A brand-new immersive outdoor theatre experience has brought an adaptation of a childhood favourite book to Bolton.
Set in a giant 10-metre dome across a woodland trail and surrounded by nature in the grounds of the historic Bolton School, The Lost Words: Told in Gold takes families and theatre fans on a journey like no other.
It features some stunning 3D installations and an impressive goldfinch nest auditorium.
Directed by Collette Murray, and adapted from Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris’ book, what makes this different than other theatre productions is that during the show, audience members are actively encouraged to seek, find, and speak the lost words of nature in the picturesque surroundings.
The family-friendly show is performed by UnderSong Productions, and led by three actors – a six-foot-four RAF heron (Pete Williamson), a folk-singing barn owl (Julie Power), and a breakdancing raven (Khagen Douglas), who all bring Macfarlane’s words to life through song, dance, and performance.
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Not only that, but a selection of spoken word pieces also accompany the production, with recordings provided by some of North’s best-loved voices – including Julie Hesmondhalgh and Bolton’s very-own Maxine Peake.
The Lost Words: Told in Gold takes families and theatre fans on a journey like no other / Credit: SuppliedIt’s set in a giant 10-metre dome across a woodland trail, and surrounded by nature in the grounds of the historic Bolton School / Credit: Supplied
Some of Bolton’s young artists have also been involved in the production by building a willow archway, and creating props for the set design too.
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Jackie Morris’ original illustrations inspire all the artwork seen in the production.
The soundtrack features music from the Spell Song’s album, and has been created by some of the UK’s most0renowned folk music talents by interpreting Robert Macfarlane’s words.
Speaking on the immersive production, Director Collette Murray said: “There are swathes of activity across the country regarding The Lost Words – but mainly in rural counties and districts and our production aims to bring the same message of eco-responsibility to urban settings.”
The production features some stunning 3D installations and an impressive goldfinch nest auditorium / Credit: Supplied
Public performances in the grounds of Bolton School run until this Friday 22 July, and then after that, the production will then appear at several community spaces in the Bolton area in conjunction with Bolton at Home.
Oasis announce extra 2027 tour dates – including TWO MORE Knebworth shows
Emily Sergeant
Oasis have announced a run of additional tour dates for 2027, including two more Knebworth shows.
In case you need bringing up to speed a little, it was announced last week, following the unprecedented success of the reunion tour, Oasis Live ’25, last year – including five nostalgia-drenched gigs at Manchester’s Heaton Park – Oasis would be hitting the road once again in 2027, and this time around, they’re going BIG.
We’re talking 11 nights at the Etihad Stadium and a return to the iconic grounds of Knebworth for four special shows there too, kind of ‘big’.
The iconic Manchester band will also be taking to a range of other world-famous stages across the globe, including five nights at Glasgow’s Celtic Park, and major cities like Barcelona, Amsterdam, Paris, Rome, and Las Vegas.
And now they’ve added some extra dates into the mix due to popular demand.
While there’s no additional Manchester dates on the lineup this time (11 is quite a lot to begin with, after all), they have doubled up on Knebworth instead.
That’s right – the Gallagher brothers and co have now announced two further Knebworth shows on 25 and 26 September, on top of the already-announced dates of 11, 12, 18 and 19 September.
Tickets are being sold through a strict fan registration process this year, with no general onsale and only successful registrants even invited to try and buy them.
Prices will be fixed, however, meaning fans will be able to snap up a ticket for as little as £74.60 for seated tickets, with seats then costing up to £266.60, including fees.
Standing tickets will be priced at either £173.60 or £206.60, and there are also hotel packages, coach packages, and VIP packages available.
Everything you need to know about buying tickets for Oasis Live ’27 is here.
Featured Image – Joshua Halling (Press Image – Supplied)
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Strictly Come Dancing Live to return to Manchester as part of 2027 UK tour
Emily Sergeant
Strictly Come Dancing Live is set to return in 2027 for a spectacular new UK arena tour.
Hot on the heels of last weekend’s dazzling launch show for the 2026 BBC series, audiences are invited to get their dancing shoes on and their ’10’ paddles at the ready, as a new lineup of celebrities and professionals will be taking to the dancefloor for 29 shows across the country – including three shows in Manchester.
Head judge Shirley Ballas will be hitting the road, alongside fellow judges Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood, with Janette Manrara also presenting.
Directed by Craig Revel Horwood himself, Strictly Come Dancing Live takes the magic of the BBC TV show and turns it up to another level.
Expect jaw-dropping group dances, breathtaking routines, stunning costumes, and live music from the legendary Strictly band and singers, all brought together in a first-class arena production.
As always with the Strictly Live Tour, there is one very important decision to be made at every show – which couple will lift the Glitterball Trophy?
And that decision is not in the hands of the judges. The judges are there to critique and provide their invaluable opinions on each dance routine, but they do not hold the power, as this lies with the audience instead, who can vote using their mobile phones to decide who is the winner.
Strictly Come Dancing Live is returning to Manchester as part of its 2027 UK tour / Credit: Supplied
The tour kicks off at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena on 22 January for the first of five shows, and will then cha-cha-cha its way across the UK, visiting other major northern cities like Sheffield, Newcastle, Liverpool, and Leeds, before arriving in Manchester at the start of February.
Strictly Come Dancing Live will take to the AO Arena stage on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 February 2027, with two shows happening on the Saturday.
Tickets officially go on sale this week, with venue pre-sales beginning at 10am on Thursday 24 September, before general sale starts on Friday (25 September), also at 10am.
Emily Sergeant -
19th July 2022 
