Our writers pick the most outstanding Manchester theatre of 2024

2024 has been a cracking year for theatregoers in Manchester.

Against a tough backdrop with rising cost of living and cuts, the arts scene in this beautiful city remains determined and resilient and it means that small venues are rubbing shoulders with the larger spaces.

And with the Oldham Coliseum rising like a phoenix, things can only get better.

As the year comes to a close, we asked our hard working review team for their top three productions of the year.

Glenn Meads

A Number at 53two

This was my standout play of the year for a number of reasons. Tom Ryder gives one of those performances that lives with you, playing multiple roles and with one slight movement, he ‘becomes’ someone completely different. He is masterful and his versatility astounds you. Jess Gough’s production is mesmerising and urgent and less gives you more bang for your buck in the intimate space that is 53two.

Husk at the Hope Mill Theatre

Rupert Hill is a grafter, he acts, writes and directs and he runs spaces across Manchester. He wrote Husk as a TV pilot and poured his own experiences with addiction into this fascinating play. One striking scene features protagonist Ray (played by Rupert Hill) enter a rowdy pub, unshaven, wearing his mum’s floral dress. It is a magnificent scene, as we witness the calm before the storm. A play filled with memorable scenes and brave and unflinching writing, which is unafraid to ask questions about identity and who the real villains are.

In the Time of Dragons at the Edge

I visited the Edge in Chorlton for the first time last February to see this small play with big ambitions. Rupert Hill pops up again as a troubled teacher who dreams of being a musician, but instead he is stuck in a job which does not give him much joy. And suddenly there is a time travel twist. This could be corny and clumsy but Janine Walters invests this material with huge amounts of passion, heart and soul. Rupert Hill, Megan Keaveny, Tom Guest and Hannah Nuttall are all excellent and this beautiful show highlights the vibrancy of Manchester’s art scene.

Thom Bamford

Shed: Exploded View at Royal Exchange

An extremely powerful and moving experience. Shed: Exploded View left me shaken and reflective long after the curtain went fell. Atri Banerjee’s direction, combined with Eclair-Powell’s innovative, non-linear storytelling, created a fragmented yet cohesive exploration of domestic violence, societal complicity, and the fragility of human relationships. The ensemble cast, led by standout performances from Hayley Carmichael and Lizzy Watts, delivered moments of raw intensity and breathtaking emotion.The oscillation between Tony’s heartbreaking struggle with memory loss to Naomi’s searing monologue on abuse, the play masterfully balanced quiet reflection and explosive confrontation. With its inventive staging and piercing honesty, Shed: Exploded View is a hauntingly relevant work that challenged me to confront uncomfortable truths about violence and humanity.

Frank 4 Sophie 4 Eva at 53two

Frank 4 Sophie 4 Eva stood out as an unflinching and darkly comic exploration of marriage, mental illness and human vulnerability. Ian Watson’s script offset sharp humour with gut-wrenching honesty, capturing the fallout of a relationship broken by resentment and silence. Simon Naylor and Alexandra Maxwell delivered exceptional performances, with Naylor’s portrayal of Frank’s mental breakdown and Maxwell’s revelation of hidden trauma creating moments of unforgettable intensity. The shift from the breezy and in many places, hilarious tension of Act I to the haunting, deeply emotional confrontation in Act II was brilliantly executed, making this so much more than just a play about a failed marriage. It’s a poignant, thought-provoking reflection on resilience and the enduring weight of unspoken truths.

Giselle at the Opera House

Giselle was, without a doubt, one of the most magical and moving performances I witnessed this year. Mary Skeaping’s production for the English National Ballet blended historical authenticity with breath-taking artistry, bringing the tragic story of innocence, betrayal, and love beyond death vividly to life. Erina Takahashi and Francesco Gabriele Frola gave exceptional performances, their chemistry and emotional depth elevating the ballet’s timeless narrative. From David Walker’s idyllic village setting in Act I to the haunting, moonlit realm of the Wilis in Act II, the visual and emotional contrasts were striking. Coupled with Adolphe Adam’s romantic score, conducted beautifully by Maria Seletskaja, this Giselle was a triumph of emotion and craftsmanship—a reminder of ballet’s power to move and inspire.

Eric Riley

Ockham’s Razor – Tess at The Lowry

An incredibly impressive show from Ockham’s Razor that takes Thomas Hardy’s classic novel Tess of the D’Urbervilles and brings it to life with spellbinding stunts, athleticism and heart to deliver an emotionally compelling story that is still relevant today.

Peter Pan Goes Wrong at The Opera House

Mischief’s uniquely hilarious version of Peter Pan shows how a play going off the rails can make for comedy gold, as they deliver one of the funniest shows of the year that had the entire audience laughing from start to finish.

