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
Write Out Loud
Waterside, Manchester
Monday 13 July 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 20 AprilMonday 18 MayMonday 15 JuneMonday 1...Creatives Brunch Club
Waterside, Manchester
Tuesday 14 July - Tuesday 15 September 2026
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...FILM: The Ballad of Wallis Island (2025)
Waterside, Manchester
Wednesday 15 July 2026
Book Now An eccentric lottery winner who lives alone on a remote island tries to make his fantasies come true by getting his favourite musicians to perform at his home. Our Friendly screenings aim ...Mr Thing
Waterside, Manchester
Tuesday 21 - Wednesday 22 July 2026
Book Now Mr. Thing are ?broadcasting? live from Refract. Become part of the studio audience as Tom and Owen, Puppet Steve and a crew of Things pull together a TV variety show live on stage with sur...A Kate in the Hand is Worth Two in the Butch
Waterside, Manchester
Thursday 23 July 2026
Book Now Kate Butch, the star of RuPaul?s Drag Race UK, The Power of Parker, Celebrity Mastermind, and at least three episodes of Crimewatch! Kate Butch is coming to Refract with a new stand-up sho...The Circus House Workshops
Waterside, Manchester
Thursday 23 July 2026
Book Now Learn Circus Skills with The Circus House! Ever wanted to try something completely new?Join us for a one-hour workshop where you will learn the fundamentals of handheld circus arts. Our re...Felix Hagan
Waterside, Manchester
Friday 24 July 2026
With glam, pop, rock, and punk influences, Liverpool musician Felix Hagan is the composer, multi-instrumentalist and performer behind some of the most beloved musical creations in recent years. He co-wrote the Olivier Award-winning West E...House of Life
Cabaret Club
Saturday 25 July 2026
Join the RaveRend on his mission to make you HAPPY. House of Life is a travelling cult collective with one goal: to get you happy, at any cost. Lead by the glitter-clad Rave-Rend you'll be invited to move to the music, and become part of a...The 39 Steps
Waterside, Manchester
Friday 4 September 2026
Book Now First published in 1915, this perennially popular thriller has been adapted by Jonathan Goodwin. Award-winning actor Jonathan Goodwin writes and performs this brand new stage adaptation of...Graham Parker
Waterside, Manchester
Tuesday 8 September 2026
Book Now Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the classic albums Howlin' Wind and Heat Treatment. Slinging his signature guitar and singing with inimitable soulful grit, Graham Parker has spent more...The Radiohead Project - A Tribute to Radiohead
Waterside, Manchester
Saturday 12 September 2026
'The Radiohead Project' is a stunning live tribute show that celebrates one of the greatest bands of all time - Radiohead. From Mercury Prize winners to multiple Grammy Awards, Radiohead redefined the sound of modern music and The Radiohea...The Maes
Waterside, Manchester
Thursday 17 September 2026
Book Now The Maes bring their irresistible modern folk sound to Waterside for the first time. Expect lush harmonies and acoustic mastery on guitar, mandolin, fiddle and banjo. Their first headline ...Live/Wire - The AC/DC Show
Waterside, Manchester
Saturday 19 September 2026
Live/Wire is the AC/DC Show. The hugely successful and unique six-man tribute to rock music's greatest band, AC/DC - complete with cannons, a wall of Marshalls and over two hours of High Voltage Rock 'n' Roll, in a show critically acclaime...Harvest - A Celebration of Neil Young
Waterside, Manchester
Tuesday 22 September 2026
Book Now Orange River Remedy take you on a journey down memory lane with their celebration of Neil Young's legendary album, Harvest. The biggest selling album in America, 1972. The album is perform...The Stars Of Irish Country
Waterside, Manchester
Wednesday 23 September 2026
Book Now The Stars of Irish Country Show brings together four of Ireland?s most beloved entertainers for an unforgettable night of music, memories, and pure country magic. Featuring the legendary t...Paul Foot
Waterside, Manchester
Thursday 24 September 2026
 Pioneering alt-comedy hero and star of Cats Does Countdown Paul Foot is back on tour with a brand new stand-up show, The Future.   Remember when people were excited for the future? With visions of jetpacks, friendly robots wheeling ...Peter Green: Man Of The World
Waterside, Manchester
Friday 25 September 2026
Book Now Celebrating the life and music of Peter Green, founder of the original Fleetwood Mac Guitarist Remi Harris will be joined by vocalist Dave Small, bassist Tom Moore and Shane Dixon on drums...ComedySportz
Waterside, Manchester
Saturday 26 September 2026 - Saturday 13 February 2027
Book Now 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...Emmeline Pankhurst: Angel or Anarchist
Waterside, Manchester
Saturday 26 September 2026
Book Now Emmeline Pankhurst is one of the most influential and well-known British women to have ever lived. Emmeline Pankhurst fought tirelessly for women to have the vote. She was imprisoned sever...Jordan Wylie: Finding Purpose
Waterside, Manchester
Tuesday 29 September 2026
Book Now Jordan?s expeditions have taken him across all seven continents and to over 150 countries From running the coldest marathons on Earth, to rowing across the world?s most dangerous waters, s...Jane Eyre
Waterside, Manchester
Wednesday 30 September 2026
Book Now Orphaned?Oppressed?Unbreakable Jane Eyre?s fight for freedom, happiness and a sense of belonging, blazes from the cruelty of her childhood to the creepy corridors of Thornfield Hall, where...An Intimate Evening with Peter Cox
Waterside, Manchester
Thursday 1 October 2026
Book Now Go West - We Close Our Eyes... And Other Stories. An Intimate Evening with singer, Peter Cox. Go West arrived on the charts like a comet. With classic hits like We Close Our Eyes, Call Me,...The North West Duke Ellington Orchestra
Waterside, Manchester
Friday 2 October 2026
Book Now The North West Duke Ellington Orchestra is a 15-piece big band of Ellington obsessed musicians from across the North West. Directed by saxophonist and bandleader Phil Shotton the orchestra...Ian Prowse & Amsterdam
