One of Manchester’s leading independent theatres has been left devastated after missing out on ‘much-needed’ funding.
53two, a theatre and arts hub beneath the railway arches in the city centre, had applied for Arts Council funding, but its bid was rejected.
The government-funded body said that it had to make ‘tough decisions’ after receiving a huge number of applications.
53two had hoped to use the fund to build a disabled access facility known as a Changing Places toilet – something that no theatre in Manchester currently has.
Creative director Simon Naylor said it’s ‘heartbreaking’ to see theatre-goers with complex access needs having to go home due to a lack of accessible facilities in the city.
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Credit: Fiona Finchett
The Watson Street venue is now planning a party to drum up some support and some investment so that it continue to build its fully accessible creative space.
Theatre patron Tony Walsh (better known to many as Longfella), will be working with the venue to find a local business to invest in the project.
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The theatre only opened in its new home last year, in the Grade II*-listed railway arches and tunnels beneath Manchester Central.
They have already opened a bustling bar and cafe space and secured the planning permission to upgrade the theatre to a 150-seat facility, and install the toilet facilities.
Simon Naylor, creative director of 53two, said that it was ‘terrible’ to miss out on the Arts Council funding – but that the team are now rallying and taking matters into their own hands.
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The vision for 53two’s new 150-seat theatre. Credit: Supplied
He said: “Obviously it was a terrible email to read, but, we sat on it, re-grouped and it was clear that we had to press on regardless of the bid outcome.
“We have already helped produce quality theatre in our small venue, and are continuing to support those artists who need a platform. We have a season of brand new writing lined up including the return of a much loved Manchester institution, loved by many but yet to be announced.
“We have no choice but to take matters into our own hands and are now looking to Manchester’s business community to help us raise the funds needed.”
Speaking of the importance of a specialist Changing Places toilet, Simon continued: “Many of our guests, artists and visitors have complex access needs and can only stay at the venue if we have fully accessible toilet facilities.
“The Changing Places toilet would provide a changing bed, a hoist and lots of space and privacy for carers to help people with using the toilet. Without it many have to leave the venue and go home which is heart breaking to see happen time and time again.
“So, to celebrate our first year anniversary on 27 May, we are inviting people from across Manchester, including those visionaries and giants who we are hoping can provide the financial support we need to grow the venue and create the facilities our patrons require.
“We are offering companies the naming rights for the auditorium for up to the next five years, in return for the investment required to get the theatre space up to spec.”
Coronation Street star, BAFTA winner and TripleC founder Cherylee Houston added her support to the fund-raising drive, saying: “53two is an incredibly important venture for creatives across Manchester.
“Not only did they design their building so far to be entirely step free they actively ensure they include disabled creatives across their work. They are an accessible venue that is warm and welcoming and ensure that all disabled creatives continually feel part of their phenomena programme of work.”
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The party on 27 May will feature live music from The Villanelles, a DJ set and hosting from Tom Finkill, a routine from International Wheelchair Dance Champion Monique Jarrett, and a reading from Tony Walsh himself.
Alexandra Maxwell, venue manager, said: “It’s been a rollercoaster of a year dealing with the challenges of a new business and the ever-changing climate in hospitality. That said, our community was well established at our old venue and their support has been incredible.
“By January 2022 we felt positive that we could start the next chapter of our journey and open up the second arch in its entirety, however the Arts Council’s surprising response and has driven us to try to raise the funds in a different way.”
A spokesperson for Arts Council England said: “Demand for the Capital Investment Programme was extremely high and we received a large number of both Expressions of Interest and applications.
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“We had to make tough decisions, but we awarded funding to applications that most closely meet the criteria and made the strongest contribution to the aims of the programme.
“In 2020 53Two was awarded £61,116 through the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund which supported cultural organisations through the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and we would welcome applications from the organisation to other Arts Council funding programmes in the future.”
If you’re interested in attending the evening or for more information on the Sponsorship Package, please contact Simon on [email protected]
Swordplay and rock ‘n’ roll: A Knight’s Tale comes to Manchester Opera House
Danny Jones
From the moment the curtain rises at Manchester Opera House, A Knight’s Tale bursts into life with exhilarating energy. This stage adaptation of the beloved 2001 film expertly blends medieval spectacle with a bold, modern twist.
Full of jousting tournaments, noble quests, and underdog triumphs, the production delivers both heart and high drama – all with a heady dose of rock ‘n’ roll.
At the centre of it all is William Thatcher, a young squire who dares to defy his lowly birth and enter the world of high-born knights. Played with charm and confidence by Andrew Coshan, William’s journey from peasant to jousting champion is rousing, if occasionally veering into heroic cliché.
