Christmas is on the way – and it’s bringing a great theatre lineup with it.

Whether you’re looking to tap your toes to a musical or enjoy a Christmas carol or two, there’s a great range of festive shows on offer across Manchester this winter.

Here are the best theatre shows you can book now:

A Christmas Carol | The Lowry | Fri 6 Dec – Sun 5 Jan | 2pm, 7.30pm | From £27.50

This Hope Mill Theatre Production takes on the classic Dickens story in style. A musical version of the esteemed novel, you can expect ‘true Broadway spectacle’ thanks to composer Alan Menken and writer and lyricist Lynn Ahrens, making it the perfect night out to lift the Christmas spirit.

Pier 8, The Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ
Home Alone in Concert | Bridgewater Hall | Fri 29 Nov | 7.30pm | From £36.75

Bringing the film’s iconic music to life, Home Alone in Concert features renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed by the International Film Orchestra, which will run alongside a live screening of this beloved classic.

Lower Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3WS
The Golden Princess | The Edge | Sat 7th Dec | 11.30am, 2pm | £10/£8

Combining acting, puppets, shadows and music, The Golden Princess follows the story of Melo, the one-legged musician, and the show’s namesake, who must wear a golden mask to hide her blinding beauty. Exploring ideas of truth and identity, it’s a great 50-minute show the whole family can enjoy.

Manchester Road, Chorlton, Manchester M21 9JG
Hallé Carol Concerts | Bridgewater Hall | Sat 14 Dec – Sun 15 Dec | 3pm | From £25.40

It wouldn’t be Christmas at Bridgewater Hall without Hallé’s annual concerts. This festive celebration for orchestra, choirs and audiences will feature everything from O Holy Night and O Come All Ye Faithful to the music of The Nutcracker. Plus, the children’s choir will be taking to the stage for their rendition of I Want a Hippopotamus For Christmas.

Lower Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3WS
Blue Now | Factory International | Aviva Studios | Sun 8 Dec | From £10

A live performance of Derek Jarman’s seminal film, Blue Now explores the musings of the visionary filmmaker before his death from AIDS-related illnesses. With monologues performed by a star-studded cast including Julie Hesmondhalgh, Jay Bernard and Joelle Taylor, Blue Now is ‘a thought-provoking experience that pays tribute to Jarman and his final film.’

Water St, Manchester, M3 4JQ
Miracle on 34th Street | HOME | Fri 6 Dec – Tue 31 Dec | 2pm, 7.30pm | From £25

This family-friendly hit gets a musical makeover. Featuring fan-favourite songs including It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas and Pinecones and Hollyberries, it’s a heartwarming musical that’s filled with humour and spectacle.

2 Tony Wilson Pl, Manchester, M4 4FN
Alice in Wonderland | Shakespeare North | Fri 22 Nov - Sat 11 Jan | From £14.72

In this inventive retelling of the cherished tale, written by Nick Lane and directed by Nathan Powell, Alice returns to Wonderland as a mother, only Wonderland this time is set against the backdrop of Prescot, laced with a touch of Christmas magic, of course.

Prospero Place, Prescot L34 3AB
It's a Wonderful Life | Tue 19 Nov - Sat 30 Nov | Liverpool's Royal Court | From £15

Inspired by the legendary 1946 Frank Capra flick, this enchanting adaptation promises to breathe new life into one of the greatest holiday staples out there. The story follows George Bailey, a down-on-his-luck banker who believes life has left him behind. However, after his guardian angel visits on Christmas Eve, George is surprised to see what life would be like without the good deeds he’s done…

1 Roe St, Liverpool L1 1HL
Words:
Sarah Catherine Jones
Published on:
Fri 8 Nov 2024