Your Go-To Theatre Blog For Reviews, News, And Insights On West End Shows,
Regional Theatre, Exhibitions, And Family Days Out.

The Choir of Man at The Lowry delivers an unforgettable evening of outstanding harmonies, inventive choreography and heartfelt storytelling. With a fully functioning onstage pub, plenty of audience participation and a spectacular performance involving 243 local choir members, this five-star production is a wonderful celebration of music, friendship and community.

King Lear at the Royal Exchange Theatre stars David Threlfall in a bold, contemporary production of Shakespeare's tragedy. With outstanding performances, striking staging and some genuinely shocking moments, this four-star production makes a lasting impression.

Little Shop of Horrors at Hope Mill Theatre is a blooming brilliant five-star production! With an outstanding cast led by Jed Berry and Maisie Smith, imaginative staging, impressive Audrey II puppetry and a sensational performance of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman's unforgettable score, this is a musical theatre treat not to be missed.

The Silence of the Lambs at The Lowry transforms the iconic psychological thriller into a dark, atmospheric and utterly gripping theatrical experience. Read our five-star review.

High Society at The Lowry brings Cole Porter's classic musical to Salford in a glamorous production starring Helen George, Julian Ovenden and Freddie Fox.

The Blossom Bird at Manchester Central Library is a gentle and interactive children's show combining puppetry, flower folklore, music, movement and audience participation in a story about belonging and self-belief.

Our five-star High School Musical review from The Lowry. Fantastic choreography, clever staging and an excellent cast bring East High and the Wildcats to life in this spectacular new production.

Our 5-star review of The Magic Bookmark at HOME Manchester, a colourful family adventure filled with books, original songs, puppetry, audience participation and plenty of pantomime fun.

Dear Zoo at Lowry brings Rod Campbell's much-loved children's book to life in a colourful stage production filled with puppets, familiar animals, music and plenty of opportunities for young audiences to join in.

Le Navet Bete bring Greek mythology to life with Oh Zeus! at The Lowry, a fast-paced comedy filled with slapstick humour, inventive staging and outstanding performances from a cast of just three actors. Read our 4-star review.

Our review of The Spy Who Came in from the Cold at The Lowry, starring Ralf Little in the first stage adaptation of John le Carré's classic Cold War spy novel. Discover whether this complex spy drama is worth seeing.

Fun Home at the Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester is a deeply moving and beautifully crafted musical that combines outstanding performances, emotional storytelling and an intelligent score to create one of the most powerful productions currently playing in Manchester.

Thespians at HOME Manchester marks Mischief Theatre's first venture into musical theatre, combining Ancient Greece, catchy songs and plenty of trademark Mischief chaos in an entertaining and ambitious new comedy musical.

Big, bold, brilliantly bonkers and gloriously funny, Something Rotten at Manchester Opera House delivers unforgettable songs, spectacular choreography and some of the biggest laughs I've experienced in a theatre for years.

Our 3.5 star review of The Ballad of Johnny & June at The Lowry, featuring iconic Johnny Cash songs, strong performances and an emotional look at the lives of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash.

Read our Balloonatic review from Z-arts Manchester. Magic Gareth delivers colourful family fun packed with giant balloons, magic tricks, comedy and audience participation.

4 star Malory Towers at HOME Manchester review. Emma Rice’s adaptation of the Enid Blyton classic brings friendship, live music and boarding school adventures to the stage in a heartwarming and uplifting family theatre production.

Carrie Hope Fletcher leads a heartfelt and emotional production of Waitress at the Palace Theatre Manchester, balancing humour, heartbreak and unforgettable music.

Bluey’s Big Play returns to The Lowry with colourful sets, fantastic puppetry, hilarious moments and a hugely fun keepy uppy finale. Read our family theatre review.

Read our 4-star review of The Karate Kid The Musical at Manchester Palace Theatre, featuring impressive choreography, strong performances and plenty of nostalgic feel-good moments.

