A review of the play MYSPACE; Part of the 24:7Theatre Festival 2013 Premiered @2022NQ #DapperProductions

Directed by; Louise Hill

Written by; Louise Monaghan

Produced by; Dapper Productions

Last month (Wednesday 24th July) on a lovely summer's evening in the heart of the Northern Quarter, I had the pleasure of attending a unique performance of the play entitled "Myspace". Invited by one of my best friends, I had heard very good things but wasn't sure what to expect. 

Staged in 2022NQ, one of Manchester's finest quirky bars, clubs and exhibition venues, I was surprised to find all of the production, cast and audience neatly tucked away in such a small intimate space. It was a great choice for location with nostalgic tiled walls and a large open stage where the cast walked freely adjacent to the audience. 

Written by Louise Monaghan past winner of Bruntwood Prize Judge's Award; the story surrounds five individuals, four youths and one elderly man aptly named "Mad Harry" played by the amazing Kenneth Alan Taylor (pictured with me below).

After a fast-paced duration of only 60 minutes, Myspace had given you a meaningful introduction to all of the characters, showcasing their individual personalities, issues & emotions; and by the end you wholeheartedly felt like you knew them. 

The play led you to explore the unexpected friendship circle, that was built around a community service order carried out in Harry's garden. The four youth characters played by the great Lauren Ogden, Kamran Darabi-Ford, Sophie Toland and George Oluyinka, lovingly tended to Harry's flower beds, though they were reluctant to at first!

Throughout the play, Myspace collectively explored issues concerning adolescence, prejudice, racism and social class. Over time bonds were formed, confrontation was faced and an endless array of Harry's reminiscent romantic memories were presented to the audience in such a sensitive manner. 

Surprisingly the use of Parkour (movement in the form of climbing, jumping, running and creative vaulting) was skillfully demonstrated by George Oluyinka throughout his performance as Leeroy. This interesting form of self-expression; instilled an urban edge in Myspace & complimented the group performance wonderfully; injecting a modern youthful energy and essence. 

Myspace boasts a pragmatic script, heart-warming, gritty and compelling in emotion. With such a fantastic crew and production team to match! I loved it... a definitive must see!

For more info about Myspace or the 24:7 Theatre Festival Click... HERE

#Dapper Productions... is a new Manchester based Theatrical company founded only this year, they are always on the lookout for new talent. 

www.Dapperproductions.co.uk


(I'd appreciate any comments or feedback guys as this is my first proper review Thanks!) Kate xxx

AGYNESS DEYN for Dr Martens AW/12 COLLECTION LAUNCH PREVIEW

So last night I luckily bagged myself a free ticket + one guest courtesy of a competition giveaway ran by Flux Magazine; to the highly anticipated preview of Agyness Deyn's latest collaboration with Dr Martens. 

I'll unashamedly admit, I'd been eyeing up the collection online for weeks, had read an endless amount of articles exploring the Mancunian lasses new venture and I'd pretty much handpicked my favourite pieces before even stepping foot in the store. 

Dare I say, I was extremely excited to see the collection first-hand especially before it was released globally! I was a very lucky girl indeed!

Here are some of my photos I took at the preview last night... 

via Instagram (Follow me @Katealexandramc) 

Wall art hanging above the stairs in Dr Martens Manchester Store; icons of my beloved city. Created by the extraordinarily talented Mark Kennedy (video on end of post)

One of Agyness's beautiful daisy printed dresses that comes in both acid green & black. Typically nostalgic and reminiscent of a 90's grunge, it has a cute rounded collar and a sweet daisy enamel top button. This was one of my favourite pieces in the collection, I love bright colours and this print works really well all over. Buy it Here

A shot of the front welcoming table. Beautiful shoes, well-tailored shirts, framed piccies of Agyness complete with bowls of Jelly Beans to nibble on. 

My pretty plus one, Sarah Hatton who is currently a fashion intern at Red Alert ; toasting to the florals!

OOOOoooh Velvet creepers (I bought the black pair) it was love at first sight ♥

Check em out here

I didn't discover this delightful bowl until late on! The marshmallows really complemented my Champagne well. 

An eclectic wall of pieces that Agyness has created for Dr Martens; sure to inspire a youthful generation. Feast your eyes on pale plaid, daisy printed tees, luxurious knits, patent leather double soles and heart-shaped satchels in the cutest of candy colours. 

The iconic Agyness daisy dress and gorgeous Lambswool Aztec inspired grey jumper. 

(Next on my wish list) 

The beauty herself sporting orange locks and the daisy print tee. 

The staff at the Dr Martens Manchester store were all so lovely and welcoming, it was such a great evening! Bit of customer satisfaction, after leaving the store!

