Congratulations to Melanie C who has been nominated for a prestigious Olivier Award for her role as Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers.
The former Spice Girl took over the part in the Willy Russell hit musical at London's Phoenix theatre last October, marking her West End acting debut.

I see our best known Russian Scouser has been making favourable headlines over in California with his concerts at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in LA.
And reading his latest blog entry (20C in the shade, a thrilling new(ish) venue, no snow-hit transport moans) it's clear the LA love-in is mutual.

A new rock musical will be premiered in Liverpool in a live workshop open to the public this Friday.
Don't Take Jack by Simon Hardwick and Dominic Shaw will be presented at the Contemporary Urban Centre in Greenland Street.

Liverpool Cathedral has been turned into a giant art gallery with the installation of more than 140 artworks by Russian Ludmila Pawlowska.
Icons in Transformation opens today and runs until March 18 and is really quite fascinating.

I spent the morning at the Echo arena showing why I write and the Holiday on Ice skaters...skate.
Following my turn on the rink with Kyran Bracken and the patient, kind cast of the Spirit show, I have a new-found admiration for Dr Hilary Jones and Todd Carty.

Has anyone caught up with the Aubrey Williams exhibition at the Walker Art Gallery yet?
If not then I'd really recommend that you do - it's not huge but the works are full of lusciously vibrant colours and interesting subjects.

Bill Kenwright's new touring version of Whistle Down the Wind (the musical) opened at the Empire this week and I popped along to review it last night.
I'd meant to re-watch the classic Hayley Mills/Alan Bates film before I went, but I was pleased that I hadn't in the end because it may have confused the issue.

People are being given a chance to see what goes on "backstage" at Lipa next week.
For the first time in eight years, the institute is making its annual showcase of artist-inspired interactive set designs and 3D installations open to the public.

Young performers are being sought to take part in Oliver! at Southport Theatre this spring.
Auditions take place for the show next Sunday, January 31 at the Adelphi hotel in Liverpool.

It may have lost out in the TV rating battle to ITV rival X Factor, but Strictly Come Dancing is certainly still a draw if the size of the crowd at the Echo arena last night was anything to go by.
There must have been around 6-7,000 people in there to see 2009 champ Chris Hollins, Wallasey rugby imp Austin Healey and their celeb cohorts put through their paces.