Factory International are once again teaming up with Lightroom to build upon the success of 2024’s David Hockney: Bigger & Closer with a trio of immersive experiences at Aviva Studios this winter.
Presented in repertory for the first time outside of London, the programme includes:
The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks (16 December – 11 January) sees Tom Hanks narrate an epic experience offering a unique perspective on humankind’s past and future voyages to the moon.
Co-written by Tom Hanks and BAFTA-nominated writer-director Christopher Riley, The Moonwalkers provides a gripping account of the Apollo missions of the 1960’s and ‘70s at spectacular scale, blending original NASA footage and breathtaking images from Andy Saunders’ Apollo Remastered. Also looking ahead to the next chapter, the production features newly filmed interviews between Tom Hanks and astronauts from the current Artemis programme, offering audiences a glimpse into the future of crewed surface missions to the moon.
The production is co-directed by Nick Corrigan and Lysander Ashton of 59 Studio, and is accompanied by an original orchestral score by Anne Nikitin, recorded by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the iconic Abbey Road Studios.
Tom Hanks said: “As a youth, I was deeply affected by the Apollo missions finally taking us to the moon for the first time in human history. I would have gone myself, given the chance. I’ve worked on many projects to re-create those times and to bring alive the scale, the risks, and the accomplishment of the voyages; the dedication and commitment of the human being who made each journey, the story of each chapter of Apollo. The extraordinary, unique production capabilities of Lightroom have allowed me, alongside writer Christopher Riley, directors Nick Corrigan and Lysander Ashton, and composer Anne Nikitin, to tell what we believe is the most visceral and enthralling version to date. We can include everyone on humanity’s journey beyond our earth of fifty years ago and for those about to come with a prelude to the next time human beings will walk on the moon: the Artemis missions.”
VOGUE: Inventing the Runway (18 December – 10 January) uses Vogue’s remarkable archive and fashion network to present an experience created in collaboration with Anna Wintour and Vogue editors, exploring the history of the fashion runway show, narrated by Cate Blanchett.
From the intimate couture salons of the early 20th century to the unforgettable pop-culture events of the present, Inventing the Runway reveals how fashion shows became the ultimate statement of a designer’s vision, and at times, a walking expression of their identity. The experience brings together the industry’s leading voices with first hand interviews and a rich mix of media. Original animation, immersive sound design and a score fusing classical and pop music combine to evoke the world of fashion and the moments when iconic shows shifted the cultural landscape.
Anna Wintour, Chief Content Officer for Condé Nast and Global Editorial Director of American Vogue said: “At Vogue we’ve been lucky enough over the decades to see many incredible runway shows, which have often told the story of fashion as much as the clothes themselves. This Lightroom experience is a wonderful opportunity for a lot more people to experience first hand the thrill of watching the history of fashion unfold right in front of them.”
VOGUE: Inventing the Runway features the work of the most significant creative minds in fashion history, including: Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Burberry, Chanel, Chloé, Christian Dior, Christopher John Rogers, Comme des Garçons, Coperni, Courrèges, Dolce & Gabbana, Dries Van Noten, Fendi, Givenchy, Gucci, Helmut Lang, Hood by Air, Hussein Chalayan, Iris Van Herpen, Jacquemus, Jean Paul Gaultier, Junya Watanabe, Loewe, Louis Vuitton, Maison Margiela, Marc Jacobs, Martine Rose, Miu Miu, Moschino, Patou, Prada, Pyer Moss, Rick Owens, Saint Laurent, Schiaparelli, Stella McCartney, Thierry Mugler, Thom Browne, Tomo Koizumi, Undercover, Versace, Victoria Beckham, Vivienne Westwood, Willy Chavarria, Yohji Yamamoto.
Following its phenomenal success in 2024 in both Manchester and London, David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) returns (16 December – 11 January). Narrated and created by the artist himself, paired with an original score by Nico Muhly, the experience affords unparalleled access to the mind of one of Britain’s most loved artists.
Taking audiences on a personal journey through 60 years of his art, Hockney’s process is revealed in a cycle of six chapters featuring some of his most iconic images. Audiences hear from Hockney as they watch how he experiments with perspective, uses photography as a way of ‘drawing with a camera’, captures the passing of time in his photographic collages and the joy of spring on his iPad–and shows us why only paint can properly convey the hugeness of the Grand Canyon.
Also returning for 2025 are selected dog-friendly slots. David Hockney painted many portraits of his two dachshunds Stanley and Boodgie over the years, and 2024’s run of David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) at Aviva Studios saw dogs of all shapes and sizes enjoying the experience with their owners.
Richard Stanley, CEO of Lightroom, said “We’re thrilled that Lightroom will be returning to Factory International with three different shows this winter! Whether you’re passionate about art, fashion or space there is something everyone in Manchester can enjoy. This partnership marks an exciting milestone for Lightroom, as our shows will be playing simultaneously in seven cities across Europe, the US, and Asia this December – Factory International is a key part of this brilliant expanding network.”
After Dark slots (after 6pm) for all three experiences are for ages over 12 only. A specially curated menu of cocktails is available in The Social before and after evening slots.
Listings information
David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)
16 December – 11 January
A Lightroom production
VOGUE: Inventing the Runway
18 December – 10 January
A VOGUE x Lightroom production
The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks
16 December – 11 January
A Lightroom production created by Tom Hanks and Lightroom
Dog-friendly slots are on specific dates/times. See factoryinternational.org for details.
