A Manchester Anthem | Riverside Studios

A Manchester Anthem, which is written by Nick Dawkins and directed by Izzy Edwards, is a fascinating and compelling one person show that evokes strong emotions whilst demonstrating the complexity of simplicity. The show makes every minute count with a strong script that paces itself well. 

Tommy (Tom Claxton), a young lad from Manchester spends his last day at home, before embarking onto his bright tomorrow, with him being accepted into Oxford. Tommy is the first of his family and friends to be headed to university, and this prestige is echoed throughout the piece. However, when forced to finally confront the brink of the unknown future ahead of him, away from the comfort of his home and friends, Tommy finds himself stumbling. 

The piece is gripping from the start, as Tommy narrates his final shift at the independent cafe shop. The character and script are deceptively down to earth, as Tommy spends a good ten or so seconds neatly making latte art, or wiping down imagery tables with a hilarious dosage of harmless customer imitations. The naivety and blunt nature of his youth rushes at the audience at full force, which makes the rest of the piece so endearingly bittersweet. 

Tommy is solidified as an outsider from the start of the show, as the only one in his circle to leave town and pursue university, yet it's only when he's finally invited to join the other Oxford bound students, that this feels poignant. Dawkins' writing finds the fine balance between familiar and foreign, excitement and fear, and he wields this sharp line with masterful words. Audiences are just as torn as Tommy as he slowly ventures down newly opened doors, and watch hooked, as he bends to his breaking point to fit into this new mould. 

Edwards' direction ensures that the piece evades any attempt to define itself; forging new direction with every choice, leading audiences on an unexpected emotional journey. The emotion driven play leans into Tommy's hesitancy, with several moments so unpredictable that it drew audible audience reaction.

The show takes on a huge emotional burden, unpacking the very different relationships that Tommy has with his three family members; yet provides a rich sense of empathy in each scene. Dawkins' writing feels so authentic that Tommy becomes a relatable character, with audiences being able to connect to the character in one way or another. The use of suspense and absence are done rather well, leaving huge emotional impacts in their wake, which is only further enhanced by Claxton's performance. 

Claxton is a natural storyteller, with a performance that is utterly authentic and he holds the audience in the palm of his hand. Claxton's infectious energy washes over the audience, allowing them to feel him at his highest high and his lowest low. Claxton is an extremely versatile performer; clearly bringing out the character contradictions and internal monologue with ease. Claxton's breakdown as he confronts a long buried fear of his is moving to watch, yet it's when he finally finds a sense of peace and sanctuary, its an even more outstanding moment. It's never an easy task to deliver such a refined emotional performance; yet Claxton more than handles it, delivering a masterclass performance. 

Althought the play hones solely into the thoughts and feelings of Tommy, the use of character imitations and descriptions are vivid and fill the show with several vibrant characters that feel just as alive. Claxton's performance renders each character as their own individual with varying levels of depth with only a brief moment in the spotlight. 

Anna Niamh Gormon creates an impressive set design for the piece, with stacked cardboard boxes towering behind Claxton, as an almost metaphorical reminder of the large life he is used to. The set is later revealed to be light boxes, that are colourful, and blindingly bright as Tommy delves deeper into his new life that has always been present yet just out of reach, in an impressive use of light and sound.

The show excels in all departments, with an impressive script, performance, set, lighting and sound and results in a staggeringly moving piece of Fringe theatre. 

A Manchester Anthem is currently playing at Riverside Studios until 13th September 2025.

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 ★★★★★ (5*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Flood Ltd