#BemoreMartyn

Be More Martyn

Mancunians will remember where they were on Monday May 22nd 2017 at 2231. Ariana Grande had just finished her Manchester Arena concert and Martyn Hett was at the sell-out event. He, and 21 other innocent people, never came home.

Written by Adam Zane and Mike Lee, Be More Martyn is a verbatim piece, constructed from the exact words of eight of Martyn’s closest friends. The cast relate affectionate tales of get togethers and infamous Eurovision parties at The Frigg (the bar Martyn created in his flat above Stockport’s hat factory), drunken nights down Canal Street, and an obsession with Coronation Street. We get to see video clips of his appearances on Come Dine With Me and Tattoo Fixers (and the Deirdre tattoo), and hear honest comments about how Martyn could be as big a diva as the icons he adored. Ultimately, this is a story of friendship, fun and living life to the full; the cast take the original words and replicate every emotion – you do believe these are Martyn’s friends, not actors. The evening is an emotional insight into the short life of a young man with a remarkable talent to make others feel fabulous. Guaranteed to make you cry, it is funny, touching and full of love.

#BeMoreMartyn started trending on Twitter in the hours after the announcement of Martyn Hett’s death.  #BeMoreMartyn continues to be tweeted today. A light may have gone out in 2017, but a legacy lives on. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring, so make the most of today, be who you want to be, bring joy to others and just Be More Martyn.

Garry Thomas-Lowde for Canal St Online.

Quays Theatre, Lowry: Jun 20th – 22nd 2019

Tix here

Published: 21-Jun-2019 (5452)