Pantomimes are often the first time many people, especially children, experience the joy of live theatre. As we know from our own community, pantos remain incredibly important to many at this time of year. At Contact, we believe everyone should be able to enjoy that initial experience- even when money is tight. This is why we offer lower priced ‘Pinch Tickets’, available for anyone who needs them. No proof, no questions... just the option to choose the 'Pinch' price at checkout. 
 
We do this because Contact isn’t just a theatre. We have been a movement, a meeting point and a home to so many for over 50 years. At the centre of Manchester’s most creatively charged corridor, we’re a centre for young people’s creativity, imagination and leadership. 

Keep reading to see the first few paragraphs of Jack’s article in Oxford Road Corridor’s Autumn zine, or head to their website for the whole piece: Brochures - Oxford Road Corridor  

"When I became CEO of Contact earlier this year, the space was buzzing with a possibility I was excited to develop. Because Contact isn’t just a theatre. For over 50 years now it has been a movement, a meeting point and a home. Based on Oxford Road, right at the centre of Manchester’s most creatively charged corridor, we’re a centre for young people’s creativity, imagination and leadership. Not only within the arts and culture but in how the world could be... 

"We believe that creativity is a tool for change. That the arts should be by and for everyone, not just the privileged few. That young people are not ‘emerging’ or 'developing’, but already fully capable of making bold, brilliant, world-class work, especially when given space, support and trust. In a time when arts funding is shrinking, cultural spaces are closing and youth services are under pressure, places like Contact are more essential than ever. We’re holding space, quite literally, for ideas, identities and energy that might otherwise go unheard or unseen.  

"This season, our programme reflects exactly what makes Contact special: it’s sharp, political, accessible, joyous and totally alive.”  

To read the rest of what Jack has to say about Contact’s programming this season, head over to The Oxford Road Corridor’s digital brochure: Brochures - Oxford Road Corridor