Barbara at The Edge

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor
Barbara at The Edge
Image courtesy of Lee Baxter.

Barbara at The Edge Theatre and Arts Centre, Chorlton 23 — 24 June 2023 Tickets from £13.00 — Book now

Gather around the piano for Stockport theatre-maker, Mark Croasdale’s new show at The Edge Theatre and Arts Centre. Music-filled and joyful with the warm nostalgia of a buttered crumpet, Barbara is a humorous and touching new theatre production inspired by our relationships with our grandparents and what it means to care for them.

Heartfelt, beautiful and witty, Barbara is based on creator Mark Croasdale’s own relationship with their grandmother (the real-life Barbara) and their experience of caring for a loved one when they have dementia.

Barbara lives in an effortless era, when tea came from a pot, the milk was poured first and crumpets were for butter, not jam. But this is the present and it’s all got a little more complicated…

The beginnings of the show were first workshopped at Hope Mill Theatre’s Turn On Fest in 2020, just before the Covid-19 pandemic brought the world to a halt. Now, three years later, Barbara is set to shine in Chorlton as a full-length and interactive production, thanks to funding from Arts Council England and support from The Edge and Contact Theatre.

Set in the evening, audiences will join Barbara, portrayed by Croasdale, and her husband Bernard at one of their legendary candlelight suppers. Expect a sing-song around the piano as Barbara and her ivory-tingling husband, played by musician and performer Tom Guest, transport you to a bygone era with music, courteous conversation and exceptional hosting.

Sensitively exploring lived experiences of dementia, this is a theatre production that aims to tackle a challenging subject matter with warmth, joy and lots of humour – actively encouraging others to share their own experiences in a safe and supportive way. Lifting the lid on what it means to care for someone you love, Barbara encourages us to talk, share and understand dementia together.

Accessibility

  • Relaxed

Performances

Date
Time
Session Features
23 June 2023
7:30pm — 8:30pm
24 June 2023
3:00pm — 4:00pm

Accessibility Features

Relaxed

24 June 2023
7:30pm — 8:30pm

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Where to go near Barbara at The Edge

Chorlton Library on Manchester road in Chorlton
Chorlton
Library
Chorlton Library

This cornerstone of Chorlton life is a Carnegie library, listed building and the second busiest library in the city.

Chorlton
Bar or Pub
Into The Woods Chorlton

Delightful cafe, bar and restaurant in the heart of Chorlton. Wonderfully welcoming with a great range of food and drinks for all ages.

Chorlton
Shop
Chorlton Bookshop

A family-run bookshop in Manchester’s bohemian suburb, Chorlton Bookshop is a haven of great titles and unknown gems.

Barbecue Coffee
Chorlton
Café or Coffee Shop
Barbecue Coffee Manchester

Popular artisan café, Barbecue is located in the heart of Chorlton, the South Manchester suburb that is home to one of the city’s most vibrant artistic communities.

Horse and Jockey Chorlton
Chorlton
Restaurant
Horse and Jockey Chorlton

The Horse and Jockey is a popular gastro pub located on Chorlton Green, at the end of Beech Road, a beautiful building and a Chorlton landmark.

Chorlton
Bar or Pub
Proof

A cocktail bar in Chorlton, South Manchester. If you like your drinks exotic and boozy, look no further.

Chorlton
Bar or Pub
The Beagle

Helmed by the people behind Common and Port Street Beer House, The Beagle is one of the most popular bars in Chorlton.

Beech Road, Chorlton
Restaurant
Mish Mash

Cocktails and craft beer along side a menu of British food ‘with a twist’. Mish Mash is currently closed for a refurb.

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