Swansong

Andrew Anderson

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Swansong

Lowry, Salford
3-6 May 2017

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

© Milly Smith
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Have you ever wished you could start again from scratch, with no past to hold you back? We probably all have at one time or another – I know I have – but it’s not something that happens in real life…and perhaps that’s for the best.

However, it’s exactly this situation that the protagonists of Swansong find themselves in. Only their fresh start isn’t a clean sheet of paper, but rather an endless expanse of water.

Here’s the premise: four people are floating in a pedalo, following a flood of biblical proportions. Their budget ark has saved them and they are the only survivors. But how can they begin again, and which parts of the past will they choose to save in their collective conscience?

Swansong is a brilliant example of how a small scenario is often the best way to deal with big ideas. By keeping the characters cooped up, DugOut Theatre can put massive topics under the microscope like memory, meaning and the problems that occur when billions of people live together on one tiny planet.

The show has already taken on Edinburgh Fringe, picking up a fistful of four-star reviews, and is now coming to The Lowry for four nights. Swansong is quick, clever, captivating and also very funny, which provides welcome comic relief – after all, if you can’t face the apocalypse with a grin, what can you do?

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Where to go near Swansong

Manchester
Gallery
Irwell Sculpture Trail

The 33-mile trail, which follows the River Irwell from Salford Quays all the way to Bacup in Pennine Lancashire, has been around for over a decade, but it’s recently been restored and expanded.

Manchester
Shopping Centre
Lowry Outlet Mall

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Manchester
Bar or Pub
Central Bay

Central Bay is a new waterfront dining and drinking destination at Quayside MediaCity, opening summer 2023.

MediaCityUK
Café or Coffee Shop
Blanconero

High-level Italian food in Salford Quays, with no less than seven different lasagnas to choose from.

The Quays
Restaurant
The Alchemist Mediacity

The latest offering from the UK-conquering Alchemist has an energetic vibe similar to others in this highly-regarded chain of restaurants.

Salford
Uswim
at Salford Quays

Jump into waters of dock 9 at Salford Quays with Uswim, they bring the benefits and freedom of open water swimming to the convenience of a central location.

Manchester
Food hall
Kargo MKT

Mighty food hall in Salford Quays, with around twenty street food vendors, serving a huge range of cuisines.

Manchester
Restaurant
11 Central

11 Central is a new bar and microbrewery launched by local brewing legends SEVEN BRO7HERS BREWING CO at the Central Bay site in Salford.

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