Fancy an arts and culture reawakening? Well you’re in luck, because some of the biggest theatre shows in the world are set to grace the Manchester stages this spring – and that front row seat most definitely has our name on it. From reimagined classics to some of the biggest stage shows of all time, with some new material sprinkled in, here are some of the best theatre shows coming to Manchester this summer.
1. Burlesque − June 13 − 29, Manchester Opera House
Discover a club like no other… a place beneath the city lights where the sequins sparkle, seduction shimmers, and a life can change in the flick of a feather boa.
When Ali heads to New York in search of her mother, she finds herself drawn into a dazzling underground world where the beat of the music and the heat of the dance moves will change her life forever. Among this unlikely family of misfits, dreamers and schemers, Ali will unwittingly find her real voice, discover her talent, and find where she really, truly belongs.
Following an unprecedented sold-out season at Manchester Opera House in June, producers of the World Premiere of Burlesque the Musical have announced that the theatre production will return to Manchester in autumn 2024, all produced by none other than original Ali, Christina Aguilera herself.
🎟️ Find tickets here.
2. The Importance of Being Earnest − June 14 − July 20, Royal Exchange Theatre
This timeless tale of identity, opulence and sharp-tongued wit follows the lives of the rich and ridiculous, all looking for something to do, someone to love and somewhere to belong. For Jack and Algernon, being young and rich isn’t easy. In fact, being swathed in luxury is, well… depressing. Tired of the never-ending soirees and penthouse shindigs, they escape their anxious existence (and Lady Bracknell) in the pursuit of love, real love, like, proper adult, IRL love, all under the guise of the ever-enigmatic Ernest.
But love isn’t as easy as it seems. After all, Cecily and Gwendolen have standards, not to mention a peculiar passion for the name of Ernest… Oscar Wilde‘s legendary, quintessential comedy, directed by Josh Roche, receives a dazzling makeover in this adaptation.
🎟️ Find tickets here.
3. Murder Trial Tonight II − June 20 & 21, The Bridgewater Hall
This unique and captivating immersive theatre experience invites audiences to step into the shoes of a juror and participate in a thrilling murder trial. In this new case, audiences will delve into the dark and mysterious world of a newly married couple whose anniversary dinner takes a tragic turn. Heather Banks, the protagonist, reports a road rage incident involving a driver of a white transit van and provides a detailed e-fit of their attacker.
Through expert storytelling and immersive staging, Tigerslane Studios creates an unforgettable experience that blurs the lines between reality and fiction. As a member of the jury, you will have full access to all the evidence and testimonies presented in court, giving you the power to decide the fate of the defendant. Join the jury for Murder Trial Tonight II and prepare to be captivated by this case. With each twist and turn, you will be faced with the responsibility of determining the defendant’s guilt or innocence. Can you handle the pressure?
🎟️ Book tickets here.
4. Coram Boy − June 21 − 29, The Lowry
Helen Edmundson‘s adaptation of Jamila Gavin‘s Whitbread Award-winning novel Coram Bar premiered at the National Theatre in 2005 before transferring to Broadway. Nominated for several Olivier and Tony Awards, it won the Time Out Live Award for Best Play.
At Gloucester Cathedral, Alexander Ashbrook, heir to an aristocratic estate, has his heart set on becoming a composer; but his stern father refuses to listen and despite his love for the beautiful Melissa, flight seems his only option. Far darker conflicts are at play for Meshak, son of the brutal Otis Gardiner who preys on young unmarried mothers – promising to deliver their babies to Coram’s new Foundling Hospital but instead meting out a terrible fate.
Their stories entwine eight years later in London, where two Coram orphans, Toby and Aaron, find themselves on parallel adventures, and the great Handel is at work on a new score, Messiah, embodying the hope of love and salvation over evil.
🎟️ Book tickets here.
5. Nadiya and Kai: Behind The Magic − June 25, Bridgewater Hall
After the great success of their critically acclaimed debut tour Once Upon A Time, dance stars Nadiya Bychkova and Kai Widdrington have announced they will be touring the UK again throughout June 2024 with their brand new show Behind The Magic. Coming to Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall for one night only on June 25, Behind The Magic will see Nadiya and Kai, backed by their incredibly talented cast of singers and dancers, invite audiences back into their world to catch a rare insider’s glimpse into how all ‘the magic’ comes together.
