The Lowry Studio in Salford is setting off in a new northerly direction.
With a commitment to programming more northern and north west-based theatre companies, it is out to become Greater Manchester’s home to the best of new and developing northern theatre.
This season, work has already begun on shifting to the new northern focus, with northern companies accounting for approximately 65% of the new programme, featuring 11 companies and artists from the Greater Manchester area.
Leading the race north is The Lowry’s associate artist Kill the Beast, which is currently relocating from London to Manchester.
Producer Zoe Roberts said: “We can't wait to set up shop in Manchester. The amazing financial and creative support The Lowry have given us, along with the excitement of the ever-growing arts scene in cities like Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool makes it feel like the start of a real adventure.
“The costs of London living make it almost impossible for young, creative companies to take risks, and it will be wonderful to finally have the freedom and the capacity to try new things, to create lasting regional links with amazing organisations, and to feel part of an emerging creative community.”
Kill the Beast wowed audiences with its first ever production, created as part of The Lowry’s ‘Developed With’ programme.
The Boy Who Kicked Pigs, an adaptation of Tom Baker’s cult novel, premièred in The Studio in 2011 to acclaim. This year, Kill the Beast returns with He Had Hairy Hands, a brand new tale of supernatural slaughter, from June 5-6.