Sandra Mangan, Author at Blackpool Social Club

17 Feb

It’s a Kind of Magic

Sandra Mangan1 CommentVisual Arts & Exhibitions

This is the age of the streetwise illusionist, with TV audiences baffled by David Blaine, dazzled by Dynamo and tantalised by Troy. But happily, there's still room in the world for a bit of good old fashioned magic. And that's just what Romany, Diva of Magic, offered a 'small but perfectly formed' audience at the opening night of her week-long Showzam run at the Sands. Romany is a queen among female magicians, with a slew of top awards to her name – and she is proud to be the only British performer to win the coveted Golden Lion Award in…

07 Feb

Funny females to turn on Charm Offensive

Sandra Mangan0 CommentsLocal News

They may have celebrated thirty years in the business in 2013, but Fascinating Aida have lost none of their love of biting humour – as Blackpool audiences can see for themselves on Sunday, February 23. Blackpool’s Grand Theatre is all set to welcome the fun and satirical threesome live on stage with their brand new Charm Offensive Tour. Otherwise known as Dillie Keane, Adele Anderson and Liza Pulman, Fascinating Aïda are world-renowned for their unique form of cabaret-style catchy songs and audacious wit. They're one of Britain’s best-loved comedy trios, and renowned for their filthy, charming and sharply clever entertainment.…

05 Feb

Celebrated organist set to pull out all the stops

Sandra Mangan0 CommentsMusic & Gigs

He's been the resident organist at the Tower for forty years this year and received the MBE for services to music, in fact if you cut Phil Kelsall open, you'll probably find Blackpool running through him like a stick of rock. So it seems appropriate that Phil will swap iconic venues on Wednesday, March 5 and perform an afternoon concert on the 'Wonder Wurlitzer' at Blackpool Opera House. And he's really looking forward to getting his hands on the historic instrument: The Opera House is an iconic venue and it was the venue for the last Wurlitzer organ to be…

31 Jan

A Purl of a Show at Lowther Pavilion

Sandra Mangan1 CommentTheatre, Dance & Performance

Love a good yarn? Think Nordic noir crime novels and TV series like The Killing are hot stuff? Then Lytham's Lowther Pavilion has just the thing for you. LipService Theatre's Inspector Norse (or The Girl with Two Screws Left Over) had its premiere at the Grand Theatre over a year ago. Described as "a self-assembly Swedish crime thriller", it features snowy landscapes, unexplained death – and knitting. Cast off your preconceptions as the award-winning duo weave a web of mystery that will have you in stitches! I chatted to LipService's Sue Ryding about this unique piece of drama which has such strong…

29 Jan

Building on Blackpool’s image

Sandra Mangan0 CommentsLocal News

They've been guardians of the best of Blackpool for almost 40 years – and it's almost time for Blackpool Civic Trust (BCT) to reveal what made 2013 so special for them. Blackpool Football Club's Sponsors' Lounge is the venue for the Civic Trust's 39th Annual Awards Evening and Dinner on Thursday 27 February. Categories on the night include Best New Build, Best Refurbishment, Open Space, Community and Night-time Economy. The awards have been independently judged and will be announced and presented at the dinner, compered by Radio Wave's Andy Mitchell. The evening kicks off at 6.15pm with a drinks reception, followed by the awards presentation at…

20 Jan

Can You Picture the Coast with the Most?

Sandra ManganLocal News

Is your life a beach? Do you love walking hand in hand on the Fylde coast sand? If that's the case, the next time you're out there – take a camera! The ‘LOVEmyBEACH’ campaign has launched a photography competition to build a portfolio of images of beautiful North West beaches and bathing waters. The competition is open to all photographers, whether you love to snap away on your mobile, or compose a spectacular shot with a swanky SLR. But hurry – photos need to be submitted by 9am on Monday 3 February. You can send your entries by email to…

18 Dec

Gift Guide: Book Transformations

Sandra Mangan0 CommentsVisual Arts & Exhibitions

Kate Bufton spends her time with her nose stuck in a book. But she isn't reading – instead, she is using old and worn out tomes and turning them into lovely creations, which you can see for yourself at Shop Boutique this Christmas. She chatted to Sandra Mangan about her work. Please tell me a little about yourself and what you make. I am a freelance artist working within the borough. I work with old books and transform them through a variety of cuts and folds from a carrier of text to an object of art. It is the characteristics…

17 Dec

Gift Guide: Squirrel & Tiffin

Sandra Mangan0 CommentsVisual Arts & Exhibitions

Linzi Cason is a busy woman, and Christmas sees her busier than ever! The local photographer and designer is the force behind Squirrel & Tiffin, whose wares are flying off the shelves at Shop Boutique this festive season. She took a break from her hectic schedule to chat to Sandra Mangan. Please tell me a little about yourself and what you make. My name is Linzi Cason and I am a local photographer who uses my imagery for screen print. I make various products from cushions to wall art and also run creative workshops. Describe a favourite piece you have…

16 Dec

Gift Guide: Grace and Faith Papercuts

Sandra Mangan0 CommentsVisual Arts & Exhibitions

Sarah Challenger is a new and emerging artist who divides her time between looking after her young daughters and creating beautiful papercuts. She chatted to Sandra Mangan about her work – which is now on sale at Shop Boutique in St John's Square. Tell me a little about yourself and what you make. I had a love of art and crafts from an early age and, having given up work to care for my two young daughters, I decided to pursue my dream. I started to develop an interest in paper cutting after receiving a piece as a gift and I…

04 Dec

Truly Christmas Handmade and Vintage Fair at Blackpool Winter Gardens

Sandra Mangan0 CommentsLocal News

Dazzled by the profusion of Christmas lights decorating neighbouring houses, Sandra Mangan sets off in search of some festive spirit – and finds it in spades at the Winter Gardens. Bah humbug! Christmas is arriving earlier every year, and I can't be doing with all the tinsel and cut-price tins of Quality Street when I'm still recovering from Bonfire Night. But that all changed at the weekend, when I took a trip to Dotty D Lightful's Truly Christmas Handmade and Vintage Fair at the Winter Gardens. Outside in St John's Square, huge speakers were blaring out a distinctly unfestive Arctic…