We Come From Far Far Away at Contact

Andrew Anderson

Book now

New International Encounter: We Come From Far Far Away

Contact Theatre, Manchester
31 May-2 June 2017

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

We Come From Far Far Away at Contact
© Premyst Bukovsky
Book now

The story of refugees is the story of modern times: people forced to flee thousands of miles, for many disparate reasons, and start life all over again. We Come From Far Far Away, a new theatre show for young audiences, puts this story centre stage.

We Come From Far Far Away began in Norway, where the creative team of New International Encounter (NIE) began interviewing young refugees from Syria and Afghanistan. Their stories were harrowing, but ultimately full of hope – they each left their home because they believed that life could be better. This is the message at the heart of We Come From Far Far Away – that there is always hope.

The story is helped along by brilliant staging. Always inventive (past NIE shows have taken place in primary schools, on boats and even in a family car), this time the audience sits within a yurt, with the cast addressing them from a pop-up tent. Not only does this make the whole thing feel a bit magical, but it also makes it very personal…which, given how often refugees are de-humanised, is very important.

It’s not only young people that need to know about these stories: we all do. After all, if we don’t open our eyes and minds to the troubles of modern life, how can we ever begin to fix them? This is great piece of theatre with an important message: there is always hope.

Where to go near We Come From Far Far Away at Contact

Manchester
Music venue
The Deaf Institute

The Deaf Institute is a vibrant gig venue and nightclub for which it is well worth taking a jaunt out of the Northern Quarter.

Manchester
Catalog Bookshop

Find Peter and his Christiania cargo bike around All Saints Park, a hop, skip and a bunnyhop from Manchester Poetry Library.

Manchester
Bar or Pub
Sandbar

Sandbar, just off Oxford Road in Manchester, is a well-loved watering hole, with a great selection of ales and some eccentric seating.

Johnny Roadhouse store
Manchester
Shop
Johnny Roadhouse

Buffeted by fried chicken outlets, legendary musical instrument emporium Johnny Roadhouse has been serving the local music community for over 50 years.

Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
Eighth Day

Eighth Day is a co-operative shop that sells ethically-sourced food, wine and cosmetics. There’s also café that serves hearty, healthy meals in the basement.

Manchester
Event venue
The Proud Place

Based in the heart of Manchester on Sidney Street, The Proud Place houses The Proud Trust and serves as a community hub for the wider LGBT+ population across Greater Manchester and beyond.

What's on: Families

Until
FamiliesCity Centre
Manchester Christmas Markets

The Manchester Christmas Markets are back for 2025, with many dozens of stalls in front of the town hall, and hundreds of traders spread across city-centre squares.

Free entry
Two young visitors looking up at a banner in a case, holding pencils and an activity sheet.
Until
ActivityManchester
2025 Banner Bingo at PHM

Explore the People’s History Museum with your banner bingo card in hand as you navigate their galleries through the lens of craftivism.

Free entry
A performer in a bright red costume sits on a snowy stage set, holding a large snowball between their legs with a surprised expression. The colourful winter backdrop features snowflakes, hills, a snowman, and a traffic light with glowing lights.
FamiliesManchester
The Snowy Day at Z-arts

This winter, families with little ones are invited into a shimmering world of snow and discovery with the new production of The Snowy Day.

From £10.00

Culture Guides

A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night
Cinema in the North

There's no shortage of great films out at the moment, whether you're looking for the latest blockbuster, that hot arthouse flick fresh from Cannes or a cosy classic.

Music in the North

Manchester’s closing out the year – and looking to the new one – with a run of gigs from some of the country’s best underground exports.

Hofesh Shechter - Theatre of Dreams at Lowry
Theatre in the North

This winter theatre round‑up captures the festive spirit across the North, with everything from family‑friendly musicals to modern twists on seasonal classics.

A white mattress is burning in a black rocky landscape.
Exhibitions in the North

In galleries around the North this autumn, you'll find tactile sculptures, Treasures with a capital 'T' and plant magic.

Food and Drink in the North

Hear ye, hear ye. Take some eating-out tips from our wintertime guide to food and drink in Manchester and the North.