From radical reimaginings of Shakespeare and dog-based classical performances to immersive, choose-your-own adventures at one of the city’s great literary landmarks, check out the best things to do in and around Manchester this week.
Image credit: Marc Brenner
Contemporary pop choir Union Point is kicking off its second season in the city with a free taster session at SEESAW on Wednesday. The group brings together singers of all levels and experience, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for anyone wanting to stretch their vocal cords under the guidance of professional singers, arrangers and musical directors.
Touching down at HOME this week, award-winning director Anthony Almeida takes Shakespeare’s Othello and reimagines the great tragedy of jealousy from a new perspective, set against the backdrop of 1980s Britain and the Falklands War.
Renowned theatre maker Marie Hamilton brings her 2025 Edinburgh Fringe smash hit Madonna On The Rocks to Lowry for a couple of shows this week.
Inspired by her own experiences of postnatal depression and of having a mother with depression, Hamilton dives into the ‘chaos, beauty and brutality of motherhood in the 21st century’, and explores the process of trying to make art when the world is on fire.
An online hub built to support, celebrate and connect Salford’s thriving cultural sector is set to launch this week. Salford Creatives will make it easier for creative communities to discover opportunities, showcase local talent and provide practical tools to help artists, freelancers, makers, organisations and cultural leaders develop their work, reach new audiences and support long-term growth across the sector.
A free launch event will be taking place on Thu 1 Oct, from 6pm – 9pm at New Bailey Archway in Salford. The evening will bring together creatives, cultural organisations, partners and supporters from across the city.
Part performance, part game, The Unbuilt Room is inspired by choose-your-own-adventure stories and text-adventure computer games, blending audience participation with immersive storytelling. Each show is completely unique, dictated by decisions made by each audience member as participants work together to explore a verbal maze set within the historic Portico Library.
The Hallé and Opera Rara step into the absurd political world of Offenbach’s Barkouf, where a dog is made governor of the fictitious city of Lahore. Filled with dazzling melodies, satire and heart, Barkouf is a ‘riotous romp through pomp, politics and power’.
Head on an out-of-this-world trip across the cosmos at the Science and Industry Museum. Cosmic Chaos is the venue’s latest major exhibition, inviting astronauts of all ages on a cosmic adventure guided by familiar characters from the brand-new BBC Horrible Science TV series.
- Words:
- Bradley Lengden
- Published on:
- Mon 28 Sep 2026
Zouk Tea Bar & Grill is partnering with social chess community Knight Clubbers to launch free weekly chess Battles in Manchester, beginning this Monday.
Knight Clubbers organises social chess Battles designed to make playing chess in person easy and accessible. The format welcomes everyone from experienced chess players to people who have only played online or are new to the game. There is no entry fee and chess sets are supplied at the venue. Zouk will give attending Knight Clubbers players their first chai free of charge, alongside 10% off drinks and a dedicated Chess & Chai food menu.