Treading the boards: Manchester's theatreland
4pm Wednesday 11 February
£15 (weekday afternoon price - usually £20)
I've read so much about Manchester's Theatreland and its incredible history, so it's a pleasure to do this tour.
The luvvy stories that have taken place along Peter Street are quite extraordinary and include some of the biggest names in acting and entertainment, in not just British drama but European drama and beyond.
Expect tales of Fanny Kemble who lit up the theatre, the Frenchman who inspired Houdini, Charles Dickens using the Free Trade Hall to pursue his affair, Henry Irving managed by Bram Stoker, leading lady and perfect Lady Macbeth the incredible Ellen Terry, the magnetic 'Hornibags' bringing rep to starting a whole school of Manchester/Lancashire playwrights. There's so much.
The tour takes place on a Wednesday afternoon at 4pm on 11 February.
The midweek afternoon start is so guests can then join Ian Nickson with his new exhibition on Shakespeare and Manchester at 5.30pm at Central Library.
There will be loads of artefacts there including a lovely model of the Theatre Royal, which presently stands disgracefully empty, next to and owned by the Edwardian Hotel. I've asked the hotel for a statement about what they are playing at.
I will have a few tickets for Nick's event for those who book first to join me. The tickets will allow people to enjoy refreshments and then listen to a talk from Ian on the theme of Shakespeare and Manchester. He says, "The exhibition tells for the first time the story of how seven personalities transformed Manchester into a global centre of Shakespearian theatre."
I know who some of those personalities are so expect some lively tales.
Meet: Manchester Central Library. M2 5PD.
Finish: Same place
Duration: tours last ninety minutes
Fully accessible.
Totally fascinating.
Book ahead to be absolutely certain of a ticket otherwise turn up and pay on the day.
Not all tours will be led by Jonathan Schofield.
Sensible footwear is required and you will have to agree to the terms and conditions of visiting the sites if we go inside a venue as stated by the guide when you turn up. On rare occasions some areas will not be available to visit.
PLEASE CHECK THIS WEBSITE 24 HOURS BEFORE THE TOUR IN CASE A SITUATION ARISES WHICH MAY AFFECT THE TOUR.
The luvvy stories that have taken place along Peter Street are quite extraordinary and include some of the biggest names in acting and entertainment, in not just British drama but European drama and beyond.
Expect tales of Fanny Kemble who lit up the theatre, the Frenchman who inspired Houdini, Charles Dickens using the Free Trade Hall to pursue his affair, Henry Irving managed by Bram Stoker, leading lady and perfect Lady Macbeth the incredible Ellen Terry, the magnetic 'Hornibags' bringing rep to starting a whole school of Manchester/Lancashire playwrights. There's so much.
The tour takes place on a Wednesday afternoon at 4pm on 11 February.
The midweek afternoon start is so guests can then join Ian Nickson with his new exhibition on Shakespeare and Manchester at 5.30pm at Central Library.
There will be loads of artefacts there including a lovely model of the Theatre Royal, which presently stands disgracefully empty, next to and owned by the Edwardian Hotel. I've asked the hotel for a statement about what they are playing at.
I will have a few tickets for Nick's event for those who book first to join me. The tickets will allow people to enjoy refreshments and then listen to a talk from Ian on the theme of Shakespeare and Manchester. He says, "The exhibition tells for the first time the story of how seven personalities transformed Manchester into a global centre of Shakespearian theatre."
I know who some of those personalities are so expect some lively tales.
Meet: Manchester Central Library. M2 5PD.
Finish: Same place
Duration: tours last ninety minutes
Fully accessible.
Totally fascinating.
Book ahead to be absolutely certain of a ticket otherwise turn up and pay on the day.
Not all tours will be led by Jonathan Schofield.
Sensible footwear is required and you will have to agree to the terms and conditions of visiting the sites if we go inside a venue as stated by the guide when you turn up. On rare occasions some areas will not be available to visit.
PLEASE CHECK THIS WEBSITE 24 HOURS BEFORE THE TOUR IN CASE A SITUATION ARISES WHICH MAY AFFECT THE TOUR.