Theatre in Manchester and the North
Kristy Stott, Theatre EditorAffecting contemporary performances and fresh, relevant takes on enduring classics, in this month’s theatre guide we pick out the shows that help us scrutinise the world we live in.
Shelagh Delaney’s iconic A Taste of Honey has started its run at the Royal Exchange. It’s one of our favourite plays and this defiant and fresh version – directed by Emma Baggott – is sure to resonate with contemporary audiences, a startling 65 years after it was first performed.
Meanwhile, over in Liverpool, the Everyman is gearing up for its 60th birthday celebrations – and what better way to mark the occasion than with three top-notch homegrown productions. The first, The Legend of Ned Ludd, is an innovative and daring work offering a unique and unpredictable performance experience at every show. Intrigued? Hit the link for the full preview.
In contrast, the award-winning queer performer Eloina Haines presents High Steaks at The Lowry later in April. This show was the talk of Edinburgh Fringe 2023 – and rightly so – it opens a deeply affecting conversation around labia shaming and cosmetic surgery.
What else? Well, we’ve got two timely landmark operas from the English Touring Opera; a powerful one-woman performance – inspired by the life and music of Nina Simone and Robin/Red/Breast, a chilling adaptation of a cult horror classic, starring Maxine Peake, at Aviva Studios.
Read on for details of these and so much more.
