Meet Trevor, Neighbours’ latest canine resident
Before we say hello to Trevor, the latest canine to join Neighbours, let’s have a look back at some of the memorable pooches from the street.
As we come to the end of the month, I’m only sitting down and getting the August “Today is all about…” post done.
I planned to write these things as the month went on, but haven’t.
I really need to get that sorted, dont !?
Anygays, here is my update for August!
What’s On
Talking Points
Cruise
Stepping away from our usual musical theatre, we thought we’d go and watch something new!
We heard about Cruise through some clever Faceache promotion, and recommendations from friends that had already seen it.
The one-man show was written and performed by Jack Holden, who wrote it during lockdown. The irony of writing about the AIDS pandemic during another pandemic wasn’t lost.
The story is told through a Switchboard volunteer, who retells the story of Michael. Reliving his life in London during the 80s and living his life.
We were told Michael’s story when he arrived in London and saw his history of clubbing, friendships, and relationships and as the AIDS crisis hit, the funerals and the loneliness.
The show was full of humour, music, strobes and tears!
It was also the first time that we had ever seen anything at HOME, and this small theatre blended well with the play. It made it feel more personal.
Definitely worth a watch!
You, Me & The Balloons
August saw us venture to one of the newest venues in Manchester. Aviva Studios, based where the old Granada Studios was, is one of the newest cultural spaces in Manchester.
One of the first events to be held here (they were still giving the venue the finishing touches) was an art installation from Yayoi Kusama titled “You, Me & The Balloons”.
Which was aptly named for sure.
As you enter the exhibition, you are drowning in a room of polka-dot tentacles!
It is very Instagrammable for sure. You could spend ages in this room, looking at various angles and getting a different perspective on the art.
As you climb the start to the main hall, you are hit with a vast of inflatable art pieces. Not just the quantity, but also the size!
While it could feel whimsical and fun, it also felt autobiographical of Yayoi’s life.
For example, the huge inflatable pumpkin is a reminder of her first time seeing one when she was younger. Pumpkins play an integral part in Yoyoi’s art.
Or the video project, which was played on repeat from the ceiling, which is titled “Song of a Manhattan Suicide Addict”.
While it could be quite thought-provoking, it was quite a joyous experience too.
Manchester Pride
The end of August is when the gays invade Manchester for a wee get-together.
For the third year running, I have not paid for a Pride ticket. To be honest, the first year we went away for a lodge weekend instead of doing Pride.
However, after the fiasco that Manchester Pride created in 2021, I’m glad I didn’t go and place my money into their pockets.
It was that year I vowed not to (financially) support Manchester Pride while Mark Fletcher is still pretending to run it!
Last year, I donated directly to charity instead of buying a ticket and supported the LGBT+ venues as I do all year round.
Although, I didn’t do much of it last year. The parade and Saturday on the street.
This year there has been a slight improvement.
Claire Richards
This pre-pre-pride event was epic!
Clare from Steps performed to a sold-out Via, and gave the performance of a lifetime.
When I arrived, the venue was packed. As a local, we knew the way to sneak around and get closer to the front.
So within minutes, I had a drink in hand and was a few peeps away from the stage with some fellow friends.
Each support act riled the excitement in the attendees. Before you knew it, it was time for Claire, the space around me reduced and the heat tripled!
I was so moist, that when the glitter cannon went off, I looked like a Poundland version of C-3PO.
Claire’s performance was epic. You really couldn’t fault her voice. When she sang Europhia it blew the roof off.
This was definitely a great way to start Pride.
Gay Olympics
Along with all the other Gay City Bowlers, I participated in the pre-pride Gay Olympics held by Via & Bar Pop.
We didn’t win, but I found out that I have a skill to be proud of.
The way I was able to swallow a sausage roll and down a bottle of Coke in less than a minute is definitely worth promoting on the socials.
Parade
For the 3rd time, we were part of the parade with the Gay City Bowlers. Thankfully we were at the front of the parade, so we weren’t waiting around for too long.
It was another great parade albeit the rain made an appearance a few times, but I kept myself entertained by making myself the photographer/sticker person!
After the parade, we conglomerated at Gay City Bowlers’ sponsor, Via. We spent the majority of the time here mixing with friends and other sports teams sponsored by Via & Bar Pop.
Via
As I didn’t want to have a big night, I agreed to help out at Via on Sunday.
It was the first time behind a bar since 2005 when I used to work at Paradise Factory.
While I was a little anxious, I shouldn’t have been. Everything came back like I was riding a bike.
I actually had a good time. I was originally meant to be on until 11pm, but thankfully I got to finish early as there were too many staff. So I got to enjoy some of the afternoon on the street too. Well, Eagle!
Monday
Monday is known as the local’s Pride, as the majority of visitors head home to get ready for work the next day.
It’s less hectic, and a lot more relaxed. But that doesn’t stop you getting pissed!
I lost count of how many times the husby invited people to our infamous ChippyTuesday™. Actually, so did he!
Unfortunately, we didn’t stay for the vigil. Due to the weather, we had already made the decision not to venture into the muddy park.
Next year…hopefully!
‘Today is all about…’ photos
Discover more from Life of Mike
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
