HELLO, AND WELCOME TO THE LATEST EDITION OF THE STAFF/STUDENT NEWSLETTER FOR PERFORMANCE!
As we approach the end of Trimester Two, this is a great time to look back on all the wonderful things that have been happening in our Performance community.
In this edition of the newsletter, we’ve got details of Sarah Murray’s work on an award-winning podcast, Shay Howse’s insights into content creation, Molly Hannan’s experiences of recording her first audio book, Lola Galano’s hints and tips for setting yourself up in the industry, and much, much more!
There’s also a round-up of what’s on at the local theatres so you can be sure not to miss any of the incredible work currently being showcased in Manchester. Don’t forget to check out our Guess the Performer feature, either – can you guess who’s treading the boards?
Check out thesummer school opportunities on offer via UKLC, too – they’re keen to recruit students with skills in performance, sports, and more!
Abby and Bron 😊
Abby Bentham: A.A.Bentham@salford.ac.uk
Brainne Edge: B.Edge@salford.ac.uk
Industry Chat with Lola Galano!
We chat to Lola Galano, 1st year Media and Performance student, about her work in theatre and TV. As well as moving on from being a child actor into adulthood.
You can find the podcast episode here.
My Experience with Recording my First Audiobook, What Doesn’t Kill Us
By Molly Hannan
At the end of last year and the start of this year, I recorded my first full length audiobook (around 400 pages) with the publishing company Saraband Audio, using the studios in the Salford University New Adelphi building. The book is called What Doesn’t Kill Us and was initially described to me as a feminist retelling of the Yorkshire Ripper story… True-Crime, and Feminism? I knew straight away this would be my cup of tea!
As the novel is set in and around Leeds, Saraband needed someone from West Yorkshire to do the audiobook, and for possibly the first time ever, I was actually grateful for my strong Yorkshire accent! I sent off a self-tape and spoke with Saraband’s Managing Director, Sara Hunt. When I found out I had got the job, I was absolutely over the moon! I told all my friends and family, and then I couldn’t wait to start recording.
We did one day of recording before Christmas and then had to push back the session after the New Year because I got Tonsilitis (not the best thing to get when you get a job relying completely on your voice!). Sara and the team were so amazing, and we rescheduled the remaining 5 recording days for when I was feeling better.
During the recording sessions, I was stood up, with my MacBook propped on a stand and I would read through each page that I had gone through, and colour coded for each character. In some cases, there were multiple male characters having a conversation, which I did find difficult to differentiate because they all had the same accent (and my male voice was just my normal voice but slightly deeper), but once I had figured out the pace and changes in tone, those scenes went well! I loved getting to try out different accents that weren’t specified in the book, as well. For example, one of the characters was described as ‘definitely southern’ but not posh or cockney. This gave me a really good opportunity to work with Emily, the amazing producer, and find an accent that fit this character. There are also times in the book where I have to read lines for a toddler, which I definitely took inspiration from my nieces and nephews for! I feel like I really connected with a lot of the characters and, because the book is so well written and descriptive, it’s easy to imagine them all as individuals and get a sense for their characters straightaway in the book.
Overall, recording the audiobook was an amazing experience and something that I am incredibly proud of and will remember forever. It’s a new skill I have acquired, that can help me further my career as an actor, and I can’t wait for everyone to be able to hear it when it comes out!
Show Me The Funny!
I rang up my local swimming baths. I said “Is that the local swimming baths?”. He said “it’s depends where you’re calling from”.
– By Tim Vine (submitted by Kieran Sedden), Comedy Writing and Performance L5
Got your own firecracker of a joke for the next edition? Email the editorial team and let us know!
Guess the Performer!
Do you recognise the performer on the right? Bonus points if you can tell which play she’s in!
Leicester Comedy Festival 2024
By Brainne Edge
Leicester Comedy Festival is the largest Comedy Festival in Europe (remembering that the Edinburgh Fringe is technically a festival of all arts, not just comedy) and runs every year in February in the city. Hundreds of comedians from around the world come to the city to preview or run their shows out to audiences. This year CSzUK, run by staff members Brainne Edge, Sean Mason and Kate McCabe, took both their shows ComedySportz (a competitive family friendly improvised show) and The Totally Improvised Musical (what it says on the tin) to the festival. There were also a number of alumni and some current students on various bills during the festival this year as well.
