53two in Manchester celebrates its 10th birthday

Award-winning Manchester independent theatre and arts charity 53two celebrates its 10th birthday this month, with events aimed at raising £10,000 to help secure its future.

Based in the Grade II listed arches under the Manchester Central Convention Centre, 53two has become a home for artists, audiences and community groups who might otherwise find it difficult to find a theatre home. The venue has survived floods, the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis while continuing to champion creativity across Greater Manchester.

Over the last decade, 53two has welcomed some of the biggest names in comedy and television, including Joe Lycett, Sarah Millican and James Acaster, as well as Line of Duty’s Adrian Dunbar and former Corrie star Michelle Keegan, as well as hundreds of fringe theatre companies.

Now the theatre is asking supporters across the city for donations to help it continue its mission. The venue receives no regular Arts Council England funding and no funding from Manchester City Council, making community support vital.

Headline events during the fundraising month include the chance to appear as an extra on ITV’s Coronation Street and original artwork of the 53two arches by Manchester illustrator Stanley Chow - who recently designed the pop-art image of Andy Burnham used during his successful by-election campaign. The potential future PM has frequented the arches and has encouraged other organisations to use 53two as a home for fundraising events.

Fundraising will culminate on August 1 with a star-studded birthday dinner dance, which will feature Manchester poet Tony Walsh with a specially-commissioned poem, These Bricks They Speak; Reflections from BAFTA-nominated actor Ruth Madeley on the importance of independent spaces in the North; Manchester comedy favourite Toby Hadoke as host and a performance by Sing Their Name, a community choir funded directly by 53two’s grant programme.

Ahead of the gala, 53two will host several events this month. Highlights include a Night at the Musicals on July 18, headlined by West End star Shona Lindsay; a silent disco on July 24, and a special community birthday quiz on July 25.

The venue will also launch a new lottery scheme, creating a way for supporters to contribute to the organisation's future work.

Creative Director Simon Naylor, said: “Ten years ago we set out to create a home for creativity, community and possibility. Along the way we've faced challenges we could never have imagined but, thanks to the artists, audiences, volunteers, partners and supporters, we have not only survived, we've grown into a vital creative home for so many people across Greater Manchester.

"As we celebrate this milestone, we're not just looking back at everything we've achieved together, we’re asking people to help protect what comes next. Every ticket bought, donation made and auction bid will help us to make sure theatre remains accessible to everyone.

"The next 10 years hold even greater possibilities; we invite everyone who has been part of our story – or wants to be a part of it - to help shape the next chapter."

More info and tickets here