New Dawn Fades - The Lowry

WHEN Joy Division released their debut album I was something of a square when it came to my own tastes in music.

It would be a further three years before I found myself appreciating their importance, having also been oblivious to the punk era that preceded them and the much needed kick up the backside it gave to the industry.

Joy Division carried on the ethos championed by the likes of the Sex Pistols and were rqually determined to prove Manchester could stand on its own two feet and no longer had to rely on what had previously been a London centric business.

The work of Ian Curtis, Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook and Steve Morris is celebrated in New Dawn Fades, which also gives us a brief history lesson as to how Manchester was born.

The afore mentioned history lesson is a little protracted in the first act which is nowhere near as impactful as act two, when we remember the battles Curtis had, from his epilepsy and depression to a failing marriage and an all consuming obsession with musical success.

Josh Lonsdale gives a complete performance as Curtis, a musician who seemed far more cerebral than others in the industry. Although the short life of this creative genius ended far too soon, Lonsdale resists the opportunity to play the late Ian Curtis as an object of pity.

For different reasons, Gaz Hayden and Kivan Dene are equally enjoyable as Hooky, bassist in the band and manager Rob Gretton, who turn mouthing off into an art form. And while he isn’t a dead ringer physically for Anthony H Wilson, Brian Gorman captures perfectly the mannerisms of Anthony H Wilson, including his penchant for wearing a pair of glasses on the tip of his nose.

Its fair to say you’ll probably enjoy New Dawn Fades more if you like Joy Division, the group who became New Order or the Manchester music scene. But I’m forever drawn to musicians like Ian Curtis and they way they defy stereotype and write songs with profoundly affecting lyrics and sound just as good more than 40 years on from the original release.

Until March 4, when there will also be a performance at 2pm. Tickets are available from 0343 208 6000 or www.thelowry.com.

Star rating - ****