2023 was our first run out at the festival for around a decade and we drew decent audiences, so we decided to take both shows again for 2024. We were very surprised at how popular we were, and equally surprised to find that our Totally Improvised Musical show was nominated for an award. The Best Variety Show 2024. Spoilers, we didn’t win, but even to be nominated was an amazing achievement.
Our ComedySportz show has been entertaining audiences of all ages since 2001, but The Totally Improvised Musical began life late 2019 with a view to premiere it in March 2020! And we all know what happened there…
We finally took to the stage in 2021 and have been climbing ever since. A sell out 2023 run at The Buxton Festival, followed by a successful 2 week run at the Edinburgh Fringe sets us up for 2024 with a tour later in the year (after another Buxton and Edinburgh run). If you’re hoping to see The Totally Improvised Musical locally check out our future monthly show at Fierce Bar in Manchester, or see us at the Frog and Bucket in November.
The Trial
By Dr Abby Bentham
The Trial is a true crime podcast series by Mail Metro Media that goes behind the headlines of some of the biggest trials in the world, bringing the courtroom to life in twice-weekly episodes. The Trial takes listeners into the courtroom, bringing them details as the evidence unfolds, examining key moments and conducting exclusive interviews with detectives, victims’ families, and experts.
According to Paul Revoir of The Daily Mail, ‘The Trial [was] ranked as the fifth most popular new show of 2023 on Apple podcasts.’ The first series, which focused on the trial of the baby-killing nurse Lucy Letby, became a global hit that was downloaded more than 13million times. The podcast continues to build on this success, with its next two seasons, which focus on different cases, also gripping listeners. Total downloads, across all three seasons, now stand at more than 19million so far.
Season Three of the podcast covers the trial of Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe who were being tried for the murder of 16-year-old Brianna Ghey, a transgender girl from Birchwood, in Warrington. The podcast allowed listeners to follow the trial’s evidence just as the jury did, with twice-weekly reports from broadcast journalist and Salford lecturer, Caroline Cheetham, and The Daily Mail‘s Northern Correspondent, Liz Hull.
Covering a live murder trial requires sensitivity and astute journalistic judgement and Cheetham and Hull have been praised for their innovative approach to 21st-century court reporting. A key part of this is the use of voice actors to convey important pieces of evidence to listeners. Cheetham has drawn on the considerable talents of a number of Level 6 Performance students in the recreation of key moments from the trial. Sarah Murray, who is in the final year of her BA (Hons) Media and Performance degree, said ‘This paid opportunity allowed a number of us to take part in telling Brianna’s story. Over the weeks of the trial, we delivered some distressing and harrowing information given by the courts, as the podcast followed the twists and turns of this disturbing trial. Although at times this was challenging, it allowed us to gain new skills, knowledge, and experience within the industry.’
The Trial has been critically acclaimed and was nominated for several awards, and saw Cheetham and Hull named Multi-Media Journalist of the Year at the London Press Club 2022-23 Awards in October. Jamie East, head of podcasts at DMG Media, said: ‘Full credit goes to the team, who’ve taken something as complicated and legally challenging as a live murder trial and produced a compelling, sensitive and hugely popular podcast series.’
Students Shine in Short Films
By Barry Westland
I recently had the golden opportunity to incorporate student development when shooting two short films.
Photo Credit: Laura Jane Halliwell
Be Mine!
For Be Mine!, Remy Bryant (Media and Performance, L4) was behind the camera on continuity after I picked up on how brilliantly organised he is in class. Not only did Remy keep me to time as the director, he kept a sharp eye on continuity allowing the schedule to flow close to plan – nothing can mitigate for me talking too much! Remy also helped find moments to lift the comedy even further by suggesting an actor does something we hadn’t planned given the shot he saw us about to use. I can’t thank Remy enough for those collaboration skills and I hope this was helpful development for the future, including networking with alumni. Joining Remy on Be Mine! Jacob Kelly (graduate 2023) was in front of the camera. After this, Remy & Jacob may collaborate in the future on another short film. Joining Jacob was El Downing (Media and Performance, L4). El and Remy have been in my Acting for Recorded Media class this past semester and having enjoyed seeing Jacob on camera in my TV Acting module. I’m looking forward to editing their work and reliving the gorgeous takes they shared on location just off Peel Park. Especially as El’s young niece, Emi, was the unwitting star of the piece with her excellent comedy timing!
Photo Credit: Laura Jane Halliwell
Another Man’s Shoes
The next week saw Sarah Gore & Johnny Gough (both Media and Performance, L4) join us on location in Middlewood Locks and Moss Side Fire Station Boxing Club to film Another Man’s Shoes. This short film is tackling choices we can feel boxed into taking when life issues get rather too difficult for us with the parting message of talk to one another.
