Who is the North West’s ‘Best Friend of the Year 2015’
As 2015 draws to a close, the search begins for the North West’s best friend of the year. Contest organisers want to hear from people of all ages, who have found someone special, and have been there for them during the last year, with a special day out on offer for the finest friend.
Friends become inseparable for special reasons and are there for each other when the going gets tough, as well as sharing moments of joy. But, who will be nominated ‘Best Friend of the Year’ for 2015 and why?
Z-arts, Manchester’s specialist venue for family arts events, and their panel of judges are looking for stories of loyalty, devotion and trust to recognise the person who has shown deep and caring friendship over the past year, offering the winner an unforgettable, festive trip to the theatre as Guest of Honour. Perhaps that special person has been there during a time of need, brought endless laughter or simply shared their toys every time they met. The Best Friend of the Year could be young, old or anywhere in between.
Once the entries are in, the team behind the SNOW QUEEN Christmas production will choose a winner and invite them to a performance of their choice. The Best Friend of the Year and their friend will each receive a family ticket for a performance of their choice (a total of eight seats!), be provided with FREE snacks, cakes and drinks in the theatre café, two Family Tickets for the spectacular, seasonal Manchester Ice Rink in the city centre and have their public transport costs covered to reach the venue. Other treats could be in store too!
Written by Hans Christian Andersen, but now updated to be told through the eyes of modern young people, SNOW QUEEN tells a story of true friendship as a young boy is stolen into a wintery world by unkind forces. Kai is followed into the world of the Snow Queen by Gerda, his faithful friend, who goes on an adventure to rescue him, meeting unusual characters along the way. Puppetry, digital storytelling and live performance will be combined to bring the story dramatically to life.
To enter the contest to become ‘Best Friend of the Year 2015’ organisers require the name of the person being nominated, with a brief description of why they should win, along with name and contact details for the person entering them to win. These can be sent via email to bestfriends@z-arts.org or by post to: Best Friend, Z-arts, 335 Stretford Road, Manchester, M15 5ZA. The closing date is Friday 13 November 2015.
Snow Queen is a co-production between Z-arts in Manchester, The Atkinson in Southport and Cast in Doncaster. Details for Manchester Ice Rink can be found at www.manchestericerink.co.uk.
For further information, images, or for interview / press review ticket requests, please contact Laura Stevens 0161 226 1912 laura@z-arts.org
Z-arts – Listings Information
Snow Queen
By Philip Osment, directed by Jonathan McGrath.
Thu 3rd – Sun 13 December 2015, Z-arts, Manchester
Wed 16th – Thu 17th December 2015, The Atkinson, Southport
Thu – Fri 7pm; Sat 11am & 2.30pm; Sun 2.30pm
Running Time: 90mins – Tickets: £8/£6. Family Ticket x 4 People: £25 – Ages 7+
Z-arts
335 Stretford Road, Manchester, M15 5ZA
Box Office: 0161 232 6089
Online: www.z-arts.org
The Atkinson
Lord Street, Southport, PR8 1DB
Box office: 01704 533 333
Online: www.theatkinson.co.uk