Our next pair of previews will showcase the incredible talent of two of Manchester's funniest and loveliest performers. Join us on Monday 3rd July for brand new work-in-progress shows from: Ben Hodge

It's a Boy? is from the wildly creative comic mind of Ben Hodge, Liverpool Echo's Top 30 under 30 and winner of Into Film Documentary of the Year 2020. 'Ben is such an exciting act. Tonnes of charm and stage presence all topped off with killer jokes' (Kiri Pritchard-Mclean). 'Relatable and likeable yet infinitely self-aware' (Blizzard Comedy). Ben Hodge debuts his first live one-man show exploring themes of gender expression and trans masculinity in relation to growing up in a world where his transgender identity was sought out through Yorkie bars and Closer magazine.

"Ben is such an exciting act. Tonnes of charm and stage presence all topped off with killer jokes" - Kiri Pritchard-Mclean
"Relatable and likeable yet infinitely self-aware" - Blizzard Comedy

and Tom Short

Occult cabaret horror stand-up show but none of the booked acts have shown up therefore it falls on our host, the spectral Tom Short (2019 Chortle student comedian runner-up, 2019 Leicester square new comedian finalist) to tell scary stories, fortune tell and channel spirits to make his way to the end of the show.

Imagine the Rocky horror picture show crossed with Basil Fawlty. Exploring themes of the occult and horror in many facets of life, such as politics, the cost of living and celebrity.

"Stupidly entertaining set, which was loose but impressively thought-through. And, most crucially, hilarious." - Chortle

Ticket link

Visit Show Website

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You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

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Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
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Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
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Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
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