A Taste of Honey at The Lowry until 24th November

Shelagh Delaney's kitchen sink masterpiece ends the Salford Season at The Lowry.

When Delaney's play A Taste of Honey premiered in 1959 it sent shockwaves throughout the theatrical world. The play tells the story of Jo, a 17 year old girl from Salford who moves in with her friend Geoffrey after her mother abandons her for a new lover. Jo falls pregnant after sleeping with a black sailor, and Geoffrey offers to act as the father. But when Jo's mother reappears on the scene, the world her daughter has so carefully created is about to fall apart.

Covering homosexuality, interracial relationships, single motherhood and a bleak portrayal of family relationships from a female perspective, A Taste of Honey was one of the first 'kitchen sink' dramas. It shocked audiences with its naturalistic portrayal of working class life and the frankness with which it dealt with taboo subjects. It went on to become one of the defining plays of the time and is now seen as a modern classic.

Delaney's play closes a triumphant season of plays at the Lowry which celebrate Salford's history, culture and surroundings. Other productions during the season have included Pirandello's Six Characters in Search of an Author (Lowry's favourite play) and Innit The Musical, a sell-out play written by local young writer Micky Dacks based on his experiences of growing up around gangs, deprivations and crime in the area.