Top 3: Flying Solo Festival at Contact

Celebrating live art, spoken word, theatre, performance and dance, Flying Solo returns this month with an exciting line-up of international artists including Victoria Melody and her Basset Hound, Mr Tom, and commissioned work from Greg Wohead. Taking place between Wednesday 12 March and Saturday 22 March, here are our picks of ones to watch. Full programme here.

Kaleider’s You With Me
Swapping the comfort of a theatre for a much more interactive experience, You With Me is a one-on-one performance that takes place over the phone. Designed by performance company Kaleider, you will be directed through the city over a 45-minute call, for a unique and innovative experience in which you, as the only audience member, star. Establishing a sense of trust with the voice on the other end, all you need to do is turn up and make the call. Time and place will be given to you when you book.
Wed 12 Mar – Sat 15 Mar, location given upon booking, Tel: 0161 2740600, every hour 3pm – 9pm, £9, contactmcr.com

Sophie Willan – The Novice Detective
The winner of Flying Solo 2012, Sophie Willan (pictured), returns to the festival following a national tour. Somewhat of a homecoming show, The Novice Detective is a heart-warming comedy in which Sophie’s father goes missing, only leaving behind a photo and a ‘90s pop album. Described as ‘unpredictable, smart and hilarious’ by WhatsOnStage, join Sophie – and her psychic Gran – as they set out to solve the case in this mix of theatre, storytelling and wit.
Sat 22 Mar, Contact, Oxford Road, M15 6JA. Tel: 0161 2740600, 8.30pm, £9, contactmcr.com

Jo Bannon – Exposure
An extraordinary and intimate show, live art and performance artist, Jo Bannon, takes inspiration from her albinism to explore autobiography and the way we present ourselves, both to another and with another. Prompting an element of self reflect, the project is performed one-to-one, as the audience becomes a part of the show. A simple but unusual project, it investigates ‘how we look, how we are looked at and if we can ever really be seen’.
Wed 12 Mar – Thu 13 Mar, Contac, Oxford Road, M15 6JA. Tel: 0161 2740600, 5pm – 7pm or 8pm – 9pm, £3, contactmcr.com