Event | Ellen’s Longest Night ­– a play by Nakib Narat

This fascinating play dramatises the amazing life, thoughts and achievements of PHM Radical, ‘Red’ Ellen Wilkinson, one of Manchester and Britain’s best loved and most iconic personalities.  From poverty stricken Ancoats in Manchester to one of the world’s most influential women, this performance visits great events in Ellen and our city’s history.

Included are the events of 7 November 1923 at The Free Trade Hall (built on the site of the Peterloo Massacre), where 3,000 Mancunians crowded in to see two extraordinary, charismatic politicians; Ellen, whose relentless commitment to social justice and female equality made her Britain’s first woman Minister for Education, and Shapurji ‘Sak’ Saklatvala, elected as Britain’s only Communist MP in October 1922.

During the performance there will be AV elements, including images and video of the great events with which Ellen was involved.

Written and directed by Nakib Narat who previously worked with Royal Exchange Theatre, HOME, BBC Radio 4 and Granada Television.

Suitable for 16+

Part of PHM’s year long programme exploring the past, present and future of protest, marking 200 years since the Peterloo Massacre; a major event in Manchester’s history, and a defining moment for Britain’s democracy.