The Magic Bookmark at 53Two

Shekina Rose, Families Editor

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The Magic Bookmark

22 February 2025

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

Petite Pantos
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Join Mama G for a delightful panto experience, The Magic Bookmark at 53Two, Manchester this February half term.

Coming direct from New York and heading straight to Manchester, The Magic Bookmark is an award-winning adventure starring ‘everyone’s favourite pantomime dame!’ (Metro), Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist, Mama G. Interactive, fabulous, and totally, utterly FUN, this show is a must-see for children and grown-ups too. 

Trouble is brewing in Mama G’s library. The dastardly Book Worm doesn’t see the point of books and steals them all! With the world on the brink of literary chaos, Mama G enlists the help of the Magic Bookmark, and YOU, audience members, to save the day. Join Mama G on an adventure across the globe to find three special books that might convince the mischievous Book Worm of the importance of stories. 

While sitting in a theatre in Manchester, you’ll travel to Australia, the Caribbean, and a London library. You’ll experience tales of kindness, empathy, bravery, and self-acceptance, with stories like the The Bear Who Had Nothing to Wear by Jeanne Willis and You Need to Chill by Juno Dawson.

The simplicity of this show adds to what makes it so great. On the stage is a bookcase, a red beanbag, a mini inflatable paddling pool (all will be revealed on the day!) and a flatscreen TV where the sneaky Book Worm appears in animated form.

In true pantomime style, children (and their grownups), will love shouting “he’s behind you,” booing the baddie, and joining in with the on stage action. And while the show may have a few technical surprises, Mama G’s storytelling skills ensure a smooth and hilarious ride from start to finish.

So get ready for an awesome adventure on 22 February as The Magic Bookmark celebrates one of the best things in life – books!  

What's on at 53two

JB Shorts 27 at 52two
TheatreManchester
JB Shorts 27 at 53two

A brand new edition of JB Shorts returns to showcase some of the region’s most well-established and talented performers and scriptwriters.

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The Chevin is a great place for visitors to do lots of different activities and is open all year round with 5 free car parks. To help you find out whatís best for you we have divided this section up into some of these different activities.Please be aware that The Chevin is a working estate so you may see vehicles including timber-extraction lorries using some of the tracks.Self-guided WalksThe Chevin is a big place and there is a good network of paths to make your own circular walk, but if you want to follow a themed trail there is a Geology Trail, Heritage Time Trail and a route for Tree Spotters.Bikes & HorsesThere is an extensive bridleway network on the eastern parts of The Chevin that caters for a range of abilities.Orienteering and GeocachingTwo orienteering courses and a number of geocache sites are waiting to be discovered.Climbing & BoulderingThere are many fantastic crags for climbing and boulders for bouldering.Mobility Scooters & Wheelchairs
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For many years, Oporto has been a beacon of alternative energy on Leeds’ Call Lane – serving up great food and drink alongside resident DJs and live music.

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