Theatre Productions

Since its remarkable collaborative creation in 2018, featuring original work from 9 composers and a libretto by 'Manchester Poet', Tony Walsh, this unique and inspiring piece has been hailed as an example of what music and  theatre can do, to celebrate the best of our past and learn from it too. Set in Heaton Park and told through the eyes of the iconic and cherished lions, ‘These Days’ takes you on a beautiful and visceral journey from sunrise to sunset, sharing the tears of war and the laughter and joy of all that we value in peace time.

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From Suffragette rallies to William Grimshaw’s joyous gramophone concerts of Caruso, to the Manchester Pals First World War army camp and the 1939 RAF base.  From Pope John Paul II’s visit, to family picnics, boat rides, Oasis concerts and generations of photos beside the lions.  

This piece creates a legacy for our times and revels in the sunshine days of childhood whilst commemorating our universal quest for peace and all that we cherish across our region. ​

Fusing music, poetry and drama, ‘These Days’ is a modern classical song cycle with libretto by the acclaimed Manchester poet Tony Walsh, dramaturgy and direction by Caroline Clegg and musical direction by Thomas D Hopkinson. It is especially composed for solo voices and choirs by a team of outstanding composers, all based in the north, whose combined experience covers over five decades: Nicola LeFanu (lead composer), Emily Howard, Ailis Ni Riain, Anna Appleby, Lizzy Gur, Lucy Hale, Freya Ireland, Grace-Evangeline Mason, and Carmel Smickersgill.  

Songs of warmth and humour revel in the sunshine days of childhood alongside reflective poignant harmonies that commemorate our universal quest for peace. With additional poetry and words by kind permission of Simon Armitage and the Wilfred Owen Association, Lindsay Williams and Cathy Crabb. 

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By popular request following its world premiere in 2018, we were delighted to perform this special show once more, and we were so glad to welcome those of you who were able to join us at Manchester's Cathedral on Remembrance Sunday 2019. In this unique space, projected images shine against the ancient cathedral organ, completing the journey.

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When ​'These Days' previewed in Heaton Hall in 2018, the Lord Mayor then, Councillor June Hitchin accepted it as a gift to the City of Manchester for use in schools and community groups with any future profits going to the Forever Manchester charity.