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The Cure Live in Manchester: Just one word – Phenomenal

By Friends & Family, Gigs & Shows, Happiness & Joy, Music & RadioNo Comments

My friend Simon and I went to see The Cure at Manchester Arena yesterday. I have just one word to describe the event and that is: phenomenal. It’s without any doubt the best gig I’ve been to in years.

The music was spot-on and was performed perfectly from the first note to the very last. The vocals were incredible, it was like listening to an enhanced version of an album. The three rows of lights gave an impressive accompanying light show.

Here are some photos, click on any photo for full size image:

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The Cure (1) – opening song.
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The Cure (2).
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The Cure (3).
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The Cure (4) – The music was spot-on and was performed perfectly from the first note to the very last.
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The Cure (5) – Vocals were awesome, it was like listening to an enhanced version of an album.
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The Cure (6).
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The Cure (7) – The setlist included my favourite song ‘Lovesong.’
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The Cure (8) – The setlist also included ‘Friday I’m in Love’ and ‘Boys Don’t Cry.’
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The Cure (9) – The finale was ‘Why Can’t I Be You?’

Prior to going to the gig, Simon and I had a lovely tea in Via Fossa on Canal Street, Manchester (gay village). Then we walked down to the arena.

Along the crowded walkways on the frosty winter evening, I counted at least 12 homeless people. This is the most homeless people I’ve ever seen on any of my many visits to Manchester. It’s crazy to think that in 2016 people are still becoming and/or living homelessly.

Driving home after the gig, the temperature dropped to -2°C and I thought of the homeless people I had seen earlier. In my thoughts I wished them a safe evening, prayed that the temperature didn’t drop any further and prayed that it was quick to rise again.

Write soon,

Antony



I aim for posts on this blog to be informative, educational and entertaining. If you have found this post useful or enjoyable, please consider making a contribution by Paypal:


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Wednesday 30 November 2016

Mary Poppins Live at The Palace Theatre, Manchester: Marvellous, Magical and Magnificent

By Friends & Family, Gigs & Shows, Happiness & Joy, ReviewsNo Comments
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Mary Poppins: Outside The Palace Theatre, Manchester.

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Me Outside The Palace Theatre, Manchester.

 At the weekend, I went to see a matinee performance of Mary Poppins with a group of people. Mary Poppins live at The Palace Theatre, Manchester was marvellous, magical and magnificent.

On the way to the theatre, I saw a homeless man outside a shop. I did my good deed and bought him something to eat. It wasn’t much, but it was something. I always remind myself how fortunate I am when I see someone homeless. Anyone could end up homeless. All it takes is bad circumstances and some not great choices.

Once seated, the lights dimmed and the show began. The set was brilliant, switching between scenes fluidly. Sets included the victorian style living & drawing rooms, the Nursery, the park and the roof tops. There was also a vibrant and colourfully lit imaginary world that Mary Poppins’ takes the children to.

The performers were all on top form. Special mention must be made of the two children in the cast, each who played their role superbly. Singing by main characters was acceptable, dancing by all performers were in perfect time throughout, with everyone on their marks. The plot was familiar, with the odd addition, but kept its magical elements. The songs were captivating and have remained in my head, days after seeing the show.

If you like a spoon full of sugar, I’d highly recommend you go see Mary Poppins. Here’s the trailer for the show:

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Write soon,

Antony



I aim for posts on this blog to be informative, educational and entertaining. If you have found this post useful or enjoyable, please consider making a contribution by Paypal:


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Monday 8 February 2016

Charitable Donations 2015

By Health, Money / Finances, The Web, ThinkingNo Comments

Having struggled with my own mental health this year (see Finally…in Recovery and getting Back to Life), it’s unsurprising that two of my charitable donations have been to mental health charities:

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SANE

SANE is a UK mental health charity, which aims to improve the lives of people affected by mental illness.
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Mind

Mind is a UK mental health charity that states that it won’t give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect.

JDRF-logo I gave another donation to JDRF who are an international charity that fund research into a cure for type 1 diabetes. Currently one of the things they’re funding is smart insulin, which could be life-changing for diabetics.

They have great Christmas cards and wrapping paper in their shop, all the proceeds of which go to them. So I stocked up.

the-brick-project-wigan-logo My final donation was to The Brick Project, which supports homeless people in the Wigan borough (my hometown). Through circumstances and life events anyone could end up homeless. I’d never want to be homeless and like to support any charities that help people to rebuild their lives.

Blog soon,

Antony

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Sunday 8 November 2015

Charitable Donations 2014

By Gay, Health, Home, Life, Money / Finances, ThinkingNo Comments

Last year I was Thinking About Homelessness and made donations to The Albert Kennedy Trust and Shelter. I aim to donate to these charities again this year. But this year I’ve also made donations to:

JDRF-logo After reading this blog post: Why EVEN I’M excited about the beta cell breakthrough for type 1 diabetes – and why your £10 donation today will go further than ever before. By JDRF’s Head of Research Communication Rachel Connor, as a Type 1 diabetic, I felt compelled to donate towards a cure for diabetes.

I hope to buy or be bought a JDRF onesie from Onesie Warehouse to make a further £5 donation.

tom-daley-dustin-black-video-screenshot After watching Tom Daley’s and Dustin Lance Black’s heart-felt Youtube video, I decided to donate. My donation supports The Human Rights Campaign in the US and The Brain Tumour Charity in the UK. Both worthy causes that deserve support.

Plus by donating I’ve got a chance to win a double date with Tom & Dustin which includes: a photoshoot, going on the London Eye, going for dinner with Tom & Dustin before being shown around some cool places in London by them.

To find out more see: Omaze – Go on the best double date ever with Tom Daley and Dustin Lance Black in London.

sell-off-nhs-header I’ve made a donation to help make the film Sell-Off – The Abolition of Your NHS.

I am seeing the results of The Health and Social Care Act (2012) on the NHS firsthand. We are quickly moving towards the American model of healthcare, driven by profit not medical need and I think it’s wrong. This film will hopefully show the general public the truth, which is being widely under reported in the media.

All these donations have been relatively small. But even small donations help, and if many people made small donations it would soon mount up.

Write soon,

Antony

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Monday 10 November 2014
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