Bear Left at 53two

Creative Tourist

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Bear Left

13-23 December 2023

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

Bear Left at 53two
Image courtesy of 53two.
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The iconic 150-year-old arches of Manchester’s 53two is set to kick off the festive season with Bear Left, a brand-new celebratory and fast-paced Christmas production.

Set in a motorway service station on Christmas Eve, Bear Left is a performance anthology of uplifting human stories. Featuring brand new music from composer Ollie Mills, the show follows a series of weary travellers as they descend on Pinkerford Services in need of petrol, coffee…and answers to their existential crises. Christmas is most definitely on its way – but not without a few detours first.

Offering the perfect build-up to Christmas, Bear Left brings new writing from Manchester talent Steph Lacey, Emma Hinds, Hannah Macdonald and Mohammed Barber to the stage. The production will also feature some famous Manchester faces, and each performance will be narrated by a surprise guest.

If you’re looking for a whole different production this Christmas, Bear Left is the one. Bringing a brilliant and diverse cast, community members, fresh writing and new music – set to the backdrop of a motorway service station – this production promises to be a heart-lifting and entertaining start to the festive season.

Bear left at 53two

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