24:7 Festival: Manchester’s Burning at Manchester Central Fire Station

As much as the inclusion of Kenneth Brannagh got people excited about Macbeth at Manchester International Festival, the immerse nature of the performances was equally the reason behind its unparalleled success. Manchester’s Burning may not be working with a Shakespeare text or star an internationally renowned actor as part of the cast, but it threatens to be equally as vital and engaging. Being staged in Manchester Central Fire and Rescue Services Training and Development centre, the production emphasises the real life struggles that fire fighters undergo daily in a story that pits them against a city ablaze. As a warning, it’s best to advise that this performance will contain loud noises and actual, real fire (controlled, obviously) – we told you it was going to be engrossing.

PLEASE NOTE: We have received this message from 24:7: ‘Following the tragic death of Firefighter Stephen Hunt from Phillips Park Fire Station on Saturday, July 13th, 2013, whilst tackling a fire in Manchester City Centre, the play ‘Manchester’s Burning’ has been cancelled as a mark of respect to Stephen, his family, friends and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service colleagues. We offer our sincere condolences to everyone affected by this tragic loss.’

Sat 20 Jul – Sun 21 Jul, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Training Centre, Cassidy Close, Manchester, M4 5HU, 2pm, 4.30pm, 7pm, £8 (£6 concs), http://www.247theatrefestival.co.uk/