Royal Exchange Joint Artistic Director Bryony Shanahan opens 2023 with her vision for David Eldridge’s Beginning.
Seen in Manchester for the first time following its hugely successful National Theatre and West-End run, this tender, hopeful and funny two-hander is a celebration of the unexpected, a delightful observation of the complexity of meeting someone for the first time and the bravery of stepping into the unknown.
Erin Shanagher as Laura and Gerard Kearns as Danny cautiously wind their way through the after-party’s clumsy silences, empty bottles and near-kisses. BEGINNING is a beautifully intimate play bursting with humour and full of heart and demonstrates just how unpredictable life can really be.
In the post-party chaos, Laura and Danny slowly orbit each other – awkward moves, first dances, fish finger butties, embarrassing banter. Together they navigate a life-time of possibilities, and as night shifts into day, an unthinkable, impossible and crazy opportunity becomes clear. Amongst the missteps and butterflies there might just be…. a beginning?
BEGINNING – Listings Information
A Royal Exchange Theatre production
BEGINNING
By David Eldridge
Directed by Bryony Shanahan
16 Feb – 11 March
Box Office: 0161 833 9833
Online: royalexchange.co.uk
