There are moments that become part of a place’s story.
To mark the 30th anniversary of The Monastery Manchester, the Great Nave welcomed a full house for Rise Up. This one-off performance celebrated the remarkable transformation of one of Manchester’s most treasured historic buildings.
A Story Told Through Music
Created especially for the anniversary, Rise Up brought together the award-winning Do Your Thing Choirs, Hand Made Signing Choir, dancers, T’ai Chi practitioners and actor John Thomson. His narration guided the audience through the Monastery’s extraordinary journey from near ruin to the thriving community and heritage destination it is today.
Through music, British Sign Language, movement and storytelling, the performance explored themes of hope, resilience and renewal. As a result, it created an experience that felt both inclusive and deeply moving.
Throughout the afternoon, voices filled the Great Nave beneath its Gothic arches. At the same time, the story honoured not only the building itself but also the countless people who have restored, protected and shaped it over the past three decades.
Reflecting on the performance, Monastery CEO Elaine Griffiths, OBE said:
“Paul and I didn’t quite know what to expect when we arrived for Rise Up. What unfolded was an extraordinarily moving tribute to the past 30 years of The Monastery Trust, told through music, signing, movement and John Thomson’s wonderful narration.
What made it so special was that Do Your Thing Choirs and Hand Made Signing Choir gave us a remarkable gift. They told our own Monastery story back to us. Seeing three decades of restoration, hope and community reflected through such creativity and care was incredibly moving. There were several moments when we were brought to tears and, looking around the Great Nave, we knew we weren’t alone.
This special 30th Anniversary performance was only possible because so many people shared their talent, generosity and enthusiasm. On behalf of everyone at The Monastery Trust, Paul and I offer our heartfelt thanks to every performer, volunteer and supporter who helped make Rise Up such a memorable celebration.”
A Celebration of Community
The performance was the result of months of creativity, collaboration and dedication. From the earliest planning meetings, the creative team wanted to produce something worthy of the Monastery’s remarkable story. Consequently, they combined singing, signing, dance, T’ai Chi and narration into a single production that celebrated the building’s past, present and future.
That vision came to life thanks to the commitment of everyone involved. Liz Taylor‘s award-winning Do Your Thing Choirs joined Paul Whittaker OBE‘s Hand Made Signing Choir to create a performance that resonated with audiences long after the final note had faded. Performers of all ages gave their time, talent and enthusiasm to make the afternoon truly special.
Finally, as the applause echoed through the Great Nave, it became clear that Rise Up had become far more than an anniversary concert. It was a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has cared for the Monastery over the past 30 years. More importantly, it reminded us that the Monastery’s story continues to grow through the community that gathers within its walls.
To everyone who performed, volunteered, supported, organised and joined us for this milestone celebration, thank you for helping make our 30th anniversary one to remember.
Words | Jane Charilaou Images | Graham North