Theatre
Are you looking for some inspiration to help ease you out of winter hibernation? Then look no further than our region’s stunning theatres and performance venues, which are playing host to a plethora of magical entertainment this spring. Book now and blast away those January blues.


Music to our ears
 

Fans of musical theatre really are spoilt for choice as Manchester welcomes some of the most popular titles that prove to be a hit year on year.
 

9 to 5 The Musical comes to The Palace Theatre from 1 -5 March. Written by Patricia Resnick, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, the show is inspired by the cult film of the same name. This hilarious new West End production is about teaming up, standing up and taking care of business.
 

One of the world’s most popular musicals, Les Misérables comes to Salford’s Lowry Theatre from 29 March - 23 April. This brilliant new staging has taken the world by storm and has been hailed “Les Mis for the 21st Century”. With scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, the magnificent score includes the songs; “I Dreamed a Dream”, “On My Own”, “Bring Him Home”, “One Day More”, “Master Of The House” and many more.
 

On 1 April Manchester’s AO Arena plays host to Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of the War of the Worlds. Nearly 40 years on, based on HG Wells’ dark Victorian tale, this ground-breaking arena tour is not to be missed.
 

Keep dancing
 

Struggling to fill the void left by Strictly? Fear not, we have plenty of live dance action to get your toes tapping and your hearts racing once again. Dance fans are in for a real treat.
 

Strictly finalist of 2021 and international champion Johannes Radebe brings his debut tour Freedom to Manchester’s Opera House on 6 April. Johannes promises to take you on his journey from growing up in South Africa, to travelling the world, winning competitions and starring in Strictly’s most memorable numbers. From elegant Ballroom to fiery Latin, a company of exciting dancers will perform to classic dance arrangements, scorching South African rhythms and huge party anthems.
 

The Lowry welcomes Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals on 28 April. Directed by Strictly’s Creative Director of Choreography Jason Gilkison, the show returns for 2022 featuring a stunning line-up of pro dancers ready to race back to the dancefloor.
 

The hugely popular dance ensemble Diversity are somersaulting their way back to Manchester’s Palace Theatre on 28 April, with their latest Connected 2022 tour. This follows the success of their critically acclaimed sell out 48 show UK tour, Born Ready last year. Prepare to be wowed!
 

The long-awaited RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq The World Tour 2021 comes to Manchester’s AO Arena on 19 May. This glamorous and outrageous production sees an experiment gone wrong, sending Michelle Visage spiralling through time with no way of returning home. Join Asia O'Hara, Kameron Michaels, Plastique Tiara, Shea Couleé, Vanessa Vanjie Mateo and Yvie Oddly as they journey through iconic periods of time in the hope they will find their way back to present day.
 

Fun for all the family
 

Our theatres are packed with performances ready to engage young minds and stretch imaginations while grown ups get to enjoy a jolly good show to boot.
 

David Walliams’ Billionaire Boy follows the antics of 12 year old Joe Spud, the richest boy in the country. From 9 – 12 March at Manchester’s Palace Theatre, audiences can watch the adventures of Joe, who has his own sports car, two crocodiles as pets and £100,000 a week pocket money but no friends, as he decides to leave his posh school and start at the local school, what could possibly go wrong?
 

The National Theatre’s smash hit production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time returns for 2022. Winner of the Olivier Award and Tony Award® for Best Play, the production brings Mark Haddon’s international best-selling novel about 15-year-old Christopher and his extraordinary brain, to thrilling life on stage at Manchester’s Opera House from 8 – 12 March.
 

Disney fans are in for a treat as the enchanted musical Beauty and the Beast returns to the UK stage in 2022, taking up residence at Manchester’s Palace Theatre from 31 March - 4 June. The beloved Disney tale has been spectacularly reimagined using the latest theatrical innovations and will be brought to life on stage like never before.
 

FInally, don’t miss your chance to see the brand-new production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s beloved family musical, Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, when it comes to the Manchester Opera House from 21 March - 2 April. With stars from The London Palladium, Alexandra Burke, Jason Donovan and Jac Yarrow, the show features the musical theatre classics, including Any Dream Will Do, Close Every Door To Me, There’s One More Angel In Heaven and Go, Go, Go Joseph.