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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

A 1980s British setting updates Othello in an intense production at Home Manchester. The Falklands War, 80s music hits & TV cameras bring a fresh twist on image, identity & perception to Shakespeare’s tragedy. Maanuv Thiara is outstanding as Iago, both devious & charming.

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Are you ready for Celebrity Traitors? Manchester certainly is with this mural to celebrate the show. Each portrait will be removed one at a time. Who will be first to go?

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

The immersive new stage version of Mrs Dalloway at Home Manchester was a creative mix of styles It fused theatre, live music & film to plunge the audience into the heart of Virginia Woolf's novel Writer & performer Kit Green embodied all the characters & gave funny interludes to lighten the mood

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Mossley has its very own beach - kind of! A scenic area of land by the River Tame it shows up on maps as Mossley Beach as if it’s a holiday hotspot 🏖️

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Tremendous acting from real-life mother & daughter Christine & Lois Mackie powers the gripping play Iron Vulnerable & raw performances as Fay & Josie - a prison lifer being visited by her daughter for the first time in 15 years Cleverly written & tense & moving production at Home Manchester

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

When the first song is the magnificent ‘I Wanna Be Adored’ you know it’s going to be a great gig. The Clone Roses were spot on at Holmfirth Picturedrome last night - & the songs were as good as ever. The Cortinas also went down a storm - though they’re not 19 forever.

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Reviews for The Margaret Code are continuing to drop in - & I’m very grateful for them 😁 Here’s what the latest reader had to say in a 5-star review 🤩 Thank you for taking the time to post it 🙏

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Happy 5th Birthday to The Vale 🥳 Bologna Bridge Brand added some Italian flair to their brass for the main event 🎺🎷🥁 A fab, high-energy band to get the party rocking

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

I feel this film isn’t getting the attention it deserves. The Incomer is funny, emotional, quirky, twisty & thought-provoking with folk-tale influences. It’s this year’s The Ballad of Wallis Island.

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

My 5th year at Laughterama comedy festival at Manchester’s Castlefield Bowl & another great show last night. Hilarious sets from Jack Dee, Red Richardson, Jen Nolan, Stephen Bailey & Rachel Fairburn. Jack even sang an informative ditty about paracetamol 🎸

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

The Manchester Odyssey on display at John Rylands Library is the oldest surviving book of Homer’s classic. Using my extensive knowledge of Ancient Greek I can confirm it’s exactly the same as Christopher Nolan’s script! 🤔 It’s incredible to think it’s survived for 1,700 years.

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Special treat with a circus-themed 6 course menu at Six by Nico Imaginative & fun dishes & all delicious! ‘Where is the Clown?’ disguised duck liver parfait as a red nose, ‘the great popcorn parade’ featured an ice cream sweetcorn lollipop & ‘the fearless flame eater’ dessert was chocolatey amazing

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

A woman left with locked-in syndrome after a car crash can hear but is unable to respond as the reasons behind her accident unfold & her life comes under threat It’s the brilliant & terrifying premise of The Voices by Natalie Chandler, a psychological thriller that maintains the tension throughout

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Inflatable portraits of famous Mancunians by local artist Stanley Chow are suspended above the shops in Manchester Arndale. But can you name them?

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Enjoyed a special treat with an afternoon tea with a difference at On The Hush Rather than sandwiches & scones, it included a choice of mini burgers, eggs hollandaise, chicken wings & others - & of course a selection of cakes It’s a vibrant independent venue in Manchester’s arty Northern Quarter

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

We’ve all had days like this when you’re just stuck! Luckily there’s a weird fella in a hat to make fun of it. These sculptures in Ashton-under-Lyne of a coal miner & urchin were created by Peter Walker as a nod to the town’s history & to raise a smile 😀

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

Great to see fab new businesses like Peony & Parchment opening in Ashton. The independent cafe is also a bookshop, florist & community space bringing together brunch, books & blooms. Grab a read while enjoying tasty treats in a cosy atmosphere.

