53two Creative Director and Producer take to the stage in World Premiere of new play Frank 4 Sophie 4 Eva
It’s been on the backburner for over 5 years but Simon Naylor, Creative Director of 53two and Alexandra Maxwell, Venue Producer, are finally bringing this brand new show to life for their Greater Manchester audiences.
In their 40’s – we meet Frank and Sophie. Their marriage is in trouble, no sex, no communication. Every little thing bugs them and they squabble like children, so Sophie has arranged for a relationship therapist to talk things through. But are they past the point of no return? Has Frank been too much of a di*k? Can Sophie relax a little? Is this just the final straw of a car crash relationship?
Fast, furious and ridiculously funny. 90’s sit-com comedy meets kitchen-sink drama in this brand new, ludicrous & vicious two-hander.
Manchester-based theatre and arts venue 53two put their money where their mouth is with this daring production, swiftly following the renowned JB Shorts, as they approach their 4th year in the arches on Watson Street, beneath Manchester Central.
Written by Ian Watson, a writer from Doncaster, as well as being riotously funny, the piece explores the current topic of male mental health and just how easy it is to hit rock-bottom, even if you’re always ‘the funny guy’.
The run will be raising money for Andy’s Man Club and at every performance, literature and merchandise will be available to read and purchase as well as money being raised to support the men’s suicide prevention charity, offering free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups across the United Kingdom and online.
Playing from 30th October – 8th November, Frank 4 Sophie 4 Eva will be the first time both Simon and Alex have taken the stage in the new home of 53two, having previously played Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in 2018.
Simon Naylor, Artistic Director at 53two said: ‘‘It’s terrifying. If anything it’s a stupid idea. Neither of us have been on stage properly in a few years, but, we read the script half a decade ago and it always sat in both our minds. Now just felt like the right time to do it. It will make you laugh, it might make you cry but more than anything, you’ll be entertained…we hope.’’
53two will be providing Pay What You Can tickets for those who can’t afford a full price ticket and two of the shows will be BSL interpreted, to keep up their ethos that theatre is for everyone.
Performers, creatives and audience members will also have access to the venue’s newly fitted Changing Places toilet. 53two is the first indie arts space in Manchester to install the facility, which will provide increased independence to users.
Tickets are now available here.
BSL / Captioned shows will take place on:
Sunday 3rd November at 5:30pm
Wednesday 6th November at 7:30pm
Listings information:
30th October – 8th November 2024
Regular Ticket – £12
PWYC tickets – £4 (Recommended)