The Siege of Christmas

Looking for a family festive show with a difference? Then the Siege of Christmas at the Contact Theatre is well worth a look.

I was invited along to review it tonight along with my 12 and 14 year old boys. To be honest I wasn't sure what to expect and I was worried they might find it a bit babyish. But I was pleasantly surprised as we all enjoyed it and came out smiling. It was lovely to see some of the young children really getting into the story and joining in. But looking around the adults all looked like they were enjoying it too.

Photo credit Joel Chester-Fildes

So what's different about it? Well for a start you don't have a seat. You stick on a pair of headphones and are taken on a magical mystery tour around the building on a mission to save the spirit of Christmas meeting various characters along the way.  Perfect for fidgety little ones with some audience participation to keep them interested

Photo credit Joel Chester-Fildes

Although the show isn't very long at only one hour, they manage to fit plenty in. What's really great is the small cast of young, enthusiastic actors who made the characters come alive and the well decorated scenes along the way. It was also quite interesting to see some of the backstage areas you wouldn't normally get to venture. What really sells the show though is the engaging story, that is simple enough for young children to follow, whilst still keeping the interest of the grown ups.

Despite having lived in Manchester for over 25 years I'd never been to the Contact Theatre before and to be honest wasn't really sure where it was - within the Manchester University complex of buildings in case you're wondering. My top tip - get the bus, or the train, or even the tram and walk - but leave the car at home. Trying to find our way to the car park caused major stress and a lot of driving in circles and u-turns - who knew you couldn't just drive down Oxford Road anymore. If you do decide to drive, bring a £2 coin with you - the nearest car park must be the only one in Manchester not to accept £1 coins.

Photo credit Joel Chester-Fildes

So if you fancy a change from the traditional panto, where you don't know what is going to happen next with a lovely story to enjoy, and if you want to avoid the crush and the queue for the loo at the big theatres and watch a show in a select group, The Siege of Christmas is the one to watch.




It's running at The Contact Theatre until Wednesday 20th December with shows daily at 11am, 2pm and 6pm. Visit the Contact Manchester website for more info & to book

Brush up your IT skills with Google Digital Garage

So it appears you can teach an old dog new tricks. Today I've been learning how to create a website thanks to a free training session run by Google Digital Garage. And whilst I may not be an expert I at least know where to start now.

Whether you run a business and want to make better use of social media, or you're job hunting and want to brush up your CV, want to keep the kids safe online or are an internet novice, Google have it covered.

I've been to a couple of sessions now - social media strategy and writing for social media - and I have to say I'm impressed,  The sessions are around 60 - 90 minutes so long enough to give some useful information without being too in depth. They take place in Google's bright and colour space on King Street W right in the heart of Manchester's shopping district and run during the week and at weekends. The staff there are knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. You can book a free one-to-one session if you want more specific advice.

Best of all it costs absolutely nothing to go along. So why not have a browse online and see if there is something you fancy trying

Winter Wonderland Manchester

Winter Wonderland is back at Event City! It's become a part of the Manchester festive calendar - and a welcome one at that, offering fun for all the family indoors in the warm.

I took two 12 year olds along to the press launch last night and they had a great time. There are plenty of rides to choose from with a firm favourite being the Toro Loco Rodeo ride. It's probably as much fun watching the adults get flung off as it is going for a bumpy ride! Plus there's dodgem cars, plenty of spinning rides, mini roller coasters, inflatables and mazes to explore. You're not going to find the equivalent of the Smiler, but there is plenty to suit all ages

Younger visitors are spoilt for choice - as well rides, there are shows to watch on the stage. Become a Jedi master with training school, sing along with the ice princesses or watch Daisy & Ollie Live. And a trip down memory lane for the parents .. 'Up above the streets and houses, rainbow climbing high, everyone can see it smiling over the sky' - or is it just me that still remembers the theme tune? Yes George and Zippy are in town! There is even a small circus - no daring feats on the high wire or trapeze, or any acrobatics, but a couple of entertaining performers.  

Where else in Manchester could you visit the beach in the middle of December?

Sadly the 12 year olds couldn't be persuaded to visit Santa, but for younger visitors a visit to Winter Wonderland wouldn't be complete without a visit to the grotto. £3.50 gets you an audience with the man himself and a token to exchange for a gift in Santa's workshop. You can skip the gift and just have a free chat with Father Christmas.  

Purely in the interests of research I visited The German bar which was doing a roaring trade, selling beer, mulled wine, prosecco, hot chocolate and much more. If you're feeling peckish, there is a range of German market style food stalls selling hot dogs, pancakes, ice cream and carvery sandwiches.

In all, I'd say it was a good night out. The boys had to be dragged away at closing time. Not particularly cheap but if you can avoid pester power, most of it is paid for once you're in. We took our own drinks and this didn't seem to be an issue. Pre-booking also saves a few quid - and guarantees entry as it does get very busy.

Visit the Winter Wonderland website to find out more

Day One

Been thinking about this a while but never found the time to get started. But I've just been made redundant after 10 years in the same job so I've decided to take the leap and start blogging.

I'm a mum to 2 boys and I feel like I've reached a new stage in family life - in a few short months I'll have 2 teenagers in the house and suddenly how we spend time as a family has changed and it's getting harder to find ways they want to spend time with the aged parents.

I wanted to start this as a way of recording some of our days out and holidays so that we have something to look back on and remember. Amazing how often we say to the boys about a family holiday - do you remember when ....? and the answer is No! And it has recently starting dawning on me that the days when they want to do anything with their parents are numbered.

I'm not a writer and I've never done anything like this before, so I've no idea if anyone else will ever want to read my ramblings, but maybe some of my days out reviews will be interesting to parents looking for things to do. So here goes .....