After their sell-out success with pool (no water) at the 2024 Greater Manchester Fringe Festival, ETAL Theatre is back at 53two. Ten years on from its premier production, WINK by Phoebe Eclair-Powell remains a timely, unflinching examination of toxic masculinity in the digital age.
"I feel for the first time in ages like going for a really, really long run and running so hard my mouth tastes like acid."
Mark, a lonely and chronically online 16-year-old old is fixated on John, his insecure and chauvinistic French teacher. In an age of unmoderated technology and carefully curated profiles, the life Mark really wants is only a click away, but what if that life already belongs to John? WINK examines two lives veering dangerously close to collision as the truth distorts into something completely beyond recognition.
Content warnings: Strong language, misogyny, discussions of violence, sexual violence and rape, discussions of pornography, references to alcohol, discussions of death of a parent, discussions of eating disorders, flashing lights.
Presented at 53two on Sunday 13th, Wednesday 16th, Thursday 17th July 2025. Please note that 53two is a cashless venue.
Run time: approx. 1 hour 30 minutes with no interval.
Written by Phoebe-Eclair-Powell.
Directed by Arthur Loades. Assistant Direction by Beth Moore.
Technical Management by Mia Bridgwater.
Produced by Jennifer Roberts.
Tickets greatermanchesterfringe.co.uk/events/wink/
