Grandad Anansi
2nd to 4th October
Grandad Anansi, Z-arts
by Elayne Ogbeta
For ages 4–9
An uplifting tale of love, courage and letting go.
Grandad Anansi, the award-winning family theatre production by Elayne Ogbeta, returns to Manchester this autumn due to popular demand. Presented by Half Moon and Z-arts, the show will run at Z-arts (Hulme, M15 5ZA) with performances from Thursday 2 October – Saturday 4 October 2025.
Local Hulme legend Marcus Hercules, an established reggae artist, returns to play Grandad, bringing his warmth, charisma, and musical talent to this beloved role. The production was developed in close partnership with the African Caribbean Care Group and local schools in Hulme, celebrating the stories, culture, and heritage of the community.
About the Writer – Elayne Ogbeta
Elayne Ogbeta, a Greater Manchester author and playwright of Jamaican heritage, created Grandad Anansi inspired by her father’s experiences as part of the Windrush generation. Her work, like Marcus Hercules’ performance, draws on the richness of local culture and intergenerational storytelling, making this a truly community-rooted production.
Winner of Best Performance at the Manchester Culture Awards 2023, Grandad Anansi first toured to over 30 venues and libraries in autumn 2022, delighting audiences nationwide.
This humorous and heartfelt intergenerational story follows Abi and her Grandad as they share games, secrets and Anansi folktales in the garden. With captivating songs and joyous dancing, it shines a light on Jamaican culture and the Windrush generation while celebrating storytelling, love, and letting go. Tickets are just £5, and grandparents go free, making it a perfect local family outing!
Ticket Information
£5 tickets (M15 residents get 20% off!)
Grandparents go free!
Performances last 50 minutes (no interval)
A BSL-interpreted performance will take place at 2pm on Saturday 4 October, with interpretation by Thomas Simper
School performances: Friday, 3rd October 2025 at 10:30am & 1:30pm (Email: helena@z-arts.org)
Quotes & Reviews
★★★★ “Elayne Ogbeta’s warm, pleasing and thoughtful show… manages to pack in more layers than a good strudel. Storytelling, and its extraordinary power, is at the centre of the piece.” – Sardines Magazine
“A colourful, amazing production” – The Guardian
Audience feedback:
“We laughed, we danced, we even shed a tear!”
