Week 53 Festival 2020

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor
Week 53 Festival 2020
Image courtesy of Le Gateau Chocolat - Pandora by Christa Holka.

Week 53 Festival at Lowry, Salford 24 April — 3 May 2020 Entrance is free — Visit now

Fully accessible and always engaging, Week 53 celebrates bold and brilliant contemporary performance.

Week 53 takes over The Lowry, the obvious performance spaces and those hidden nooks and crannies, for ten days every two years. As always, the festival will welcome an incredible programme of international performance that seeks to challenge theatrical convention.

This year’s festival will examine the theme of ‘Power’, seeking to challenge, interrogate and probe hierarchies and dynamics in our current political and social landscape; raising questions around who holds power? How might power be distributed differently? How do historic power structures influence today’s narratives?

The 2020 festival runs from Friday 24 April to Sunday 3 May with the first commission announcement as Pandora by Le Gateau Chocolat. Described as ‘part song cycle’ and ‘part theatre’, Le Gateau Chocolat will be joined live on stage by Manchester Camerata. The festival will also bring a UK dance premiere from Brazilian choreographer, Alice Ripoll and dance company, Cia Suave. Blending break-dance, voguing, samba, passinho and dancinha, Cria explores affection and sensuality.

Street Culture innovators, Crxss Platfxrm will be joined by curator, Tunde Adekoya for a series of events exploring the radical potential of Street Culture and sculptor Hew Locke will bring The Man Who Would Be King, a new exhibition focussing on the expression of power through portraiture.

The festival will also feature a deftly moving, though optimistic performance from ex-circus Strong Lady, Charmain Childs; an interactive casino from award-winning Belgian theatre collective Ontroerend Goed, an aerial performance on the exterior of The Lowry and much more. This year’s festival is pushing boundaries like never before. Do take a look at the full programme.

Week 53 Festival at Lowry, Salford 24 April — 3 May 2020 Entrance is free Visit now

What's on at Lowry

Myra's Story at Lowry
TheatreSalford
Myra’s Story at Lowry

Direct from London’s West End, a critically acclaimed play shining a light on homelessness, addiction and resilience through one woman’s unforgettable story.  

from £28.50
Aakash Odedra: Songs Of The Bulbul at Lowry
DanceMediaCityUK
Aakash Odedra: Songs Of The Bulbul at Lowry

Happening as part of Lowry’s 25th anniversary, Aakash Odedra’s five-star show, accompanied by a live orchestra, arrives in Salford for one special performance this May.

from £16.50

Where to go near Week 53 Festival 2020

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

The Lowry Outlet Mall in The Quays district of Manchester sits opposite both The Lowry and MediaCityUK, Europe’s largest media hub and the home of BBC North.

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
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.

Ice Rink
Manchester
MCUK Ice Rink
at Media City

Embrace that most Christmassy of activities and get your skates on outside of the chaotic city centre this winter. The Ice Rink at Media City will be serving festive fun till January 5th.

Manchester
Shop
Booths Media City

The Booths branch at Media City, Salford Quays is much appreciated by TV, radio and media executives who work in the area.

What's on: Theatre

Free Activity at Aviva Studios
Until
ComedyManchester
Free Activity at Aviva Studios

From comedy nights to drop-in family craft sessions, Factory International bring an accessible and inclusive programme of events this spring – the best thing, it’s all free.

free entry

Culture Guides

Sextile
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Laura Ellen Bacon, Into Being, 2025. Photo © India Hobson, courtesy Yorkshire Sculpture Park
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A woman sits in a car with hands holding the steering wheel.
Cinema in the North

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Image by Jonathan Schofield.
Tours and Activities in the North

We've got many a good time in store this month as we round up the best walking tours, cultural classes and makers markets in the land.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Dynamic dance, party-performance, high-energy stand-up and a site-specific show set in a pub. All this and more in our newest theatre guide.

Okechukwu Nzelu
Literature Events in the North

If it's inspiring, inclusive events and avant-garde, experimental afternoons you're after, look no further than live literature this spring – we've got you covered.