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 spring.
1. Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch − February 22 – March 2, The Lowry
Things are gonna get wet as critically acclaimed hit parody musical Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch returns to The Lowry, Salford this spring. It’s time everyone’s favourite Disney diva Ursula took matters into her own tentacles by giving her take on what really happened all those years ago under the sea. With an original hot pop soundtrack and trademark filthy humour, it’s time to take the plunge and dive in to this year’s hottest night out. Cruella told her side, and Maleficent’s had her moment. Now the legendary queer queen Ursula is ready to spill, in this tell-all tale of sex, sorcery and suckers.
2. Twelve Angry Men − February 27 – March 2, The Lowry
Following previous recording-breaking West End seasons, and a critically acclaimed tour in 2023, Bill Kenwright Ltd’s powerful production of Twelve Angry Men is back in session and will hold court at The Lowry, Salford this spring.
A jury has murder on their minds and a life in their hands as they decide the fate of a young delinquent accused of killing his father. But what appears to be an open and shut case soon becomes a huge dilemma, as prejudices and preconceived ideas about the accused, the trial, and each other turn the tables every which way, until the nail-biting climax…
3. Pretty Woman – March 5 – 16, Manchester Opera House
You’ll be hard pressed to find a rom-com lover who doesn’t consider Pretty Woman to be one of the best out there, and as of 2024, the onstage revival will be coming to Manchester. As the story goes, once upon a time in the late ’80s, Vivian met Edward and her life changed forever. Be swept up in their romance in this dazzlingly theatrical take on a love story for the ages. Expect tears, thrills, laughs and a whole lot of love in a new twist on this Julia Roberts and Richard Gere classic, with evergreen plot points related to class, sexism, and proper 80s style.
4. Frankenstein − March 12 – 14, The Lowry
Created by imitating the dog’s Co-Artistic Directors Pete Brooks, Andrew Quick and Simon Wainwright, this multimedia exploration of Mary Shelley’s classic novel is a psychological thriller which dares to ask the question – what is it to be human? As a couple confront their own fears about impending parenthood, they re-create a version of Frankenstein that erupts into life as everyday objects are transformed into glaciers, a ship at sea, a dissecting room, and a house on fire. Intrigued?
5. Player Kings – March 14 – 23, Manchester Opera House
A new production, Player Kings, adapted by Robert Icke from William Shakespeare’s Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2 is coming to Manchester Opera House. A divided country, leadership crumbling, corruption in the air. Welcome to England. Hal wasn’t born to be king. Only now, it seems, he will be. His father longs for him to leave behind his friends in the taverns of Eastcheap, most notably the infamous John Falstaff. War is on the horizon. But will Hal ever come good? The play stars Burnley-born and Lord of the Rings legend, Ian McKellen, who will take on the role of John Falstaff, making it one of the many theatre shows in Manchester not to be missed.
6. The Fix − March 18 – 23, Bolton Dance and Performing Arts
A powerful drama based on true events, The Fix follows the lives of the Morris family and the effects that drugs and mental health has on them. Could the tragic consequences have been avoided? This moving play was initially written with two different endings, however only one is currently being used – can you guess the alternative?
7. My Beautiful Laundrette − March 19 – 23, The Lowry
My Beautiful Laundrette comes to The Lowry from Tuesday 19 – Saturday 23 March 2024 and features an exciting and talented cast. Set in South London during the Thatcher years, My Beautiful Laundrette tells the story of Omar. After a confrontation with a racist gang, including his former school-friend Johnny, Omar uses their history to defuse the situation. Against a backdrop of nationalism, racial tensions, financial crisis and political turmoil, the pair come together to transform a run-down laundrette and realise their feelings for one another.
My Beautiful Laundrette is based on Kureishi’s ground-breaking 1985 Oscar-nominated film of the same name. Originally directed by Nikolai Foster, the upcoming tour is directed by Nicole Behan. The production features original music composed by the Pet Shop Boys’ Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, set and costume design by Grace Smart, lighting by Curve Associate Ben Cracknell and sound design by Tom Marshall. Casting is by Harry Blumenau.
8. Cluedo 2 − April 2 – 6, The Lowry
Ellie Leach – reigning champion of Strictly Come Dancing – will make her stage acting debut as Miss Scarlett in the world premiere UK tour of Cluedo 2. Following the huge success of the critically acclaimed original play, Cluedo is back on stage with a brand new, original comedy mystery, set in the swinging 60’s.
As the bodies pile up, our colourful characters – The Honourable Mrs Emerald Peacock, Colonel Eugene Mustard, ‘Professor’ Alex Plum, Miss Annabel Scarlett, ‘The Reverend’ Hal Green and the housekeeper Mrs White – move from room to room trying to escape the murderer and survive the night. Cluedo 2, will keep audiences guessing right up to the final moments, and budding detectives of all ages, from 8 to 80 and beyond, can watch for the clues and unravel the secrets, as they try to work out whodunnit… with what… and where!
9. Better Days − April 13, The Yard
After its first showing in Manchester in March 2023 to five-star reviews, the one-man show Better Days is returning to Manchester this time at venue and creative space Better Days doesn’t stop at a new tour – the show’s writer is currently working with House Productions to bring the show to TV in the near future. (Bent Street, close to the Green Quarter). Better Days doesn’t stop at a new tour – the show’s writer is currently working with House Productions to bring the show to TV in the near future.
Better Days incorporates some of the best rave and clubbing tunes from the early 90s. It tells the story of Danny, a 19-year-old in 1990, who finds himself at a crossroads between two tribes – the burgeoning house music scene and the gang of football hooligans to which he is bound by fierce loyalty.
10. 42 Balloons − April 18 – May 19, The Lowry
Using a lawn chair and approximately 42 helium-filled weather balloons, truck driver Larry Walters defied all the odds (and FAA airspace regulations!) to make his lifelong dream a reality and fly sixteen thousand feet above Los Angeles. No, seriously. In a chair.
42 Balloons is an uplifting musical inspired by the highly improbable true story of how Larry, and his partner Carol Van Deusen, convinced their friends and family to help Larry achieve his dream of flying. Featuring an irresistible 80s pop-inspired score, 42 Balloons questions how far you would go to make your dreams come true. Is the sky actually the limit, and what happens if it doesn’t all go to plan?
11. The Wizard of Oz – April 24 – May 5, Palace Theatre
A new take on the classic show The Wizard of Oz tours the UK and Ireland throughout 2024, following a celebrated run at the world-famous London Palladium. Heading to the Palace Theatre, the show will feature local and TV legend Jason Manford as The Cowardly Lion and Allan Stewart as The Wizard. They join previously announced RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner and Dancing on Ice finalist, The Vivienne as The Wicked Witch of the West.
12. An Officer and A Gentleman – April 30 – May 4, Manchester Opera House
Prepare to be swept off your feet as the Curve production of An Officer and A Gentleman The Musical is set to go on tour across the UK in 2024. The musical which is based on the award-winning 1982 film of the same name starring Richard Gere will be performed in Manchester, featuring songs from some legendary artists who rocked the 80s and beyond. Follow the emotional journey of Zack Mayo, a fearless young officer candidate beginning his aviation training, and the captivating Paula Pokrifki, whose fiery spirit matches his own, set to a smash-hit soundtrack featuring the songs of Madonna, Bon Jovi, Cyndi Lauper and Blondie.
Theatre shows in Manchester to look out for this year:
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Aladdin – May 22 – July 7, Palace Theatre
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& JULIET – July 8 – 20, Manchester Opera House
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Hairspray – July 16 – 27, Palace Theatre
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101 Dalmations – July 30 – August 10, Palace Theatre
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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