HOME is going open-air this summer.
Our lives have been pretty cultureless since the pandemic rolled into town, aside from our daily Netflix binge-watch, of course. Providing culture by the bucketload this summer, HOME is coming back with a bang, with a brand new outdoor venue in the works to ease us back into all things art, theatre and comedy.
Aptly titled Homeground, the new space will allow Mancs to enjoy HOME’s unbeatable programmes in a COVID-safe environment this summer, with the Manchester sun shining down on us while we enjoy incredible musicals, cabaret shows, stand-up comedy and more.
Opening on May 28th, the site is set to span an area three times the size of Albert Square, with a Cabinet of Curiosities theme running throughout and a 400-seat capacity for the unique theatre space.
At the heart of Homeground will be two fantastic musical productions reimagining some of the biggest literary classics of all time – including Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Alice In Wonderland. A Midsummer Night’s Dream will open on the 3rd June, running until 26th June, with Alice In Wonderland taking to the stage on 15th July and closing on 7th August. HOME will also be partnering with popular comedy club Frog & Bucket and Contact and Trans Creative, who’ll be hosting work over the summer.
Elsewhere, guests will also get the chance to explore a second stage called The Manchester Stage, which will feature DJ slots curated by DJ Paulette, and a Manchester Folk Festival takeover, among other free events. Food-wise, there’ll be plenty up for grabs, with food and drink stallholders including Black Market Espresso, Basilico pizza, Wolf to the Door cocktails and Tibetan Kitchen.
Dave Moutrey, HOME’s Director and CEO, said: “As we start to emerge from the strangest year many of us have ever experienced, arts and culture play a vital role in the recovery of the country. We all want to bring a sense of hope and joy back to our communities, and to provide more opportunities for an artistic freelance sector decimated by the pandemic.
“And we want accessibility for all to be at the heart of this project, which is why there is a low-cost or free programme, as well as free performances for schools. People in our city, especially young people, have been deprived of live theatre for the past year – we want this to be a celebration of Manchester’s creativity and resilience.
“I’m delighted to announce Homeground, which will be a safe and enjoyable space for the people of Manchester to have fun, reconnect and celebrate the city’s artistic talent in all its forms.”
More shows and events are set to be announced over the coming weeks, so keep your eyes peeled right here for updates.
[Featured image: HOME]