This July, Swinton Square, formerly Swinton Shopping Centre, will be host to Carousel of Us, a brand new, site-specific theatre production, that will time travel through the decades to tell a series of interwoven stories from lives lived throughout the history, present and future of the town centre – free tickets are now available.
From 4-6 July 2024, Carousel of Us, created by long time collaborators Lowri Evans and Renato Bolelli Rebouças (Precarious Carnaval, The Shrine of Everyday Things), and produced by From the Other (Sounds from the Other City, Swinton Sounds, Sounds ‘Round Town) will explore the universal themes of change, place and time.
The compelling, international production will take place in Swinton Square shopping precinct, an ever-evolving hub where businesses come and go, fashions change and seasons pass. This will be a chance to step off the merry-go-round of everyday life and ponder our own part in history, and celebrate the joy of coming together and being alive.
Audiences will witness scenes unfold around them in shops and cafes, and tour performances that are each set in a different time, from the 70’s, passing through the present and into the future. An insight into everyday lives in Swinton will unfold, culminating in a finale in which the performers come together to celebrate life.
Co-Director, Lowri Evans, comments: “Community is at the heart of this project. We’re devising a production that celebrates the many different pasts, presents and futures of Swinton, and the wealth of fascinating conversations we’ve had and stories we’ve been told.
“Carousel of Us will be created by and for Swinton people of all ages, including the choirs, dance classes, writing groups, youth centre, schools, shops and businesses that we’ve been honoured to spend time with over the past six months.
“Swinton has a rich heritage of music and performance, arts festivals and the Lancastrian Hall, so it’s no surprise that we have met so many contributors who we will be rehearsing and making the project with throughout June.”
John Searle, Executive Director of Place at Salford City Council: “said: “It’s really exciting to see a project like Carousel of Us working with local people to create something special right in the heart of Swinton town centre – transforming community spaces and vacant shop units into a unique theatrical experience.
“Swinton has plenty to celebrate and has the potential to be one of the best places to live in Greater Manchester. Local people have told us they want to see a more vibrant Swinton, with more going on – and this weekend of performances is part of a programme of events developed in response to that community ambition. It’s a great opportunity for people to come together and experience something new.”
All performances are one hour long and take place in Swinton Square, Chorley Road, Swinton, Salford M27 4BH
Thursday 4 July 5pm and 7pm
Friday 5 July 5pm and 7pm
Saturday 6 July 3pm and 5pm
All performances are wheelchair accessible. There are toilets on site.
Tickets are free and now available. You can order these online or in person, at Arts Let Loose.
