PAST PRODUCTIONS
If you'd like further information on any of our productions, past or present please contact us
GYPSY QUEEN
Can two men raised to fight ever learn to love?
The story of ‘Gorgeous ‘George O’Connell, bare‐knuckle fighter and traveller, who enters the world of professional boxing which puts him on a collision course with his roots, his identity and his greatest fear.
In the opposite corner, gay boxer Dane ‘The Pain’ Samson is fighting his own battles that lead to a tragedy that neither could predict.
"Heart-breaking, raw and highly emotional, this really is one not to miss"
Broadway Baby
OUT/LOUD
This ground-breaking verbatim play explores homophobia and hate crime and is the UK’s longest running anti-homophobia theatre-in-education project. Seen by over 50,000 young people, the play is based on interviews with young LGBT+ people in Greater Manchester and is updated annually to give a true reflection of their experiences and thoughts.
Click here to see Hive North presenting Out/LOUD as part of the Exceeding Expectations project.
“The best theatre in education I’ve seen. It was really well targeted and got the message across.”
Senior Assistant Head Teacher, Whalley Range High School
RAINBOW CONNECTION
He’s Brie, She’s Dairylea.
Joanne Sherryden’s award-winning rom-com without the rom was first performed at the 24/7 Theatre Festival and later at the Library Theatre’s RE:PLAY Festival at The Lowry.
“The best sort of theatre...zingy, bitchy humour and a genuinely moving story...you’ll leave thoroughly uplifted and smiling. ”
Manchester Evening News
THE LARAMIE PROJECT: 10 YEARS LATER
Hive North were invited by Tectonic Theatre Project to present the UK premiere of this new play at The Lowry, as part of a global event broadcast live from New York and hosted by Glen Close.
Ten years after the murder of Matthew Shepard, Moisés Kaufman and members of Tectonic returned to Laramie to look again at Matthew’s legacy and explore the effects one shocking hate crime can have on a family, a community and a country.
“a personal triumph for director Adam Zane...an exceptional production”
Whatsonstage
HERE COMES TANGO
This play tells the inspirational true story of Tango – a baby penguin raised by Roy and Silo, two male Chin-strap penguins in Central Park Zoo. Mr Grouch the zoo-keeper learns the true meaning of family and some truly terrible jokes in this fast and funny production.
Using comedy, puppetry and the true story of Tango the play introduces its audience to Billy and George who discover that not all baby animals are raised by a mummy and a daddy.
“I learnt that all families come in different shapes and sizes – I enjoyed every minute of it!”
Pupil, Alma Park Primary School
THE LARAMIE PROJECT
Hive North's first production was the North-west premiere of Tectonic Theater Project’s The Laramie Project.
On October 7th 1998, a young gay man was discovered bound to a fence in the hills outside Laramie, Wyoming, savagely beaten and left to die in an act of brutality and hate that shocked the world. Matthew Shepard’s death became a symbol of intolerance and inspired the multi award-winning verbatim play and film The Laramie Project.
“A beautiful display of humanity, tolerance and acceptance...the theatrical and political highlight of my year.”
Julie Hesmondhalgh
YESTERDAY, WHEN I WAS YOUNG
This sexy and laugh-out-loud comedy follows Josie Pickering as she recreates her remarkable journey from 1950’s Salford housewife to lesbian mistress of the night. Created from over fifty interviews with the real Josie, this outrageous, true story follows one woman’s journey as she discovers the twilight world of basques and bondage and finds her true calling as a dominatrix Madam. This award-winning play toured to the Edinburgh Fringe, The Lowry and the Kings Head Theatre
“Superbly written and directed with outstanding flair. Erin Shanagher was stunning, her charisma, presence, vulnerability and comic timing had the audience spellbound”
OutNorthWest
TO RUSSIA WITH LOVE
To mark the opening of the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Manchester's LGBT theatre community presented 24 hours of protest and a performance at Contact to draw attention to homophobia in the host country and to send a message of love and support to the LGBT community in Russia.
“This fascinating collective was hugely entertaining...a thought-provoking and challenging event”
Canal St Online
VILLAGE VOICES
We’ve all been doing it; sailors in the 40’s, gay activists in the 60’s, Aids activists in the 80’s, the post Queer as Folk scene queens and disco bunnies of today. This is our Village, these are our stories. We’re all doing it, and this time its real!
Village Voices was Hope’s first original verbatim piece and explored Manchester’s LGBT history and the experiences of people who work and play in the Gay Village. Adam Zane worked with LGBT Youth Groups, Age Concern and Manchester City Council to create a unique portrait of the city.
“One of the region’s most innovative theatre companies...fast becoming the nation’s leading specialist in verbatim theatre.”
OutNorthWest
GET HAPPY! & HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS
Get Happy! the captivating story of Judy Garland was followed by Debbie Saloman reprising her mesmerising and unique portrait of the star. From the golden age of Hollywood to the bright lights of Broadway, this breathtaking performance brought the music and magic of the world’s greatest entertainer back to the stage with a festive twist.
Performed to sell-out houses at The Lowry and the Kings Head Theatre.
“A captivating performance...mesmerising stuff”
CityLife