Theatre in Manchester and the North

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor

Lively theatre festivals, rip-roaring rooftop circus and dreamy outdoor shows all take top spots in this month’s theatre guide.

We’ve got our eyes on world premieres such as The Land of Might-have-Been at Buxton International Festival, an eclectic programme of performance at Liverpool Theatre Festival, and of course, the 2023 edition of Manchester International Festival, happening from 29 June – 16 July.

Sexy and spectacular, Underbelly pitch their Spiegeltent on the roof of Depot Mayfield for La Clique, a sensational and internationally acclaimed circus show later this month. And Grosvenor Open Air Theatre have announced a magical summer season of outdoor performance.

We also bring you details of a brand-new outdoor dance show from Company Chameleon and an inventive one-act play happening underneath the arches of Deansgate Castlefield.

Our top picks

No Pay? No Way! at the Royal Exchange Theatre

No Pay? No Way! at Royal Exchange Theatre, City Centre, Until 10 June 2023, from £5.00 - Book now

Dario Fo and Franca Rame’s raucous 1970s farce is brought up-to-date in a new version by Marieke Hardy.

No Pay? No Way at the Royal Exchange
Image courtesy of Johan Persson.

La Clique at Depot Mayfield

La Clique at Depot Mayfield, Manchester, Until 9 July 2023, from £19.50 - Book now

Underbelly’s sensational and internationally acclaimed circus show will pitch its spectacular Spiegeltent on the rooftop of Depot Mayfield this summer.

La Clique at Depot Mayfield
Image courtesy of Lesley Martin

Refuse at Company Chameleon Studios

Refuse at Company Chameleon Studios, Manchester and online, 9 June 2023, from £8.00 - Book now

Company Chameleon present a brand-new outdoor dance work exploring themes around migration and the plight of asylum seekers today. Billed as the company’s most ambitious piece yet.

Image courtesy of Company Chameleon

MIF23: untitled f*ck m*ss s**gon play at the Royal Exchange

untitled f*ck m*ss s**gon play at Royal Exchange Theatre, City Centre, 24 June–22 July 2023, from £7.00 - Book now

Winner of the Bruntwood Prize 2019, International Award and presented as part of MIF23, Kimber Lee’s play looks to be the pièce de résistance for another brilliant season at the Royal Exchange.

Image courtesy of the Royal Exchange/ MIF

MIF23: The Faggots and Their Friends Between Revolutions at HOME

The Faggots and Their Friends Between Revolutions at HOME Manchester, Manchester, 28 June–2 July 2023, from £10.00 - Book now

Expect dance, theatre and song in this musical world premiere performance of Larry Mitchell and Ned Asta’s cult 1977 novel. Part of Manchester International Festival.

The Faggots & Their Friends Between Revolutions at HOME
Image courtesy of Damien Frost.

The Great Midsummer Spectacular at Grosvenor Open Air Theatre

The Great Midsummer Spectacular at Grosvenor Park, Cheshire, 1 July–27 August 2023, from £23.00 - Book now

The finest outdoor theatre in the North will host another spectacular summer of performance. Theatre under the stars. Perfect.

The Great Midsummer Spectacular at Grosvenor Open Air Theatre
Image courtesy of Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre

Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland at Liverpool Playhouse

Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland at Liverpool Playhouse, City Centre, 4–22 July 2023, from £11.00 - Book now

Bursting with brilliant original music inspired by the British pop scene, buckle up and follow Alice as she tumbles into Wonderland. A super show for the whole family.

Alice in Wonderland at Liverpool Playhouse
Image courtesy of Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse.

The Land of Might-Have-Been at Buxton Opera House

The Land of Might-Have-Been at Buxton Opera House, Buxton, 7–21 July 2023, from £25.00 - Book now

Head to the picturesque Derbyshire hills this summer to see a brand-new musical inspired by the life of pioneering writer Vera Brittain and the music of Ivor Novello.

The Land of Might-Have-Been at BIF
Image courtesy of Buxton Opera House and Norwich Theatres.

Liverpool Theatre Festival at St Luke’s Bombed Out Church

Liverpool Theatre Festival at St. Luke’s, Liverpool, City Centre, 20–30 July 2023 - Book now

Don’t miss this super theatre festival packed with live outdoor performances featuring musical theatre, drama, comedy, cabaret, opera, and children’s shows.

Liverpool Theatre Festival
Image courtesy of Bill Elms/ Liverpool Theatre Festival.

Around the World in 80 Days at Williamson Park

Around The World In 80 Days at The Dukes, Lancashire, 21 July–27 August 2023, from £16.00 - Book now

Following the success of The Jungle Book in 2022, The Dukes’ award-winning outdoor walkabout theatre is back with a spectacular race around the world, fun for the whole family.

Outdoor walkabout theatre for all ages at Williamson Park this summer. Image courtesy of The Dukes.

Frantic Assembly: Metamorphosis at Liverpool Playhouse

Frantic Assembly: Metamorphosis at Liverpool Playhouse, City Centre, 17–21 October 2023, from £11.00 - Book now

Working in collaboration with Lemn Sissay OBE, Frantic Assembly bring a bold theatrical retelling of Kafka’s classic novella to Liverpool.

Frantic Assembly: Metamorphosis at Liverpool Playhouse
Image courtesy of Perou and Paul Reardon at Peter and Paul.

More theatre events

La Clique at Depot Mayfield
Until
TheatreManchester
La Clique at Depot Mayfield

Underbelly’s sensational and internationally acclaimed circus show will pitch its spectacular Spiegeltent on the rooftop of Depot Mayfield.

from £19.50
Culture in South Lakes
Until
ExhibitionsCumbria
Culture in South Lakes

Not only one of Britain’s most picturesque national parks, the Lake District is also brimming with culture. Here’s what’s on over the next few months.

free entry
Things to Do in Liverpool
Spotlight on

Things to Do in Liverpool

Our guide to the thriving city of Liverpool, where new creative futures are written against the backdrop of a unique history.

Take me there

Theatre in Manchester and the North

HOME Manchester
Manchester
Theatre
HOME Manchester

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

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 Whitworth
Manchester
Gallery
The Whitworth

This much-loved gallery-in-a-park is open for business, showcasing some of the city’s finest contemporary and historic exhibitions.

Salford
Restaurant
Black Friar

Salford’s Black Friar has one of the most impressive Sunday roast options in the North.

Velvet Hotel
Canal Street
Hotel
Velvet Hotel

Velvet Hotel is a 4* boutique hotel on Canal Street, the heart of Manchester’s famous Gay Village.

Culture Guides

Exhibitions

There's no rest for the art lover - this month brings outdoor sculpture, musings on water, political drawings and Liverpool Biennial 2023!

Music

We look towards a summer filled with quality festivals, from cultural behemoths to grassroots gems.

Winnie the Pooh at Manchester Opera House
Families

The sun has finally got his hat on! Enjoy our top picks of family-friendly events and activities, both indoors and outdoors.

Classical Music

Summer's classical music calendar is filling up nicely! Read our top picks of concerts happening in Manchester and the North.

Gerry Potter (credit Lee Baxter)
Literature

Books are big this summer, with festival readings, poetry slams, creative writing activities and famous faces all putting in an appearance.

Food and Drink

All signs point toward June being a scorcher of a month, so let’s take a look at all things summery food and drink.

Tours and Activities

From literary activities to brilliant independent shops, keep your minds and homes filled with the good stuff this month.