A Manchester Anthem: A Bold Journey Between Two Worlds ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Nick Dawkins’ A Manchester Anthem is a vibrant one-man show that feels like a personal letter to friendship, ambition, and the tricky path between working-class roots and elite opportunity. Originally penned as a birthday gift for actor Tom Claxton, this 60-minute powerhouse has blossomed into a captivating theatrical experience that brilliantly captures the tensions of class, identity, and self-discovery.

Tom Claxton commands the stage as Tommy, a Mancunian lad about to leave his familiar world behind for Oxford University — the first in his community to take such a leap. What unfolds is not just a story about leaving home, but a raw, witty, and sometimes chaotic snapshot of Tommy’s last day working at a café before stepping into his new life.

From the moment Claxton bursts onto the stage in bright orange underwear, moving effortlessly to a pulsating beat, you know this isn’t your typical coming-of-age tale. The energy is infectious. As Tommy navigates encounters with his privileged future classmates, his loyal mates, and even his distant father, Claxton shifts seamlessly between characters — each one distinct, alive, and dripping with authenticity.

What makes this show stand out is its sharp yet compassionate lens on class divides, not through angry speeches but through humor, heart, and nuanced observations. Tommy isn’t angry; he’s cautious, curious, and deeply aware of what he might be leaving behind — and what he risks losing in the process.

Anna Niamh Gorman’s simple yet clever set—a cardboard box symbolizing packing up a life—transforms fluidly with lighting and sound design by Caelan Oram and Sam Baxter, moving us from gritty café scenes to the neon buzz of Manchester’s clubland. Director Izzy Edwards keeps the pace tight, letting each moment breathe without losing momentum.

The finale lingers not with dramatic fireworks but with quiet, honest emotion — a perfect mirror to Tommy himself: flawed, hopeful, and caught between two worlds. A Manchester Anthem isn’t just a show; it’s an invitation to reflect on the sacrifices we make for growth and the ties that never truly break.