MANCHESTER
SHOWS AND TICKETS

They dominated the charts for nearly ten years! They enjoyed nine number one records in the UK! They became Sweden's biggest export earners outselling Volvo cars! Sweden's international music phenomenon: Abba - Agnetha, Bjorn, Benny and Anni Frid - became global superstars of the 70's with their unique pop anthems. From their 1974 Eurovision triumph to an unbroken string of hits around the world their music has enjoyed unparalleled acclaim. Now you can experience Abba mania with this special live tribute concert. Enjoy all of your favourite classics Take A Chance On Me, Voulez Vous, Dancing Queen, Super Trouper, The Winner Takes It All, join in the party and have the time of your life.

Bowie tribute act.

Two Spanish women have really tried to earn a living as actresses. They've taken the roles, lived the part, but now it's time to come clean. This is a charming, political and physical performance that walks us through the dreams and realities of two friends who've never stopped performing. Actresses Always Lie is a performance exploration, using the stereotype and universe of 'the actress' as a springboard to talk about a wide range of subjects, from gender to trade and precariousness.

Studio. Part of Flare - the International Festival of New Theatre

Afro Celt Sound System formed more than 20 years ago when Simon Emmerson brought a group of musicians from the UK and Africa to Peter Gabriel's Real World Studios. Since then, they have released a "trail-blazing" (PopMatters) fusion of African and Celtic music, bringing together "an irresistible blend of rhythms and lilting spirituality aimed equally at the head, heart and feet" (BBC Music). They perform following the release of their latest album, The Source. "I can guarantee it's a unique and unmissable spectacle," says Folk Radio of their live shows.

Rock fans are in for a treat as three classic bands join together to celebrate their part in the history of rock. The show opens with rock legends THE GROUNDHOGS featuring Tony T.S. Mcphee. After the first of two intervals Martin Turner's WISHBONE ASH takes to the stage. Martin Turner was of course the founding member, lead vocalist, bassist and creative force of the original WISHBONE ASH line up and performs their hits including ?Blowin Free', ?Argus' and many more. And last, but certainly not least, with their unique blend of progressive rock FOCUS manifested themselves at the start of the seventies as the most successful and most appreciated of all the Dutch rock exports. Hits came in the form of ?Hocus Pocus' ?House of the King' and ?Sylvia' and many more.

Now into his 31st year in music, Alice Cooper set about making in indelible mark on the industry from the very start. He is considered to be the first artist to wear make-up and outrageous clothing on stage, combined with loud rock music. He soon gained notoriety as 'The Master of Shock Rock' and 'The Black Humorist Supreme'. 'We were into fun, sex, death and money when everybody was into peace and love', explains Alice. 'We wanted to see what was next. It turned out that we were next'. Combined with outrageous, headline-grabbing stage shows, Alice soon had numerous gold and platinum albums under his belt: Love It To Death, Killer, Schools Out, Billion Dollar Babies, Welcome To My Nightmare and Trash and singles School's Out, I'm Eighteen. Elected, No More Mr Nice Guy, Only Women Bleed and Poison became teen anthems.

With her deep, bluesy voice, British singer [Alison Moyet rose to fame as half of the 80s synth-pop due Yazoo.

As a child Anna was diagnosed with a severe mental illness and prescribed a cocktail of medication. Now she's a young adult and wondering for the fi rst time how life might feel without it. But as Anna tries to distance herself from her doctor and the label that has defined most of her young life, her mother, Renee, refuses to let go, threatening the fragile balance they have both fought so hard to maintain. Winner of a Judges Award at the 2015 Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting, Kendall Feaver's extraordinary play is unfl inchingly honest and woven through with startlingly delicate humour. THE ALMIGHTY SOMETIMES is a profoundly moving portrait of a young woman trying to take control, and a mother compelled to protect her.

World Premiere.

The Great Hall

Angelos Epithemiou (BBC 2 Shooting Stars) and Barry From Watford (BBC Radio 2 Steve Wright) come together to discuss how to succeed in business, where they think corporations have got it right and wrong and the direction in which the financial sector is headed. But mostly they will be discussing the bookies, Londis, Crimewatch, their balls, if you can claim benefits in space, whether or not Kim Jong Un cuts his own hair and how Ban Ki Moon once nearly lost The UN in a poker game.

Freddie Mercury. Whitney Houston. Elton John. Starlight Express. We Will Rock You. Annie. Hot Gossip...The list goes on... and on... and on.... Arlene has been an inimitable choreographer and director for over four decades. Since creating the provocative dance group Hot Gossip in the 1970's, Arlene has been a household name. Whether you know Arlene from Hot Gossip or as the toughest judge on Strictly Come Dancing, prepare to be surprised and entertained by the stories behind the multi-award winning musicals, the music videos, the TV shows, the films and many more dance extravaganzas. Arlene gossips with Jacquie Storey about a lifetime in dance and reveals the truth behind the Glitz, the Glamour and the Gossip.

Whether you know Arlene from Hot Gossip or as the toughest judge on Strictly Come Dancing, prepare to be surprised and entertained by the stories behind the multi-award winning musicals, the music videos, the TV shows, the films and many more dance extravaganzas.

Five guys from Down Under have mastered Pink Floyd's whole sound and reproduce it with perfect covers of all the hits.

Available Light beautifully unites the distinct visions of its three creators. Gehry's designs playfully subvert convention, setting a backdrop of chain-link fencing against a stage split over two levels. Adams' hypnotic soundtrack pulses out in waves, subtly blending acoustic brass with synthesisers and electronics as it anchors the movements of a dozen dancers. And Childs' intricate, mesmerising choreography, playing with notions of space and time, is a brilliant distillation of the minimalist aesthetic that has long kept her work at the cutting edge.

When Stella sets off to visit London with her parents, Lord and Lady Saxby, she has no idea her life is in danger! Waking up three months later, only her Aunt Alberta can tell Stella what has happened. But not everything Aunt Alberta tells her turns out to be true and Stella quickly discovers she's in for the fight of her life against her very own awful Auntie!

Musica Popular Brasileira with a touch of jazz.

TOUR DATES

Beautiful -The Carole King Musical is the untold story of her journey from school girl to superstar; from her relationship with husband and song-writing partner Gerry Goffin, their close friendship and playful rivalry with fellow song-writing duo Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, to her remarkable rise to stardom. Features the Carole King classics including So Far Away, It Might As Well Rain until September, Take Good Care of my Baby, Will You Love Me Tomorrow, Up on the Roof, Locomotion, One Fine Day, You've Got a Friend, (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman and I Feel the Earth Move.

We live in a time where old orders are collapsing: from the post-colonial nation states of the Middle East, to the EU and the American election. Through it all, tech savvy and extremist groups rip through 20th century political certainties. Amidst this, a generation of young men find themselves burning with resentment; this crisis of masculinity leads them into an online world of fantasy, violence and reality. Manchester-based writer and theatre-maker Javaad Alipoor spent time in this digital realm, exploring the blurry and complex world of extremists, spies, journalists and fantasists. This bold one-man show weaves together their stories, inviting the audience into that web.

Through this lens in a show co-commissioned by HOME, Transform Festival, and Ovalhouse in London, Javaad explores the complexities of being a young male Muslim today.

Part of the Orbit Festival

'Heaven is a Place on Earth', 'Leave a Light On', 'Runaway Horses' - just a few of the huge hits from Belinda Carlisle.

Ben Portsmouth and the Taking Care of Elvis Band returns to Henley, following two brilliant sell-out performances last year. Ben looks like Elvis, sings like Elvis and has an on-stage charisma that has audiences believing they are watching the King himself. In 2012 Ben was crowned the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist in Memphis, the only artist from outside the USA ever to win this prestigious title. This achievement led to global success and Ben now headlines concerts all over the world with his phenomenal Elvis tribute show.

Nothing can compare to the iconic film scores of John Williams. Hosted by irrepressible showman and conductor Anthony Inglis, this exciting concert is a fitting celebration of his most popular music from E.T. to Star Wars and beyond...

Big Country was formed in 1981 by guitar playing founder members Stuart Adamson and Bruce Watson, who both originated from the band's hometown, Dunfermline in Scotland. They were then joined by drummer Mark Brzezicki and bass player Tony Butler who completed the award-winning band.

Regarded by many as a classic, the multi-million selling album Steeltown went straight to the number one slot in the album charts when it was released in 1984, produced by Steve Lillywhite. The band will perform songs from the album as well as their classic hits and live favourites such as Fields of Fire, Chance, Where The Rose Is Sown, Wonderland, Look Away and many more taken from their eight other studio albums which include The Seer, Peace In Our Time and the triple Grammy-nominated The Crossing.

