What's on in Manchester
What's on in Manchester
Tuesday 10 March 2026
Lily Allen
Lily Allen
Aviva Studios, Manchester
The remarkable Lily Allen, whose new album West End Girl has received rave reviews, plays her first dates for seven years when she tours the UK in March 2026. The show - Lily Allen Performs West End Girl - will see the singer/songwriter pla...Mamma Mia!
Mamma Mia!
Palace Theatre, Manchester
Sophie's quest to discover the father she's never known brings her mother face to face with three men from her distant romantic past on the eve of a wedding they'll never forget. Whatever age you are, you can't help but have the time of you...David Byrne (Talking Heads)
David Byrne (Talking Heads)
O2 Apollo, Manchester
The iconic Scotland-born, Canada-raised, Maryland frontman of Talking Heads returns to Europe. Known for his quirky stage presence and artful blending of rock, funk, world music, and avant-garde influences, beyond Talking Heads his prolific...Luminiscence
Luminiscence
Manchester Cathedral, Manchester
Arriving in the UK for the first time, after dazzling over 1 Million people in Europe, the incredible immersive projection concert LUMINISCENCE transforms Manchester Cathedral into a fully immersive world of sound, story, and light. Featuri...The Empire Strips Back - A Burlesque Parody
The Empire Strips Back - A Burlesque Parody
Depot Mayfield, Manchester
Dropping classic sci-fi characters into the world of burlesque, the hit parody The Empire Strips Back... is coming at last! Be delivered to the dark side! With comedy and allure, loving detail, and hilarious parody, The Empire Strips Back...RNCM Chopin Prize
RNCM Chopin Prize
RNCM, Manchester
An evening of exceptional piano music, the Royal Northern College of Music's annual Chopin Prize sees finalists from the RNCM School of Keyboard Studies showcase their skills in honour of the virtuoso pianist and his compositions. Chopin ...MARO
MARO
New Century Hall, Manchester
Lisbon folk pop singer and songwriter Mariana Brito da Cruz Forjaz Secca, aka MARO, won Festival da Cancao 2022 and represented Portugal in the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 in Turin with the song "Saudade, saudade". She has collaborated wit...Stephen Bailey
Stephen Bailey
53two, Manchester
Comedian, presenter, actor and writer, Stephen Bailey is a fiercely proud Mancunian, working class, gay man and he's back with a brand new live show, TART. From a working-class background in Manchester, six years working at Sainsbury's,...Matthew C Whitaker (Henge)
Matthew C Whitaker (Henge)
Band On The Wall, Manchester
Matthew C. Whitaker is a Manchester-based musician and composer best known for his work with cosmic prog-rave outfit HENGE, with whom he has released four acclaimed albums and toured extensively across the UK and Europe. His solo work inclu...The Fire Raisers
The Fire Raisers
Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester
A darkly comic and absurd play about the dangers of turning a blind eye to growing threats and the consequences of inaction. The debut show from We Merry Dancers Theatre Company brings Swiss novelist and playwright Max Frisch's constantly r...Adventures in Wonderland
Adventures in Wonderland
Z-arts, Manchester
Fall down the rabbit hole and have your very own magical adventure with Adventures in Wonderland at Z-arts! Created by Z-arts in partnership with Macmillan Children's Books, step into Alice's shoes and have your very own magical Adventure i...Horrible Science - Cosmic Chaos
Horrible Science - Cosmic Chaos
Science & Industry Museum, Manchester
An out-of-this-world premiere exhibition, now open at the Science and Industry Museum. Blast off into the solar system and embark on a cosmic adventure guided by familiar characters from the brand-new BBC Horrible Science TV series. Walk in...Race Across the World - The Experience
Race Across the World - The Experience
Stevenson Square, Manchester
Experience the official live adventure of the award-winning BBC TV show. No maps. No public transport. Just your wits, your team, and Manchester's streets. You've watched it on TV, now live it for real! Race Across the World: The Experience...Gabriel Kidd: I found the giant and he was dead
Gabriel Kidd: I found the giant and he was dead
HOME, Manchester
Through sculpture, drawing, sound, and writing, Kidd's work utilises queer tactics of parody, fluidity and vitality, to explore mythology, ecology and history. In Gabriel Kidd's first institutional solo show, they have created an immersive ...Coram Shakespeare Schools Theatre Festival
Coram Shakespeare Schools Theatre Festival
Contact, Manchester
Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation presents the world's largest youth drama festival, an evening of live theatre, featuring a series of unique abridged Shakespeare productions by local schools. ...Dobbö
Dobbö
Band On The Wall, Manchester
A night of modern jazz fusion headed by multi instrumentalist and producer 'Dobbo'. Dobbo is a 21 year old based in the north of England whose sound can be described as quirky, retro inspired fusion reminiscent of artists such as Herbie H...Saturday Night Comedy Showcase
Saturday Night Comedy Showcase
