Do something less boring instead.

Creative Tourist

We’re all grown ups, right? We all know we’re supposed to eat our five a day, get down the gym and watch our stress levels/blood pressure/weight/overdraft (delete as applicable). It’s just that being so good takes up the kind of valuable time we could spend watching re-runs on 40D, wittering on Twitter or aimlessly checking eBay.

Still, a new show at CUBE should perk up the couch potatoes among you. Featuring parkour, street football and a new form of martial art developed specifically for city dwellers, it offers a window onto an altogether more active world.

DuellistsShootTheMoonThe Duellists is a case in point. Shot inside a shopping centre, this award winning film features two dubious-looking lads who at first glance appear to be casing the joint. But instead of rabble-rousing, a graceful (almost balletic) chase ensues: the duo are freerunning, and they jump and swing off escalators, stairwells and shop fronts with effortless grace. The film, made by free media pioneers, MediaShed, was shot in the Arndale entirely on CCTV cameras, subverting Big Brother for this worthy artistic-athletic cause. Inspiring, energetic and quite possibly illegal, this is the kind of exercise that’s worth getting up off the sofa for.

City as Gymnasium, CUBE. Until 3 October. Watch The Duellists here. The Duellists was commissioned by Futuresonic. City as Gymnasium also features Peter Liversidge, Neville Gabie and Tsui Kuang-Yu, and includes a new commission from Lottie Child (a street training manual that can be picked up in the gallery).

Mother's Day in Manchester and the North
Spotlight on

Mother's Day in Manchester and the North

From bespoke bouquet workshops and poetry royalty to slap-up Sunday roasts and gin tastings, check out our guide of things to do with your mum this Mother's Day.

Take me there

Culture Guides

Poet Imtiaz Dharker. Photo by Ayesha Dharker
Literature Events in the North

It's like the Woolies pick'n'mix counter this month in live literature land – so much choice, we're not sure where to start digging in.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

DaDaFest’s 40th anniversary line-up, contemporary reimaginings and outlandish fringe, check out our top theatre picks for spring onwards.

We shelter here sometimes promo image. Featuring My Dog Sighs inside and abandoned building.
Cinema in the North

David Lynch, International Women's Day and Manchester Film Festival are amongst our cinematic highlights this March.

Mohair Man, 1991, by Dave Swindells
Exhibitions in the North

Cinematic sets, 90s nightclub photography and even new gallery - we have a great mix of exhibitions for you this month.

GROVE
Music in the North

We’re championing all things underground this month, with a selection of gigs and festivals that embrace the strange.

Classical Music in the North

Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region's most cherished orchestral forces and venues.