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.
Stretford’s free neighourhood festival returns this weekend
Danny Jones
Stretford’s still fledgling and completely free all-day festival is BACK for 2026 and is happening this coming weekend.
So, if you didn’t have plans this Saturday, you do now.
Simply named StretFest, this is the third edition of the now annual celebration in one of Manchester’s fastest growing neighbourhoods – and an increasingly up-and-coming one at that.
Kicking off in the morning and running right into the wee small hours thanks to a healthy dose of varied daytime activities, evening events and de facto afterparties, there’s plenty on the cards.
🎉 It's the big one on Saturday! Stretfest is back & we're thrilled to have a fab selection of LIVE Music on from 3pm – 8pm for it!
We can't wait to greet loads of faces, old and new. #Stretford will be buzzing with activity so come on down & make a day of it ! 🍻 pic.twitter.com/16Rnn5w1qj
StretFest only started back in July 2024, but it has quickly grown into a cult favourite not only among locals living in and around the Trafford town, but also among plenty of people from all over Greater Manchester, with last year seeing more visitors than ever.
Based not just over at Stretford Mall but the surrounding parks, Public Hall, across the bridge and an area they dub ‘The Beach’, there are several distinct but equally vibrant hubs, all offering something different.
For instance, venues like Longford Tap, Head Bar and Stretford Canteen are all involved, as are the likes of the Library and Martin Luther Church, but also recently opened cafes like Swig and Cuppello’s, as well as many, many more.
To be honest, we’ll probably be popping over for all the food and drink alone.
And, of course, there’s going to be plenty of live music, DJ sets, other bits of entertainment, and all-around fun to be enjoyed; there’s even going to be everything from arts, crafts and workshops, to pirates and boat rides.
Getting underway from as early 9am – thanks to the likes of the regular Stretford parkrun crew teaming up with the festival, and Mr & Mrs hosting a coffee morning for their first birthday – there really is going to be something for everyone from start to finish.
You can see the full StretFest schedule or build your own personal day-into-night programme HERE.
As for what else is on the cards for the final few days of March (give or take a couple), you can find out what else is on in and around the ten boroughs down below.
Featured Images — Publicity pictures/Adrian Michael (supplied)/The Manc Group
What's On
Embrace announce intimate live show in beloved Bury music venue
Danny Jones
British alternative veterans Embrace have announced another intimate show here in Greater Manchester, only this time it’s over in Bury at a stunning small-cap arts venue.
It’s not often you get to see such a long-standing band play outside of the city centre so far into their career, especially in gorgeous grassroots spaces like this one.
A fellow Northern outfit, they’ve often been lumped in with that ‘post-Britpop’ era of music, and plenty throw around the so-called ‘dad rock’ label, but honestly, we couldn’t care either way: they remain among the UK’s perennially underappreciated underdogs that never get old, as far as we’re concerned.
Revealing a handful of new live dates for their album launch this summer, they’ll be making just two appearances in the North West on the run.
Writing in the post, the group said: “We’ve lined up a run of exclusive UK dates in venues that are some of the smallest we’ve played in years. It’s going to be special, but capacity is extremely limited.”
As you can see, besides the Jacaranda Baltic in Liverpool, the only other place in this region where they’re set to play for this mini tour is The Met over in Bury.
One of the most beautiful gig spots, not just in the town but in all the 10 boroughs, for our money, the room only holds around 400 standing and roughly 250 seats.
For seasoned artists like this lot, who are more used to playing big festival stages and big domestic headline tours – which they’re also doing later this year – it’s sure to be a special night.
Toasting the release of their ninth studio LP, Avalanche, this spin-off on the tried and tested in-store format wouldn’t be possible without the help of local record store, Wax and Beans, who are promoting and hosting the show.
But we can’t lie, there’s something about the idea of seeing them decades on from when they first tightly-packed out crowds of this size.
If you want to be part of the Embrace album launch tour, you can get ready to grab your tickets at 10am this Friday, 27 March, right HERE. And speaking of great record shops…
Emily Sergeant -
19th July 2022 
