WHAT'S ON AT WATERSIDE, MANCHESTER
What's On at Waterside, Manchester
Waterside Arts Centre is a thriving venue in the heart of sale, boasting a theatre, studios, art galleries, and workshops. It hosts touring theatre productions, comedy, exhibitions, dance, music, an audience with evenings, family shows, premieres, and numerous classes and opportunities for the local community.
Opening in 2004, Waterside is nestled alongside the Bridgewater Canal on the Waterside Plaza, making it a stunning location. This modern arts venue has a 350 seated theatre.
Productions, shows and events coming up include Clothes Swap,Kate Butch, John Robb, Craig Revel Horwood, The Radiohead Project and Rob Rouse. See what’s on at Waterside below and book tickets online.
Waterside Arts Centre is a thriving venue in the heart of sale, boasting a theatre, studios, art galleries, and workshops. It hosts touring theatre productions, comedy, exhibitions, dance, music, an audience with evenings, family shows, premieres, and numerous classes and opportunities for the local community.
Opening in 2004, Waterside is nestled alongside the Bridgewater Canal on the Waterside Plaza, making it a stunning location. This modern arts venue has a 350 seated theatre.
Productions, shows and events coming up include Clothes Swap,Kate Butch, John Robb, Craig Revel Horwood, The Radiohead Project and Rob Rouse. See what’s on at Waterside below and book tickets online.
Most Popular Shows and Events at Waterside, Manchester
What's On at Waterside, Manchester
Turn Your F*cking Phones Off
Robert Bolt Theatre
Thursday 22 October 2026
Hannah Maxwell presents her "tremendous takedown of big tech" (The Guardian) which was a total sell out at Edinburgh Fringe 2026, which scooped the Scotsman Fringe First, Bragi Award and The Stage Fringe Five. "Thank Christ, I was worried ...TURN YOUR FING PHONES OFF
Waterside, Manchester
Thursday 22 October 2026
Book NowLow Availability ?Thank Christ, I was worried no would answer? I?m not sure how much time I have, so I?ll try and be quick.? A 33-year-old, obviously gay, audibly middle-class, solo theatre...ComedySportz
The Chambers
Saturday 24 October 2026 - Saturday 13 February 2027
You've seen football. You've seen tennis. But have you seen Comedy as a sport? Then you don't want to miss this all ages, all action, all improvised competitive comedy show! Two teams. One winner. No script. Lots of laughs! Join ComedySpor...Andy Fairweather Low & The Lowriders
Waterside, Manchester
Saturday 24 October 2026
Welsh blues rocker Andy Fairweather Low came to prominence as the lead singer in Amen Corner. The 60s saw them clock up hit after pop hit and songs such as 'Bend Me Shape Me', 'Hello Suzy' and '(If Paradise Is) Half As Nice' are internat...Mark Thomas
Robert Bolt Theatre
Sunday 25 October 2026
What?! Mark Thomas has been 'standing up' for 40 years? Impossible!! But how old does that make you...? Alas it is true; one of our oldest surviving alternative comics celebrates 40 years at the mic. So, here's what he has done so far in...Not Now, Bernard
Robert Bolt Theatre
Sunday 25 October 2026
A wildly funny, physical theatre adaptation of David McKee's much-loved picture book, bursting with chaos, live music made from instruments and household objects, and an ENORMOUS purple monster. Bernard's got a problem. There's a monster i...Ian Ashpitel & Jonty Stephens as Eric & Ern
Robert Bolt Theatre
Thursday 29 October 2026
From the Olivier Nominated duo behind the hugely celebrated and critically acclaimed West End Hit. This is a show for all the family from 8 to 108! A brilliant homage crammed full Morecambe & Wise's most loved routines, songs and sketches ...Claymation Workshop: Boo the Halloween Ghost
Waterside, Manchester
Thursday 29 October 2026
Book Now Get ready for Halloween with stop motion magic. To celebrate our autumn season of animation events at Waterside, CIT and the Cosgrove Hall Films Archive presents this animation workshop suitable for ages 7 and up....Dayglo of the Dead Family Rave with Our Kids Social
Waterside, Manchester
Saturday 31 October 2026
Book Now Get ready for a Halloween celebration unlike any other! Come dressed to glow, bring the whole family and your best dance moves for a neon Day of the Dead inspired family rave hosted by Our Kids Social. ...Nick Cope's Family Show
