La La Land

I am being brave. It's deepest, darkest January and the rain here in Manchester can only be described as thick drizzle ... but I'm going out in it. What could warrant such bravery? Escapism, dear reader. A chance to spend two hours bathed in sunlight and swept up in romance. Finally, La La Land is in cinemas and it's here to banish the January blues.

Jersey Boys

Captain's log: It's been more than 36 hours since I saw Jersey Boys at the Piccadilly Theatre. Will I ever stop humming 'Big Girls Don't Cry?' Reason tells me it's unlikely.

Lo Fang - You're The One That I Want

If it's good enough for Baz Luhrmann, it's good enough for The Optimist. Enjoy Lo Fang's gorgeous take on this Grease classic.

Once - The Musical

The Optimist spent Saturday night watching Olivier award winning musical Once, at London's Phoenix Theatre. In the words of Iggy Azelia: I'm proper fancy - or something along those lines.

Begin Again

There are some films that you know you're going to love before you've actually watched them; 500 Days of Summer and Gatsby for example. When I heard the words 'New York', 'Musical' and 'Keira Knightley' I knew Begin Again would be the same. So here's a slightly redundant recommendation, for the new film by John Carney - Oscar winning director of Once (SOLD!)