‘Who are they for? The developers or the people of Manchester?’

‘Once we’ve been betrayed by the council, we’ve nothing to lose.’

One campaign reveals a universal tale of people vs. profit.

Block the Block follows a tireless group of Hulme residents trying to stop Manchester City Council and a private developer from turning an old pub into another soaring tower block. It's an inspiring and enraging tale of power, politics and local activism. This David and Goliath story asks big questions about community, private profit and the right to have a say about your local area.

The play uses council reports, recordings of meetings and interviews to reveal how local authorities are able to impose developments on communities, and how communities have organised to resist them.

With a cast of five actors, this script-in-hand performance is the first time the play will be heard.

About the writer:

Nathaniel McBride is a documentary theatre maker. His earlier projects include Dictating to the Estate (2022), a documentary play about events leading up to the Grenfell Tower fire.

‘McBride’s powerful drama is an audit of all the failings before the disastrous fire and an indirect reflection on what has – or has not – happened since.’ The Guardian.

About the director:

Joe Gilmour creates seriously entertaining theatre - stories with something to say, told in an engaging, accessible way. He has previously created socially engaged work with the Royal Exchange, the Lowry and Leeds Playhouse. While Youth Theatre Director at the Octagon Bolton, he commissioned new scripts, developed partnerships with top drama schools LAMDA and RADA, and launched the actor training programme Young Octagon. He has worked as Associate Director for Told by an Idiot, and Resident Director on productions of Evita, A Chorus Line (Leicester Curve) and My Beautiful Laundrette (National Theatre/Curve).

Credits:

Director: Joe Gilmour
Dramaturgy: Lindsay Rodden & Lisa Goldman
Sound Design: Patch Middleton
Producer: Debbie Beeks

Tickets:

This is a free event with tickets managed by the producer. If you would like to attend, please email secondcircuitplay@gmail.com