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How to be a Man

by Jon M Coleman

theatre, comedy

An irreverent solo show that explores what it means to be a man in contemporary western society.

about the production

Using a combination of true and fictional stories and with the help of two mannequins and a Guide to the Art of Manliness (A real book, published this side of the millennium) Jon attempts to explain what it is to be a man in 2016 and tell the story of masculinity. How to be a Man is written, devised and performed by Jon M Coleman, directed by Josh Coates with set design by Simone Romaniuk. The show has been created with support from Ovalhouse, Contact Theatre and with funding from Arts Council England's Grants for the Arts scheme.

about the artist

Jon is a Manchester based theatremaker. His work explores the nature of storytelling, focusing on the mechanics of telling stories rather than the stories themselves. In his work, Jon aims to create challenging moments of beauty and surprise. Jon is an associate artist of the Lancaster Emerging Arts Platform (LEAP) and has received support from Ovalhouse and Live at LICA. He has worked with Paper People Theatre, Just A Must, Imitating the Dog and Proto-type theatre among others. In 2012 he won the Independent Studio Theatre award for Best Actor for his performance in a solo show The Waiting Man.

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stage dimensions

width: 4 metres

height: 4 metres

depth: 4 metres

PA with laptop jack, 2 microphones with stands, basic stage lighting

LGBTQI, Generation Y, Students, Gender Studies Students, Theatre Students, Feminist, Contemporary Theatre Audience, New Writing Audience

"Highly recommended if you're into gratuitous crotch shots, (excellently watered) whiskey and shortbread. Also discussion on gender, masculinity and social expectation... but that's more of an after thought, yes?" - Audience Member

Audience Member, Lincoln

"this is challenging, thought-provoking, poignant and sometimes sad... Jon M Coleman delivers his message earnestly, with gusto, with conviction. He is a confident and likeable performer and very engaging; he makes you listen. He’s a top man."

Audience Member, Roundhouse

His advocation for feminist and queer theory showed research, and he managed to cover the tricky terrain in a tongue-in-cheek manner... a delight to see someone so passionate about such a serious topic. - Rae Coppola (Quays News)

Audience Member, Ovalhouse

Will not be accessible for individuals with significant hearing impairment. This could be solved with back projected subtitles.

£400 - This is negotiable.