Men account for three quarters of all UK suicides.
After a sellout, award-winning debut at Greater Manchester Fringe Festival in 2021, Toxic will is currently making its return in a North West regional tour.
A play set in Greater Manchester that tackles men’s mental health, friendships and the power of speaking up, Toxic follows two best friends and their crumbling relationship. Andy discovers his husband has been having an affair. James is a man’s man, who uses gags to hide the fact that he can’t find the language necessary to comfort his friend. As Andy falls into a pit of despair, Andy and James must learn to speak up or be swallowed. Their lives are not the only lives at stake.
Toxic is written by Dan Lovatt, directed by Connor Goodwin, and produced by Divided Culture Co. – Lovatt and Goodwin’s production company. It stars an all-northern cast:
Patrick Price as Andy
Adam Cryne as James
Kamran Azad as Patrick
Ross Thompson as Camo
The show moves seamlessly between dry humour and heartfelt confessions, leaving its previous, sellout audiences roaring with laughter and reaching for the tissues. There’s also a healthy portion of trifle to be had.
In its premiere run, Toxic won the 2021 Write for the Stage Award and the OffFest Award for outstanding fringe theatre, alongside a nomination for Best Drama. It was revived again in 2022 for a sellout performance at Warrington Arts Festival. Toxic’s past success, along with its vital message, makes it an unmissable production.
Reviews for Toxic from award-winning Greater Manchester Fringe Festival
North West End
“It will make you laugh, cry and keep you hooked from start to finish.”
4 Star review: https://northwestend.com/toxic-altrincham-garrick-playhouse/
A Younger Theatre
“ …this truly poignant and confrontational show has been two years in the making and it’s
well worth the wait.”
“A compelling watch from start to end.”
4 Star review: https://www.ayoungertheatre.com/review-toxic-the-garrick-theatre/
Manchester Theatre Academy
“Eavesdropping on fellow audience members, it’s clear to see they were enthralled by this
piece.”
“This play matters and should be seen far and wide. Congratulations on a truly successful
piece of theatre!”
Review: https://manchestertheatreacademy.co.uk/toxic/
The Play’s The Thing
“Toxic is an excellent play with stellar performances”
“Perfectly blending humour and pathos, the play is brilliantly written.”
Toxic is supported by The National Lottery Community Fund. You can get your ticket for Wednesday 20 November: Carriageworks Theatre, Leeds here.
Main image by Harry Green.
