STALYBRIDGE is set to come alive with stories, song and celebration as The Royal Exchange Theatre’s pop-up mobile theatre space returns.
The Civic Hall will be transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity every weekend from May 9 to June 1 for The Den Festival.
The Royal Exchange says audiences can expect music, workshops, shows, comedy, dance, drama, family mornings and much more.
One of the festival’s highlights will be a new production called No Such Thing As Ordinary – created from the real-life stories of Tameside residents and performed by local people. Directed by The Royal Exchange’s Andy Barry, the play follows six characters as they explore what it means to call Tameside home.
Amplifying children’s voices is also a major part of the festival, with Best Mates, Top Bins & Venga Venga. It’s a series of plays written in collaboration with Tameside primary school pupils and local writers Lekhani Chirwa and Lauren-Nicole Mayes. They will be performed by professional actors and directed by Tori Burgess.
Shakespeare fans can look forward to HER Productions’ critically-acclaimed reimagining of The Taming of the ‘Shrew’, while Mossley-based carnival arts group Global Grooves will be running drumming workshops throughout the festival, culminating in a powerful public performance to close the month in style.
Jane Martin, an ambassador from Tameside who helped shape the programme, said: “Being a part of putting together the programme for The Den Festival has been challenging at times – the needs and wants of the borough being as varied as the nine towns.
“I am really excited by the end result, which is truly inclusive, providing something for everyone regardless of background, age or ability.”
For more information and ticket details, visit https://www.royalexchange.co.uk/whats-on-manchester/