Art & Culture

Watch Lowry’s ‘Going to the Match’ come to life at this new immersive experience in Salford

Not sure about the match but we'll definitely be going to this.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 7th March 2025

L. S. Lowry is one of Greater Manchester’s most famous sons, so much so that he has two statues, a hotel, as well as an entire theatre named after him, and now you can see one of his greatest works brought to life as part of an immersive new art experience over Salford Quays.

Just across from the main MediaCity campus, The Lowry Theatre is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a whole host of new additions, including what looks to be an exciting series of immersive gallery experiences entitled ‘LOWRY 360’.

Although world-renowned creative studio Layers of Reality has developed the large interactive exhibition room to bring almost any manner of artwork to life, the first couldn’t be anything else besides what is widely considered the local artist’s most iconic piece, Going to the Match.

Put simply, the new installation will fully surround audiences with the sights and sounds of Going to the Match, transporting them into the painting before they experience the original artwork firsthand.

This ambitious and starting new sensory experience has come to fruition thanks to the Law Family Charitable Foundation (LFCF), who support a wide variety of artistic, educational, cultural; health-based and environmentally-driven institutions like The Lowry.

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It was LFCF who made the sizeable donation necessary for the theatre to purchase Lowry’s legendary depiction of matchday crowds and Northern life for a total of £7.8 million back in October 2022, bringing back home to Salford permanently.

Speaking on the immersive Lowry exhibit, Lowry’s CEO Julia Fawcett said: “This is one of the most ambitious and exciting projects we have ever undertaken.

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“We’re transforming our gallery space in partnership with a world-class creative studio to create an unforgettable experience that will bring new audiences to L.S. Lowry’s work. We can’t thank Andrew Law enough for helping us realise this vision”

The best part of all is, since their goal in bringing the painting to Salford in the first place was for as many people to see it as possible, LOWRY 360 will remain completely FREE to access for its entire duration. Picture this but stood right in the middle of it as ‘The Matchstick Man’s world comes to life around you:

Layers of Reality is known for creating virtual and immersive experiences revolving around everything from Frida Kahlo and Salvador Dali to Tutankhamun, so you can trust in the pedigree being brought to the Lowry Theatre.

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Moreover, this isn’t the only thing on at the Lowry during their 25th-anniversary programme by any means: families will be drawn to a free exhibition of Quentin Blake’s illustrations, featuring his most beloved characters and even a special portrait of the man himself drawn by Blake.

The Promenade Gallery will be transformed into a large-scale mural by French artist, Camille Walala; Manchester-born writer Jeannette Winterson will be hosting an insightful lecture on what makes Lowry’s world and history so special.

Visitors will also have an opportunity to see the new production of James Graham’s Olivier Award-winning play, Dear England, with a rewritten ending following the European Championships in 2024. There’s all this and plenty more to be found on the Lowry events page.

An award-winning play about England men’s football team is coming to Greater Manchester

Touching on the rest of the 25th-anniversary events, Fawcett went on to add: “We’re deeply committed to reaching out to the local community and our learning and engagement programmes have been at the centre of our mission for the past two and a half decades.

“Gods of Salford takes this to a new level, combining social impact with the creation of an ambitious, challenging and professional production. It will foster new skills, create pathways into the arts for disadvantaged young people and sell tickets!”

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“Over the past 25 years, Lowry has been on a remarkable journey. An ambitious plan to create a new home for arts and culture in the North West at the turn of the millennium is today the most visited attraction in Manchester and the cultural heart of one of Europe’s most successful regeneration projects.

“We are marking the moment with a spectacular programme that showcases the very best art and theatre. 2025 promises to be Lowry’s biggest and best year as we set our sights on the next 25.”

Hear, hear. LOWRY 360 opens on Saturday 3 May, so make sure to visit when you can – you can grab your free tickets HERE.

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For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Press Shot (supplied)/John Hickey-Fry (via Flickr)

Art & Culture

Co-op Live has been named the number one arena in Europe following its debut year

Danny Jones Danny Jones Co-op Live arena best in Europe

Despite a rocky opening month or so, Manchester’s Co-op Live made the ultimate instant recovery and has now been named the number one arena not just in the UK but all of Europe.

Manc music venues being best in class? Sounds about right.

Yes, even despite some obstacles, delays and early hiccups, Co-op Live‘s debut year as a live music and indoor entertainment venue has seen it beat out the likes of the long-established and iconic O2 in London to take the top spot.

The inaugural 12 months of the arena have not only seen it welcome all manner of music legends, as well as live sporting events such as the UFC and WWE, but the arena welcomed more visitors than any other venue across the continent during that time.

co-op live top venue for ticket sales in europe
Credit: Press Shot (supplied)

Hosting 105 events since opening, Co-op Live was officially ranked the number one arena for gross ticket sales in the UK and Europe by Pollstar this week.

Names to have graced the industry-leading stage so far include Liam Gallagher, Stevie Nicks and Take That; Peter Kay, Elbow, Sabrina Carpenter, Paul McCartney, and so many more.

Commenting on the successful start, Tim Leiweke (CEO and chairman of the Oak View Group behind the venue) said: “Our ambition was to bring the world’s best music arena to one of the world’s greatest music cities and we are thrilled with the reaction from fans and artists alike over this past year.

