Dolce Via at Lowry Studio, 31 July

Take the Space come to the Lowry Studio on Sat 31 July at 7.45pm with their critically acclaimed  play Dolce Via a story of love and loss, inspired by the films of Fellini and Charlie Chaplin.

The Great Tourrinos were happy with their life on the road, performing top of the bill on the variety circuit, until one night when tragedy struck in the middle of their show. Now, years later and reunited for just one evening, they will endeavour to entertain you again with one last turbulent performance of magic, song, fire eating, mind reading and memory.    

Take the Space is an artist led theatre company. Formed in 2005, the company is committed to touring original new work of high quality across the whole range of the touring circuit – from the drawing room to the proscenium arch. Its name reflects the company’s desire and growing reputation for being flexible enough to play any space. 

Writer and performer Siobhán Nicholas has performed with companies such as Manchester Royal Exchange, Manchester Contact, Birmingham Rep, ATC and Hull Truck. Her TV credits include Lucy Shaw in George Bernard Shaw with Brenda Fricker and Detective Parker in Prime Suspect with Helen Mirren. Dolce Via is her third play for Take the Space.
 
Siobhán explains ‘In the play, my character Grainne, is based on my great grandmother, Margaret,  who, at seventeen, walked from her impoverished home in Donegal to the Hiring Fair in Claudy, County Derry. That walk took three days. My father adored her and he still believes that she was psychic – like Grainne in the play.  After one visit home to her, she cried a little as he left and told him – she would never see him again. At the time, he just thought she was being slightly emotional as she was still very strong and healthy, but sure enough, just before his next visit home she died suddenly. ‘

Performer Chris Barnes spent two years working with Barnum and Bailey’s Circus in America. His theatre work as an actor has taken him all over the world as well as to the National Theatre, the West End, the Bush Theatre, the Donmar Warehouse, the Young Vic and the Old Vic. Chris’ circus skills feature strongly in Dolce Via.

Dolce Via is at the Lowry Studio for one night on Sat, 31 July.