/SEVEN DAYS
poetry and spoken word scene. This month’s guests include Andy Willoughby, Bob Beagrie and Maz Hedgehog, alongside host Dominic Berry.
The Eagle Inn, Salford / eagleinn. info / 0161 819 5002 / Monday, August 13, 7.30pm / £3 TUESDAY 14 Theatre / Closets Based on an award-winning 2015 short film of the same name, this uplifting LGBTQ musical tells the story of a 16-year-old boy coming to terms with his sexuality. Making its debut at Hope Mill Theatre (now very much Manchester’s official home for top-notch musical theatre), the show’s cast includes former Corrie and Emmerdale actress Hayley Tamaddon, Ackerly Bridge’s Sam Retford and X Factor’s Lloyd Daniels.
Hope Mill Theatre, Ancoats / hopemilltheatre.co.uk / 0161 275 9141 / Tuesday 14 to Thursday 23 August / £20 Comedy / William Hutchby Proving that good things really do come in threes, Derbyshire funnyman William Hutchby is previewing his brand new show – described as a mix of stand-up, theatre and music – over three nights at Salford’s King’s Arms.
The King’s Arms, Salford / kingsarmssalford.com / 0161 832 3605 / Tuesday, August 14, Wednesday, August 15 and Thursday, August 16 / £6 WEDNESDAY 15 Music / Ariel Pink His talent has sometimes been overshadowed by his controversial interviews, but Ariel Pink – the alias of California indie maverick Ariel Rosenberg – surely remains one of pop’s most fascinating, mercurial figures, writing songs that blend 60s psychedelia, 70s prog-rock and 80s synthpop to glorious effect.
Gorilla / thisisgorilla.com / 0161 826 2998 / Wednesday, August 15, 7.30pm / £19 Theatre / The Tempest If there’s anyone who can make Shakespeare accessible to younger audiences, then it’s surely the Royal Exchange’s award-winning Young Company. Performed by a cast of over 30 performers, aged 15 to 25, and taking place in a most unique location (Abraham Moss Community School) this bold re-imagining of The Tempest has been described as ‘Shakespeare meets Strangers Things’. Our curiosity, needless to say, is piqued.
Abraham Moss Community School / Wednesday, August 15 to Saturday, August 18 / £13, book online at royalexchange.co.uk Poetry & Spoken word / No Matter #2 After a hugely successful launch night back in June, bi-monthly poetry/spoken word session No Matter returns to the Castle with readings from Sarah Bernstein, Carl Gent and Linda Stupart.
The Castle Hotel / thecastlehotel. info / 0161 237 9485 / Wednesday, August 15, 7pm / Free THURSDAY 16 Theatre / Gulliver’s Travels While the Bolton Octagon undergoes a major redevelopment, the venue’s next big production – an adaptation of Jonathan Swift’s much-loved story about a giant in a land of tiny people – will be taking place in the lovely surroundings of Queen’s Park. Pack a picnic, pray for nice weather and enjoy one of the most eagerlyanticipated family shows of the summer.
Queen’s Park, Bolton / Thursday, August 16 to Monday, August 27 / £15, book online at – octagonbolton.co.uk Visual arts / Paraic Leahy Working with oil paint and watercolours, Irish artist Paraic Leahy diverse locations over the past few months, from a traditional sari shop in Rusholme (Handlooms) to the Museum of Science & Industry (She Bangs The Drums).
Contact’s tour around the city continues next week with the arrival of two family-friendly shows, Switch and Tipping Point, in the impressive surroundings of Upper Campfield Market Hall.
Devised by British aerial theatre group Ockham’s Razor, Tipping draws upon childhood memories to produce pieces rich with nostalgia. No stranger to Manchester’s Paper Gallery – having previously showcased work as part of group exhibitions – he’s back to present a major new solo show, The Nothing Unfurling Under Her Gaze.
Paper Gallery / paper-gallery.co.uk / 07799 813062 / Preview on Thursday, August 16, 6pm-9pm; exhibition runs from 18 August to 22 September / Free Point will see five performers swing, climb and cling to a teetering world made entirely of metal poles. A nail-biting blend of circus performance and visual theatre, the production earned rave reviews and a Total Theatre & Jacksons Lane Award for Circus at the 2016 Edinburgh Festival.
Ockham’s Razor have also collaborated with Contact for the other half of the double-bill, Switch, a brand new show which Film / Film Vault Presents Celebrating the finest new independent films from the northwest region, monthly movie night FVP returns to Oldham Street with a special Pride-themed edition. Expect screenings of Ricardo Noel Frutuoso’s You Should Be Mine, plus a preview of a new short, Circular.
Gullivers / gulliversnq.info / 0161 819 2970 / Thursday, August 16, 6.30pm / Free puts young people from North Manchester at the heart of the action. Combining aerial movement, dance, circus and stickfighting, the young performers will reflect on their own Mancunian communities and the challenges they face, from inclusion to integration.
Upper Campfield Market Hall / Wednesday, August 15 to Sunday, August 19 / £15, book online at – contactmcr.com