Our review of The Choir of Man at Manchester Opera House — a joyful and uplifting musical celebrating friendship, community and connection through live music, pub singalongs and incredible performances.

The Detective Dog at Z-arts – A Fun, Inclusive Family Theatre Adventure Full of Books, Music & Mystery We are huge fans of Julia Donaldson books in our house, so The Detective Dog has always been a favourite with Alice and Leo. We first saw this production last year at Waterside Arts and remembered how much the children enjoyed it, so we were really looking forward to seeing Nell’s mystery adventure again during its visit to Z-arts Manchester. Adapted and produced by Tiny & T

Our 5-star review of Bank of Dave: The Musical at The Lowry. A funny, heartfelt and proudly northern new musical packed with humour, community spirit and brilliant performances.

Mika and the Polar Bear review at Z-arts – a magical 5-star family show blending dance, puppetry and storytelling, perfect for children aged 4–11.

Our 4-star review of The Boy at the Back of the Class at The Lowry. A powerful, family-friendly production that blends humour and heart while exploring important themes.

Zog at The Lowry is a fun-filled family theatre show packed with catchy songs, puppetry and heartwarming storytelling—perfect for young audiences.

A joyful, high-energy family show about sisterhood, skateboarding and staying connected through life’s biggest changes, Sisters 360 is both uplifting and full of heart.

Our 4-star review of A Squash and a Squeeze at Sale Waterside. A colourful, imaginative stage adaptation of the Julia Donaldson classic, packed with puppetry, music and fun for young audiences.

Our review of Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts at The Lowry explores this first stage adaptation of the iconic detective, starring Tom Chambers in a compelling but uneven mystery.

Top Hat the Musical at The Lowry is a dazzling, feel-good production packed with iconic songs, elegant choreography and stunning Art Deco design—pure theatrical escapism.

Eric & Ern at The Lowry is a nostalgic and heartwarming tribute to Morecambe and Wise, featuring classic sketches, music and strong performances in a charming family-friendly show.

Our Brave Bettie Z-arts Manchester review explores this imaginative children’s theatre production for ages 3–8, blending storytelling, music and Zimbabwean mythology in a magical woodland adventure.

Mean Girls The Musical arrives at Manchester Opera House with iconic quotes, powerhouse vocals and unapologetic pink chaos. Read our five-star review of this hit UK tour production.

Our five-star Operation Mincemeat The Lowry review explores the Olivier Award-winning musical’s inventive staging, brilliant cast and unforgettable true story in this must-see theatre experience.

The Enormous Turnip Waterside Arts is a heartwarming, interactive family theatre production filled with puppetry, live music and audience participation. Discover why this delightful show earns a glowing five-star review.

Meet the Hatter at Z-arts Manchester is a visually stunning five-star family dance adventure from Joss Arnott Dance, combining projection, original music and expressive movement to spark imagination and delight young audiences.

Our review of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical at HOME Manchester explores this energetic, pop-rock adaptation of Rick Riordan’s bestselling story, brought to life with imaginative staging and a dynamic cast

Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show hops into The Lowry with bubbles, songs and the adorable baby Evie Pig. A joyful, interactive theatre treat for young Peppa fans and their families.

In this The Memory of Water Octagon Theatre Bolton review, I share my thoughts on Shelagh Stephenson’s Olivier Award-winning play — a funny, reflective exploration of grief, memory and sibling relationships.

MÁM at The Lowry is a powerful and immersive dance-theatre experience by Michael Keegan-Dolan, blending fierce ensemble choreography with live traditional and contemporary music. Rooted in Irish culture and folklore, this Olivier-nominated production is raw, ritualistic and completely unforgettable.

Manchester’s January theatre tradition returned in spectacular style as The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals once again took over the AO Arena, bringing together West End stars, touring casts and grassroots performers for one unforgettable night.

