Culture Guides
Destination Guides
Seasonal Guides
Due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, our usual recommendations for theatre in Manchester and the North are a little different.
Many arts venues have been working tirelessly towards welcoming audiences back through their doors safely, socially distanced and creatively; sadly, since the announcement of the second national lockdown, many runs have been cancelled or postponed.
During this difficult time for the industry, theatres and artists have been encouraged to think outside the box, to find new ways to create and share performance with their audiences. Arts organisations like HOME have worked their socks off to deliver their live ‘reopening’ season of theatre to audiences digitally via a live stream; Hope Mill Theatre have pre-recorded and edited their electrifying production of Rent for audiences to watch at home.
While we can’t wait to be back in the stalls again…our guide to theatre in Manchester and the North features the best online performance happening now, alongside some of the live shows we’re most looking forward to.
We are so grateful to National Lottery players, The National Lottery, DCMS and Arts Council England for supporting our freelance writers during this crisis. This means that, although venues remain shut and campaigns cancelled, our writers can be reengaged to help arts organisations and artists across the North of England share their online content with our culture-hungry readers.
Be sure to check out our full guide to the best online events from organisations in Manchester and the North too. Do check back often – we’re adding more good cultural stuff as we find it.
Stay well.
Here are our picks
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1. Complete Works: Table Top Shakespeare: At Home
Image courtesy of Hugo Glendinning. -
2. Rent at Hope Mill Theatre
Image courtesy of Hope Mill Theatre. Rent at Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester and online, Until 6 December 2020, from £20.00 - Book now
Missed out on tickets the first time around? You’ve got another chance to watch this sell-out show online. But be quick.
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3. User Not Found: A Video Podcast with HOME
HOME -
4. DaDaFest International 2020: Translations – online
Alexandrina Hemlsey -
5. The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk – online
Image courtesy of Kneehigh. -
6. A Christmas Carol at Storyhouse
Image courtesy of Peter Cook - Storyhouse. A Christmas Carol at Storyhouse, Chester, 2 December 2020–17 January 2021, from £23.00 - Book now
You will go to a Christmas show this year…packed with song, laughter and festive joy, head to Chester for a cracking adaptation of Dickens’ timeless tale.
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7. Six at The Lowry
Image courtesy of Idil Sukan. -
8. Homemakers
Bryony Kimmings in I am falling in love with you and its making me do stupid things -
9. The Jungle Book at Oldham Coliseum
Image courtesy of Oldham Coliseum. The Jungle Book at Oldham Coliseum, Manchester, 1–17 April 2021, from £7.00 - Book now
Previously postponed due to Covid-19, we’re pleased that The Jungle Book is set to run at Oldham Coliseum in April 2021.
More in Theatre
I Don’t Love You Anymore, But I Don’t Love You Any Less with HOME
A Young Identity and Homemakers commission, this is an audio poem exploring universal uncertainty at a time of great change.
Chasing On A Dream with HOME
Fusing music and spoken word, Young identity present this new work by Saf Elsenoss as part of Homemakers.
Memories of a Moss Sidian with HOME
Presented by Young Identity, this collection of 4 poems examines the ethereal qualities of our lived experiences, once we look back on them as memories.
They keep telling me that my house is on fire with HOME
Using soundscape and film, this Young Identity Homemakers commission explores the burning house analogy often given as an explanation to those who say ‘all lives matter’.
The Very Error Of The Moon with HOME
Shot entirely on a smartphone and GoPro throughout lockdown, this perceptive short film examines the costs of being ‘othered’ in a radicalised world.
I am all the Rooms of the House with HOME
Exploring love, loss and reclamation, a house is vividly brought to life in this metaphorical poem by writer-performer Hester Ullyart.
Poetry Health Service with Oldham Coliseum
Offering contemporary poetry as a tool for healing and connection, PHS is a brand-new online literary cure-all.
My Darling Christopher with HOME
Innovative, visual and inclusive, this short film uses unique theatrical language to shine a light on a Deaf person’s experience of war.
Absent Tense with HOME
Inspired by the first 12 weeks of lockdown and presented in 12 parts, Absent Tense is an audio essay and accompanying publication that reflects the presence of absence in our lives right now.
Culture Guides
Cinema in Manchester and the North
We’re looking at the best in home cinema for the next month, with Manchester Animation Festival and Aesthetica Short Film Festival at the top of our list.
Exhibitions
Galleries may be closed once again, for now, but there’s plenty of new exhibitions on the horizon to forward to.
Literature
Live Literature Land has you covered for entertainment and intellectual stimulation with Zoom book launches, online readings and virtual open mics in plentiful supply as we head towards Christmas and beyond.
Classical Music in Manchester and the North
We preview the standout classical music events and venues in Manchester and the north.
Food and Drink in Manchester and the North
For the November guide, we’re looking at the best delivery options in Manchester, whether it’s for alcohol or food.
Online events
Discover the best things to do online from the organisations we love in Manchester and the North.
Tours and Activities
Embrace your creative side or find out what local activists have been up to this year in this month’s guide of Tours and Activities.
Related Guides
Food and Drink in Manchester and the North
For the November guide, we’re looking at the best delivery options in Manchester, whether it’s for alcohol or food.
Exhibitions
Galleries may be closed once again, for now, but there’s plenty of new exhibitions on the horizon to forward to.
Vegetarian Food in Manchester
We’ve gathered together a handpicked list of some of our favourite vegetarian places in Manchester – meaning you need never suffer a stuffed pepper ever again.
Theatres in Manchester
If you’re looking for theatre in Manchester, these are our top places to explore.
Theatres in Liverpool
You’ll find a varied programme across our guide to Liverpool’s best theatres.
Families
Need some inspiration for online activities and creative family fun? Look no further than our top picks online for families across Manchester and the North.
Things to do right now
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