Looking for a spontaneous night of music or theatre in Manchester? We’ve got you covered with our round-up of the best live gigs and productions around the city tonight.

Dance | BRB: Don Quixote | The Lowry | Thu 5 Mar | From £23.50

Directed by Carlos Acosta, this stunning Royal Ballet production of Don Quixote offers thrilling pas de deux and delightful music, capturing Spanish sunshine for all ages.

Lyric Theatre, Pier 8, The Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ
Live show | Showstopper! The Improvised Musical | The Lowry | Thu 5 Mar | £29.50

Olivier Award-winning Showstopper! brings its critically acclaimed, spontaneous musical comedy from the West End, creating new shows on the spot to dazzle and delight audiences.

The Lowry, Pier 8, The Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ
Classical | The Hallé – Rush Hour: Shostakovich’s Symphony No.1 | Bridgewater Hall | Thu 5 Mar | From £18.50

Euan Shields conducts the Hallé orchestra in Shostakovich’s First Symphony, a masterpiece of wit and tragedy that launched the composer’s international stardom at age 19.

The Bridgewater Hall, Lower Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3WS
Theatre | Ward 76 | The Edge Theatre | Thu 5 Mar | £8

Pai Productions presents Ward 76, a touching and humorous journey through a hospital adventure, exploring friendship and growing up with an engaging ensemble of teenage performers.

The Edge Theatre Chorlton, Manchester Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester, M21 9JG
Classical | Chetham’s Lunchtime Concerts | Stoller Hall | Thu 5 Mar | From £2.50

Enjoy a recital by some of the UK’s most exciting young musicians from Chetham’s School of Music in this lunchtime concert series showcasing emerging classical talent.

Stoller Hall Manchester: Hunts Bank, Manchester, M3 1DA
Words:
Finn Howard
Published on:
Thu 5 Mar 2026