The Greater Manchester Fringe Festival comes to Saddleworth for the first time
In July, The Swan in Dobcross will be the only venue outside the cities of Manchester and Salford to be part of the Greater Manchester Fringe Festival.
The pub theatre is to play host to nine ‘Fringe’ events including five newly written plays, children’s theatre, Victorian classics, comedy, jazz, cartoons, musical theatre and opera – an eclectic mix for sure. The Greater Manchester Fringe is now in its third year and is a showcase for original and innovative drama, music, art and other cultural activities. A summary of The Swan’s programme of events is listed below. For more information, please visit The Swan’s website www.theswandobcross.com
First up is “The Many Mishaps of Mr Vinegar”, which is a play with music for children and their families (this Saturday 5th July at 2pm). You are advised to book early for this show which is described as a “rollickingly funny”, fast-paced adventure story – a great way to get young people interested in theatre and live performance.
Demand for tickets has already been very high, so please check with the venue to see if there are any tickets available – call Michael or Tim on 01457 873451. (Please note that although the new drama “Hardwired” has sold out, anyone interested in seeing an extra performance of this play on Tues 22nd July, should get in touch with The Swan.)
Tickets are available from the pub or online via www.wegottickets.com (search for Dobcross). More information about the fringe festival can be found by visiting www.greatermanchesterfringe.co.uk
Tues 1- Thurs 31 July
An Exhibition of Tony Husband’s PRIVATE EYE Cartoons
Tony Husband, the award-winning cartoonist has worked with the current affairs and satirical magazine Private Eye for 28 years, and is exhibiting some of his favourite original works at The Swan throughout July. Free.
Sat 5 July, 2pm
‘THE MANY MISHAPS OF MR VINEGAR’
Children’s Theatre (2 Boards and a Passion Theatre Company)
Mr. Vinegar is possibly the world’s unluckiest man! With his wife, he sets out for a Big Adventure where he encounters a host of strange characters. But will there be a happy ending for the lovable Mr. Vinegar? This is a “rollickingly funny” theatrical adventure for children aged 4 – 11 and their families. £5
Sun 6 July, 7.30pm
In July, The Swan in Dobcross will be the only venue outside the cities of Manchester and Salford to be part of the Greater Manchester Fringe Festival.
THE SINGULAR EXPLOITS OF SHERLOCK HOLMES’ based on the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Classic Mystery Drama / Victorian Theatre with Bite! (Don’t Go Into The Cellar Theatre Co.)
Sherlock Lives! The show is an affectionate one-man homage to the world’s greatest detective that includes quick costume changes and wry humour. A high-energy one-man show, featuring a plethora of dashing heroes, villainous rogues and vintage thrills. “Jonathan Goodwin is Sherlock Holmes.” £10.
Weds 9 July 8pm
‘LIFE CYCLE’ by Adam Sunderland
Brand New Theatre – Tour de France (Sticks Theatre Co with Harrogate Theatre)
Using innovative techniques such as verbatim theatre, the thoughts and voices of cyclists (hobbyists, amateurs and professionals including 1958 Tour stage winner, Brian Robinson) are collected & forged into a highly physical and visual theatrical experience. Live music will be created using bike parts as instruments. £10
Weds 16 July 8pm
GODFREY’S LAST STAND’ and ‘GIVE A LITTLE LOVE’ by Alan Stockdill
Comedy Drama Double Bill – Brand New Theatre (Talking Stock Productions)
Two funny & poignant new plays – a cricket umpire for the Yorkshire Dales League has a (big) lottery win, but will it bring happiness? And four old school friends meet up again at a Bay City Rollers concert. Laugh cry & Shang-a-Lang along with this entertaining, touching & revealing drama. £10 (in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support
Sun 20 July, 7.30pm
DJANGOLOGIE
Jazz – Hot Club Gypsy Swing (Presented by JazzNorth & The Swan)
Evoking the authentic sound of Django Rheinhardt & Stéphane Grappelli, this highly acclaimed quartet from the North East of England come highly recommended. You will be delighted by their virtuosic performances of the time honoured 1930’s hot club classics & a repertoire of exquisitely written, gypsy jazz originals. £7.50.
Weds 23 July, 8pm
“HARDWIRED” by John F. K. Hoyle
World Premiere – Psychological Thriller with a Twist (JHC Productions)
Harvey is in his forties and feeling lonely. Lucy is about to take her exams and has her whole life ahead of her. Their relationship has always stayed in the chat room – until now. Lucy is desperate to meet up soon. Harvey wants to meet up too – but for very different reasons… Contains strong language. £8.
Sun 27 July 7.30pm
SONGS OF SUMMER
Opera & Musical Theatre (Claire Lees & Frazer B Scott)
Travels in summertime though opera and musical theatre. Opera stars Claire and Frazer have taken time out from their busy national touring schedule to prepare this programme of sumptuous musical delights especially for the appreciate Swan audience. The evening promises to be a sheer, summery delight. £12.
weds 30 July, 8pm
‘MEET THE REAL MAGGIE THATCHER’ by Mike Francis Carvalho
Brand New Theatre (Gerundagula Productions)
A highly original concept in modern drama by Liverpool’s radical touring company, Meet the real Maggie Thatcher provides an engaging insight into one of the most notorious political leaders of our era. The performance contains no strong language… only the truth. £7.
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
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