Greek myths in the modern-day to be performed at the Lowry by young people from Salford

Preparations are being made by young people across the city as they reimagine Greek myths in modern-day Salford.

Gods of Salford brings twenty-five young people from the city together with three professional actors that will look through the lens of Salford’s working-class spirit.

The performance will be conducted as a part of the Lowry’s 25th birthday celebrations on Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 April.

And throughout audiences will see blends of ancient legend and Greek myths with real stories from our local communities.

Commissioned by Lowry and co-created with acclaimed theatre company Not Too Tame, known for breaking boundaries and championing working-class voices and will be a celebration of resilience, identity, and raw creative power.

Developed through a fearless, inclusive creative process, it is about unleashing talent, sharing lived experiences, and telling stories that matter—loudly and proudly.

And as well as those on stage, more young people from our city will work behind the scenes, gaining firsthand experience in technical and backstage roles.

And this is the same for both Caitlin Beaumont, 17 and Max Healy, 18 who will have the opportunity to experience the Lowry stage.

As Caitlin said: “I was able to get this opportunity through my college, I was able to get an audition, and it is just amazing.

“When I first found out I would be performing at the Lowry I was quite shocked, but people were so proud. And I am so happy to be doing this, as opportunities in Salford are so small, and when you get something like this you have to take it.”

Caitlin continued to speak on the importance of young people getting a chance to represent the city, she said: “It is wonderful to get people from the community on stage, it is incredible and to share this experience with very different and unique people on stage is important.

“Not only to tell the story that we want to showcase, but to work together at such a rare opportunity – so to grab it together is special.”

Caitlin also wanted to share how important the show will be for young people across Salford, she added: “I think this is a chance for us to be inspirational.

“When you think of the Gods, you think of this external power, but the power of the people will always overcome there’s, so it is what we are trying to portray, and it relates to day-to-day life.”

Max added: “I have worked with the Lowry doing stage directions before, and it amazing – people were so happy and I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience so far.

“I think it so important for young people to be exposed to opportunities like this, and it gives us the chance to have fun but portray ourselves in equal if not more superior positions to everyday people who wouldn’t pay attention to us.

He continued: “It has allowed us to recognise are influence and display the power in every individual person – instead of being seen as a mass.

“Using Greek Mythology, I think it is a very grounding subject, as it links to the modern day – and for us young people we are taught to be in our own world’s and distract ourselves.

“But while things like mythology stem from fiction, they come from such truth and showcase a power dynamic which is so present in reality – and makes you realise that ‘yes we may be disadvantaged’ but there is always going to be the challenge against that.”

And with the community coming together, it has been important to display the talent in Salford and provide them with an unforgettable opportunity – that will lead to more.

This was emphasised by Jenny Riding, Director of Learning and Engagement at the Lowry, who said: “The young people in the community have been a major part of the last 25 years at the Lowry, so we wanted them to be the main part of the show.

“We wanted to use this as an opportunity to not only create a piece of theatre, but as an opportunity to discuss the challenges in society and help young people to find their pathways into the arts.”

Jenny continued to detail how the production isn’t about involving the young people on stage but also behind the scenes, she added: “We have young people doing all the behind the scenes with the professionals – to learn the hidden roles.

“All of these roles are so important, as the arts have been decimated in education – so for many young people they will know what it is like to be involved in the arts or create something. Through this we are giving them that chance.”

Jenny added: “How do people know they have a talent if they never get the opportunity? And the young people have taken to all the roles so well.

“All of them have made me so proud, and it is so moving to see the growth in confidence, relationships and trust to one another and allows the young people to form a strong community.”

And with less three weeks till the show commences they are bonding and enjoying the overall experience and will all be able to share the experience in the Greek ensemble of theatre.

The groups rehearsal will then be put into practice, with the show taking place on Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 April 2025.

The immersive theatre production will spark ideas, fuels ambition and puts the future of Salford’s storytelling centre stage – with more information about the performances can be found here.