UnTaPped 2026: Double Bill - Dear Matchstalk Men/Big Kids

Christopher Mountain ? Dear Matchstalk Men

Working class Salford: a scene that L. S. Lowry once painted in the heart of the Industrial Revolution. Yet here Chris stands in the middle of a developing landscape, constantly changing around him?the landscape that appeared in Lowry?s work.

It seems inevitable that time continues, even as we try to capture moments of it. In the wake of political tensions and economic crises, life can feel as though it is constantly slipping away from us. But in moments of loss, time pauses?and a personal revolution takes place.

A journey through endings and reflection, Dear Matchstick Men tries to frame the impossible: how do we live knowing that our days are numbered? What is the bigger picture?

Warnings:

Themes of death, grief, and existentialism. Loud sounds, sustained suspense, and mild language throughout.

Age Rating:

15+

Nika Unwin and Finley Briars ? Big Kids

Two nerds; a stage; a clothing rail. Twenty-one years of memories to get through. What could possibly go wrong? Finley and Nika are nerds. Big nerds. One likes Marvel; the other prefers DC. One likes gaming; the other prefers movies. One remembers every canon event; the other remembers? something like that. Together they explore their shared interests while taking you on a journey of how their lives have been shaped by film, TV, and comic books. Expect homemade heroes, a touch of sincerity and an archive of fandom knowledge that some may say is useless in the ?real world.? What starts as reminiscing quickly becomes a chaotic tribute to Sci-fi, fantasy, comics, and everything in between. Memories are materialized between old toys and clothes from the past. Comedy occurs between nostalgia and nonsense. Common ground is found between childhood heroes and present-day experience. Because where is the fun in growing up and moving on? Why can?t we just be big kids?

Warnings:

Themes exploring memory loss and potential emotional triggers.

Age Rating:

(U) All ages.

About unTaPped ?26:

Dear Audience,

unTaPped 2026 is a festival of innovative new works, signed by 10 emerging artists, made up of 8 sealed performances, delivered over 2 days. A showcase of original works which have been delicately created, shaped, and crafted by the Theatre and Performance Third Years.

As a platform for the next generation of up-and-coming theatre-makers, unTaPped 2026 allows them to push boundaries of performance, unleash their creativity in new and exciting ways and to develop their voices.

Expect a variety of different works with contemporary themes and personal narratives, told in experimental and individually unique styles. All developed with passion, honesty, and integrity.