Issue 1412

Stage by stage
From board members who think panto is beneath them, to theatre snobs who think they’re above it and a host of colourful characters in between, Christian Lisseman enters the wonderful world of am-dram at its nucleus – Bolton.

Bust belts, not budgets
You can feed a family of six with a great Christmas dinner for as little as £10 in total with these recipes from activist and footballer Marcus Rashford and top chef Tom Kerridge.

Man of many parts
The cost of new IT equipment comes into stark relief at Christmas. But former Big Issue North vendor John Hastings has set up a business that makes recycled computers available to the community at low prices. And he’s recycling his own expertise as well, Christian Lisseman finds.

Judge for yourselves
He looks an unlikely firebrand but when Nigel Lithman led a strike by fellow barristers it was because he felt the British system of justice was at stake. He speaks to Neil Tague at the end of a 40-year legal career.

A message to you
Last week we heard from our North West vendors. This week some of the people who sell Big Issue North in Yorkshire and Humber send their customers messages of seasonal goodwill and gratitude for buying the magazine in this most difficult of years.

Clock in for Christmas
Between shopping and socialising, the weeks prior to Christmas can often prove hectic, but that’s nothing on the people beavering away behind the scenes to ensure we have a Christmas to remember. Susan Griffin meets a few festive folk who provide a glimpse into the work they do and why, and how they make the magic happen.

Plus, news, arts and entertainment, columnists Roger Ratcliffe and Saskia Murphy, and much more in our final bumper Xmas edition of the year.