Feeling a little hyped up on the four-day weekend and all those Easter eggs? Luckily this week is filled with pop-up pizza, homegrown talent and a '90s throwback to let the party continue in a way that's not quite so chocolate dependent...
Easter at MOSI, All week, Free
There's lots on at the Museum of Science and Industry this week as part of its special Easter calendar of events. Think construct-a-crane workshops, engine demos and other great family-friendly activities - read our full preview here.
Room on the Broom, The Lowry, Tue Apr 7 – Sun Apr 12, £10.50 children/£13 adults
Here’s one to amuse younger brains, as Tall Stories theatre company presents a magical musical adaptation of the well-known children’s book, bringing the spooky and funny tale to life live on stage.
Supper with Simon Napier-Bell, Old Granada Studios, Wed Apr 8, £10/£15 with food
Possibly the poshest title an event has even been given, this is actually an extremely appealing, down-to-earth talk from music manager, songwriter and bon vivant Simon Napier-Bell, whose eclectic career has seen him manage The Yardbirds, Marc Bolan, Japan, Candi Staton, Sinitta and Wham, whilst also being the writer behind Dusty Springfield’s ‘You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me’ and, more recently, his book 'Ta-Ra-Ra-Boom-De-Ay: The Dodgy Business of Popular Music'.
Moon Duo, Islington Mill, Wed Apr 8, £10
Now Wave presents Portland psych two-piece, Moon Duo, who’ll be unveiling their new album ‘Shadows of the Sun’ in a full live show. Presented by Now Wave, support comes from Manc supergroup Horrid and DJ Fitz.
Rudy's Pizza pop-up, North Tea Power, Thu Apr 9, Free
This Thursday sees the launch of a new fortnightly pizza and biodynamic wine night at the city’s favourite coffee haunt. Whilst the folk of Rudy’s bring the pizza party, along with cheese and charcuterie to start and sorbet and affogato for dessert, there’s also a range of biodynamic wines sourced by Tutto Wines in London.
The Lady’s Not For Walking Like An Egyptian, Royal Exchange, Thu Apr 9 – Sat Apr 11, £12/£10 concessions
This is what you get when you cross the words of Maggie Thatcher's public speeches with the words of every top ten hit by a female artist in the '80s. In short: genius. Don the lycra and legwarmers and join zany theatre bods Mars.tarrab as they take on the pop culture, politics and the power of love.
Balthazar, The Deaf Institute, Fri 10 Apr, £7
Ramp up the happy springtime vibes with some feel-good indie pop from Belgian group Balthazar, hitting up The Deaf Institute this Friday with support from Isle of Wight bros Champs.
Horsebeach, The Roadhouse, Sat Apr 11, £8
Catch the Manchester quartet known for their playful, summery indie sounds – also a good chance to cry into the red, glittered walls of one of the city’s most well-loved musical institutions, soon to be no more.
Black Grape, Old Granada Studios, Sat Apr 11, £25
A homecoming show from the iconic band first formed in the early 1990s by former Happy Mondays’ Shaun Ryder and Bez, which also acts as a homeless and anti-fracking benefit gig.
Orquestra Buena Vista Club, The Bridgewater Hall, Sun Apr 12, £39.50
With several of the members from the original album and film ‘Buena Vista Social Club’, this performance boasts the inimitable diva Omara Portuondo, trumpeter Guajiro Mirabel and laúd musician Barbarito Torres. Accompanying them are some of the wonderful faces that have joined the journey along the way, including veteran tres player Papi Oviedo, Havana pianist Rolando Luna and more.