MAH17: Bad Language at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House

Elizabeth Gaskell’s House
84 Plymouth Grove,
Manchester, M13 9LW

18 May 2017, free entry
Performances 6.30pm – 9pm

Live literature organisation Bad Language has been the recipient of not one, but two Saboteur Awards (a record in the history of the award) in recognised for drawing stand-out headliners to their monthly free night, as well as programming events with authors including Booker Prize longlistees at high profile venues and festivals. Now, for Manchester After Hours 2017, Bad Language presents an evening of immersive storytelling in the beautifully-restored surrounds of Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, where the interior is just as it would have been in 1857.

Rosie Garland, Abi Hynes & Joe Daly will read specially-commissioned pieces responding to the living history of the house; pieces on display include the desk that Elizabeth Gaskell, author of Mary Barton and North and South, was constantly interrupted in her writing with questions about the children, or how long to boil the beef for tea. The promenade style performance will give attendees a chance to admire the wool carpets woven to a mid-19th century design, or the window where Charlotte Brontë hid behind the curtains, too shy to join the company.