Last night, we checked out the latest edition of JB Shorts at 53Two, featuring six super relevant and often hilarious short plays right here in Manchester city centre.
Covering everything from grief and UK politics to AI, each story had its own unique spin and definitely made you think.
Joyce Branagh’s Isobel Openshaw Saves the Day kicks off JB Shorts with a bang. This political comedy, directed by Alyx Tole, had a proper feel of old British sketches. Branagh, who also plays Isobel, nails it with her sharp, witty character who sees through political BS.
With Joanne Dakin as Jenny Legohead and Callum Sim in multiple roles, the cast’s comic timing is spot-on. The plot follows Isobel’s wild rise in politics, poking fun at British political antics and media hype. This had stellar performances all around and the lively humour made it a great opener.
We had the pleasure of reviewing JB Shorts 24 last week – and it didn’t disappoint. (Credit: 53two/The Manc Group)
Next up was Maz Hedgehog’s Aftercare, directed by Justina Aina, which shifted the mood with a more introspective tone. This piece is set outside a sex party and explores the emotional aftermath of an intense encounter relating to BDSM, in an attempted playful manner.
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Meg Narongchai as Bree and Trayvaughn Robins as Tobi could potentially have done with polishing this a little more; we sometimes struggled to understand the purpose and meaning of the story as the delivery and performances weren’t quite up to scratch – all effort though.
It wasn’t until Macaulay Cooper burst onto the stage that we understood what they were going for a little more, bringing his infectious and playful energy to a story that certainly needs some work/tweaking. The play struggles to find its footing; the dialogue, though sassy and heartfelt at times, just didn’t quite land, leaving myself and the audience wanting more from this.
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Food Fight, by Lindsay Williams and Cathy Crabb, directed by Miranda Parker, brings back the energy with a comedic yet touching look at food banks and poverty. Jenny Williams is great as the bossy Davina, who has her own biases about food distribution.
Jessica Ellis’ Amy challenges these ideas, adding real conflict. The supporting cast, including Chris Brett and Emily Ash, were a great addition who brought lots of camaraderie, I especially loved the line about the tins of beans. The ending felt slightly rushed however the play’s timely social critique and charming characters make this a solid piece.
Dave Simpson’s Life Is No Joke, directed by Robert Marsden, this one plucked those heartstrings – A heartfelt look at fatherhood and unfulfilled dreams. Darren Jeffries shines as Mike, an accountant dreaming of a comedy career, while Manc acting veteran John Henshaw is perfect as the old-school comedian father, Kenny.
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I absolutely fell in love with all three of these characters and their sheer vulnerability. Amy Du Quesne narrates and plays Kathy (Mike’s love interest) so well, while Darren and Amy oozed chemistry, making the sad moments hit even harder. The play balanced laughs with touching moments, getting the audience involved from the start to create a strong connection and make this an emotional highlight.
James Quinn and Trevor Suthers’ This is Not a Play – directed by Quinn himself – tackles the complex and timely issue of AI and its impact on reality and creativity. John Tueart and Victoria Tunnah play siblings entangled in a narrative about deepfakes and career sabotage.
And a massive thank you to our sponsors @motorsolicitor and David Rutherford and Diana Hamilton Fairley. Steve Jones and Manchester City Council. We really appreciate your ongoing support at this difficult time for the arts.
With a standout performance from Tueart, particularly, the dialogue is sharp and thought-provoking, though it occasionally veers into verbosity. The play’s meta-theatrical twist adds a clever layer but also highlights the limitations of AI in creative storytelling, ultimately reassuring the audience that the human touch remains irreplaceable.
The night ends with Debbie Oates’ Mrs Proops, directed by Ellie Rose. Isabel Ford and Toby Hadoke lead this touching story about grief and inheritance, with Marc Parrett’s cat puppet, brought to life by Kery Elly, stealing the show.
The plot revolves around Gaz’s struggle with his sister’s death and the quirky terms of her will. Despite a slow pace, the play’s emotional depth and charming performances provide a thoughtful end to the evening, leaving the audience pondering themes of loss and family.
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The reviews for the night as a whole have been pretty strong across the board.
All in all, this turned out to be a great way to spend a Friday night.
JB Shorts is a great platform for new writing, offering an affordable and diverse night of theatre. Even with some unevenness, the collection of plays brings humour, insight, and heartfelt moments, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
We’ve also got a lot of love for 53Two, which remains an important theatre space, cultural site and charity here in Manchester city centre.
Since taking over the reins from founding venue Joshua Brooks in 2016, this low-key theatrical event has gone on to become a real returning cult favourite year after year and one that’s well worth going along and giving a try.
The biggest theatre shows coming to Manchester in 2026
Danny Jones
The last 12 months were great for the arts in our city, and we have every faith that 2026 will be just a good if not better, especially when you look at some of the theatre shows coming to Manchester city centre this year.
From all-time favourites to never-before-seen in our region, there’s plenty to get your teeth stuck into this year as countless talents get ready to tread the Northern boards.
Let’s not waste any more time, shall we?
