The best: Family theatre coming to Manchester in 2026

The world’s favourite family musical returns to Manchester this summer, as the smash-hit West End production of Annie returns to the Palace Theatre with Strictly Come Dancing star La Voix in the role of the gloriously wicked Miss Hannigan.

Set against the inimitable backdrop of 1930s New York, the timeless tale follows brave young orphan Annie as her fortunes begin to change following a chance meeting with billionaire Oliver Warbucks. Featuring beloved songs including Tomorrow, Easy Street and It’s The Hard-Knock Life, the timelessly heartwarming production combines dazzling choreography and irresistible feel-good charm for audiences of all ages.

On Sat 20 Jun, circus performer and self-described professional idiot Gemma Bond brings Pirate Princess to HOME, promising a delightful solo adventure packed with clowning, physical theatre and colourful spectacle.

Stranded on a remote island, shipwrecked Princess Poppy must learn to adapt, survive and rescue herself using quick thinking, creativity and plenty of determination. Blending inventive circus performance with an uplifting message about resilience and self-belief, the lively one-off show offers a fun-filled theatrical voyage for children aged five and above.

The following day, Immersion Theatre takes over Sale’s picturesque Walkden Gardens with an enchanting open-air adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s beloved classic.

Featuring original songs, larger-than-life characters and plenty of audience interaction, the energetic outdoor musical follows Mowgli, Baloo and Bagheera as they navigate the tropical Indian climes and attempt to outwit the fearsome Shere Khan, in a wildly entertaining afternoon of playful theatre beneath the trees.

This July, Tall Stories’ immensely popular Olivier-nominated adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved picture book returns to Lowry to mark the show’s 25th anniversary.

Following Mouse on a daring woodland adventure, The Gruffalo combines catchy songs, gleefully mischievous humour and boundlessly imaginative storytelling as familiar favourites including Fox, Owl and Snake spring vividly to life on stage.

★★★★★ ‘An absolute delight’ – The Scotsman

Arriving sirens wailing into Stockport for one day only, Pontypandy’s favourite firefighter returns to the stage this summer with a swashbuckling new story for budding explorers and preschool audiences alike.

When Norman Price stumbles across clues to a real pirate treasure hidden deep within a cave system, it quickly falls to Fireman Sam, Elvis and Ellie to save the day before disaster strikes. Filled with sing-a-long pirate songs, interactive fun and endless colourful capers, the action-packed live show promises the perfect school holiday activity a short train ride south of the city centre.

Back at Palace Theatre, Peppa Pig and friends return to town with another new stage adventure celebrating the arrival of baby Evie.

As Peppa, George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig race to finish decorating and prepare for their growing family, little audience members are invited to join in the fun with songs, games and a host of fabulous surprises.

‘A fun, colourful and musical production that keeps littles ones entertained throughout’ – Everything Theatre

Bringing together two icons of contemporary magic, Piff & Pop’s Magic Shoppe lands at Manchester Opera House this autumn with a high-energy, all-ages spectacular packed with illusions, comedy and theatrical flair.

Uniting legendary magician Penn Jillette with America’s Got Talent phenomenon Piff the Magic Dragon, the show unfolds across two spellbinding acts. Penn’s entrancing solo sequences showcase sharp storytelling and sleight of hand alongside Piff’s offbeat humour, eccentric illusions and appearances from the world’s only magic-performing Chihuahua, Mr. Piffles, building up to an unforgettable finale.

Hailed as ‘beautiful, rhythmic and faithful to the author’s works’ by Time Out, Rockefeller Productions’ The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show returns to Lowry with its trademark kaleidoscopic wonder and a dazzling collection of life-sized puppets.

Celebrating a decade on stage, the acclaimed production combines more than 75 handcrafted puppets with original music and immersive narration to reimagine four beloved tales, with the gluttonous grub as the headliner. Charming, visually unique and carefully tailored for younger audiences, the magical hour-long show continues to delight families around the world.

Award-winning children’s book The Littlest Yak receives a joyful musical adaptation at HOME this October, in a heartwarming family production filled with puppetry, songs and Himalayan hijinks.

Following spirited young yak Gertie as she dreams of growing up to be like the bigger yaks in her mountain home, the inspiring story of self-acceptance and individuality promises a frosty feast of toe-tapping tunes, wondrous visuals and a dose of early festive cheer for audiences aged three and above.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s enduring smash-hit returns this November in a singularly flamboyant new production that invites kids and grown-ups alike to step into the moonlit world of the Jellicle cats.

Based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, CATS blends striking choreography, lavish costumes and a score brimming with instantly recognisable numbers including Memory and Jellicle Ball. Directed and choreographed by Drew McOnie, this Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production brings fresh energy to the strange and spectacular classic while retaining the magic that has captivated generations.

As the Christmas season begins in earnest, Bolton Octagon reimagines the world’s most famous fairytale with a sparkling new production of Cinderella full of music, magic and contemporary charm.

When Ella’s world is turned upside down by the arrival of her cruel new family, she finds comfort amongst the birds and woodland surrounding her home – before a chance encounter with a mysterious stranger changes everything. Written by Sally Cookson and Adam Peck, this witty and energetic adaptation promises a welcome modern twist on the iconic festive tale.

An absorbing new British musical takes over HOME this winter, offering an enchanting festive treat for families looking for a captivating alternative to the conventional panto season.

Inspired by Goethe’s classic poem and the iconic Fantasia sequence, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice reimagines the tale with a gender-swapped twist as apprentice Eva grapples with her rapidly growing powers. Set against a Northern Lights backdrop, the story blends humour, heart and exhilarating visuals as brooms spring to life and chaos bursts forth amidst inventive staging, a multi-talented ten-strong cast and an original score by Alexander S. Bermange.

Kicking off a fortnight before the big day, Matthew Warchus’ acclaimed adaptation of Charles Dickens’ immortal festive classic arrives at Lowry following a hugely successful nine-year run at London’s Old Vic.

Joyously adapted by Jack Thorne, A Christmas Carol transforms the auditorium into the cobbled streets of the Victorian Big Smoke with a cavalcade of music, mince pies and immersive staging, as Ebenezer Scrooge embarks on his ghostly Christmas Eve journey towards redemption.