New theatre: Word of Warning’s roving performance programme returns to Manchester

Word of Warning began back in 2012 as a newsletter aimed at those seeking something a little different when it came to theatre, stage work and innovative nights out. Now a roving programme, over 100 events have taken place in a variety of non-traditional spaces – from tower blocks and garden centres, to semi-derelict theatres and unsuspecting city squares. With their new Spring 2020 season, the Word of Warning team have gathered together an enviable list of the daring, bizarre and bold to treat North West audiences. It all starts at The Lowry on Wednesday 12 February with Harry Clayton-Wright’s outrageously frank solo performance Sex Education. Meanwhile, there’s an unflinching examination of religion, pop-culture and black representation over at The Royal Exchange from Thursday 19 to Saturday 21 March with Jamal Gerald’s unapologetic Idol.

A return to The Lowry swiftly follows for a performance of Jo Bannon’s ensemble dance piece We Are Fucked on Wednesday 1 April – however it’s their take over of the delightfully rough-and-ready NIAMOS in Hulme that promises to really tickle the fancy of those after something a little more risk-taking. Playing host to half of Word of Warning’s Spring line-up, this off-the-beaten-track space will see Emergency StopGap grace its stage on Thursday 27 February for a pay-what-you-feel evening that offers something bright and beautiful for curious audiences. Sneak previews of double-bills at the start of their creative journeys will follow on Thursday 21 and Friday 22 May, rounding out Word of Warning’s refreshingly unconventional line-up. Those looking for more of the same can sign up to the Weekly Warning newsletter for regular updates on unmissable upcoming shows. Explore Word of Warning’s full 2020 line up here.