British Comedy Award winner Bill has enjoyed success on the live stage for many years. In 2001 he took his show Bewilderness to New York for an eight week run at the Westbeth Theatre. The New York Times wrote of him, "Bill is an unalloyed pleasure, a treat for the funny bone, the brain and the ear" and The Telegraph pronounced him "a hobbit with a wicked sense of humour". In 2004 he performed his show Part Troll at over fifty venues around the UK, culminating in an extended run at London's Wyndhams Theatre. In 2007 he embarked on a sold-out UK arena tour with his audio-visual, comedic extravaganza, Tinselworm. He took the show down under during the summer of 2008, touring Australia and New Zealand, before returning to London in December 2008 for a ten week run of the show at The Gielgud Theatre. The summer of 2009 saw Bill tour the UK once again with his live show, Bill Bailey Live. Last autumn, following his performances at London's Royal Albert Hall and the resulting critically acclaimed BBC2 television broadcast, Bill enjoyed a very successful UK tour of his musical comedy extravaganza, Bill Bailey's Remarkable Guide to the Orchestra. Performing alongside some of the UK's finest orchestras, the show provided fans with the opportunity to see Bill's surreal comic and musical imagination at its best and was described by The Telegraph as "a glorious achievement," The Guardian as "sublime hilarity" and Stephen Fry as "wonderfully enjoyable... like driving a Rolls-Royce off-road."

The World's most notorious terrorist tells his story in this remarkable, provocative and Multi-Award-Winning One-Man show.

This incendiary, intelligent debut from Kna?ve Theatre provides a fresh perspective, creating within the unthinkable a space for debate and dialogue.

Studio

Thomas, Matthew and Richard walk. They walk the first Saturday of every month. Walking and talking. But this walk... Maybe they should have cancelled, but they needed the walk today. Out in the Peaks, they find themselves forced to walk backwards through two thousand years before they can move forwards. This story is part of Revolution Mix - a movement that is delivering the largest ever number of new Black British Stories nationally. It is inspired by and dedicated to the Black Men's Walking Group, and is a compelling, constantly surprising new show that turns a spotlight onto Britain's missing histories.

World Premiere

Studio

The son of folk legend Ashley Hutchings and singer Judy Dunlop, Blair is well on his way to carving out his own place in the musical hierarchy both as a solo performer and as a member of the reformed Albion Band.

The band have had a busy year playing live to sold out venues and packed festival tents across the UK and Europe, including Glastonbury, Field Day, The Great Escape, T in the Park and the Isle of Wight Festival.

Beatles tribute band which faithfully recreate the sound and images of the Fab Four from their early 'moptop' days through Revolver and Sgt Pepper to their final performance on the rooftop of the Apple building. The atmosphere is perpetuated with the use of authentic instruments, costumes and backdrops and special effects, giving a nostalgic re-creation of the era. The band will be joined on stage by a nine-piece orchestra. Since the Bootlegs were formed in 1980, they have enjoyed spectacular success both at home and abroad. Their international reputation accelerated following a sixty date tour of the then USSR in 1982. They have performed in France, Spain, India the USA and before an audience of 18,000 in Manila.

Riotous original songs meet hyper surreal, high fashion in this political rally slash arena spectacular, performed in a damp cave, by a pair of absolute weirdos with a dubious moral compass. Critically acclaimed musical satirists Bourgeois & Maurice present a provocative, thought-provoking and cuttingly hilarious guide to engaging with the complex issues of today's geo-political climate... without too much effort on anyone's part.

Part of the Orbit Festival

Boyce Avenue, a Florida-based band popular for its strong acoustic roots and melodic rock sound, consists of the three brothers Alejandro, Fabian, and Daniel Manzano.

Scottee grew up in a macho world of strong, brave and violent men and boys. Bravado, his memoir of London working-class masculinity as seen by a sheep in wolf's clothing, was described by The Stage as "an astonishing show. It's an open wound that bleeds painful truths."

The festival opens with this no holds-barred exploration into what masculinity meant in the final decade of the 20th century

Part of the Orbit Festival

Bring It On: The Musical tells the story of the challenges and unexpected bonds formed through the thrill of extreme competition. Dive into a high-octane thrill ride where the cutthroat world of competitive cheerleading meets high school politics and teenage romance. With an exciting score, explosive choreography and breathtaking athleticism, this is a universal coming-of-age story.

Broadcasts directly from the National Theatre, Royal Opera House and other famous theatres around the world onto a big screen. Broadcasts may be of live performances or "Encore" screenings of previous famous productions recorded "as live".

Live performance broadcast.

Broadcasts directly from the National Theatre, Royal Opera House and other famous theatres around the world onto a big screen. Broadcasts may be of live performances or "Encore" screenings of previous famous productions recorded "as live".

Live performance broadcast.

Broadcasts directly from the National Theatre, Royal Opera House and other famous theatres around the world onto a big screen. Broadcasts may be of live performances or "Encore" screenings of previous famous productions recorded "as live".

Live performance broadcast.

Broadcasts directly from the National Theatre, Royal Opera House and other famous theatres around the world onto a big screen. Broadcasts may be of live performances or "Encore" screenings of previous famous productions recorded "as live".

Live performance broadcast.

Broadcasts directly from the National Theatre, Royal Opera House and other famous theatres around the world onto a big screen. Broadcasts may be of live performances or "Encore" screenings of previous famous productions recorded "as live".

Live performance broadcast.

One of the freshest and bravest talents to emerge in British poetry - any poetry - for years.

Joining Carol Ann are new writers from Manchester MET and a variety of established poets offering a medley of jazz, poetry and conversation.

Studio

Features the music and tells the story of one of the closest of brother-sister relationships, a professional relationship that received world wide recognition and an enviable run of chart successes. The show has been touring since 1989 when it was widely held to be the UK's first ever tribute show.

Celtic Woman features the very special talents of four Irish female vocalists and a very exciting fiddle player.

British band.

British singer-songwriter with a distinctive husky voice and slide guitar style.

Lauded by peers and critics alike, Chris Rock is one of our generation's strongest comedic voices. As an actor, director, producer and writer he has created many pivotal pop culture moments.

With a career spanning more than three decades, Chris Rock is a true icon whose star shines even brighter.

Cilla - The Musical, is a spectacular and heart-warming musical adaptation of the critically acclaimed ITV mini-series based on the early life of Cilla Black, by BAFTA award winner, Jeff Pope (The Moorside, Philomena, From The Cradle To The Grave, Mrs Biggs). The story follows the extraordinary life of the ordinary teenage girl from Liverpool, Priscilla White, and her rocky, yet incredible, rise to fame. By the age of just 25 she was recognized as international singing star Cilla Black. By the age of 30 she had become Britain's favourite television entertainer headlining series' of Blind Date, Surprise Surprise and many more.

The musical score will be the ultimate soundtrack to the 60's including Cilla's greatest hits Anyone Who Had a Heart, Alfie and Something Tells Me, alongside a backdrop of the legendary "Liverpool Sound" including the Beatles' Twist and Shout, and American influences like California Dreamin by The Mamas and The Papas and many more.

TOUR DATES

A concoction of trapeze artists, daredevil circus acts, sword swallowers, voodoo acrobats, extreme contortionists and vampires - the finest examples of extreme circus! This event is not suitable for under 16s.

Audiences can look forward to an evening of fabulous nostalgia, returning to the early days of pop and featuring all Cliff's hits from this unforgettable era. Jimmy Jemain is one of the world's best known Cliff Richard tribute artists and has travelled extensively across the globe presenting this fantastic show.

Who is Serge? Why is he here? What is he claiming has happened to him? And what has Willy Wonka got to do with it? Based on the true stories of migrants caught in the most British of interview processes, The Claim asks what happens when your life is at stake and all you have to save it are your words.

Studio

Collabro are an English musical theatre boy band who took the Britain's Got Talent judges' and viewers' breath away with their renditions of classic tracks. Michael Auger, Richard Hadfield, Jamie Lambert, Thomas Leak and Matthew Pagan only formed a month prior to their audition for Britain's Got Talent and came together over their shared love of musical theatre.

A witty and touching play about class, friendship and absence, set in the forgotten town of Skelmersdale by award-winning writer and comedian Jackie Hagan. Shaun and Dent grew up best friends on the same council estate in Skem. Dent left, full of ambition, but 10 years later she's back. Can Shaun convince her Skem is an inheritance better than any house?

Studio

Songs such as "I've got Rhythm", "Embraceable You", "They Can't Take That Away From Me", "Nice Work if You Can Get it". The heart-warming story of Bobby Child's dream to be a dancer on the stage combined with a boy-meets-girl love story. Lots of songs and dancing. Popular with amateur clubs who perform by arrangement with MusicScope and Stage Musicals Ltd of New York.

