Illuminate: A Journey of Seven Stories at Manchester Central Library

Sara Jaspan, Exhibitions Editor

Book now

Illuminate

24-25 November 2017

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

Joel Chester Fildes
Book now

In 2004, the critic and co-founding editor of Private Eye, Christopher Booker, published his gargantuan 34-year-long labour of love; The Seven Basic Plots: Why We Tell Stories. In it he attempts to put to rest the age-old riddle of how many stories exist in the world, arguing that everything from Beowulf to The Ugly Duckling can be boiled down to one of seven archetypal plots: Overcoming the Monster, Rags to Riches, The Quest, Voyage and Return, Comedy, Tragedy, and Rebirth.

It is from this overarching principle that Illuminate takes its lead. For two unique evenings in November, over 60 international and Manchester-based artists are set to take over Central Library with an immersive live performance exploring the role that stories play in helping us to understand ourselves and our place in the world.

The piece will unfold in seven parts (one per plot) across seven locations throughout the library, taking full advantage of its iconic architecture, whilst also seeking to transform how audiences perceive and engage with this important public space. Atmospheric lighting and an original live soundtrack by award-winning composer, Miguel Marin, will accompany a rich tapestry of movement and dance, resonating throughout the building’s sweeping corridors and domed ceilings.

And as if this weren’t enough, there’s also a free countdown programme of events scheduled in the lead up to the main performance, including a pop-up dance piece taking place outside the library entrance and the chance to go behind-the-scenes and watch the rehearsal and pre-production process unfold.

Created and produced by Manchester’s internationally-renowned dance theatre company, Company Chameleon, Illuminate is a special commission to celebrate the organisation’s 10th birthday. It forms part of Library Live; Manchester Central Library’s cultural events programme, where unexpected, sociable and stimulating things happen.

Manchester Town Hall
TourManchester
The Magical Mystery Bike Tour

Hop on your bike for this guided cycling tour, exploring fascinating corners of Manchester you may never have seen before.

From £25.00

Where to go near Illuminate: A Journey of Seven Stories at Manchester Central Library

St Peters Square Manchester
City Centre
St Peter’s Square

St Peter’s Square is a public space in Manchester – home to the city’s iconic library, town hall, Pankhurst statue, art gallery and famous Midland Hotel.

Manchester Art Gallery. Photo by Andrew Brooks
City Centre
Gallery
Manchester Art Gallery

The Charles Barry-designed, Grade I-listed Manchester Art Gallery is one of the city’s leading galleries and is back open for visitors once more.

Manchester
Restaurant
Ban Di Bul

Ban Di Bul is a longstanding Korean restaurant in the very centre of Manchester.

Chinatown
Hotel
The Alan

This high-end city-centre restaurant has an excellent afternoon tea option that more than matches up to the superb main menu.

Salut Wines
Chinatown
Bar or Pub
Salut Wines

Salut wines pride themselves in offering “wider horizons beyond the safe choices.” With 42 wines by the glass and a regularly changing selection of bottles in their Enomatic wine preservation machines (or  “wine jukebox,” as they’re colloquially known), this is one of be best bars in Manchester for exploring new vintages.

Manchester
Restaurant
Friska

Latest branch of Friska, the independent healthy fast food chain.

Manchester
Restaurant
Don Giovanni

Traditional Italian restaurant, serving everything from pizza to steak. All this in a large modern venue with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Chinatown
Restaurant
Manchester Art Gallery Cafe

Summery bakes, seasonal salads and fresh light meals at Manchester Art Gallery’s in-house café, courtesy of highly-regarded Head Chef Matthew Taylor.

City Centre
Tourist Attraction
Manchester Town Hall

Re-opening in 2024, Manchester Town Hall is a monument to Victorian Manchester’s ambition, and one of the city’s most-loved landmarks.

City Centre
Tourist Attraction
Albert Square

A public square in the heart of Manchester which plays hosts to festivals and major events. Home to the Albert Memorial and statues of Bishop James Fraser, John Bright, Oliver Heywood and William Ewart Gladstone.

What's on: Dance

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Experimental performance, thought-provoking new writing and our picks of Manchester International Festival - here’s what’s taking centre stage this summer.

Harry Baker
Literature Events in the North

From environmental to experimental, our poetry and prose picks from around the North are focused on the unusual and the fun.

Exhibitions in the North

Captivating, urgent and intimate - we bring you our top exhibition picks, with even more art festivals, artist-led shows and new venues.

Helena Hauff
Music in the North

Shape-shifting bands, scorched-earth techno, and off-grid festivals. Our latest music picks catch the live scene at its most urgent, inventive and alive.

Cloudwater Production One
Tours and Activities in the North

Go forth with wild abandon to dance the pavements, dabble with the paint and down the pints in this month's tours and activities guide.

Classical Music in the North

Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region's most cherished orchestral forces and venues.

A young boy with a white sash around his left arm cries.
Cinema in the North

Outdoor cinema announcements, a major retrospective at HOME, and the best of indie cinema.