Waterside, Manchester
Sunday 1 November 2026
Nick has lost his Bobble hat .. again ! Come and join Nick Cope for a delightful family concert and help him find his beloved hat with the wobbly bobble ! A joyous fun filled hour featuring all your favourite Nick Cope hits and more. Nic...Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage
The Chambers
Sunday 1 November 2026
One of the most innovative duos on the UK folk scene, since emerging in 2016, Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage have been defying all conventions of style, genre and compartmentalisation. A touch of Americana, yet quintessentially English. Tra...Breaking Ground
The Chambers
Monday 2 November 2026
Join us for an evening of ground breaking new work by some of the region's most talented performers. A showcase for work in development by some for the region's most talented performance-makers. Join us for a relaxed evening of ground-brea...I Was A Teenage Bisexual
The Chambers
Tuesday 3 November 2026
Junior just wants to be an ordinary guy but it feels like everyone knows he isn't. Bullies pick him apart at school, while his dad wants him to be more masc. Just when he thinks things couldn't get worse, bodies start turning up in his sma...Patrick Monahan
The Chambers
Thursday 5 November 2026
Some strong language A brand new stand up show from a multi-award winning international stand up comedian. Patrick's new stand up show covers topics from life, love & mishaps with flat pack furniture, marathons & almost being scammed! Patr...Patrick Monahan: The Good The Pat & The Ugly
Waterside, Manchester
Thursday 5 November 2026
Book Now A brand new stand up show from a multi-award winning international stand up comedian. Patrick's new stand up show covers topics from life, love & mishaps with flat pack furniture, marathon...
Hannah James & Toby Kuhn
The Chambers
Friday 6 November 2026
Innovative folk artist Hannah James reunites with dynamic cellist Toby Kuhn. Celebrating their new album, Where All Our Names Belong. Together they weave a rich tapestry of song, story, and rhythm - Hannah's expressive voice, accordion, an...Danny Hart: Won't Sit Down
Waterside, Manchester
Friday 6 November 2026
Book Now Danny Hart is one of Downhill Mountain Biking?s racing elite. 2x World Champion, Red Bull Hardline winner, multiple National Championships winner and 2x World Cup overall silver medal winn...Meet The Puppet Masters Animation Conference
Waterside, Manchester
Saturday 7 November 2026
Book Now The return of Puppet Masters, delivered by CIT and the Cosgrove Hall Films Archive. Puppet Masters is a one-day event featuring a series of masterclass sessions and panel discussions featu...The Prince of Egypt
Robert Bolt Theatre
Tuesday 10 - Saturday 14 November 2026
JS80 presents the powerful musical The Prince of Egypt! From the creators of the beloved DreamWorks film, this heroic stage musical features a soaring, unforgettable score including the Academy Award-winning song 'When You Believe.' It tel...The Carrivick Sisters
The Chambers
Thursday 12 November 2026
Twin sisters Charlotte and Laura Carrivick have grown up playing music together, and at a live show the stage becomes an extension of their kitchen; welcoming you into a warm, musical embrace while cooking up delicious melodies and tasty i...Behind Enemy Lines
The Chambers
Friday 13 November 2026
Extraordinary women whose courage, daring, ingenuity and sacrifice defeated Nazi terror. Songwriter and storyteller Louise Jordan uncovers the lives of inspiring secret agents of WW2. Who were they? How were they selected and trained to co...Hugh Cornwell (The Stranglers)
Waterside, Manchester
Monday 16 November 2026
When future historians of music draw up a list of the movers and shakers who changed the modern musical landscape, there will be no doubt that North London-born Hugh Cornwell, the former leader and main songwriter of all The Stranglers' mo...Write Out Loud
Waterside, Manchester
Monday 16 November - Monday 21 December 2026
Book Now Open Floor Poetry Evening Poetry open floor nights, come along and read your work or just listen. The bar is open throughout the evening. Monday 21 SeptemberMonday 19 OctoberMonday 16 Nove...Creatives Brunch Club
