24:7 Theatre Festival of original theatre at Martin Harris Centre

The University of Manchester is getting stuck into the original theatre-focused 24:7 Festival this year, hosting a number of productions that are part of the annual festival. Four main productions will play out at the University that brought us Benedict Cumberbatch, Rik Mayall and Meera Syal. Standouts from the selection include We Are the Multitude, a comedy drama about two co-workers who become trapped in their office by angry demonstrators. Here, they have to face up to their shortcomings and lack of popularity as their lives hang in the balance. There’s also Gary: A Love Story, a dark comedy about two brothers who face the wrath of the police while riffing on playground injuries, and the perils of mutual masturbation. Make of that what you will. Along with the plays, there will also be a series of monologues and also workshops for actors and writers. A limited number weekend passes are available which will get you access to all the ticketed events.

Fri 24 – Sun 26 July, Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama (and other venues including Manchester Museum) The University of Manchester, Bridgeford St., M13 9PL, Times and prices vary, www.247theatrefestival.co.uk