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.
An outdoor cinema is screening a Wicked sing-a-long this autumn
Thomas Melia
There’s an outdoor cinema screening a sing-along version of the global phenomenon Wicked later this year near just outside of Greater Manchester.
Arley Hall, in Cheshire, is hosting a very special screening of one of the biggest films of 2024, Wicked, where guests will be allowed to sing along during the film.
This one-off event will come as a relief to some fans of the movie-musical, as back when it was released, one attending was encouraged not to sing along as it may disrupt the film itself.
With a musical stacked with hits like ‘Popular’, ‘Dancing Through Life’ and obviously the huge number that is ‘Defying Gravity’, how could you not take a moment to test out the vocal cords?
Maybe we’ll see some mini Elphabas and Glindas showing up at the Wicked sing-a-long, Arley Hall.Sit back, relax, and defy some gravity.
Now, Arley Hall has teamed up with events and entertainment company Adventure Cinema for an outdoor experience that promises to be a fantastic, family-friendly day out watching Elphaba and Glinda on the big screen.
There are various ticket options available for this Wicked sing-along showing, which are all priced under a reasonable £30 range.
The standard ticket, which requires you to bring your own camping chair or blanket, is only £17.37, while the premium ticket (including a premium deck chair and prime position) costs £25.21.
Throughout the weekend, Adventure Cinema are making themselves comfy in Arley Hall‘s grounds, as they are set to play some huge movie titles and host even more wonderful events.
For instance, there will be an ‘Outdoor Cinema ExtrABBAganza’ courtesy of Mamma Mia!, a double-whammy thanks to ‘The Gruffalo’ and ‘The Stick Man’ playing back to back as well as ‘Andrea Bocelli 30: The Celebration’ and ‘Pretty Woman’ too.
There’s an ExtrABBAganza coming to Arley Hall the same weekend.Just you, your blanket and a crowd of Wicked fans ready to sing their hearts out.
While we wait eagerly for the second part of the Wickedmovie-musicaladaptation, why not let yourself loose and see if you can out-sing the witches of Oz – Think I’ll leave the singing to Cynthia and Ariana.
The movie-musical became one of the backbones of pop culture in 2024, generating various quoted phrases and viral moments, including the unforgettable ‘Holding Space’ meme alongside many others.
Anyone looking to attend the Wicked sing-along at Arley Hall on Friday, 19 September from 6pm to 10:15pm can find all ticket prices and more information HERE.
All the free things you can get with a Great Manchester Run finisher’s medal this year
Danny Jones
What’s the best part about doing the Great Manchester Run, we hear you ask? All the freebies, of course. You’ll be glad to hear there are more free things than ever for finishers this year.
More than 35,000 runners are set to take on the challenge, be it the half marathon or the 10k, and we firmly believe every single one of these legends should be entitled to as much free stuff as possible.
If it were up to us, they wouldn’t pay for anything all day, but hey, we make don’t make the rules.
So yeah, without further ado, here are all the freebies you can get for taking part in the Great Manchester 2025.
Free stuff and offers for Great Manchester Runners to cop in 2025
Without further ado, here are a tonne of freebies, discounts and deals you can grab by simply flashing your finisher’s medals:
Credit: The Manc/Supplied
Dishoom –Complimentary 330ml Kingfisher/Kingfisher Zero (0.0%) for anyone with anyone dining with a finisher’s medal.
Blacklock –Free glass of fizz on us with your medal.
Maray – Free glass of fizz/pint (or non-alcoholic beer/soft) for anyone with a medal who is dining on Sunday
Electric Shuffle – Free house wine, prosecco or pint for anyone with a 2025 medal.
Salon Madre – 2-4-1 margaritas all day Sunday for anyone with a race medal.
Suki Suki – Free bao bun for anyone with a medal.
Refuge/Kimpton Clocktower Hotel – 100 free pints of Manchester Union Beer (first come, first served)
Hello Oriental – Discounted soft serve ice cream, plus a free beer or soft drink with any meal for all finishers
The Shack – Flash your medal to claim a free glass of Prosecco or beer, plus parties with medals get 20% off their food bill.
Dough Religion (House of Social) – half price slice at Manchester Jazz Festival on Sunday
Emily Sergeant -
19th July 2022 
