PRESENTS: Tony Walsh at a
Gala Night for ‘BRICKS’
Manchester poet, Tony Walsh, pens brand new poem as anthem for 53two, to garner support for the arts charity. The bespoke poem for the independent theatre, shines a light on the industrious history of the city’s inhabitants and the new hive of creativity that nestles beneath the very bricks that our past is built on. ‘THESE BRICKS, THEY SPEAK’ will be used as the charity’s anthem and will launch brand new show ‘BRICKS’, beneath the arches
‘BRICKS’; a production from Red Brick Theatre Company, will showcase talent in writers, directors and actors from across Greater Manchester and is the first of what they hope to be many incarnations.
On the 24th March, 53two Patron Tony Walsh, will present the poem at a Gala Launch Night in the 150 seater theatre, as a curtain raiser to ‘BRICKS’. The poem, which has never been performed before, is the perfect frame for the festival of new writing.
‘The arches have quickly become a diverse, welcoming and supportive home for many different communities that make up the Manchester scene.
I’ve been looking for a way to help and I was delighted when some lines for a 53Two poem started to come to me. I’ve used the beautiful brickwork and structure of these historic arches as metaphors for strength and unity and tried to celebrate those qualities and use them to inspire even more artistry and history-making into the future.
I can’t wait for people to hear the poem and I very much hope that it will inspire people, raise awareness and help with further all-important fundraising efforts. Do come take a listen, check out the venue and get involved!’
Recently, registered charity 53two received a grant from long-term supporters, Backstage Trust, to part-fund the installation of a Changing Places toilet. The facility with hoist and changing bed, to be named the Freedom Suite, will provide severely disabled patrons the chance to visit the venue and indeed the city, without fear of having to return home when needing the toilet. It will also allow those actors who require it to change costumes, shower etc. and a chance to perform on stage, where previously this may not have been an option. Prints of Tony’s poem will be sold and auctioned, which they hope will raise the remainder needed to complete the build.
‘There are only three other Changing Places facilities in the city centre – one is currently closed. They are a necessary facility not just at the theatre but for every visitor to Manchester. We’re eternally grateful for the grant from Backstage Trust and with Tony’s undying support we can’t wait to complete the build on the Freedom Suite. Raising the money via art seems to be the perfect option.’
– Simon Naylor, Creative Director, 53two.
‘BRICKS’ will run until April 1st and prove to be the first of several productions to visit the arches in 2023. The recognised format of six short plays is a great way to showcase a raft of creatives and welcome large numbers of visitors to the venue as it increases its footprint in the arts scene across Greater Manchester.
53two is a Manchester-based theatre, bar and arts charity that strive to support disadvantaged and underserved artists. With their new renovation, they now have a 150- seater theatre that is fully accessible as well as being open 7 days a week for artists to meet, greet and share. For further information on 53two’s work and venue, you can view their website here.
Red Brick Theatre are a collaborative Manchester-based theatre company with a commitment to telling stories in innovative ways through varying mediums of performance. You can look into the company’s previous works here.
Tickets are available via 53two https://www.53two.com/whatson
Red Brick Theatre https://redbricktheatre.co.uk/
Eventbrite direct link here