TQS StaffThere’s a lot going on in Leeds in May, not least in theatres! Have a look at TQS’s rundown of best picks to catch some fantastic drama and entertainment…. I LIKE TRAINS, an alternative post Rock band from Leeds, are on the brink of releasing their eagerly awaited third album named ‘The Shallows’ on 7th May – check out our review!… 
No matter whether you call it: Marksies, M & S, or Marks & Sparks, there’s no doubt that Leeds-born retailer Marks & Spencer is a British institution. Last Friday TQS went down to The University of Leeds for the opening of the brand new Marks & Spencer Company Archive, cementing its place as a part of British heritage. Made possible through a unique partnership between M&S and the University of Leeds, the building houses M&S’ full Company Archive of more than 70,000 items and includes expansion space for collections from the University library. Free to enter and located in the… 
Three third year Leeds Uni students have come together to put on an event to showcase “under-appreciated student film talent.” The organisers have been inviting students to submit their short films which will be screened on Sunday 11th March 12pm-2pm at the Hyde Park Picture House. TQS are on the judging panel and will be helping to pick a winner from the line up. The event it also raising money for local charity Pyramid of Arts who are currently seeking funding to help find a new community arts centre. Prizes have been donated by sponsors such as Tiger Tiger, Dale… 
Our Theatre Editor, Kirsty Hulse, takes us through March’s key openings in Leeds. Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming reviews. The Grand Theatre Madame Butterfly 29th February – 10th March 2012 After a hiatus of ten years, The Grand Theatre plays host to Northern Ballet’s acclaimed Madame Butterfly. The Leeds stage will be graced again with the intricate set of a Japanese villa in this story of true love, beauty and betrayal. Puccini’s score sets the perfect backdrop to this timeless mix of classic and Japanese style dancing. Chess 13th March – 17th March 2012 Following the successful production of… 
Reel Solutions and Behind The Scenes Media present ‘Beyond The Blockbuster’, a one-day film event on the 23rd March supported by Screen Yorkshire for independent cinemas, film festivals, film societies and film promoters. With sessions from Creative England, the BFI, Sci-Fi-London, Reel Solutions and Cambridge International Film Festival, ’Beyond The Blockbuster’ aims to explore a range of audience development strategies to support independent film exhibitors to build a more sustainable box office. The Talks: Nikki Christie, Partnership Development Manager at the BFI – Integrating Media Education into Programming And Fostering A Lifelong Fascination With Film Jay Arnold, Head of Film Culture and Sally… 
With the snow falling outside it seems the weather itself is welcoming the arctic themed pop up film festival which is coming to Leeds next week. The festival will be taking root at Temple Works Leeds cultural venue and listed building for two days which will see the return of the popular Future Shorts film programme plus a special Arctic film night with a Finnish and Canadian screening. The Arctic film evening will have flavoured vodkas, Finnish pasties, hot chocolate and a even a saw player; whilst Future Shorts will have a special Kinopolitan cocktail, and music from acoustic folk… 
Just because Leeds International Film Festival is over for another year doesn’t mean there aren’t some great cinematic events going on in the city. Leeds Film are showing some all time greats on the giant screen in Leeds Town Hall this February, giving you the perfect opportunity to finally catch one of those films you feel you really should have seen or just enjoy it again how it was meant to be viewed – on the big screen. The programme consists of: a thriller, a drama, a horror and a comedy so you can’t say they aren’t catering for everyone,…
