The nights are longer and darker as we go into November, but there are plenty of wonderful shows to brighten up these winter nights that will even put Bonfire Night fireworks to shame.
The Snowman @ Opera House
Thursday 7th – Sunday 10th November – Opera House
If you didn’t weep uncontrollably at the original film, then I’m afraid we can’t be friends. For those of you that have a heart or merely just enjoy the wonderful musical score and delight in that bit where he meets all the other Snowmen from around the world and they have a dance, then you must go and see the stage show at Manchester Opera House this month.
Nigel Slater’s Toast @ The Lowry
Monday 11th – Saturday 16th November
Returning to The Lowry after a run in 2018, Nigel Slater’s Toast tells the tale of his childhood through taste and smells he grew up with. Do with that what you will, or better yet, go see for yourself what all the fuss is about!
La Boheme @ The Lowry
Tuesday 12th – Friday 15th November
A total Opera classic which needs very little introduction is gracing The Lowry this month. If you’re thinking, “Hm, is the opera for me? I don’t speak Italian, will I have a clue what’s going on?” The answer is YES, because all shows will have English subtitles, so there’s literally no excuse!
The Magic of Motown @ Palace Theatre
Wednesday 13th November
Back-to-back hits that you know and adore brought to life on stage in a dazzling concert. One for the mum’s, granny’s, dad’s, grandad’s… the whole entire family really!
Rewrites: The Marriage of Kim K @ The Lowry
Wednesday 13th – Saturday 16th November
I was dubious including this in the roundup, but it actually sounds quite alright. Well I’ll let you be the judge of that. It’s a Mozart Opera mixed with a Kardashian musical, a rom com about the two famous Kardashian marriages, set to a score of pop, electronic and classical.
Circus 1903 @ The Lowry
Tuesday 19th – Sunday 24th November
This show will transport all the way back to the turn of the century and will include sensational life-sized elephants stunningly created by puppeteers from War Horse, putting elephants back in the ring as never before. The circus boasts a huge cast of jaw-dropping and dangerous acts from across the globe including acrobats, contortionists, trapeze and high wire performers, transporting you to the Golden Age of Circus.
Dr Faustus @ The Lowry
Wednesday 20th November
Marlowe’s classic morality tale is set to be adapted by Splendid Productions into an hour of laughter, music, magic and amazement. Dr Faustus uses his fabulous intellect to summon the actual devil to grant his every wish! But the devil has a price: it will cost Faustus his soul.
The Astonishing Times of Timothy Cratchit @ Hope Mill Theatre
Friday 22nd November – Sunday 29th December
Whilst you have plenty of time to go and see this, you’ll be mad to miss The Astonishing Times of Timothy Cratchit. Inspired by the characters of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, the story follows the plight of young Tim from the home of his benefactor, Ebenezer Scrooge, to the theatrical madness of the great comic, Giuseppe Grimaldi.
Priscilla Queen of the Desert @ Palace Theatre
Monday 25th – Saturday 30th November
The West End staple comes to Palace Theatre for a very limited run. Drag queen Anthony takes his act on the road, he invites fellow cross-dresser Adam and transsexual Bernadette along for the ride on their bus, Priscilla. They travel across the Australian desert performing for enthusiastic crowds and homophobic locals to boot.
Gypsy @ Royal Exchange Theatre
Saturday 30th November – Saturday 25th January 2020
Broadway comes back to Manchester in the form of Gypsy, enjoying an extended run through to January 2020. You’ll have heard songs from it, such as ‘Everything’s Coming Up Roses’, Some People and Rose’s Turn (all classics if you aren’t aware).
