Carousel of Us was a theatrical production that took place in Swinton Square shopping precinct in July 2024. It was created by long time collaborators Lowri Evans and Renato Bolelli Rebouças, who make theatre in unexpected places.
A huge cast of talented performers from the local community brought scenes to life in empty shop units and the open marketplace, taking the audience on a mystery tour led by a guide. Each scene was set in a different decade, telling stories from everyday life in the precinct and culminating in a glorious finale.
Each performance featured 60 performers of all ages, as well as recorded material involving 30 others. The production was created with help from 20 local community organisations (including schools and youth groups) - and the majority of props, costumes and materials were sourced from Swinton-based businesses (including several charity shops).
As well as the groups of people who attended the full performances, many passers-by became caught up in elements of the show while doing their shopping.
Audience feedback was very positive, with one person commenting:
“Carousel of Us was absolutely incredible. A beautiful piece, taking you into the history, lives and stories behind Swinton Precinct. It made me laugh, cry, clap, cheer & dance. Beautiful. Lovely homage to the town, and of course to the people who make the place!”
Salford based photographer, Breige Cobane, came to photograph Carousel of Us and captured some truly magical moments. Some of Breige’s images can be seen in an exhibition at Swinton Gateway from 11 September to 2 October 2024.
Theatre is such a short lived medium, it doesn’t last long - so these photographs serve as a document of all that was achieved, as well as showing what is possible in a short space of time with lots of personalities, hard work and creativity.
Carousel of Us was commissioned by Salford City Council as part of the Swinton Vision project - an exciting programme of events to engage local people, and promote and celebrate Swinton, in support of longer-term ambitions to deliver change within the town centre.