#SeeGM - Theatres
Theatre is good for your mind and soul.
Whether that means belting your favourite musical ballad after a heartbreak or going to see a show when you need a laugh, experiencing live theatre is therapeutic.
As an audience member, there is something very special about having drama, humour, tragedy and action play out right in front of you.
Simply put, there is nothing else quite like live theatre.
Theatre has been around for centuries. It is one of the oldest forms of entertainment and education, giving us insight into our histories, myths, love, loss and the human experience.
We have so many diverse theatres and live performance spaces across Greater Manchester, and they have all reopened to welcome back audiences, safely.
Julia Fawcett OBE, chief executive of The Lowry, said: “Since being able to welcome audiences back to experience our programme in the flesh, we’ve staged outdoor promenade performances across MediaCityUK, welcomed socially-distanced audiences back into our Lyric Theatre for comedy and ballet and played host to a work of art by LS Lowry – not seen in public since 1972 - before its auction at Sotheby’s later this month. There is a real enthusiasm and excitement by audiences to be able to experience work as part of a live performance or viewing once again – and with venues like ours deploying a whole range of COVID-19 safety measures, we’re thrilled to be playing our part in the nation’s recovery from the pandemic.”
Victoria Robinson CEO The Met Bury continues: “The Met has been welcoming back audiences, and creating amazing live experiences for our region. We’ve missed the buzz of busy gigs and seeing people support brilliant live music in our building. We’ve worked so hard to put music online and to offer safe shows during the many stages of lockdown, but we’re ready for those full houses again. Seeing tickets selling for future shows is proof of what we’ve always known: theatre lovers can’t wait to get back together again.”
For our next video in our exclusive #SeeGM series in partnership with The Manc, we interviewed some of the representatives from our region’s theatres and live performances spaces including executive director of Royal Exchange’s Steve Freeman and Home’s Jon Gilchrist, about the critical role our local culture and arts play in the recovery from the pandemic and why people should visit these wonderful, historic and creative places.
Actresses Faye Brookes and Nicole Barber-Lane have also contributed to SeeGM, and talked about their love of theatre, and what it feels like to perform on stage.
Faye Brookes said: “There’s no better feeling for an actor than performing live on stage! There’s a real buzz, it’s electric, a kind of energy in the air that even as an audience you know is magic. It’s not just the performers who create these unforgettable live moments but the crew too, it’s a team of talented people from lighting, makeup, music, sound and costume and I cannot wait till Chicago comes to Manchester next year and I get to play Roxie Hart on stage at the Opera House in my home town. I feel very grateful to be back doing what I love!"
and Nicole Barber-Lane said: “To be a live entertainer on stage is the best feeling. Feeling the vibe from the audience and that gathered energy becomes part of you and part of the show. It’s wonderful that music, theatre singers and performers are back on stage and have proper live audiences again."
Alison McKenzie Folan - GMCA lead for culture concludes: "Consuming the arts is one of the things we have missed most during the pandemic. They entertain and educate us as well as providing enjoyment. Everything from live theatre, to museums to singing along at a concert. Here in Greater Manchester we are privileged to have world-class venues and leading creative industries.
“We can now start to make exciting plans to meet up with family and friends and enjoy a full range of cultural activity and events that bring such joy and wellbeing into our lives."