Waterside, Manchester
Tuesday 17 November 2026 - Tuesday 19 January 2027
Book Now Our popular Creatives Brunch Club returns as a calendar staple. Expect a casual affair, with some delicious mid-morning treats to enjoy. We?ll hear from some local creatives about the exci...Mr Popper's Penguins
Robert Bolt Theatre
Saturday 5 - Sunday 27 December 2026
The creators of Raymond Briggs' Father Christmas return this year with their international smash hit musical! Painter and decorator by day, Mr Popper spends his time dreaming of Antarctic adventures. He is astounded when one day a packing ...Step Into Christmas: A Celebration of Christmas Music
The Chambers
Saturday 12 December 2026
Step into a festive celebration of the music that makes Christmas From Slade and The Pogues to brass bands and Ukrainian carols, this theatre show explores the stories behind the songs we love. Through lively storytelling by theatre-maker ...ComedySportz Improvised Panto (Juniors)
The Chambers
Friday 18 - Saturday 19 December 2026
Bored of the same pantomimes every year? The award-winning Totally Improvised Company present The Totally Improvised Pantomime! Heroes, villains, songs and silliness are guaranteed this December as the gang create brand-new pantomime adven...ComedySportz Improvised Adult Panto
Waterside, Manchester
Friday 18 December 2026
Book Now Bored of the same pantomimes every year? The ComedySportz team are back this Christmas for more Totally Improvised Pantomimes! Heroes, villains, songs and silliness are guaranteed this December as the gang create ...ComedySportz Improvised Panto (Tots)
The Chambers
Saturday 19 December 2026
Bored of the same pantomimes every year? The award-winning Totally Improvised Company present The Totally Improvised Pantomime! Heroes, villains, songs and silliness are guaranteed this December as the gang create brand-new pantomime adven...Robin Hood & His Merry Men - Sale Nomads Panto
Robert Bolt Theatre
Friday 8 - Sunday 17 January 2027
A new Sale Nomads family panto is coming to Waterside Arts! Get ready for a riotous adventure through Sherwood Forest, where heroes are heroic, villains are hopeless, and absolutely nothing goes according to plan! The Sheriff of Nottingham...
Rob Rouse
Waterside, Manchester
Saturday 23 January 2027
Star of BBC's Upstart Crow, 8 Out of 10 Cats, The Friday Night Project and Dave's One Night Stand goes on tour with his new show "Funny Bones." "He's a man with genuinely funny bones" (The Sunday Times) and recently crowned Comics' Comic B...Meet the Producers
Waterside, Manchester
Tuesday 2 February 2027
Book NowLow Availability Calling all budding writers looking to work in TV comedy and drama. CIT offers a unique opportunity to meet commissioners and script producers working in television. This is a fantastic opp...Ultimate Coldplay - Tribute to Coldplay
Waterside, Manchester
Friday 5 February 2027
A live tribute to Coldplay and performing all the Coldplay hits and more in a brilliant sound and look-a-like show. The vocals, mannerisms and atmosphere these guys deliver are second to none. Giving the audience that same high energy perf...Katie Spencer
Waterside, Manchester
Saturday 6 February 2027
Book Now Katie released her third album What Love Is in October 2025; an intimate collection of ten brand-new songs. It reached #12 in the Official Folk Albums Chart upon release. Recorded in Londo...Allie Bailey
Robert Bolt Theatre
Thursday 11 February 2027
Allie Bailey is an ultrarunner, coach, speaker and podcast presenter who has run in some of the most extreme places in the world, with a number of world firsts to her name In 'Ultrarunning: Can you Hack It?', the follow-up to her successfu...Dave Kelly & Paul Jones (The Blues Band)
Waterside, Manchester
Saturday 13 February 2027
Two blues legends, one unforgettable performance. Paul Jones and Dave Kelly are two of the UK's most revered and respected blues musicians. Together they have played alongside the greats, including Howlin' Wolf, John Lee Hooker, and Son...A Star Wars Improv Show - The One-Man Made-up Movie Parody
The Chambers
Saturday 20 February 2027