Photo Credit: Laura Jane Halliwell
On day one of shooting, we had Johnny in front of the camera as a nervy gym goer hoping to pick up a few tips on boxing from our protagonist who may appear rather unhinged. Johnny took everything in his stride and also got stuck in with continuity. Later that day Sarah joined us and the pair of them behind camera were an asset to keep the production moving along as scheduled. Sorry to Sarah that we chose a location with a rather defensive goose as we found that the two of them don’t get on as close friends! Hopefully asking the producer for a last-minute prop for Sarah in the form of a chocolate bar took the sting out of things as I ensured we got Sarah’s favourite. She shared the wealth with others on set and we were lucky to have such a generous team collated, complimented by our students learning on the job.
You can find out more about Another Man’s Shoes here: www.anothermansshoes.co.uk
Photo Credit: Laura Jane Halliwell
In the past I have engaged with Sasha Kari Belford and Hannah Porter on another short film and the both are thriving at The Gate Films which is gorgeous to see unfold on Instagram and through text updates!
A Blooming Success! Audience Feasts Upon Little Shop of Horrors
By Thomas Broadley
Upon being cast in Almost Famous Theatre Company’s production of Little Shop of Horrors way back in October 2023, I was excited to imagine what the next four months of rehearsals would produce. I must admit that it escaped my imagination that I might find myself standing on stage on a mid-February evening dressed in a leather skirt and beehive wig while a man sang about the giant man-eating plant that was currently under his care. But that’s showbiz, baby.
Little Shop follows flower shop assistant Seymour Krelborn (played by Nathan Morris) as his hopeless yearning for his colleague Audrey (Bella Flynn Haddon) is interrupted by the arrival of Audrey II (Stasha Ngambi), the aforementioned talking, singing, man-eating plant from outer space. Audrey II offers Seymour fame, money, and a future with Audrey in return for him providing a constant supply of blood, which sounds much less aggressive when delivered through the medium of song.
In terms of performances the show found strength in the soaring harmonies of Ronette, Chiffon and Crystal (Willow Wolsey, Kassidy Taylor, Jess Burns) who acted as semi-narrators, semi-performers, and fulfilled both roles faultlessly. Further exceptional vocal performances were found in mournful ballads from both Seymour and Audrey as well as upbeat R&B numbers from Audrey II. Meanwhile, the only regretful aspects of Georgia Campbell-Whittle and Patrick Taylor-Kielty’s performances – as Mrs Mushnik and Orin Scrivello respectively – were that they couldn’t go on longer, only having time to belt out a couple of songs each before falling victim to Audrey II.
The show typically runs with a small cast, and the production team did a great job of adding ensemble members in a way that didn’t feel forced, while maintaining the core performances of the musical. The use of dancers to replace the moving parts of the usually-puppeteered Audrey II was universally hailed as a triumph of practical effects and allowed for much more varied staging than the show is usually restricted to. Alongside this, the efforts of the technical team ensured that the show was complemented by lighting and sound design that was grand and inventive without becoming overbearing.
Biased though you may think me, the shows’ audiences supported my view that the show was a success. A well-paced mix of songs and scenes delivered with passion and enthusiasm at every show made for an exhibition of talent that was impressive enough from the wings; I can only imagine how the combined efforts of the cast, crew and production team would have impressed upon the audience in a gleaming beacon of a show about love, morality, and the untold dangers of aggressive vegetation.
Almost Famous’ next show will be ‘Variety’ – look out for advertisements around May.
Stage Combat Students Kick-Off!
By Richard Goodwin
To kick start 2024 with a bit of action, Richard Goodwin, Programme Leader for Media and Performance, ran a second stage combat course, made available to students for free.
This was an 8-week course which took place every Tuesday evening and was designed to give University of Salford students an introduction to stage combat for stage and screen.
Students focussed initially on unarmed dramatic combat (including punches, kicks, throws, hair grabs, strangulations, etc.) and then developed towards engaging in choreographed fight pieces.
Students were then introduced to weapons, including rapier and dagger, and performed choreographed fight scenes for camera.
Two wonderful MA Students from Media City took the opportunity to film and edit these scenes to be made available to students for their reflection and future development.
Richard would like to thank Louie Clark and Harriet Mellor from the MA film making course for their involvement and hopes that this will create more opportunities for future collaborations.
