Greater Manchester has firmly earned itself a spot as a place for world-renowned touring theatre productions to make a stop off at.
While the past couple of years amid and post-pandemic may have hit the theatre pretty hard, it’s a beloved industry that has now well and truly bounced-back – with the region’s three main theatres, Palace Theatre Manchester, Opera House Manchester, and The Lowry, all having welcomed some absolute show-stopping productions this year.
And 2024 is set to be absolutely no different.
The Greater Manchester theatre events calendar next year is already looking jam-packed with award-winning musicals, family-friendly plays, inventive dance productions, and so much more.
Here’s our roundup of 10 of the best productions in Greater Manchester next year.
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The Rocky Horror Show
Opera House Manchester
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23 – 28 January 2024
The Rocky Horror Show / Credit: ATG Tickets
The Rocky Horror Show is coming to Manchester’s iconic Opera House next month.
Famously combining science fiction, horror, comedy, and music, The Rocky Horror Show is the story of two squeaky clean college kids. When by a twist of fate, their car breaks down outside a creepy mansion whilst on their way to visit their former college professor, and they meet the charismatic Dr Frank’n’Furter, making it an adventure they’ll never forget, filled with fun, frolics, frocks, and frivolity.
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All set to celebrate 50 years of non-stop partying, this special anniversary production of the smash-hit musical is directed by Christopher Luscombe, and it’s gearing up to thrill audiences with countless “fun and naughty moments”.
Sister Act will open at Manchester’s Palace Theatre in March 2024.
Disco diva Deloris’ life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Placed under protective custody, she is hidden in the one place she shouldn’t be found – a convent. Encouraged to help the struggling choir, she helps her fellow sisters find their true voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own.
Featuring original music by Tony and Oscar award-winner, Alan Menken, and songs inspired by Motown, soul and disco, Sister Act is described is as “joyous and uplifting in equal measures”.
Madagascar The Musical is taking to the stage at Manchester’s Opera House in February 2024, and it couldn’t be more ideal for a family night out.
Based on the DreamWorks animated film of the same name, Madagascar The Musical invites audiences along on a journey with “all of your favourite crack-a-lackin’ friends” as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to “the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar”.
The smash-hit production is already being described by critics as “a wacky adventure for the whole family” that’s truly brought to life on stage.
The Book of Mormon is coming back to Manchester in late 2024.
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The hilarious musical production – which is the multi-award-winning work of South Park creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone – will take to the stage at the Palace Theatre in mid-September, after it was last here in our city back in 2021 and was subject to a series of cancellations and reschedules due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you’re unfamiliar with the show, The Book of Mormon follows a pair of Mormon boys who are sent on a mission to a place that’s a long way from their home in Salt Lake City.
Described as being “the crowning glory of Broadway, the West End, and beyond”, the multi award-winning musical is making its royal return to Greater Manchester next August following its previous sell-out successes in the city.
From Tudor Queens to pop princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st century girl power.
Hairspray heading out on a tour of the UK and Ireland in 2024, and will be stopping off in Manchester at the Palace Theatre for the summer.
Centering around heroine Tracy Turnblad, who has “big hair, a big heart, and big dreams”, the musical is known and loved by millions worldwide since it first opened on Broadway all way back in 2002, and has had audiences tapping their feet on the West End and in countless other cities and countries across the globe ever since.
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The eight Tony Award wins and the record-breaking 11 Olivier Award nominations prove that all to well, as does the smash-hit success of the 2007 film adaptation too.
101 Dalmatians is arriving to entertain Manchester audiences next summer.
Opening at the Palace Theatre in late July 2024, 101 Dalmatians is known and loved by millions worldwide – but while the story may be a familiar tale to millions across the world, it has never been told quite like this before.
With a book by Johnny McKnight, and music and lyrics composed and written by Douglas Hodge, this new musical comes from a stage adaptation by Zinnie Harris, and is being reimagined from what was the critically-acclaimed Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production back in 2022.
The story is brought to life on stage with spectacular puppetry, show-stopping choreography, hilarious songs, and, of course, irresistible puppies.
Only Fools and Horses The Musical / Credit: ATG Tickets
Only Fools and Horses The Musical is coming to Manchester, and will take to the Opera House stage in November 2024.
Directed by the originating West End director Caroline Jay Ranger, and with a script and original score written by John’s son, Jim Sullivan, alongside comedy giant Paul Whitehouse, Manchester audiences are being told to prepare for the classic comedy to be brought to life on stage.
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With an “ingenious script” and musical contributions from actual Chas & Dave, the beloved theme tune as you’ve never heard it before, and an array of brand-new songs that are said to be “full of character and cockney charm”, the show is described as being “a feel-good family celebration of traditional working class London life” and a “right ol’ knees-up”.
