‘Bear Left’ at 53two

Christmas production 2023: 53two and Imaginality Productions present

Bear Left

Manchester-based theatre and arts venue 53two kicks off the festive season with its new Christmas production, Bear Left. Featuring original songs and created by Simon Naylor and Ollie Mills, Bear Left presents an anthology of uplifting human stories that unfold in a motorway service station on Christmas Eve.

The fast-paced festive journey follows a series of weary travellers as they descend on Pinkerford Services in search of coffee, petrol…and answers to their existential crises. The festivities are just around the corner, but not without a few detours first.

Playing from 13 – 23 December, Bear Left features writing from Manchester talent Steph Lacey, Emma Hinds, Hannah Macdonald and Mohammed Barber with brand new music from composer, Ollie Mills.

Hosted in 53two’s iconic 150-year-old arches, the production will feature some famous Manchester faces, with each performance narrated by a surprise guest.

Simon Naylor, artistic director at 53two said: ‘‘We’re incredibly excited to collaborate with the team at Imaginality Productions for the second time to deliver a Christmas show that will set us all up for the festive period.

‘‘From keeping tickets affordable to physical access and British Sign Language interpretation, accessibility is at the heart of everything we do and we’re proud to deliver a show that the whole community can enjoy.’’

Bear Left is proud to have Autotrader as its official Access Sponsor, ensuring the show is open to everyone.

This is also the first major production for 53two where performers, creatives and audience members will 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:

Saturday 16th December at 2:30pm

Thursday 21st December at 7:30pm