24:7 goes off with a real bang...
THIS year's 24:7 Theatre Festival launched with a bang last week as gunfire in the preview of Jenny Yates's psychological thriller The Person Without startled celebrity patrons.
Stars including Looking For Eric's John Henshaw and former Corrie actress Suranne Jones, along with theatrical movers and shakers, had gathered to hear 24:7's David Slack preview this year's festival.
He said: "This year's Festival looks set to be our greatest yet. We have assembled a brilliant collection of the UK's finest new writers and the audience are in for a real treat."
In all 17 of the 21 plays were showcased, with 10 of them presenting professional film trailers for their shows, while others fused live theatre and digital film to great effect. The selection includes absurdist comedies, dramas, physical theatre, dark comedies, storytelling and a psychological thriller.
The M.E.N. supported festival runs from July 20-26 at venues including New Century House and Pure in the Printworks, the venue for the launch.
This year it includes:
5:30 by Alistair McDowall
A play about childhood hopes, dreams and regret. The story is based on a true episode in which the writer of the play was accosted by a fellow train passenger who divulges his whole life story, world opinions and thoughts . Alistair McDowall, who studied Drama at Manchester University, is a second timer at 24:7. Last year's Daisy's was nominated for 5 theatre awards.
Temp/Casual by Steve Timms
This documents 9 to 5 drudgery alongside the gift of true friendships that are unbreakable. Steve is a north west playwright and actor who has been an active figure on the local theatre scene for some time. His cast have screen experience in Spooks, Coronation Street and Life on Mars.
The Last Chair by Ian Townsend
An absurd comedy about sitting in a chair stars Karl Lucas (Phoenix Nights, Peter Kay's Britain's Got the Pop Factor). Ian is back for a second year after performing Granny Must Die in 2008 at 24:7.
Dancing to the Sound of Crunching Snails by Joe Graham
This story is centred around the often bittersweet memories present when reminiscing on family times. Joe Graham also writes music for theatre with his brother and one of his songs is currently up for an award in the West End. One of the stars is Michael Starke (Brookside's Sinbad).
Blinded By The Light by Karl Voden
Karl Voden has been hugely supported by METAL, a charity helping to fund the visual arts and created by Jude Kelly. METAL gives them rehearsal space making them the only theatre company in the world to rehearse on a railway station platform, situated on the first line built between Liverpool and Manchester.
Maine Road by Sarah McDonald Hughes
A play about a grieving family who are in the process of losing their home, at the same time as Man City are playing their last few games at the Maine Road stadium. Sarah MacDonald Hughes has recently had the radio version of Maine Road shortlisted for a BBC Award.
Lub You by Eve Steele
A story of family breakup. Eve Steele has been an actress for the past 15 years, most famously in Coronation Street playing Curly Watt's psycho girlfriend, who ended up meeting a grisly end.
Detaining Mr K by James Douglas
A play that asks are we sleepwalking into a world where basic liberties are destroyed? James Douglas won the Edinburgh Guide award in 2006 for his Dark Lantern, a play performed at that year's Edinburgh Fringe.
No Wonder by Claire Urwin
No Wonder deals with memory and blame. Both writer Claire Urwin and producer Guy Jones studied at Manchester University. Claire is still a student and her first play How Hard it Happens won the International Student Playscript Competition.
The Person Without by Jenny Yates
This is a dark story of how the need for revenge can consume a person. Bolton-born Jenny Yates saw her first ever short story win a prize in a Manchester Evening News competition. This story is directed by 24:7 veteran Ian Moore.
Freshers by Steve Pearce
Freshers is a tale about how goals in life change as one develops and the bright ambitions at university that are often overshadowed by unexpected events. Steve Pearce is a former professional scientist who has always had a passion for creative writing. He is a second timer at 24:7.
Donal Fleet: A Confessional by Sean Gregson
This sinister comedy charters a journey of secrets and lies. Sean Gregson is a born and bred Mancunian and this is his second play. It is fulfilling a goal Sean set himself whilst selling tickets on the 24:7 Box office some years ago.
Cell by Ailis Ni Riain
Cell is about Hickey, a 19 year old Irishman who suffers acute social withdrawal syndrome and has lived in his bedroom for two years along with Mickey his alter-ego. Ailis Ni Riain grew up in Cork but has been in Manchester since 1999 after studying music at The Royal Northern College of Music.
As We Forgive Them by Richard Vergette
The play is a study of redemption and the power of education. The characters are polar opposites, one a virtually incoherent criminal, the other a super-articulate politician. Richard Vergette is a former teacher who was once part of the National Youth Theatre, performing with Jude Law and Jonny Lee Millar.
Out of Dead Air by Mark Murphy
This story comes from an initial idea in a dream and has developed into an inspiring tale of the fight for freedom in a literal and metaphorical sense. It's a story really centred on the differences in human behaviour and reactions. This is Mark's first time at 24:7, after working in a chemical company.
The Coffee Hour by Michael Peacock
Trained at the Arden School of Theatre, this play is Michael Peacock's story of moving beyond the mistakes and tragedies in life and letting go of the past. Along with his wife, Michael founded The Rhema Theatre Company in 2001 touring schools, churches, prisons and community centres.
Frontline by Victoria Ofovbe
An urban drama about two young people caught up in the gun and gang culture. Victoria grew up in Manchester and, although the story is fictional, the inspiration came from people she knew and met growing up.
Remember Me by Jason Crouch
Set in the early Nineties `Madchester' era, themes of love, loss and hope are explored amongst ecstasy raves and hopes of a revolution. Featuring classic Mad-chester songs from Happy Mondays, Sub Sub, The Stone Roses, The Cure, The Smiths, 808 State, Orbital, New Order, and many others.
Working Title by James Jowett & Adam Davies
A short film extended for 24:7. It's based on the real life frustrations of the writers and their struggle to find integrity and identity in modern society. Throw a few ninjas in and you have Working Title.
Phys-Ed by Simon Carter
Neville Trellis is a rugby obsessed PE teacher and this story is centred on unfulfilled ambition and triumph over impossible odds. As a former stand up comic, Simon has performed with Jo Brand, Harry Hill, Al Murray, Jimmy Carr and Johnny Vegas.
Exit Salford by Ed Jones
The true story of the writer being run out of his Salford home by racists because his girlfriend and lodgers were Polish. Ed has had five novels published and has written two short films for the BBC and Channel 4 and for TV programmes including Holby City and The Bill.
Published: Thu, 11 June, 2009
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