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Theatre in the North

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor

From contemporary dance to ballet classics, and cult rock ‘n’ roll musicals to new writing, our theatre guide spans the festive season and beyond.

In Manchester, we shine a light on the Royal Exchange Theatre’s Christmas show Spend Spend Spend, the true story of Yorkshire lass and Football Pools winner, Viv Nicholson. The Royal Exchange’s festive offering is always a real treat and offers something a little different from the usual Christmas fare. With the optimum balance of humour and heart, this production will lift hearts this Christmas.

Meanwhile, over in Liverpool, theatre audiences can be transported to another completely different dimension with The Rocky Horror Show. This hip-thrusting cult show has been delighting audiences for over half a century, and offers that feel-good escapism we all crave at this chaotic time of year.

Elsewhere, Storyhouse in Chester have a super programme of festive happenings throughout December, topped with a spectacular and bang-up-to-date performance of Sleeping Beauty, and Keswick’s picturesque Theatre by the Lake present The Jungle Book – both great shows for the whole family this Christmas.

Looking into 2025 – read on for details of Acosta Danza’s explosive Cuban take on a ballet classic; an eagerly awaiting world premiere from Complicite and Crystal Pite at Aviva Studios and HOME’s PUSH Festival, featuring new work by some of the North’s best up-and-coming creative talent.

Read on for all of this and lots more…

Our top picks

Factory International Autumn/ Winter Season at Aviva Studios

Factory International Autumn/ Winter Season at Aviva Studios, Manchester, Until 23 February 2025, from £0 - Book now

Aviva Studios powers into its second year with another thrilling line-up, featuring major works and world premiere performances alongside a super accessible public programme of free events.

Find out more
Figures in a line holding out their hands
Figures in Extinction. Image courtesy of Rahi Rezvani.

The Jungle Book at Theatre by the Lake

The Jungle Book at Theatre by the Lake, Cumbria, Until 12 January 2025, from £12.00 - Book now

This adventurous show features catchy new songs and vibrant puppetry as well as all of your favourite characters, suitable for children aged 6+ and their families.

Find out more
The Jungle Book at Theatre by the Lake
Image courtesy of Pamela Raith Photography.

Spend Spend Spend at the Royal Exchange Theatre

Spend Spend Spend at Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, Until 11 January 2025, from £10.00 - Book now

Always a top theatre pick at Christmas – this year, our friends at the Royal Exchange present the real-life rags-to-riches tale of Viv Nicholson, Yorkshire lass and Football Pools winner.

Find out more
Spend Spend Spend
Campaign Graphic by FeastCreative.com

The Rocky Horror Show at Liverpool Playhouse

The Rocky Horror Show at Liverpool Playhouse, Liverpool, Until 4 January 2025, from £11.00 - Book now

Those looking for something a little different over the festive season should head to Liverpool for the new West End and 50th-anniversary production of The Rocky Horror Show.

Find out more
The Rocky Horror Show at Liverpool Playhouse
Image courtesy David Freeman. The Rocky Horror Show/ Liverpool Playhouse.

Come From Away at The Lowry

Come From Away at The Lowry, Manchester, Until 5 January 2025 - Book now

The multi-award-winning musical, telling the incredible real-life story of 7000 passengers grounded in the wake of 9/11, comes to Salford on its first-ever UK tour.

Find out more
Come From Away at The Lowry
Image courtesy of Craig Sugden/ The Lowry.

Sleeping Beauty at Storyhouse

Sleeping Beauty at Storyhouse, Cheshire, Until 29 December 2024, from £15.00 - Book now

Chester’s cultural hub has pulled out all of the festive stops this year – with a spectacular performance of Sleeping Beauty topping the bill.

Find out more
Sleeping Beauty at Storyhouse
Image courtesy of Mark McNulty.

Miracle on 34th Street – The Musical at HOME

Miracle on 34th Street - The Musical at HOME Manchester, Manchester, Until 31 December 2024, from £25.00 - Book now

With timeless festive songs and seasonal cheer, Miracle on 34th Street is set to cast its magical spell over First Street this December.

Find out more
Miracle on 34th Street - The Musical at HOME
Image courtesy of HOME.

PUSH Festival 2025 at HOME

Push Festival 2025 at HOME Manchester, Manchester, 24 January–8 February 2025 - Book now

A celebration of the North West’s creative talents, PUSH Festival at HOME Manchester is always a highlight of the theatre calendar.

Find out more
PUSH Festival 2025 at HOME
Image courtesy of HOME Manchester.

Acosta Danza – Nutcracker in Havana at The Lowry

Nutcracker in Havana at The Lowry, Manchester, 27–28 January 2025, from £32.00 - Book now

Blow away those January blues with Carlos Acosta’s explosive Cuban take on the festive ballet classic.

Find out more
Contemporary Dance at The Lowry
Image courtesy of Johan Persson.

