BUFF at Waterside

Creative Tourist

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BUFF

Waterside, Manchester
15 May 2025

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

BUFF at Waterside
Image courtesy of Rob Ward.
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Coming to Waterside this May, BUFF is a funny, moving solo play about body image, dating apps, and the messy road to self-acceptance.

After a painful breakup, a plus-sized gay primary school teacher starts dating again—only to find the world of online love far harsher than he remembers. Things get even more complicated when he sublets his flat to Jamie, a buff Instagram model. As his confidence crumbles and feelings blur, he’s forced to confront his own insecurities and bias.

Directed by Scott Le Crass (Rose, West End; Toxic, HOME), BUFF is a sharp, heartfelt exploration of modern queer identity and the pressure to be picture-perfect.

Happening as part of Pride in Trafford 2025.

What's on at Waterside

Where to go near BUFF at Waterside

Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
Bean and Brush Art Café

Bean & Brush is a family art café in Sale which serves simple, tasty food with ingredients sourced from local suppliers. The bonus for parents is the arts and crafts studio which keeps the kids busy being creative while they can join in or relax with a coffee.

Manchester
Park
Grosvenor Square

Grosvenor Square is one of the few open spaces along Oxford Road Manchester; on sunny days, students from the nearby Manchester School of Art come out to bask.

Manchester
Park
Walkden Gardens

Walkden Gardens in the Manchester suburbs has all the makings of a fairy tale garden. As a venue, it’s hard to imagine a more magical gateway, a wonderful escape only a short(ish) stroll from the Brooklands Metrolink stop..

Sale
Restaurant
Meze & More

An intimate supper club in Sale, South Manchester, with a specialist focus on Middle Eastern and Greek cuisine.

shop
Stretford
Shopping Centre
Stretford Mall

Stretford Mall has undergone a major transformation, turning a 60s shopping centre into a vibrant, community-led town centre. Led by Trafford Council and Bruntwood Works.

longford park ben williams
Manchester
Park
Longford Park

Longford Park in Stretford was created in the grounds of Longford Hall, the grand entrance steps of which remain.

Manchester
Park
Wythenshawe Park

With a 17th Century hall set in 109 acres of open parkland, Wythenshawe Park makes a super day out for all ages. Explore the historic woodlands, lush grasslands and meadows; take a stroll around the many themed gardens and check out the sports and leisure facilities on offer.

What's on: Theatre

Static at Unity Theatre.
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From £12.00
The Same Deep Water as You at PINK
ExhibitionsStockport
The Same Deep Water as You at PINK

Get involved in this artistic and ambitious takeover of PINK’s three-storey venue, weaving together live performance, video, sculpture and sound.

Free entry
Liz Richardson: Local at Lowry
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Liz Richardson: Local at Lowry

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From £12.00
TESS at HOME: A woman holds four planks over her head, watched on by three women.
DanceManchester
Tess at HOME

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.

From £21.20
Piece of Work at The Edge
TheatreChorlton
Piece of Work at The Edge

James Rowland’s acclaimed one-man show is a witty and quietly moving story about identity, friendship and finding your place in the world.

From £16.00

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From city-wide art festivals to open-air sculptural installations, we have exhibitions from all around the North, both indoors and out.