A temporary 400-seat open-air theatre will open in Manchester next month on an 80,000 square foot plot of land earmarked for future development.
The new venue Homeground is being launched by HOME, whose indoor venue is next to the site.
Built to be Covid-safe, the auditorium will be socially distanced and the site will include food and drink stalls.
A summer programme will include a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and a new version of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, as well as music concerts, comedy shows and cabaret.
A second free stage in the food and drink terrace will present a different Manchester curator every week, including Manchester Folk Festival, Contact, and DJ slots curated by DJ Paulette.
HOME estimates the venue will create 450 employment opportunities for artists and practitioners.
Director and CEO Dave Moutrey said: “We want accessibility for all to be at the heart of this project, which is why there is a low-cost or free programme, as well as free performances for schools."
"People in our city, especially young people, have been deprived of live theatre for the past year – we want this to be a celebration of Manchester’s creativity and resilience.”