CityLife

Re:Play replays at the Library Theatre

CHAIRING PANEL: Wyllie Longmore

A DOG Called Redemption and Ways To Look At Fish, two of the plays from this year’s 24:7 Festival that have been honoured at this month’s M.E.N. Theatre Awards, are also joining the line-up for the second year of Re:Play at the Library Theatre.

“Last year we put together some of the best theatre from Manchester’s independent theatre scene, from venues such as Taurus, Studio Salford, and the 24:7 Festival'' says the Library’s artistic director Chris Honer.

“The fortnight was a huge success, so Re:Play is back for 2009.”

The season – from Tuesday, January 20, until Saturday, January 31 ,next year – also includes Lost/Found from Shot In The Dark, Media/Medea’s Beautiful House written by Catthy Crabb, and Joe O’Byrne’s The Bench.

In addition to these all-new plays, the season will also feature an acclaimed version of tape by American writer Stephen Belber from Northern Outlet Theatre Company.

“Running alongside the productions are two brand new events.'' adds Chris.

“FirstStage offers writers, devisers, and performers the chance to test ideas in development on Monday, January 25 from 7pm.

“There’s also the Re:Play Debate on will argue the state of the fringe theatrescene and where it goes from here.”

The debate, to be staged on Saturday, January 31 at 3pm, is to be chaired by distinguished Manchester actor and director Wylie Longmore.

The panel will include Liz O’Neil from PANDA, David Slack from 24:7, Mike Heath from Studio Salford, Jonathan McGrath from Ikebana performance company and ME.N theatre critic Kevin Bourke.

There will be 18 performances in total of the six new plays, with A Dog Called Redemption. Lost/Found and Beautiful House during the first week and The Bench, Ways To Look At Fish and Tape during the second.

“The Re:Play Festival gives you a great chance to see some terrific work....don't miss out,” urges Chris.

For further details of the season and to book 0161 236 7110.