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THEATRE: Blue 5, Royal Exchange, until Saturday

27/ 7/2007

NOW becoming a regular feature on the cultural calendar, the Royal Exchange Theatre's annual Manchester showcase, Blue 5, celebrates its fifth anniversary of new and emerging live acts in The Studio.

The performing-arts extravaganza runs from Thursday, July 26 until Saturday, July 28.

Blue 5 presents live performance extracts from a range of formats including dance, comedy, physical theatre and poetry.

On Thursday Preston-based Asta Theatre presents I Hear This Music, an unsettling drama exploring the unknown source of a piece of music and including live musical accompaniments by Simon James. Also on Thursday, Oldham-based Kobal Theatre Company set their sights on the cult of celebrity with the biting comedy Little Tin Rock God, an extract from their current work-in-progress.

Friday's programme, which starts at 7.30pm, includes music by Steve Reich and Taciturn Dance will present their new piece Disinclined, which explores the notion of journey and continuous movement.

Also on Friday, Manchester-based writer Conor McKee presents Thrasher, his new work-in-progress.

Following three storylines as they begin to unfold, this bold piece of theatre, with its cross-cutting dialogue and a sparse writing style, leaves the audience asking questions when they leave.

On the Saturday, starting at 8pm, the programme includes the 2toned theatre company's play The Night Before (The Morning After).

This highly physical piece explores the habits, rituals and relationships of people enjoying that all-important Saturday night on the town.

The Royal Exchange Theatre's resident DJ Johnny Fish will spice up each evening with his 'Blue' tunes.

Tickets costing £5 for each evening are available from the box office on 0161 833 9833