Murder at Midnight at The Lowry – A Night of Twists, Laughs and Mayhem Performed by Original Theatre, Murder at Midnight is a darkly comic, cross-genre thriller that blends crime, farce and murder mystery, all set against the ticking clock of New Year’s Eve. Written by Torben Betts and directed by Philip Franks, the play follows on from the success of Murder in the Dark , though it very much stands on its own feet. I went into this performance at The Lowry with very few expe

All Hail the Queens! SIX The Musical in Manchester Takes the Crown From its Fringe Festival origins to becoming a global theatre phenomenon, SIX The Musical has completely redefined what a modern musical can be. Created by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, this pop-powered retelling of the six wives of Henry VIII has conquered the West End, Broadway and touring stages across the UK — and its arrival at the Palace Theatre Manchester is a reminder of just how sharp, slick and exhilara

SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN ROYAL EXCHANGE THEATRE MANCHESTER – A SPLASH-TASTIC FIVE-STAR MUSICAL Few musicals arrive with quite as much love and expectation attached as Singin’ in the Rain. Based on MGM’s iconic 1952 film, the story of Hollywood’s turbulent transition from silent cinema to talking pictures has become a timeless celebration of creativity, resilience, and showbiz sparkle. Staging this classic in the round at the Royal Exchange feels like a bold and inspired choice. W

SHAUN THE SHEEP’S CIRCUS SHOW AT AVIVA STUDIOS – WOOLLY CHAOS, CIRCUS THRILLS & FAMILY FUN Shaun the Sheep’s Circus Show brings the much-loved Aardman character from screen to stage in a collaboration with Australian contemporary circus company Circa. Originally created in Brisbane, this production now makes its European première in Manchester at Aviva Studios. True to the TV series, the show is completely non-verbal, relying on physical comedy, visual storytelling and music

Simply the Best! Tina: The Tina Turner Musical Rocks the Palace Theatre Manchester Tina: The Tina Turner Musical arrives at the Palace Theatre Manchester as part of its first UK tour, bringing one of music’s most extraordinary life stories to the stage. Since premiering in London’s West End and on Broadway, the production has earned widespread acclaim for its unflinching storytelling and exhilarating use of Tina Turner’s iconic back catalogue. This is not a glossy jukebox mu

THE SNOWY DAY AT Z-ARTS – A BEAUTIFUL, SENSORY-FRIENDLY SHOW FOR LITTLE ONES The Snowy Day is a brand-new co-production from Polka Theatre and Can’t Sit Still, inspired by the award-winning picture book by Ezra Jack Keats. Specially created for children aged 1–4 years and their grown-ups, this intimate festive production is currently playing at Z-arts in Manchester as part of its family Christmas programme. The Snowy Day at Z-arts is a thoughtful and immersive early years the

UNFORTUNATE AT THE LOWRY: CAMP, CHAOS AND A CHRISTMAS MUST-SEE Some shows settle into a fixed version of themselves — Unfortunate does the opposite. This is now the third time I’ve seen the show, and impressively, it’s also the third different incarnation of it. Each version has brought changes, refinements and fresh ideas, and this Christmas run of Unfortunate at The Lowry feels like the most assured and accomplished iteration so far. First seen at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2

Raymond Briggs' Father Christmas at Waterside Arts – A Heartwarming Start to Our Christmas We were really excited to start our festive season with Raymond Briggs' Father Christma s at Waterside Arts. Alice (8) and Leo (6) were especially looking forward to it because we saw Pins & Needles’ adaptation of The Bear here last Christmas and they absolutely loved it. With another Raymond Briggs story on stage and the cosy feel of the Robert Bolt Theatre, it felt like the perfect w

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe – A Spellbinding Night of Magic at The Lowry After falling in love with The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at Leeds Playhouse last year, returning to see the production at The Lowry felt like stepping back into something truly special. This beautiful adaptation, directed by Michael Fentiman and originally developed at Leeds Playhouse, has enjoyed a UK tour, a West End run and now continues to captivate audiences with its rich storytelli