Turn on Fest at Hope Mill returns with Jump

December 2023

The canal draws people to it… and so it was for Rob. One night, as he contemplates his life and the lure of the water, a handsome young man engages him in conversation, and so begins a strange and haunting relationship that could just prove beneficial to them both. 

JUMP is a dark comedy that takes an unusual look at contemporary gay life - exploring the possibility of relationships and the way they’re not always how we imagine them. 

JUMP has been developed through Qweerdog Theatre’s new writing project, first appearing at last year’s Qweer Shorts @ Turn On Fest. Written by award-winning writer, Nick Maynard (QUARANTEEN, V International Young Theatre Play Writing Contest), and directed by West End theatre director, Scott Le Crass (ROSE, starring Maureen Lipman, Hope Mill Theatre & Ambassadors Theatre, London; TOXIC, HOME, Manchester 2023). 

Since last year’s Turn On Fest, the script has been workshopped and developed to explore the lives, love-lives and past lives of these intriguing characters. Reprising their roles are: Qweerdog’s Stewart Dylan-Campbell, playing the weary and embittered Rob, with Aiden Kane, playing his young, chopsy, adversary, Marc. 

Recent reviews for Qweer Shorts:

‘Qweerdog Theatre Company have triumphed’ - The Theatre Talk

‘innovative and wonderful storytelling’ - I Love Manchester

‘It was a hugely successful evening, and full marks to everyone involved’ - Canal Street Online

Some thoughts from the writer:

‘This is a cast made in heaven and, after seeing the original short version last year, audiences have been asking me ‘what happens next?’ says writer, Nick Maynard. 'It was a great experience being able to workshop a script and write for specific actors. This never really happens. Being able to develop the piece with this team has been a dream, and I’m really thankful to Qweerdog and Stewart for making this happen’.

PERFORMANCE DATES: Sunday 28th January RUNNING TIME: 60mins

To learn more about what is scheduled.

Published: 20-Dec-2023: (7339)