TOUR DATES

Perrier 2001 Award Nominee. Time Out 2002 Award Winner. Perrier 2002 Award winner.

Marooned in the middle of a circle of microphones, speakers, lights and people Daniel Kitson will attempt to not simply, dismantle and rebuild his own ideas about compassion, isolation, solidarity and progress but in doing so momentarily alter the function of language and invent a new form of stand up comedy. So. There you go. That's something to look forward to.

When a theatre is 'dark' it means that it is closed. This may be temporary, e.g. between shows, or it may be semi-permanent, e.g. when it is closed for refurbishment (sometimes it is uncertain when this happens whether it will actually open again) and sometimes it means that the theatre is completely out to action, lost or gone!

British, full-on, Rock Band formed in 2000. Classic rock with great stage presence.

Formed in 1968 they have sold well over 100 million albums worldwide.

Oasis tribute band.

British band formed in 1980, originally from Basildon and emerging from the new wave/new romantic era.

The Global Spirit Tour supports the band's 14th studio album, Spirit, released March 17th via Columbia Records

London's streets of gold are calling and, with his faithful cat by his side, our hero Dick goes searching for his fortune in the big city. But he won't make it without your help! Be there to cheer Dick on along his journey, 'boo' at the biggest baddie of all time - King Rat - and ?ahh' at the object of Dick's affections, the beautiful Alice. Packed full of fabulous tunes, stunning dancing, fabulous costumes plus lots of festive sparkle and chances to join in, this is going to be one Christmas panto not to miss.

All the hits from the film's soundtrack, which includes Do You Love Me?, She's Like The Wind and Time Of My Life, are featured in the stage show along with some new numbers. The story has been re-written for the stage, but includes all of the movies memorable moments and some added scenes as well. The Houseman's take their vacation at a popular holiday camp, where youngest daughter 'Baby' meets dance teacher from the wrong side of the tracks, Johnny. There begins a classic love story through which we see that love can conquer all barriers and we learn that 'nobody puts Baby in the corner'!

Passport to Adventure features all the classic characters such as Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald, Goofy and Daisey, alongside new favourites from the The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan and the number one animated feature film of all time, Frozen.

Since The Divine Comedy's inception in 1989, Neil Hannon has time and again proved to be one of the UK's best and most original songwriters. New album 'Foreverland' exemplifies this, with references to everything from Catherine The Great to the French Foreign Legion. Neil says of the new record, 'it's about meeting your soul mate and living happily ever after... and then what comes after happily ever after. Get ready for the most historically inaccurate hit of the summer'.

With their eagerly anticipated eleventh album ?Foreverland' due for release September 2nd, The Divine Comedy have announced 18 UK & Irish dates (alongside a full European tour) this October and early in 2017.

The Doors were a celebration of all that was wild, weird and wonderful about 60 s L.A. The Doors Alive, the UK s premier Doors tribute band, recreate the look, sounds and vibe of a classic performance. Their energetic show is delivered with style and professionalism and is the ultimate Doors experience with a set list including; Love Me Two Times, Five To One, People Are Strange, Hello I Love You, Twentieth Century Fox, Riders On The Storm, The Crystal Ship, When The Music's Over, Unknown Soldier, Touch Me, Love Her Madly, Roadhouse Blues, Alabama Song, Back Door Man, Break On Through, Soul Kitchen, The Changeling, Gloria, L.A. Woman, Light My Fire, Peace Frog & Moonlight Drive.

Eliza Carthy will be performing traditional material drawn from her stunning career and chart topping album Wayward Daughter. The daughter of English greats Martin Carthy and Norma Waterson, her fiddle playing is soaring with visceral, intricate emelody and her voice is charged with deep soul and emotion. She battled back from career threatening vocal surgery and is now stronger than ever. This year, Eliza Carthy was nominated for the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Album of the Year for The Moral of the Elephant, a joint album with her father Martin. Her band, The Wayward, include some of the finest players of recent times. Members have played with bands such as Bellowhead, Mawkin, the Emily Portman Trio and the Peatbog Fairies.

In 1970, in a city called Birmingham, a musical superpower was established. So significant were their creations, the effects of their writings can still be felt today. Performing all the hits from one of the greatest bands of the 70's and 80's...Live!

One of the UK's leading Ballet Companies.

Song of the Earth - Inspired by Mahler's haunting song cycle Das Lied von der Erde, MacMillan brings music, poetry and choreography together to capture the fragility of life, and its constant renewal. Three central figures portray the bittersweet reality of love, loss, and mortality: a Woman, a Man and an enigmatic Messenger. First performed in 1965, Song of the Earth was a point of departure for MacMillan's choreography, surprising and captivating audiences and critics. English National Ballet is honoured to add this revered MacMillan work to its repertoire. La Sylphide - On the morning of his wedding to his sweet fianc?e Effy, James awakens from a dream to see a mysterious and tantalising Sylphide before him. His obsession with her sets off a fateful sequence of events where joy turns to sorrow, love to betrayal and infatuation to tragedy. August Bournonville's classic Romantic ballet is devotedly recreated by Eva Kloborg and Frank Andersen in this captivating production, and is accompanied by an enchanting score, played live by English National Ballet Philharmonic.

One of the UK's leading Ballet Companies.

Song of the Earth - Inspired by Mahler's haunting song cycle Das Lied von der Erde, MacMillan brings music, poetry and choreography together to capture the fragility of life, and its constant renewal. Three central figures portray the bittersweet reality of love, loss, and mortality: a Woman, a Man and an enigmatic Messenger. First performed in 1965, Song of the Earth was a point of departure for MacMillan's choreography, surprising and captivating audiences and critics. English National Ballet is honoured to add this revered MacMillan work to its repertoire. La Sylphide - On the morning of his wedding to his sweet fianc?e Effy, James awakens from a dream to see a mysterious and tantalising Sylphide before him. His obsession with her sets off a fateful sequence of events where joy turns to sorrow, love to betrayal and infatuation to tragedy. August Bournonville's classic Romantic ballet is devotedly recreated by Eva Kloborg and Frank Andersen in this captivating production, and is accompanied by an enchanting score, played live by English National Ballet Philharmonic.

British synth-pop band, achieved 24 consecutive Top 20 hits in the 1980/90s.

A darkly comic look at the EU's founding ideals and what got lost along the way. A first sharing by Nasi Voutsas & Bertrand Lesca, co-produced by FellSwoop Theatre. Inspired by the ongoing crisis in Athens and all over Europe, your hosts for the afternoon - one Greek and one French - summon up the spirits and ideas of their favourite revolutionary leaders. Among a mess of food, wine and traditional tzatziki, two performers and a drummer speak, sing and dance against austerity.

Part of the Orbit Festival

The story of Eva Peron of Argentina - the poor girl made good, champion of the people, wife of the President and charismatic speaker who died young. Made into a film starring Madonna in 1996 where it won an Oscar for Best Song (a new song not in the original stage show).

A tribute to George Michael. The show is packed with crowd pleasing anthems. From Wham! classics of the 'new pop' revival to the chart topping success of the eighties album Faith. All the awesome tunes of the nineties & noughties including the irresistible Flawless.

Join the infamous group of T.V's most loveable characters as they are put through their Zumba paces at their local branch of Super Slimmers by the lovelorn Lauren whilst Kelly fantasises about fitting in to the wedding dress of her dreams.

The show explores identity, nationality, masculinity - and what it means to belong in a world weighed down by the expectations of others. Tender and tough, honest and true, FATHERLAND is a vital and necessary show about what we were, who we are and what we'd like to become.

FATHERLAND is a bold new theatre show created by Scott Graham from Frantic Assembly, Underworld's Karl Hyde and playwright Simon Stephens, focusing on contemporary fatherhood in all its complexities and contradictions. Inspired by conversations with fathers and sons from the trio's home towns in the heart of the country, FATHERLAND is a survey of life in England's towns today. The show will transform the familiar spaces of Manchester's Royal Exchange Theatre, with a cast of 13 men and a remarkable, all-embracing musical score by Karl Hyde and Matthew Herbert.

Former Marillion frontman whose solo material has built on his already solid reputation as a singer and songwriter. Fish's music defies trends and fashion and it's a brave statement.

Based on the Paramount Pictures Film by Tom Hedley. Set in Pittsburgh, USA, Flashdance tells the story of 18 year old Alex, a welder by day and 'flashdancer' by night, whose dream is to obtain a place at the prestigious Shipley Academy. This musical about holding on to your dreams and love against all the odds features an iconic score including Maniac, Manhunt, Gloria, I Love Rock and Roll and the Academy award-winning title track Flashdance -What a Feeling.

