manchester.
Arriving on screens from 18 December and gearing up to be one of the most anticipated films of the year, Dune: Part Three – which is the third and final instalment in director Denis Villeneuve’s Dune franchise – will be screening in IMAX 70mm at Vue Manchester Printworks, one of only three venues to show it in this format nationwide.
There are only 40 other venues across the globe showing the film in IMAX 70mm, and Manchester is the only city outside of London to screen the blockbuster this way too.
Based on the novels of Frank Herbert and set nearly two decades after the previous film, Dune: Part Three features an ensemble cast of all-star names led by Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya.
Alongside them will be Jason Momoa, Florence Pugh, Anya Taylor-Joy, Rebecca Ferguson, Robert Pattinson, Charlotte Rampling, Javier Bardem, and Josh Brolin.
After seats for a special early screening of the film in IMAX sold out in less than 30 minutes last month, the IMAX 70mm showings – which officially went live today (20 October) – are expected to be snapped up fast by film fans in Manchester.
“A decade in the making, Denis Villeneuve’s epic Dune trilogy is reaching its dramatic conclusion this December,” explained Dean Cross, who is the Senior Screen Content Manager at Vue.
“As the only venue outside of London to be screening Dune: Part Three in IMAX 70mm, it’s a privilege for us to offer this unique way to experience the film.”
The Manc -
28th July 2021 
