A new world-first free exhibition that’s set to explore the revolution in science that is transforming cancer care is opening to the public at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester next week.
Opening on 22 October, the Science Museum Group has partnered with expert partner Cancer Research UK for the curation of the new exhibition – named Cancer Revolution: Science, innovation, and hope – at what is a key moment in time when one in two of us will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetime, but more of us than ever before are living longer and better with the disease.
Cancer Revolution: Science, innovation, and hope is the first “major object-rich exhibition” to reveal the past, present and future of how cancer is prevented, detected and treated.
Through never-before seen objects and stories, cutting edge treatment and research, reflection, new artist commissions and installations, film, photography, interactive exhibits and a breadth of personal stories, the museum says the exhibition will present the stories of people affected by cancer and those who study and treat it.
It’ll reveal how researchers, clinicians, policy makers, and patients are pushing progress in “a powerful expression of shared hope”.
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The new world-first exhibition is set to explore the revolution in science that is transforming cancer care is opening to the public / Credit: Science and Industry Museum
The exhibition is aiming to show show far we’ve come by busting myths about the causes of cancer, to exploring how the disease isn’t unique to humans, and how the latest cancer research, early detection technologies and immunotherapies are advancing cancer care today, as well as revealing how cancer has been treated over the centuries – from high-risk surgeries to the discovery of the first chemotherapy drugs – and the important challenges that still remain yet to be solved.
There’ll be 125 objects and 30 personal stories included in the exhibition that reveal this groundbreaking journey of scientific discovery.
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Visitors to the exhibition will be introduced to the researchers and remarkable science that is transforming our understanding of the disease and ways of treating it, particularly in its more advanced stages, as is showcases new technologies being used to detect the disease in its earliest stages.
Katie Dabin – Lead Curator of Cancer Revolution – said: “We are immensely proud to be able to bring to life for the very first time the awe-inspiring story of how far cancer treatment has come [as] despite the advances in survival that have been made, there are still big questions to address.
“While we can’t cancer-proof our lives, more people than ever before can be treated or live with the disease for a long time and we can take agency in the face of it.”
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The Science Museum Group has partnered with expert partner Cancer Research UK for the curation of the new exhibition / Credit: Science and Industry MuseumThe exhibition is aiming to show show far we’ve come by busting myths about the causes of cancer / Credit: Science and Industry Museum
Michelle Mitchell – Chief Executive at Cancer Research UK – added: “This major new exhibition will show how cancer care is being revolutionised, thanks to research which is making transformative steps in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
“This past year has highlighted the value of investing in science and medical research, and what can be achieved with collective focus and collaboration.
“Just like science is our route out of the pandemic, science is our route to beating cancer.”
Cancer Revolution: Science, innovation, and hope opens on Friday 22 October and will run through to March 2022, before it tours to the Science Museum in London in 2022.
A Thomas the Tank Engine replica steam train is travelling through Greater Manchester this summer
Emily Sergeant
Everyone’s favourite little blue engine is making another return to Greater Manchester once again this summer.
But this time, it’s with a rock and roll twist.
After delighting families throughout the region during countless successful events over the past couple of years, East Lancashire Railway (ELR) has announced that the Thomas the Tank Engine replica train is back this summer, arriving in a couple of weeks for a ‘rocking good’ time.
In case you aren’t too familiar with the beloved Day Out With Thomas experience, it’s said to be ‘a train ride like no other’.
Families have the chance to hop onboard the replica of the cult-classic blue train character when he returns next weekend for a 45-minute trip through the Greater Manchester countryside.
Everyone’s favourite little blue engine is making another return to Greater Manchester this summer / Credit: ELR
The journey begins at Bury Train Station, where you’ll be greeted by The Fat Controller, meet Sir Topham Hatt, say hello to Thomas on the platform, and then climb aboard a carriage, all before Thomas makes a final stop at the beautiful Ramsbottom station.
The doors to Bury Transport Museum will also be open across the weekend and will be hosting loads of fun free activities.
On the Day Out With Thomas: Let’s Rock, Let’s Roll Tour, families will be able to watch and dance along to exciting live shows with Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty & Dusty, join in the Thomas and Friends character hunt, have fun with garden games, keep the beat going at the ‘Music Corner’ packed with music-inspired fun, and so much more.
Thomas will be stopping at East Lancashire Railway this year on 18-19 July so there’s plenty of opportunities to see him, and tickets are now on sale.
Ticket prices start at £14.50 for kids, and £24 for adults.
Beloved sitcom Dinnerladies to return after 25 years with new stage show in Manchester
Emily Sergeant
One of the most beloved sitcoms of all time is set to return after 25 years, but this time it’s coming to the stage in Manchester.
More than a quarter of a century after it was first screened on BBC One, a brand-new stage adaptation of Dinnerladies is planned for 2027, and it’ll feature a storyline inspired by the episodes and characters from the iconic original TV sitcom.
Making its premiere at Manchester Opera House in January, the new show is the first piece of the late Victoria Wood’s work to be commissioned by her Estate.
Adapted by Beth and Emma Kilcoyne, and directed by double Olivier-award winner Sean Foley, after debuting here Manchester, the production will then tour major theatres across the UK until August – with star Les Dennis as maintenance man Stan, and further casting to be announced soon.
Originally created, written by, and starring Bury comedy legend Victoria Wood, Dinnerladies ran for two acclaimed series and 16 episodes between 1998 and 2000, winning widespread critical plaudits and a devoted audience thanks to its warmth, wit, and brilliantly observed characters.
Dinnerladies is returning after 25 years with a new stage show in Manchester / Credit: BBC
Set in the canteen of fictional Manchester factory, HWD Components, the show followed the lives, friendships, and workplace dramas of the staff and regulars who gathered there every day.
Now, audiences will be reunited with the dinnerladies once again, as all the much-loved characters that made the show such a huge British comedy classic will feature in the play – including Bren, Tony, Dolly, Anita, Jean, Twinkle, and Philippa.
No matter whether you’re revisiting an old favourite or discovering it for the first time, the new Dinnerladies show is set to serve up a hilarious night out packed with heart, nostalgia, and plenty of surprises.
Dinnerladies will take to the stage at Manchester Opera House on 29 January 2027 and run right through to 6 February 2027 – with tickets going on sale this Friday (3 July).
Emily Sergeant -
11th October 2021 
