Culture Guides
Destination Guides
Theatre
We begin this month with an all time classic. Our Town is one of the most performed pieces of theatre ever made, an American masterpiece that examines the minutiae of life. But just because it is popular does not mean it is plain: the show’s unusual structure and style still feel fresh some eighty years after its first performance.
Elsewhere, it feels like theatre and music are being merged like never before. Termed ‘gig theatre’, these shows are part concert part dramatic performance. When they work, like with Reasons to be Cheerful, they’re pretty special. You might also want to try Duckie, on at Contact, which does something similar but with a bit of opera thrown in.
Let’s end on something a bit different. The makers of Andante at The Lowry once said: “We started with wanting to change the world with a performance. We felt like idiots. Then we danced a lot.” Let’s hope their dancing is just as fun.
Here are our picks
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1. Our Town at the Royal Exchange
© Royal Exchange Theatre OUR TOWN at Royal Exchange Theatre, City Centre, 14 September–14 October 2017, from £10.00 - Book now
Thornton Wilder’s play about everyday life is far from ordinary, and captures something eternal and cosmic.
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2. People, Places and Things at HOME
© The National Theatre People, Places and Things at HOME Manchester, Manchester, 22 September–7 October 2017, from £10 - Visit now
Emma is an actor trying to overcome addiction, but what else can help her cope with life’s problems?
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3. Gypsy Queen at Hope Mill Theatre
© Hope Theatre Company Gypsy Queen at Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester, 25–30 September 2017, from £10.00 - Book now
Gypsy Queen follows the story of two boxers who, rather than beating each other’s brains out, fall in love.
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4. Cosmic Scallies at Royal Exchange
© Royal Exchange Cosmic Scallies at Royal Exchange Theatre, City Centre, 27 September–14 October 2017, from £6.50 - Book now
A story of growing up in, and trying to escape from, Skelmersdale, told by minstrel of the marginalised Jackie Hagan.
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5. #JeSuis (In Progress) at Contact
© Sean Goldthorpe Aakash Odedra Company: #JeSuis (In Progress) at Contact Theatre, Manchester, 10–12 October 2017, from £06.00 - 10.00 - Book now
Fluctuation and permanence, stillness and movement are explored in Aakash Odedra’s latest dance work.
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6. Reasons to be Cheerful at Everyman Theatre
© Liverpool Everyman Reasons to be Cheerful at Liverpool Everyman Theatre, City Centre, 17–21 October 2017, from £10.00 to 26.00 - Find Out More
Ian Dury was a pioneering figure for disabled people, but he wasn’t without his dark side.
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7. Under Glass at The Lowry
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8. Andante at The Lowry
© The Lowry -
9. Re-member Me at Contact
© Robin Fisher Re-member Me at Contact Theatre, Manchester, 28–29 November 2017, from £10.00 - 15.00 - Book now
Re-member Me brings the ghosts of Hamlets-past back to life through Dickie Beau’s lip-syncing master class.
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10. Duckie at Contact
© Manuel Vason Le Gateau Chocolat: Duckie at Contact Theatre, Manchester, 24–25 October 2017, from £5.00 - 13.00 - Book now
Le Gateau Chocolat is back, this time with a re-telling of the The Ugly Ducking story that is both cute and clever.
Culture Guides
Literature
There’s plenty to see and do this autumn in live literature land – not least because Manchester Literature Festival is back in town, and tickets are selling like hot cakes so you need to get in there quick-sharp!
Exhibitions
This month’s top picks all share a notably political emphasis – using art to highlight the many vast divisions that have underpinned society over the last 100 years.
Destination Guides
Things to Do in Manchester
- Arts and culture
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- Afternoon Tea in Manchester
- Bars in Manchester
- Beer Gardens in Manchester
- Breakfast in Manchester
- Cafes and Coffee Shops in Manchester
- Chinese restaurants in Manchester (outside Chinatown)
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Vegetarian Food in Manchester
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Hidden Bars in Manchester
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Outside Eating in Manchester
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