Comedy student Dean Baruch said ‘The stage combat sessions were very interesting and engaging, teaching me the important basic skills needed to choreograph a short rapier, dagger and unarmed combat scene. Most importantly though, these sessions were really good fun, giving me the opportunity to network with other students and make some great new mates.’
Content Creation – It is an odd hobby!
By Shay Howse
The rise of social media has meant a wave of innovative, exquisite and clever ways of sharing one’s interests and hobbies. Then there is me.
I made a TikTok account so I had some material to send off for a job at Salford Red Devils. Prior to that application, I had no job experience and recently decided to pursue a career in the performing arts, so I was being ambitious with my application. Unsurprisingly, that did not come to fruition but I carried on making videos. Whilst I love socialising, I wanted to keep myself occupied when I was not studying which is why I continued to make videos.
My focus is on Geography, with an emphasis on vexillology, the study of flags. Flags are my special interest and I can speak about flags for hours at a time. I am not joking when I say that – ask my friends and family. Flags are amazing. The colours, the meanings, how they proudly represent communities; how can you not love flags? I guarantee there is a flag which represents where you are from, and your community, that is completely unique to that area.
However, there was one series that gave me the social media following I have today: “Yeah, that’s it.” This series was meant to be a joke. Some people love to waste time and drag out a video before getting to their point and I thought it would be comical to be a ‘time saver’ by adding the phrase, ‘Yeah, that’s it.’ to try and be more unique. I was not being unique, though. I heard it at the end of Lazaretto by Jack White and thought it would be a terrific composition. And it worked, somehow. I am still confused as to why 10 second videos gave me a platform, though. My videos on vexillology are longer and more detailed and, in my opinion, higher quality in comparison to any video I have created for the ‘Yeah, that’s it.’ series. But those seem to be the videos that have the most attraction.
The oddest video I have ever created is my most popular, which is possibly the most predictable outcome possible. Staring at the camera for 2 minutes after stating Sweden has 268,000 islands, is a peculiar way of getting 4.5 million views on a video. It was not even my idea. A follower of mine suggested I do it, although I do not think they were being serious. That video managed to reach as far as South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, which is a remarkable 7,614 miles from London.
So, if you ever want to pursue content creation and have an interest you are confident enough to express, give it a go. If you are lucky, you can make a living off it. You have a range of platforms to choose from, after all.
‘From Script to Screen’ Summer School
By Dr Abby Bentham
This June, Dr Abby Bentham and Richard Goodwin will welcome thirty Year 10 pupils from local schools and colleges to the new Salford Summer School. The 3-day programme will see pupils working intensively to take a project ‘From Script to Screen’. Under the supervision of professional directors, producers, and screenwriters from Salford’s teaching team, the pupils will develop new skills in writing, performance, editing and teamwork as they create scenes for a Hollyoaks-style soap opera. The scenes will then be shared at an evening screening in the New Adelphi Theatre, attended by staff, parents and carers.
The creative staff team will comprise Abby as the Programme Manager, Richard and Dr Ali Matthews as Performance Directors, Georgiana Ghetiu as Production Director, and Sean Mason as the Screenwriter. They’ll be ably supported by a crack team of Student Ambassadors who’ll each bring expertise in writing, performance, and production.
The Summer School promises to be of huge benefit to everyone involved. Salford students will have an opportunity to improve their employability and gain valuable experience that they can include on their CVs. The Year 10 pupils will be able to develop new skills, get a real sense of what it’s like to be a student here at Salford and gain an insight into creative career paths.
Luke Chapman, Widening Participation Officer at the University, will be liaising with the schools over pupil recruitment and logistics. He said ‘The “Script to Screen” summer school is a fantastic opportunity for Y10 learners from all over Greater Manchester to really unleash their creative sides, and discover what opportunities await them within the fields of arts, media, and performance. They’ll also benefit from interactions with current students and gain an insight into contemporary student life. These pupils will join us from schools who form part of the Greater Manchester Higher UniConnect partnership and stand to gain confidence and new skills from their time at the University of Salford.’
We’ll carry an update on the Summer School in the next edition of the Staff/Student Newsletter, so watch this space!
Salfunni Returns!
By Robyn Macpherson
SalFUNNI is back! This year’s group is comprised of five talented comedians from the Comedy Writing and Performance course who are aiming to bring their comedy show, No Backup Plan, to the Edinburgh Fringe for eleven whole nights of hilarity! Third years Rheanon and Rhys have No Backup Plan. They present their first show in an attempt to show their mums that comedy is a viable career path. With support from other members, and alumni, of the UK’s only degree in comedy. Join these hopeful teenage adults on their quest to become well-rounded citizens. They will be supported each night by the fantastically talented Archie, Ben and Robyn who each bring their own wonderfully unique style of comedy to make sure there’s something for everyone.