Creatures Comedy Club, Manchester
A flagship show featuring four amazing comedians with a resident host, presenting a mix of up-and-coming talent and international headliners. ...Manchester United Museum & Stadium Tour
Manchester United Museum & Stadium Tour
Old Trafford, Manchester
Visit the Museum & Stadium Tour at Old Trafford and walk in the footsteps of greatness. The Museum is open for visitors, and the Stadium Tour follows a great route, so you'll see the players' tunnel, walk next to the world famous pitch, and...If I Had Legs I'd Kick You (15)
If I Had Legs I'd Kick You (15)
HOME, Manchester
With her life crashing down around her, Linda attempts to navigate her child's mysterious illness, her absent husband, a missing person, and an increasingly hostile relationship with her therapist. Sharply funny and deeply resonant, If I Ha...Sirât (15)
Sirât (15)
HOME, Manchester
A father and his son arrive at a rave deep in the mountains of southern Morocco. They're searching for Mar - daughter and sister - who vanished months ago at one of these endless, sleepless parties. Surrounded by electronic music and a raw,...Wednesday 11 March 2026
Ballet Nights
Ballet Nights
Manchester Opera House, Manchester
Featuring Royal Ballet Principals, international stars, ground-breaking choreographers, and electrifying live musicians, Ballet Nights delivers a dynamic, unforgettable evening that celebrates dance in all its forms. Ballet Nights is the ul...Lily Allen
Lily Allen
Aviva Studios, Manchester
The remarkable Lily Allen, whose new album West End Girl has received rave reviews, plays her first dates for seven years when she tours the UK in March 2026. The show - Lily Allen Performs West End Girl - will see the singer/songwriter pla...Mamma Mia!
Mamma Mia!
Palace Theatre, Manchester
Sophie's quest to discover the father she's never known brings her mother face to face with three men from her distant romantic past on the eve of a wedding they'll never forget. Whatever age you are, you can't help but have the time of you...David Byrne (Talking Heads)
David Byrne (Talking Heads)
O2 Apollo, Manchester
The iconic Scotland-born, Canada-raised, Maryland frontman of Talking Heads returns to Europe. Known for his quirky stage presence and artful blending of rock, funk, world music, and avant-garde influences, beyond Talking Heads his prolific...Road
Road
Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester
By Jim Cartwright, featuring Lucy Beaumont, Shobna Gulati, Lesley Joseph, Johnny Vegas, and with special guest Sir Tom Courtenay on film. 'Road's coming round us!' It's 1986. Your rumbustious chaperone Scullery guides you down the road, pic...CMAT
CMAT
O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester
CMAT is the stage name of Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, the North Dublin-born global country-pop star who after relocating to Manchester aged 17 and forming the band Bad Sea, returned home to live with her grandparents before settling down in ...Echo & The Bunnymen
Echo & The Bunnymen
Albert Hall, Manchester
One of the most influential British bands in modern history, Echo & The Bunnymen will celebrate the songs that have brought the group twenty top 20 hits and nine top 20 albums so far during their incredible 40-year career. The band's semina...Luminiscence
Luminiscence
Manchester Cathedral, Manchester
Arriving in the UK for the first time, after dazzling over 1 Million people in Europe, the incredible immersive projection concert LUMINISCENCE transforms Manchester Cathedral into a fully immersive world of sound, story, and light. Featuri...The Empire Strips Back - A Burlesque Parody
The Empire Strips Back - A Burlesque Parody
Depot Mayfield, Manchester
Dropping classic sci-fi characters into the world of burlesque, the hit parody The Empire Strips Back... is coming at last! Be delivered to the dark side! With comedy and allure, loving detail, and hilarious parody, The Empire Strips Back...Alkinoos Ioannidis
Alkinoos Ioannidis
Band On The Wall, Manchester
Greek Cypriot composer Alkinoos Ioannidis (Αλκίνοος Ιωαννίδης) is famed for his politically-inspired Cypriot folk songs. Joining him on stage will be four Cypriot musicians, new companions who bring a different approach t...The Fire Raisers
The Fire Raisers
Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester
A darkly comic and absurd play about the dangers of turning a blind eye to growing threats and the consequences of inaction. The debut show from We Merry Dancers Theatre Company brings Swiss novelist and playwright Max Frisch's constantly r...Machu Picchu - Journey to the Lost City
Machu Picchu - Journey to the Lost City
Transmission House, Manchester
Machu Picchu: Journey to the Lost City transports you back 450 years ago to the heart of the ancient Inca Empire in stunning virtual reality. You'll climb the breathtaking peaks of the Andes, wander through the Temple of the Sun, walk the ...The Big Festoon
The Big Festoon
AO Arena, Manchester
Get READY! The UK's biggest business and life development event, The BIG Festoon, returns across the UK & the US in 2025 and 2026! Get ready to Show Up, Wise Up and Rise Up with awe-inspiring talks and performances from Dani Wallace, breakt...Bubble Planet - An Immersive Experience