TOUR DATES

1970's British/American rock band originally formed by Mick Jones, Ian McDonald and Lou Gramm.

Amy Winehouse tribute act. The show features Amy's original band, with the incredible Alba Plano as Amy and is the most authentic re-imaging of the Amy Winehouse phenomena ever seen.

Forever Changes is a moving new play that explores the effects of Domestic Violence

This event takes place at 53two , 8 Albion Street, Manchester M1 5NZ. Tel: 07821 452 473

Featuring Bruce Foxton from the original line up of The Jam and from Stiff Little Fingers. Playing classic The Jam hits such as Down In The Tube Station At Midnight, Going Underground, Town Called Malice and The Modern World as well as songs from Bruce Foxton's solo career.

Fearless ugly duckling Fanny Brice resolutely believes she’s ‘a great big clump of talent!’ and sets out to show the world that her star quality can win over Broadway and fulfil her American dream. But as Fanny’s star rises with the legendary Ziegfeld Follies, her stormy marriage to the charismatic but wayward entrepreneur Nick Arnstein falters. Funny Girl brilliantly balances exuberance and energy with genuine emotion. Poignant, gutsy and wildly witty, its dazzling score includes ‘I’m the Greatest Star’, ‘People (who need people are the luckiest people in the world)’ and the rousing ‘Don’t Rain on My Parade’. .

Soundcrash presents Ghostpoet live at the Hackney Empire. Obaro Ejimiwe, aka Ghostpoet, laughs when he remembers how Gilles Peterson "took a risk on a random maverick" back in 2010 by signing him to the Radio 1 DJ's Brownswood imprint. Within a year, that risk paid off: Ghostpoet's debut album, Peanut Butter Blues & Melancholy Jam, marked him out as one of the most distinct, uncategorisable and forward-thinking voices to emerge in British music this decade, and it was rewarded with a surprise Mercury Prize nomination in 2011. It was a sudden rise for a man who for whom news of a record deal came in the same week that he was made redundant from his office job in insurance. Two years on, having moved on from Brownswood to PIAS, Ghostpoet's creativity has blossomed even more. On his second album, Some Say I So I Say Light, he pushes even further in all directions than on Peanut Butter Blues, mixing the abstract and the concrete with uncanny skill. With his live shows causing a stir wherever they go we can't wait to see what he has in store for us at the stunning Hackney Empire in October.

Gladys began her lengthy music career in the 1950's when she performed alongside her brother, sister and cousins. 1959 saw the group secured their first big hit in America with a cover version of "Every Beat of My Heart". They received international recognition when they signed to the world famous Motown record label. Their hit single "Midnight Train to Georgia" remains one of the most famous Motown tunes to date and was honored as one of "The Greatest Songs of All Time" by Rolling Stone magazine. After almost three decades together the band split but Gladys went on to become a global superstar. Career highlights include recording the official theme song to the James Bond movie "License to Kill", winning eleven Grammy awards and receiving a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame.

Gladys Knight, will be performing all her classic hits - 'Midnight Train To Georgia' (which remains one of the most famous Motown records to date and was honoured as one of 'The Greatest Songs Of All Time' by Rolling Stone Magazine); 'Help Me Make It Through The Night'; 'Licence To Kill' (the official theme song to the James Bond film); ?The Way We Were'; 'Baby Don't Change Your Mind' and You're The Best Thing (that ever happened to me) - plus tracks from her latest album 'Where My Heart Belongs'.

Created in 1998 by blur singer Damon Albarn and graphic artist Jamie Hewlett, Gorillaz are the most successful virtual band of all time. Their debut album sold over 7 million copies and produced the hugely popular Clint Eastwood. With two further albums the Gorillaz have established themselves as a dynamic force of musical creation.

A man wakes in the middle of the night to discover that the world has stopped. Through the crack in his bedroom curtains he can see no signs of life at all...other than a light in the house opposite where a woman in an oversized Bowie T-shirt stands, looking back at him. The Greatest Play in the History of the World...is a love story, set on Preston Road and also in space and in time, told by Julie Hesmondhalgh, written by Ian Kershaw and directed by Raz Shaw.

Studio

Star of We Are Klang (BBC3) and well known as Mr Gilbert, Head of Sixth Form in The Inbetweeners (E4), Greg Davies performs his hotly anticipated stand-up show Firing Cheeseballs at a Dog. If.comedy Award nominated comedian, Greg has performed on numerous TV Shows including: '8 Out Of 10 Cats' (Channel 4), 'Mock the Week' (BBC Two), 'Never Mind The Buzzcocks' (BBC Two).

Greg Wohead presents two shows, both performed to one audience member at a time. The Backseat of My Car (and other safe spaces), about being a teenager and those moments when you're on the verge of something exciting, will be presented on the roof of the Q-Park car park next to HOME, one performance after another. Hurtling, an outdoor performance with a cassette player and headphones, is re-made for each location in which it's performed, will take place on the Top Floor of HOME. The Backseat of My Car (and other safe spaces) is supported by Q-Parks and Ford Credit.

Part of the Orbit Festival

Grizzly Bear are the Brooklyn four-piece whose post-Radiohead sonic vistas have been blowing many a mind in recent times. Their music utilises melody and ambiance in conjunction with hazy-eyed choruses, whistles, piano, banjo and several woodwind instruments.

GUNS 2 ROSES, established in 2002, are the UK's longest-running Guns N Roses tribute. Over the past 10 years they have officially become the biggest GNR tribute in history and have appeared many times in the newspapers and television.

"If you're concerned, just talk to a member of our staff or, alternatively, swing your legs over the edge of the bed and walk out, remembering to pull the camera from your bum before leaving the hospital." Liz has got an embarrassing problem and these Activia yogurts aren't helping. Her body's acting up.

In a bold new show, The Conker Group and HOME present this shameless tale of love, laughter and lavatories. Inviting you on a journey of frank confessions, colourful characters and too much brown sauce, Gutted is based on solo performer Liz Richardson's real life experiences as a twenty-something living with Ulcerative Colitis (similar to Crohn's).

For the first time, the DJs who shaped the Ha?ienda sound, Graeme Park and Mike Pickering, will perform a continuous set of Ha?ienda classics alongside the Manchester Camerata orchestra and special guests.

Hairspray tells the story of geeky teen Tracy Turnblad - a big girl with a big heart, big dreams, a big stage mother and even bigger hair - who finds celebrity on TV dance programme. Can Tracy get the guy and still have time to change the world?

TOUR DATES

The most famous, and entertaining, basketball team in the World.

Heather Small, the biggest voice, and biggest haircut, in pop. Most famous for being the voice of Manchester based band M People, she has also enjoyed a successful solo career.

Rising from the ashes of the original line-up of The Human League, Heaven 17 immediately returned with their musical manifesto - Penthouse & Pavement - mixing the art-school electronics with which they had made their name, with lush funk arrangements.

The musical journeys back to the very beginning of time. It is a classic re-telling of the well-known story of Adam and Eve, and their tragic fall from Paradise. Heaven on Earth is an exhilarating story of love, loss, and redemption, and an exploration of the universal search for the meaning of life. This brand new musical, and its original emotive songs, will resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds, and stay with the audience long after they view this thrilling and visual treat of a production.

This is a huge production which will see the Garden of Eden created in all its magnificent glory and a whole host of special effects including fire, water and animatronics.

Helen Stephens' rip roaring story comes to life with puppetry and songs When a lion is chased out of town, a young girl helps him find somewhere to hide. It's not easy - lions are too big, too fluffy and too heavy! Join Iris on a mission to squeeze and squash her furry new friend into a variety of sneaky spots, as Helen Stephens' magical book comes to life this Easter holiday with playful humour, dazzling puppetry and original songs.

Studio

Based on the charred remains of a true story. The 5th Marquis of Anglesey was one of the wealthiest men who ever lived. He burned brightly, briefly and transvestitely at the end of the 19th Century, blowing his family's colossal fortune on diamond frocks, lilac-dyed poodles, putting on amazing plays to which nobody came, touring Germany performing the inexplicable "Famous Electric Butterfly Dance", and generally desperately trying to make himself a legend. After he died at 29, his family, in vengeance, burned every proof they could find that he existed, and carried on as though he never was. How to Win Against History is a hilarious, ripped-up musical about expectations, manliness, disappointment and being totally fabulous: Hedwig and the Angry Inch meets Noises Off in a ballgown. A frothy, glossy costume drama about the stories we tell to convince ourselves it's all going well, and the moments we realise it's not.

Part of the Orbit Festival

Since his first single 'New Song' was released in 1983 and went to No 3 in the UK chart, Howard Jones has amassed platinum and gold albums, with worldwide sales now exceeding 8 million.

