Art and Entertainment at The Lowry, Salford Quays: January - April 2006
Our irresistible new Winter-into-Spring season again offers not only the best there is but also more of it than any other venue in Britain.
With brilliant Brit Art on show in the galleries and everything from the latest dramas by Mike Leigh and Peter Brook, to The Bolshoi Ballet, Edward Scissorhands and our first visit by the Royal Opera House, there’s undoubtedly something for everyone, whatever their age.
And we don’t say that lightly, for our unique season of youngsters’ shows caters for children as young as three – an age group we think is extremely important, as they are the audiences of tomorrow.
We are also working hard behind the scenes, where again all ages will find a huge range of participatory workshops, talks, community projects and creative activities that serve the community right across the north west and help fuel enthusiasm and appreciation of the events on our stages and in our galleries.
Highlights of the coming season in Dance include the first visit to The Lowry by the great Bolshoi Ballet, with their renowned productions of Swan Lake and Spartacus; Matthew Bourne’s brand new adaptation of Edward Scissorhands and, from Germany, the smash-hit of the 2004 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Romeo and Juliet hip-hop hit, Rumble.
Top of our Drama tree is Salford-born Mike Leigh’s new National Theatre hit play Two Thousand Years; from Paris, the internationally renowned Peter Brook with a Dostoevsky drama, The Grand Inquisitor; the 10th anniversary production of shocking but searingly funny Trainspotting and Mark Ravenhill’s latest, The Cut, starring Sir Ian McKellen.
We’ve a great eclectic mix of Comedy too. Following two hit seasons in Dublin and a tour all over Ireland, the uproarious, sensational, I Keano, dares to come within spitting distance of Old Trafford! The ever popular Al Murray and Dara O’Briain return, plus debuts from Mighty Boosh and Jo Caulfield.
As we indicated above, Family shows are particularly enticing this season, with the Royal Opera House’s Pinocchio a definite highlight. We are also co-producing a marvellous new production of Babe author Dick King Smith’s wonderful story, The Crowstarver. In total, there are 15 terrific shows specifically for younger/family audiences, plus such added attractions as the legendary Moscow State Circus and Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty.
On the Music scene, we’ve got everything from Singa-long-a Abba, bonnie Scotland’s Blazin’ Fiddles the Blues Brothers and Salford’s own The Hollies to musicals Anything Goes and Buddy.
The Lowry is also working with the people of Salford and Greater Manchester, and the Imperial War Museum North, to create a community production, Oh, Wot a Lovely War? This contemporary theatrical event will be about the War on Terror and how its roots extend back to the horrific events of the First World War.
In the Galleries we invite visitors to time travel. The Art of White explores the mysteries of this elusive, enigmatic colour, through the work of over 80 artists from the 17th century to the present day.
Meanwhile Revelation: Reflecting British Art in the Arts Council Collection takes a closer look at some of the most famous and controversial names in the British art scene over the past 25 years. Drawn exclusively from the Arts Council Collection, Revelation features work by Tracey Emin, Tony Cragg, Richard Long and Lucien Freud to name just a few.
Add Tony Robinson having a Cunning Night Out, Adam Hart Davis enthusing about absolutely everything, an exciting trio of Asian music and dance events from Milapfest, a feast of new plays from the National Youth Theatre and around forty, yes forty, other shows, and we think it’s yet another exceptional season at The Lowry.
COMEDY STOP PRESS…Since the brochure went to press, The Lowry has booked two more comedians, both Perrier Award nominees – children's entertainer Jeremy Lion, (4 Feb) and Dutch Elm Conservatoire (17 Feb) in “CONSPIRACY”, a Perrier Award-nominated show looking at Who killed Diana? Did NASA fabricate the moon landings? And Was Rod Hull pushed?
Posted on Tuesday, 01 November 2005 under Press Theatre Press