From TV shows to commercial campaigns, photoshoots to live tours, they will be taking us behind the lens to see things from a very different perspective, highlighting the influence of some of the greatest legends, creatives and artists of the 20th century, whose impact is still felt today among some of the most successful contemporary artists.
🎟️ Book tickets here.
6. Miriam Margolyes: Oh Miriam! Live − July 2, The Bridgewater Hall
After the success of her sell-out 2023 tour, Miriam Margolyes returns with more juicy, jaw-dropping stories from her eventful life and career to celebrate the paperback release of her bestselling and much acclaimed book, Oh Miriam! Stories from an Extraordinary Life.
Buckle up for an irrepressible, hilarious and moving evening as Miriam shares some of her favourite anecdotes and divulges never-told-before stories and life lessons. From declaring her love to Vanessa Redgrave to being fed cockroaches by Steve Buscemi, from turnip-based comedy with Blackadder to being farted on by Arnold Schwarzenegger, from Graham Norton‘s sofa to Alan Cumming‘s camper van, Miriam’s life has been (and continues to be) an uproarious adventure.
🎟️ Find tickets here.
7. Life of Pi − July 2 − 6, The Lowry
Due to popular demand the spectacular Life of Pi is returning to Salford for one week only this summer. After a phenomenal Christmas season, the show that features ‘Richard Parker’ a life-size puppeteered Bengali Tiger, will return at The Lowry from 2 – 6 July.
Based on one of the best-loved works of fiction – winner of the Man Booker Prize, selling over fifteen million copies worldwide – Life of Pi is a breath-taking new theatrical adaptation of an epic journey of endurance and hope. After a cargo ship sinks in the middle of the vast Pacific Ocean, there are five survivors stranded on a single lifeboat – a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, a sixteen-year-old boy, and a 450-pound Royal Bengal tiger. Time is against them, nature is harsh, who will survive?
🎟️ Book tickets here.
8. The Unusual Adventures of Robin Hood − July 6, Longford Park, Stretford
Hobgoblin Theatre Company’s brilliantly original, outdoor production of The Unusual Adventures of Robin Hood, tells the classic tale of Robin and his Merry Men outwitting the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham (with more than a little help from Maid Marian.) But this time, they’re singing! This musical romp is full of audience interaction, physical comedy and laugh-out-loud moments. The hilarious characters, fast-paced plotting and catchy songs will have the audience singing all the way home.
The fabulously fun-filled mad cap musical play is perfect for the whole family to enjoy, and is suitable for ages 4+. Bring a blanket or camping chair, weather appropriate gear, food and drink and get ready to enjoy this family friendly performance in the outdoor backdrop of Longford Park.
🎟️ Find tickets here.
9. & JULIET – July 8 − 20, Manchester Opera House
After thrilling audiences at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London’s West End from 2019 – 2023, award-winning musical & JULIET is embarking on a UK tour in 2024, debuting at the Opera House in Manchester between 8 July – 20 July. The tour will see the Olivier Award-winning and Tony Award-nominated musical & JULIET come straight from Broadway, where it is currently playing at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre.
There is life after Romeo! Juliet’s new story bursts to life through a playlist of pop anthems as iconic as her name, including Britney Spears’ …Baby One More Time, Katy Perry’s Roar and chart toppers Since U Been Gone, It’s My Life, I Want It That Way, and Can’t Stop the Feeling! — all from Max Martin, the genius songwriter and producer behind more number one hits than any other artist this century, and his collaborators.
🎟️ Find tickets here.
10. Hairspray – July 16 – 27, Palace Theatre Manchester
Set to open in Manchester at the Palace Theatre on July 16, Hairspray will tour through to July 2025. The iconic musical comedy featuring hit songs Welcome To The 60s, You Can’t Stop The Beat and Good Morning Baltimore will visit venues across the UK and Ireland.
After breaking box office records and delighting audiences in the West End, on Broadway and on the big screen since 1988, the timeless story of Hairspray centres around heroine Tracy Turnblad, who has big hair, a big heart, and big dreams to dance her way onto national TV, and into the heart of teen idol Link Larkin. When Tracy becomes a local star, she is able to use her newfound fame to fight for liberation, tolerance, and interracial unity in Baltimore. But can she win equality – and Link’s heart – without denting her ’do?
