Theatre in the North
Kristy Stott, Theatre EditorFrom outdoor shows to drama in the dark, this month’s theatre guide celebrates genre-pushing work, new writing and contemporary performance.
Head to Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre where summer is in full swing with a trio of alfresco classics performed in rep. Whether you’re looking for a classic Austen, a twisty detective tale or a tumble down the rabbit hole, there’s something for everyone in Pride and Prejudice, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Alice in Wonderland. Dreamy.
Over in West Yorkshire, Breadcrumbs unfolds in the outdoor space at Sunny Bank Mills – a fresh new take on Hansel & Gretel by the award-winning Wrongsemble; think anarchy and squabbling siblings – a show the whole family can get on board with.
Back in Greater Manchester, a brand-new night of punchy new writing (with an aftershow party) heads to Stockport’s Stockroom. Shorts by Not Long is a fresh scratch night spotlighting new work from three of the most exciting young theatremakers.
Looking ahead to autumn: DARKFIELD bring not one but three of their acclaimed shipping container shows to Greater Manchester – bold experiences that unfold in pitch darkness, using binaural sound and sensory effects to thrilling effect. Also at Lowry, Reckless Sleepers return with Binary Opposition, a highly visual piece where logic unravels and nothing seems to add up. And Marina Abramović’s Balkan Erotic Epic arrives at Aviva Studios, drawing on ritual, myth and erotic folklore – monumentally, the largest performance work she’s ever staged.
Whether you’re chasing sunshine or stepping into the unknown, the North’s eclectic stages are sure to ignite imagination and spark conversation.
