Fancy a trip to the theatre?
Manchester has a variety of theatres, both big and small, that showcase something for everyone – theatre enthusiast or not. Whether you want to see West End hits or delve deep into exciting amateur theatre to discover some new talent, from big theatres like the Palace Theatre and Opera House to small-scale community venues like The Edge and Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester’s got it all. Make sure to discover all the city has to offer, and to help you on your way, here’s a short list of some of the highlights coming to Manchester this Autumn and Winter.
Mrs. Doubtfire
Based on the beloved Robin Williams film, Mrs. Doubtfire: The Musical promises to bring heart-warming comedy to the stage with the addition of music, dancing and even more family fun.
Daniel Hillard, here played by Gabriel Vick, is an out-of-work, recently-divorced father who, in a desperate attempt to stay in his children’s lives, disguises himself as Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire.
As expected, hilarious antics ensue – including some iconic moments from the film – but no doubt, there will be also be a fair few heartstrings-pulled as Mrs. Doubtfire teaches Daniel more than he ever could’ve imagined about how to be a father.
Mrs. Doubtfire: The Musical has its UK premiere at the Manchester Opera House from Friday September 2 and runs until October 1, so book now to not miss out if you are a lover of the film.
Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch
Everyone’s favourite Disney diva takes to the stage to tell her side of the story in a Wicked-esque retelling of The Little Mermaid.
This risqué parody musical comes straight off the back of sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, promoting a great night out for 16+ audiences. Disney and musical fans-alike will be sure to recognise small references to The Little Mermaid soundtrack as well as other musicals, which are paired with raunchy lyrics. Its tongue-in-cheek comedy is not for the faint of heart, so be sure to not take your grandparents with you!
Fat Rascal’s critically acclaimed show comes to The Lowry this September starting Tuesday 6 and running until Saturday 10, so be sure to splash out for a night of fun, filthy humour and fabulous entertainment.
Dreamgirls
Dreamgirls dazzles audiences with its incredible vocals and heart-wrenching storytelling, featuring classic songs such as “And I Am Telling You” and “One Night Only”. This production comes straight from the West End and embarks on its first UK tour to share its glory with national audiences.
This musical tale follows The Dreams – Effie, Lorrell and Deena – and their journey through the ruthless showbiz industry. It tests their friendships and loyalty as they deal with the political strife of the 1960s and the rollercoaster of fame and family.
Audiences may recognise actor Nicole Raquel Dennis (who plays Effie) from television’s The Voice where she worked with film Effie, Jennifer Hudson, or from her performance on the 2021 BBC special Musicals: The Greatest Show.
Head over to the Palace Theatre from Tuesday, September 13 until Saturday, September 24 to make sure you don’t miss it – and don’t forget your tissues!
Saturday Night Fever
Love the music of the 70s? Saturday Night Fever has all your favourite disco hits, including “Stayin’ Alive”, “Night Fever”, “More Than a Woman” and many more.
Follow Tony Manero to the local disco to forget the hardships of life and dance the night away on his way to girating success. An excellent homage to the 1977 John Travolta classic with more drama, sensational music and incredible choreography that will be sure to have audiences dancing up and down the aisles.
So get down and boogie over to the Palace Theatre from Tuesday, September 27 until Saturday, October 1.
MYTHOS
Looking to support some young local talent? MAYT Theatre, in association with The Edge Theatre and Arts Centre, are showing off their skills by performing three mythical short stories, each directed by a different member of the company as an exciting anthology to entertain audiences across Manchester.
The Starcatcher hears the sweet lullaby of the stars above and must capture and kill them to receive the magic blood they hold to heal his dying friend – even though this friend disagrees with the killing of innocent stars.
Meanwhile, Connections looks at fate and how it dictates lives and love, telling two opposing stories of one couple falling in love despite their language barrier and one falling out with the other.
Wrath of Artemis is a Greek tale of siblings forced to hunt to survive. They come across a golden-horned deer, belonging to the goddess Artemis, and after killing it, discover that they have unlocked her fury.
MYTHOS will be performing at The Edge Theatre and Arts Centre in Chorlton for three nights this Autumn from Thursday, September 29 until Saturday, October 1, so make sure to book your tickets to see some interesting new talent.
The Color Purple
The Color Purple is a ground-breaking musical adapted from Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about a young girl’s journey to loving herself, despite the oppression and abuse she suffers throughout her life. It is a powerful story about Celie and her relationships with the strong women in her life that give her the ability to stand up for herself and realise her self-worth.
This one is definitely a hard hitter, so be aware of the difficult subject matter going in – but it is also an incredibly important story, told beautifully through jaw-dropping vocals and impressive acting.
Be sure to book tickets to see it at The Lowry from Tuesday, October 11 and Saturday October 15 if this seems up your alley.
Jersey Boys
Discover the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, starting as four regular guys from New Jersey and ending up as the music legends they are today. Go behind the scenes to see what happened both on stage and off and listen to all the songs you know and love, like “Big Girls Don’t Cry”, “Sherry”, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” and so many more.
Learn how the boys met, how they got their name, and the struggles they have with money and mob bosses on their journey to success alongside the band’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Oh, What a Night you’ll have at Jersey Boys! Book your tickets to see the show at the Manchester Opera House from Tuesday, October 18 until Saturday October 29.
Friendsical: A Parody Musical about Friends
Can’t get enough of Friends? Friendsical is a parody musical about the iconic 90s/00s TV show with your favourite cast of characters: Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey and Phoebe… and a surprise guest star!
Following the plot of the show, Friendsical sees Ross left by his wife for another woman, when Rachel comes back into his life – will he find love again?
See the gang back together with original new songs and exciting comedy that you won’t want to miss! Catch Friendsical at The Lowry Theatre from October 31 until November 5.
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella
Need a bit of magic in your life? See the classic tale of Cinderella brought to life on stage with the beautiful music and lyrics of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II – both famous for their work on other musicals such as The Sound of Music, South Pacific and The King and I. Fans may have seen the 1957 Julie Andrews film version of the musical, or more likely the 1997 Brandy and Whitney Houston version.
Perfect for all ages, Cinderella follows young Ella (Grace Mouat) who lives with her wicked stepmother, Madame, and her two self-absorbed stepsisters. Prince Topher is forced to look for a bride at a ball thrown by his scheming advisor and meets the most beautiful girl he’s ever met – the rest is fairytale history.
See this lovely show with all the family at Hope Mill Theatre this Winter, from Tuesday, November 1 until Sunday, December 11.
The Mousetrap
Up for a murder mystery? Straight from the best-selling novelist of all time, Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap embarks on its 70th-anniversary tour – making it officially the world’s longest-running play.
A group of seven strangers find themselves snowed in at a countryside resort until a police sergeant arrives and they discover that there is a killer among them. Who is it – and more importantly – who will be their next victim?
Can you figure out who the killer is before they strike again? Over the years, The Mousetrap has kept audiences all over the world glued to their seats – will you be next? Book your tickets now to see whodunnit at the Opera House from Monday, November 28 until Saturday, December 3. Case closed.
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