Much-loved children’s TV sensation Gabby’s Dollhouse is bringing its now world-famous live stage show to Manchester city centre for the first time ever.
Set for its debut UK tour, the smash-hit Netflix series created by the brains behind the 90s and noughties kids classic, Blue’s Clues, has become a global favourite since it first began back in 2021.
After proving highly successful over in the States, ‘Gabby’s Dollhouse Live!’ is now going transatlantic to delight little ones across the pond.
The super family-friendly show lands at Manchester’s AO Arena in early 2026, and we can practically hear the toddlers screaming with joy already.
As the Arena posted on social media, “This a-MEOW-zing new show, inspired by the beloved DreamWorks Animation preschool series, features songs that will have audiences singing and dancing along, from beginning to end.”
ADVERTISEMENT
For anyone unaware of the name or simply looking to introduce their youngsters to something new, Gabby’s Dollhouse is an interactive pre-school programme that blends both interactive live-action with educational and undeniably cute animation.
It follows a girl named Gabby and her cat friends as they go on adventures inside a magical dollhouse.
ADVERTISEMENT
The American show has taken off not only domestically but has now become the most-watched kids’ show on Netflix, so yes, it’s rather popular.
As for this still relatively new stage production, it brings to life an exciting original Dollhouse story featuring unique puppets and dynamic staging, with hit new songs that will have audiences singing and dancing along from beginning to end.
You can see the trailer for the US tour down below.
ADVERTISEMENT
Presented not only by DreamWorks but Universal’s Destinations and Experiences team, the 15-date tour will get underway next spring; you can see the full list of shows here:
‘Gabby’s Dollhouse Live!’ 2026 UK tour dates
We’ve even highlighted all of the Northern shows for you, just in case you can’t make the Manc date.
Fri 27/03/26 SEC Armadillo Theatre, Glasgow
Sun 29/03/26 P&J Live, Aberdeen
Tue 31/03/26 Eventim Apollo, London
Wed 1/04/26 Eventim Apollo, London
Sun 5/04/26 AO Arena Manchester
Tue 7/04/26 Utilita Arena Birmingham
Wed 8/04/26 Edinburgh Playhouse
Sat 11/04/26 Brighton Centre
Tue 14/04/26 First Direct Bank Arena Leeds
Thu 16/04/26 Bournemouth International Centre
Sun 19/04/26 Plymouth Pavilions
Tue 21/04/26 Swansea Building Society Arena
Sun 26/04/26 M&S Bank Arena Liverpool
Tue 28/04/26 Utilita Arena Sheffield
Fri 1/05/26 Utilita Arena Newcastle
Sun 3/05/26 Utilita Arena Cardiff
General admission seats go live on Wednesday, 10 December, and if you’re looking to guarantee your family a spot at the AO Arena or any of the other venues, you can join the pre-sale waiting list.
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 13 – 19 April 2026
Emily Sergeant
April is well underway now, with plenty happening so far this month… and there’s lots more to come.
Now that it’s officially spring in the UK, there’s obviously loads of events and activities to be getting up to across Greater Manchester this week. Just as long as those classic ‘April showers’ don’t show their face too much, that is.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though? No worries. We’ve chosen a few of the highlights for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.
Both free things and those that’ll set you back a few pennies are featured.
___
Matilda The Musical
Manchester Palace Theatre
Monday 13 – Saturday 25 April
Matilda The Musical / Credit: The Manc | Supplied
Matilda The Musical has now arrived in Manchester.
The RSC’s smash-hit musical – which is based on Roald Dahl’s beloved book of the same name – is currently on a tour of the UK and Ireland, and this includes a special four-week run at Manchester’s iconic Palace Theatre.
Written by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, and developed and directed by Matthew Warchus, the beloved production about a determined heroine with a vivid imagination has won hearts all over the globe.
Find out more and see if you can grab yourself some last-minute tickets here.
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos / Credit: Science Museum Group | BBC
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos has made its world premiere at the Science and Industry Museum, and is inviting visitors to explore our wondrous Solar System.
Fresh off-the-back of the new BBC Children’s and Education TV show, Horrible Science, the ‘thrilling’ new exhibition encouraging visitors to ‘do science the horrible way’, and join both scientists and supervillains to unveil the secrets of space.