English synthpop duo from Manchester

Steve Steinman's all new hit show delivers the best of the best soundtracks from some of the coolest and Iconic movies of all time. A full cast of incredible singers, dancers, and formidable band blast their way through some of the most recognisable music ever! David Bowie, Tina Turner, AC/DC, Prince, Elvis and Paul McCartney are just a few of the legendary performers who have made the movie soundtracks unforgettable. All teamed up with an incredible stage set, pyrotechnics, video projected screens and aerial silk performances. It's a show that will blow you away. So go ahead Punk, Make Your Day!

Go West, Nik Kershaw and special guest T'Pau together in concert. The 80s are back as these three legendary stars join forces for a truly incredible concert experience. With millions of albums sales and iconic hits such as We Close Our Eyes, Call Me, King Of Wishful Thinking, Wouldn't It Be Good, The Riddle, I Won't Let The Sun Go Down On Me, Heart and Soul and the classic China in Your Hand, this authentic eighties triple header is not to be missed.

New York-based comedy troupe, whose four members are the creators, executive producers, and stars of truTV's hit series, "Impractical Jokers".

In the Night Garden Live is an amazing musical theatre experience for all the family. Children's favourite CBeebies' stars - Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends - are all brought beautifully to life on stage using full-size costumes, magical puppets, enchanting music and breath-taking projections.

In the Night Garden Live takes place in its own family-friendly Showdome. There are three domes altogether, which are a colossal 65m long, 35m wide and 14m high! The largest dome hosts the theatre, with its beautiful costumed characters, puppets, breathtaking projections and spacious seating stand. There are only 13 rows of seats so wherever you sit everyone gets a great view. The other two domes are there to make your visit as easy and enjoyable as possible. Everything is really family-friendly, from the welcoming staff to ample buggy parking, microwaves, flushing toilets (with toddler steps and seat inserts) and baby-changing facilities.

The Showdome, intu Trafford Centre

A 12-year-old girl sneaks across the border of her own country, watched by her parents, viewing on a computer screen. Instructions for Border Crossing is an exposed gearbox of a political thriller, mixing writer and performer Daniel Bye's trademark storytelling with a series of live interventions from the audience - the show itself is as unstable as the world it describes

Part of the Orbit Festival

Interpol made a splash in alt/rock circles when its debut album, 2002's Turn on the Bright Lights, was named "Album of the Year" by Pitchfork Media, then released even more popular albums like Our Love to Admire. Interpol is known for a wildly original live show that features favourites like "Slow Hands" and "Evil".

German-born American hip-hop artist and producer. First album released September 2011 Cole World: The Sideline Story

Cole is touring in support of his fourth album, the Platinum-certified 4 Your Eyez Only, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 chart in December. The "4 Your Eyez Only Tour? follows Cole's 2015 "Forest Hills Drive Tour," which was the highest-selling hip-hop tour of that year, after which Cole embarked on an international festival run in 2016.

Jack's always wanted to be a real man, like the ones in the audience at Top Gear, but unfortunately he likes Smirnoff Ice and looks wrong with his shirt off. Jack has firmly established himself as one of the country's most exciting and successful comedy talents, a status cemented by his People's Choice Award for the King of Comedy at the 2012, 2013 & 2014 British Comedy Awards. He cut his teeth at the Edinburgh Fringe, taking up four sell out shows over three consecutive years and earning an Edinburgh Comedy Award nomination in the process with his debut show. Jack has since gone on to host Live At The Apollo and the Royal Variety Performance, as well as perform stand-up at the internationally prestigious Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Canada.

Brand new show ?At Large' will again see Jack perform in some of the largest venues in the land, bringing his unique brand of high-intensity silliness to thousands of fans.

Over the course of three decades, Jackson Browne has written and performed some of the most literate and moving songs in popular music. With classic albums like Late for the Sky, The Pretender, Running on Empty and For Everyman and songs like Doctor My Eyes and Lives in the Balance he has defined a genre of songwriting charged with honesty, emotion and personal politics, selling over 15 million albums and touching the hearts and minds of countless fans worldwide.

Castlefield Bowl.

Renowned for his hilarious observations and loveable, friendly delivery Jason has been a firm favourite with comedy fans of all ages since his first solo stand-up show earned him huge critical acclaim and a nomination for the prestigious Perrier Newcomer Award back in 2005.

Perrier nominee 2002.

Jimmy is gathering a selection of his very best jokes along with brand new material for the ultimate comedy show. A man who has devoted his life to crafting perfect jokes and has left a trail of laughter in his wake, Jimmy Carr's new tour will distil everything we love to laugh at and be shocked by, into one incredible, unparalleled night of entertainment. Jimmy Carr has been on the stand-up scene for a decade and a half. In that time he's performed 9 sell-out tours, playing nearly 2,000 shows to over 2 million people across 4 continents. He's won the British Comedy Award for 'Best Live Stand-Up Tour' and been nominated for the Perrier Award. Now all that experience is being put to good use - you can see all the greatest material from his extraordinary career in one show - this is the very best of Jimmy Carr.

TOUR DATES

Imagine the love child of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Dusty Springfield and you will begin to get a feel for Joanne Shaw Taylor's fiery guitar-playing, sultry vocals and 100% pure soul. Born and raised amongst the steelworks of Britain's Black Country, she picked up a guitar when she was 14 and has never looked back. She toured the UK with her own band, headlined at major clubs including Ronnie Scotts and played all the major European blues festivals, alongside the likes of BB King. Her own writing has led to her to something beyond the blues through a soulful mix of roots and pop influences sung in a haunting, smoky voice.

Joe is a hugely talented up-and-coming comedian with an unaffected, relaxed and effortless stage presence. An appealing, engaging and natural performer, have led him to progress rapidly since his first gig at the Comedy Store in Manchester in February 2008.

John Bishop is now one of the most in-demand acts on the comedy circuit. His engaging brand of observational humour mines his varied and colourful life experience, from being a Dad to cycling round the world and from a successful corporate career to being a club doorman.

American singer, songwriter, musician and actor.

John Mayall was, as a child, influenced by such greats as Leadbelly, Albert Ammons, Pinetop Smith, and Eddie Lang. From the age of 13 he taught himself to play and develop his own style with the aid of a neighbour's piano, borrowed guitars, and secondhand harmonicas. John met his soulmate in Eric Clapton, who had quit the Yardbirds in favour of playing the blues. This historic union culminated in the first hit album for John’s band, the Bluesbreakers, and resulted in worldwide legendary status. A succession of great musicians defined their artistic roots under John's leadership, and he became well known for discovering new talent. As sidemen left to form their own groups, others took their places. Peter Green, John McVie and Mick Fleetwood became Fleetwood Mac. Andy Fraser formed Free, and Mick Taylor joined the Rolling Stones. As Eric Clapton has stated, "John Mayall has actually run an incredibly great school for musicians."

The John Wilson Orchestra was formed by British orchestral conductor John Wilson in 1994. It is a symphonic orchestra that includes a big jazz band. It performs the original arrangements of MGM musicals and the works of Rodgers and Hammerstein

Boogie Woogie. Jools Holland needs little introduction. In 1973 he met up with Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook and formed Squeeze and with hits like 'Cool for Cats' and 'Up the Junction' Squeeze achieved spectacular success. In 1990 Jools sowed the seeds of the Rhythm and Blues Orchestra when he began touring with Squeeze's virtuoso drummer Gilson Lavis. This has evolved into a powerful and disciplined twelve-piece band, capable of selling out hundreds of shows a year all over Britain and Europe.

Dancing in the show requires all types of styles. This colourful retelling of the biblical story about Joseph, his uncanny abilities and his designer coat sings out to young and old alike with a score which is wall to wall hits - including Close Every Door and Any Dream Will Do. In this retelling of the Biblical story, Joseph is a handsome young man who is his father's favourite child, able to interpret dreams, and the bearer of an amazing coat. These facts lead Joseph's eleven brothers to become insatiably jealous. Thus, they sell Joseph into slavery to some passing Ishmaelites. After refusing the advances of his owner's wife, Joseph is sent to jail. Once in jail, he quickly becomes popular due to his ability to interpret dreams. The Pharaoh soon hears of Joseph's ability and appoints him to the post of Number Two man in Egypt. Years later, Joseph's now starving brothers arrive in Egypt and ask Joseph, whom they don't recognize, for assistance. Joseph, in turn, gives his brothers a scare, but eventually grants them all they desire, reveals his identity, and reunites the family.

Faith in the establishment collapsing everywhere. The far right on the march. Culture wars and random violence - all decked out in red, white and blue. But a spirit of anarchy hangs in the air, the desire to burn it all down and start over... THIS CAN ONLY BE 1977. ...RIGHT?

