The 24:7 Theatre Festival has been an eagerly anticipated part of Manchester’s summer calendar since 2004. Ahead of the event taking place July 24-26, founder David Slack discusses what the festival means and why it's important.
What was the original motivation for setting up 24:7?
In 2002, I was performing in a show at the Edinburgh Fringe called ‘Fear of Fanny’, and at the same time filming 'Cold Feet' in Manchester. I realised that there was a need for an actors' showcase in Manchester. Amanda Hennessy and I developed the first 24:7 Festival in July 2004, which featured 17 plays. It was hard work, and a real challenge, but it showed that the idea could be a success. Although the venues have changed over the years, we have broadly kept the same format ever since.
What makes 24:7 special?
The key is collaboration between actors, directors and writers, and with the various venues we have used. Although a showcase for actors, over the years the focus has become the writing. We put together the best possible festival, based on open calls for participants. We look to find people that are determined enough to put something on, to be theatre-makers. We work closely with emerging writers to develop their plays. Ultimately we develop people.
How has theatre in Manchester changed in the 11 years since the first festival?
In 2004 there were very few small scale theatre productions. We wanted to prove that there was an audience for these shows, running at just under an hour long. And of course, there was no social media - it was all word of mouth, posters and flyers. We were in a position to take risks. Now we have a vibrant small scale theatre scene across many venues. The major theatres have also become better at developing new writing talent.
What is the thinking behind this year's programme?
We are always trying to do something new with 24:7, and to build on what we are good at. The Martin Harris Centre is a new venue for us, but the space is ideal, and the focus is still on exciting new writing. This year we have four main productions, a series of six monologues, a family-friendly adventure in Manchester Museum and a collaboration with Canberra's 'You Are Here' festival. There are also two rehearsed readings, a writers' workshop and an actors' workshop.
David Slack won the Special Achievement Award at the 2015 Manchester Theatre Awards for his work developing 24:7 Theatre Festival.
24:7 Festival, July 24-26, various venues.
See more things to do in Manchester from Time Out.