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Punk Rock at Manchester Museum

27 Feb 2015

Manchester ‘Punk Rock’ Meets Polar Bears at Manchester Museum for the University of Manchester In Fringe Theatre Awards

Drama student and budding director, Billie Hakansson (19) stages a first at The Museum of Manchester by setting Simon Stephens’ critically acclaimed play, Punk Rock, in the Living Worlds gallery as part of the popular Manchester Fringe Theatre Awards running in March.

Punk Rock, set in the library of a modern Stockport grammar school, follows the lives of various angst-addled teenagers as they encounter first love and learn valuable life lessons whilst desperately studying for their mock A Level exams.

Filled with beautifully displayed exhibits including a sperm whale skeleton, stuffed polar bears and tigers, fossils, rocks and rare archaeological finds, the Living Worlds gallery proves an exciting and innovative, yet challenging stage for any director however experienced.

Director, Billie Hakansson said: “I’ve had to make a lot of tough decisions about staging and how to use this incredible space which has never before been used as a back-drop for a play to best bring Punk Rock to life. It’s certainly a first for me as well as the gallery!”

She goes onto say: “This show means so much to me. It tackles the traumas that kids go through when they suddenly come face to face with the real world – it’s terrifying!” I’ve wanted to direct Punk Rock ever since I saw it in 2009. I can’t think of a better back-drop for this exciting play in such a wonderful environment.”

The cast are a mix of students from Manchester University studying not only Drama but also Spanish and Business Studies and even a few PPE.

Led by entrepreneurial Hakansson, the play has been financed entirely through the generosity of fellow students, friends, family and benevolent strangers, Punk Rock is sure to be a huge hit and a memorable inclusion in the exciting theatre run that champions young actors and directors as part of the University of Manchester In Fringe Theatre Awards.

The play will run from 1-3 March 2015 at The Manchester Museum at 6.15pm.

Booking

Tickets are only £5 and are available from:

Further information