Theatre roundup: 10 of the best shows in Manchester coming in August

After the flurries of activity that were the International Festival and the Fringe, August is shaping up to be a quieter month in the world of the theatre. Perhaps all the creative types are off to Edinburgh. However, there’s still a good few shows in Manchester being staged at venues all around our city, and below is a list of 10 of the best. Seeing as it’s the Summer holidays, we’ve included a few that are aimed at children and families.

Early Doors
Punters have one last chance to see this hit comedy that is the Lowry’s fastest selling show ever. Based on the cult TV show, it’s co-written by and stars Craig Cash of The Royle Family fame. The action centres on the misfit regulars of The Grapes Pub in Manchester.
Until Sat 3 | The Lowry | 7.30pm, 2.30pm | From £28 | thelowry.com

Scratched
This experimental piece features multiple performers moving to chaotic choreography. It’s not truly dancing, as they move together but never in time or in sync. Snippets of film trailers are played to the audience, but they have been taken out of their original context and mixed with other art forms.
Fri 2-Sat 3 | Hope Mill Theatre | 7.30pm | £12/£10 | hopemilltheatre.co.uk

We’re Going On A Bear Hunt
Direct from the West End, this show is aimed at families with children aged 3 and up. Based on the much-loved picture book by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury, it follows a family of adventurers and their musical dog on a quest through the great outdoors. Be prepared for catchy songs and audience participation.
Sat 3 Aug-Sun 1 Sep | The Lowry | 2pm | From £16 | thelowry.com

This Thing In Here
You’re planning to go out, but your depression has other ideas. Then, a parade of mentally ill people from the past show up in your bedroom. This piece of new writing is inspired by first-hand accounts of sufferers of mental illness, and presents a hopeful view of life as a depressive.
Mon 5 | The King’s Arms | 7.30pm | £6 | www.kingsarmssalford.com

Fossils
The debut production from a new theatre company, Fossils tells the story of Danny and Jamie, who are nothing more than strangers, until one night when everything changes. The pair discover each other’s secrets and what they really have to hide, in a story about finding out who you really are.
Tue 6 | The King’s Arms | 7.30pm | £8 | www.kingsarmssalford.com

Amélie
The much-loved French film gets the inevitable musical treatment, with critically acclaimed results. Audrey Brisson takes over from Audrey Tatou in the title role of a quirky Parisienne who lives in her own world. She decides to become an anonymous do-gooder but finds that romance gets in the way.
Tue 6-Sat 10 | The Opera House | 7.30pm | From £13 | www.atgtickets.com

Magic Goes Wrong
Co-created by (but not starring) Penn & Teller, this is the latest in quite a long line of ‘Goes Wrong’ comedy shows. It centres on a hapless gang of magicians presenting a charity event. Accidents spiral out of control, and their fundraising target spirals out of reach. Suitable for ages 12 and up.
Tue 6-Sun 11 | The Lowry | 7.30pm, 2pm | From £20 | thelowry.com

There Is a Light that Never Goes Out
The Industrial Revolution gave birth to the Luddites: workers who destroyed the machines that threatened their way of life. Their complaint – that bosses were using technology as an excuse to undermine workers – still resonates today. This production explores how the Luddite movement helped inspire Manchester’s political identity.
Until Sat 10 | The Royal Exchange | 7.30pm, 2.30pm | From £18.50 | www.royalexchange.co.uk

The Book of Mormon
One of the biggest box office hits of the century, this outrageous musical comedy comes from the creators of South Park and the co-writer of Avenue Q and Frozen. Be prepared for some jaw-dropping humour as you follow the adventures of a pair of mismatched missionaries in Africa.
Until Sat 24 | Palace Theatre | 7.30pm, 2.30pm | From £13 | www.atgtickets.com

In The Night Garden
This children’s TV favourite is brought to life through full-size costumes, puppetry, and music. The story features all the popular characters, including Igglepiggle who is searching for his friends Upsy Daisy and Makka Pakka. The show lasts just under an hour and has afternoon show times.
Wed 28-Thu 29 | Palace Theatre | Various show times | From £15.90 | www.atgtickets.com