A new drama series all about modern witches is hitting screens early next year, and it’s both set and filmed in Manchester.
Right as spooky season draws to a close and just in time for Halloween tomorrow, the BBC has revealed exciting details about a brand-new supernatural TV series that’ll be airing in 2024, and has also released a few ‘first look’ images too to give viewers a glimpse into what to expect.
The new original series, titled Domino Day, has been created and written by BAFTA-nominated Lauren Sequeira, and is developed and produced by the team behind the two of the broadcaster‘s other previous critically-acclaimed dramas, The Responder and The Salisbury Poisoning.
Set to air on both BBC Three and BBC iPlayer on an as-yet-unconfirmed date shortly after 2024 begins, the new six-part series is both set and filmed right here in Manchester.
📸 Fancy a sneak peek at brand new modern-day witch drama Domino Day?
Set and filmed in Manchester, it stars Siena Kelly as Domino Day, a young woman on all the dating apps. But she isn’t swiping to find her soulmate – she’s swiping to hunt…
The show will follow the titular character, Domino Day, played by BAFTA-nominated actress Siena Kelly – who is best-known for her roles in shows such as Adult Material, and Hit & Run.
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Domino is described as being a young woman who’s “on all the dating apps, but isn’t swiping to find her soulmate”, as instead, “she’s swiping to hunt”.
Giving viewers an insight into what the new drama is all about, a synopsis for the show on the BBC website reads: “A young witch with extraordinary powers, Domino is desperately seeking a community who can help her understand who she is.
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BBC gives first look at new supernatural drama about ‘modern witches’ / Credit: BBC
“But she doesn’t need to look far, as a coven of witches is already tracking her every move, convinced they have to stop her before her powers destroy everyone and everything around her.
“When a dangerous figure from Domino’s past comes back to haunt her, will it be a fresh start for them all, or a final showdown?”
Babirye Bukilwa, Poppy Lee Friar, Alisha Bailey, Molly Harris, Sam Howard Sneyd, and Percelle Ascott also star in the show alongside Siena Kelly, while Lucy Cohu, Christopher Jeffers, and Jonah Rzeskiewicz form part of the talented cast of upcoming actors.
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Domino Day is both set and filmed in Manchester / Credit: BBC
“I cannot wait for the world to meet this amazing cast, led by the sensational Siena Kelly,” creator Lauren Sequeira said ahead of the show airing next year.
“Don’t expect broomsticks, pointy hats and wands, as these are witches like you’ve never seen before – cool, provocative, and full of grit.
“They are all simply spellbinding onscreen, and Siena is the perfect Domino Day.”
Featured Image – BBC
TV & Showbiz
Fairfield Social Club has been voted the Best Comedy Venue in the North
Danny Jones
Let’s toast another feather in Greater Manchester’s cultural cap as local arts venue, bar and hangout, Fairfield Social Club (FSC), has been named the Best Comedy Venue in the North.
That’s according to the much-revered annual Chortle Awards, the 2026 edition of which has named Fairfield not just one of the best in our specific city or region, but currently the benchmark for any live comedy spot located in the top half of the country.
And that’s not all: they actually took home another award this year, because why just win one when you can take home two?
For starters, congratulations are in order, and we couldn’t be prouder of our grassroots Manc venues continuing to set the bar; now let’s get into exactly what they won and why…
In addition to taking home the accolade for leading their field when it comes to hosting live comics and more, having quickly built up a strong reputation in the industry beyond just the North West, FSC also claimed a second gong, thanks to ‘CroppaChoppa’s Slumber Party‘.
The resident stand-up and sleepover games format show, which has been based over at the Green Quarter complex for some time now, just won Best New Comedy Format for the second year running.
Reacting to the consecutive awards, founder Charlotte Cropper said: “We are so thrilled to have won Best Comedy Format two years in a row! Lying our sleepover bag down at Fairfield Social Club is our favourite thing to do every month.
“Who knew a sleepover show with a misogynistic teddy bear mascot would become the best night of our lives?”
This, of course, is just one of many regular comedy-centric events happening throughout the FSC calendar – and you really should going along if you haven’t before.
Speaking on an incredible year all-round, Fairfield Social Club’s GM and live bookings manager, Jessie Perillo, added: “We’ve spent the last year building a comedy programme we’re really proud of; it’s one that supports emerging talent while also attracting some of the biggest names touring right now.
“To have both the venue and the shows recognised nationally is a dream and as a comedy lover myself, I couldn’t be happier!
“We’ve got some incredible new shows lined up over the next few months that we can’t wait to announce, and launching ‘A Lovely Weekend’ is just the beginning of what’s to come.”
Congrats again and well done to all those involved in helping keep Manchester-based humour and live arts on the comedy map; we can’t wait to see what else in store for 2026. Speaking of…
Featured Images — Press shots/Em Humble (supplied via Fairfield Social Club)
TV & Showbiz
The Oldham Man and The Sea: the documentary about the Latics owner’s record-breaking Atlantic voyage
Danny Jones
It doesn’t matter if you’re not an Athletic fan or native to the borough; we think everyone should go along to watch the much-anticipated documentary about football club owner Frank Rothwell and his record-breaking journey across the Atlantic Ocean: The Oldham Man And The Sea.
One of the simplest and most satisfying names for a film we’ve heard in a long time.
For anyone who doesn’t know about the Oldham Athletic FC chairman turned OBE’s incredible story, Frank Rothwell has set multiple records with his impressive sea-faring feats in recent times.
This new doc, which just premiered at this year’s Manchester Film Festival, charts his latest trip across one of the biggest bodies of water on the planet in March 2024.
As you can see from the recent trailer, it’s almost as arduous a tale as the original Hemingway story.
This movie – produced by Journeyman Pictures and Chief Productions – made its full debut at the Odeon in Great Northern Warehouse for MFF 2026, and is set to have a number of other screenings in and around Greater Manchester in the coming weeks and months.
One of those is happening rather soon, in fact, over at Saddleworth’s Millgate Arts Centre on Saturday, 28 March, which is ideal for those local to the region; grab your tickets now.
ln fact, there’s also one happening even closer to his hometown the following month, with Oldham’s very own Queen Elizabeth Hall also hosting a special screening of Rothwell’s incredible achievement.
You can reserve your seats for that one right HERE.
Having not only become the eldest (70) Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge finisher back in 2021, but now holding the Guinness World Record for the oldest person to ever complete the crossing while rowing solo at 73 years old, he’s become nothing short of a local hero – and that’s just his stewardship of the Latics…
The film does, obviously, touch on his time at the helm of the League Two side, who finally returned to the EFL last June, but the heart and soul of this inspiring watch is the sail itself.
More importantly, it also documents not just the gruelling nature of the 64-day, seven-hour and 53-minute trek, but also how Frank has now helped raise more than £1.4 million on behalf of Alzheimer’s Research UK.
What an absolute icon.
Hopefully, this should be just about all the reason you need to watch The Oldham Man And The Sea the very next opportunity you get to do so – and, of course, all proceeds from ticket sales will also be going to charity, because just the kind of bloke he is.
And here’s hoping we get a streaming version sometime soon.
Emily Sergeant -
30th October 2023 
