Manchester Hypes delivers an engaging and personal performance, using excellent grime music to explore ADHD, creativity and growing up in Manchester
Music can be a way of expressing things that are difficult to put into everyday conversation, and for Manchester grime artist Hypes, it has played a significant role throughout his life. In The Treatment, he brings his experiences of growing up with hyperactivity and receiving an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood to the stage, combining grime music, storytelling and digital animation in a production that is both entertaining and personal.
Commissioned by SICK! Productions and Contact, the show is written and performed by Manchester Hypes, founder of Burst Gang and an established figure in the northern grime scene. Directed by Matt Fenton, the production explores the relationship between ADHD and creativity, drawing on Hypes’ experiences growing up in Moss Side and developing his career in music.
Rather than following a traditional theatrical structure built around dialogue between characters, The Treatment is presented largely as a musical monologue. Hypes tells his story through a series of grime tracks, taking the audience from his childhood experiences in his father’s barbershop and local youth clubs through to his adult life and eventual diagnosis.
The approach works particularly well. Each track contributes to the story, allowing the audience to understand more about Hypes and the experiences that have shaped him. Grime might not be the most obvious choice for a theatrical monologue, but its rhythm and lyrical delivery make it an effective storytelling device.
Much of the production rests on Hypes’ ability to command the stage, and he proves himself to be a very capable performer. Carrying a largely solo show through music requires considerable confidence and concentration, particularly when the lyrics are doing much of the storytelling. His delivery is strong throughout, with an energy that makes the performance enjoyable to watch.
The music itself is particularly impressive. Produced by Yussuf Maleem, the tracks combine strong beats with detailed lyrics, giving the performance the atmosphere of a live gig while maintaining its theatrical purpose. The fast pace of grime also works well alongside the subject of hyperactivity, creating an interesting connection between the music and the experiences Hypes is describing.
There are lighter moments within the storytelling too, particularly when Hypes reflects on his childhood and growing up around his father’s barbershop. These memories provide humour while also helping the audience understand his upbringing beyond the subject of ADHD.
Another important part of the production is the digital animation created by Andrew Crofts. Large projections surround the stage, creating different environments as the story develops. Rather than relying on a traditional set, the production uses these visuals to move between locations and memories. Their scale and use of colour complement the music, giving the performance a more immersive quality without taking attention away from Hypes.
Although the production is largely centred around one performer, other grime artists also make an appearance during a rap battle section. Their involvement introduces another side of Hypes’ musical background and reflects the importance of the community around the genre.
One of the strongest aspects of The Treatment is how relatable the subject matter can be. The experiences of childhood hyperactivity, feeling different and eventually receiving an explanation for those behaviours in adulthood will be familiar to many people with ADHD. There is a personal connection to be found in these moments, particularly in the way Hypes reflects on experiences that make more sense when viewed with an adult understanding.
What is also interesting is that the production does not focus solely on the difficulties associated with ADHD. Creativity is an important part of the story, and the performance itself demonstrates how Hypes has used music to express his thoughts and experiences.
At approximately an hour, The Treatment moves at a good pace, with the combination of music and visuals helping maintain interest throughout. While the subject could certainly support a longer show, the format works well within its running time.
The Treatment is a great piece of theatre, with excellent music and an engaging central performance. Hypes makes good use of his musical talents to tell a personal story, while the creative team helps bring that story to life in a way that feels different from conventional theatre. It is a welcome example of how music can be used to explore personal experiences without losing its ability to entertain.
This show’s run has now concluded, having taken place at Contact Theatre, Manchester, from 30 to 31 October 2026