The Taming of the Shrew at The Hope Mill Theatre

Powerful performances throughout the entire 12-strong cast make for an unforgettable show, in this modern reclamation of Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew. The show brings the brutal nature of the play to the forefront, while staying true to the original plot. And the great news is that is returning to Manchester in 2025, this time at HOME.

Lily Houston

& Juliet at The Opera House

After interviewing the leading lady I was lucky enough to see the show on opening night and I knew it was going to be good but I didn’t know it was going to be this good! I love a good jukebox musical and this is one of the best I’ve seen in years, with back-to-back bangers, incredible representation and amazing costumes, this has to be top of my list!

Six the musical at The Lowry

Six the musical has taken history, theatre and pop music and created a masterpiece! This is a relatively new musical that’s getting the recognition it deserves, one of the songs has even been featured on Strictly Come Dancing. Combined with the Queens exhibition at the Lowry, going to see Six felt like I was going to see the much missed band Little Mix again; it is more than a show; it’s an incredible experience.

Margaret Thatcher – Queen of Soho at the Lowry

Going into this I had no idea what to expect, but within minutes I was in stitches laughing. A very tongue-in-cheek comedy about Britain’s first female Prime Minister with plenty of gags and hilarious props. This show was on the Lowry’s smaller Quays stage at the Lowry but I can see this touring the UK in larger venues in the next few years.

Jake Yates-Hart

Can’t Wait To Leave at 53Two

Written and directed by Stephen Leach, Can’t Wait to Leave explores social isolation, alienation of bisexual identities, and the struggle for connection. The 75-minute monodrama follows Ryan, a disillusioned 19-year-old Deliveroo worker navigating the pressure of living in London. Zach Hawkins delivers a gripping performance as the angry yet vulnerable Ryan, grounding us in the protagonist’s emotional journey as he overcomes an abusive relationship. The play delves into themes of class, sexuality, and mental health, offering a raw portrayal of LGBTQ+ struggles. This is a poignant, reflective, and unflinchingly honest theatrical experience.

Judy & Liza at Hope Mill Theatre

Judy & Liza is a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli. Written and performed by Emma Dears, who also stars as Liza, the musical explores their complex mother-daughter bond and the complex parallels in both of their lives. Helen Sheals delivers a deeply emotional portrayal of Judy, while Emma brings Liza’s vibrancy to life. The music dazzles with iconic numbers like “The Trolley Song” and “Cabaret”. Despite the theatre’s minimalistic set, the sharp dialogue and evocative performances create a captivating show celebrating the enduring legacy of two Hollywood icons.

Sister Act At Palace Theatre

The award-winning Sister Act triumphantly returned to Manchester’s Palace Theatre this year and became an immediate favourite of mine. Starring Coronation Street’s Sue Cleaver and West End star Landi Oshinowo, this delightful adaption of the 1992 film brimmed with humour and stellar musical performances under Tom Slade’s direction. Featuring Alan Menken’s electrifying Motown-inspired score and Glenn Slater’s witty lyrics, standout numbers like Raise Your Voice and Fabulous, Baby! that were electric to watch live. The cast excels, with standout turns by Cleaver, Elliot Gooch, and Isabel Canning. Vibrant sets and costumes complete this must-see, joy-filled and heavenly production.

Shayan Lee

Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake at the Lowry

This beautiful ballet offers one of the most breathtaking performances I have seen with Bourne’s imaginative reworking of the classic art form, transforming the traditional tale into a striking, contemporary exploration of desire, isolation, and identity.

Rambert’s Peaky Blinders at the Lowry

Rambert bring the thrilling crime world of the hit TV series into the realm of dance, combining the compelling choreography with dramatic orchestral music and dynamic design to create an immersive theatrical experience told through contemporary dance.

The Book of Mormon at The Palace Theatre

This huge musical has everything you would ever want from a night at the theatre. It offers you comedy, big Broadway musical numbers and offers the best sort of escapism. It is rare you find such a successful show with such dark humour and scandalous dialogue which makes it one of a kind. If you’re looking for laughter within a big budget musical, it is a must-see and it is currently on tour across the country until next November.

So, what is our venue of the year?

There is a small and intimate space in Manchester which has staged a string of mighty productions, including Caryl Churchill’s A Number, the evergreen JB Shorts, a revival of Mike Bartlett’s Cock which was a Northern premiere, the genre busting Some Masterchef Sh*t, the Edinburgh Fringe hit Dead Dad Show which was indescribably brilliant, and the one man show powerhouse that is Undermined. And lastly, the poignant and darkly comic Frank 4 Sophie 4 Eva.

Step forward 53two, the Deansgate venue, arts hub, pub, cafe and workshop space which nurtures talent, provides an accessible space for everyone and offers you a pint, a smile and a theatre ticket at an affordable price.

If you have never been before, get down to the arches and you will receive the warmest of welcomes.

Thanks to our hard working theatre team for their brilliant reviews and to all of the wonderful venues for welcoming us all every week.

Have a great Christmas and see you all in the stalls in 2025.