Quotes printed down the sides of the box

 The slip case packaging on the box was stunningly adorned with lovely shots of Agyness.

Flying the Union Jack

Wrapped up like a present in graffiti tissue paper

My Beaut Black Velvet Aggy Creepers; 

Limited Edition, 3-D-Ring Eyelets with an Extra Chunky BES Sole.

I can't wait to wear them! I'm thinking skinny jeans with a chunky mohair jumper in cold winter months. I have yet to post a pic of me wearing them but I will do soon. x

(A SPECIAL THANKS ALSO GOES TO SARAH OF FASHIONDOTTY FOR BEING SUPER LOVELY AND LENDING ME HER PRESS DISCOUNT!!! xxx)

My verdict on the collection is really positive, I particularly like the prints, the grunge-esque vibe with double-soles and maxi style tea dresses. If I had more pennies I would have definitely purchased one of the Heart Shaped Satchels probably in the Cherry. 

I heard that the inspiration behind Agyness's collection were 90's icons and power couples such as Winona Ryder and Johnny Depp. Clare Danes in "My So Called Life' had the pre-adolescent style that Agyness wanted to translate into this special collective. 

I can see those sort of subtle influences coming through, its more about summing up in a fashion format a particular feeling, mood, personality, attitude and image of a character in an era like the 90's. 

I think she did good. Just a shame she wasn't there! x

(At the end of this extreme picture heavy post, I'll leave you with some vids) 

Agyness Deyn Official Dr Martens Look book Video

Dr Martens Store Launch Video

Manchester Mosaic by Mark Kennedy 

That Is All xxx

WHISTLES AW/12 LOOKBOOK

Images from Whistles.co.uk

As many folk may already know... I work for the beautiful British brand that is
W H I S T L E S. Just thought I'd share with you some images from the new look book for AW/12/13, they are too nice not to be flaunted!

With the end of Spring/Summer commencing just last week, everyone is looking ahead now into Autumn Winter. When it comes to my favourite season I definitely prefer wrapping up warm with lots of layers and watching the leaves all change colour.


It'll soon be here! Autumn is just around the corner...

This season Whistles are showcasing a beautiful capsule collection of winter luxe, expect to see lots of lace, leather, glistening tweeds and brocade fabrics. Subtle prints have an Asian influence that has transcended into sharp cut silk trousers and high fashion separates. 

The collection is very wearable, cohesive and intrinsically highlights several of this season's key trends... 

• Metalwork, 
• English Heritage, 
• Cocoon Coats, 
• Trans-Siberian, 
• Leather and 
• Black. 

Chic silhouettes are cut with high quality printed silks, wool and woven brocade fabrics. The Whistles palette is of marine blue, navy, black, khaki green, soft camels, gold and glistening tones. 

 Whistles Images from lafashionfolie.com

Oversized leather jackets and tailored separates are worked in to give an androgynous edge to contemporary feminine shapes.

Nostalgic influences of the 60's, 70's and 80's, can be noted too in this stunning collection.

Stylized silhouettes typically associated with these decades, have been cleverly re-worked by the brand and modernised, to create a special capsule collection that will appeal to every 21st Century woman.

Renowned for its fashion forward approach, this year the British brand has retained its effortlessly chic style producing a collection that cleverly transitions casual jersey to evening cocktail dresses. Classic apparel thats endlessly perfect for our current climate to the cold winter months ahead.

What do you think of the new collection? I've already been eyeing up some lovely pieces for my next installment of AutumnWinter uniform! I think I'm in love with everything! :)


Shop online here

or pop into W h i s t l e s 2nd floor @House of Fraser Manchester soon, to come shop with us!

 XXX

DIAMOND celebrations; they've been and gone...

Queen's Silver Jubilee Street Party 1977 at Neill's Close

Sourced here

Iron Lane Coronation Street Party - 1953

Sourced here

Street Party circa 1970

       Sourced here

Dressing up circa 1977

                                 

Sourced here

10th June 1978 Ewart Street in Hanover

Sourced here

5th June 2012 Thomas Street, Manchester 

Coming up to the Queens Diamond Jubilee last month, I came across these lovely images for a celebratory street party themed post. I didn't get round to it and can't believe I haven't share them until now. Including some of my own taken on the day with my girls. Everyone looked like they had a great time and we did too! XXX

I'm now a Stylecard fashion blogger!!!

Hello all,

I'm really pleased to announce I'm now a blogger and contributing style writer for new start up fashion site StyleCard.co.uk.

There is a great membership scheme to offer online, anyone can join in purchasing a 'style-card'. This will effectively get you 10% discount off all the partenered brands and retailers found on the site.