Award nominated stand-up and improviser Jon Hipkiss brings together the ultimate celebration of comedy and fandom. Based solely on your suggestions, Jon will improvise an entirely new Star Wars film all by himself. He's all the trailers, a...Pinocchio (by Indefinite Articles)
Robert Bolt Theatre
Sunday 21 February 2027
Steve Tiplady, as Geppetto, uses the objects of a carpenter's workshop to tell the tale of the puppet that wants to be a real boy, and the puppet-maker who wants to be a real father. Pinocchio is carved on stage, brushes become a fox and t...Phil Mealey - Early Doors: Behind The Bar & Beyond
Robert Bolt Theatre
Saturday 27 February 2027
Best known as the co-creator and star of Early Doors and his writing on The Royle Family, BAFTA award-winning writer and performer Phil Mealey invites audiences back into The Grapes for an evening of laughter, nostalgia, favourite clips, u...Tommy Blaize
Robert Bolt Theatre
Thursday 4 March 2027
For more than 20 years, Tommy Blaize has been one of the most familiar and best-loved voices on British television as lead singer on BBC Strictly Come Dancing. Now he takes centre stage with his full live band in a spectacular new show, Th...An Evening with Chris Difford
Waterside, Manchester
Sunday 2 May 2027
Book Now CHRIS DIFFORD: An Intimate Evening of Stories and Songs with the Co-Founder of Squeeze Chris Difford co-wrote the classic Squeeze hits - Cool For Cats, Up The Junction, Labelled with Love,...Pete Firman: Jokus Pocus
Waterside, Manchester
Wednesday 3 November 2027
Book Now Pete Firman is back on tour with Jokus Pocus, a brand-new show packed with jaw-dropping magic, astonishing sleight of hand and laugh-out-loud comedy. With over 10 million social media foll...How to get to Waterside, Manchester
Waterside Frequently Asked Questions
1 Waterside Plaza, Sale, Manchester, M33 7ZF
The nearest carpark to Waterside Arts is Q Park Waterside.
Waterside ticket holders can claim a 20% discount by requesting a ticket upon entry to the car park and showing it to the Waterside box office.
Sale metrolink tram stop is just across the road.
The theatre capacity at Waterside is 350.
If you lose your tickets for seated events at Waterside, you can request replacements to be printed out for collection on the day of the performance (ID required upon collection). This service will be charged per ticket.
For further ticket information you can contact Waterside team for further information.
If you would like to buy a ticket in person from Waterside Box Office, they open Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm.
Alternatively, you can see what's on and book online here.
When we know of a duration of a show, we add it to the description of the show on our event pages. For example, on our Wicked event page, after the description of the show we have added the duration of the show in large capital letters. If the time isn't listed, we do not have the information yet. We update our pages daily so it maybe a case of knowing closer to the performance itself, so keep checking.
Please click here for more information on accessibility at Waterside Arts.
Whether you have positive or negative feedback you would like to feedback to Waterside, please click here for more contact information.
If you have lost an item during a visit to Waterside Arts, click here to contact the venue.
Waterside Arts Centre can welcome you to their Sup Bar & Coffee House.
There are also eateries at Watersale Plaza.
With loads of great places to eat in Manchester and decent pre-theatre menus, you should check out our Manchester Restaurant site here!
Sup Bar & Coffee House within Waterside arts is a great place for a re show drink.
There are also bars on Waterside Plaza.
Manchester is full of great bars and pubs and some decent ones close to the venue. check out our Manchester Bar site here!
Either use the map at the side of the FAQ section as it has all types of accomodation or click here for hotels in Manchester
If you need further information, you can contact the Waterside team directly.
Please note that ManchesterTheatres.com isn't the venue itself. We promote what's on at the Waterside and all other venues in Manchester and the local region. Feel free to contact us if you need more help though and we'll do our best to support you.
