History of creative work
Monkeywood Theatre Company was set up in 2003 by four young, professional actors.
Our first production was ‘Closer’ by Patrick Marber, which we produced at Platt Chapel (a rather unlikely theatre venue) in Fallowfield in October 2003.
Following this we toured our own brand new play, Coach G by Stephen Morris in 2005 which received rave reviews, described by the Manchester Evening News as “Hip…edgy and watchable…a compelling and intriguing new play…well-served by a talented young cast.”
In 2006 we produced another new play, ‘A Song For The Lovers’, written by Sarah McDonald Hughes. The play was selected to be part of the third 24:7 theatre festival of new writing in Manchester.
The play was then redeveloped and redirected and opened The Lowry’s first ever Studio Season in October 2008, receiving fantastic responses from audiences and reviewers alike. A Song for the Lovers was named as one of What’s On Stage’s top productions of 2008. Click here to see more
‘Maine Road’, by Sarah McDonald Hughes, was premiered at the 2009 24:7 Theatre Festival. A radio version of the play was also shortlisted for the BBC’s prestigious Alfred Bradley Bursary Award 2009.
In addition to developing exciting projects for 2010, Monkeywood will be finishing off 2009 by taking part in the Royal Exchange\’s Pub season. Written by Sarah, ‘Last Orders’ will see the familiar company from Maine Road taking up their favourite positions – at the bar!