HOME Manchester has announced the launch of two new exhibitions and full programme of big movie screenings ahead of the facility’s official reopening.
The cinema, museum and arts space is planning to welcome back customers in person next month – having spent the past few months broadcasting its events programme online.
As national COVID restrictions are expected to be lifted further from May 17, HOME has unveiled a packed events schedule to celebrate the return of its screens and gallery spaces.
Also screening is the acclaimed Billie Eilish documentary Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry; and Mank – David Fincher’s biographical drama of Herman J. Mankiewicz and his development Citizen Kane’s screenplay.
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In the HOME gallery, an exhibition titled Soul Journey to Truth – containing over 130 artworks compiled by prison inmates – is set to run from May 17.
Run by Koestler Arts, the UK’s leading prison arts charity, the exhibition is designed to promote artistic achievement in the criminal justice system and secure sectors – featuring paintings, sketches and even pieces of music.
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HOME’s Granada Foundation Gallery will also house Sarah-Joy Ford’s Feeling Backward: a quilter’s guide to The Lesbian Archive – an exhibition which explores images, iconographies and symbols that have been used to invoke lesbian strength, power and community throughout the 20th and 21st century.
Dave Moutrey, HOME’s Director and CEO, said: “It is exciting to be able to announce details of our fantastic reopening programme of exhibitions and film screenings at HOME just a week after we told everyone about our plans for theatre at our temporary outdoor venue, Homeground.
“Between HOME and Homeground, we promise a Summer of brilliant film, art and theatre for the people of Manchester.”
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HOME was the grateful recipient of a six-figure grant from the Garfield Weston Culture Fund in February – scooping more than £300,000.
The venue has also supported the local arts sector in terms of funding – with HOME employees working alongside the council to advise on the Cultural Sector Hardship Fund for Freelancers.
Described as an “outdoor venue for culture, cocktail and food”, the festival-style space will be located on First Street and feature a 400-seat socially distanced theatre, set to open in late May.
View the full HOME reopening programme online here.
What's On
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.
The Manc -
16th April 2021 
