For many in the arts scene in Manchester, 53two has become a name they can rely on to provide quality and affordable theatre that is accessible for all, supporting emerging talent, engaging a ‘theatre-for-all’ way of existence & focussing on their charity work.
53two initiatives include their 2019 ‘UNWAGED Tickets’ scheme for people on income support of any kind, to grab a £2 ticket.
They also pride themselves on BSL Interpreting as many shows as they can do for deaf and/or hard of hearing patrons and even changed their staging to allow wheelchair users to perform at prestigious events such as the National competition, Monologue Slam.
They also quickly became the new home for Manchester behemoth, JB Shorts, packing in up to 180 of their die-hard fans each night, for two weeks and more recently produced shows like ‘The Glasshouse’ and ‘The Stretch’.
Sadly, their current home was always set to succumb to the ever-present property development climate that sees not only our skyline prickle with high-rise buildings, but, perhaps more importantly, has all but crushed the grass-roots theatre world in Manchester.
ASK Real Estate, the owners of the iconic tunnels that will eventually form the platform for more skyscrapers, who provided them to Simon Naylor with an incredibly generous kick-starter loan, will take back the venue until they commence work on site.
Thankfully, 53two have been thrown a life-line! Their ‘angels’ have offered them a new home, to help them continue their work.
In the initial set up of 53two, the team asked Manchester for help – the incredible community & friends responded and allowed them to reach the velocity they have hit now, changing the fringe scene in Manchester and recently bagging the ‘Northern Soul’ & ‘North West End’ Award for Best Small Venue 2018.
However, they do need more to be able to continue to support the long list of charities, grass-roots theatre companies and artists that they have reached so far.
53two will close its doors on the 4th May to make way for the pop-events that will fill the much loved, damp & quintessentially Mancunian arches that have made memories for thousands of people across the city; from wedding to wrestling. Then, the challenge to plant roots, develop a new space and re-open begins.
Whether you can donate £5 or £10,000, whether you’re a passionate individual or a massive company, or just have some services to offer, 53Two needs your support to allow them to continue to support the North West.
………………………
Save 53Two!
………………………
53two, 8 Albion Street, Manchester, M1 5NZ
