Theatre: Alistair McDowall’s Manchester-set Pomona at the Royal Exchange

If you’ve ever taken the Metrolink to Salford then you’ll know of Pomona, that undeveloped island in the heart of the metropolis. This strange hinterland has inspired a major play, which comes to the Royal Exchange Theatre. Described as dark, grim, of our times and, most of all, hugely entertaining, Pomona is a surreal thriller written by the acclaimed young writer, Alistair McDowall. First staged at the Orange Tree theatre in Richmond, London, the play received plaudits from the national press, and drew comparisons to Stephen Poliakoff. It soon transferred to the National Theatre, and is now coming our way for a three week run. McDowall has had great success at the RX before: his play Brilliant Adventures was staged there in 2011, and it earned him the Bruntwood Prize. Set in a dystopian world where reality and urban myth collide, the play centres on Ollie, who is searching for her lost twin sister. She discovers that all roads lead to the titular island, and that this is a place where nightmares are born.

Thu 29 Oct – Sat 21 Nov, Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester, M2 7DH.Tel: 0161 833 9833, times vary, £12, www.royalexchange.co.uk