Bubble Planet - An Immersive Experience
Depot Mayfield, Manchester
Welcome to Bubble Planet, where bubbles are bigger and more magical than ever. Let your inner child run free and follow your imagination in this spherical universe full of soap bubbles, air bubbles, and even virtual reality. Explore every ...Shakespeare's Othello (12A)
Shakespeare's Othello (12A)
HOME, Manchester
Shakespeare's Othello rages to life like never before in a compelling new production starring David Harewood OBE, Toby Jones OBE and Caitlin FitzGerald. Directed by Tony Award-winner Tom Morris OBE with music by PJ Harvey, this epic story...Daliso Chaponda
Daliso Chaponda
Waterside, Manchester
Hilarious Manchester-based Zambian-born Malawian comedian Daliso Chaponda shot to fame in 2017 when he finished third in Series 11 of Britain's Got Talent, and was the Golden Buzzer choice for Amanda Holden. As a result of his appearance...Adventures in Wonderland
Adventures in Wonderland
Z-arts, Manchester
Fall down the rabbit hole and have your very own magical adventure with Adventures in Wonderland at Z-arts! Created by Z-arts in partnership with Macmillan Children's Books, step into Alice's shoes and have your very own magical Adventure i...WILLE & THE BANDITS
WILLE & THE BANDITS
Night & Day Cafe, Manchester
Cornwall's Wille and the Bandits have been praised by critics for being one of the most dynamic bands around the globe, as they move from riff-tastic rock and roll to more acoustic sensibilities that only few bands manage. The use of strin...Horrible Science - Cosmic Chaos
Horrible Science - Cosmic Chaos
Science & Industry Museum, Manchester
An out-of-this-world premiere exhibition, now open at the Science and Industry Museum. Blast off into the solar system and embark on a cosmic adventure guided by familiar characters from the brand-new BBC Horrible Science TV series. Walk in...Race Across the World - The Experience
Race Across the World - The Experience
Stevenson Square, Manchester
Experience the official live adventure of the award-winning BBC TV show. No maps. No public transport. Just your wits, your team, and Manchester's streets. You've watched it on TV, now live it for real! Race Across the World: The Experience...
Thursday 12 March 2026
Eric Bibb
Eric Bibb
The Stoller Hall, Manchester
"... one of the finest American exponents of acoustic blues, an engaging performer and rousing guitarist who is blessed with a quite remarkable voice." - The Guardian Two-time Grammy Award nominee Eric Bibb will come ridin' on to UK shores ...Mamma Mia!
Mamma Mia!
Palace Theatre, Manchester
Sophie's quest to discover the father she's never known brings her mother face to face with three men from her distant romantic past on the eve of a wedding they'll never forget. Whatever age you are, you can't help but have the time of you...Al Murray
Al Murray
Manchester Opera House, Manchester
Hey cool cats! Hot on the heels of a sell-out 138 date tour of these green and groovy isles, The Guv will be back, baby, with a brand-new stand-up show for 2026. There's no denying the world's a mess daddio, but there is a glimmer of hope a...sombr
sombr
Aviva Studios, Manchester
Join 20-year-old singer-songwriter, producer and Indie rock breakout star sombr on his European headline tour after a year of chart-topping new music. A New York-native, sombr - born Shane Boose - started making music in his bedroom while ...The Hallé & Tine Thing Helseth - Walton's First Symphony
The Hallé & Tine Thing Helseth - Walton's First Symphony
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
Following the lively 'Courtly Dances' from Britten's opera Gloriana, Alpesh Chauhan is joined on the platform by Norwegian trumpeter, Tine Thing Helseth who performs the UK premiere a new, exciting work, written especially for her. Musicall...Road
Road
Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester
By Jim Cartwright, featuring Lucy Beaumont, Shobna Gulati, Lesley Joseph, Johnny Vegas, and with special guest Sir Tom Courtenay on film. 'Road's coming round us!' It's 1986. Your rumbustious chaperone Scullery guides you down the road, pic...CMAT
CMAT
O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester
CMAT is the stage name of Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, the North Dublin-born global country-pop star who after relocating to Manchester aged 17 and forming the band Bad Sea, returned home to live with her grandparents before settling down in ...Cardiacs
Cardiacs
Albert Hall, Manchester
One of Britain's leading cult rock bands, Cardiacs' sound folded in genres including art rock, progressive rock, art punk, post-punk, jazz, psychedelia and heavy metal (as well as elements of circus, baroque pop, medieval music, nursery rhy...The Empire Strips Back - A Burlesque Parody
The Empire Strips Back - A Burlesque Parody
Depot Mayfield, Manchester
Dropping classic sci-fi characters into the world of burlesque, the hit parody The Empire Strips Back... is coming at last! Be delivered to the dark side! With comedy and allure, loving detail, and hilarious parody, The Empire Strips Back...Sophia Stoyanovich & Derek Wang
