MAMMA MIA | Palace Theatre | 10 May - 4 June
With ingredients like ABBA songs, a Greek island setting and a dash of romance, Mamma Mia was bound to be a sunny sensation. Sophie’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings her mother face-to-face with three men from her distant romantic past on the eve of a wedding they’ll never forget...
Palace Theatre, 97 Oxford Street, M1 6FT (various times; tickets from £15 at atgtickets.com)
CHRIS RAMSEY | Manchester Academy | Saturday 7 May
He may have only begun his comedy career a few years ago but Chris Ramsey has quickly made a name for himself, with nominations for Chortle and Edinburgh Fringe plus several TV performances. The gregarious Geordie is All Growed Up for his third UK tour but expect some childish antics nevertheless.
Manchester Academy, Oxford Road, M13 9PR (7pm; tickets £19.25 at ticketmaster.co.uk)
Chris RamseySHE WAS PROBABLY NOT A ROBOT | Contact Theatre | Saturday 7 May
With this surreal, soulful comedy about a decomposing world and a cosmic visitor, Stuart Bowden proves that grief and hope go hand in hand. Presented by Don’t Be Lonely, the quirky drama is part of Contact’s Flying Solo Festival, a celebration of the solo performer.
Contact Theatre, Oxford Road, M15 6JA (8.30pm; tickets from £7 at contactmcr.com)
TWELFTH NIGHT | HOME | 11-14 May
Riotous gig meets Shakespeare in this modern take on the Bard’s lyrical comedy, ‘one of the most exciting and accessible Shakespeare productions of recent years’. It’s not often you get to see a 17th century play spliced with modern rock ‘n’ roll - now’s your chance.
Home, 2 Tony Wilson Place, M15 4FN (various times; tickets from £10 at homemcr.org)
Twelfth Night
JOE LYCETT | Dancehouse Theatre | 20 May - 17 June
Rising comedy talent Joe Lycett grabbed Best Show at the Chortle 2016 awards with ‘That’s the way a-ha a-ha Joe Lycett’. The self-proclaimed 'absolute lad' is back with an all new stand-up show, following appearances on Live at the Apollo and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown. There's a good chance you'll Lycett.
Dancehouse Theatre, 10A Oxford Road, M1 5QA (7.30pm; tickets from £12 at ticketline.co.uk).
THE NIGHT WATCH | Royal Exchange | 19 May - 18 June
It’s the late 1940s and calm has returned to London. Five people, recovering from the chaos of war, will soon see their lives unexpectedly intertwine. Sarah Waters’ story of illicit love and everyday heroism - thrillingly adapted by Olivier-nominated playwright Hattie Naylor - takes us from a dazed and shattered post-war Britain back into the heart of the Blitz.
Royal Exchange, St Ann's Square, M2 7DH (various times; tickets from £10 at bookings.royalexchange.co.uk).
The Night WatchTOM | The Lowry | 25-28 May
Step back in time to the dance halls, working men’s clubs and recording studios of the ‘60s where ordinary boy Tom Jones dreamed of making the big time. Tracking Jones’ inspirational climb to stardom, expect a medley of hits spanning It’s Not Unusual to Ghost Riders in the Sky.
The Lowry, Pier 8, The Quays, Salford M50 3AZ (various times; tickets from £24 at thelowry.com).
SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN | Octagon Theatre | 3-25 June
Singin’ In The Rain whisks audiences back to 1920s Hollywood, when ‘talkies’ were first introduced and movie star Don Lockwood meets Kathy Seldon. Bolton director Elizabeth Newman embarks on one of her most ambitious projects yet with this technicolour take on the musical classic; featuring live music, dance... and, of course, rain.
Octagon Theatre, Howell Croft South, Bolton, BL1 1SB (various times; tickets from £12.50 at octagonbolton.co.uk).
Singin' In The RainROCK OF AGES | The Lowry | 14-18 June
Expect big bands, big egos, big guitar solos and even bigger hair in this Tony-nominated Broadway show, which follows aspiring rocker Drew as she battles against developers who plan to turn Hollywood’s fabled strip - and 1980s rock haven - into another soulless shopping mall. Featuring hits by Night Ranger, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister and Starship.
The Lowry, Pier 8, The Quays, Salford M50 3AZ (8pm; tickets from £16 at thelowry.com).
THE MOUSETRAP | Manchester Opera House | 27-30 June
As the longest-running show ever, you needn’t be a detective to know The Mousetrap is quality theatre. Agatha Christie’s famous whodunit witnesses a group of people at a country guest house, cut off by the snow, who discover there’s a murderer in their midst. Cue suspicion, suspense - and an ultimate, breathtaking twist.
Manchester Opera House, 3 Quay Street, M3 3HP (various times; tickets from £15 at atgtickets.com).
The Mousetrap