“Co-op Live’s revolutionary acoustics investment has already attracted some of the world’s biggest artists and events to Manchester, with many more to come.  And our sustainability commitment will ensure we remain responsible contributors to Manchester and the planet for years to come. 

“We believe that amazing venues can transform cities for the better, and Co-op Live has done just that.”

It’s fair to say we’ve had some truly unforgettable nights in there already – and that’s just in the last month alone. Case and point:

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Artists themselves have fallen in love with it as well, with LG himself putting it on a par with one of the most iconic arenas on the planet.

With a continued commitment to achieving ‘Net Zero’ status too, the venue’s carbon reduction technologies, solar panels, heat pumps and rainwater harvesting, not to mention the recently refreshed CityLink walking in partnership with the Climate Pledge, are all things we can be proud of.

Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, went on to add: “We are delighted with the success of Co-op Live’s first year, and to see it taking the top spot off London.

“It shows Manchester is the home of live music in the UK, with Co-op Live bringing so many exclusives from artists like Bruce Springsteen to the city and Oasis playing massive hometown shows this summer – 2025 is going to be one of the biggest ever for our city’s music scene.”

Meanwhile, things are feeling less fortunate at the grassroots end of the spectrum, as the Music Venue Trust is imploring people to get behind a vulnerable Manc music institution.

Music venue charity issues ‘shocked’ statement ahead of impending Manchester closure
We can’t forget about the small-cap venues that get things started.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — The Manc Group

Art & Culture

Swordplay and rock ‘n’ roll: A Knight’s Tale comes to Manchester Opera House

Danny Jones Danny Jones A Knight's Tale Manchester musical review

From the moment the curtain rises at Manchester Opera House, A Knight’s Tale bursts into life with exhilarating energy. This stage adaptation of the beloved 2001 film expertly blends medieval spectacle with a bold, modern twist.

Full of jousting tournaments, noble quests, and underdog triumphs, the production delivers both heart and high drama – all with a heady dose of rock ‘n’ roll.

At the centre of it all is William Thatcher, a young squire who dares to defy his lowly birth and enter the world of high-born knights. Played with charm and confidence by Andrew Coshan, William’s journey from peasant to jousting champion is rousing, if occasionally veering into heroic cliché.

Still, Coshan’s likability and natural charisma keep the audience cheering for him through every lance charge and dramatic monologue. The supporting cast also shines.

A Knight’s Tale the musical at Manchester Opera House. (Credit: Press Shot)

A standout is Eva Scott, whose comic timing and delivery consistently land laughs, often stealing scenes with her sharp one-liners.

Meanwhile, Meesha Turner brings elegance and spark to the role of Princess Jocelyn. Her powerful vocals during the show’s pop-classic ballads transform the character into a fiery, modern princess you can’t help but root for.

The production’s standout sequences are undoubtedly the jousts, theatrical set pieces that are an absolute masterclass in stagecraft. Using a clever combination of rigging, physical choreography, and dynamic sound design, the creative team conjures a truly immersive atmosphere.

Dramatic lighting and resonant sound effects make you feel the thud of hooves and the crash of lances. The cleverly designed set, featuring an arena-style jousting field, draws the audience into the action in a way that feels fresh and cinematic.

However, the show stumbles slightly in its quieter, more emotional scenes. The dialogue, while laced with humour, sometimes dips into melodrama. The villain, Count Adhemar, feels a touch underwritten, with motivations that don’t quite match the emotional weight the story strives for, but is still well-acted.

Don’t just take it from us: the A Knight’s Tale reviews from Manchester crowds are already very strong.

The stakes between him and William never fully build to the payoff they could – leaving certain dramatic beats a little flat. Musically, the show makes a bold departure from traditional scores. Instead, it leans into a soundtrack of classic rock anthems; think Queen, AC/DC, The Who and more.

At first, it seems like an odd match for a medieval tale, just as it did with the movie, but it works brilliantly. The music injects the show with rebellious energy and gives it a timeless quality. It’s loud, bold, and exactly what this high-octane tale of ambition and identity calls for.

A special mention must go to the ensemble and choreography. The jousting scenes are beautifully choreographed, blending acrobatics, dance, and swordplay with seamless precision. Even in quieter moments, the movement on stage supports the storytelling with subtle grace.

But the unexpected stars of the show? The horses. Designed with clever costume and movement illusions, they create the convincing effect of riders in full gallop – and at times, they very nearly steal the spotlight altogether.

Credit: Supplied

Though clearly aimed at adult audiences, with its cheeky humour and classic rock soundtrack, the show flirts with the spirit of panto, oversized characters, regional accents, and exaggerated physical comedy. And it works.

The regional dialects add warmth and levity, grounding the fantasy in a cheeky, very British sensibility.
In the end, A Knight’s Tale is a triumphant and entertaining spectacle, an electrifying mix of medieval mythology and modern musical theatre.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the original film or seeing the story for the first time, this production offers a fun, fast-paced, and surprisingly heartfelt night out. It’s not perfect, but it’s hard not to be swept up in the clashing swords, galloping hooves, and power chords.

Put simply, this is a knight to remember – with a soundtrack that slays.

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Featured Images — Press Images (supplied)

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