World’s first drive-in theatre coming to Manchester

Beyond Theatre, the creator of the world’s first COVID-safe venue, has announced the largest line up of live theatre in the UK will take place in Manchester in May 2021.

In this unique venue, which will be at Manchester’s Trafford Centre for four weeks from 13th May, the audience will drive to a dedicated parking space underneath Europe’s largest tent, a 68,000 sq ft marquee.

The venue has been verified as COVID-secure up to and including Tier 3, because social distancing is maintained at all times and there is plenty of fresh air circulating thanks to being under an enormous tent that is open at the sides.

This also ensures the performers and audiences are protected from inclement weather.

People are only allowed to exit their vehicles on the driver’s side and then they sit outside their cars in their own private socially distanced, isolated area.

A waiter to bonnet service is available for food and drinks.

The venue has a capacity of 800 people in up to 200 cars, which means a potential total of 24,000 people will be able to safely enjoy live theatre again in Manchester this May.

And the creation of the venue brings with it around 1,000 new theatre-related jobs.

Beyond Theatre has put together a varied programme of more than 30 shows during a four-week period, starting on 13th May.

You can be the first to see two new musicals before they hit London stages.

WhiteWitch, an immersive rock musical inside a world of witches, wizards, and mystery is narrated by Shakespearean actor Brian Blessed, with local stars Victor Michael, Hayley Maria, Phil Gault, Maria Nielsen and Andy Quinn.

And Fallen Angel is a rock musical set inside an airport terminal, by award winning composers Sara Eker and Giles Fernando.

Other shows include ‘tributes to the stars’: Queen By Candlelight, Totally Tina, Rolling Stones Experience and Power Ballads.

There are also several shows with a local theme, as well as entertainment for all the family from a sing-along family concert to The Most Spectacular Show.

“We are looking to give our audiences more than just a great theatre show,” says creative director, Paul Levin.

“We are looking to give them an ‘Entertainment Experience’.

“Once they drive into our theatre environment, reality is left behind and the entertainment begins.”

DriveINSIDE Theatre Opens at the Trafford Centre on 13th May 2021 for four weeks. Tickets are available at driveinside.co.uk.