Featuring classic Disney adaptations, captivating PRIDE programmes and the return of Michael Flatley’s global phenomenon, Manchester’s August theatre schedule offers unrivalled dramatic spectacle and family-friendly excitement for audiences of all ages and tastes.

Here are the best theatre shows around the city this month.

101 Dalmatians | Palace Theatre | Tue 30 Jul - Sat 10 Aug | 2pm, 7pm | From £13

Starring Coronation Street‘s Kym Marsh as the vicious, voguish villain, the brand new musical adaptation of 101 Dalmatians breathes new life into the evil schemes of Cruella de Vil with spectacular puppetry, show-stopping choreography, side-splitting original songs and everyone’s favourite litter of adorable puppies live on stage, as Pongo and Perdi try to thwart the maniacal heiress in her unhinged desire for a chic, spotted fur coat.

97 Oxford Street, Manchester, M1 6FT
Six | The Lowry | Tue 13 Aug - Sun 1 Sep | 2pm, 4pm, 8pm | From £25.50

Returning to The Lowry following sell-out tours across the nation, the smash-hit Tudor satire Six brings ‘pure entertainment’ (The New York Times) to The Lowry with an irresistible pop-infused recount of England’s worst husband, as told by Henry VIII’s wives.

Divorced, Beheaded, Live – one by one, the problematic King’s spouses take to the mic to remix five centuries of heartbreak into a single evening of defiantly rebellious girl power, as these unsung icons of history deliver a breathtakingly imaginative original score with infectious melodies and ingenious lyricism.

Pier 8, Salford Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ
Lord of the Dance - A Lifetime of Standing Ovations | Palace Theatre | Tue 13-Sun 18 Aug | 2.30pm, 7.45pm | From £13

Returning to Manchester following a marquee 25th anniversary tour in 2022, Michael Flatley’s groundbreaking dance show brings yet more trademark choreographical magic to the Palace Theatre stage with a revamped format and brand new sequences this August.

Known around the world as the most successful dance-led theatre show in history, Lord of the Dance promises to captivate theatre-goers and dance-lovers across an unmissable run in the city.

97 Oxford St, Manchester M1 6FT
My Son’s A Queer (But what can you do?) | HOME | Mon 19 - Sun 25 Aug | 8pm, 8.30pm | From £26.20

Running for six days ahead of Manchester PRIDE, the award-winning production My Son’s A Qeer (But what can you do?) brings a triumphant autobiographical story brimming with love, laughter and uproarious folly, written by the multi-talented social media sensation Rob Madge.

Following a sell-out season at the 2022 Edinburgh Festival, a WhatsOnStage award and an Olivier nomination, My Son’s A Queer takes over HOME with a joyous tale which charts Madge’s pre-pubescent attempt to stage an elaborate Disney parade for their grandma. As his 12-year-old self donned a series of wigs to play Mary Poppins, Ariel, Mickey and Bell, their dad acted as stage manager, sound technician and Goofy, promptly missing all his cues while sending the floats in different directions and botching all the costumes. The fabulous new show stages a recreation of the infamous parade, inviting audiences on a vibrant odyssey packed with fun, mischief and wildly entertaining flourishes.

Book your tickets below.

2 Tony Wilson Pl, Manchester M15 4FN
Words:
Wolf McFarlane
Published on:
Thu 8 Aug 2024