Greater Manchester Fringe 2025

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor

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Greater Manchester Fringe 2025

Salford Arts Theatre, Salford 53two, The Kings Arms, Chapel Street and other venues...
1 July-2 August 2025

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

Amy Webber comedian
Amy Webber comedian. Image courtesy of Karla Gowlett.
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Greater Manchester Fringe Festival returns this July for its 14th edition – a vibrant celebration of theatre and performance from across the North. Brilliantly accessible, we love that the festival offers a fascinating and diverse programme of performance with ticket prices that won’t break the bank.

A creative hotbed of new work, the festival brings some of the most up-and-coming writers and performers to the region – many to showcase their work ahead of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Among this year’s highlights are three new plays supported by the Shelagh Delaney New Writing Award at Salford Arts Theatre: I Don’t Want to Play Anymore by Libby Hall (7-8 July), Adult Orphans by Becca Ashton (12-13 July), and Boys We Knew by Emilia Chinnery (19-20 July) – all directed by Roni Ellis.

Other standout productions include Precarious Theatre’s dark comedy, One Hundred Percent at The King’s Arms (3 – 5 July); Archie Jackson’s debut musical Karma at Squadhouse in Stockport (10 – 12 July); and a return from award-winning ETAL Theatre with Wink, a bold exploration of toxic masculinity in the digital age at 53two (13–17 July).

Popping up in venues across the city – from pubs and studios to arts centres and pop-ups – this year’s programme spans drama, comedy, storytelling, spoken word, mime, music, visual art, children’s theatre and more.

Fringe shows will take over familiar venues including The Kings Arms, Gullivers, Salford Arts Theatre, the Seven Oaks, Social Refuge and 53two, with performances spilling out across Greater Manchester.

We’re thrilled that Manchester Fringe audiences are the first in line to see brand-new theatre by some of the UK’s sharpest creatives. Furthermore, many of the Fringe’s past productions have gone on to be performed in some of the North’s established theatres, such as the Royal Exchange, Octagon Theatre Bolton and The Lowry.

With a show for everyone, Greater Manchester Fringe is a brilliant way to sample bold, alternative theatre – think of it as a pick ’n’ mix of creativity, ready to surprise and delight.

Where to go near Greater Manchester Fringe 2025

Morning Glory - Coffee Cup
Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
Morning Glory

Morning Glory positions itself as a grab-and-go spot, with just 12 seats inside serving coffee, bagels and sweet treats.

The Warehouse In Holbeck
Leeds
Event venue
The Warehouse In Holbeck

Run by acclaimed theatre company Slung Low, The Warehouse in Holbeck is home to boundary-pushing performance and community projects.

Leeds
Event venue
The Attic

Tucked away above the bustle of Merrion Street, The Attic is one of Leeds’ most distinctive small venues – intimate, unpretentious, and steeped in DIY spirit.

The Chevin is a great place for visitors to do lots of different activities and is open all year round with 5 free car parks. To help you find out whatís best for you we have divided this section up into some of these different activities.Please be aware that The Chevin is a working estate so you may see vehicles including timber-extraction lorries using some of the tracks.Self-guided WalksThe Chevin is a big place and there is a good network of paths to make your own circular walk, but if you want to follow a themed trail there is a Geology Trail, Heritage Time Trail and a route for Tree Spotters.Bikes & HorsesThere is an extensive bridleway network on the eastern parts of The Chevin that caters for a range of abilities.Orienteering and GeocachingTwo orienteering courses and a number of geocache sites are waiting to be discovered.Climbing & BoulderingThere are many fantastic crags for climbing and boulders for bouldering.Mobility Scooters & Wheelchairs
Leeds
Restaurant
Oporto

For many years, Oporto has been a beacon of alternative energy on Leeds’ Call Lane – serving up great food and drink alongside resident DJs and live music.

Manchester
Gallery
Black Redstart Gallery

Black Redstart Gallery is located in the Northern Quarter and runs a busy programme of exhibitions from emerging and established artists.

RJC Dance Xmas Show
Leeds
RJC Dance

RJC Dance, based in Chapeltown, Leeds, champions youth and education, leading inclusive Black dance in the North through national partnerships.

Manchester
Gallery
texture mcr

Possibly one of the city’s most mysterious art galleries, texture is a small and perfectly-formed independent space in Ardwick.

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