Monkeywood are Martin Gibbons, Sarah McDonald Hughes and Francesca Waite.
They have been together since 2003, producing plays in Manchester to great acclaim.
Dec 2009: Last Orders by Sarah McDonald Hughes, was accepted by the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, to be part of their PUB season. The studio was turned into a functioning traditional English pub in November/December with Monkeywood performing on Thu 3 Dec, alongside ‘pub landlord’ James Quinn, in their favourite positions – at the bar!
July 2009: Maine Road by Sarah McDonald Hughes, directed by Martin Gibbons. Receiving 4 star reviews when it premiered at Manchester’s 24:7 Theatre Festival. Whatsonstage summed it up with 4 stars as… “a gentle and moving play examining the effect of change upon those things from which we derive our identity and sense of community…. Maine Road avoids nostalgia to deliver a bittersweet, moving tale that is highly recommended.”
More dates for Maine Road have been announced at The Lowry for March 2010 with a further tour still to be announced. Watch this space!
Oct 2008: A Song for the Lovers, at The Lowry in Salford, directed by Jo Fisher. Marking Sarah’s playwriting debut, it was given 5 stars by whatsonstage, described as “highly charged and engaging…packed with humour and pathos”, making their final list of top productions of 2008.
July 2006: A Song for the Lovers by Sarah McDonald Hughes debuted at Manchester’s 24:7 Theatre Festival.
May – June 2005: Coach G was written and directed by Stephen Morris. Performed in Manchester at Taurus Bar, Chorlton Arts Festival and Studio Salford. “Hip… edgy and watchable… compelling and intriguing new play… well-served by a talented young cast.” – Manchester Evening News.
Oct 2003: Closer by Patrick Marber. Directed by Steven Hobson. The venue was Platt Chapel, a 300 year old church building on Wilmslow Road, 5 minutes from Manchester City Centre.