Dead Dog in a Suitcase (and other Love Songs) at Home

Dead Dog in a Suitcase (and other Love Songs)

DARK; RAW; EXCEPTIONAL

The recently opened HOME is Manchester’s new international centre for contemporary theatre, film and visual art, bringing together the individuality of the Cornerhouse with the intimacy of the Library Theatre. The inviting, spacious venue offers a relaxed place to meet, eat, drink and be entertained - a perfect night out. 

Based on John Gay’s Beggar’s Opera, Dead Dog is as topical today as it was in Gay’s world of 1728. Political distrust; high level corruption; the distorted power of wealth and celebrity; and the poverty of millions resonate with today’s audience.

Dominic Marsh (Macheath) and Rina Fatania (Mrs Peachum) deserve individual mention, but this is an ensemble piece providing every opportunity for the 12-strong company of actor-musicians to display their talents and portray a multitude of characters through music, humour and emotion. Never completely off the stage, even their costume changes can be seen through the stark scaffold-style staging. Our dog of the title draws an aah from the audience as its puppeteer brings it (and many other characters) to life…and death.

The new score by Charles Hazlewood perfectly captures the essence of the piece from high frivolity to the depths of haunting despair. The finale is truly explosive, whipping the audience into an immediate standing ovation.

An exceptional piece of theatre not to be missed…and those babies will give me nightmares for weeks!

HOME: September 11th-26th 2015

Published: 16-Sep-2015 (3302)