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Theatre in the North

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor

Our theatre guide is as eclectic as ever – think inventive reworkings, world-class dance, and Greater Manchester’s very first Improv Festival.

Looking for theatre happening now? Head over to HOME where Emma Rice and Wise Children switch out cool suspense for high style as they present their take on Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest. Meanwhile, Shakespeare’s great tragedy meets Radiohead’s seminal album in the eagerly awaited Hamlet Hail to the Thief at Aviva Studios.

Elsewhere, a FREE dance festival is happening just a short hop from Manchester. Worth travelling for, Now Northwich brings together performance from the likes of Company Chameleon, Global Grooves, Gorilla Circus, Sole Rebel and Northwich’s very own Ben Wilson. Don’t miss out.

What else? Aakash Odedra Company bring their stunning five-star show – Songs of the Bulbul – to Lowry as part of the venue’s 25th anniversary celebrations, and the West End hit play Myra’s Story, tackling addiction and homelessness, also comes to Salford in June.

We’re also championing the first-ever Greater Manchester Improv Festival at the Kings Arms and a new edition of Plays For The People at Shakespeare North Playhouse. If you’re looking for something a little off-beat and impromptu, these are your tickets.

Read on for details of all of this and more.

Our top picks

North by Northwest at HOME

North by Northwest at HOME Manchester, Manchester, Until 10 May 2025, from £26.20 - Book now

Emma Rice returns to Manchester this spring with her take on Alfred Hitchcock’s 1959 espionage thriller – and it’s anything but a straight remake.

Find out more
North by Northwest at HOME: Five people stand centre stage with one arm raised in motion, as if all dancing in time.
Image courtesy of Steve Tanner.

Hamlet Hail to the Thief at Aviva Studios

Hamlet Hail to the Thief at Aviva Studios, Manchester, Until 18 May 2025, from £10.00 - Book now

A thrilling adaptation blending Shakespeare’s great tragedy with Radiohead’s seminal album in an intoxicating blend of theatre, music, and movement.

Find out more
Hamlet Hail to the Thief: The cover of Radiohead’s Hail to the Thief – which is a collage of colourful text blocks stacked on top of each other. The text has been replaced by words from Hamlet.
Factory International

Chopped Liver and Unions at Manchester Jewish Museum

Synagogue Nights: Chopped Liver and Unions at Manchester Jewish Museum, Manchester, 1 May 2025, from £13.00 - Book now

Mark International Workers’ Day with J.J. Lepink’s powerful one-woman play, bringing a vital yet overlooked figure of British labour history to the stage.

Find out more
Chopped Liver and Unions at Manchester Jewish Museum
Image courtesy of Carol Rosegg.

Now Northwich 2025

Now Northwich 2025, 3 May 2025, free entry - Find Out More

With performances from Company Chameleon, Global Grooves, Tea Club and Sole Rebel, Northwich’s free international dance and street arts festival is back for 2025.

Find out more
Now Northwich: Three aerialists fly around a metal tower in the dark as oversized pink conetti flutters around them
Image courtesy of Cheshire Dance.

Equilibrio Dinamico | Through Her Eyes at the Riley Theatre

Equilibrio Dinamico | Through Her Eyes – Three Female Voices at The Riley Theatre, Leeds, 3 May 2025, from £12.00 - Book now

A bold, all-female choreographic triple bill exploring the female gaze, identity and artistry – danced by a powerful international ensemble.

Find out more
Equilibrio Dinamico | Through Her Eyes at the Riley Theatre: A woman dances with her hand to her ear in a graphic floral dress
Image supplied by Leeds Inspired

Aakash Odedra: Songs Of The Bulbul at Lowry

Aakash Odedra: Songs Of The Bulbul at Lowry, Manchester, 6 May 2025, from £16.50 - Book now

Happening as part of Lowry’s 25th anniversary, Aakash Odedra’s five-star show, accompanied by a live orchestra, arrives in Salford for one special performance this May.

Find out more
Aakash Odedra: Songs Of The Bulbul at Lowry
Image courtesy of Angela Grabowska.

Abi Clarke: Role Model at The Wardrobe

Abi Clarke: Role Model at The Wardrobe, 13 May 2025, from £18.00 - Book now

From TikTok sensation to a sell-out star at Edinburgh Fringe, Abi Clarke brings her acclaimed stand-up show to Leeds.

Find out more
Abi Clarke: Role Model at The Wardrobe
Image supplied by Leeds Inspired.

Benji Reid: Find Your Eyes at Aviva Studios

Benji Reid: Find Your Eyes at Aviva Studios, Manchester, 25–29 May 2025, from £27.50 - Book now

It was a huge hit at MIF23 and went on to tour the world. We’re thrilled that Benji Reid’s acclaimed live photography show returns to Manchester this spring.

