As Manchester braces for a summer filled with Oasis nostalgia, a new theatrical production promises to capture the spirit of the city in a different way. A Manchester Anthem is heading to the Hope Mill Theatre for a limited run at the end of July, and it’s got music and Mancunian magic written all over it.
Written by Nick Dawkins and starring Tom Claxton, this one-man show is more than just a tribute to the city’s legendary music scene. It’s a heartfelt dive into the lives and stories that shape Manchester’s soul.
We caught up with Tom Claxton ahead of the show to hear what makes A Manchester Anthem so personal, and why it might just become a new local favourite.
Interview with Tom Claxton
Tom didn’t just audition for the part – it was written for him. Years ago, he and writer Nick Dawkins spent two intense evenings unpacking their lives: class, identity, school, home, and the role music plays in making sense of it all. Not long after, Nick surprised Tom with the first draft of the play as a birthday present.
It sat quietly in a drawer for a while, until the timing felt right, and they both knew it had to be brought to life. Now, every performance still gives Tom the same buzz it did at the beginning. The audience reactions, he says, have been overwhelming, and every night feels as alive as the last.
A love letter to Manchester
Born and raised in Manchester, Tom doesn’t hide his bias. “It’s my favourite city in the world,” he laughed. For him, it’s about the city’s history, its gritty beauty, and the buzzing nightlife, particularly the legendary Warehouse Project, which he calls “the best night out in the world.”
But it’s the people that truly make Manchester stand out. “There’s a cliché about northerners being friendly, and honestly, it’s true. Spend five minutes in a Manc smoking area and you’ll know exactly what I mean.”
When it comes to theatre that’s made an impression on him, Tom’s list is passionate and specific. He raves about Stereophonic, currently on the West End after a Broadway debut: a behind-the-scenes glimpse into a 1970s band recording an album. “It’s three hours long but it flies by,” he said. “I didn’t want to leave that world.”
Highlights of Manchester’s theatre scene
He also draws inspiration from Kenrex, a one-man show by Jack Holden that blew him away with its precision and emotional punch. “It’s a masterclass in storytelling,” Tom explained, noting how it helped shape his own approach to A Manchester Anthem.
And while not theatre, seeing LCD Soundsystem live, three times, during their Brixton Academy residency is a memory he won’t be shaking anytime soon. “They’re probably the best live band out there right now.”
Tom’s favourite Manchester anthems
When asked to pick his favourite Manchester anthems, Tom admits he could talk about them all day. But a few stand out: New Order’s Temptation hits him emotionally every time. The Verve’s Bitter Sweet Symphony makes the list too, and Elbow’s Station Approach, which he always plays when returning to Manchester by train, feels like a homecoming in song form.
Why you should see A Manchester Anthem
For anyone who loves theatre, music, or just a great night out, A Manchester Anthem delivers. Tom promises a show that’s fun and heartfelt, with a brilliant soundtrack, lively characters, and even some dancing. “It might make you want to go clubbing, or just ring your mum,” he said. “Maybe both.”
Tickets for A Manchester Anthem
A Manchester Anthem runs at the Hope Mill Theatre from 29th July to 2nd August, with just seven performances. Whether you’re still chasing Gallagher tickets or just want to celebrate what makes this city sing, it might be the perfect way to spend a night.
You can get tickets by clicking here
