53two theatre and arts venue launches its first season in its new railway arches home beneath Manchester Central with new one-act play Things That Divide Us, by Joshua Chandos.
Kitty and David are hoping to fill a gap in their lives. Striking up an unlikely friendship in the stark surroundings of a Calais refugee camp, they realise maybe they have more in common than they first thought as they bond over a shared passion to fix the ever-growing refugee crisis.
Playing David is Mancunian actor Callum Sim, while Darwen actress and recent Manchester School of Theatre graduate Beth Lily-Banks plays Kitty.
The venue's creative director, Simon Naylor, will direct: "Joshua's writing is everything I love, a seemingly simple relationship between two people that allows us to go with them on a journey that is about as human as it gets," he said.
"It's a beautifully observed piece that will have you laughing out loud and in the next beat smiling through your tears. I can’t think of a better piece to officially launch a full 53two production in the new arches.”
Chandos added: “This piece means so much to me. My eye-opening experiences of European refugee camps and the friendships that are forged across inhumane laws will stay with me forever.
"It is a privilege to work with Simon and the team on this project. The themes of the play are embedded in the foundations of 53two; I’m honoured to have the piece made by a team that believes in its core.”
The show will be BSL Interpreted on September 17 and 29, with a relaxed performance on October 18.
The play previews on September 13-14, opening officially on September 15 until October 1.
Access is a key aim of the new 53two and the venue will be offering £2 tickets at every show for those currently out of work or receiving financial support. The venue is also fully accessible: support dogs are welcome and carers receive a free ticket.
More info and tickets here