Art & Culture

Royal Exchange celebrates 100 years by asking Mancs to share their memories

Things have changed a lot in the past century - and the Royal Exchange is asking for residents to share any stories, memories or pictures they may have associated with the building.

The Manc The Manc - 19th May 2021

One of Manchester’s most iconic buildings is set to celebrate a century in the city in 2021 – and people are being invited to share their greatest memories of the Royal Exchange as it prepares for its 100th birthday celebrations.

Opened by King George V and Queen Mary following a seven-year remodelling in 1921, the Grade II-listed Royal Exchange has undergone numerous transformations over the past ten decades.

Some residents, for example, may remember the basement containing antique style shopping centre and Brannigan’s nightclub – a popular haunt accessed via a door at one end of the Arcade.

In the 1950’s, the Royal Exchange even had an air terminal check-in on its Cross St side (a site now occupied by Danish retailer Sostrene Grene).

Today, the beautiful venue is home to the grand Royal Exchange theatre and a unique collection of independent boutique shops, premium brands and eateries – with a members-only gym soon opening below ground.

ADVERTISEMENT

Things have changed a lot in the space of 100 years – and now members of the Royal Exchange are asking for Mancunians to share any stories, memories or pictures they may have associated with the building.

The Royal Exchange is celebrating its 100th birthday in 2021 / Image: Wikiwand

Building Manager Tim White says: “While we’re clearly not expecting any memories from around the time of the official opening, we are hoping to hear tales from people about their memories of our shops and cafes from over the years.

ADVERTISEMENT

“We know many people have fond memories of the shopping centre in the basement or partying the night away at Brannigan’s so we’d love to hear about them, as well as any others.”

If anyone has any stories or pictures they’d like to share on social media, tag @royalexchangemanchester (Facebook and Instagram) or @TheRoyalExMcr (Twitter) and use the hashtag #ExchangeMemories.

Alternatively, you can email f[email protected] with #ExchangeMemories in the subject line.

Featured image: Wikipedia

Art & Culture

You can be a part of Christmas movie history by travelling on The Polar Express near Manchester

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

A stream train experience inspired by one of the biggest Christmas films of all time is happening just outside of Manchester.

Released back in 2004, The Polar Express is the seventh highest-grossing Christmas film of all time, and is packed with a star-studded cast, including Tom Hanks voicing multiple characters, and the Elf Lieutenant and Elf Singer both fronted by Aerosmith lead singer, Steven Tyler.  

The love for the film has only grown stronger over the years, amassing worldwide acclaim – with train rides inspired by the film taking place in Canada, Grand Canyon in the US, and now, not too far from Manchester.

You can be a part of Christmas movie history by travelling on The Polar Express near Manchester / Credit: Publicity Picture

Churnet Valley Railway is clearly as big of a fan of the film as the rest of the world, and is bringing the steam train ride to children and adults alike, offering both a standard and premium class tickets.

Passengers who purchase standard tickets receive a free hot chocolate, a freshly-baked cookie, and a silver sleigh bell.

Guests who are considering the premium ticket are treated to an exclusive souvenir ceramic mug, while groups will get a train ride goodie bag to share, as well as hot chocolate, cookie, and silver bell.

This steam railway might just win the award for biggest the Polar Express fans ever, as they have an online blog dedicated to fun little quotes from the characters, biographies on the main cast, and breaking down key scenes directly from the film.

There’s even an article dedicated to pyjama etiquette and it encourages guests to wear their bedtime gowns too, So go on, put your best comfies on and hop on this old-school steam train.

Read more:

Tickets for The Polar Express Train Ride taking place at Churnet Valley Railway are already onsale, and you can grab them here.

Featured Image – Publicity Picture

Art & Culture

Chicago the Musical razzles (and dazzles) at the Palace Theatre in Manchester

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

A story of murder, greed and corruption was performed with style, ease and flair; Chicago is the longest-running American musical in Broadway and West End history, and it’s easy to see why now that it’s arrived in Manchester.

The jazz-fuelled fiasco is filled with catchy songs that you can’t help but click along to, funny one-liners, and likeable characters such as Miss Roxy Hart herself.

Best-known for appearing as Kate Connor in Coronation Street, the opening night in Manchester on Chicago‘s UK tour may have been a daunting prospect, but it’s one Faye Brookes pulled off seamlessly.

Here’s our full review…

Image: Press Images (Supplied)

Brookes is fantastically expressive and brings new energy to a classic, complemented throughout by a sultry cast dressed in buckles and mesh that really bring the ‘Razzle Dazzle’ to the stage.

Her co-star, Strictly Come Dancing‘s Kevin Clifton, struts through the show transformed into Billy Flynn – a flamboyant 1920s American lawyer who has the desperate inmates in the palm of his hand.

The opening number, ‘All That Jazz’, is spearheaded by Djalenga Scott as Velma Kelly and she does it brilliantly.

Image: Supplied

The cast slink their way across the stage with Scott at the forefront, who undoubtedly delivers a faultless performance and complements Brookes as Roxie Hart perfectly.

A highlight of course included the hilarious ‘Cell Block Tango’, the audience were laughing along as the women sang the stories of their murderous deeds whilst performing sharp and sultry choreography.

Not even a toe out of place.

Image: Supplied

The set is minimalist, dark and simple, but is simply brought to life by the wonderful expression and lively musical numbers performed on stage by the live band.

The live band sits on a staircase centre stage and their playful use of instruments throughout is truly impressive.

Neil MacDonald, the show’s musical director, even got involved with a few on-stage conversations which was a fabulous touch that made the show feel bespoke to us.

Images: Supplied

Read more:

Other notable performances included Brenda Edwards as Mamma Morton, whose powerhouse voice left the audience in absolute awe, and Joshua Lloyd as ‘Mister Cellophane’ caused a couple of pitiful “awws” from the auditorium.

Overall, this was a fantastic production of the Broadway classic – the standing ovation at the end proves I wasn’t the only one who thought that too.

Chicago the Musical is playing at the Palace Theatre Manchester until Saturday, 9 November and you can grab your last-minute tickets HERE.

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

Featured Images — Press images (Supplied)

More Art & Culture

Art & Culture

StreamGM launch brand new livestreamed DJ series, ‘Room Two’, at The Yard

Art & Culture

One of the world’s greatest music photographers to exhibit at Manchester Art Fair this month

Art & Culture

The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 4 – 10 November 2024

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches