How To Be a Kid at Peel Park

Gemma Gibb, Associate Editor

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How to be a Kid

Peel Park, Manchester
8-10 September 2017

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

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Fresh from Edinburgh Festival we recommend snapping up some tickets fast for this pre-teen drama by Manchester’s Sarah McDonald Hughes. Brought to the region by The Lowry and set in Roundabout (Paines Plough theatre company’s stunning, high-tech mini amphitheatre situated within Peel Park this weekend) the story’s focus is 12 year old Molly who has to take charge while her mum is out of action.

Aimed at ages 7 and over, we follow Molly and baby Jo who have to deal practically and emotionally without a responsible adult. It’s a tale of resilience, family, friendship and creating joy wherever possible.

Although there are some really serious issues explored here, How To Be A Kid has won much praise for its effective staging and magical moments. Perhaps both adults and kids can identify with how to channel some inner strength and carry on when all around is falling apart.

With audiences told to expect “dancing, chocolate cake and an epic car chase”, at just £5 per ticket and a co-production between a creative triumvirate of nationwide theatrical royalty Paines Plough, Theatr Clwyd and Orange Tree Theatre, what’s not to love?

Where to go near How To Be a Kid at Peel Park

Manchester
Music venue
Peel Hall

One of a few remaining Gothic concert halls in the United Kingdom. It has tiered seating for 370 and is housed in the Peel Building which stands at the front of the Peel Park Campus.

Salford
Restaurant
Old Pint Pot

This lively spot could be considered a jack of all trades – pub, restaurant, events space and live music venue.

Laura Daly: The Storm Cone at Peel Park, Salford
Salford
The Storm Cone, Peel Park

The Storm Cone is a digital artwork and soundscape by artist Laura Daly and composer Lucy Pankhurst, which simulates lost park bandstands and explores their forgotten histories.

Manchester
Gallery
Hot Bed Press

Hot Bed Press, based at the Casket Works in Salford, is a not-for-profit printmakers’ studio, is now the largest open-access print workshop in the region.

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Manchester
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Salford Museum and Art Gallery

Salford Museum and Art Gallery is a friendly city museum close to Peel Park with special appeal to families; the highlight is Lark Hill Place, a charming Victorian Street installation.

Salford
Gallery
GK Gallery

This Chapel Street gallery and tea room hosts 8-12 week long exhibitions giving emerging artists a chance to showcase their work.

Chapel Street
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Islington Mill

A former cotton spinning mill, Islington Mill in Manchester now houses artists’ studios, galleries, a recording studio, a nightclub, cafe and B&B.

Salford Makers
Chapel Street
Event venue
Salford Makers

Salford Makers are a collective of artists, designers, educators and makers based at Islington Mill in Salford.

Manchester
Event venue
7 Spot Pottery

Part of Salford Makers, 7 Spot is a 360 square foot ceramics studio offering classes and workshops as well as studio space for members.

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