Let’s take a minute to get to know the team a little better:
Rheanon Lee is using comedy to help her navigate into womanhood. Trust me, she’s gonna need all the help she can get.
Failed nun Rhys Harris-Clarke is know for his risqué material. From getting a perm at the age of 22, he’s always lived life on the edge, so sit back relax and be wowed by the amount of trauma one small boy can dump on you.
Archie Clarke is unwanted in 195 countries, he’s armed with comedy and may use it when threatened. He’s been funny before and he’ll do it again. If you see Archie, immediately contact Archie’s mum as he’s probably lost.
Benjamin Crisp is “widely recognised” as having “chopping power”, “achingly handsome”, and “too humble to even mention his volunteering on the ward”.
A ball of feral, unhinged yet hyper positive energy, Robyn Macpherson offers their audience a chance to share in their often baffling perspective of the world through their playful and energetic comedy.
Of course, staying in Edinburgh during the Fringe for that long isn’t cheap, especially for a group of students. That’s why the group is currently working hard to raise the funds they need to make their dream show a reality, as you may have seen if you came to March’s fantastic New Adelphi Comedy Night where they hosted a bake sale to get their fundraising started! But that’s only the start of what they have planned! Over the coming months they’ll be hosting all kinds of exciting events, including what is going to be a wonderful night of stand-up at Fierce Bar on the 4th of June, to help get them to Edinburgh! Look out for their other upcoming shows which will be filled with hilarious stand-up and chances for you to take part in all sorts of activities, that way you can support this fantastic team and have a great time doing it! To stay up to date on what they’re up to, why not follow @Salfunni on Instagram. They’ll be keeping us updated on how their fundraising is going there and letting you all know about their upcoming shows and other ways you can get involved in their journey!
Want to donate? Here you go: https://ko-fi.com/salfunninobackupplan
Motion Capture Lab Captures Award Nomination!
By Hannah Briggs
The Motion Capture Lab is one of the newest pioneering ventures at the University of Salford. Already, it has made news for its recent nomination for an Educate North Award, in the Digital Education and Development category. These awards “highlight world class achievements across the University, HE, FE and Sixth Form sectors in the North of England”.
I caught up with Motion Capture Technician Connoll Pavey to hear more about their up-and-coming lab, their projects and how they feel about their exciting nomination!
“Tell me a little bit about the Motion Capture department at the University and what you do”.
The Mocap department is composed of Jake Louden and myself we have worked for the last two years to develop our Motion Capture Lab.
Motion Capture is the process of capturing the movement of the body or an object and we use the data in films, TV and video games. (Think ABBA, Iron Man and a game of your choice). Most commonly, people think of Velcro suits with ping pong balls on them.
We have been developing the space so that students from across the university can access the space and record motion capture data for their projects. Recently, we have also been developing the space so that it can be used by lectures for classes teaching performance for Motion Capture.
In the last year, we have hosted 100s students from a range of courses in the Motion Capture Lab ranging from Games, Animation, XR, Health, Dance, VFX, Film and Performance.
“How does it feel to be nominated for an Educate North Award?”
We never expected or really considered awards, but it is no less an honour and a very exciting prospect! We work hard because we believe that our students deserve access to the best equipment and technology that we can provide. We saw an opportunity to develop our small Mocap space into a genuine resource for students that would benefit them in this increasingly digital entertainment landscape
I feel great about the nomination. A lot of the work for the space has been done hunkered over a computer, and whilst we have been very excited about what we have developed, recognition from our students and now external bodies as a valuable resource makes the process and hard work worth it. I can think of no greater reason to go to work than to help change the lives of young people and provide them with an opportunity to chase their dreams.
We already have our first Mocap volunteer, who worked with us during our testing phase, go on the secure work in Manchester as a Motion Capture performer – and we hope to produce many more!
“The Digital Education and Development Award “seeks to celebrate an outstanding example of the use of technology adapted or designed to improve the student experience, or engage with the wider community in the digital age”. How do you feel your department has achieved this?”
The real focus of our goals was real-time feedback.
