Manchester’s team of Actors, Directors and Producers (ADP) are bringing their first full-length production to Preston.

With over 1000 local creatives, the group formed over two years ago and stage monthly script-in-hand readings for the local community, regularly holding events at Manchester’s Kings Arms and The Lowry.

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Finding Alice is Manchester ADP’s first full-length production coming to Crossgate Church, in Preston city centre, on Friday 2 February.

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Emma Hinds produced the production after years of researching and refining the story, and Theatre By Numbers, based in Preston, also helped to create it.

Set in a Belgian Prison in 1918, Finding Alice follows a tale of three cell mates, Audrey, Camille and Ida, under interrogation by the ruthless officer, Himmel.

Their crime is being part of the illicit spy network run by the elusive Alice Dubois, whom Himmel is desperate to catch.

The show exposes the lengths Himmel will go to to find Alice and what measures the inmates will take to protect themselves.

Hannah Ellis Ryan, Producer of Finding Alice, said: “We are lucky to receive truly brilliant scripts at ADP, but it’s all about development, giving advice, asking questions, helping these scripts progress.

“Finding Alice came to us, and watching that reading, I felt I was watching a well-established play.

“The work and time Emma has put into the piece is clear – It’s true, raw, rich and educational.

“The entire audience were captivated and I’m so proud to help this piece reach a larger audience.”

Read more: This Preston city centre building will become an arts space

Ryan, along with ADP founder, Diana Atkins, began the process of applying for funding to stage the play and to help Manchester ADP develop.

The Arts Council England granted ADP it’s funding application, enabling Finding Alice to embark on a North West mini-tour.

Tickets for the Preston production are priced at £5 concession, and £8 full price.

As part of the mini-tour, Manchester ADP are also launching a groundbreaking initiative called #LiveUpskilling.

As a part of the production, rehearsal and performance process, all team members involved will record videos, send tweets and write blogs, to help assist developing creatives learn about theatre production.

All videos will be uploaded onto the Manchester ADP YouTube channel, and promoted using the hashtag #LiveUpskilling.

Follow the #LiveUpskilling and make requests on Twitter, or email Manchester ADP.

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You can purchase tickets for the Preston production here.

You can get involved with Manchester ADP on their website, and follow the event on Facebook.

Have you visited Preston City Centre recently? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below