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As the new theatre season gets ready to launch, we champion some of the star performances happening over the next few months.
The autumn/winter theatre season is already underway at the Royal Exchange as Tennessee Williams’ masterpiece The Glass Menagerie takes to the theatre’s iconic in-the-round stage. Meanwhile, the eagerly anticipated stage adaptation of Markus Zusak’s best-selling novel The Book Thief opens a thrilling new season of shows at Octagon Theatre Bolton. We’re also looking ahead to Shakespeare North Playhouse’s Opening Season too – with Not Too Tame’s take on the witty Shakespearean comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
HOME kick start their new season with a 12-hour durational performance by Manchester-based ensemble Quarantine. Using a company of local workers, 12 Last Songs is an extraordinary live performance – a fleeting portrait of society that examines how we relate to work. Meanwhile, in Theatre 2, we’re looking forward to a new work by the Javaad Alipoor Company charting an investigation into the brutal, and unsolved, murder of an Iranian pop icon.
We’ve also picked out the magical Paines Plough Roundabout, landing in Prince’s Park, Irlam this October, and the legendary experimental duo, Split Britches when they return to Contact in the autumn.
Here are our picks
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1. The Glass Menagerie at the Royal Exchange
Image courtesy of Marc Brenner. The Glass Menagerie at Royal Exchange Theatre, City Centre, Until 8 October 2022, from £10.00 - Book now
Following the huge success of Hobson’s Choice at the Royal Exchange in 2019, Atri Banerjee returns to direct Tennessee Williams’ semi-autobiographical masterpiece.
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2. Road at Oldham Coliseum
Image courtesy of Chris Payne. Road at Oldham Coliseum, Manchester, Until 1 October 2022, from £7.00 - Book now
Offering a snapshot of Lancashire life during Thatcher’s England in the 80s, Jim Cartwright’s classic is as relevant today as when it was first performed.
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3. The Book Thief at Octagon Theatre Bolton
Image courtesy of Pamela Raith. The Book Thief at Octagon Theatre, Bolton, Until 15 October 2022, from £15.00 - Book now
Seen on stage for the very first time and opening the Octagon’s autumn/ winter season, don’t miss this world premiere stage show of Markus Zusak’s best-selling novel.
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4. A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Shakespeare North Playhouse
Image courtesy of Not Too Tame. A Midsummer Night's Dream at Shakespeare North Playhouse, St. Helens, Until 22 October 2022, from £3.00 - Book now
Join Not Too Tame for a riotous version of Shakespeare’s best-known comedy. Happening as part of Shakespeare North Playhouse’s Opening Season.
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5. Gecko: Kin at HOME
Image courtesy of Richard Haughton. Gecko: Kin at HOME Manchester, Manchester, Until 1 October 2022, from £10.00 - Book now
Set to a hypnotic global soundtrack and in their distinct physical style, Gecko’s latest work asks us to reflect on migration, racism, empathy and belonging.
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6. New Dawn Fades: A Play About Joy Division & Manchester at RNCM
Image courtesy of All Roads Meet. New Dawn Fades A Play about Joy Division & Manchester at Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), Manchester, Until 30 September 2022, from £19.00 - Book now
Set in the wake of the punk revolution of 1970s Manchester, this timely revival tells the story of the four ordinary lads who came together to create one of the most significant bands of all time.
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7. The Time Traveller’s Wife: a new musical at Storyhouse
British singer-songwriter Joss Stone. Image courtesy of Storyhouse. The Time Traveller's Wife: a new musical at Storyhouse, Chester, 30 September–15 October 2022, from £22.50 - Book now
A brand new musical adaptation of Audrey Niffenegger’s international best-seller is set to receive its world premiere at Storyhouse before moving to the West End.
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8. Women in Comedy Festival 2022
Isy Suttie. Image courtesy of Women in Comedy Festival. Women in Comedy Festival 2022 at The Frog and Bucket, Ancoats, 1–10 October 2022, from £3.00 - Book now
Described as one of the “UK’s best comedy festivals”, the Women in Comedy Festival returns with its 9th bumper edition of top-notch comedy.