World Premiere. Derek Jarman's iconic film captured punk at its giddy height: a riot of music, DIY fashion, and every kind of sex - with a little pyromania thrown in. Now, forty years on, this new stage adaptation of JUBILEE remixes it for the social and political turmoil of 2017. Centred around a marauding girl gang on a killing spree and a time-travelling Queen Elizabeth I, it's a story of what happens when creativity and nihilism collide.

Eunice struggles to fit in. When she joins a wealthy family as their housekeeper, the very reason for her awkwardness, long hidden and deeply buried, leads inexorably to a terrible tale of murder in cold blood - on Valentine's Day. Ruth Rendell's brilliant plot unravels a lifetime of deceit, despair and cover-ups which, when revealed, brings a shocking revelation almost as grizzly as murder itself.

The founder of Del Amitri, Justin Currie's music is dominated by strong imagery and storytelling, powerful yet understated vocals and a sound that, whilst rooted in nineties pop-rock, translates beautifully modern urban ballads. With influences from Nick Cave, Crowded House and Mark Lanegan, his music is hauntingly dark, yet refreshingly uplifting.

Kaleo, the four piece band from Iceland who now call the US home are a gorgeous and raucous blend of rock, folk and blues. The band's debut album A/B showcases their multi-layered talent.

One of America's fastest rising comedy stars.

Amongst the most popular of Verdi's operas, La traviata is the work of a master of the musical drama. Its perfumed arias and soaring choruses vividly depict the ravishingly decadent but glamorous world of Parisian high society as the background to a heart rending story of romantic happiness destroyed. Original book called La Dame aux Camelias.

Fasten your seat-belt as the Lady Boys of Bangkok take off, soaring to new heights as they cruise the stratosphere of cabaret party entertainment with their spectacul production.

American singer, songwriter, actress and record producer. Performed at half-time in the 2017 Super Bowl. Albums include; The Fame, The Fame Monster, Born This Way, Artpop, Cheek to Cheek and Joanne.

Comedy band The Lancashire Hotpots combine Lancashire folk music with hilarious observations on contemporary life, singing songs about sat navs, online dating and goth music in traditional northern washboard style. The flat capped foursome only got together a year ago, but already they have become one of the north west's most in-demand live bands. Championed by Radio 1's Colin Murray, their hit song He's Turned Emo has been played nearly a quarter of a million times on MySpace.

As exciting as their new material is, Levellers' illustrious career speaks for itself. After almost 25 years of effortless musicality, incisive songwriting, and a passionate, dedicated approach, they have notched up 6 gold albums and 21 charting singles.

Leveret features three of England's finest musicians in an exciting new collaboration. Andy Cutting, Sam Sweeney and Rob Harbron are each regarded as masters of their instrument and are involved in numerous collaborations with a huge range of artists. Together their performances combine consummate musicianship, compelling delivery and captivating spontaneity.

Having sold over 40 million records worldwide since their 2000 debut, the LA-based band combines provoking rhymes and melodic vocals with neck-snapping beats, vicious guitar riffs, and dizzying scratches. With three successful studio albums and a fourth on the way Linkin Park have produced world wide hits including Crawling, One Step Closer, Somewhere I Belong, Bleed It Out and the hit New Divide from the hugely successful Transformers film.

The quartet's flawless 'silvery vocal harmonies' (The Guardian) and effortless on stage chemistry make them one of the most endearing acts in country music. Little Big Town collaborated with Pharell Williams who produced eight tracks on their last album Wanderlust (2016); the new single Better Man, taken from the much anticipated eighth studio album The Breaker, is out now and was written by Taylor Swift. Alongside their Albert Session performance, Little Big Town will be working with the Hall's Education & Outreach team to offer an exclusive experience for a group of young people.

Eleven time Grammy-award winning country stars Little Big Town will make their Royal Albert Hall debut in 2017 as part of the Albert Sessions prior to touring.

Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirlwall became Little Mix in 2011. They have sold over 7 million records, had two UK No.1 singles and two platinum albums 'DNA' and 'Salute'. As well as a successful arena tour they have been the recipients of both a Cosmo Ultimate Woman Award and a Glamour Women Of The Year Award. With over half a billion YouTube and Vevo views worldwide, they've also successfully become one of Britain's greatest exports with massive tours in the US, Australia and Japan - breaking the Spice Girls' long-held record of highest debut US chart position for a UK girl group in the process.

The ultimate AC/DC tribute, with all the classics from Whole Lotta Rosie to Highway To Hell, and a big difference - both the Bon Scott and Brian Johnson eras are portrayed.

Andrew Makepeace Ladd III and Melissa Gardner's 50-year relationship is chronicled through their letters. From their first childhood Valentines to their final guilty goodbyes, through the letters the audience learns of Andrew and Melissa's lifelong hopes and dreams, their failures and triumphs, and ultimately, their love for one another. Love Letters was first performed in New York in 1989 by John Rubinstein and Kathleen Turner. Since then, it has attracted several all-star casts, including Paul Newman and his wife Joanne Woodward. Charlton Heston and Lydia Clarke Heston first performed the two-hander in 1997 during a brief British regional tour. The play is unusual in that it has no director and no designer and requires, literally, no rehearsal. During the performance, clocking in at just under two hours, the actors sit on the stage at a table and read directly from the assorted letters.

An American naval officer (Pinkerton) 'acquires' a 15 year old Geisha wife during a stay in Japan - but has no intention of staying with her. After a while he returns to the USA and marries his fiancee. Meanwhile, Butterfly waits for him for three years, cut off from her family, religion and culture by being an American wife. And she is now a mother. When he finally returns she is overjoyed, but he brings with him his new wife. Story originally published in a magazine.

American female country music duo both of whom are singers, songwriters, and guitarists.

The smash hit show returns authentically recreating the sublime harmonies, slick moves, stylish looks and legendary musicianship that were the making of Motown.

Baby Love - 50 Years of No1 UK Hits Tour. Featuring more chart toppers than ever before, with the music of the Four Tops, Supremes, Temptations, Jackson 5, Isley Brothers, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Lionel Richie, the show marks the official arrival of Motown style, sophistication and musical brilliance to these shores.

As one of Eighties chart toppers Soft Cell, Mark Almond's distinctive voice graced the hits Tainted Love and Say Hello Wave Goodbye and as a solo artist still continues to write perfectly crafted pop and perform it with more than a dash of Show Biz.

Expect to hear massive hits including 'Heart Shaped Glasses', anthems such as 'Disposable Teens', 'The Dope Show' and ' dark cover versions including Depeche Mode's 'Personal Jesus', Soft Cell's 'Tainted Love' and the Eurythmics classic 'Sweet Dreams'. Showcasing tracks from new album 'The High End of Low' with a breathtaking stage and impressive costumes, this is a concert certainly not-to-be-missed.

Multi award-winning comic/activist Mark Thomas performed his first gigs in The Red Shed in Wakefield, a 47-foot-long wooden hut that doubles up as a Labour Club. Three decades later he returns to celebrate its 50th birthday, entwining the story of his political coming of age with the tale of the people who inspired him. The struggle for hope and survival in a shed, a story of strikes, fights, dinner ladies and beer; friendship, love, memory and above all belief. Theatre, stand-up, journalism, activism and a small amount of help from the audience.

Winner of five major comedy awards. 24-hour-show luminary. Novelist. Watson (host of BBC's We Need Answers, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Mock The Week regular and star of cult Radio 4 series Mark Watson Makes The World Substantially Better).

After more than 100 dates on the road in 2016 with his best-reviewed show to date, I'm Not Here, and a similarly marathon effort with the previous tour, Mark Watson is amazed to find there are STILL some areas of the country he's not visited much, and some towns that have been neglected altogether. It's hard to be everywhere at once, so he's narrowed it down to a sensible plan: for the next tour, Watson will only visit places beginning with M or W, his initials ? as they've already shown a commitment by having those names in the first place.

In Matilda, the central character is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. She's unloved by her parents but impresses her schoolteacher and, over the course of her first term at school, teacher and pupil have a profound effect on each other's lives.

One of the biggest selling heavy metal bands of all time, with massive hits like ‘Nothing Else Matters’, ‘Master of Puppets’, ‘Fade To Black’ and ‘Sad But True’ it’s no wonder the band have won seven Grammy Awards!

The musical star and radio presenter Michael Ball and acclaimed tenor Alfie Boe touring together.

Dubbed the Together tour, the concerts will feature songs from the pair's joint album of the same name. The collection includes a mixture of Broadway hits and classic songs that the duo have always wanted to record.

TOUR DATES

Michael McIntyre's spot-on observational comedy and trademark ability to turn everyday situations into master-classes of human exasperation have struck chords with millions of fans, cementing him as one of the UK's most loved comedy performers.

