Theatre in the North
Kristy Stott, Theatre EditorExperimental performance, thought-provoking new writing and our top picks from Manchester International Festival – here’s what’s taking centre stage this summer.
Theatre in the North continues to surprise and provoke, with a cracking summer season of bold ideas, experimental form and powerful storytelling. Across Manchester and beyond, artists are rethinking how stories are told – and who gets to tell them.
At Lowry, dance-theatre duo Thick & Tight return with Natural Behaviour – a wild take on the animal kingdom that’s part biology lesson, part variety show. Meanwhile, in 53two’s intimate space, Take Back’s What Does It Take to Slay A Dragon explores identity, belonging and belief in modern Britain – a piece set to ignite both debate and reflection.
In Merseyside, Plays for the People at Shakespeare North Playhouse puts collective reading and discussion front and centre, with three script-in-hand performances that spark urgent conversations.
Over in Leeds, Chris O’Connor’s heartfelt new play, Through It All Together delivers a moving and meaningful tribute to love, memory and football. With a top-notch cast and team of creatives, this production promises humour, hope and Yorkshire grit.
And looking ahead to Manchester International Festival, there are lots of standout performances. We’ve got our eyes on Liberation, a compelling political drama inspired by true events in Black British history, and A Symphony of Flesh and Bones, a hypnotic, meditative installation from award-winning artist Juliet Ellis.
Whether you’re drawn to the intimate or the epic, there’s plenty to stir the imagination this summer.
