Manchester's International Festival is a collection of world class talent, theatrical premieres, ground breaking musical performances and global stars from the contemporary art scene. Amongst these gems will be Shelley's The Masque of Anarchy, performed by Maxine Peake, one of the most gifted actors of her generation. The poem is seen as the most politically powerful in the English language, written as a response to Manchester's 1819 Peterloo massacre, an event which ultimately led to the birth of the working class movement. This is the first time it will be performed as a piece of theatre and will be staged yards from where it took place.

Miranda Sawyer goes back to her old Manchester stamping ground to meet Maxine. Delving into Maxine's staunch socialist roots, the two tour the city to discover the people and places that are important to Maxine, and why she feels this 200 year old poem is more relevant than ever.