Former Ultravox member.

Former Ultravox member.

Set in 1975 during the final days of the American occupation of Saigon, Miss Saigon is an epic love story about the relationship between an American GI and a young Vietnamese woman. Kim is working in a sleazy Saigon night club owned by a notorious wheeler-dealer known as 'The Engineer'. John, an American GI, buys his friend Chris the services of Kim for the night. That night will change their lives forever.

TOUR DATES

We are taught from a young age to aim high, reach for the stars, climb the social ladder. But surging forward, if we look back, what do we see? Based on interviews conducted in communities across the UK, this is an intimate 40-minute theatre show in a caravan.

Part of the Orbit Festival

A group of people aged 60-85 stand in the space. Between them, they have years of experience. Together they are navigating a constantly changing world. From big political events to personal intimate moments, the Elders ask - what can history teach us about who we are and where we are going? Following the acclaimed THE SPACE BETWEEN US, the Elders Company return with a radical new production.

Studio

Trailblazing queer performance platform Mother's Ruin brings us the next edition of Mother's Bloomers, a space for local alternative and innovative artists to present new, adventurous and bold short works.

The My First Ballet series brings young audiences their first taste of ballet through the magic of fairy tales, captivating music and beautiful dance. The ballets feature graduating dancers of outstanding potential from English National Ballet School in performances produced by English National Ballet.

US band The National creates songs about love and war intertwined with songs about money and office life, covering everything from country pop to indie.

Every child in every school has one Christmas wish, to star in a Nativity, and at St Bernadette's School they've decided to mount a musical version! Join teacher Mr Maddens and his crazy assistant Mr Poppy as they struggle with hilarious children, unruly animals and a whole lot of sparkle and shine to make everyone's Christmas wish come true. Featuring all of your favourite sing-a-long songs from the smash-hit films including Sparkle and Shine, Nazareth and One Night One Moment.

TOUR DATES

Grammy Award-winning singer, composer, producer actor and all round bonafide R&B superstar.

Singer songwriter, producer of such songs as "'Cracklin' Rosie," "Sweet Caroline," "Holly Holy", and "Song Sung Blue".

Spend an evening with the legendary Neil Sedaka. With hits such as 'Oh! Carol', 'Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen' and 'Calendar Girl' it's sure to be a night to remember.

A native New Yorker, Nell Bryden has covered 300,000 miles to play 1400 shows over the past seven years. Covering Australia, the US, Europe and twice entertaining the troops in Iraq, Nell has been accompanied by little more than a guitar and an incredible self-belief.

More than three years after the gold-selling Fires, Nerina Pallot has shaken up her sound, shrugged off the spectre of singer/songwriter and produced an album of clever, classy pop, including the new single Real Late Starter. It is taken from the brand new album The Graduate, aptly named owing to the fact Nerina recently graduated with a First in English literature.

A massively popular artist with a huge live following, Newton is a genuine grass roots phenomenon, touring heavily for the past two years building up from low key gigs and support shows to headline performances and main-stage festival slots at home and abroad. Newton has won over fans and critics alike with his unique mixture of mind-boggling virtuoso guitar techniques and a natural wit.

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds have sold over 5 million albums worldwide to date. Their influence has been profound and far-reaching and they remain one of the most powerful and exciting acts in the world. ?Skeleton Tree' - their 16th studio album - released the day after the premiere of One More Time With Feeling - charted at number 1 in 8 countries with a further 11 top 5s and numerous top 20 positions. The album gained the band their highest ever position in the UK: 2 (OCC) and US: 27 (Billboard).

The QI elves take to the road in the first live touring version of their multi-award-winning hit podcast, on the back of their sell-out Edinburgh Festival run. Join Dan Schreiber, Andrew Hunter Murray, James Harkin and Anna Ptaszynski as they serve up their pick of bizarre, extraordinary and hilarious facts from the QI universe.

Old Crow Medicine Show were discovered by the folk icon Doc Watson playing on the street; he quickly scheduled the band to play at his MerleFest and they've never looked back, making a name for themselves as energetic performers with an unbridled spirit. They're an act who tour relentlessly, thriving off their fans at their live shows.

Tribute to the legendary rockers Queen.

Swedish metallers

Love and marriage, birth and death. Seen from a distance they're just the rhythm of everyday life: but when you're caught up in the middle and they're happening to you, they're the whole world. A bona fi de American classic, OUR TOWN tells the story of Emily and George, two unremarkable teenagers growing up in a small New Hampshire town at the turn of the last century. You're invited to eavesdrop on this tightly wound community as events unfold - both the apparently trivial and the deeply profound - across the course of a decade. Rich with detail and shot through with a distinctive mix of light and shade, Thornton Wilder's Pulitzer Prize-winning smalltown epic of human existence remains as theatrically fresh and as topical as ever: OUR TOWN, but also, unmistakably, yours.

Inspired by the destruction of temples and artefacts in Palmyra, Syria. Using images of destruction as a starting point for an exploration of the situation in the Middle East and the roots of Jihad in Europe, Palmyra will invite the audience to step back from the news and instead reflect and take a wider view on what goes on in the region.

World Premiere.

Part of the Orbit Festival

Kat gets up one morning, leaves her family behind, and travels to London to carry out an act that will change her life and, she hopes, everyone else's. But what are the real consequences? James Fritz's searingly powerful play won a Judges Award in the 2015 Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting. Raw, disturbing and compassionate, it forces a confrontation with some of the most urgent questions we face. What can one individual do to effect change? And where do we choose to draw the line between absolute commitment and dangerous obsession?

World Premiere

Front Room

Legendary Sheffield-born singer, songwriter and former frontman of Ace, Squeeze and Mike & The Mechanics.

One of modern Australia's most significant singer/songwriters.

Described as both the 'modfather of rock' and 'Britpop's elder statesman', Paul is ultimately acknowledged by the media, fellow musicians and the public as one of the greatest singer-songwriters of British popular music. Since his early days in The Jam, then Style Council and subsequently as a hugely successful solo artist, Paul continues to make pioneering music.

When Mayor Goodway goes missing during the day of the Great Race, the pups come to the rescue. Join Ryder, Chase, Marshall, Rocky, Rubble, Zuma, Skye and the newest pup, Everest.

In an evening of musical storytelling featuring a full live band, audiences will be treated to a full concert of Cat Stevens' hits, revealing the man in the music and the real stories behind the classic songs. Starring award-winning Australian musician Darren Coggan, Peace Train - The Cat Stevens Story will take audiences on the same journey of discovery and enlightenment travelled by Cat himself. In Peace Train - The Cat Stevens Story, audiences can re-live 23 hits from the seldom-seen icon, such as: Remember The Days Of The Old School, Lady D'Arbanville, Sad Lisa and Peace Train. Tracing the path of a man who never stopped wondering about how to make the world a better place is Darren Coggan. One of Australia's most exciting young artists, Coggan and his band's performances in Peace Train - The Cat Stevens Story have met with critical acclaim in Australia.

The band have taken their superbly seamless blend of crisply played tunes on pipes, fiddle and whistle, a world class rhythm section and a totally diverse but successful mix of other musical styles and turned the dance-o-meter up to 12 to create the most pumping, uplifting and exciting Scottish fusion you're ever likely to come across. From traditional jigs and reels through to jazz, hip hop and reggae, Peatbog Faeries are considered by many as the future of the Celtic dance sound.

Emma was having the time of her life. Now she's in rehab. Her first step is to admit that she has a problem. But the problem isn't with Emma, it's with everything else. She needs to tell the truth. But she's smart enough to know that there's no such thing. When intoxication feels like the only way to survive the modern world, how can she ever sober up?

Austen's heroine, Anne Elliot, has 'claims of birth, beauty, mind and fortune'. She and the handsome Captain Wentworth of His Majesty's Navy have met and separated some years before. Their reunion forces a recognition of the false values that drove them apart. A charming story of love and marriage, Persuasion sparkles with Jane Austen's perceptive wit and her wry observations of nineteenth century English society.

There are few individuals in the world of dance music who can claim the kind of influence Pete Tong has had over the last twenty years. As the voice of Radio 1's prestigious dance programming, Pete has held a commanding presence over the industry for more than two decades. His unique position has earned him a reputation as the global ambassador of dance music. With an unparalleled ear for new talent, Tong has become the leading tastemaker of the electronic generation. While he's known publicly as Pete Tong the DJ, behind the scenes, he's an industry icon.

The Australian drummer played in several Melbourne bands, such as Buster Brown and the Coloured Balls, before joining up with rock giants AC/DC in 1975.

