Stage: Beatboxing and music combine in madcap adventure Crongton Knights at The Lowry

This world premiere is an adaptation of the young adult novel by Alex Wheatle MBE, which won the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize in 2016. Coming to the Lowry in mid-March, Crongton Knights centres on teenager McKay and his friends from the tough, inner-city Crongton Estate. They try to keep their heads down but when a friend finds herself in trouble, they set out on a journey which takes them further than any of them imagined. This madcap night sees this group, calling themselves The Magnificent Six, encounter the dangers and triumphs of a rescue mission gone awry. It’s all set to a soundtrack by the acclaimed musician Conrad Murray, with beatboxing and vocals laid down by the cast. The play stars Olisa Odele (E4’s Chewing Gum, BBC’s Scarborough) as McKay, alongside a diverse cast of up-and comers from stage and screen. Crongton Knights is the second production from a new partnership which aims to develop theatre for younger audiences.

Energetic and engaging adaptation
★★★★ The Stage

What really brings the emotional tug to the play is the actors’ enthusiasm and energy. The cohesive ensemble is strong
★★★★ Whatsonstage