Theatre in the North
Kristy Stott, Theatre EditorSummer signals theatre festivals, world premieres and open-air spectacle – from MIF25 to comedy, outdoor circus and beyond, here’s what we’re looking forward to.
In Trafford, Refract 25 returns to Waterside with Edinburgh Fringe previews, free outdoor performance and family-friendly highlights. Meanwhile, the Greater Manchester Fringe Festival brings an eclectic mix of new writing and performance to pubs, studios and pop-up spaces across the city.
If it’s al fresco theatre you’re after, Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre in Chester is the summer’s standout – pack a picnic, pop the prosecco and enjoy classic stories under the stars. Meanwhile, Manchester’s Creatures Comedy Festival brings top stand-ups and Edinburgh-bound shows to the Northern Quarter, with late-night laughs and everything we love about the fringe scene.
And over in West Yorkshire, The Railway Children rolls into Bradford with a fresh take on the beloved classic, where part of the story unfolds on board a real heritage steam train. Reimagined with today’s theatre-lovers in mind, the show offers a brilliant day out for families, including half-price tickets for under 16s.
We’re also steaming towards Manchester International Festival, where there are lots of standout performances. We’ve got our eyes on Liberation, a compelling political drama inspired by true events in Black British history, and A Symphony of Flesh and Bones, a hypnotic, meditative installation from award-winning artist Juliet Ellis.
Whether you’re drawn to the daring or the feel-good, the North’s stages – indoors and out – are brimming with stories this summer.
