Groan Ups is created by Mischief Theatre Company, boasting an excellent profile, both on stage and on the screen. Famous for bringing wildly hilarious and imaginative productions to life, they have made a name for themselves across the globe. They were nominated for the Olivier Award for the best comedy for three consecutive years, before The Play That Goes Wrong finally came away with the win. In addition to plays, Mischief Theatre Company has had two specials aired on BBC Two: Peter Pan Goes Wrong and A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong, with more than 4.5 million viewers tuning in.

All three creators of Groan Ups, Henry Lewis, Gentry Shields, and Jonathan Sayer are also part of the action onstage, as they bring their creation to life. Additionally, both Sayer and Lewis have taught at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, another indicator of their playwriting skills. You are in for a night of comedy, that will leave you both guffawing at times and deep in thought in other moments. Do not miss this creative play, that is equal parts wacky and nostalgic!

NOTE: This is the Manchester run of Groan Ups, not the London run which has closed. Please be certain that you would like to attend the Manchester run before you purchase tickets as refunds will not be issued on the basis of venue confusion.

The Story

The story follows a group of individuals from a very young age. It begins with an unruly bunch of school children, as they sit in the classroom and have fun. The personalities of each of the characters can be understood over time. Then the scene shifts to a bunch of high school teenagers, rebellious and unruly. It is the same bunch of school children, except that they are a few years older. Finally, we see them all grown up, with responsibilities and jobs and families. The challenges and aches of adulthood are sure to have made them completely different people, or hasn't it? Have the characters grown out of their school crush and how much has the school experience shaped them into their current states? Have the characters truly changed from what they once were, or can we still see the same personality under the physical changes?

Good for

Fans of Social Dramas | Lovers of Comedy