The discount applies to well known brands such as Dr Martens, Cheap Monday, Casio and House of Holland. Partnered stores include Urban Outfitters, Stylemews and Rings&Tings. The site also features some independent up & coming designers, and all of the brands are alphabetically organized- makes shopping easier!

My role is to promote the brands online and write about trends, daily looks and outfit building, which is really enjoyable. I'm one of many resident bloggers in the fashion portal, where there's lots of individual profiles and articles about all things fashion related. I finished my first short blog post this week on 3 shirts selected from Urban Outfitters online...

To see my article click HERE

You can read more about StyleCard HERE


(Let me know what you think of my writing :) ) More articles to come XXX

Check out our stock for...CHRISTMAS MARKETS AT THE SOUP KITCHEN MANCHESTER 10/12/11....

Ello! December greetings guys & dolls! Now you may have already heard on the grapevine that there are some ace christmas markets this weekend...in fact there is one you shouldn't miss tomorrow... its @ The Soup Kitchen (basement) in Manchester. (see flyer) I thought I'd give you a small preview of our stock we're selling...

Me and two of my fellow creatives will be there with a table full of goodies ranging from bric-a-brac, hand-made & costume jewellery, books, bags, scarves, shoes, screen-printed, illustrated & collaged christmas cards.

We also have two rails generously filled with Barbara's customized apparel, ranging from lovely lace trimmed vests, jersey skirts and shift tops handmade from eclectic fabrics, including a pink shimmering oversized floral jumper thats amazing!!!

Hannah has created some beautiful scarves on her knitting machine using only the finest yarns and mohair. Varying in lengths, widths and colour-ways... they really are the perfect gift for christmas! 

I'm selling a collection of vintage and second-hand one-off items. Coats, knitwear, jersey, polo-shirts dresses and scarves with plaid, paisley, florals, polka-dots, beading and mohair. Amongst my stock is an original Mary Quant rain mac in a kaleidoscope of red, blue, black, yellow and green!

Be sure to find something unique in our Aladdin's cave of a stall! 

Bring some friends, have some mulled wine and get our your pennies! It should be a brilliant day!

See you there tomorrow, 

Kate xxx

THE H E A R T B R E A K S @ Night&DayCafe *20/11/11*

Hello all, 

I can't quite believe this is my first post for December, let alone how long its actually taken me to write about The Heartbreaks amazing gig I attended last month! For those of you who may not know, I'm moving house pretty soon with my folks so I've been delving through all my stuff, clearing loads out and packing my life into boxes, which I really haven't been enjoying.

Anyhow, here are some pics I took last month of The Heartbreaks's at the Night & Day Cafe in Manchester... if you've not heard their ace sound yet... they're a lovely bunch of four talented lads from Morecambe; who write humorous, romantic and yet truthful musings about love, life, and experiences. A key inspiration in songwriting is their beloved home and seaside town of Morecambe, the places, characters and nostalgia. 

The Heartbreaks, highly anticipated debut album is out next spring (I literally cannot wait for it!), up to now they've released some brilliant singles, of which you can listen to here... The lads have only just finished touring Europe a month or so back, supporting fellow Northerners Hurts and recently embarked on a small UK tour before Christmas supporting The Ordinary Boys along with The Courteeners. 

All in all they were great, I thoroughly enjoyed their acoustic set at the Sunday Sessions.  It was a really cool gig, ace crowd lots of mod types, desert boots, parkas, Northern Soul loving lads and tassle loafers to feast my eyes on. They have quite a strong following in Manchester. I had the pleasure of meeting them after the gig too, managed to get a quick photo with all the boys individually. Looking forward to seeing them again sometime soon. 

Have a gander...

Matthew Whitehouse wearing an excellent polka dot shirt. Note; Pete Moser accordionist in the shadows

Sunday Sessions flyer Bob Marley style

Me and Laura one of my lovely bezzies pre-gig

  

The boys and a cheeky grin

Matthew going to grab a cuppa

 A hint of blue

Trying to avoid a sea of heads

Matthew and Ryan on their lonesome

Having a shout out 

Meeting... Joseph. He's so blummin tall, ace fringe too. 

Ryan was lovely. Said he's growing his hair out, he had a Rockabilly vibe. 

I had a lovely chat with Matthew about touring, tweeting and his tea drinking on stage. This beautiful boy enjoys a good brew of Camomile followed by Licorice. 

Deaks was really lovely, he was wearing some pretty nice loafers and a grandad cardie. We had a good chat and just like the others he politely thanked me for coming to the gig. Such a nice bunch xxx

I did record a few songs on my video camera that evening, I will definitely put them up on another post. Jealous Don't You Know is one of my favorites. Spinning good times.