Theatre in Manchester and the North

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor

Experimental performance, Halloween-themed cabaret and an eclectic selection of dance all take top spots in our new theatre guide.

Lovers of contemporary performance rejoice. We’ve got new writing, circus and physical theatre, global dance and visual arts all happening at The Lowry. Part of this exciting season, we’ve got our eyes on Theatre Re’s new devised performance Moments, which we’re told is like nothing the company have presented before; the latest work from acclaimed Stopgap Dance, Lived Fiction, a beautiful performance by Deaf, Disabled, Neurodiverse and non-disabled dancers, celebrating the rich and diverse future of contemporary dance. And Proteus’ unflinching and highly visual show, Indestructible, exploring gender and power in modern arts.

We’re also championing The Paper Birds’ new show Feel Me, opening at HOME next week. This unique performance explores connection and empathy, and requires audience interaction via mobile phone. Intrigued? We certainly are. Meanwhile, over at Liverpool Playhouse, the ever-fabulous Talawa Theatre bring their sassy New York spin on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, perfectly timed to mark Black History Month.

There’s lots more too – read on for details of Ember & The Vixens’ Halloween special cabaret; the super charming Bruntwood Prize-winner Bullring Techno Makeout Jamz at the Royal Exchange and Breach’s eagerly anticipated new show – After the Act – at HOME.

Our top picks

Abigail’s Party at Blackpool Grand Theatre

Abigail's Party at Blackpool Grand Theatre at Blackpool Grand Theatre, Lancashire, 22–26 October 2024, from £19.50 - Book now

Booze flows, tensions boil and tempers alight – Mike Leigh’s iconic suburban comedy is given a new lease of life at Blackpool Grand.

Abigail's Party at Blackpool Grand Theatre
Image courtesy of Sean Conboy.

Rambert Dance in Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby at The Lowry

Rambert Dance in Peaky Blinders – The Redemption of Thomas Shelby at The Lowry, Manchester, 22–26 October 2024, from £24.50 - Book now

You’ve got another chance to catch the awe-inspiring Rambert with their celebrated dance-theatre show, inspired by the hit TV show Peaky Blinders.

Rambert Peaky Blinders at The Lowry
Image courtesy of Johan Persson.

English National Ballet: Mary Skeaping’s Giselle at Manchester Opera House

English National Ballet - Mary Skeaping's Giselle at Manchester Opera House, Manchester, 23 October–2 November 2024, from £13.00 - Book now

Watch one of the world’s leading ballet companies and their exceptional orchestra perform this great classic of the ballet canon.

English National Ballet - Mary Skeaping's Giselle
Image supplied by ATG Tickets

Indestructible at The Lowry

Indestructible at The Lowry, Manchester, 25 October 2024, from £12.00 - Book now

Offering an unflinching exploration of gender and power in contemporary arts, this brave and witty performance asks the audience: why is it still so difficult for female artists to succeed?

Indestructible at The Lowry
Image courtesy of Richard Davenport/ Proteus.

Bullring Techno Makeout Jamz at the Royal Exchange Theatre

Bullring Techno Makeout Jamz at Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, 28–30 October 2024, from £10.00 - Book now

Billed as a “love letter to Birmingham”, this Bruntwood Prize-winner explores Black masculinity through Beyoncé lyrics, techno raves and the deep connection between a man and his barber.

Bullring Techno Makeout Jamz
Image courtesy of Rebecca Need-Menear.

Chicago at the Palace Theatre

Chicago at Palace Theatre, Manchester, 4–9 November 2024, from £15.00 - Book now

Sassy, sexy and packed with show-stopping numbers, the shimmy-shaking musical makes a dazzling return to Manchester.

Chicago at the Palace Theatre
Image courtesy of Tristram Kenton.

Dear Evan Hansen at Leeds Grand Theatre

Dear Evan Hansen at Leeds Grand Theatre, Leeds, 5–9 November 2024, from £31.00 - Book now

A new production of the multi award-winning musical is set to tour the UK from autumn 2024, venues include Leeds Grand Theatre, Liverpool Empire and Palace Theatre Manchester.

Dear Evan Hansen at Leeds Grand Theatre
Image courtesy of ATG Tickets.

After the Act at HOME

After the Act at HOME Manchester, Manchester, 12–16 November 2024, from £15.00 - Book now

The ever-brilliant Breach Theatre bring a new scorching protest musical that traces the infamous Section 28 anti-gay legislation.

After the Act at HOME
Image courtesy of Alex Brenner/ Breach Theatre.

Ballet Black: Heroes at The Lowry

Ballet Black: Heroes at The Lowry, Manchester, 20–21 November 2024, from £17.50 - Book now

Cassa Pancho’s Ballet Black present a new dance double bill by the award-winning choreographer Mthuthuzeli November and Franco-British artist Sophie Laplane.

Ballet Black: Heroes at The Lowry
Image courtesy of Isabela Coracy.

More theatre events

Manchester Science Festival 2024
Until
FestivalsManchester
Manchester Science Festival 2024

Expect a packed programme of fun, family-friendly daytime activities and adults-only evening events spanning never-seen-before installations, live performance and interactive adventures.

Indestructible at The Lowry
TheatreSalford
Indestructible at The Lowry

Offering an unflinching exploration of gender and power in contemporary arts, this brave and witty performance asks the audience: why is it still so difficult for female artists to succeed?

from £12.00
Creepy capers across Manchester and the North for little and big ghosts with the most.
Spotlight on

Halloween in Manchester and the North

As Halloween approaches read our guide to the creepy capers happening for little and big ghosts with the most.

Take me there

Theatre in Manchester and the North

HOME Manchester
Manchester
Theatre
HOME Manchester

Offering a packed schedule of events and things to do, HOME Manchester is one of the city’s leading hubs for arts and culture.

Manchester
Park
Platt Fields Park

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

The Hepworth Wakefield
Wakefield
Gallery
The Hepworth Wakefield

Winner of the 2017 Art Fund Museum of the Year Award, The Hepworth in Wakefield is easily one of the leading cultural highlights of the North.

The MerseyMade building in Liverpool
Liverpool
Shop
MerseyMade

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.

Cumbria
Event venue
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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