The Den at the Ukrainian Cultural Centre

For two weeks this summer the Royal Exchange Theatre will set up its mobile eco-friendly pop-up theatre in the Ukrainian Cultural Centre in the Cheetham Hill area of the city.

A unique travelling performance space.

An ingenious low carbon and super-light structure – complete with a canvas roof and cardboard seats – the Den is a unique travelling performance space. Designed to bring a wide variety of events to communities in Cheetham Hill and Crumpsall over 14 days this summer, visitors to the festival can expect family fun days, theatre, dance, visual art and community shows.

A vibrant and inclusive summer celebration of arts and culture, the Den brings the thrill of live events into the heart of M8. The Den was first developed in 2019 and was designed to ‘pop up’ in existing buildings and spaces across Greater Manchester. Taking theatre out into the local community, the Den provides a space for local people to share, create and participate in some incredible experiences right on their doorsteps.

Over the past four years, the Royal Exchange has been working with the communities of Cheetham Hill and Crumpsall to develop this exciting summer festival.

Visitors to the festival can expect professional performances, spoken word events, live music and a community theatre show created by local makers and performers.

Of the project, Royal Exchange Joint Artistic Director Bryony Shanahan told us, “We are very excited about bringing the Den to Cheetham Hill and Crumpsall. We have been working with these communities and our brilliant Ambassadors for years now and the enthusiasm and passion that they bring to everything they do is intoxicating – this festival promises to be lots and lots of fun. The power that theatre has to bring people together is perhaps heightened this year because the festival will take place at the Ukrainian Cultural Centre. We are in awe of their response to the War, having witnessed the articulated lorries arrive to collect deliveries of food, clothing, sleeping bags and so much more. Their continued support for this festival, the recognition that sharing a live experience with someone else is empowering or can simply transport you somewhere else for a short moment of time, is extraordinary.”

We’re also pleased to report that all the funds raised from the Den’s ticket sales will be donated to Ukrainian aid agencies. And we’ll bring you more details on the full festival programme as soon as we have it.