The new exhibition propels families up into space where mystery, intrigue, and rocket-loads of silly and surprising science await. You’ll get to venture through a series of cosmic zones, walk in the shoes of astronauts, explore the life-giving energy of the sun, marvel at mysterious moons, and discover far-off weird worlds.
Did you see that the spectacular 360° immersive experience that’s currently lighting up Manchester Cathedral has extended its run in our city?
That’s right – due to ‘overwhelming demand’ and following a roster of impressive reviews since making its UK debut earlier this year, LUMINISCENCE has now extended its run at Manchester Cathedral until the early summer.
LUMINISCENCE combines 360° video mapping, new orchestral arrangements of iconic songs, and a narrative story celebrating everything that makes Manchester and its residents so special.
ADVERTISEMENT
Visitors are invited to step into a ‘spellbinding fusion’ of light, sound, and storytelling. Find out more and get tickets here.
___
Picasso: A Legacy
Castle Fine Art
Monday 13 April – 4 May
Picasso: A Legacy / Credit: Supplied
A new free exhibition by Pablo Picasso is currently open in Manchester, including works never-before seen on public display.
ADVERTISEMENT
The new exhibition, titled Picasso: A Legacy, is comprised of more than 35 original works on paper and ceramics, all of which were created by the artist from the mid 1930s up until his death in 1973, and visitors will get to be guided through the last four decades of his life.
You’ll also get to encounter the artist’s lovers and muses, mythological alter egos, and playful zoomorphic ceramics, as well as feats of frantic artistic output that made up Picasso’s final decade.
Works from legendary Japanese artists Hokusai and Hiroshige have now arrived in the city.
Opening the Whitworth’s first exhibition of Japanese print in more than a century, ‘Beneath the Great Wave’, features colourful woodblock ukiyo-e prints from Edo-period Japan, dating as far back as 1700s – including the iconic ‘Under the Wave off Kanagawa’.
It’s an easy shout if you fancy something different this week, oh and even better, it’s completely FREE to enter and look around.
Get ready to have your very own Patrick Swayze moment, because there’s a gorgeous new spot just opened in the Northern Quarter where you can craft your very own pottery pieces.
At House Pottery, you can make your own, bowl, cup, or candlestick on a traditional pottery wheel.
They do classes for all different skill levels, so whether you choose to go alone, or as a group, the lovely professionals are there to guide you throughout.
Hatter’s is a brand-new food hall that’s just opened up in Denton, with four kitchens and two bars across a huge two-storey venue.
In the kitchens, they’ve got the legendary Tameside Italian Ornella’s, Christmas Markets favourite Waffle Kart, the delightful Spanish kitchen Casa Dario, and Oldham’s much-loved meat experts Curio.
That means you can get pizza and tiramisu, Asian-inspired chicken and waffles, Argentinian steaks, and authentic Spanish paella and tortilla, all under one roof.
Plere is Chorlton’s newest neighbourhood hangout, serving up a gorgeous selection of craft beer, wine, and bar snacks in a laid-back space. It’s a proper little sun trap too – perfect for enjoying a pint or two in the Manchester sun.
With DJs spinning vinyls until late across the weekend and a solid team on the bar, this is a new opening you should get behind.
Manchester Marathon 2026 / Credit: Manchester Marathon
The adidas Manchester Marathon returns to the streets of Greater Manchester this Sunday.
ADVERTISEMENT
More than 42,000 participants and 140,000 spectators will take to the streets for one of the UK’s biggest and most iconic running events.
Known for its flat route and incredible Mancunian crowd support, the event is now the second-largest marathon in the UK and one of the biggest in Europe – attracting elite athletes, charity participants and first-time marathoners alike.
The event, once again, places Greater Manchester at the centre of the UK running calendar, bringing communities together across the city’s streets.
___
Stuck for somewhere to have a bite to eat?
Just like we do every month, we’ve rounded up some of the best things we got to eat in March, so if you’re on the hunt for somewhere new to eat in April, then we’ve absolutely got you covered as there’s plenty of places across the city region.
ADVERTISEMENT
It’s been another jam-packed month of insanely delicious eats, and we’ve been lucky to have a bunch of new openings too. From mini tiramisu drawers, to Magnum-stuffed croissants, egg custard tarts, and more, we’ve been scoffing the lot.