Our Motion Capture capability early on allowed us to track movement, but on screen all one could see what a stick person moving about in a black void. This was fine, but we could tell our performance students especially were keen to see something of a final product when they performed. If they were performing as a monster or robot, they wanted to see themselves as that character on screen. We took their desires to heart and we believed that providing this real-time feedback would be the key to unlocking the true educational potential of Motion Capture.
We imagined a space where performance students could come in, suit up, see themselves as the character they are playing on screen, undertake their performance and then watch that performance back, alongside feedback from their lecture.
This was the process we developed utilizing The Unreal Engine. With this world class gaming engine, we can now capture motion data and use it to drive an avatar live, so that students can see themselves move in real-time. We have further developed this by using iPhones to capture facial movements live too, and we’re now able to make short CGI movies in a single afternoon! The feedback from students has been overwhelming and we are so honoured that the wider educational community considers our work valuable.
“What are the next steps for the Motion Capture department?”
Currently we are writing a Technical Diploma; it will initially be a two year course that students can enroll on to learn the technical aspects of Motion Capture, and to learn how to be a Technician in the process – an increasingly valuable and in demand career.
We are also supporting performance academics who will be running performance for Mocap classes from September, allowing students on our performance courses to start to developing their skills and pursue a career in Motion Capture.
We have also started to work with departments outside of SAMCT, such as the School of Health, as they develop digital patients for training health professionals when dealing with older or younger patients. A student will get a zoom call with a patient who is CGI, but they will be connect to a live performance who can speak and respond in real-time.
It’s a very busy and exciting time for us now!
The Ceremony for the Educate North Awards take place on Thursday the 18th of April. Good luck to Connoll and his team!
Misunderstood – A Short Story
By Kimberley Elizabeth Sibanda
Ophelia was always different. With her lanky frame and almond-shaped eyes that seemed to hold the mysteries of the universe, she stood out like a delicate flower in a field of thorns. But in high school, being different was not celebrated; it was ridiculed. Day after day, Ophelia endured the taunts and jeers of her classmates, who mocked her for her slim figure and the unique beauty of her eyes. She tried to shrug off the hurtful words, burying herself in her dreams of becoming an actress and author. Yet, the constant barrage of negativity chipped away at her confidence until it felt like there was nothing left. As the years passed, Ophelia’s self-esteem plummeted, and she became increasingly obsessed with changing herself to fit in. She underwent surgery to alter her appearance, hoping it would finally silence the cruel voices that haunted her. But the physical transformation could not heal the wounds that ran deep within her soul. Disillusioned and disheartened, Ophelia drifted away from her passions. The joy she once found in acting and writing seemed to vanish like smoke in the wind. She convinced herself that she was not good enough, that her dreams were nothing but foolish fantasies. But just when it seemed like all hope was lost, a glimmer of light pierced through the darkness. In her lowest moment, Ophelia found solace in her faith. She realized that God had a plan for her, one far greater than she could ever imagine. With renewed determination, she set out to rediscover her purpose. Slowly but surely, Ophelia began to reignite her passions. She auditioned for local theatre productions, throwing herself wholeheartedly into each role with a newfound sense of confidence. And as she stepped back onto the stage, she felt alive in a way she hadn’t in years. Inspired by her journey of self-discovery, Ophelia also found herself drawn back to the world of writing. She poured her heart and soul into crafting stories that reflected her experiences, weaving tales of resilience and hope that touched the hearts of readers around the world. Today, Ophelia’s life is a testament to the power of perseverance. Through the ups and downs, she learned that true beauty lies not in conformity, but in embracing the uniqueness that sets us apart. And, as she looks back on her journey, Ophelia knows that every trial and tribulation was simply a stepping stone on the path to her destiny. With unwavering faith and determination, she continues to chase her dreams, knowing that the best is yet to come. For Ophelia, the moral of the story is clear: no matter how tough the road may seem, never give up.
Spring Theatre Highlights
By Dr Stephen Hornby
The Lowry
The Lowry is the major arts complex in Salford, with a large main stage (The Lyric), a second theatre (The Quays), a studio, a bar with great views, a restaurant and an art gallery housing L.S. Lowry’s world famous paintings. Their forthcoming programme includes The Bar at the Edge of Time by Frozen Light who make multi-sensory theatre for adult and young adult audiences with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD). “Leave the hours, minutes, and seconds behind, step across the threshold and meet the bar’s maestro mixologists, crooners, and hosts. But a mystery lies at the heart of this place, a mystery hidden even from them. One that can only be solved when we spend our time together.”
https://thelowry.com/whats-on/genres/drama/
Royal Exchange
Manchester’s largest producing house and home of the prestigious Bruntwood Prize for playwriting. One highlight of this season is Sweat a sweeping state-of-the-nation play that embraces huge political and economic ideas in a magnificent gritty social drama. Nottage’s stunning writing pits friend against friend as social and racial tensions, once buried by a sense of solidarity, soon rise to the surface in this breathtaking drama. Lynn Nottage’s 2017 Pulitzer-Prize winning drama, directed by Jade Lewis is destined to be an American Classic.
