The Great Gatsby Uncovered brings all that's jazz to Matt & Phred's

Susie Stubbs

Discover more about one of modern literature’s most beloved books in a night of literature and jazz.

What inspired F. Scott Fitzgerald to write The Great Gatsby? And how did the novel become one of modern literature’s most beloved books? Sarah Churchwell, author and Professor of American Literature at the University of East Anglia, carefully reconstructs the time, place, people and scandals that shaped Fitzgerald and his world. Blending biography and history with newly discovered archival material, Churchwell’s Careless People: Murder, Mayhem and the Invention of The Great Gatsby is a fascinating read. Churchwell reads and discusses Fitzgerald’s seminal story, while jazz band, Alligator Gumbo performs live scores from the roaring 20s. Part of Manchester Literature Festival. Matt & Phred’s, 64 Tib Street, M4 1LW, 8pm, Friday 11 October, £10/£8.

Culture Guides

Cinema

Northern flicks, sci-fi masterpieces and some brand new film festivals feature in this month’s cinema preview.

Exhibitions

Spring weather might be dragging its feet a little, but the world of exhibitions isn’t slowing down with new shows popping up everywhere to greet the new season.

The Bull and the Moon at Instituto Cervantes

Families

With spring’s indecisive weather in mind, we’ve pulled together a whole load of fun indoor and outdoor family events and activities taking place in Manchester and the North.

Poet Helen Mort.

Literature

Spring is making an entrance in live literature land with some extra special festival events, writing walks, online launches and in real life readings from local writers as well as international talent.

Music

From Father John Misty to The Flaming Lips, The Waeve to Big Thief, here are the gigs on our radar for early spring.

Theatre in Manchester and the North

Theatre

You’ll find everything from work-in-progress scratch nights to multi-award winning musicals in this month’s theatre guide.

Classical Music

We preview the standout classical music events and venues in Manchester and the north.

Food and Drink

Get ready for spring and summer with the best restaurants and bars in Manchester and the North.

Tours and Activities

From indie markets to bit-sized meditation, spoon carving workshops to gallery tours, here are the headlines in the world of tours and activities.