Culture Guides
Destination Guides
Seasonal Guides
This month we bring our picks of the best theatre happening in Manchester and across the North. You’ll find a selection of online performance alongside some of the live shows we’re most looking forward to.
Although Greater Manchester theatres remain closed at this time, many venues are continuing to adapt to the ongoing pandemic – pulling out all the stops to deliver a theatrical experience for audiences to enjoy at home. And we remain hopeful that theatre will return soon – the pathway to live performance is glimmering on the horizon.
Sound Stage is an exciting audio-digital project that pricked our ears up. Created by the fabulous Manchester-based audio-production company Naked Productions, in collaboration with Pitlochry Festival Theatre and the Royal Lyceum, the project aims to recreate the social experience of a trip to the theatre.
HOME continues to deliver high-quality and innovative works and experiences that audiences can enjoy at home. The Homemakers series has been extended until the summer and PUSH Festival, featuring six brand-new commissions and an experimental video game, will run throughout 2021, allowing work to be presented both digitally and live (we’ve got everything crossed).
We’re thrilled that Queer Contact Festival will run online this spring. Highlights include screenwriting legend Russell T Davies (Queer as Folk, It’s a Sin) in conversation with Nathaniel Hall (First Time). Always a highlight in the theatre calendar – be sure to check out the full Queer Contact 2021 programme.
We’re looking forward to those lighter nights and live performance at some point in the not too distant future. Do check back often for more great performance – we’re updating our guide to theatre in Manchester and the North frequently.
Here are our picks
-
1. Don’t Touch My Hair with HOME
Image courtesy of HOME Manchester. Don’t Touch My Hair at HOME Manchester, Manchester, Until 1 August 2021 - Book now
Fearless social activism meets unapologetic hip hop. A concentrated dose of Hot Brown Honey is just what we all need right now.
-
2. User Not Found: A Video Podcast with HOME
HOME -
3. Homemakers
Bryony Kimmings in I am falling in love with you and its making me do stupid things -
4. Hidden Winter
Image courtesy of SBC Theatre. -
5. PUSH Festival 2021 at HOME
Image courtesy of HOME Manchester. Push Festival 2020 at HOME Manchester, Manchester, 5 March–31 December 2021 - Book now
Thrilling and challenging, HOME’s annual festival is a glimmering reminder that new performance continues to be developed, despite ‘you-know-what’.
-
6. C-o-n-t-a-c-t at Salford Quays
Image courtesy of Pamela Raith -
7. Learning to Swim on an Ironing Board with Contact
Image courtesy of Davy Dellbridge. -
8. The Picture of Dorian Gray – online
Image courtesy of the Lawrence Batley Theatre. -
9. Turn On Fest 2021 at Hope Mill Theatre
Image courtesy of Turn On Fest/ Hope Mill Theatre. Turn On Fest at Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester and online, 17–28 March 2021 - Book now
Following the success of the first-ever Turn On Fest in 2020, an online edition of the festival will return this spring.
-
10. Sound Stage
Image courtesy of Naked Productions. -
11. Queer Contact Festival 2021
Image courtesy of Drew Forsyth. Queer Contact Festival 2021 at Contact Theatre, Manchester and online, 29 April–1 May 2021 - Book now
Bringing an online celebration of art and creativity in the LGBTQ+ community, we’re thrilled that Queer Contact Festival will return for 2021.
-
12. Queer Contact 2021: Russell T Davies in conversation with Nathaniel Hall
Queer Contact 2021: Russell T Davies in conversation with Nathaniel Hall, online, 30 April 2021, from £5.00 - Book now
In this first event for Queer Contact 2021, screenwriting legend Russell T Davies will join award-winning theatre-maker Nathaniel Hall to discuss depictions of HIV and AIDS on stage and screen.
-
13. MIF21: The Walk
Image courtesy of Bevan Ross/ MIF21. The Walk - Venue TBC, 4 July 2021, free entry - Find Out More
An epic and extraordinary travelling artwork will set off from the Turkish – Syrian border for Manchester this April. Adventurous and inventive, this is the first event to be announced for MIF21.
More in Theatre
Everything that rises must dance with HOME
Produced by Complicité for Homemakers: Join a virtual gathering of women for an online dance project celebrating female movement throughout history.
Hamilton – Streaming on Disney Plus
Politically charged with a hip-hop soundtrack, there is no doubt that this filmed performance is one of the most eagerly anticipated releases of 2020.
Drama Stars with Triple C
Z-arts are delighted to be hosting Drama stars with Triple C – a series of online creative workshops for children with access requirements/additional needs. Aimed at beginners, children need no previous drama experience for these fun, interactive sessions.
Closed Hands with HOME
An interactive, experimental and political video game exploring the complex effects of extremism and radicalisation.
The Earth Asleep at HOME, Manchester
The Earth Asleep, a new film and original live score from creative duo Clara Casian and Robin Richards, premieres this spring at HOME.
POSTPONED: Paper Aeroplane
Prepare for flight with two new friends as they take to the skies, leaving the every-day behind in pursuit of faraway lands. They touch down in mysterious new places and discover oceans to swim in, rocks to clamber over and bridges to cross. Paper Aeroplane sensitively explores themes of loss and grief in an age appropriate manner and is truly entertaining showcasing a mix of music, puppetry and physical movement.
POSTPONED: Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever
It’s Peppa’s Best Day Ever! Join Peppa Pig and all her friends and family on as they embark on fun-filled day long adventure. With all the familiar faces, and plenty of chuckles, chortles and trademark snorts this show will have your little ones captivated.
Queer Contact 2021: Mark Croasdale – Spilling The Tea
An explosive performance about coming out, finding ways to belong and fitting in. A film premiere and Q&A.
Queer Contact 2021: Roma Havers – LOB
Written and performed by Roma Havers, LOB is a tennis and poetry theatre piece that explores moving through sporting spaces as a queer body.
Culture Guides
Cinema in Manchester and the North
Online film festivals, brand new streaming film and a Titanic watch-a-long feature in our latest cinema guide.
Exhibitions
From the most prestigious painting prize in the UK to a cinematic experience with an original live score, check out this month’s picks.
Literature
Online open mics and full-on festivals, virtual book launches and digital reading series… there’s no getting bored when you log on to Live Literature Land this March.
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 December 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.
Things to do in Blackburn and Burnley
A jam-packed guide of the best sights, spots and locally sourced goods on offer in the surrounding areas of Blackburn and Burnley.
Tours and Activities
Plenty to do in the online world with cooking classes, talks and beer tasting in this month’s Tours and Activities guide.
Related Guides
Food and Drink in Manchester and the North
For the December guide, we’re looking at the best delivery options in Manchester, whether it’s for alcohol or food.
Exhibitions
From the most prestigious painting prize in the UK to a cinematic experience with an original live score, check out this month’s picks.
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.