What’s On & Tickets | Royal Exchange Theatre
Hope Mill Theatre
The most successful fringe venue in Manchester, often mentioned in industry essential read The Stage. They specialise in musicals but have a varied programme. This season includes the return of Vignettes with six fresh new plays by female emerging playwrights.
Contact
Contact is a centre for the development of young people’s creativity and runs programmes of skills -building as well as seasons of work. This season’s programme includes Is This Thing On? written by Megan Keaveny and Ellie Campbell (MissMatch) and is an electric new piece of devised theatre co-produced with So La Flair Theatre. This collaboration marks MissMatch’s debut into the theatre scene with the show already being praised as ‘full of humanity, heart, and humour’ (MancMade Productions). https://contactmcr.com/
HOME
HOME is a city centre arts venue with a main house, a studio, five screens of cinema, an art gallery a good restaurant and a couple of bars. A special part of this season’s programme is Black is the Color of My Voice Apphia Campbell’s acclaimed play follows successful singer and civil rights activist Nina Simone as she seeks redemption after the untimely death of her father.
HOME Manchester Theatre Listings – Book Now (homemcr.org)
Bolton Octagon
The Octagon has emerged from a massive rebuilding programme. They offer some interesting writing workshops and a full, live programme including a new Octagon Theatre Bolton, New Wolsey Theatre, Theatre By The Lake & Hull Truck Theatre co-production of the ever popular musical Little Shop of Horrors.
https://octagonbolton.co.uk/whats-on/
The Kings Arms
The Kings Arms is a fantastic pub with a studio theatre on the first floor. It’s also the home of the Greater Manchester Fringe Festival and a great place for student theatre companies to launch themselves from. One of their more intriguing offers is Tea With Violet the story of Violet Kray mother of Ronnie and Reggie Kray the notorious East-end gangsters, and the police woman she befriended. This production is from Pampas Plays are a drama company from Liverpool. Recent productions include the hit comedy’s The Manopause The Bitters, and It Must Be Love.
The Kings Arms | Events (kingsarmssalford.com)
Shakespeare North Playhouse
At the heart of the building is a reconstruction of Inigo Jones Cockpit-in-Court theatre, which functions as their main stage. The Playhouse is also home to Sir Ken Dodd Performance Garden and a studio space. Headlining the Cockpit Stage this summer, the brilliantly bold Not Too Tame return with an electrifying production of Twelfth Night, starring Les Dennis as Malvolio. Inspired by the world of the music industry, Shakespeare’s comedy of mistaken identities gets an injection of riffs, ruffs and riotous partying.
https://shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk/whats-on/
53Two
This leading fringe venue is situated in the heart of Manchester city centre and has been extensively upgraded and refitted recently and sports a great bar to network in. This season include work by one our alumni companies Red Brick Theatre who present Caryl Churchill’s A Number. A fascinating mediation on human cloning, identity and the nature versus nurture debate. This powerfully devastating revival of A Number will be directed by Jess Gough.
WHAT’S ON | 53two Theatre and Arts Charity
JB Shorts returns with all new writing by top TV writers in the northwest. Pieces this time around: ISOBEL OPENSHAW SAVES THE DAY, Written by Joyce Branagh, Directed by Alyx Tole, Not all heroes wear capes – some have an anorak, a brew, and a plan to overthrow the government. AFTERCARE, Written by Maz Hedgehog, Directed by Justina Carmen Aina.+, Love, kink and marshmallows… FOOD FIGHT, Written by Cathy Crabb & Lindsay Williams, Directed by Miranda Parker, Down at the foodbank, some are more equal than others. LIFE IS NO JOKE, Written by Dave Simpson, Directed by Robert Marsden, When Mike reaches 40 he has a mid-life crisis. He gives up his accountancy job to follow his dream. THIS IS NOT A PLAY, Written by James Quinn & Trevor Suthers, Directed by James Quinn …or is it? MRS PROOPS, Written by Debbie Oates, Directed by Ellie Rose, Kathy has chosen Gaz to be Mrs Proops’ next companion. But is he up to it? Runs May 8th-18th with matinees.
