Best theatre shows, musicals and plays you need to see in Manchester

Unlike with West End shows, the plays and musicals in other UK cities don’t run for quite as long. In London, some productions stay at the same theatre for years, such as Disney’s The Lion King and Phantom of the Opera, with no sign of slowing down. Whereas the productions we’ve listed below are at the Opera House or Palace Theatre for about one week.

If you’ve stayed up to date with our best West End shows piece, you’ll know the RadioTimes.com team love putting together guides of the top plays and musicals we know you’ll enjoy, from family-friendly productions, such as Matilda, to more adults-only and hard-hitting limited-time runs, like A Little Life. This Manchester guide is no different. We’ve also selected shows that are available on ATG Tickets: a trusted site which endeavours to help you find the cheapest theatre tickets possible.

Let’s take a look at some of the best shows performing in Manchester in 2023 and early 2024.

Check out our guide on how to get cheap theatre tickets, and if you're travelling from elsewhere to Manchester, here's how to get cheap train tickets.

Jump to:

• Best plays, musicals and shows at Manchester's Palace Theatre
• Best Manchester theatre shows at the Opera House

Best theatre shows in Manchester at a glance

• Hamilton, from £30
• Pretty Woman The Musical, from £13
• Sister Act, from £13
• The Wizard of Oz, from £13
• I Should Be So Lucky, from £13
• The Rocky Horror Show, from £13
• Madagascar: The Musical, from £13
• Peter Pan Goes Wrong, from £13

Best Manchester theatre shows, musicals and plays to see in 2023 and early 2024

We've picked out our recommendations for the shows you need to see in Manchester this year and next.

Best plays, musicals and shows at Manchester's Palace Theatre

Hamilton

Yes, you heard us right. Manchester-based Hamilton fans can breathe a sigh of relief – you'll no longer have to Wait For It, as the award-winning show is coming to the Palace Theatre from 11 November 2023 to 24th February 2024.

Hamilton took over the world after its release in 2015 thanks to its gripping story, unique musical style and genius lyrics. The musical follows the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of the forgotten founding fathers of the USA and along the way it touches on love, loss, and American independence. Trust us, this isn't one to be missed.

Buy tickets for Hamilton from £30 at ATG tickets

If you're based in Manchester you're in luck. One Direction star Niall Horan's 2024 UK and Ireland tour is coming to the city and we have all you need to know about getting tickets.

Pretty Woman The Musical

It's pretty romantic. It's pretty magical. Of course, we're talking about Pretty Woman. This love story first made its way onto our screens in 1990, where we first encountered Vivian and Edward. Now you can experience their tale a second time, this time with a lot more songs and dance.

The book for this musical was written by the original director and screenwriter of the movie, and also features music by Grammy winners Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance. Welcome to Hollywood.

Buy tickets for Pretty Woman The Musical from £13 at ATG Tickets

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Sister Act

Straight from London's West End, this production of Sister Act is sure to bring a smile to your face. Everyone's favourite nun on the run will be played by West End star Landi Oshinowo, and the cast will also feature Coronation Street legend Sue Cleaver as Mother Superior.

This heavenly hit musical tells the story of Deloris, a disco diva whose life completely changes when she witnesses a murder. She is then hidden in the one place she could never be found- a convent! Her talents are put to good use when she's asked to help the struggling church choir, and the rest is history. The show will run from 18th March to 30th March 2024.

Buy tickets for Sister Act from £13 at ATG Tickets

This would make a brilliant Mother's Day present – and for more inspiration, take a look at the best Mother's Day experiences.

The Wizard of Oz

Who doesn't love the Wonderful Wizard of Oz? This all-time classic is coming straight from the London Palladium and will be playing in Manchester from 24th April to 5th May 2024.

This is a must-see for any fans of Ru Paul's Drag Race, as UK season 1 champion, The Vivienne, will be playing the Wicked Witch of the West. It's suitable for both parents and kids, making it the perfect option for a fun family night out.

Buy tickets for The Wizard of Oz from £13 at ATG Tickets

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Best Manchester theatre shows at the Opera House

I Should Be So Lucky

If you're looking for a fun musical to watch in the run up to Christmas, then you have to check out the Opera House's production of I Should Be So Lucky, running from 2nd November until 25th November. This lesser-known musical is a tale of family, friendship and being there when it matters most.

Even if you haven't heard of this musical, you're sure to be familiar with the killer line up of songs. Hits include numbers from pop legends such as Kylie's I Should Be So Lucky (duh), Rick Astley's Never Gonna Give You Up and Bananarama's Love In The First Degree.

Buy tickets for I Should Be So Lucky from £13 at ATG Tickets

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The Rocky Horror Show

Manchester theatre fans, I see you shiver in antici...pation. Well, the wait is over – The Rocky Horror Show is coming up north from 23rd-28th January 2024. There's no better way to beat those January blues than by immersing yourself in the tale of squeaky clean couple Janet and Brad, and the legendary Dr Frank'n'Furter.

This is one of those iconic, truly unique musicals. It's fun, it's campy, it's silly, it's unmissable.

Buy tickets for The Rocky Horror Show from £13 at ATG Tickets

Madagascar: The Musical

This RadioTimes.com writer grew up watching the adventures of Alex, Marty, Gloria and Melman and their lemur and penguin friends. Now kids can experience Madagascar a different way: with the power of song and dance.

This production stars Strictly Come Dancing darling Karim Zeroual as the hilarious top lemur King Julian. Book your tickets today for February 2024 to be in with the chance to Move It Move It with all your family.

Buy tickets for Madagascar: The Musical from £13 at ATG Tickets

The Madagascar Musical would be a great show to take your little ones to. For more activities for the whole family, take a look at the best Easter activities and the best steam train experiences.

Peter Pan Goes Wrong

From 26th-31st March 2024, Manchester theatre enthusiasts will have the chance to enjoy the hit show Peter Pan Goes Wrong. But prepare yourself for disaster – the clue is in the name, after all. We're talking technical hitches, cast disputes and flying mishaps. You were warned.

This production is brought to you by the theatre company Mischief, the brains behind the original Play That Goes Wrong and BBC series The Goes Wrong Show. Despite what it looks like, everything was planned – after all, these guys are professionals...right?

Buy tickets for Peter Pan Goes Wrong from £13 at ATG Tickets

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