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This month’s theatre guide is eclectic to say the least. We bring you the full details of Liverpool Theatre Festival (launching at the end of August) and our round up of Manchester’s Women in Comedy Festival (taking place in October), alongside outdoor performance, dance shows and more experimental theatre.
The autumn/winter theatre season is gearing up to start now too. We’ve got The Glass Menagerie at the Royal Exchange and The Book Thief at Octagon Theatre in our diaries. 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.
And of course, summer theatre is in full swing now so if you’re looking for open air productions, do check out our neat guide packed full of outdoor performances. We’ve got everything covered – from children’s shows to Shakespeare under the stars.
Here are our picks
Romeo and Juliet at Grosvenor Park, Chester, Until 28 August 2022, from £28.00 - Book now
Don’t miss one of the greatest love stories ever told when it comes to Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre this summer. Theatre and fresh air. Perfect.
One Man, Two Guvnors at Theatre by the Lake, Carlisle and Keswick, Until 3 September 2022, from £10.00 - Book now
Offering a hilarious mix of slapstick, laugh-out-loud moments and a live skiffle band, this brand new production of the West End hit has received rave reviews. Don’t miss out.
Gambit at St Ann’s Square, City Centre, 20 August 2022, free entry - Find Out More
If you’re out and about on 20 August in Manchester city centre, keep your eyes peeled for Word of Warning and Proud & Loud Arts’ latest performance piece…
Dance in the Gardens at Sheffield Botanical Gardens, Broomhill and Crookes, 24–25 August 2022, from £10.00 - Book now
Experience Sheffield Botanical Gardens like never before with a unique open-air ballet and music experience.
Liverpool Theatre Festival at St. Luke’s, Liverpool, City Centre, 31 August–11 September 2022 - 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.
The Glass Menagerie at Royal Exchange Theatre, City Centre, 2 September–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.
The Book Thief at Octagon Theatre, Bolton, 17 September–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.
A Midsummer Night's Dream at Shakespeare North Playhouse, St. Helens, 22 September–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.
12 Last Songs at HOME Manchester, Manchester, 24 September 2022, Pay-What-You-Can - Book now
Using a company of Manchester-based workers, Quarantine bring people together to talk about what they do for a living. An extraordinary durational performance.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
From seductively immersive environments to the enduring magic of maps, August does not disappoint with an abundance of exhibitions in Manchester and further afield.
There are online readings and live launches as Manchester and the North welcomes some great writers – and we’re building up to book festival season, so let’s get planning…
We preview the standout classical music events and venues in Manchester and the north.
Explore the best restaurants and bars in Manchester and the North this August.
Break out of the old summer routines and try something different with roller skating, kite flying and more in this month’s Tours and Activities guide.