What's On at 53two
At 53two we try to offer as diverse and exciting range of events as possible. These range from theatre productions, live music and quizzes, to corporate events, live podcasts, weddings, parties and more. We hold events both in the Bar area and Theatre area.
Below you will see a list of our upcoming events. Click on an image for more detail around them and a link to booking. Alternatively, check out the calendar opposite and search for a specific date.
If you have any questions about the events, please feel free to drop us a line. All events are fully accessible. Look out for specific listings for BSL interpreted events and events that also have Unwaged Tickets for sale.
DR. Q - QUIZ NIGHT
26th June
7:30pm
£2 per head (CASH ONLY!)
He defeated The Governess on 'The Chase', made the 'Fifteen to One' grand final, came last on 'Supermarket Sweep'!
And now he writes questions for 'Mastermind'. So get revising & join the Doctor for an evening of quizzing brilliance!!
Join Dr. Q for a good time quiz in the arches...
PIANOKE!
29th June 2023
8:30pm - 12:00pm
FREE ENTRY
It's like karaoke, but with a piano!
Pop along and give us your best rendition of 'Gold', 'Lady Gaga' or 'Madame Thénardier' and make yourself the master of our house.
Don't sing? Sit back and sample some of Manchester's finest singers.
.png)
30 AND OUT
7th - 8th June 2023
7:30pm
Tickets £10
“Mum, forgot to tell you - I’m a lesbian. Sorry it’s late - fifteen years late, but grab a rainbow flag and don some Docs... I’m 30 and I’m coming out.”
On her 30th birthday, Kit left her twenties, her boyfriend and the closet. While her friends marry, have babies and get mortgages, she is starting from scratch in a whirlwind of drugs, clubs and heartbreak.
Join Kit in this hilarious, sexy and painful portrayal of what it means to start life all over again.
Is it too late to be a lesbian? Does she need a cat and an undercut? Will coming out complete her? Using touching interviews, innovative projection and powerful storytelling, Sinclair takes us on a memorable journey about drawing your own blueprint, discovering identity and losing yourself along the way.
It’s a coming out story... decades late to the party.
DIDDY DISCO
FAMILY FRIENDLY!
12th June
12:00 - 14:00
Tickets;
FREE - Booking Essential
A time for our younger patrons (Under 5's) and their carers to come, have a boogie, maybe play some games and meet some other 53two Didi's whilst the older folk can kick back, grab a coffee (or something stronger!) and put the world to rights with like minded people. (Older folk are allowed to dance too!).
The event is completely free, but, please do reserve a ticket as numbers are limited!
HAVE A BREAK, HAVE A KIT KAT
Written by Brontë Appleby
Directed by Kitty Ball
14th - 24th June 2023
21st & 22nd - CAPTIONED PERFS
23rd - BSL PERF
"When are you going to learn that most things in life are 'we' things?"
It's January 2022. Nick has just lost his Dad whilst Laura's just lost. Have A Break, Have A KitKat follows a year in the life of two cousins manoeuvring grief for the first time. It's hard to be a twenty-something when the world is changing, your Nanna's obsessed with the Queen and a lettuce is outliving the Prime Minister.
Following Switch_MCR's OFFIE Award-Winning The Other Side, Bronte Appleby's full length debut play brings a compellingly thoughtful and complex tale of friendship, family, and growing up to the arches of 53two.
● Discussions of death, grief, trauma, and suicide throughout
● Strong language throughout
● Mentions and references to violence
● Recommended viewing: 15+
MIXOLOGY
29th June 2023
7:30pm
Tickets £5 REDEEMABLE DRINKS VOUCHER
The return of MIXOLOGY! The no-strings networking night that's more relaxed than a spa break in the sunshine; music, drink, good times. Come along and mix with like-minded people and if you want, you can jump on the mic and share your upcoming project, shout out for people who you might need to get your work off the ground, sell your play/film or just introduce yourself if your new to the scene. No strings, no catch, no stress.... Everyone hates networking! Not any more...
Tickets are free but we're asking everyone to purchase a £5 drinks voucher redeemable on the night. Voucher redeemable on the nights of 29th June ONLY.
TRANSPARENCY
7th July 2023
7:30pm
Tickets From £5
Dive into the everyday life of a transgender male through the relatable, hilarious and brutally honest lens of a northern working class family. Whilst Jack navigates the hurdles of transition, the old family dynamics are shaken up. ‘Transparency’ is a transformational solo theatre performance that moves through hard-hitting issues in a way that is at the same time vulnerable, jarring and heartwarming. It carries us through the uncomfortable, sobering and intriguing journey of a fully human transgender life, breaking down the barriers between us.
Jaden Adams is a 29 year old trans-male actor. He brings you this grounded, real, yet radically expressive performance - one an audience won’t forget. Transparency is supported by an amazing team including actress and director Olwen May, writer Mary Cooper, theatre producers and LGBTQ+ community.
THE TREMORS
18th July 2023
7:30pm
Tickets £12 (£8 Conc) - Not Including Booking Fee
“Think about your whole collection, all of your books. Just let yourself think about that for a moment. What if someone took them from you?”
Set in a Bookshop, under threat of demolition, in occupied East Jerusalem. The Tremors is about an unequal relationship between two women. It explores the magic of books, erasure of history & the Palestinian struggle against occupation.
The Tremors is a powerful new theatre play, playing over 5 nights in Central Manchester.
WARNINGS: The Tremors includes some themes of trauma, war, ethnic cleansing, occupation and violence that some audience members could find distressing.
OTHER LIVES
19-21 October 2023
7:30pm
BOOKING SOON
Other Lives is a witty, moving and ultimately tender story about 3 damaged women and the help and support they need from each other but don’t always ask for or receive.
In a series of internal thoughts and external dialogue, the characters slowly begin to communicate with each other, as they all face up to life and find the real person, the ‘other’ person, hidden inside of them."
Running time approx 70 minutes
Strong language used.
THE LAST POST
FAMILY FRIENDLY SHOW!
Weds Oct 25th 7:30pm
Thurs Oct 26th 2:30pm
Tickets;
£9 / £30 Family Ticket (Exc Booking Fees)
"We were all just desperate men who wanted to be home for Christmas with the ones we loved; our hearts torn between the duty to our country and the warmth and shelter of our families.”
‘The Last Post’ is a moving theatrical adaptation of Keith Campion's acclaimed novel, written especially for families. Focussing on the correspondence relationship between a boy and his father on the front line in WW1, their letters bring the Great War to life, illustrating how the events of that time changed the people of Britain forever.
This production is adapted and produced by Hobgoblin Theatre Company. Suitable for everyone over 7 years old. Running time 70 mins inc. a 10 min Q &A with the cast.