Wake at Aviva Studios
Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor
Expect wild acrobatics, outrageous cabaret and electrifying variety when Irish sensation THISISPOPBABY come to play at Aviva Studios. Bringing an exhilarating blend of ritual, rave, grief and joy, Wake is a performance party that celebrates life and connection.
Club culture collides with Irish tradition in Wake, a variety show that takes its name from Ireland’s traditional funeral rite. Expect high-octane and fabulous performances from an all-star cast of traditional musicians, electro-pop superstars, cabaret artists, aerialists, pole dancers, Irish dancers, singers and slam poets.
Co-created and co-directed by THISISPOPBABY’s Jennifer Jennings and Phillip McMahon, Wake explores liturgy and togetherness; it toasts yesterday’s passing and looks toward the future – a live performance – with the euphoria of a wild party – reminding us to live fully.
A vital force for social change in Ireland, THISISPOPBABY have been tearing up the space between high art and club culture almost two decades. Their shows have played to audiences of over 450,000 people, winning major theatre awards and thrilling audiences globally. Standing at the cutting edge of contemporary performance in Ireland – pioneering large-scale shows such as Wake, Riot and Alice in Funderland – the company speak to the world through the lens of what it means to be Irish.
This acclaimed spectacular has already had two sold-out, award-winning runs in Dublin. Now, Wake is set to rouse the people of Manchester – don’t miss out.
