BARNUM | The Lowry | Tue 4 - Sat 8 August
Cameron Mackintosh and Chichester Festival Theatre bring this vibrant, lively American musical to the Lowry. It follows the dreams, life and marriage of Phineas T Barnum and his collaboration with J.A. Bailey to create Barnum and Bailey’s Circus – The Greatest Show on Earth. This spectacular show is perfect for families and groups.
THE KING OF TINY THINGS | Quays Theatre, The Lowry | Thu 6 August
Perfect for young children, Metta Theatre uses puppetry, circus acts and song to bring to life Jeanne Willis and Gwen Millward’s enchanting children’s book. It tells the tale of two sisters and the incredible adventure they have one night when a mysterious winged creature appears.
King Of Tiny ThingsGHOST: THE MUSICAL | Sale Waterside Centre | Thu 6 - Sat 8 Aug
Based on the original Paramount picture and featuring the iconic soundtrack single Unchained Melody, Ghost: The Musical retells the famous tale of Sam and Molly and the power of love.
THE TAMING OF THE SHREW | Dunham Massey Hall | Sat 8 August
Located in the beautiful setting of Dunham Massey’s Garden, this outdoor production of Shakespeare’s comedy is the perfect way to spend a summer day. Enjoy the hilariously chaotic events of this play, telling the tale of the two contrasting sisters, Bianca and Kate.
Dunham Massey HallWEST SIDE STORY | Palace Theatre | Thu 13 - Sat 15 August
Manchester’s Stage Experience presents Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story, one of America’s greatest musicals. Full of exhilarating dance numbers and music, this musical set in 1950s New York tells the story of two rival gangs, the Jets and Sharks, and the catastrophic consequences when Tony, a Jet, falls in love with the Sharks’ leader’s sister, Maria.
JIMMY CARR - FUNNY BUSINESS | King George's Hall | Fri 14 August
Jimmy Carr (that giggly presenter from 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown) has been described as ‘the hardest working man in comedy’. Which, let’s face facts, is not that impressive. It’s like being the ‘Tallest Dwarf’ or the ‘Healthiest Glaswegian’. Really not that big a deal. Funny Business is Carr's brand new stand up show.Come for the witty and incisive musings on the human condition; stay for the knob gags.
Jimmy CarrALICE IN WONDERLAND | Stockport Plaza | Sat 22 August
We've seen many a rework of Lewis Carrol's classic Alice In Wonderland in order to mark the novel's 150th anniversary - most recently Damon Albarn's modern adaption for the Manchester International Festival. Continuing celebrations, Stockport Plaza will present an hour long promenading performance of singing, dancing and puppetry followed by a Mad Hatter's Tea Party.
PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT | Opera House | Thu 20 - Sat 29 August
Based on the much-loved film, this glitzy, colourful musical returns to stage due to popular demand. Its story is the uplifting journey of three friends on a search for love and friendship, featuring a host of dance floor classics along the way. Plus a buffed-up former boyband star, Duncan James, in full glorious drag.
Duncan James as Priscilla Queen of the DesertOTHELLO LIVE SCREENING | Odeon Cinema / Stockport Plaza | Weds 26 August
Live from Stratford watch the Royal Shakespeare Company’s presentation of Othello, the greatest general of his age, and his struggle to resist the manipulations of his standard bearer, Iago. Shakespeare’s timeless play illustrates the destruction of a man through jealousy and prejudice, and the powerful effect being an outsider can have. Directed by Iqbal Khan, this performance combines Shakespeare’s traditional Venice setting with aspects of modern society.
SHAUN THE SHEEP | Sale Waterside | Mon 31 August
Favourite characters from the hit children's BBC show will be live including Bitzer, Shirley, Timmy and the rest of the flock in this magical, fully choreographed music and dance extravaganza.
Shaun The Sheep
