From small beginnings

In 1995, at a Macclesfield secondary school, two young people bonded over a passion for theatre and musicals.

Their friendship has lasted out over almost three decades, and in 2016 – having found lives across the country and globe – they found themselves living back in their hometown at the same time.

Although Laura and Holden had found a whole world of experience prior to their reunion, they were keen on reigniting the spark of theatrical passion they had shared in their teen years. With a wealth of credits to each of their names, their initial disappointment at the lack of ready opportunities for Northern based actors, writers and directors would soon turn to heightened enthusiasm as they set about forging their own path towards creativity.

Northern Rep Theatre was conceived. A new company keenly focused on growing Northern talent and showcasing our stories.

Following the bitter disappointment of postponement due to the pandemic, Northern Rep are thrilled to announce that The Greater Manchester Fringe Festival 2021 will see the world premiere of ‘Bysmal Boys, a brand-new play written by Laura Genders and directed by Holden Oak – the two founders of Northern Rep. 

Exploring the lives of Blue Watch, Macclesfield, the writing draws on Laura’s native background in the Silk Town and the stories she heard growing up in the Fire Brigade circles. Set against the backdrop of the strike action taken by the National Fire Brigade in 1977, this play discovers universal voices of all who work in the public sector and the desperation, elation and camaraderie found in their professional and personal lives.

The play is running for three performances, from Wednesday 22^nd September to Friday 24^th September at Salford Arts Theatre. Tickets are available from https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/salfordartstheatre/bysmal-boys-performed-by-northern-rep-theatre-part-of-gm-fringe-2021/e-mpvexl or https://manchester.ssboxoffice.com/events/bysmal-boys/.

For further information, visit bysmalboys.com or contact info@nothernrep.com