/THE BEST OF MANCHESTER
THERE’S no shortage of innovative theatre in Manchester. From established centres like The Royal Exchange and HOME to new grass-roots collectives like Northern Rep, there’s something for everyone on the theatrical circuit. And immersive theatre, where audience members are thrown into the midst of the action, is quickly gaining popularity in the city. From site-specific thrillers in secret locations, to grand performances in scenic parks, here are five of the best immersive theatre productions in Greater Manchester. Mobile, The Grant Arms car park, Ramsbottom and Library Gardens, Bury Set in a caravan in an unassuming car park, Mobile is The Paper Birds’ second show in a trilogy about class in modern Britain. Made for audiences of up to eight people at a time, this is an intimate 40-minute theatre show, based on interviews conducted in communities across the UK.
Step into the tiny space for true stories and dreams for the future, which are revealed through video projection, recorded interviews, original music and interactions with the cast.
The Grant Arms car park, Ramsbottom on Friday, June 23 and Library Gardens, Bury on Saturday, June 24 / thepaperbirds. com / Friday June 23 to Saturday June 24, check website for schedule / tickets £10 Peter Pan, Dunham Massey This open-air production sees a new imagining of the classic tale Peter Pan, set in the stunning grounds of Dunham Massey.
Presented with Samuel French and in support of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, the timeless classic is brought to life in a brand new adaptation by award winning writer Laura Turner, with beautifully designed costumes, music and songs.
Dunham Massey, Woodhouse Ln, Altrincham WA14 4SJ / chapterhouse.org / Saturday August 12 / Adult £15; child £10 Party Skills for the End of the World, Centenary Building, Salford Party Skills for the End of the World is a wild, immersive show that will teach you how to get by when the end comes and it’s time to celebrate everything that’s made life worth living. Staged in the Centenary Building in Salford, it’s a sitespecific show full of surprises; learn how mix the perfect martini, make balloon animals and look at all the good things in life with the impending collapse of civilisation.
Party Skills for the End of the World has been created especially for Manchester International Festival by Nigel Barrett and Louise Mari of cult theatre collective Shunt, one of the first groups to break out of theatres and make a new and exciting style of performance.
Centenary Building, University of Salford / mif17-events/party-skillsfor-the-end-of-the-world / Tuesday June 27 to Sunday July 16 / tickets previews June 27 to 29 £25; general admission £30 A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Heaton Park and Hall Heaton Park and Hall becomes the picturesque stage for the Feelgood’s production of A Midusmmer Night’s Dream.
Audiences will be charmed by music from Handel to Oasis as the cast sing, dance and act their way around the park before heading inside the spectacular Hall for the grand finale of the three weddings.
With 22 years experience under their belts, Feelgood Theatre Productions have been described as the jewel in Manchester’s theatrical crown, and have hosted shows ranging from The Wizard of Oz to Robin Hood.
21 Lindum Ave , Manchester, Lancashire, M25 2GT / jumblebee. co.uk/amidsummernightsdream / Thursday July 20 to Saturday August 6 / Adults £16; concessions £12 (under 16, over 65, student, disabled); Family of two adults two children £50 The Crystal Maze, Old Granada Studios This might seem off-piste, but ask actor and founder Tom LionettiMaguire and he’ll say that The Crystal Maze is best seen as a piece of immersive theatre.
“You can’t just put Maxine Peake in a different dress in a different play and expect it to be great. It’s not good enough,” Tom says about mainstream theatre.
“People are really discerning, people expect more – that scares some companies, but when it works, it really works.”
In the vast building, teams of eight are joined by a vivacious actor, who guides players around the zones and games, giving (un)helpful advice where necesary.
The Crystal Maze officially launched in Manchester on April 1, and tickets are now on sale for £45 – £55 per person at thecrystalmazemanchester. seetickets.com.
Old Granada Studios, Lower Byrom Street, Manchester M3 4AP / the-crystal-maze.com / Now open Thursday to Saturday, visit the website for different time slots / tickets from £30 to £50 plus booking fees