🎟️ Book tickets here.
11. Pillock − July 17 & 18, Contact Theatre Manchester
Pillock has ADHD. His brain works faster than his bowel when he’s had a Babybel. And he’s lactose intolerant. He’s trying to keep his head above water, but he’s drowning in loneliness, hook-up culture and medical role plays.
He feels stagnant and it’s going to take more than a yoga class to help. But, when he meets Eugene everything changes. His shot at the sort of love people run through airports for. But will he be Mr Right, Mr Right Now or even Mr Wrong? Pillock wants to trust his gut, but his can’t even handle a Muller Corner. This is an Edinburgh Fringe preview.
🎟️ Find tickets here.
12. Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book − July 23 − August 4, The Lowry
A major new musical adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s best-selling book Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book will run this summer at The Lowry, Salford from Tuesday 23 July to Sunday 4 August. The production reunites adaptors Barb Jungr and Samantha Lane (who also directs) following their celebrated collaboration on the Olivier-nominated The Smartest Giant in Town, also written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler.
Charlie loves reading. Especially books about pirates. But his sister hates it – it’s boring! Can Charlie convince her that reading is fun? Perhaps if she read a book about a pirate, who is reading a book about Goldilocks, who is reading a book about a knight… Come and delve into a range of books with Charlie Cook, brought to life with puppetry and enchanting songs, and perhaps you will be able to help his sister discover the wonderful world inside a book.
The cast includes Pierre Hanson-Johnson as Charlie, Georgie Samuels as Mum, and Freya Stephenson as Izzy.
🎟️ Find tickets here.
13. 101 Dalmatians – July 30 – August 10, Palace Theatre Manchester
A new musical version of Dodie Smith’s classic book 101 Dalmatians will embark on a UK tour, coming to the Palace Theatre Manchester from 30 July 2024 – 10 August 2024. When fashionista Cruella de Vil plots to swipe all the Dalmatian puppies in town to create her fabulous new fur coat, there’s trouble ahead for Pongo and Perdi and their litter of adorable, tail-wagging young pups.
This classic canine caper is brought to life on stage with spectacular puppetry, show-stopping choreography, hilarious songs and irresistible puppies – yes, real puppies! The production promises drama, action and a little bit of wholesome humour thrown in, on top of so much cuteness, of course.
🎟️ Find tickets here.
14. Lord of the Dance − August 13 − 18, Palace Theatre Manchester
After celebrating the 25th anniversary in 2022, Lord of the Dance is back with a dazzling revival of this iconic dance extravaganza. The 2024 tour promises to be an extraordinary journey that will captivate audiences again with this record-breaking show.
Landing at Manchester’s Palace Theatre on August 13, Lord of the Dance, a production that has enchanted over 60 million people in 60 countries on every continent and graced more than 1000 venues, is a testament to Michael Flatley‘s creative brilliance. It has left an indelible mark on the world of dance, solidifying its status as one of the most successful productions in the history of entertainment.
🎟️ Find tickets here.
15. The 13-Storey Treehouse − August 15 − 18, Manchester Opera House
Who wouldn’t want to live in a treehouse? Especially a 13-storey treehouse that has everything including a bowling alley, a secret underground laboratory, self-making beds and a marshmallow machine! Andy and Terry live there, make stories together and have a series of completely nutty adventures.
Today’s the day Andy and Terry are going to bring their stories to the stage in their first ever play – except they forgot to write it! Where will they find flying cats, a mermaid, a sea monster, an invasion of monkeys, and a giant gorilla? Don’t miss your chance to see this fun-filled, best-seller live on stage for children aged 6–12 and their adults!
🎟️ Find tickets here.
Theatre shows in Manchester to look out for this year:
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The Book of Mormon – September 11 – October 5, Palace Theatre
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Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby – October 22 – 26, The Lowry
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Only Fools and Horses The Musical – November 11 – 23, Manchester Opera House
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Wicked – December 3, 2024 – January 12, 2025, Palace Theatre
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A Christmas Carol – December 6, 2024 – January 4, 2025, The Lowry