For working class boy Tommy (Tom Claxton) from Manchester to be offered a place at Oxford University is a dream come true. Nobody in his family, street, or classmates have ever been to University and the pressure to succeed and do well lies on his head in Manchester Anthem by Nick Dawkins.

Local upper class associates have also been accepted into Oxford University, which doesn’t surprise Tommy the group were always destined to get places. The leader of the group of friends invites Tommy to join them in order that he can meet other of their friends to potentially fit in when they all move down to Oxford. Against his better judgement he agrees to do so.

A powerful performance where each of the characters comes to life even when the group go to a club Claxton immitates each one’s dance style and behaviour to fully set the club scene. It’s loud, boozy and plenty of classic house music.

The boxes on the stage are paramount to the performance, you watch as they transform and become an important part of the landscape as the story evolves.

After an exhausting and painful night out he returns home to the warmth of his Mum. She wants to talk to about what’s going on and he refuses to explain in-depth what he’s just experienced.

However, through the power of music the pair just simply dance, embrace and these actions comfort Tommy putting everything right with the world (for now) through the power of music.

Claxton gives a phenomenal flawless performance, high energy, charismatic and perfect house dance moves.

After a previous successful run in London this production deserves to continue on stages across the country and be seen by a wider audience. There’s also potentially scope for a sequel to develop the storyline further.

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Five Stars.

Photo by Alex Brenner.