What's on at Lowry 2026

Opera North brings two much-loved classics to the stage with fresh perspectives and outstanding musicality. Their new production of Mozart’s sparkling comedy, The Marriage of Figaro, transports the action to a modern country house, blending wit, romance, and lively performances. Meanwhile, Britten’s powerful Peter Grimes unfolds on the stormy east coast of England, delving into the complexities of community and the outsider, all set to a stirring score and unforgettable staging. Whether you’re a seasoned opera fan or curious newcomer, these shows promise stirring drama, humour, and captivating music.

Mozart’s comic gem, The Marriage of Figaro, is reimagined in a modern country home. Figaro and Susanna’s wedding day is threatened by Count Almaviva’s scheming, prompting clever plans and comic surprises. This new Opera North production features lively performances and Mozart’s sparkling music, played by the Orchestra of Opera North. It’s a mischievous whirlwind of emotions and laughter, offering an irresistible invitation for opera lovers and newcomers alike.

Set on the east coast of England, Peter Grimes explores the turmoil within a fishing community. Grimes, an outsider yearning for acceptance and a life with Ellen Orford, faces suspicion and hostility. Britten’s emotionally charged score, matched by Phyllida Lloyd’s outstanding production, creates an unforgettable, award-winning operatic experience that delves into fear, desire and the human condition.

Prepare to be entertained by an eclectic line-up of thrilling highlights: the ingeniously witty and award-winning musical Operation Mincemeat, which transforms a bizarre chapter of wartime history into a riotous stage triumph; Carlos Acosta’s vibrant revival of the ballet classic Don Quixote, a family adventure brimming with romance and Spanish flair; Laura Wade’s sharp new adaptation of The Constant Wife, a sparkling comedy of manners and marital intrigue; and the joyous musical Top Hat, where timeless tunes, dazzling tap, and old-school glamour whisk audiences back to the golden age of Hollywood.

Supported by Arts Council England, Operation Mincemeat is a multi-award-winning musical, acclaimed as the best-reviewed show in West End history. Set in 1943, it hilariously recounts the bizarre true story of a dead body, a fake love letter, and Ian Fleming’s plot to deceive Hitler. Lowry co-commissioned and supported the show, now touring beyond London and New York.

Carlos Acosta’s revival of Don Quixote brings Cervantes’ iconic knight, Kitri, Basilio, and Sancho Panza to life in a family-friendly adventure of love and dreams. If you enjoy Swan Lake or The Sleeping Beauty, don’t miss this 19th-century classic, brimming with exciting pas de deux and captivating music by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia. Treat yourself and all your family to some Spanish sunshine.

In 1927, Constance appears the model wife and mother, yet is deeply unhappy—her husband is devoted both to her and her best friend, his mistress. Laura Wade adapts Somerset Maugham’s sparkling comedy, with marvellous reviews from Stratford upon Avon. Directed by RSC Co-Artistic Director Tamara Harvey, the production stars Kara Tointon and features original music from award-winning jazz artist Jamie Cullum.

Top Hat, inspired by the 1935 Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers film, dazzles with sparkling romance, witty comedy and show-stopping tap. With stunning sets and costumes, enjoy Irving Berlin’s unforgettable score, including Cheek to Cheek and Puttin’ on the Ritz. Broadway star Jerry Travers falls for model Dale Tremont in London, but true love faces hilarious obstacles. Put on your top hat and let this joyous musical sweep you away!

The rebellious middle child of Emmeline Pankhurst takes centre stage in this hip hop, funk, and soul musical. While her family fought for women’s suffrage, Sylvia championed the rights of working women and the silenced, risking everything for change. With a thrilling score by Josh Cohen and DJ Walde, and choreography by Kate Prince, the show stars Beverley Knight as Emmeline and Sharon Rose as Sylvia. Direct from London’s Old Vic, SYLVIA is a revolutionary, Olivier Award-winning musical you won’t want to miss. Book now for a night that will move your feet and soul.

Matthew Bourne's award-winning The Car Man is back! Loosely based on Bizet's ever-popular opera, The Car Man has one of the most thrilling and instantly recognisable scores in New Adventures' repertoire. The familiar 19th Century Spanish cigarette factory becomes a greasy 1950's garage-diner in the American Mid-West where the dreams and passions of a small-town are shattered by the arrival of a handsome and enigmatic stranger. Fuelled by heat and desire, the inhabitants are driven into an unstoppable spiral of greed, lust, betrayal and revenge. Matthew Bourne's vivid storytelling combines with one of the most passionately dramatic scores ever written, with music by Terry Davies featuring Rodion Shchedrin's Carmen Suite (after Bizet's Carmen), to create a dance thriller like no other. The Car Man will ignite your senses and leave you breathless.

"If there's one thing we can all agree on, it's this: everybody hates bankers."

Bank of Dave: The Musical is a home-grown, brand-new British musical - bursting with northern grit, laugh-out-loud humour and what Dave himself calls "the best songs in any musical ever. This feel-good show tells the true-ish story of Dave Fishwick: Burnley born and bred, and no ordinary man. A self-made millionaire, Dave spent years helping local people and small businesses when hard-nosed banks turned them away. Frustrated by the system, he has an idea…set up his own bank and put the profits straight back into his community. With posh but principled lawyer Hugh at his side, Dave swaps Burnley for London to take on the banking bigwigs and fight for a fairer deal. But will the fat cats of the City make way for Dave's dreams?

From Sunday Times bestseller to Netflix's #1 UK film, Dave's inspiring underdog story now bursts onto the stage as a laugh-out-loud British musical packed with heart, humour and cracking new music.