A town at the heart of Greater Manchester’s textile legacy
A round-up of recent Fringe reviews highlights how new plays and games are probing technology’s reach—from AI ethics in Prove You’re Human to aging and human longing in Lifelong Protocol and Water Colour, with sharp direction and performances shaping urgent conversations.
The Hundred has undergone a branding revamp under private ownership, with teams rebranded to IPL-style identities. Attendance has stagnated this season despite record investment, and executives say bold branding is essential to attract new fans while navigating ongoing financial strains and market adjustments.
The wasp spider has been spotted in Worcestershire and other areas, expanding its range northward amid warmer winters. Experts say the species is spreading from the south and establishes itself when weather stays warm, with female spiders laying eggs before winter. Public reporting and careful monitoring are urged.
The government has apologised for historic practices in NHS hospitals that saw stillborn babies buried in communal graves without parents’ knowledge. More than 1,000 infants were interred in Wirral, with a further 270 in Oldham, prompting renewed calls for support and records retrieval.
Undercover ITV footage has surfaced showing Reform UK councillors and candidates using racist, violent and sexist language. The party says it is investigating those involved and has stressed there is no room for racism, while critics accuse the party of weak vetting. The broadcasts have intensified scrutiny ahead of local elections.