A Christmas Carol: The Musical / Credit: The Lowry
The Lowry’s annual festive season production for 2024 is set to be a jaw-dropping musical take on A Christmas Carol.
Brought to the stage by showrunners, Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens, the beloved Charles Dickens story will come to life with true broadway spectacle, and will “breathe fantastic new life” into the classic tale.
If you’re unfamiliar with the story, A Christmas Carol tells follows Ebenezer Scrooge, who believes that personal wealth is far more valuable than the happiness and comfort of others – but with an infuriated “Bah! Humbug!”, Scrooge is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve, which lead him on a journey through the past, the present, and the future.
Who doesn’t love a panto at Christmas time, right?
Cinderella is Manchester Opera House’s offering for 2024, and it’s already billed as being “the fairy Godmother of all pantos”.
Packed with all the traditional pantomime ingredients that Manchester audiences expect, Cinderella will open in mid-December, and is set to feature laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes, and plenty of boos and hisses – with families invited to Cinders as she goes from rags to riches, outwits her very wicked sisters, and meets her Prince Charming.
A big battle of the bands is happening in Manchester this week – and it’s all for charity
Danny Jones
A massive battle of the bands event is happening in Manchester this week, and it’s helping raise money for crucial grassroots organisations.
Better still, it’s happening at one of our favourite venues in the city centre: Band on the Wall.
Now, the beloved Northern Quarter institution hosts all kinds of live music throughout the year, so they’re no strangers to events like a battle of the bands competition. Teaming up with homegrown charity Forever Manchester and some other well-known faces, this is set to be a big one.
This brand new event will see local businesses and employees come together to form a band for one night only, to see who is the best of the best up on stage. Who knows? You could be about to see the best-kept secret…
Yes, Manc worker bees are banding together (quite literally) to form the exclusive super group and will be judged by a panel of audiophile aficionados.
It doesn’t matter whether you work in the industry, you do office admin or work in a cafe all day long; at the debut ‘Forever Manchester Rocks‘ competition, consider yourself a music god in the making.
The live on-stage battle is open to pre-existing bands who have already played together, but we’ll confess, we’re looking forward to seeing what those cobbled together specifically for this contest are going to sound like.
Finalists not only have the opportunity to perform at the most iconic venues, but the winners of this year’s competition will claim the inaugural ‘Manchester Business Rocks Legends’ trophy, as well as being invited to play the annual Forever Manchester Birthday Party at the Kimpton Clocktower in February.
Once again, the best part of this new battle of the bands event at Band on the Wall is that it’s all for the greater good, with important funding being generated for local community groups – a cause that both pursue with 24/7, 365 days a year.
If you’re interested in a last-minute sign-up, the rules for entering the competition are as follows:
A majority of band members must work at the same company or in the same industry
Covers or originals welcome – just bring your best 15-minute set
You bring the instruments and tunes – the backline, PA and sound engineer will be provided
Acts will be judged on talent, energy, crowd reaction, showmanship and amount of money raised.
Nick Massey CBE, chief exec at Forever Manchester, said: “As a region famed for its musical prowess, entrepreneurial spirit and its sense of community, Forever Manchester Rocks just made total sense to me as our next big occasion.
“It is a battle like no other, and we’re calling for businesses across the region to trade their KPIs for killer riffs to show us how they shine on stage… And it’s all in support of a fantastic cause, with the money raised helping to fund vital community initiatives in the Greater Manchester region.
“We can’t wait to see colleagues from across the region unleash their hidden talents and bring that Manchester energy to Band on the Wall on 10 December!”
For those looking to come along this Wednesday (10 Dec), you can grab your tickets HERE.
Featured Images — The Manc Group/Billy Weaver (supplied)
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Stereophonics at Co-op Live, Manchester – tickets, times, setlist and more for UK tour
Thomas Melia
It might not be an ‘Indian Summer’, but it’s definitely a Stereophonics winter as they’re playing out in UK venues including Co-op Live, Manchester.
Beloved 90’s Welsh rockers Stereophonics are returning to Manchester for the winter season, and if you ask us, it feels like Christmas has come early.
Known for their massive tracks like ‘Dakota’, ‘Have A Nice Day’, ‘Handbags And Gladrags’ and more, this four-piece has been powering us through life for the past three decades.
Their latest album Make ‘Em Laugh Make ‘Em Cry Make ‘Em Wait dropped back in April, and fans will be eager to hear singles from this LP like ‘There’s Always Gonna Be Something’ and ‘Seems Like You Don’t Know Me’.
Stereophonics come to Co-op Live, Manchester on 12 December (Credit: James D Kelly)
Now, Kelly, Richard, Adam and Jamie are playing a string of arena shows across the UK, and they’ve decided to stop off at Manchester’s largest indoor entertainment venue, Co-op Live, too.
Gig guide | Stereophonics Co-op Live
Stereophonics UK tour dates
We’ve highlighted all the Northern dates for you.
Sat 6 December – Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK – Utilita Arena
Sun 7 December – Sheffield, UK – Utilita Arena
Tue 9 December – Aberdeen, UK – P&J Live
Wed 10 December – Glasgow, UK -OVO Hydro
Fri 12 December – Manchester, UK – Co-op Live
Sat 13 December – Birmingham, UK – Utilita Arena
Tue 16 December – Liverpool, UK – M&S Bank Arena
Thu 18 December – London, UK – The O2
We were lucky enough to catch them in Yorkshire earlier this month, and they did not disappoint. You can read our full review HERE.
Are there tickets left for Stereophonics in Manchester?
The staple rock band are visiting every stretch of the UK, stopping off for one night only in Manchester on 12 December before they close out in London and the ever-impressive The O2.
Well, we hope you ‘Have a Nice Day’ and an even better one after we tell you that tickets to Stereophonics’ upcoming arena date in Manchester are still available HERE.
Stereophonics setlist
Vegas Two Times
I Wanna Get Lost With You
Have a Nice Day
There’s Always Gonna Be Something
Do Ya Feel My Love
Pick a Part That’s New
Hurry Up and Wait
Superman
Geronimo
Maybe Tomorrow
Colours of October
Local Boy in the Photograph
I Wouldn’t Believe Your Radio
Rewind
Mr. Writer
Seems Like You Don’t Know Me
Mr and Mrs Smith
Fly Like an Eagle
The Bartender and the Thief
100MPH
Traffic
C’est La Vie
Dakota
What are the stage times for Stereophonics in Manchester?
Co-op Live has a strict curfew of 11pm, meaning you can rock out all night long to these Welsh lads without wondering if it ’Maybe Tomorrow′ or not.
There’s no official support act listed, but when this current run of UK shows is labelled the No Hit Left BehindTour, Stereophonics will more than likely be rocking out on the stage for a pretty lengthy amount of time, as you can see by the setlist.
How to get to Co-op Live
Tram
For those of you heading to Co-op Live, you’ll be glad to know it’s right next door to a rather famous big blue stadium and its integrated Metrolink stop.
Head along the light blue or orange lines directly to the Etihad Campus or Ashton-under-Lyne, and you can get off the tram literally spitting distance from the arena. You can find the full map HERE.
Trams run frequently on the Ashton-Eccles line to the Etihad stop, with services leaving every six minutes from the city centre and until 1:00am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Bus
You can find the full list of bus routes HERE, with the one in closest proximity to the venue being the 53 bus, which runs from Cheetham Hill through to Higher Crumpsall, Old Trafford and Pendleton, leaving just a two-minute walk to Co-op Live. You also get free Bee Network travel with any valid event ticket.
Getting there by car and parking
If you’re driving, there is limited parking available at the venue, but this must be pre-booked ahead of time, and there are designated drop-off areas.
The postcode is M11 3DU, and you can follow the signs towards the wider Etihad Campus as you get closer; directions to the adjacent drop-off points will also be signposted.
Keep in mind that congestion on the roads close to the stadium is expected to gather around two hours prior to any event, so if you are travelling on the road, these are the suggested times they provide come event day, though estimates will obviously vary:
Alan Turing Way (both directions): plan an additional 20 minutes into any journey by road.
Hyde Road (eastbound): expect an additional 15 minutes to be added to your journey.
Mancunian Way (westbound): plan for an extra 10 minutes of travel time.
There are also three park-and-ride facilities near Co-op Live, but be advised that the Velopark and Holt Town stops will be closed post-event to help safely manage crowds:
Ashton West (Ashton line) – 184 spaces and 11 disabled spaces
Ladywell (Ashton-Eccles line) – 332 spaces and 22 disabled spaces
Walk/cycle
Lastly, Co-op Live is only a half-hour stroll from Manchester Piccadilly, and you could even walk along the canal all the way to the front door if you fancy taking the scenic route.
Greater Manchester now also offers the option to hire bikes through the Beryl app, with riders able to locate, unlock, get to their destination and then safely lock up the bike all through an easy-to-use app. There are hire points just near the south-west corner of the Etihad Stadium on Ashton New Road.
For more information on all travel options, you can check out the enhanced journey planner.
Emily Sergeant -
28th December 2023 
