Some people are loud champions of the arts. Others get on with it quietly, relentlessly, and with a level of care that holds entire creative ecosystems together. Simon Naylor is very much the latter — and Manchester is better for it.  At the heart of 53two, Simon is one of those rare figures who makes things happen. Not for glory, not for ego, but because he genuinely believes in creative space, accessible theatre, and giving people a chance. And that belief is baked into every corner of the venue — from the main theatre to the comedy room, right down to the warm welcome you feel when you walk through the door.

Simon’s work at 53two has helped create something vital: a space that feels open, inclusive, and artist-led. It’s a place where new ideas are encouraged, risks are taken, and emerging voices are given room to grow. Theatre makers, comedians, producers, and audiences alike know that 53two isn’t just a venue — it’s a home for creativity.

What really stands out is the culture. There’s a sense of calm competence behind the scenes, the feeling that someone thoughtful is steering the ship. Shows run smoothly. Artists are supported. Staff are friendly and invested. That doesn’t happen by accident — it happens because leadership sets the tone, and Simon’s is grounded, generous, and quietly ambitious.

In a city bursting with talent, spaces like 53two matter more than ever. They’re where careers start, confidence builds, and communities form. Simon Naylor’s contribution isn’t just about keeping the lights on — it’s about nurturing a creative future for Manchester that’s bold, welcoming, and genuinely people-centred.

So while audiences laugh, cry, and applaud, it’s worth remembering the work happening behind the scenes. The emails, the planning, the graft, the belief. Manchester theatre and comedy are stronger because Simon Naylor chose to build — and keep building — something special at 53two. Long may it continue.