Do you know about the ‘secret’ Italian produce cash-and-carry in Manchester city centre?
You’ve probably seen the grey trucks belonging to Amato Products all over Manchester, usually parked outside your favourite restaurants delivering premium ingredients to them, but this wholesaler has another trick up its sleeve… a miniature supermarket where you can pick up quality Italian produce for way less than your local Tesco.
Whether it’s guanciale, San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte mozzarella, burrata, unusual pasta shapes, pizza dough, pre-filled pasta, or even octopus you’re after, you’ll find it here.
Ever seen a full menu of Scotch eggs? We’re gonna guess not.
But that’s exactly what you’ll find over at The Davenport Arms.
There’s no greater duo than a pint and a Scotch egg, and now you can find the perfect pairing at a pub in Stockport. Known locally as The Thief’s Neck, The Davenport Arms has launched a whole menu of different homemade Scotch eggs, each served with its own matched condiments.
Not only is there a wide selection of savoury options, just as you’d expect, but did we mention there’s a dessert one too.
Featured Image – Manchester Marathon | The Manc Group
Kids & Family
Greater Manchester’s World Cup warm-up – how to get ready for the 2026 tournament this summer
The Manc
Are you getting your practice in, too? It’s a team effort.
With the World Cup fast approaching, we thought we’d share some exciting footy and other sports-related activities available across Greater Manchester this Spring, to help get your heads in the game.
Now that this lovely sunshine has arrived, it’s time to start getting excited for a summer filled with football, barbecues and crowding around a big screen. Don’t know what to do with yourself until 11 June? Don’t panic, we’ve done the work for you.
Here’s a list of both free and paid activities for you to do with friends or family.
Check out the fixture list this spring…
1. ‘LOWRY 360’: Going to the Match – The Lowry Theatre, Salford
The UK’s first free and permanent immersive experience, which allows fans to transport themselves inside the art of LS Lowry.
Get lost within his famous painting ‘Going to the Match,’ in collaboration with Immersive Studio, to completely transport you to matchday, using sound and super-high resolution imagery.
It is a multi-sensory experience covering the experience and excitement of preparing for a game – it’s not one to be missed. Described as one of their most ambitious projects yet, expect to feel like you’re inside a booming Wembley on matchday.
2. The ‘Best Team On Paper’ Footy Quiz – The Loft Social, Stockport
Wednesday, 8 April
How’s your ball knowledge? Let’s find out at the ‘Best Team on Paper’ quiz in Stockport. Head down to Loft Social; at just £2.25 a ticket, it’s a great way to spend a midweek evening, consisting of footy trivia, catching up with friends and hopefully some winning. There’s a £75 bar tab, mystery shirts, special prizes and more to be won.
While you’re there, why not wander down to Little Underbank before kick-off at 7:30pm and try out one of their new bars or dinner spots? Our recommendations would be The Good Rebel for their outdoor seating or The Underbank for an unreal slice of Gatto sourdough pizza and some drinks.
Hurry, tickets were completely sold out last time. Find out more and see if you can grab yourself some sought-after tickets HERE. If you’ve not seen much about the venue before, look no further:
3. Girls’ Football Festival – Broadhurst Park, Moston
Wed, 15 April
Feeling inspired after the Lionesses brought home gold last year? Us too, here’s a great opportunity for 10-14-year-old footy-mad girls in Manchester.
Hosted by FC United of Manchester at their home ground, it’s going to be a day full of fun, meeting new people and learning some skills from expert coaches. The festival is open to all abilities, so whether you’re a pro like viral sensation Anna Panna or you’re looking to try something new, everyone’s welcome.
Come on, girls – let’s show ’em how it’s done. Find out more and sign up HERE.
4. Head Shoulders Knees & Goals – National Football Museum, Cathedral Gardens
Friday, 27 March – Sunday, 1 November
This is an exciting, full sensory experience for the whole family, in the Score Gallery at the National Football Museum (NFM).
Whether you’re into science or just have a love for the game, this is a great day out for both children and adults. Learn about the connection between the body and football, with attention to sport science, clothing, exercise and nutrition through an interactive experience.
This exhibition also delves into stories of identity, the matchday experience and the joy that football brings, through different sensory activities. Click HERE to find out more.
