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]
Blood Brothers at Palace Theatre, Manchester – a timeless classic
Greg James
Bill Kenwright’s production of Blood Brothers surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End making it one of only three musicals ever to achieve that monumental milestone – and now it’s visiting us here in Manchester.
“Oh Bright New Day”, Blood Brothers has just landed back at the Palace Theatre. This musical written by Willy Russell is a British piece of theatre that is a staple in the musical theatre tapestry of our country.
For anyone who is unfamiliar with this iconic story, it is an emotional tale of two twins who are separated at birth and grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with the most fateful of consequences.
The story’s central character, Mrs Johnston is the linchpin in this whole story and carries us through the show.
This role has been played by many superb women over the years including Mel C, Kiki Dee, Barbara Dickson and nearly all of the Nolan Sisters. This time, Mrs Johnston is performed by Vivienne Carlyle who provides a lovely maternal performance.
The other two lead roles are Mickey and Eddie, played by Sean Jones and Joe Sleight respectively.
These are really complex roles to play as the actors have to portray the characters from early school years to grown adults.
The cast of Blood Brothers in Manchester. Credit: Jack MerrimanSean Jones, Gemma Brodrick and Joe Slight in Blood Brothers in Manchester. Credit: Jack Merriman
Sean Jones has been playing the role of Mickey now for nearly 25 years and so he is no stranger to this character. And I must say, he still fantastically plays the part, even when playing young Mickey, and the show really takes off when he enters the stage.
Joe Sleight is someone who I had not seen in the role of Eddie before and he gave just as strong a performance as Jones. He offered a real contrast to his counterpart with a really beautiful, touching performance.
The whole ensemble did a gorgeous job of helping to carry these characters throughout the musical, showing a real flair for multi-roling and beautiful musicality in the group numbers too.
Something which elevates this already gripping story though is the music. There are many recurring musical motifs throughout the show that on the surface may come off as repetitive but they offer perspective on how things can evolve and change over time.
Of course the song though that everybody is perhaps familiar with is the power ballad, ‘Tell Me It’s Not True’. This is the climax of the show and what a climax it is. There’s not a dry eye in the house when we reach this point of the story, I can assure you!
So, whether you are returning to watch this show again, perhaps know the story from studying it in English GCSE or seeing it for the first time, it will always be an absolutely timeless classic.
Blood Brothers is on at the Palace Theatre in Manchester until Saturday 30 November. Tickets are available HERE.
Chicago the Musical razzles (and dazzles) at the Palace Theatre in Manchester
Clementine Hall
A story of murder, greed and corruption was performed with style, ease and flair; Chicago is the longest-running American musical in Broadway and West End history, and it’s easy to see why now that it’s arrived in Manchester.
The jazz-fuelled fiasco is filled with catchy songs that you can’t help but click along to, funny one-liners, and likeable characters such as Miss Roxy Hart herself.
Best-known for appearing as Kate Connor in Coronation Street, the opening night in Manchester on Chicago‘s UK tour may have been a daunting prospect, but it’s one Faye Brookes pulled off seamlessly.
Here’s our full review…
Image: Press Images (Supplied)
Brookes is fantastically expressive and brings new energy to a classic, complemented throughout by a sultry cast dressed in buckles and mesh that really bring the ‘Razzle Dazzle’ to the stage.
Her co-star, Strictly Come Dancing‘s Kevin Clifton, struts through the show transformed into Billy Flynn – a flamboyant 1920s American lawyer who has the desperate inmates in the palm of his hand.
The opening number, ‘All That Jazz’, is spearheaded by Djalenga Scott as Velma Kelly and she does it brilliantly.
Image: Supplied
The cast slink their way across the stage with Scott at the forefront, who undoubtedly delivers a faultless performance and complements Brookes as Roxie Hart perfectly.
A highlight of course included the hilarious‘Cell Block Tango’, the audience were laughing along as the women sang the stories of their murderous deeds whilst performing sharp and sultry choreography.
Not even a toe out of place.
Image: Supplied
The set is minimalist, dark and simple, but is simply brought to life by the wonderful expression and lively musical numbers performed on stage by the live band.
The live band sits on a staircase centre stage and their playful use of instruments throughout is truly impressive.
Neil MacDonald, the show’s musical director, even got involved with a few on-stage conversations which was a fabulous touch that made the show feel bespoke to us.
Other notable performances included Brenda Edwards as Mamma Morton, whose powerhouse voice left the audience in absolute awe, and Joshua Lloyd as ‘Mister Cellophane’ caused a couple of pitiful “awws” from the auditorium.
Overall, this was a fantastic production of the Broadway classic – the standing ovation at the end proves I wasn’t the only one who thought that too.
Chicago the Musical is playing at the Palace Theatre Manchester until Saturday, 9 November and you can grab your last-minute tickets HERE.
Daisy Jackson -
17th May 2022 
