Fancy outdoor theatre in the sun this summer? Look out for five new shows arriving in Manchester from Heartbreak Productions. The West Midlands thespians will bring alive the works of David Walliams, Jane Austen, Shakespeare and more to Didsbury’s picturesque Fletcher Moss gardens. Bring a picnic and something to sit on. Concession, family and covered-seating premium tickets are available for all performances.
Billionaire Boy
David Walliams’ bestselling children’s book tells the story of Joe Spud, a rich kid in search of a friend whose family is selling up fast. Meet the actors at the helicopter pad outside Bumfresh Towers for a charming tale of love, loss and friendship. Just watch out for The Grubbs – they’re bad news!
Fri 23 Jun – Sun 25 Jun, Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens, Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 2SW, times vary, £16, www.heartbreakproductions.co.uk
The Taming Of The Shrew
This outdoor adaptation of a 16th century tale, once adapted into the high school movie 10 Things I Hate About You, explores the “perfect” marriage. Shakespeare’s controversial story is more tender than you think, as Heartbreak bring The Taming Of The Shrew to life with live music, humour and audience interaction.
Fri 30 Jun – Sun 2 Jul, Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens, Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 2SW, times vary, £16, www.heartbreakproductions.co.uk
The Secret Garden 2017
Relocated from India to the Yorkshire moors, little orphan Mary discovers a hidden garden in this story of foliage, mystery and friendship. The classic children’s tale, most famous for its 1970s BBC adaptation, is brought to vivid life by Heartbreak Productions: this is bound to add a touch of magic to your summer’s evening.
Fri 18 Aug – Sun 20 Aug, Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens, Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 2SW, times vary, £16, www.heartbreakproductions.co.uk
Murder On The Terrace 2017
Joining Heartbreak’s adaptations this year is an original, interactive murder-mystery. Who did away with wine empire heir Charles, and why was he clutching a parrot? See if you can solve the mystery before sardonic Inspector Back, amid the twists and turns of a funny and entertaining whodunit.
Wed 23 Aug – Thu 24 Aug, Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens, Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 2SW, 7.30pm, £16, www.heartbreakproductions.co.uk
Northanger Abbey
There is pleasure in a good novel, and even more pleasure in an outdoor adaptation of a Jane Austen classic that bursts with social commentary, humour and parody. This story of faux friendships and real romance was quite the satire when published, and it’ll make for an excellent August evening’s entertainment as summer draws to a close.
Fri 25 Aug – Sun 27 Aug, Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens, Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 2SW, times vary, £16, www.heartbreakproductions.co.uk
- Words:
- Fat Roland
- Published on:
- Sun 20 Aug 2017
