This Christmas, 53two - at its new base in 150-year-old central Manchester railway arches - will stage a unique slice of festive nostalgia.
The independent theatre in Watson Street is teaming up with new musicals champions Imaginality Productions for Realms of Glory (December 14-22), a toe-tapping tale set during Manchester's wartime blitz.
“We’re excited to launch our first Christmas show since moving to our new venue," said creative director Simon Naylor.
"To join the gang at Imaginality is a dream. Their work is second to none and they are a perfect fit for the arches. It’s going to be a great piece to set us all up for the festive period.”
The story tells a tale of Christmas 1940, when the Blitz arrived in Manchester. Inspired by the golden age of wartime music lively locals try to navigate their broken world.
Beneath the streets, Lizzie Horton takes audiences on a whistle-stop tour, from her life in Manchester, through her formative years to her whirlwind romance with her RAF pilot husband, Bob and encounters with pals Mavis, Jim and Ida.
Emma Clare Harvey and Alex Cosgriff of Imaginality Productions will play Lizzie and Bob, alongside Rebecca McAuley as Mavis, Ben Kawalec as Jim and Ella Heywood as Ida..
As usual 53two will offer £2 Unwaged tickets at every show for those out of work or receiving financial support.
Tickets and information here