Phantastical Evening
When an event is sold as a special you expect some extra thought beyond a standard gig to be put into the experience and this show definitely had that.
Full use was made of the fact that the Venue was a church... from being met at the door by a 'man of the cloth' handing out a 'hymn sheet' ;to the low lighting and choral music, both before the show began and during the interval; thus the atmosphere and stage were well set.
The two 45 minute sets, featured a great mix of both the current and upcoming album , delivered by an excellent band and a well balanced sound. The sprinkling of well chosen covers - Season of the Witch , Werewolves of London and a fine 'Doom Country' take on the Ramones Pet Semetary kept the All Hallows channels open.
Toria Wooff ploughs a richly tenebrous emotional furrow , her powers are rising; she offers an intense emotional journey through her songs. I admit to having been overwhelmed by this, on occasion, as was a woman sat behind me, who had travelled a good distance to Manchester on Saturday for the show, after hearing a TW song on 6 Music midweek.
I doubt Toria will be a well kept secret for much longer - catch her on tour in the New Year with her second album - highly recommended.
(Housekeeping - The Venue was a lovely, warm, intimate space and for 150 people the toilet provision was fine with not excessive queuing. A pop up bar with cheerful staff - had a good product range, at a reasonable cost considering the general Dick Turpinesque bar prices that abound nationwide these days. I would be very happy to attend another concert here)
Posted by Richard H on 02/11/2026
Toria Wooff, Hallé at St Michael's, Manchester - 31st October 2026
