Victoria Wood’s That Day We Sang at Royal Exchange

Manchester International Festival’s ‘thing’ is that it deals in premieres and new works – which is good, but it doesn’t leave much room for returning greats. Victoria Wood came as close as it is possible to stealing the spotlight at MIF 2011 with her play That Day We Sang – an event they’d certainly let return if their modus operandi was slightly more… well, usual. The plot follows the twin stories of schoolchildren in 1929 and their faded, future selves in 1969, with Wood’s light, humourous touch – as well as her knack for crafting engaging, real characters – and inspired production (featuring singing and dancing) consistently wowing critics. Re-invented and re-orchestrated for the Royal Exchange, the much-loved play comes back to Manchester for a month-long run this winter. If you missed it last time, don’t make the same mistake again.

Thu 5 Dec – Sat 18 Jan, Royal Exchange Theatre, St Anns Square, M2 7DH, Various times (check website), £10 – £36, www.royalexchange.co.uk