Block the Block @ TWT25

“No longer subdued by your double speak,
our blinkers are off to your well-meaning cultural cleaning,

Come and unfurl your banner,
Raise your head and raise the light
We represent social housing tenants,
We demand a home to feel safe in,
a home for life.”

– Tina Cribbin

Block the Block follows a tireless group of Hulme residents as they fight a tenacious battle to try and stop predatory developers and Manchester City Council from turning an old pub into another soaring tower block.

Formed out of official documents and interviews with the campaigners, this documentary play combines heartfelt performances and original music to show a steadfast community taking on a rigged system.

The campaign is still ongoing.

Performances are 2.30pm and 7.30pm, on Friday 10th October. The evening show will be followed by a discussion with campaigners.

NOTE ON TICKETS:

• This event is free for TWT25 ticket holders, but still requires pre-booking to manage capacity in the theatre. Non-TWT25 ticket holders can attend by purchasing a ticket here.
• If you choose a free 'Block the Block, TWT25 ticket holder' ticket, you must display a valid TWT25 wristband for entry, one per ticket.
• If you choose a 'Block the Block only, no TWT25' ticket, you will not require a TWT wristband for entry to this event.
• You can purchase tickets for The World Transformed 2025 here

Written by Nathaniel McBride

Nathaniel McBride’s earlier plays include Dictating to the Estate (2022), about events leading up to the Grenfell Tower fire.

Directed by Joe Gilmour

Joe Gilmour creates seriously entertaining theatre - stories with something to say, told in an engaging, accessible way. He has previously created socially engaged work with the Royal Exchange, the Lowry and Leeds Playhouse. While Youth Theatre Director at the Octagon Bolton, he commissioned new scripts, developed partnerships with top drama schools LAMDA and RADA, and launched the actor training programme Young Octagon. He has worked as Associate Director for Told by an Idiot, and Resident Director on productions of Evita, A Chorus Line (Leicester Curve) and My Beautiful Laundrette (National Theatre/Curve).

Produced by Debbie Beeks

Debbie Beeks is a producer of urgent theatre and engagement projects working across Newcastle, Leeds and Manchester. Previously working for Curious Monkey, Cardboard Citizens, Lawnmowers Independent Theatre Company, Queens Hall Hexham, Seven Stories.

Performed by Lisa Allen, Krissi Bohn, Shaban Dar, Simon Naylor, Susan Twist.