The Merchant of Venice 1936 at Liverpool Playhouse

The Merchant of Venice 1936 at Liverpool Playhouse, Liverpool, 4–8 February 2025, from £11.00 - Book now

Tracy-Ann Oberman will reprise her role of Shylock in the acclaimed production, The Merchant of Venice 1946 when it tours to Liverpool Playhouse early next year.

Find out more
The Merchant of Venice 1936 at Liverpool Playhouse
Tracy-Ann Oberman stars in The Merchant of Venice 1936. Image courtesy of Marc Brenner and Greta Zabulyte (featuring previous cast).

Shirley Valentine at Liverpool Everyman

Shirley Valentine at Liverpool Everyman Theatre, Liverpool, 14 February–29 March 2025, from £11.00 - Book now

Willy Russell’s one-woman show comes home to Liverpool Everyman, bringing the perfect ending to the theatre’s 60th birthday year.

Find out more
Shirley Valentine at Liverpool Playhouse
Image courtesy of Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse.

Figures in Extinction at Aviva Studios

Figures in Extinction at Aviva Studios, Manchester, 19–22 February 2025, from £10.00 - Book now

Two of the most distinctive creators – choreographer Crystal Pite and Complicité’s Simon McBurney – will present a thrilling and timely world premiere at Aviva Studios.

Find out more
Figures in Extinction at Aviva Studios: A group of dancers, dressed in formal shirts, perform in unison on a dimly lit stage.
Image courtesy of Rahi Rezvani.

Dear England at The Lowry

Dear England at The Lowry, Manchester, 29 May–29 June 2025 - Book now

Don’t miss James Graham’s Olivier Award-winning, big-hearted, ‘pitch-perfect’ celebration of football when it comes to Salford.

Find out more
This is England at The Lowry
Image courtesy of Marc Brenner.

Quadrophenia: A Mod Ballet at The Lowry

Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet at The Lowry, Manchester, 15–19 July 2025, from £23.00 - Book now

An explosive new dance production heads to The Lowry, bringing a whole new dimension to The Who’s iconic rock album.

Find out more
Quadrophenia: A Mod Ballet at The Lowry
Photo: Paris Fitzpatrick. Image courtesy of Johan Persson.

More theatre events

Sleeping Beauty at Storyhouse
Until
FamiliesChester
Sleeping Beauty at Storyhouse

Chester’s cultural hub has pulled out all of the festive stops this year – with a spectacular performance of Sleeping Beauty topping the bill.

from £15.00
The Stick Man at The Lowry
Until
ChildrensThe Quays
Stick Man at The Lowry

Touching, funny and utterly original, Freckle Productions’ adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Stick Man is back in town.

from £19
See all theatre events
Spotlight on

Things to do in Blackpool

Fancy a festive day trip? Explore our guide to Blackpool and build yourself an itinerary featuring attractions, galleries, restaurants and more.

Take me there

Theatre in the North

Manchester
Park
Platt Fields Park

Platt Fields Park in Fallowfield is steeped in history, the land having been acquired by the Platt family in 1225.

HOME Manchester
Manchester
Theatre
HOME Manchester

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

The MerseyMade building in Liverpool
Liverpool
Shop
MerseyMade West Kirby

In the MerseyMade shop you’ll find bottled gin from the likes of Turncoat Gin, Anfield Gin, Albert Dock Gin and Three Graces Gin. Yep, Liverpool REALLY likes its gin.

Cumbria
Event venue
Penrith Old Fire Station

Main venue for Eden Arts, an artist-led organisation based in Eden in Cumbria creating projects around mass participation, local distinctiveness and digital engagement, from Picnic Cinema to The Winter Droving.

See all places

Destination Guides

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YSP
Summer of Sculpture and Performance Art in Wakefield

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York Castle Museum
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Burnley's Singing Ringing Tree
Things to do in Lancashire

Our guide to the culturally rich coastal county of Lancashire, encompassing Lancaster, Morecambe, Blackpool and Blackburn.
Chester
Things to Do in Cheshire

Our guide to the best things to in Cheshire, including culture, shopping and food and drink in Chester, Crewe and Macclesfield.
Things to Do in Cumbria

Our guide to the best things to do in the Cumbria and the Lake District, including Penrith, Kendal, Carlisle, Keswick and Cockermouth.

Culture Guides

Music in the North

Warm, intimate storytelling is the thread connecting our new picks, which include a number of brilliant folk artists.

A sculpture of a dark brown dog looks to the right, hanging out of its middle and the back are what appears to be its insides (in cream) spilling out.
Exhibitions in the North

From genre-defying art film to vibrant embroidery and Surrealist sculpture, check out the best winter exhibitions to see right now.

A man is dressed as an Elf in a decorated department store.
Cinema in the North

Get ready for animated classics, Muppet mayhem and a whole host of New York movies -- it's Christmas time in the cinema.

Raver Tots at Escape to Freight Island
Family things to do in the North

As we move into festive season, Manchester and the North is packed with fun events and activities for families, both indoors and outdoors.