Award-winning Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester, celebrates 3rd Birthday with fortnight of special events
The critically acclaimed Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester has announced a fortnight of special shows and events to mark its forthcoming 3rd Birthday.
The theatre, which was opened in a Grade II Listed former Cotton Mill in the Ancoats area of Manchester three years ago by couple William Whelton and Joseph Houston, has firmly established itself on the country’s cultural scene, with a host of 5 star in-house productions, a number of which have transferred to London, and awards.
Now to mark the third birthday of the venue – which in 2018 was named Fringe Theatre of the Year by industry bible The Stage – a series of events have been announced, and are on sale now.
William and Joe said: “As we approach our 3rd Birthday there is much to reflect on since getting the keys to an empty space in an old mill. We could never have anticipated what the next three years would bring including three London transfers and awards including being named The Stage’s Fringe Theatre of the Year and special achievement at the Manchester Theatre Awards. We are constantly welcoming new audiences to the venue and many people are still discovering us for the first time.
“There is much to be grateful for and we wanted to celebrate with a series of events that offer something for everyone – from new writing to our celebratory cabaret show, Hope Mill’s Leading Ladies.
“The fortnight is an opportunity for people who have maybe heard of us but not visited or even people who have never heard of us, to come and buy a ticket for one of the performances we have – we promise you won’t be disappointed.
“Here’s to the next three years and thank you to everyone who has been a part of the Hope Mill journey and supported us along the way- we couldn’t have done it without you.”
The fortnight of events includes Manchester ADP: Cottonopolis – a northern based company supporting emerging writers and directors with a response to the city’s Cotton Revolution in honour of the venues routes as a cotton mill.
Hope Mill Theatre then welcomes back TakeBack theatre company (run by Julie Hesmondhalgh, Becx Harrison and Grant Archer) with TakeBack:Our Girls. Marking International Day of the Girl the company will present an evening of urgent script in hand pieces written by young women under 25 – exploring the joys and challenges of girlhood in the 21st century.
The venue will then host its first ever ‘scratch night’: To Bee or Not to Bee – which will provide a platform for actors and artists from all genres including dance, poetry, art and film to showcase and share their work.
The first week of celebrations will end with Hope Mill’s Leading Ladies – an evening of cabaretto celebrate the successful collaboration between Hope Mill Theatre and Katy Lipson of Aria Entertainment – which welcomes back four of the venue’s favourite female actors from its musicals. The line up includes; Laura Harrison from Parade, Shekinah McFarlane from Hair, Sarah Louise Young from YANK and Genevieve Nicole from Pippin. The ladies will share with audiences some stories of their time performing at Hope Mill, as well as singing songs from the shows.
The second week of celebrations will host Hope Mill’s Powerhouse Plays – a platform set up by the venue to support new writing in the North West. All pieces shown are at different stages of development and in most cases will be the first time the pieces have been read aloud.
The two weeks of celebrations will climax with Hope Mill Theatres Studio 54 Birthday Party.Join Will and Joe and the Hope Mill team as they gallop on their white horses back to the 70’s to celebrate the likes of Andy Warhol, Cher and Mick Jagger for a DISCO at Studio 54.
Will and Joe say: “We can’t promise a glitter filled dance floor but we do have live music from girl band Belle Noir, fizz and food and a night to remember. We can’t wait to end our Birthday celebrations in style and party like the greats. Dress to impress: Disco Chic!”
Event dates and ticket prices:
Manchester ADP takes on Cottonopolis – Tuesday 2 October 7.30pm- £8
Take Back: Our Girls – Wednesday 3 October 7.30pm – £8
To Bee or Not to Bee: Scratch Night – Thursday 4 October 7.30pm – £8
Hope Mill’s Leading Ladies – Friday 5 & Saturday 6 October 7.30pm- £22/£20
Hope Mills Birthday Party : Studio 54 – Saturday 13 October 7.30 till midnight – £25
To book please visit;
Or call 0333 012 4963 venue enquiries 0161 275 9141