Theatre and Concert Visits
Contact: Margaret Hinde
Tel: 01565 872643
Email: info@knutsfordu3a.co.uk
BOOKINGS FOR THEATRE AND CONCERT VISITS – Clarification of Procedure
The preferred method of booking is by Credit / Debit card or PayPal on our On-line Tickets page. It is very easy to use and you will get email confirmation of your booking.
Alternatively bookings can be made by using a bookings form and a cheque made payable to Knutsford u3a. PLEASE use a separate booking form and a separate cheque (with the name of the performance on the back of the cheque) for each event and send to Margaret Hinde, 1 Warford Hall Drive, Great Warford, Alderley Edge, SK9 7TR. If you want confirmation that you have the places you want, please enclose a stamped addressed envelope. Usually your cheque will not be paid in until two weeks before the event. If an outing is fully booked when we receive your cheque you will be informed and placed on the waiting list.
Places on u3a trips and outings can only be booked for full or associate members of Knutsford u3a. If you need to bring a companion/carer to enable you to take part in a trip or visit please see our Accessibility Policy.
We hope to take bookings for the current performances at our general meetings but cannot guarantee the availability at the time of the meeting. In other words please book early to be sure of a place!
‘NORTH BY NORTH WEST’
At the ‘HOME Arts Centre’, Manchester
Adapted for the stage from the Hitchcock film by Emma Rice
Wednesday, April 30th, 7.30 pm
Coach departs 6 pm.
SOLD OUT
Cost £22.00, including transport
This may be a new venue for some of you! ‘Home’ is a comparatively new Arts Centre, situated in Manchester City Centre, close to the Bridgewater Hall, which opened in 2015. It was formed through a merger of the Library Theatre, the Contact Theatre and Cornerhouse cinema and funded by Manchester City Council, amongst others. It houses 2 theatres, 5 cinema screens, a gallery space for exhibitions of contemporary art, a café bar and a restaurant. It has a very varied programme of performances.
‘North by North West’ has been adapted from the Hitchcock film by Emma Rice. Emma has been a successful director for many years. Following two years as Artistic Director of Shakespear’s ‘Globe’ she won the ‘Outstanding Contribution to British Theatre Award’ in 2019. With ‘North by Northwest’ she has turned the cinema thriller into a riotously funny stage production.
“With just six shape shifting performers, a fabulous 50’s soundtrack, and a LOT OF HATS! – We are promised a night of glamour and romance.” (Home publicity)
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE 1936
Adapted from William Shakespeare
Thursday, 27th February 2025
Cost, including transport, £42
SOLD OUT
The Quays theatre at the Lowry, Salford
Coach departs 6pm promptly
I watched this clever production earlier this year. My friends and I all enjoyed it so much I feel I can confidently recommend it to you. It is a striking adaptation of Shakespeare’s play, set in 1930s East London, during the rise of the fascist Oswald Mosley and his antisemitic ‘blackshirts’, which led to the battle of Cable Street in 1936.
Tracy-Ann Oberman (Noises Off; Doctor Who; East Enders) stars as Shylock in a strong passionate performance, which gives the play a memorable relevance for today. Equally unforgettable, for me, was the projection of chilling newsreel footage from the Thirties as a backdrop to the troubles.
The production transferred from Manchester to the West End for the summer, where it gained excellent reviews and became a sell-out. It will be performed in the smaller Quays Theatre at the Lowry, which will add to its impact I think. I am delighted to have the opportunity to watch it again!
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Tuesday, June 3rd – The Smash-hit National Theatre Production ‘Dear England’, at the Lowry
Thursday, July 3rd – ‘The Midnight Bell’, a Matthew Bourne ballet, at the Lowry