Much-loved Manc artist Stanley Chow is hosting an exclusive exhibition of his iconic portraits and illustrations of famous faces at a Greater Manchester arts institution.
Stanley Chow, best known for his geometric art that has become a contemporary and instantly recognisable style all of its own, is probably one of the most notable British artists around right now and it goes without saying that he’s a favourite of ours too.
So when we heard that he was displaying an exhibition of some of his most famous works — quite literally, in this case — over in Chorlton, we didn’t hesitate to share the news.
Showcasing illustrations and his trademark minimalist, vector-based portraits at none other than The Edge Theatre and Arts Centre on Manchester Road, some of Stan’s most notable designs will be on show, spotlighting familiar faces and household names from the stage and screen.
The special exhibition in Chorlton will run from Thursday, 15 February to Thursday, 30 May and is built around Chow’s personally curated collection of actors from the stage, film and television.
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Including takes on several BAFTA, Emmy, Olivier and Oscar winners, the exhibit will also feature the three patrons of The Edge: Sir Mark Rylance, Julie Hesmondhalgh and John Thomson.
Having been in the business for more than 30 years now, Stan has been involved in many areas within design and illustration, even being
” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener nofollow”>involved with Manchester United’s latest kit launch and player unveilings, but he is undoubtedly best known for his distinctive portraiture of pop stars, actors, sports personalities and more celebrities.
So it’s a good job that’s what’ll be on show at The Edge, isn’t it?
KesX-FilesDorothy in The Wizard of the OzStanley Chow has a permanent exhibition at Hotel Football but this is the first (Credit: Stanley Chow/supplied)
This will be the first time Stan has focused his attention specifically on a collection round stage and screen, stating: “I had a lot of fun looking through my back catalogue to find the images that would work in the lovely space offered to me at The Edge Theatre & Arts Centre and it’ll be the first time my design of Sir Mark Rylance will be shown in public.”
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As for the theatre itself, Artistic Director Janine Waters said, “We are thrilled to have such a local legend bringing his work to The Edge, and this exhibition promises to be a very special one.
“We are particularly excited to see Stan’s unique take on our patrons, alongside some other familiar faces. It is a privilege to have his work on show in our building in the heart of Chorlton.”
While tickets for the exclusive opening night preview have now sold out, you can go along to see tickets to see the exhibition from mid-March until the end of May. To hear more about why The Edge has become such a cultural site over the past decade, you can hear Rylance waxing lyrical about it here:
Featured Images — Supplied/Stanley Chow (via Instagram)
Art & Culture
J. Cole to play biggest ever Manchester show on first world tour in half a decade
Danny Jones
Calling all those living in Cole World since 2007, J is coming to Manchester on his first world tour in more than five years, and we’re collectively losing our minds.
You could even say we’re in Dreamville.
Announcing a run of just half a dozen live gigs here in Britain, his UK leg will be kicking off this autumn, amid other shows over in mainland Europe, Australia and New Zealand, the States and the rest of North America, even South Africa.
Confirming Co-op Live as the chosen room for his long-awaited return to Manchester, this will be his debut at the massive indoor venue.
He’s even done a cool twist on the tour announcement.
Set to tour his latest release, The Fall-Off – his seventh studio album, which is rolling back the years after being pushed as a double-disk mixtape-esque CD – this feels like a full circle moment, nearly two whole decades on from his actual breakout mixtape, The Come Up. Time flies.
Moreover, it feels like Mancs have had to wait almost just as long to see him again.
The last time J. Cole visited Manchester was on the ‘4 Your Eyez Only Tour’ in 2017, meaning it’ll be nearly 10 whole years by the time we watch him live back up in the North West of England.
It’s also been widely publicised that this record was made with the intentions of it being his last (say it ain’t so), meaning this could also be one of your last chances to see the hip-hop legend live – at least for another VERY long time.
All told, the 41-year-old is set to perform in a total of 50 cities across 15 different countries on this upcoming tour, which gets underway in October.
31 October – Nottingham, Motorpoint Arena Nottingham
As detailed by the arena already, official Co-op members can get first in line for tickets, but you can also try your luck with presale by ordering a copy of The Fall-Off.
Otherwise, general admission will be available from 9am this Friday, 20 February, so you’d best be quick about getting them in your basket, all bought and paid for.
If this is set to be his final hurrah, it’s been one hell of a ride for someone who will, without a doubt, go down as one of the best rappers of all time.
Featured Images — Press shot (supplied via Co-op Live)
Art & Culture
Jack Whitehall announces massive Manc gig as part of brand-new live stand-up tour
Danny Jones
British comedy legend Jack Whitehall is making a triumphant return to Manchester yet again with a trip to Co-op Live.
That’s right, in addition to hosting the 2026 BRIT Awards at the massive indoor entertainment arena this month, the seasoned stand-up will be headlining the venue himself too.
Heading back on the road award-winning comic is heading back on the road for a huge national arena tour that promises bigger laughs than ever before, so get ready to laugh your socks off.
Fresh from starring in crime thriller Malice on Amazon Prime Video and stepping into the spotlight as presenter once again to host the BRITs, Jack Whitehall is returning to what he does best: live comedy.
Audiences can expect classic Whitehall awkward storytelling and quick-witted observations that have made him one of the UK’s most loved stand-up comedians.
Entitled Bad Influence, his new hour will showcase brand-new material that has been specifically written for 2027.
The newly confirmed show will almost a year on from his debut visit to the Co-op on Saturday, 28 February for the BRITs.
Jack Whitehall Bad Influence tour dates:
January 2027
Thursday 7 January – Utilita Arena, Newcastle
Saturday 9 January – Co-op Live, Manchester
Sunday 10 January – M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool
Tuesday 12 January – Playhouse, Edinburgh
Wednesday 13 January – Playhouse, Edinburgh
Thursday 14 January – OVO Hydro, Glasgow
Saturday 16 January – Utilita Arena, Birmingham
Sunday 17 January – Swansea Building Society Arena
He’ll also be doing a handful of live shows the following month, including a trio over in Yorkshire at the likes of Leeds’ First Direct Arena and more; you can see those dates down below:
February 2027
Tuesday 2 February – BIC, Bournemouth
Wednesday 3 February – Utilita Arena, Sheffield
Thursday 4 February – Connexin Live, Hull
Saturday 6 February – First Direct Arena, Leeds
Sunday 7 Feburary – Vaillant Live, Derby
Presale to see Jack Whitehall in Manchester goes live from 10am on Wednesday 18 February, and Co-op members can also enjoy early access via the venue.
As for general admission tickets, they will be available from 10am this Friday (20 Feb).
Danny Jones -
31st January 2024 
