Manchester Jewish Museum

Modern Jewish Life

From life cycle events to festivals to the everyday, see images depicting different aspects of 21st-century Judaism from across the UK. This exhibition was curated as part of Manchester Jewish Museum’s Collecting Inclusive Stories project, an initiative that aims to tell the story of the history and heritage of Britain’s Jews.

Until 8 September

M8 8LW. 08432 080 500. www.manchesterjewishmuseum.com

Thursday 22 May

I Seek a Wild Star

Ophira Adar presents a collection of poetry inspired by Manchester’s Jewish history, drawing on its 18th-century roots, World War II and beyond. She’ll touch on objects and testimonies from the archives of Manchester Jewish Museum, exploring themes of spirituality, migration, identity, longing and belonging. She will also offer personal reflections on her creative process and the narratives that aided her writing. Followed by a Q&A.

7pm. £10, £8 concs. Manchester Jewish Museum, M8 8LW. www.manchesterjewishmuseum.com

Thursday 22 May

Zach Margs

Comedian Zach Margs, whose sketches and videos regularly go viral on social media, brings his high-energy humour to the stage. His no-hold-barred perspective on Israeli life and culture comes out through amusing impersonations, including a rude Tel Aviv waiter, shawarma vendor with attitude, El Al pilot and many more.

8pm. £38. Quays Theatre, Salford, M50 3AZ. www.thelowry.com

Sunday 15 June

The Lost Music of Auschwitz

Prisoners of Auschwitz were forced to play music to entertain Nazi officers. However, in the face of terror, they were able to weave secret melodies into their songs in an act of resilience. Here, 80 years since the liberation of the concentration camps, composer Leo Geyer’s ensemble performs the long-forgotten works in a 60-minute concert. Geyer will share the powerful stories behind each composition, paying tribute to the creativity and enduring strength of the human spirit.

2pm. From £39.50. Quays Theatre, The Lowry, Salford, M50 3AZ. www.thelowry.com

Thursday 1 May

Chopped Liver and Unions

JJ Leppink’s one-woman play brings the true story of Sara Wesker (Lottie Walker) to life. Shown fittingly on International Workers’ Day, watch the 1920s fashion worker lead the Singing Strikers, a group of garment industry employees who used song to protest their labour conditions and push for better rights. They were supported by the British Communist party, who published songbooks to raise funds and support their cause, but this all came at a cost.

7pm. £15, £13 concs. Manchester Jewish Museum, M8 8LW. www.manchesterjewishmuseum.com