Star date: 9th July 2017

GRITTY REALISM MEETS SALFORD WOMAN POWER

The Salford Belles
Monday 17th-Saturday 22nd July 7:30pm
Hope Mill Theatre £14

Gritty kitchen sink drama and dark humour punctuate The Salford Belles, an adult only tale of three Salford women who yearn for a change after a lifetime of cooking, cleaning, and caring in cobblestone land. It's like Sixties Coronation Street goes feral, as Ian Leslie discovers.

Full preview here...

'Living on the breadline in the backstreets of Salford was never destined to be glamorous but after a lifetime of cooking, cleaning, caring and conspiring, Queenie, Mary and Martha are at their wits end. They yearn for change – but at what cost?'

The Salford Belles is a tantalising play that is jam-packed with gritty realism and top quality northern references. It seems the perfect fit for the GM Fringe as it fuses many elements of classic local drama. Shelagh Delany's A Taste of Honey and aspects of vintage Coronation Street are evident in this punchy drama.

The Salford Belles affectionately looks back at a bygone era. It's a distinctly working-class tale that focuses on the struggles faced by three strong Salfordian ladies in a spirited, kitchen-sink drama that will resonate with fans of great comedic dramas like The Royle Family and Billy Liar. It is a well observed and nuanced piece that will pull at the heart strings, but also deliver dry, and at times, bawdy local humour. 

Director Sebastian Shaw, who has many successful roles under his belt already, including Bobby in Emmerdale, is buzzing with excitement about his imminent Greater Manchester Fringe Festival debut... "It's all new and exciting but I can't wait to bring The Salford Belles to Hope Mill."

With a strong TV and theatre background, Sebastian decided to set up LS Theatre Productions in 2008. It's an independent theatre company with a growing reputation for creating unique and diverse pieces. Sebastian uses his knowhow to breathe life into interesting stories, and give opportunities to other talented performers.

They have a great ethos that encourages grass-roots performers to share the stage with well-known actors. Many familiar faces have graced the stage in LS Theatre Company plays. Past performers include Carley Stenson (Hollyoaks, Legally Blonde, Shrek), Olivier nominated actress Rachel Leskovac (Coronation Street, Accused), Danielle Steers (Beautiful, Legally Blonde, We Will Rock You) and Charlotte Tyree (This Is England 86) along with countless others.

I asked Sebastian what the audience can expect from The Salford Belles... "The audience can expect a real nostalgic trip down memory lane, mixed with the warmth of old Corrie and its larger than life characters. The play has the grit of the raw humour of the Kes and Rita, Sue and Bob, too."

The Salford Belles has all the ingredients for a great, unpretentious night out. It promises to be a no-holds-barred yet emotive drama. It is an authentic tale with believable and identifiable characters. The show also contains realistic and natural dialogue, so be prepared for adult language and some fittingly, lewd humour.

Or, as the blurb states...'Join the Salford Belles in Jack Land Noble's hilarious dark comic soap opera and discover what goes on behind closed doors...when the washing's brought in from the rain and the curtains are drawn. One thing's for sure, a woman's work is never done!'

The Salford Belles
Monday 17th-Saturday 22nd July 7:30pm
Hope Mill Theatre
Hope Mill
113 Pollard Street
 Manchester M4 7JA

Tickets £14 – click here to book

Contains strong language and adult humour.

Words by Ian Leslie