10 big theatre productions coming to Manchester | 2026
1. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
We’re going to start off with one that started over the Christmas period and a timeless tale by C.S. Lewis. That’s right, in case you hadn’t heard already, the most famous book in The Chronicles of Narnia has been remagined for the theatre and is as stunning as it sounds.
Currently on at The Lowry in Salford Quays until 11 January, you can see the much-loved winter fairyland fantasy brought to life like never before. Find out what we made of right here.
Childhood memories brought to life like never before. 🤩
In a rather fitting take on one of the most iconic moments in music history, the stage adaptation of the real experiences behind Live Aid and the performances that made it such a legendary event is still helping people relive the time and raise money for charity.
Helping mark the 40th anniversary since July 1985, when the world united in song, it’s also worth noting that 10% of the sale of all tickets will be donated directly to the ongoing Band Aid Charitable Trust. Read more down below.
Oh yes, another beloved bit of 1980s pop culture; those who’ve seen the throwback kung-fu classic will know how perfect this family-friendly film will know just how well this story will suit the stage, and anyone who hasn’t is in for a real treat…
The well-choreographed, kinetic, fight-based romp already had plenty of rhythm, so we can’t wait to see how it translates with a full-blown soundtrack. Find out more and get ready to grab your tickets HERE.
4. CATS
From one legendary franchise to another, the one and only CATS will also be returning to Manchester city centre in the summer, landing at our very own Palace Theatre.
This one needs no introduction, really; with an open-air residency at none other than London’s Regent Park, it really is in a world of its own. You can see dates, times and ticket options right HERE.
Credit: Press shot (supplied)
5. Dirty Dancing
Sticking with the 80s nostalgia, another firm favourite and major Hollywood movie was Dirty Dancing. From the timeless theme song, ‘(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life’, to the late Patrick Swayze’s smooth movies and lines like “Nobody puts ‘Baby’ in a corner”, you already know all the beats.
That being said, the musical version has gone on to find a passionate, multi-generational fandom of its own. Also coming to the Palace – you find all the details below.
We’re very lucky here in Manchester to be treated to some of the biggest theatrical IPs on the planet, and the smash-hit West End production of the 1977 Broadway staple Annie might just be one of the quintessential examples.
A timeless ‘dramedy’ about an orphan being taken in by a rich family, most people know the plot and, indeed, the songs even if they don’t realise what it’s from. Grab your tickets now.
Oh hell yes. Following the year that WAS Oasis, their reunion hasn’t just sparked Britpop making a comeback in general, but even the return of 90s fashion and the aesthetic as a whole.
With that in mind, when we heard about a brand new play about the rivalry between the Burnage brothers and the Blur boys from down south, it was always going to be on our radar. Find out all the info down below.
Speaking of throwbacks, how about some more noughties nostalgia? The musical version of cult favourite US teen comedy, Mean Girls, is finally coming to Manc audiences.
Making its Northern debut in February 2026 at the recently refreshed Manchester Opera House, we can expect this one to go down well with multiple generations. You can book your seats HERE.
Now true theatregoers and/or bookworms will know how much of a cult following this novel turned play has, and even if you’ve never heard of it before, it’s well worth crossing off your list.
A mix of whodunnit tropes and the familiar coming-of-age synopsis, we’d say you can guess plenty of what’s to come, but we assure you there’s plenty of surprises in store…
And for a slightly more ‘adult’ finish to proceedings, those after something a bit more cheeky can book themselves on to see the first-ever Manchester edition of ‘The Empire Strips Back: A Burlesque Parody‘.
Yes, it is exactly what it sounds like: a somewhat naughty and comedic spin on Star Wars, involving the sexier side of the force, if you will. Award-winning and also promising plenty of laughs, it’s turning Depot Mayfield into a sexy space theatre from late spring until August. Look below to find out more.
The award-winning '@empirestrips Back', a #StarWars burlesque parody show, is coming to Manchester. 😅
You may have heard of the funny Star Wars stripper show or even seen clips of it online, but rumour has it that nothing can quite prepare you for the cheekiness of seeing this romp in the flesh.
In case you’ve been completely immersed in the dark side until now, here’s what you can expect:
Now well over a decade into its success and more than 200 Las Vegas shows, ‘The Empire Strips Back’ made its long-awaited transatlantic debut earlier this year.
Getting away at London’s Riverside Studios from May and enjoying a run until this past August, the comedy-driven twist on the classic Star Wars stories and beloved sci-fi characters was an instant hit with us Brits.
It started in Australia way back in 2011 and has gone not only to tour across Europe, but land a coveted residency at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Nevada.
Fast, funny, feisty and by all accounts, fantastic.
Now set to seek out new padawans and storm-strippers all over the cosmos, and by that we mean the UK, ‘The Empire Strips Back: Burlesque Parody’ is coming to Manchester.
Set to land at Depot Mayfield in the New Year – next spring, specifically, we cannot wait to see how this goes down with Northern crowds.
The Manc leg is scheduled to kick off on 6 March and last until 8 May, 2026, with various dates and times of day available.
It’s also worth noting that this two-hour show, including intermission, is a strictly 18+ only event; if you’re interested, you can find out more info and grab your tickets right HERE.
Charlie Watkinson -
20th May 2024 