Find out more
Benji Reid: Find Your Eyes at Aviva Studios: A chroreographed image a person kneeling on a pedestal in a sea green outfit, looking to the left with a bowl covering their face in front of a white light on a bluebackground
Benji Reid

Myra’s Story at Lowry

Myra's Story at Lowry, Manchester, 29–30 May 2025, from £28.50 - Book now

Direct from London’s West End, a critically acclaimed play shining a light on homelessness, addiction and resilience through one woman’s unforgettable story.

Find out more
Myra's Story at Lowry
Image courtesy of Danny Kaan.

Dear England at The Lowry

Dear England at Lowry, Manchester, 29 May–29 June 2025 - Book now

Don’t miss James Graham’s Olivier Award-winning, big-hearted, ‘pitch-perfect’ celebration of football when it comes to Salford.

Find out more
This is England at The Lowry
Image courtesy of Marc Brenner.

Tess at HOME

Tess at HOME Manchester, Manchester, 5–7 June 2025, from £21.20 - Book now

A bold, breathtaking fusion of circus and storytelling, Ockham’s Razor transform Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the D’Urbervilles into a visceral, visually stunning spectacle.

Find out more
TESS at HOME: A woman holds four planks over her head, watched on by three women.
Image courtesy of Kie Cummings.

Greater Manchester Improv Festival at the Kings Arms

Greater Manchester Improv Festival at The Kings Arms, Manchester, 6–8 June 2025, from £5.00 - Book now

Greater Manchester Improv Festival debuts. Expect a fearless, unscripted showcase of local talent, wild invention, and pure fringe spirit.

Find out more
Greater Manchester Improv Festival at the Kings Arms
Image courtesy of Ladies Who Improv/ Thirsty Productions.

Plays for the People at Shakespeare North Playhouse

Plays for the People at Shakespeare North Playhouse, Prescot, 17 June 2025, from £15.00 - Book now

A day of live performance, bold ideas and collective action – where the audience becomes the cast and theatre sparks conversation.

Find out more
Plays for the People at Shakespeare North Playhouse
Illustration courtesy of Minty King.

MIF25: A Single Man at Aviva Studios

A Single Man at Aviva Studios, Manchester, 2–6 July 2025, from £35.00 - Book now

For the first time ever, MIF joins forces with The Royal Ballet to present a bold new adaptation of Christopher Isherwood’s seminal novel.

Find out more
A Single Man at Aviva Studios (Manchester International Festival)
Christopher Isherwood’s A Single Man at Aviva Studios. Image courtesy of Rick Guest.

MIF25: Liberation at the Royal Exchange Theatre

Liberation at Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, 3–20 July 2025, from £20.00 - Book now

Happening as part of MIF25, Liberation is a bold new play inspired by real events in Black British history, bringing politics, power, and personal struggles to life on stage.

Find out more
MIF25: Liberation at the Royal Exchange Theatre
Image courtesy of Ali 'Komikamo’ Kamara.

More theatre events

Myra's Story at Lowry
–
TheatreSalford
Myra’s Story at Lowry

Direct from London’s West End, a critically acclaimed play shining a light on homelessness, addiction and resilience through one woman’s unforgettable story.  

from £28.50
Free Activity at Aviva Studios
Until
ComedyManchester
Free Activity at Aviva Studios

From comedy nights to drop-in family craft sessions, Factory International bring an accessible and inclusive programme of events this spring – the best thing, it’s all free.

free entry
See all theatre events
Image by Jonathan Schofield.
Spotlight on

Walking Tours in Manchester by Jonathan Schofield

Presenting the best walking tours in Manchester for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those looking to scratch beneath the surface of the city.

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Theatre in the North

HOME Manchester
Manchester
Theatre
HOME Manchester

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Park
Platt Fields Park

Platt Fields Park in Fallowfield is steeped in history, the land having been acquired by the Platt family in 1225.

Cumbria
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Penrith Old Fire Station

Main venue for Eden Arts, an artist-led organisation based in Eden in Cumbria creating projects around mass participation, local distinctiveness and digital engagement, from Picnic Cinema to The Winter Droving.

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In the MerseyMade shop you’ll find bottled gin from the likes of Turncoat Gin, Anfield Gin, Albert Dock Gin and Three Graces Gin. Yep, Liverpool REALLY likes its gin.

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Okechukwu Nzelu
Literature Events in the North

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A woman sits in a car with hands holding the steering wheel.
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Vintage Alfred Hitchcock and a family friendly film festival are amongst our highlights this May.

Sextile
Music in the North

Open air clubs, new festivals and long-awaited gigs. The North West's live music scene is heating up this spring. 

Laura Ellen Bacon, Into Being, 2025. Photo © India Hobson, courtesy Yorkshire Sculpture Park
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Willow weaving, textile collages, digital arts and ecology - all this and more in our exhibition top picks this month

Image by Jonathan Schofield.
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We've got many a good time in store this month as we round up the best walking tours, cultural classes and makers markets in the land.