Grandad Anansi

Abi and her Grandad tell each other Anansi folktales. They play games as they work together in the garden among the beautiful flowers and tasty vegetables. As they plant memories, they share secrets and develop a bond that nothing can break.

Grandad is as smart and mischievous as the wily Anansi legend, a part human, part spider and the subject of many West African and Caribbean folk stories. Can he find a way to tell his granddaughter about his plans to return to Jamaica, his beloved homeland?

Join our intrepid characters as they step into the unexpected in this humorous and heartfelt inter-generational adventure. With captivating songs and joyous dancing, Grandad Anansi is an uplifting tale of love, courage and letting go that celebrates storytelling and shines a light on Jamaican culture and the Windrush generation.

Written by award-winning children’s author Elayne Ogbeta, Grandad Anansi is a Half Moon and Z-arts co-production: an exciting collaboration by the UK’s leading small-scale young people’s venue and touring company and Manchester’s unique venue for children and families.

This piece was developed in partnership with the African Caribbean Care Group and schools in Hulme, Manchester.

Grandad Anansi won Best Performance at the Manchester Culture Awards 2023.

Grandad Anansi toured to over 30 venues and libraries in Autumn 2022, and is back due to popular demand.

You may also like the following events from Z-arts:

• This Tuesday, 12th August, 11:00 am, Summer of Stories – Week 3: Magical Creatures in Manchester
• Next Tuesday, 19th August, 11:00 am, Summer of Stories – Week 4: Hares & Rabbits in Manchester
• This October, 18th October, 11:00 am, Club Ninja in Manchester

Also check out other Arts events in Manchester, Literary Art events in Manchester, Trips & Adventurous Activities in Manchester.