About The Culture Club
Independent arts and culture in Manchester — The Culture Club shares what to see, where to go, and why it matters, through bold, independent journalism and insight.
Independent arts & culture in Manchester - what to see, where to go, and why it matters.
Our Mission
You’re in good company. We believe culture should be close and accessible - debated, discussed, and used as a catalyst for ideas and change. The Culture Club exists to shout about the art, performance and conversation happening across Manchester and beyond.
Above all, The Culture Club is your club - a place to read about the shows you should see and the voices you should hear. A space that shares curiosity, critical insight and love.
Why It Matters
Because culture shapes us - how we see each other, how we debate, how we feel.
Because Manchester’s creative scene is wondrous, messy and experimental - it’s not just the big-budget shows that should make the headlines.
Because independent arts journalism needs a home in this region. Local stories deserve to be told - not just the national ones.
What You Get as a Subscriber
Full access: read every article, past and future, with no paywall surprises.
Early & curated: new content delivered straight to your inbox — no algorithm turning your feed upside down.
Community & context: curated links, reading lists, debates and a space to think.
Sustainability: your support keeps the lights on, the coffee flowing and this site (hopefully) alive long term.
Our Roots & Archive
Before The Culture Club, I ran Upstaged Manchester - a theatre review site spanning more than ten years. That archive now lives on as a resource for readers and theatre lovers.
The Culture Club takes that spirit forward, but through a wider lens - art, performance, music and ideas.
Join Us
We’re just getting started.
If you care about culture in this city, want to think more deeply, or simply need pointers on what to see, this is the club for you.