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Delightfully daffy ducklings darting down drifting drafts.

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

Making a brew - Chinese style. Enjoyed the Art of Chinese Tea Event by Floriental at Factory International. Included learning about & sampling varieties of Chinese loose-leaf tea & tasting in a meditative way.

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

I have exercised my democratic rights by casting my vote in the GM Mayoral election. Using the Supplementary Vote system this time - ooh fancy! Also met these 2 lovely pooches who were performing the role of dogs at polling station. Hope everyone eligible voted.

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 26/07/2026

Typical! Not a drop of rain for weeks then for Manchester Day the heavens open! ☔️ But the rain was needed to help put out the moorland fires & it was fine later in the afternoon & didn’t stop the fun 🥳 Here’s some snippets of the entertainment 💃

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

The Odyssey is stunning Captivating & imaginative in its vision & reinvention of the epic myths, unearthing modern themes on the cost of war Amazing cast: Spiderman, Batman, Catwoman & The Martian are all fantastic Scriptwriter Homer is also one to look out for Which is best of these Trojan horses?

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

The Stalybridge Comedy Weekender was a bargain - 4 top comedians splitting sides for just £20. Enjoyed the Saturday afternoon show at the scenic Victoria Market Hall hosted by Phil Ellis with Josh Pugh, Justin Moorhouse & Lucy Beaumont. As Cilla would say there were a lorra lorra laughs.

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

It’s a blessing to be able to enjoy a scenic walk alongside the cooling waters of a canal during this increasingly hot summer. Mossley has wonderful views right on our doorstep.

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

Fun Home at @rxtheatre.bsky.social is the very essence of bittersweet. The Tony Award-winning musical balances humour & emotion beautifully in a tragic coming-of-age story about growing up & coming out. It combines a clever & witty script with poignant performances.

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

An array of impressive art across a range of mediums is on display in the Manchester Open. It’s a celebration of Greater Manchester’s creative talent from first-time artists to established professionals, aged from 4 to 80. It’s free to view at Home Manchester until 6 Sept.

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

Artist & activist Ai Weiwei’s Button Up! exhibition at Factory International is a fascinating & spectacular sight that inhabits all of the vast warehouse space. Incredible detail: flags made from millions of buttons, History Of Bombs made from Lego & a 47m long inflatable migrant boat.

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Manchester, music & murder - The Wrong Man by Chris McDonald is a fast-paced, gritty page-turner. PI Ethan Adler takes on his first case, the sad demise of a young rock star, while the suspicious death of his wife hangs over him. Great characters & sidekick Amelia is a tech-savvy revelation.

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Spotted the DeLorean in Manchester. Took a trip back to 1984 but TBH it wasn’t as good a year as I remember 🤔

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 28/06/2026

Haunting is how I’d describe The Surge: An Ode to Sinéad O'Connor at Factory International. A mix of Sinéad’s narration from her memoir that’s poetical & dance set to her music performed by 10 women with 500 years of collective wisdom & experience. It captures her defiance, passion & spirit

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Love the paintings by talented artist @chriscyprusart.bsky.social that are displayed throughout Mossley. His vibrant, colourful art brightens up the streets & captures the spirit, identity & history of the town.

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 21/06/2026

Proud of my local writing group Mossley Writers who have published this collection of short stories, poems & musings to celebrate our 10th anniversary. Fantastic work from a brilliant bunch of writers (& people) - my own short story is included.

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Couldn’t help but admire this horse’s hairstyle. It’s the mane event.

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

Can’t say I’ve read the Enid Blyton books - I don’t think I’m their target market - but I enjoyed the musical of Malory Towers at Home Manchester. A witty & clever production, as always from Emma Rice’s Company, with many lessons to be learned on girl power.