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9. English National Ballet: Swan Lake at the Palace Theatre
Image courtesy of Laurent Liotardo. English National Ballet: Swan Lake at Palace Theatre, Manchester, 5–8 October 2022, from £13.00 - Book now
The world’s most famous ballet returns to Manchester. Don’t miss this stunning production from the English National Ballet.
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10. Paines Plough Roundabout at Prince’s Park
Image courtesy of Paines Plough. Paines Plough Roundabout at Prince's Park, Salford, 6–9 October 2022, from £5.00 - Book now
Bringing the magic of live performance to Salford, there are four brand-new works playing at the Paines Plough Roundabout this autumn.
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11. JB Shorts: The Return at 53two
Image courtesy of Sean Mason/ Pull Focus Productions -
12. The Color Purple at The Lowry
Image courtesy of Manuel Harlan. -
13. Reasons You Should(n’t) Love Me at The Edge
Image courtesy of The Edge. Reasons You Should(n’t) Love Me at The Edge Theatre and Arts Centre, Chorlton, 21 October 2022, from £14.00 - Book now
A big-hearted and quick-witted prize-winner about a young woman navigating friendship, romance and spina bifida in a difficult world.
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14. Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World at HOME
Image courtesy of HOME. Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World at HOME Manchester, Manchester, 22 October–5 November 2022 - Book now
A theatrical investigation into the brutal and unsolved murder of Iranian pop icon, Fereydoun Farrokhzad. Created by The Javaad Alipoor Company.
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15. Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty at The Lowry
Image courtesy of New Adventures. -
16. Split Britches: Last Gasp at Contact
Image courtesy of Christa Holka. Split Britches: Last Gasp at Contact Theatre, Manchester, 30 November–1 December 2022
Combining spoken word and movement, the legendary experimental duo return to the physical theatre with a wry performative reflection on the turbulent last couple of years.
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17. RNCM Opera: Die Fledermaus at RNCM
RNCM RNCM Opera: Die Fledermaus at Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), Manchester, 10–17 December 2022, from £12.50 - Book now
This December, the RNCM is hosting opera’s biggest party: Strauss’ rip-roaring comedy Die Fledermaus (The Bat), filled with deceit, betrayal, and champagne. Lots of champagne.
More in Theatre
Shakespeare North Playhouse Opening Season
Launching with a glorious weekend of free festivities (15-17 July), check out Shakespeare North Playhouse’s spectacular opening season.
Mrs Doubtfire at Manchester Opera House
Mrs Doubtfire, a touching musical comedy about family, love and friendship, is coming to Manchester Opera House, straight from Broadway.
The Lost Words: Told In Gold at Heaton Park
Discover the beauty in words that are slowly disappearing, in this outdoor theatre production for families at Heaton Park.
Flecky Bennett’s Ghost Walks
Meet, Flecky Bennet, your guide through the dark and demonic side of the city as he takes you on one of Manchester’s award winning ghost walks.
Amy Vreeke: Glowing at Contact
A new comedy theatre show devised and performed by theatre maker and new mum Amy Vreeke. Expect very personal and unfiltered views on the realities of pregnancy and motherhood.
Manchester Science Festival 2022
Expect another action-packed programme of inspiring, entertaining and playful experiences as Manchester Science Festival returns, with interactive online events, thought-provoking talks and eye-opening exhibitions.
Let The Right One In at the Royal Exchange
A deeply moving piece of theatre – as enchanting as it is brutal – Let The Right One In tells a chilling and beautiful coming-of-age vampire love story.
The Lion King at the Palace Theatre
The sun may have set over our Manchester theatres during the pandemic – but now “it’s rolling high through the sapphire sky” once again. Hit musical The Lion King has added even more dates to its previously postponed run.
There’s a Rang-Tan in my Bedroom & Other Stories at HOME
Discover how you can make a difference to our planet through a magical mix of puppetry, music and education this December at HOME.
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