Edmund the Learned Pig at the Royal Exchange Theatre

Susie Stubbs

A wondrous and darkly pleasant musical tale of a pig who taught himself to read – world premiere.

Bonaparte’s travelling circus show and marvellous menagerie was on its uppers. It had a zoo with just pigeons, an aerialist who wouldn’t leave the ground, a chipped plate-spinning act and a Mr. Memory who could hardly remember his own name. Not surprisingly, no one was coming. Then into their lives came Edmund the Learned Pig… This rip snorter of a tale is based on an unpublished poem by Edward Gorey. With music by Martyn Jaques (of cult British music trio, The Tiger Lillies), it fuses British Sign Language, puppetry, magic and music for everyone aged 8 and over. Royal Exchange Theatre, The Studio, St. Ann’s Square, M2 7DH, daily (times vary), all weekend (9-26 Oct), £12/£10 (under 13s £5).

Spotlight on

Things to do in Blackpool

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

Take me there

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Documentary performance, groundbreaking dance, world premieres and fresh takes on classic works - check out our early theatre highlights for 2025.

Family things to do in the North

We might be past the holiday season, but Manchester and the North's arts and cultural calendar is still packed with brilliant events and activities for families

A man and a woman stood in front of a window at night look into each others' eyes
Cinema in the North

Hollywood greats and early bird film fest tickets are on our horizon as we start the New Year.

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.