5. ‘The Price of Passion’ – Football Museum, Cathedral Gardens
Thursday, 15 May 2025 – Wednesday, 30 September 2026
Might as well make a day of it.
While you’re at the National Football Museum, why not go and see the Price of Passion display in the Play Gallery? It was designed in collaboration with their new partnered Youth Advisory Group to explore financial barriers to football accessibility through the voice of the next generation.
The exhibition highlights the injustices some of our community face, regarding increasing matchday ticket prices and the consequent protests.
We don’t think anybody should be excluded from the football community, and this expertly highlights real issues faced by Mancunians. Let’s educate ourselves to better understand and support our community. Tickets are available now.
Planning your Easter holidays? Make sure we're top of your list to experience why Football Matters.💚⚽
— Nat. Football Museum (@FootballMuseum) March 6, 2026
6. The Beautiful Game – NFM, Cathedral Gardens
Friday, 24 April
While you’re at it, here’s one for you music lovers: the National Football Museum is hosting a concert to celebrate music surrounding ‘the beautiful game’.
This concert draws the parallels between football, music and wider culture. While it presents the power behind the musical elements within a matchday experience, it also explores how identity and culture shine through music, from each of the wonderful cities across the country.
It’s set to be one to remember with familiar chants, anthems and music, both local and international, inspired by football. This celebration of culture and music is not one to miss, and it is guaranteed to get you in the spirit for the World Cup. Find out more down below.
Tameside Central Library (Wed, 1 April) and Denton West End Community Library (Sat, 18 April)
The totally free theatre show ‘Footy Fairy Tales’ has come to Manchester and will be showing in libraries across Greater Manchester this April.
While designed for children ages 5 -11, this experience is fun for the whole family, whether you’re training your child up like Project Mbappe or if they just love theatre, this would be a great day trip for the Easter Holidays.
It combines storytelling and football to welcome those new to the game, as well as you experts. Everyone deserves to get involved in the World Cup, so go on down. Get your tickets HERE.
Let’s dress like winners. Why not head on over to the self-proclaimed ‘home of football shirts’ in the heart of our very own Northern Quarter? Check out their huge range of current and retro kits available for the whole family.
If you’re into modern streetwear or the history of football, this is the place for you. Established in 2006, with over 500,000 expertly selected, authentic vintage items, there is something for everyone.
Don’t forget to check out their new adidas World Cup range of shirts to get you in the spirit. Nothing quite like a bit of retail therapy to get you in the mood for winning.
We still even reminisce about their old shop, and the operation has only grown since then.
9. West Didsbury and Chorlton AFC – Chorlton, Brookburn Park
Men’s at Home: Saturday, 11 April vs Prestwich Heys | Monday, 13 April v Cheadle Town | Wednesday, 15 April v Ramsbottom United
Women’s at home – Sunday, 19 Fleetwood Town
Come on down to support local grassroots football with West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC male and female teams down at Brookburn Road. With everything from a drummer at the shed end, dog-friendly fan hill, food, drink and more, it’s a class day out for all ages and people from all walks of life.
With three home games left for the men’s team and one for the women’s this April, come and support a local team that pride themselves on inclusivity and being an accessible local football club. The energy is electric, with a close-knit community feel that challenges prejudices in football.
Not to mention some sensational food, including burritos from WrapScallion, cakes from Sweet Talk and lovely pints from Monica’s Bar inside the clubhouse; at £8 a ticket on the gate, it’s a no-brainer.
10. Yard Ball – NFM, Cathedral Gardens
Last but not least, have you heard that the increasingly popular Yard Ball has popped up over at the NFM for the Easter bank holiday (and hopefully beyond)?
Built around skills sessions, street football, and the backyard classic ‘bin game’, this increasingly popular activity is coming to Manchester city centre as the perfect distraction for your footy-mad little ones.
Having just opened up their latest full venue over in Sheffield, we know all too well how much time we could spend just playing this.
Honourable mention…
The University of Salford have joined up with Kick It Out, a charity on a mission to tackle all forms of discrimination. So, if you’re a University of Salford student, don’t miss out on access to multiple events and joining Kick It Out’s digital learning platform.
As a timely reminder that the people’s game is truly for everyone, there’s not much else left to say other than roll on this summer’s tournament, best of luck to England and… Oh, yeah: IT’S COMING HOME.
Danny Jones -
3rd December 2025 
