Did the liberation of Africa start in Manchester? The biting play about a pivotal, forgotten moment

It was a turning point in the push for African independence – and it took place in Chorlton-on-Medlock Town Hall. We meet the writer of a play about the fifth Pan-African CongressOn the facade of the building that once housed Chorlton-on-Medlock Town Hall in Manchester sits a plaque commemorating a turning point in the push for African independence. The fifth Pan-African Congress in October 1945 was attended by future global leaders as well as activists and scholars from across Africa and its diaspora. But despite the event’s international importance, it has been largely overlooked by mainstream British history. Now a biting new play is set to remedy this.“I think a lot of Mancunians don’t know it happened,” says playwright Ntombizodwa Nyoni, who lectures in the same building, now part of Manchester Metropolitan University. “But it’s like: you’re part of such a phenomenal moment in history.” Eighty years later, her dramatisation of the event, Liberation, is about to receive its world premiere at Manchester international festival. Continue reading...

Comments

Culture

Movie fans disappointed after claiming new summer rom-com was ‘misleading’

Metro

Comments

Culture

Movie fans disappointed after claiming new summer rom-com was ‘misleading’

Abortion clinics are closing, even in states where abortion is legal

NAACP files intent to sue Elon Musk's xAI company over supercomputer air pollution

A tiny church in Denmark celebrates community and coziness within 12 walls -- one for each apostle

Trump suggests he'll extend deadline for TikTok's Chinese owner to sell app

Route 66 still tastes like 1955, and that's the point

MAHA effect: Kraft Heinz to eliminate food dyes from well-known products by 2027

Comedian Jordan Gray discusses hilarious new sitcom Transaction

Ray Romano begged head of CBS to change the name of Everybody Loves Raymond: ‘I’m gonna have to live with that’

Hugh Laurie said he ‘doesn’t care about’ House fans ‘or reliving the show’ in brutal interview refusal

Jenna Ortega spotted in Glasgow, confirming 'Ghostwriter' casting

Joey Chestnut will return to the Coney Island hot dog contest after last year's beef

Alfred Brendel, Bravura Pianist Who Forged a Singular Path, Dies at 94

Jonas Hassen Khemiri Discusses ‘The Sisters’

Latest in the Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Trial: Timeline and Testimony

Jurors see clips of 'freak-off' sex marathons central to Sean 'Diddy' Combs' sex trafficking charges

Jason Isaacs says ‘global icon’ co-star was ‘the worst bully’ he’s ever worked with

The Brad Pitt vanity project F1 is just a bad version of Top Gun: Maverick

Elio is familiar territory for Pixar – but still plenty of heartwarming fun

Hollywood A-lister spotted filming new blockbuster in Glasgow

How America’s ideal woman got jacked

Disturbing documentary about ‘most evil reality show ever’ now streaming on BBC

Gary Glitter to stay in jail as parole bid refused

Watch: Kim Woodburn's memorable TV moments

Pianist Alfred Brendel dies aged 94

Bridgerton star was cut from Brad Pitt’s new F1 movie, says director

‘Most divisive film of 2023’ available to stream for free in coming days

Jason Isaacs reveals the salary every White Lotus star earned per episode: ‘A very low price’

Kat Timpf shares major health update as she makes triumphant Gutfeld! return

M3GAN 2.0 risks crossing ‘really fine line’ with explicit jokes

Classical high school founded by Catholic parents in D.C. plans expansion to Northern Virginia

Lee shines in early Cairns action

New Naked Gun trailer features split second cameo from ‘superstar’ athlete

2000s rock band bans Trump supporters from attending all shows: ‘It’s not for you’

Modern Family’s Jesse Tyler Ferguson addresses being cut from Absolutely Fabulous cameo scene

‘Modern horror classic’ finally available to stream days before sequel’s released

Sorry Rupe, the ‘witch’ Sturgeon and the SNP did not ruin Scottish arts

UK viewers can now watch ‘masterpiece’ Amazon Prime drama for free

Kim Woodburn’s heartfelt message to fans in final video before her death

Every single season of The Traitors around the world and how to watch

James Gunn responds to Zack Snyder fans attempting to sabotage Superman: ‘We’ll survive’

Rod Stewart says he gargles rum and coke before every show and only wants two items on his Glastonbury rider

Bridgerton star Simone Ashley’s role in F1 film ‘didn’t make the final cut’

I don't get it: why can't Iran be allowed to have nuclear weapons?

She lived a lavish life of outrageous cons before it all came crashing down

From gay icon to victim of cancel culture, where it all went wrong for Kim Woodburn

“She’s not a girl’s girl.”

How ‘Queen of the Clean’ Kim Woodburn became a beloved TV star at 50

Zoe Slater returns to EastEnders after 20-year gap

Agatha Christie characters handed ‘modern reimagining’ for new series

Goodnight Sweetheart writers appeal to fans for help after BBC drops programme

Katie Thurston reflects on Bachelorette co-star Ananda Lewis’ death amid own cancer battle

Kim Woodburn death: How Clean Is Your House and Celebrity Big Brother star dies, aged 83

Superman star calls out actors who star in superhero movies and then complain about them

Slow Horses viewers praise show’s scheduling ‘blueprint’ after series 7 already renewed

So are Scottish mountains a smash hit in Hollywood?

Welcome to our book festival. It's diverse, inclusive but don't forget your pronouns

Project Runway star Arthur Folasa Ah Loo fatally shot at anti-Trump protest

How Clean is Your House star Kim Woodburn dies aged 83 after short illness

Reality TV star Kim Woodburn, known for How Clean Is Your House, dies aged 83