Still, Coshan’s likability and natural charisma keep the audience cheering for him through every lance charge and dramatic monologue. The supporting cast also shines.
A standout is Eva Scott, whose comic timing and delivery consistently land laughs, often stealing scenes with her sharp one-liners.
Meanwhile, Meesha Turner brings elegance and spark to the role of Princess Jocelyn. Her powerful vocals during the show’s pop-classic ballads transform the character into a fiery, modern princess you can’t help but root for.
The production’s standout sequences are undoubtedly the jousts, theatrical set pieces that are an absolute masterclass in stagecraft. Using a clever combination of rigging, physical choreography, and dynamic sound design, the creative team conjures a truly immersive atmosphere.
Dramatic lighting and resonant sound effects make you feel the thud of hooves and the crash of lances. The cleverly designed set, featuring an arena-style jousting field, draws the audience into the action in a way that feels fresh and cinematic.
However, the show stumbles slightly in its quieter, more emotional scenes. The dialogue, while laced with humour, sometimes dips into melodrama. The villain, Count Adhemar, feels a touch underwritten, with motivations that don’t quite match the emotional weight the story strives for, but is still well-acted.
Don’t just take it from us: the A Knight’s Tale reviews from Manchester crowds are already very strong.
The stakes between him and William never fully build to the payoff they could – leaving certain dramatic beats a little flat. Musically, the show makes a bold departure from traditional scores. Instead, it leans into a soundtrack of classic rock anthems; think Queen, AC/DC, The Who and more.
At first, it seems like an odd match for a medieval tale, just as it did with the movie, but it works brilliantly. The music injects the show with rebellious energy and gives it a timeless quality. It’s loud, bold, and exactly what this high-octane tale of ambition and identity calls for.
A special mention must go to the ensemble and choreography. The jousting scenes are beautifully choreographed, blending acrobatics, dance, and swordplay with seamless precision. Even in quieter moments, the movement on stage supports the storytelling with subtle grace.
But the unexpected stars of the show? The horses. Designed with clever costume and movement illusions, they create the convincing effect of riders in full gallop – and at times, they very nearly steal the spotlight altogether.
Credit: Supplied
Though clearly aimed at adult audiences, with its cheeky humour and classic rock soundtrack, the show flirts with the spirit of panto, oversized characters, regional accents, and exaggerated physical comedy. And it works.
The regional dialects add warmth and levity, grounding the fantasy in a cheeky, very British sensibility. In the end, A Knight’s Tale is a triumphant and entertaining spectacle, an electrifying mix of medieval mythology and modern musical theatre.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the original film or seeing the story for the first time, this production offers a fun, fast-paced, and surprisingly heartfelt night out. It’s not perfect, but it’s hard not to be swept up in the clashing swords, galloping hooves, and power chords.
Put simply, this is a knight to remember – with a soundtrack that slays.
A theatre adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic spy film North By Northwest is coming to Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Alfred Hitchcock’s much-loved spy classic, North By NorthWest, is hitting the stage and visiting one of Manchester’s most celebrated theatres.
This new, riotously funny production will be visiting HOME theatre for a run of shows kicking off this week.
The show reworks Hitchcock’s film of the same name, following one man who accidentally lands himself in the middle of a Cold War conspiracy.
Now adapted for the stage by Emma Rice, North By Northwest follows an unfortunate mix-up where a mistimed phone call to his mother lands Roger Thornhill in a spot of bother.
Alfred Hitchcock’s classic spy film North By Northwest is hitting the stage in Manchester / Credit: Steve Tanner (via Supplied)
Audiences will see this unlikely (and reluctant) hero head on the run, dodging spies, airplanes and a femme fatale.
For the theatre production at HOME, the classic spy film (that starred Cary Grant) has been turned on its head and stars just six shape-shifting performers.
There’s a fabulous 1950s soundtrack to go with it too – and, apparently, a lot of suitcases.
Tickets are now on sale, and it’s already being described as a must-see / Credit: Steve Tanner (via Supplied)
North By NorthWest promises ‘glamour, romance, jeopardy and a liberal sprinkling of tender truths’.
Artistic director Emma Rice has already adapted and directed products for Wise Children including The Buddha of Suburbia, Blue Beard, and Wuthering Heights, plus worked as artistic director for Shakespeare’s Globe.
The cast is made up of Mirabelle Gremaud as Anna; Patrycja Kujawska as Eve Kendall; Kary Owen as The Professor; Simon Oskarsson as Valerian; Karl Queensborough as Phillip Vandamm; and Ewan Wardrop as Roger Thornhill.
North by Northwest is a co-production with Wise Children, York Theatre Royal, HOME Manchester and Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse, and is currently on a UK tour.
Daisy Jackson -
17th May 2022 
