Dear Eliza

Red Line Theatre’s award-winning play is returning to Manchester, coming to the iconic 53Two arches for one night only! Dear Eliza is a powerful investigation of friendship under the strain of mental illness, declared “fringe theatre at its best” (British Theatre Guide). In a media culture that either villainises or victimises the mentally ill, Dear Eliza navigates the grey area with guts and defiance. Playful, bold, cynical, darkly funny, and admirably candid, this one-woman play is very much about confronting unexpressed emotions within relationships and saying out loud what you’d rather keep in your head… Written and performed by “powerhouse” Barbara Diesel and directed by “fringe legend” Helen Parry, Dear Eliza was awarded “Best Play” at the Greater Manchester Fringe Festival in 2024, as well as being shortlisted for “Best Newcomer” in 2023 and making the top 40 out of 800 for the Brighton Fringe “Audience Choice Award” in 2024. Described as “captivating from start to finish” (A Youngish Perspective, 4.5 star) and a “must watch” (Better Than Words, 5 stars), this show promises to make you laugh, then cry, and then laugh again. Find out more about the show via https://redlinetheatre.co.uk/dear-eliza Content warnings include discussion of mental illness and suicide, as well as strong language. Recommended 16+.