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‘When will it end?!’ – Manchester theatre left devastated after having to cancel shows again

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 11th January 2022

One of Manchester’s best-loved theatres has been left ‘devastated’ after once again having to cancel performances.

The directors at Hope Mill Theatre say the disruption caused by the Covid pandemic has left them feeling ‘sad’ and ‘gutted’ for almost two years, asking: “When will it end?!?”

The independent venue in Ancoats had to cancel 15 sold-out shows of The Wiz over Christmas, usually the busiest time of year for the theatre industry.

Performances had to be called off due to Covid cases within the company, though tonight’s show is scheduled to go ahead as planned.

The theatre has also revealed plans to stream the production online, but the couple behind the theatre say they’ve ‘tried so hard to keep going’.

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Hope Mill Theatre’s production of The Wiz. Credit: Pamela Raith Photography

Artistic director and Hope Mill Theatre co-founder Joseph Houston said, when sharing the update on The Wiz: “Truly devastated! We’ve tried so hard to keep going.

“I have to say, I feel sad for the company & crew, I feel sad for the venue team and bar staff and I feel so sad for the audiences.

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“And I’ve felt like this for almost 2 yrs! When will it end?!? It’s just too hard!”

William Whelton, co-founder, added: “Absolutely gutted but it’s just so difficult at the moment, for everyone in the arts.

“3 shows down as DSM, today would have been my 4th show, we will do what we can in order to open again.”

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Hope Mill Theatre posted: “We are completely gutted to be back in this position.”

Read more: Energy company apologises after telling people to ‘cuddle pets’ and ‘eat porridge’ to keep warm in the winter

To make up for all the lost shows, Hope Mill Theatre will instead stream a limited run of the production, with tickets limited to the number of seats inside the intimate venue.

The Wiz is a retelling of the classic children’s novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in a contemporary Black British setting.

Tickets for The Wiz online are available at hopemilltheatre.co.uk/whats-on.

Featured image:

News

Strangeways declared ‘threat to national security’ following drone deliveries of drugs, weapons and more

Danny Jones Danny Jones Drones dropping weapons and drugs into Strangeways prison Manchester

A recent trend at HMP Manchester has been declared a “threat to national security” after it was learned that drones have been regularly delivering drugs, weapons and more into the facility formerly known as Strangeways along with other UK prisons.

It’s said there were roughly 220 drone sightings over the past year or so – more than any other prison in the country – and issues around contraband, violence, hygiene and more have been on the increase ever since. HMP Long Lartin in Worcestershire was found to be similarly neglected.

A rife drug and rat problem was found following a surprise autumn inspection between September and October; it is now evident that the chronic issues have been exacerbated by a major security breach as His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, says police have “ceded airspace” over facilities.

The most recent report on conditions at HMP Manchester and Long Lartin was published on Tuesday, 14 January and, in short, it insists that huge investment is needed in order to curb the crisis.

Credit: HM Inspectorate of Prisons

Drones, corruption and a lack of investment have seen Strangeways maintain its reputation

A top-line assessment of Strangeways found that many of the sticking points came down not only to the advent of drones delivering items such as phones, drugs, weapons and other “large payloads” weighing up to as much as 7kg, but merely “poor physical security” and concerns regarding corruption.

Most notably, high-risk prisoners who Taylor described as “extremely dangerous” have been burning holes in cell windows in order to pick up drone deliveries. The ease with which these exchanges are able to take place comes down to what he simply calls “slow action”.

There has been a damning failure to spot, repair and/or replace these panels, as well as the torn netting over exercise yards, meaning that drone operators have an easier task when dropping their packages into the 158-year-old penitentiary.

According to the report, “a staggering 39% of prisoners had tested positive in mandatory drug tests at Manchester” (50% at Long Lartin) and a simple survey found that drugs and alcohol were “easy” to acquire inside Strangeways.

In addition to the rodent infestation, general hygiene looks to have plummeted to new lows in recent times too, with “widespread dirt, damp and litter” as well as vandalism in several areas. Inmates have also been tearing up mattresses to insulate windows from the cold.

Numbers relating to assault, self-harm, suicide and more have also risen since the last major inspection in 2021. By all accounts, it remains one of Britain’s most dangerous prisons for a whole host of reasons.

drones dropping weapons and drugs into hmp manchester strangeways
rats in strangeways
Credit: HMIP

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‘Highly alarming’ stuff

There has also been a significant drop-off when it comes to socialisation and rehabilitation efforts, as the work day, learning and general activities look to have dwindled too.

Taylor signed off by writing: “The safety of staff, prisoners and ultimately that of the public, is seriously compromised by the failure to tackle what has become a threat to national security.

“The prison service, the police and other security services must urgently confront organised gang activity and reduce the supply of drugs and other illicit items which so clearly undermine every aspect of prison life.” To put it simply, he says the situation is “highly alarming.”

It may not make for pleasant reading, but if you want a clearer picture of the current conditions inside Strangeways prison or to learn more about the growing advent of smuggling drones, you can read the extensive 67-page report in full HERE.

hmp manchester disrepair
Broken cell window
conditions of hmp manchester
Damage and dirt
hygiene hmp manchester
The state of a kitchenette (Credit: HMIP)

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Featured Images — Robert Wade (via Flickr)/HMIP (HM Inspectorate of Prisons)

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Murder investigation launched after man in his 50s found dead in Little Hulton

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

A murder investigation has been launched after the body of a man in his 50s was found in Little Hulton this past weekend.

Shortly before 7:30am on Sunday 12 January, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) was called to an address on Hope Hey Lane, in the Little Hulton area of Salford, following reports of concern for the welfare of a man.

Once emergency services arrived on the scene, the body of a man in his 50s was sadly found dead.

According to GMP, following a post mortem taking place, officers believe the man’s injuries are “consistent with an assault”, and because of this, detectives have subsequently launched a murder investigation.

With the investigation ongoing, a woman in her 40s has already been arrested on suspicion of murder, and she remains in police custody for questioning.

Addressing the incident and speaking on the murder investigation as it progresses, Detective Chief Inspector Neil Higginson, from GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “Sadly, following the discovery of a body at a property in Little Hulton, we have now launched a murder investigation, and we have a team of detectives working around the clock to understand the circumstances.

“We do not believe there to be a threat to the wider public, but you will likely see an increased presence of police in your area whilst we conduct further enquiries.

Hope Hey Lane in Little Hulton, where the incident happened / Credit: Google Maps

“If you have any information which may assist our investigation, or any dashcam, CCTV, or doorbell footage from the area in the lats 24 hours, then please get in touch with us. No matter how small the information may seem, it could be crucial to our investigation.”

Can you help? Any information can be shared by calling police on 101 quoting log 650 of 12/01/25, or using the LiveChat function online at www.gmp.police.uk.

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Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

Featured Image – GMP

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