“I’d love to start the crisp sandwich revolution,” extols Matthew Rawcliffe as he lays out the concept behind his new crisp sandwich cafe show, which lands in Manchester next week.
The award-winning contemporary dancer has put together a heart-warming ‘crisp sandwich cafe’ show that will take place at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel next week.
Set inside a crisp butty venue, the show tells a story about the current state of our planet through the lens of crisp sandwiches – and it’s all designed to be autism-friendly.
The ‘crisp sandwich cafe’ show will take place at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel
Throughout the performance, issues like the climate crisis and Brexit are tackled through the medium of crisps; so guests will hear Boris Johnson talk about what Brexit means for the future of cheese and onion crisps, and learn about the climate crisis through an imaginary ‘crisis crackers’ crisp brand.
Adjacent to the performance there will also be a quiet breakout space for autistic attendees if they need a second away. There’ll be some sensory activities to take part in, too – including the chance to make your very own crisp sandwich.
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Speaking on the idea for the show and the crisp sandwich theme, Matthew explains: “It was just something that feels very nostalgic and northern and also a really unusual setting to stage a contemporary dance show which looks at the climate crisis – and I hope that’s a great thing, I’d love to start the crisp sandwich revolution.”
Matthew Rawcliffe says he would “love to start the crisp sandwich revolution”.
The 22-year-old has worked with autistic people in the creation of The Crisp Sandwich Café, including autistic contemporary dancer Paul Davidson Natt from the National Youth Dance Company – a former student at the National Autistic Society’s Sybil Elgar School.
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Featuring autism-friendly dance performances and costumes made from recycled plastic waste, courtesy of Manchester-based sustainable dancewear brand, Imperfect Pointes, the show is suitable for autistic people aged 14 to 24.
Hosted at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, there will be five shows running from Monday 9 August to Wednesday 11 August.
These will take place on Monday 9 August at 2pm or 4pm, Tuesday 10 August at 2pm or 4pm, and Wednesday 11 August, at 7pm.
New stage adaptation of The Haunting of Hill House to arrive in Manchester this Halloween
Emily Sergeant
A brand-new stage adaptation of a bestselling horror novel and TV series is coming to Manchester this Halloween.
Following the critically acclaimed Netflix hit series that introduced a new generation to the eerie masterpiece, author Shirley Jackson’s famous The Haunting of Hill House is being turned into a brand-new stage adaptation later this year, and will be taking to one of Manchester’s most iconic stages at the spookiest season of all.
Written by Olivier and BAFTA award-winner Stef Smith, and directed by Martin Constantine, the new production is set to conjure the iconic supernatural thriller on stage.
It will be making its world premiere with a UK tour this autumn, stopping off in several major towns and cities along the way.
If you’re unfamiliar with the story, The Haunting of Hill House follows a group of daring investigators who take on the mystery of Hill House, before their curiosity quickly descends into fear.
A new stage adaptation of The Haunting of Hill House is coming to Manchester this Halloween / Credit: Supplied
“The Haunting of Hill House is one of the greatest supernatural novels of the last hundred years and to have the chance to adapt it for the stage is a true privilege,” explained writer Stef Smith, as the UK tour was announced this week.
“I find Shirley Jackson’s world intoxicating, thrilling and gut-wrenching.
“I believe there is something so deeply theatrical at the heart of Hill House. From the spooky, to the surreal, through heartache and hope. I hope that our cast of characters will take the audience along for a ride quite unlike anything else. Above all we will examine that the biggest horrors are usually human.”
The brand-new stage adaptation of The Haunting of Hill House will arrive in Manchester and take to the stage at Manchester Palace Theatre from Tuesday 27 October right through to Halloween itself (Saturday 31 October 2026).
The full cast and creative team for the new production is set to be announced shortly, so keep your eyes peeled.
Tickets go on pre-sale tomorrow at 10am, before general sale begins on Friday (20 February), again at 10am, and you book your place here.
Featured Image – Supplied
What's On
Adults-only ‘after hours’ event returns to Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum next month
Emily Sergeant
A popular adults-only ‘after hours’ event is returning to Manchester next month.
Fancy releasing your inner child? If you need an excuse to leave the little Mancs at home, then one of Manchester’s most visited museums might have just what you’re looking for, as the Science and Industry Museum has announced that its popular After Hours event especially for adults is returning for one night only next month.
You’ll get to celebrate the energy that ‘sparked a revolution’ with an evening of interactive games, live music, and unique experiences as you explore the Museum once it’s closed for the day.
It’s your chance to be among the first to explore the newly re-opened Power Hall: The Andrew Law Gallery after dark, and experience the sights, smells, and sounds of engine-driven ideas that started in Manchester and went on to change the world.
An adults-only ‘after hours’ event is coming to Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum next month / Credit: Science Museum Group
The Museum’s permanent galleries and displays will also be open after hours, so you can get hands-on with science in Experiment, meet mighty machines in the Textiles Gallery, and discover Manchester‘s rich legacy of industrial innovations, creativity, and world-changing ideas in Revolution Manchester.
You’ll also be embrace your inner child with free access to the brand-new world premiere exhibition Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos, which just opened last week in time for half term, and of course, indulge your playful side in Power Up – with more than 150 consoles to choose from in the ultimate gaming exhibition.
Especially for this particular evening, you can look forward to some very special one-off events, as well as the chance to take part in a whole host of high-energy interactive games.
There’ll be an ‘unforgettable’ performance from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Viola, celebrating all things power with a spectacular combination of violin and vocals, as well as a set from musician Mike Cunningham who’ll light up the evening with bold and colourful LED drumming inspired by the sounds of Manchester’s industry and creative spirit.
And of course, as this is an adults-only event, the museum’s events bar will be popping up on the night, and will be serving up a wide range of wines, beers, and non-alcoholic drinks to wet your whistle while you’re looking around, with some delicious food to accompany too.
Georgina Pellant -
4th August 2021 
