Stage and screen actor admired for her television roles in Waiting for God, Tenko and Doc Martin

YouTube video by BBC Studios

Simon Stephens' Maria receives its UK premiere at 53two Manchester, exploring love, isolation and hope with his trademark emotional insight.

YouTube video by Film is Fabulous!

Simon Stephens' Maria receives its UK premiere at 53two Manchester, exploring love, isolation and hope with his trademark emotional insight.

A talk on how Highgate Cemetery has been portrayed in film and TV and what it reveals about its history and cultural image.

HIya! Since 1997 XS Malarkey has been a Manchester comedy institution, with compere Toby Hadoke bringing you the very best comedians at the lowest prices. A minimum of just £3 for members and £6 for...

Unusually for a celebrated and multi-award-winning playwright, Simon Stephens' short play 'Maria' will get its British premiere at Manchester's tiny 53two venue

Versatile actor whose career spanned The Liver Birds, Doctor Who and an Edward Bond season at the Royal Court theatre

Northern Irish comedian who became a household name in the 1980s thanks to many TV appearances and his own ITV show

HIya! Since 1997 XS Malarkey has been a Manchester comedy institution, with compere Toby Hadoke bringing you the very best comedians at the lowest prices. A minimum of just £3 for members and £6 for...

This is the news story that I never quite expected to have to write, but here we are. This is the last day of regular updates to Sci-Fi Bulletin. For those who don’t know the history, Sci-Fi Bullet…

Manchester writer’s powerful drama about love, isolation and survival comes to 53two from 2–11 September 2026. 53two will present the UK premiere of Maria by acclaimed Manchester playwright Simon Stephens this September, directed by Sadie Mears in her debut production at the venue. Set in the North, in a once-thriving port town now surviving on the scraps of yesterday’s industry, Maria follows a pregnant 18-year-old searching for connection, trust and hope in the digital 21st century. As Maria “ping-pongs” through life the play takes an unflinching look at social neglect and isolation combining youthful resistance with enforced resilience.