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

Like Chalk and Cheese by Colin Collier is a flowing, fun read full of intrigue. Set in the 90s, it follows global pop star Michael & his estranged siblings Jake & Alice as their paths cross again. It features romance, deceit & betrayal & focuses on relationships, sibling rivalry & music.

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

Not often the author plays a song at their book launch. Hats off to @cmacwritescrime.bsky.social, a fab event at @serenitybookshop.bsky.social last night - in conversation with insightful author Natalie Chandler then a song that’s in his crime thriller The Wrong Man.

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 07/06/2026

A bit different for Manchester on a Saturday night. ‘Music of the Mystics’ at the Royal Northern College of Music featured a Sufi Qawwali performance led by group Fanna-Fi-Allah. It was beautifully hypnotic & joyous in its spirituality.

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

Find a penny, pick it up … I’ve no idea why these giant penny coins are in the beer garden of a pub on the Mossley border but I like them. Just not sure I’d be able to lift enough up to pay for a pint.

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

It’s great to see a film shot in Manchester for a change like Finding Emily. While you know where it’s going, the journey is fun & sweet & spotting all the iconic places is as entertaining as the plot. And Phil Wang’s Mancunian accent is bob on.

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 31/05/2026

I know next to nothing about dance but have somehow seen several Hofesh Shechter shows & been fascinated by them all. His latest In Your Brain at Home Manchester was as hypnotic & rhythmic as usual - part rave, part ritual. Amazing music & dancing from frenetic to languid.

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

A bit of brass - here’s some snippets from today’s Whit Friday Brass Band Contest at scenic Seel Park, home of Mossley AFC. Known as “the greatest free show on earth”, the iconic musical tradition sees brass bands travel from across the country to perform at venues around Tameside & Saddleworth 🎺🎶

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

June is #NationalCrimeReadingMonth courtesy of @thecwa.bsky.social I’ve done my bit by writing a cosy crime novel! If you want to get involved & fancy ‘an absorbingly unusual murder mystery’ then #TheMargaretCode is available from bookshops & libraries 😁 Whatever you delve into - happy reading! 📖

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 24/05/2026

Former I Am Kloot frontman John Bramwell charmed an appreciative audience at The Vale. The hilarious anecdotes were as spellbinding as the music & it was the perfect venue for his mellow, heartfelt tunes. He vowed to return to Mossley - & I’d be first in the queue.

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

Spotted this giraffe sculpture at Tameside Hospital. Known as “Mother and Baby” it’s above the entrance to the children's outpatients ward to provide a cheerful welcome for young patients. It’s lovely to see great art used in such a setting to brighten the building.

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

Love this colourful bridge created in Mossley of a desert mountain range scene. It was spray painted by local artist Lawrie Wiliams who is using his talent to transform neglected public places into vibrant murals. A drab spot has become a bright landscape.

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

Top tips for budding crime writers. Pen to Print have compiled advice from authors longlisted for the @thecwa.bsky.social 2026 Daggers Awards. My own contribution is among them. Link in the comments.

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

Improv is the hardest comedy to do but Kool Story Bro at Home Manchester found some comedy gold amid the chaos. Kiell Smith-Bynoe & his group of quick-witted comedians, alongside special guest Jamali Maddix, created sketches from crazy audience stories. Salford Val is now a local legend! 🫢

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

A fresh spin on a classic dance, Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty at the RNCM Manchester, uses glow-in-the-dark costumes to illuminate the fairy tale. Graceful movement & clever lighting made it a dazzling performance.

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

Following the “Wuthering Heights” film, I revisited Emily Brontë’s classic novel. Far from a romance, it’s a gothic ghost story on obsession, childhood trauma & generational damage - everyone is haunted. I find the cruelty, abuse & selfishness too unremitting. But there’s hope in its ending.

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

Still excited about my debut novel being on the @thecwa.bsky.social Daggers longlist among these great authors & books - as showcased on Waterstones’ website. It’s fantastic to see #TheMargaretCode take its place in such great company.

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