& Juliet, a runaway Broadway and West End hit musical, is returning to Manchester next year, with tickets on sale today.
The musical reimagines Shakespeare’s iconic love story from a new angle – what would have become of Juliet if she’d given up on Romeo before their tragic ending?
Audiences are whisked away on a journey that shows Juliet’s life if she’d skipped her famous ending for a second chance at life and love, created by the Emmy-winning writer from Schitt’s Creek.
And with a soundtrack that includes Max Martin-written hits like Britney Spears’ Baby One More Time, Katy Perry’s Roar, and chart toppers Since U Been Gone, It’s My Life, I Want It That Way, and Can’t Stop the Feeling!, it’s clear why the theatre production has been such a success.
& Juliet first premiered here in Manchester back in 2019 before pitching up at London’s Shaftesbury Theatre and the Stephen Sondheim Theatre on Broadway.
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In that time, it has won Olivier and WhatsOnStage Awards, and earned Tony Award nominations.
And now the musical & Juliet is heading back to the stage where it all began, visiting Manchester’s Opera House Theatre as part of a new UK tour.
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It will return to the city from 8 July 2024 before heading to Southampton, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Birmingham, Cardiff, Nottingham, Leeds and more.
Ben Jackson Walker, Lorna Courtney, Betsy Wolfe, Melanie La Barrie in & JULIET. Credit: Matthew MurphyLorna Courtney in & JULIET. Credit: Matthew Murphy
& JULIET is directed by Luke Sheppard (In the Heights, Rent, Little Big Things), with a Book by David West Read (Schitt’s Creek), choreography by Jennifer Weber and set design by Soutra Gilmour.
Music is by Max Martin & Friends, costume design by Paloma Young, musical supervision, orchestration and arrangements by Bill Sherman, lighting design by Howard Hudson, sound design by Gareth Owen, video & projection design by Andrzej Goulding, hair, wig and makeup design by Suzy Barrett, musical direction, additional arrangements and orchestrations by Dominic Fallacaro, and casting direction by Stuart Burt.
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& Juliet will be at the Opera House Manchester theatre between 8 and 20 July.
Tickets go on sale at 10am for ATG Tickets members, and general sale begins from 1pm on Wednesday 1 November.
You can get your & Juliet Manchester tickets here.
Beloved play The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time set to return to the stage in Manchester
Emily Sergeant
One of the most beloved stage plays of the 21st Century is returning to Manchester.
Based on the celebrated 2003 novel of the same name that captivated readers worldwide, and inspired a groundbreaking National Theatre production, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is returning to one of Manchester‘s most iconic stages in early 2027 as part of a major UK tour.
The new play is adapted from Mark Haddon’s multi-million-selling novel by acclaimed Playwright Simon Stephens, and will be directed by Ned Bennett.
Taking over the Manchester Opera House stage in March 2027, critics have described the production as ‘inventive, gripping, and moving’.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time combines the intrigue of a whodunnit with a powerful coming-of-age story to create an ‘unforgettable’ theatrical event.
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If you’re not familiar with the plot, the play tells the story of Christopher Boone – a gifted child with a brilliant mind for numbers, but unsettled by the unpredictability of people and everyday life.
When a neighbour’s dog is killed, he finds himself under suspicion, but determined to prove his innocence, Christopher becomes both detective and suspect, drawn into a mystery that grows darker and more complex with every clue he uncovers.
What begins as the search for a culprit soon reveals secrets closer to home, ultimately forcing him to confront truths that will test his courage, his family, and his understanding of trust, independence, and the wider world.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is coming to Manchester / Credit: Supplied
“The journey of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time has been an extraordinary adventure,” commented Playwright Simon Stephens, as the new adaptation was announced this week.
“It has taken me all over the world. From church halls to enormous auditoria, and from school drama clubs to Wembley Way.
“I am thrilled that Christopher Boone is about to head out again through the United Kingdom. He is a boy defined by his determination and his bravery. This feels like a time when those characteristics are more urgently needed than ever.”
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is coming to Manchester Opera House as part of its UK tour from Tuesday 2 – Saturday 6 March 2027, and tickets go on general sale next Friday (21 November) at 10am.
The Karate Kid – The Musical, inspired by the iconic 80s film, is coming to Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Iconic 80s film The Karate Kid has now been reimagined as a stage musical – and it’s coming to Manchester next spring.
The Karate Kid – The Musical will be heading out on its UK premiere tour in 2026, including a run of dates at the Palace Theatre in Manchester.
The musical follows the same themes as the original, legendary 1984 film, a coming-of-age story that follows the relationship and teachings between Daniel LaRusso and Mr Miyagi.
It’s not just about karate, it’s about resilience, mentorship, and the quiet strength that bridges generations, and on the stage you can expect movement, music, and energetic storytelling too.
The original blockbuster starred Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita and has gone down in history as one of cinema’s greatest films, earning Morita an Academy Award nomination.
It’s become a major global franchise, including three movie sequels, a remake with Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan, and a Netflix series (Cobra Kai).
The Karate Kid – The Musical made its world premiere in 2022, selling out theatres and earning rave reviews.
Those iconic cinematic moments are brought to life on the stage by a Tony Award-winning design team.
The Karate Kid – The Musical is heading on a major UK tour before it hits the West End and Broadway.
It’s written by Robert Mark Kamen, screenwriter of the original 1984 movie, with music and lyrics by Drew Gasparini.
Kamen says: “William Goldman said about Hollywood “No one knows anything.” He was right.
“Who knew that 43 years after I wrote the original script for THE KARATE KID, we would see these very same characters acting and singing on the British stage in a story that is as fresh and universally relevant as it was four decades ago.”
The Karate Kid – The Musical is at the Palace Theatre from Tuesday 12 to Saturday 23 May 2026, with tickets on sale now HERE.
Daisy Jackson -
1st November 2023 
