The biggest theatre shows coming to Manchester in 2026

Danny Jones 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.

ADVERTISEMENT

2. Just For One Day – The Live Aid Musical

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.

ADVERTISEMENT
An ‘extraordinary’ new Live Aid musical is coming to Manchester on its UK tour

3. The Karate Kid – The Musical

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.

cats musical manchester tour dates
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.

Beloved musical Dirty Dancing is returning to the stage in Manchester next year

6. Annie

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.

7. The Battle

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.

A new theatre show based on the Oasis and Blur rivalry is heading to Manchester

8. Mean Girls The Musical

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.

9. Curious Dog

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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…

Beloved play The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time set to return to the stage in Manchester

10. The Empire Strips Back

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.

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Publicity pictures

Swinton women’s Lionesses rebrand is officially off the ground

Danny Jones Danny Jones Swinton Lions women's team rebrand as Lionesses

Following an initial announcement late last year, local rugby club Swinton Lions’ women’s team has finally and fully rebranded as Manchester Swinton Lionesses.

The Salford-founded rugby league club, whose men’s team competes in the RFL Championship, has a long and rich competitive history, as well as a fervent male and female following in the area.

As one of the most important and well-established outfits in women’s rugby, Swinton Lions have not only officially relaunched as the Lionesses from 2026 onwards, but are looking to re-establish themselves as their own entity and a competitive powerhouse capable of competing at the top level.

In case you hadn’t heard about the rebrand up until now, you can get a closer look at changes not only to the name but the club crest and more.

As you can see, not only is the shift towards Manchester rather than just strictly Swinton a concerted effort to broaden the supporter base across all 10 boroughs, but there are some key tweaks to the new Lionesses badge.

Changing the design of the lion logo itself – as well as citing 2020 as a key date in this rebirth (i.e. the short-lived push to be renamed the ‘Manchester Lions’), which is more than half a decade in the making – they’re heading into the new year with both a new name and a slightly new look.

Just as reported by the likes of sports journalist Johnny Davidson back in November, however, the title and insignia have been a long time coming.

As per a press release by the club at the time, besides new kits and some key admin, “This evolution is about more than a new name or logo; it’s about creating a platform for women and girls across Greater Manchester to be inspired, to belong, and to believe they can achieve greatness in our sport.”

They insist that the aim is to be a “progressive club that’s proud of its history but unafraid to innovate”, also looking to attract new investors and commercial partners – such as Superfly Sports Flags, which will now appear on the likes of players’ shorts and boot bags, as well as around Heywood Road.

Women’s captain Sammi Simpson went on to state: “We’re so proud of what this team has achieved in such a short time, and this next step feels like a natural evolution.

“Wearing ‘Manchester Swinton Lionesses’ on our shirts will remind us of where we’ve come from — and how far we can go together. We want to inspire the next generation of players, supporters, and families to be part of something special.”

Even Mayor Andy Burnham has expressed his excitement, adding: “Manchester is a city built on sport, strength, and community — and the Manchester Swinton Lionesses embody all of that.

“This new identity is a powerful statement about where women’s rugby league is heading and the role Greater Manchester will play in shaping that future.”

As any rugby fan will know, this isn’t the only rebirth of a local sporting institution currently taking place over in Salford.

Interview | New Salford rugby league co-owner Mason Caton-Brown on the future of phoenix club
‘We want to get it right.’

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Manchester Swinton Lionesses RLFC (via website/Instagram)

More

Best new Manchester bands and artists December 2025

Art & Culture

Five Greater Manchester-based artists we’ve been listening to this month | December 2025

News

New landmark chickenpox vaccine begins UK rollout to protect thousands of children

Boroughs

Greater Manchester hit with snow and ice weather warning to welcome in new year

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches