MIF2013: The Masque of Anarchy ft. Maxine Peake at Albert Hall

One of the darkest days in the history of the city, a mere mention of the Peterloo Massacre is still enough to bring a grimace to the face of some people, regardless of the fact almost 200 years have passed since the event. In this dramatic interpretation of Percy Bysshe Shelley’s landmark poem, Maxine Peake and producer Sarah Frankcom (of the Royal Exchange) tell the story of the disaffected, impoverished masses attempting to rail against a merciless establishment. Still taught in colleges around the country to this day as a turning point in parlimentary reform, the atrocities at Peterloo were not for naught – though that doesn’t make the pain suffered any less affecting. Being staged in close proximity to the place where 15 protestors lost their lives on that day in August 1819, this is sure to be an emotionally powerful and moving performance in a truly unique space.

Fri 12 – Sun 14 Jul, Albert Hall, Peter Street, M2 5QJ, 9pm (Sat 11 Jul performance at 11pm), £12, www.quaytickets.com