Palace Theatre Tour

After lunching at Via on Canal Street in the Gay Village, we walked to the Palace Theatre for a hugely anticipated backstage tour.

The Palace Theatre, one of the main theatres in Manchester, opened on 18 May 1891 and has been continually active since then. It is one of the largest and best equipped theatres outside London, and is capable of hosting major touring musicals often with major celebrities and performances of opera and ballet, along with various other comedy acts and one night concerts.

The opening presentation, 135 years ago to a capacity audience, was the ballet Cleopatra. But only when it broadened its scope to include more popular performers was it a resounding success. During the early part of the 20th century it came into its own, with artists such as Danny Kaye, Gracie Fields, Charles Laughton, Judy Garland, Noël Coward and Laurel and Hardy making appearances.

Our guide, Grace, was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic and we visited the vast stage, the stalls, boxes and dressing rooms.

All in all a very worthwhile visit. More photos can be seen here.

The Wind at Cinema 1, HOME

The Wind was the final silent film released by MGM but would go on to be widely regarded as one of the greatest films of Hollywood’s late silent era.

This screening featured a brilliant live score performed by Stephen Horne. He has long been considered one of the leading silent film accompanists. Principally a pianist, Stephen simultaneously incorporated a flute into his performance.

A house pianist at London’s BFI Southbank for thirty-five years, he has played at major venues across the UK and regularly performs at film festivals around the world. 

Another fantastic experience.

Wednesday, 11 February – Saturday, 14 February

Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival

HOME Cinema, 2 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester M15 4FN

Wednesday, 11 February – 6.30pm – Iris 2025: Best Bits + Q&A

Award winners, audience favourites and unforgettable stories

Thursday, 12 February – 6.00pm – Blue Boy Trial + Q&A

The ground-breaking true story of the moment that changed LGBTQ+ visibility in Japan

Saturday, 14 February – 3.30pm – When Love Broke the Law + Q&A

Celebrate desire, protest and the power of love this Valentine’s Day

Tonic Housing

Tonic is a community-led not for profit organisation. They are focused on creating vibrant and inclusive urbanLGBT+ affirming retirement communities where people can share common experiences, find mutual support and enjoy their later life.

They were established in 2014 to address the issues of loneliness and isolation of older LGBT+ people and the need for specific housing and support provision. They opened the UK’s first LGBT+ retirement community, Tonic@Bankhouse in London in Summer 2021. 

Milestone

A historic milestone has officially been reached in the heart of Vauxhall.

Tonic Housing became fully occupied, welcoming the final residents into the UK’s first “LGBT+-first” retirement community. Located on the Albert Embankment, the facility is more than just a home. It is a sanctuary where our history is celebrated rather than hidden.

For many in the older generation, the fear of “going back into the closet” in traditional care homes is a reality. Tonic Housing is changing that. By providing care that is genuinely affirming of LGBT+ lives, they are ensuring that those who fought for our freedom can age with the dignity and “chosen family” they deserve.

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