A landmark photography project
Photography by Helen Gallagher and Aleks Paluszek
Comedian, television presenter, radio presenter and singer Jason Manford, was born in Salford in 1981 and grew up with his four siblings in a terraced house in Whalley Range. Jason went to Chorlton High School before studying at Xaverian College. His passion for comedy began after watching the likes of Peter Kay, Eddie Izzard and Johnny Vegas perform at the Frog and Bucket comedy club in Manchester. On the recommendation of Peter Kay, Jason went on to study media and performance at the University of Salford, a course that Kay himself had studied. Jason eventually cut his teeth as a stand up comedian at the same comedy club and gained national attention when he first appeared on our TV screens as a team captain on '8 Out of 10 Cats' back in 2007.
Jason, who now lives in Stockport, has a growing army of fans and sells out theatres and arenas with increasing regularity, including the Manchester Arena and four constitutive nights at the Apollo.
Jason live on stage (Photo credit: Getty)
Jason comes from a family of singers and musicians, his strong singing voice won him rave reviews for his role as Caractacus Potts in the UK tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in 2016. The following year Jason recorded his debut studio album to great critical acclaim - a collection of show tunes entitled ‘A Different Stage’. His many talents have guaranteed his popularity across all age groups.
THE SHOOT: The Lowry Theatre, Salford
Jason's dressing room before the CAFT Comedy Gala
Student reflection: Helen Gallagher
"When we went to the Lowry Theatre to photograph Jason I was very nervous, it was my photoshoot with someone famous, however that being said once we got down to it, it was a fun experience with Jason being extremely supportive and the theatre crew very helpful. I think it was a great experience for me and for my career in the future, it gave me insight into press and commercial photography. If I get another opportunity to contribute to the project, I will certainly be more relaxed and confident."
