Three large-scale 360° immersive experiences will take over the arts venue this winter
Factory International and Lightroom are teaming up once more, building upon the success of last year’s project David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) with a trio of immersive experiences at Aviva Studios launching this winter.
The programme includes:
The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks
16 December – 11 January
Co-written by Tom Hanks and BAFTA-nominated writer-director Christopher Riley,
The Moonwalkers provides a gripping account of the Apollo missions of the 1960’s and ‘70s at spectacular scale, blending original NASA footage and breathtaking images from Andy Saunders’ Apollo Remastered. Also looking ahead to the next chapter, the production features newly filmed interviews between Tom Hanks and astronauts from the current Artemis programme, offering audiences a glimpse into the future of crewed surface missions to the moon.
The production is co-directed by Nick Corrigan and Lysander Ashton of 59 Studio, and is accompanied by an original orchestral score by Anne Nikitin, recorded by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the iconic Abbey Road Studios.
Tom Hanks said: “As a youth, I was deeply affected by the Apollo missions finally taking us to the moon for the first time in human history. I would have gone myself, given the chance. I’ve worked on many projects to re-create those times and to bring alive the scale, the risks, and the accomplishment of the voyages; the dedication and commitment of the human being who made each journey, the story of each chapter of Apollo.
"The extraordinary, unique production capabilities of Lightroom have allowed me, alongside writer Christopher Riley, directors Nick Corrigan and Lysander Ashton, and composer Anne Nikitin, to tell what we believe is the most visceral and enthralling version to date. We can include everyone on humanity’s journey beyond our earth of fifty years ago and for those about to come with a prelude to the next time human beings will walk on the moon: the Artemis missions.”
VOGUE: Inventing the Runway
From the intimate couture salons of the early 20th century to the unforgettable pop-culture events of the present, Inventing the Runway reveals how fashion shows became the ultimate statement of a designer’s vision, and at times, a walking expression of their identity. The experience brings together the industry’s leading voices with first hand interviews and a rich mix of media. Original animation, immersive sound design and a score fusing classical and pop music combine to evoke the world of fashion and the moments when iconic shows shifted the cultural landscape.
Anna Wintour, Chief Content Officer for Condé Nast and Global Editorial Director of American Vogue said: “At Vogue we’ve been lucky enough over the decades to see many incredible runway shows, which have often told the story of fashion as much as the clothes themselves. This Lightroom experience is a wonderful opportunity for a lot more people to experience first hand the thrill of watching the history of fashion unfold right in front of them.”
VOGUE: Inventing the Runway features the work of the most significant creative minds in fashion history, including: Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Burberry, Chanel, Chloé, Christian Dior and more.
David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)
16 December - 11 January
Following its phenomenal success in 2024 in both Manchester and London, this show, narrated and created by the artist himself, returns paired with an original score by Nico Muhly, the experience affords unparalleled access to the mind of one of Britain’s most loved artists.
Taking audiences on a personal journey through 60 years of his art, Hockney’s process is revealed in a cycle of six chapters featuring some of his most iconic images. Audiences hear from Hockney as they watch how he experiments with perspective, uses
photography as a way of ‘drawing with a camera’, captures the passing of time in his photographic collages and the joy of spring on his iPad–and shows us why only paint can properly convey the hugeness of the Grand Canyon.
Also returning for 2025 are selected dog-friendly slots.
Richard Stanley, CEO of Lightroom, said "We’re thrilled that Lightroom will be returning to Factory International with three different shows this winter! Whether you're passionate about art, fashion or space, there is something everyone in Manchester can enjoy. This partnership marks an exciting milestone for Lightroom, as our shows will be playing simultaneously in seven cities across Europe, the US, and Asia this December - Factory International is a key part of this brilliant expanding network.”
After Dark slots (6pm and later) for all three experiences are for ages over 12 only. A specially curated menu of cocktails is available in The Social before and after evening slots.
To find out more and book tickets for the above shows, visit factoryinternational.org.
Header image credit: Justin Sutcliffe
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