Review: House of MCR brings “wild, sexy, fabulous” to Factory International

From Space Odyssey to Space Oddity: Richard Strauss Also Sprach Zarathustra’s solemn notes transition to the Duke’s mellow voice, marking the beginning of House of Manchester, hosted by the gorgeous Rikki Beadle-Blair (writer, director, performer). 

House of MCR (20 – 22 June) is a three-night runway performance, showcasing the city’s best underground clubland and nu-wave cabaret artists, curated by acclaimed director and choreographer Darren Pritchard and his long-time collaborator Beadle-Bair. For three nights, the Aviva Studios come to life, and the huge Warehouse space becomes the most fabulous (and glittery!) runaway stage the city has ever seen.

27 QTIPOC  (Queer, Trans and/or Intersex Person of Colour) performers from Manchester’s nightlife scene take to the stage each night, competing in six categories: We Dress, We Sing, We Dance, We Strip, We Lip Sync and We Are Family. From dressmaking to songwriting to even singing while skating under a rain of glitters, each talent is unique, spoiling the audience with the crème de la crème of some of the most creative and gorgeous performers.

The final category, the most special one, sees performers being joined on stage by members of their chosen or biological family as a closing expression of unity, love and solidarity. 

The extra treat is Pritchard himself, the stunning Mother of the House of Manchester, also part of the show, gracing the audience with his explosive presence. 

Every night, the audience is invited to judge the performers and choose their favourite. Colourful fans and any creative form of cheering are welcome to choose the winner of each category.

House of Manchester is not just a show, a runaway or, more importantly, an opportunity to remember the history and culture of Manchester’s QTIPOC community. It is also a unique experience, a joyful space where everyone is invited to be part of the same family.

Each two-hour performance is followed by an afterparty hosted by local music legends, Ghetto Fabulous, Club Zindagi and Swagga.

Tickets for House of MCR at Aviva Studios

Pritchard and Beadle Blair’s aim was to bring together all races, genders and sexuality, celebrate all of them in their uniqueness, and create a safe space, where everyone can be wild, sexy, fabulous, creative, and express themselves.

This is an event that will not easily be forgotten and will, hopefully, be only the first of its kind.

You can get the tickets by clicking here.