Waterside, Manchester
Saturday 3 October 2026
 Ian Prowse is a singer/songwriter from Ellesmere Port who wears his heart on his sleeve and writes straight from the cuff. Formed in 1999 with former Blow Monkeys drummer Tony Kiley and cousin Johnny Barlow, his Liverpool pop rock outfi...Waiting for Hamlet
Waterside, Manchester
Saturday 3 October 2026
Book Now MURDER. MISCHIEF. AND A BATTLE OF FOOLS. What happens before ?To be or not to be??? Waiting For Hamlet is a dazzling Shakespearean comedy by David Visick, performed by Nicholas Collett & T...Leveret
Waterside, Manchester
Sunday 4 October 2026
Book Now Leveret are a highly acclaimed English folk trio renowned for their innovative approach to traditional music, blending consummate musicianship with captivating spontaneity. Formed in 2014,...Sam Carter Sings Nic Jones
Waterside, Manchester
Thursday 8 October 2026
Book Now A live celebration of Nic Jones? music, performed by BBC Folk Award winner Sam Carter. There are few folk singers as revered as the great Nic Jones. A towering figure of the English folk r...What Wood Victoria Do
Waterside, Manchester
Friday 9 October 2026
Book Now How on earth have we all survived the past decade of modern living without Victoria Wood's observational wit and wisdom? What would she make of an Air Fryer? The Repair Shop? K-Pop Demon H...Of Mice and Men
Waterside, Manchester
Saturday 10 October 2026
Book Now This is a well thought-out adaptation from Nigel Miles-Thomas, who is also responsible for the sensitive direction. Set against the harsh backdrop of the Great Depression, Of Mice and Men ...Vonda Shepard
Waterside, Manchester
Saturday 10 October 2026
Book Now Ally McBeal songstress, Vonda Shepard returns to the UK and Ireland. Following the success of Vonda?s recent barnstorming UK tours which sold out venues across the country, Vonda will be r...Animal Farm
Waterside, Manchester
Thursday 15 October 2026
Book Now A must-see epic, more relevant than ever! Over 80 years since the book's publication and 31 since its first performance, Guy Masterson's globally renowned solo adaptation of Orwell's barny...The Luxurious Time: A Queer Love Story
Waterside, Manchester
Thursday 15 October 2026
Book Now The Luxurious Time - A Queer Love Story is a true story that recounts the author's life with his partner, as the man he loves succumbs to Alzheimer's disease, posing the question: when dementia strikes can love su...This Flight Tonight - A Tribute To Joni Mitchell
Waterside, Manchester
Friday 16 October 2026
Acclaimed singer/songwriters Zervas & Pepper present 'This Flight Tonight' an intimate acoustic tribute to the music of Joni Mitchell. Featuring songs such as 'California', 'Blue', 'Woodstock' 'Both Sides Now', 'Coyote', 'Big Yellow Taxi',...Close Enough To Touch
The Chambers
Friday 16 - Saturday 17 October 2026
A play about sex, heartbreak... and toilets from Leeds-based national touring company Red Ladder. This young man has a secret. He has a girlfriend, he's looking for work, and he spends his free time cruising in men's toilets. This one-pers...Russell Watson
Waterside, Manchester
Saturday 17 October 2026
As a child Russell Watson could always carry a tune, but he never dreamed he'd become an opera singer. Today, he's counted among the world's finest classical voices. Born and raised in Salford, Watson worked an array of jobs and started si...TURN YOUR FING PHONES OFF
Waterside, Manchester
Tuesday 20 - Thursday 22 October 2026
Book Now Hi. Thanks for making time for whatever this is.I suppose it?s a theatre show. Perhaps it?s an interdisciplinary, interactive, mixed-media piece of performance art.A town hall meeting at the end of the world.A kar...Andy Fairweather Low
Waterside, Manchester
Saturday 24 October 2026
Book Now Andy Fairweather Low and the Low Riders Andy Fairweather Low came to prominence as the lead singer in Amen Corner. The 60s saw them clock up hit after pop hit. Songs such as 'Bend Me Shape...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...Mark Thomas: 40 in Stand-Up Years
Waterside, Manchester
Sunday 25 October 2026
Book Now 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...Ian Ashpitel & Jonty Stephens as Eric & Ern
Waterside, Manchester
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 ...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...Hannah Sanders and Ben Savage with Jon Thorne
Waterside, Manchester
Sunday 1 November 2026
Book Now Critically acclaimed folk duo Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage join forces with virtuosodouble bassist Jon Thorne for a special one-off UK tour. With their vintage guitars and heartfelt harmony...I Was A Teenage Bisexual
Waterside, Manchester
Tuesday 3 November 2026
Book Now 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 cou...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...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...Hannah James & Toby Kuhn
Waterside, Manchester
Friday 6 November 2026
Book Now 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, an...The Prince of Egypt
Waterside, Manchester
Tuesday 10 - Saturday 14 November 2026
Book Now 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 Ac...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
Waterside, Manchester
Friday 13 November 2026
Book Now 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 ...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...Step Into Christmas: A Celebration of Christmas Music
Waterside, Manchester
Saturday 12 December 2026
Book Now 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...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 (Juniors)
Waterside, Manchester
Friday 18 - Saturday 19 December 2026
Book Now 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...ComedySportz Improvised Panto (Tots)
Waterside, Manchester
Saturday 19 December 2026
Book Now 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...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...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...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.
Most Popular Shows and Events at Waterside, Manchester
