WELCOME TO THE WEEK AHEAD
WHAT NOT TO MISS OVER THE NEXT SEVEN DAYS
TODAY
Music / Stereophonics
They’ll never win awards for musical innovation, but you can’t deny the impressive staying power of Welsh rock trio Stereophonics. Down a pint, put your arm around your bessie mate and holler along to those indie-rock classics – Dakota, Local Boy In The Photograph, Have A Nice Day et al – at tonight’s Manchester Arena gig.
● Manchester Arena / manchesterarena.com / 0844 847 8000 / Today / 6pm / £32.50
Music / Agbeko
An 11-piece band inspired by jazz, soul, funk, psychedelia and Afrobeat, Mancunian party maestros Agbeko have developed a formidable live reputation since they emerged three years ago. At long last, the band are now finally releasing their debut album, D.O.D., accompanied by this sure-to-be raucous home-town gig at YES.
● YES / yes-manchester.com / 0161 273 2725 / Today / 7pm / £10
TOMORROW
Clubbing / Tempo 9th Birthday Founded by Mancunian DJ/ producer Dave Law, the excellent Tempo prepares to celebrate nine years of wonderful deep house parties. Tonight’s line-up includes a live PA from the queen of house, Ms Barbara Tucker, plus DJ sets from Terry Hunter, Bobby and Steve, Raj Acquilla and, of course, head honcho Dave Law. ● The Refuge / refugemcr. co.uk / 0161 233 5151 / Tomorrow / 10pm-4am / £25
Clubbing / AMP x DnB Sessions
A match made in clubnight heaven, the AMP crew and DnB sessions are joining forces for this epic celebration of minimal drum’n’bass talent. Headlining is Russian maverick Alex Emei, joined by Jakes, Mark Dinimal, Ben Snow, Sl8r and many more.
● Bread Shed / bread-shed. co.uk / 0161 273 1471 / Tomorrow / 10.30pm-3am / £3-£15
Theatre / Zorro – The Musical
Subject of numerous best-selling books and films, the legend of Zorro is brought to life in this swashbuckling stage musical by Stephen Clark and Helen Edmundson. The cast includes Antony Costa, Emma Kingston, Alex Gibson-Giorgio and, playing our masked hero, Benjamin Purkiss.
● Hope Mill Theatre / hopemilltheatre. co.uk / 0161 275 9141 / Tomorrow to Saturday April 18 / £25
Comedy / Simon Munnery: Alan Parker Urban Warrior
Acclaimed comic Simon Munnery is taking a stroll down memory lane for his latest tour, resurrecting his genius ‘90s ‘bedsit anarchist’ character Alan Parker. This time, however, instead of bashing Thatcher and the Poll Tax riots, he’s tackling more contemporary issues, from Jeremy Corbyn to the climate crisis.
● Bread Shed / bread-shed.co.uk / 0161 273 1471 / Tomorrow / 7.30pm / £13
Visual arts / Syd Shelton: Rock Against Racism
Between 1976 and 1981, the political movement Rock Against Racism confronted racism ideology in the streets, parks and town halls of Britain. Syd Shelton’s new photo exhibition captures one of the most intriguing periods in British post-war history, highlighting the many performers who rallied behind the cause (Elvis Costello, The Specials, The Clash and more), as well as the lives and landscapes that often fuelled acts of racist violence.
● Gallery Oldham / galleryoldham. org.uk / 0161 770 4653 / Tomorrow to Sunday, May 31 / Free
SUNDAY Comedy / Ahir Shah
Renowned for his highly analytical shows about the current sociopolitical climate, two-time Edinburgh nominee Ahir Shah is one of the smartest stand-ups on the circuit. Most importantly, though – as tonight’s visit to Salford will firmly prove – his huge brain power is also matched by his massive joke-telling prowess.
● The Lowry / thelowry.com / 0343 208 6000 / Sunday / 8pm / £14
MONDAY
Theatre / Dave Allen: A Journey
Through Life and Death
Often hailed as the godfather of alternative comedy, Dublin-born Dave Allen was a much-loved fixture on British TV screens for four decades. As part of this year’s Manchester Irish Festival, Allen’s life story is celebrated with this affectionate one-man performance from acclaimed writer/ performer Kieran Cunningham.
● Fred’s Ale House, Levenshulme / fredsalehouse.com / 0161 221 0297 / Monday / 7.30pm / £12
Theatre / Boyfriend Stroke Husband
A family’s dark secret is exposed over social media in this powerful three-hander from local playwright Mike Heath. First developed as part of the Liverpool Everyman Playwrights’ Programme, the production now receives its world