The Bench
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Joe O'Byrne's Bench Set for Salford, 30 June

Following successful runs at Salford, Didsbury and Manchester, Joe O’Byrne’s hit play The Bench returns to the region later this month.

The play follows the lives of an eclectic group of Paradise Heights residents as intersect around a bench in the local park, over a 12 month period.

Thematically the play is about life, death and rebirth. Many of the characters find themselves at transitional points in their lives. They are either nervously eyeing an uncertain future and change, or coming to terms with the often painful process of moving on, or letting go.

Whilst some are desperately holding onto the past, others are are even more desperate to escape it and the unbearable pain that has made them who they are.

Although billed as a comedy, the play tackles some serious topical issues - homelessness, abuse, addiction and enormous personal grief, all themes that will be further explored through these characters in future plays featuring them.

Six actors portray a total of eighteen characters in the play. The cast features Stella Grundy and Ian Curley.

The Bench is at the Salford Arts Theatre from 30 June - 3rd July. For further details, click here.

- by Glenn Meads

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