A new physical theatre show inspired by the UK’s basketball culture and featuring live Beatboxing and Hip Hop is to open at Oxford Road’s Contact Theatre next April.

The Spalding Suite is a new physical theatre show that celebrates the elegance and beauty of basketball but seen from a British perspective.

The play gets to the heart and soul of the gravity-defying game and delves into the hopes and dreams of those who play it, and the friendship and camaraderie behind the sport.

Six dynamic performers will mix live beatboxing, music, hip-hop, basketball inspired movement and poetry, taking us from the fleeting high of the score and the robust camaraderie of the team, to the poignant lows of a body too worn to play the game.

Conceived by spoken word artist and theatre-maker Inua Ellams, an award-winning poet, playwright and performer. He has eight books published, including his most recent Candy Coated Unicorns and Converse All Stars (Flipped Eye).

His plays include The 14th Tale, (Fringe First Award, national and international tour and sold-out run at the National Theatre); Untitled (Soho Theatre); Black T-shirt Collection (National Theatre and national and international tour).

Directed by Benji Reid, award-winning visual theatre director, Benji was a member of Broken Glass street crew before formally training in classical ballet, contemporary dance, lighting design and choreography at the Northern School of Contemporary dance. Benji currently holds the position of Associate Artist at the Royal Exchange Manchester.

After its run at Contact, the play goes to its co-commissioners The Southbank Centre and touring nationally.

Listings information: Contact, Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6JA Tickets: £15/10. Suitable for over 12s.
Tickets and information: 0161 274 0600 / www.contactmcr.com/spaldingsuite

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here