Acting degree students at The Northern School of Art are marking the start of the year with a high energy production that captures a memorable New Year’s Eve in Manchester.

‘Rage’ is an explosive throwback to a night captured in photographs of people in Manchester partying hard into 2016, which went viral after being published in the Manchester Evening News.

It was written by Simon Stephens, who has been described by the Independent as ‘a brilliant writer of immense imagination’ and by the Financial Times as having ’emerged in this millennium as an outstanding playwright’.

The play is being staged at the School’s theatre in Church Square, Hartlepool at 7pm on Thursday 16 and Friday 17 January.

It opens at the start of the evening and recounts the celebratory mood turning into violence, chaos, marriage proposals and the opening of portals.

First year Acting degree student Gary Davison, pictured below right, who is playing a policeman, said: “It’s a long night for the police to try and keep order on the streets of Manchester on a busy new year’s eve. There are people so drunk they are unsure if they are standing, drunk people going crazy, people asleep on the streets.

“It’s chaos but with a comedic twist to it.”

Gary, 33, from Boldon Colliery in South Tyneside, who worked in the film industry for six years before enrolling onto the course last September saying it was the “best decision I made this year”, added that “people should come and see Rage as it’s very relatable to what can go on during a big night out.

“The characters are all very unique and bring something different to the play.”

Another first year acting student with a role in the production, Elise Thompson, commented: “It’s very thought provoking and hopefully will make the audience think.

Elise, 19, from Bridlington, pictured above left, who joined the course as it offered “a drama school experience outside of London” added that “it’s a show with a lot of different elements in it.

“A lot of hard work has gone into making the play – from the actors, directors and the other students that are helping make the play possible. It would be nice to showcase the hard work to a full audience.”

The Programme Leader of The Northern School of Art’s Acting degree, Jonny Bussell, said that the play is another production where students have collaborated using skills from across the School’s courses.

“It’s wonderful to be showcasing the incredible range of creative talents that our students offer.

“The play is supported by Film, TV & Theatre Production students doing tech, Production Design students creating the staging and our poster was produced by one of our Graphic Design students.

He added that early booking is advisable: “The show is Pay What You Decide so you reserve your ticket then don’t pay anything until after you’ve seen the show.  Our previous shows sold out so make sure you don’t miss out.”

‘Rage’* by Simon Stephens takes place at The Northern School of Art’s theatre in Church Square, Hartlepool, TS24 7EX from 19:00 – 21:00.

*Note: the play contains bad language, adult themes and scenes some people may find upsetting. Only suitable for 15+

To reserve tickets visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rage-by-simon-stephens-tickets-83192038627?aff=ebdssbeac

Further details of the Acting degree and other creative courses at The Northern School of Art, as well as dates of Open Days offering face-to-face discussions with students and staff and tours of the campus facilities and accommodation, are available at www.northernart.ac.uk