New theatre: Contact’s She Bangs The Drums at MSI ft. suffragettes & women galore

She Bangs The Drums is one of the first productions of Contact theatre’s Contact In The City season running at sites around Manchester until May while the theatre building is transformed. This one at the Museum of Science & Industry (MSI), with Handlooms coming up in mid March at at Alankar House of Sarees (a real-life sari shop in Rusholme – read our preview). In case you hadn’t noticed, a full century has passed since the Representation of the People Act (1918) changed politics and lives in this country for ever, giving full voting rights to men, and partial voting rights to women. As part of the many celebrations to mark the occasion, this piece, featuring CYC (Contact Young Company) and directed by Louise Mothersole and Rebecca Biscuit, delves into our rich local history and explores some familiar voices (from the Pankhursts to the Chartists), along with some new ones, to reflect on the last hundred years and what the future might hold. Part of Wonder Women Festival 2018, expect plenty about our Suffragette City.

Thu 8–Sun 11 Mar, Museum of Science and Industry, Liverpool Road, Manchester, M3 4FP, Tel: 0161 274 0600, 2.30pm & 7.30pm (& 11.30am Thu & Fri), £7-13, www.contactmcr.com

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