Please be aware that all shows may have adult content and each venues webpage listings should be consulted for any content warnings.
New Adelphi Theatre – Show Round up
By Hannah Briggs
TaPP Fest
Join us for TaPP Fest 2024, where our second-year performance groups, under the guidance of professional guest artists, work together to make live performance for our annual festival. The shows for this year as follows!
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE:
Join us in the City of Brinepoint, as you are taken on the magical journey of Redhair and Daffodil Friend. But is it as enchanting as it seems?
With many obstacles in their path, can they overcome the troubles and fulfil the responsibilities their mother gave them before she left?
Performance times: 25th April 8:15pm Start / 26th April 7pm
Someone got a terrible haircut.
Someone is her brother’s mother.
Someone’s never felt like this before…
Caryl Churchill’s Love and Information paints a kaleidoscopic tapestry of human life at break-neck speed. More than a hundred characters try to make sense of what they know, in a world with inhibited human connection and vast information overconsumption.
This staggering revival of Churchill’s 2012 contemporary classic will be brought to life by an incredible ensemble of performers and directed by Red Brick Theatre’s Oliver Hurst as part of TaPP Fest 2024.
Performance times:
Tuesday 23rd April 7pm – 8pm
Wednesday 24th April 7pm – 8pm
How would you prove to the world that life has meaning? What has meaning to you?
Your favourite book? Your wedding ring? Your body?
Things take a sinister turn for these school children as they go to the extreme to prove to their friend that the world has meaning.
Performance times:
25th April 7pm Start / 26th April 8:15pm Start
Also on at the New Adelphi Theatre:
Dance@Salford
2nd and 3rd of May
Join us for an extraordinary dance festival featuring captivating performances by our talented students. This year’s event promises an eclectic mix of theatrical, playful, emotional, and experimental works that showcase the immense creativity within our Dance@Salford community.
On Thursday, our MA Choreography students will share new works-in-progress exploring the personal as political.
On Friday, join us for an eclectic evening of original devised dance works from our Third Year BA Dance students. This year the festival includes two new outdoor works by our First Year dancers and Coalesce Youth Dance. Alongside live work we will be showcasing digital dance submissions from our Second Year students. Each performance guarantees an eclectic mix of theatrical, playful, emotional, experimental works showcasing the creative talent of our students.
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE:
May Day Madness at Next Month’s Slumber Party!
by Charlotte Cropper
The New Adelphi Theatre’s very own Charlotte Cropper will be back at Manchester’s Fierce Bar next month for the MayDay Special of her comedy night, @CroppaChoppa’s Slumber Party.
The show, presented as a noughties sleepover, not only features professional alternative comedy acts and slumber party games for the audience to participate in for prizes, but also Salford students and alumni!
MayDay Special:
Expect Midsommar and Wickerman vibes as Sleepoverlord/May Queen Charlotte puts together a Slumber Party Village Fayre like no other, in order to please the terrifying(ly handsome) “EdgeLord of Banter”, Bertie the Bear.
She will be joined by some weirdos from the neighbouring village, including the hilarious Bella Humphries, Melina Fiol and Headliner Stevie Martin (co-host of comedy self-help podcast Nobody Panic, as seen on 8 out of 10 Cats, The Mash Report, Starstruck, Breeders). Charlotte’s real-life best friend and Salford Alum Beth Moore will join her as always with a feminist cinematic deep-dive, and BaMP Student Thomas Broadley will be taking the Salford Showcase Spot!
Tickets for the MayDay Special Slumber Party are available here: https://bit.ly/SlumberPartyMay24
TOFS Comedy Night
UKLC Summer Schools
UKLC is a leading provider of language programmes in the UK for students aged 8-17. Their mission is to educate, inspire and enrich the lives of young people from all over the world through English Language, Sports, and British Culture. They are experts in delivering both summer and year-round programmes for juniors. They have 12 top-class centres across the UK including traditional British boarding schools & modern university campuses.
UKLC has opportunities for students interested in working at their summer schools, in a variety of paid roles including Residential Sport & Activity Instructors and Residential Excursion and Activity Leaders.
For details of the roles available, and to apply, please click here.
Guess the Performer – Answer!
Did you guess who the luvvie was?
It was Dr Tracy Crossley performing in Road by Jim Cartwright! The production was staged at Lancaster University in 1993, when Tracy was a second year undergraduate.