Formed in 2002, this Leeds-based quintet kick-started their career with their limited-edition 2006 vinyl 7-inch I'm Not Sorry. Since then they have toured with Dirty Pretty Things and the Kaiser Chiefs and released debut album Wait for Me.

This seven-piece tribute band presents an engaging and energetic performance celebrating the magical music of Pink Floyd. They have been especially praised for the accuracy of their performance based on the studio versions of music spanning the entire output of the Floyd from early days through to the most recently released EndlessRiver, with firm favourites Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals and The Wall particularly featured.

A band of travelling players tell the tale of Pippin, first born son of the warlord Charlemagne, who, after a sheltered life of academe, discovers women and war. Longing to live an extraordinary life, Pippin makes a series of choices, but learns ultimately that glory for the individual is usually at the expense of others.

The nine piece Prince Experience is made up of some amazing musicians who all have one thing in common - they are huge fans of the music.

Purple Rain is the spectacular new theatrical event celebrating the music of one of the world's greatest pop artists. Featuring stunning choreography, experience an exhilarating journey through Prince's entire career. Prince revolutionised the music world with his inimitable funk and soul driven style. He exploded the boundaries of music and created some of the most iconic songs of the 20th century including Raspberry Beret, Kiss, When Doves Cry, Little Red Corvette, 1999, Purple Rain, Alphabet Street, U Got The Look and so many more! A 25-strong group of supremely talented musicians, singers and dancers will bring Prince's music to life for an unforgettable evening that showcases his song writing genius and pays homage to his showmanship. Purple Rain is a fitting and fresh, vibrant night of pure celebration.

A celebration of the music of Prince.

A celebration of the music of Prince.

Since first sharing the stage for the American Idol final in May 2009, Queen + Adam Lambert have proved to be a hugely successful global partnership, having now played more than 90 shows in every corner of the world. In summer 2012 they played their first full live shows across Europe, making their spectacular official debut in front of half a million people in Kiev.

Ralph McTell has a reputation for spellbinding live performances. His one-man guitar shows feature songs and instrumental numbers from his long career, and his storytelling abilities punctuate sensitive and thought provoking songs with light-hearted and self-deprecating humour.

The action is set in the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas where, in 1960 during the filming of Ocean's Eleven, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford first performed together on stage for the first time. From then on, they were known as the Rat Pack and Las Vegas was their domain - everywhere else, in Rat Pack vocabulary, was "Dullsville, Ohio".

Rekrei, an installation in the HOME foyer and directly related to Palmyra, is a crowdsourced project to collect photographs of monuments, museums, and artefacts damaged by natural disasters or human intervention, and to use that data to create 3D Virtual Reality representations, allowing viewers to explore recreated three-dimensional representations of heritage long gone.

Part of the Orbit Festival

Get ready to step back in time and relive special moments from the career of dancing extraordinaire, Fred Astaire. The ?Remembering Fred Tour' will take you on a magical journey of dance, live music and entertainment supported by special appearances from various celebrity guests. Strictly Come Dancing stars Aljaz and Janette will be performing steps and turns from the golden age of Hollywood's most celebrated dance routines. Audiences will hear from famous Fred fans including Twiggy, Darcey Bussell, Don Black and Bruce Oldfield who will share stories of how the screen icon touched their lives and discuss what made him so special. Remembering Fred will feature songs such as They Can't Take That Away From Me, Night & Day, S'Wonderful, Cheek To Cheek, Puttin' On The Ritz, Let's Face The Music & Dance, The Way You Look Tonight, Top Hat, White Tie & Tail and many others.

Contributions to the show by:Ava Astaire-McKenzie, Bruce Oldfield, Darcey Bussell, Don Black and Twiggy.

When his father dies, Eribon returns to the working-class community he had long since left behind - and is forced to re-evaluate everything he thought he understood about his life, especially when he discovers his family have switched allegiance from Communism to the far-right Front National.

World Premiere. Performed in Engllish. Adapted from Didier Eribon's bestselling memoir by Thomas Ostermeier, the Artistic Director of Berlin's revered Schaub?hne and one of world theatre's most thrilling directors, Returning to Reims is an urgent reflection on the new world order.

Part of Manchester International Festival

Verve formed in Wigan back in 1990, changing their name to The Verve for legal reasons. They had marginal success throughout the UK, but it was 1994's "A Northern Soul" album that launched the band internationally. That success was eclipsed by the release of "Urban Hymns" in 1997, featuring singles: "The Drugs Don't Work" and "Bitter Sweet Symphony". The band split in 1998, with Richard concentrating on his solo work. His debut single, "Song For The Lovers", was followed by "Money To Burn" described by Ashcroft as "A modern-day Elvis tune". His critically acclaimed album, "Alone With Everybody", has sold over 100,000 copies in the UK alone. Richard made his UK live debut headlining the V2000 festivals in Chelmsford and Staffordshire last month, to rave reviews. It is with the release of his third single, "C'Mon People (We're Making It Now)", that he announces his debut solo UK tour.

The great keyboard man formerly of Yes and the Strawbs now almost as well known for being one of the 'Grumpy Old Men'.

Stand-up comedian, author, writer, film and tv actor. Ricky Gervais achieved popular fame with his television series The Office and the subsequent series Extras, both of which he co-wrote and co-directed with Stephen Merchant.

Ricky Gervais is returning to stage with his first stand-up tour in seven years: Humanity.

RIDE are the band who slammed the door firmly shut on the (by then) flailing 80s pop movement and paved the way for bands like Primal Scream and Oasis to shine in the Britpop era. They helped Alan McGee's label achieve its first UK chart breakthrough as well as enjoying a successful career in the US, Europe and Japan while many of their peers struggled to break out of the UK scene.

Rigoletto, the hunchbacked court jester wants revenge. His beloved daughter, Gilda, has been abducted and seduced by the Duke and he hires a hit-man to assassinate him. Tragedy prevails in Verdi's masterpiece of love, lust and betrayal. Based on Hugo's Le roi s'amuse. First performed at La Fenice in Venice on 11 March 1851

Sung in Italian with English surtitles. Some scenes contain nudity.

The dancers will swing, bop, jitterbug, lindy hop, jive and ballroom through the greatest songs from the greatest decade of music! The music in the show spans various styles from romantic ballads and crooner songs through to classic pop hits and the shattering world of rock 'n' roll. Includes: Smile, Mona Lisa, Cry, Unforgettable, When I Fall In Love, One For My Baby, Wonderful World, Mambo Italiano, Fly Me To The Moon, Young & Foolish, My Baby Just Cares, That'll Be The Day, Summertime Blues, Only You, The Great Pretender, Fools Fall In Love, You Send Me, Hound Dog, Bye Bye Love, C'Mon Everybody, I Only Have Eyes For You. The Greatest Songs from The Greatest Decade!

Playing the classic rock anthems of Rainbow and Deep Purple.

Hilarious Welsh funnyman and star of hit series including Marion and Geoff, The Keith Barret Show and Gavin and Stacey shows off his highly imaginative and unique style of stand-up.

Roddy Woomble is Scottish rock band Idlewild's frontman and lead singer.

Mexican acoustic guitar virtuosos.

Roy 'Chubby' Brown is a comic genius and one of the funniest comedians in the world. His outrageous performances are considered unsuitable for mainstream television but his videos and DVDs sell in their millions. He has taken his brand of humour around the world with huge success in Australia, the USA, the Middle East and Hong Kong. For adults only.

Barry Steele puts the rock back into Roy Orbison as he opens the show accompanied by our 5 piece band, as we instantly convey you back in time to the 1960's when the big O toured the UK, Barry not only sounds like the man , he looks like him too with the trademark dark rimmed glasses and 60's style look as he introduces his special guests on stage, reminding many that Roy Orbison hosted his own TV show in the 60's. In the second set all you need to do is just imagine it is the 30th of September 1987 and Roy Orbison is in the Coconut Grove Nightclub in Los Angeles recording the sensational Black and White Night, relive this golden evening as Barry Steele effortlessly transports you back to what was arguably one of Roy Orbison's greatest performances. With a rollicking set including Ooby Dooby, Mean Woman Blues, and Uptown, plus the soaring vocals of Barry Steele as effortlessly performs the Classics, Only the Lonely, Crying, and Blue Angel, right through to Orbison's later hits California blue, and You Got it, and of course the Traveling Wilburys whose music also features in the show.

2016 marks Roy Orbison's 80th Birthday. Join us to celebrate The Big O's musical legacy with this brand new production. Don't miss Barry Steele & Friends take you on a musical journey through time. See for yourself an incredible fusion of 60's solid gold classics and contemporary musical genius from two very distinct decades.

Wild and crazy comedian.

In February, two artists got on a cargo ship and retraced one of the routes of the Transatlantic Slave Triangle - from the UK to Ghana to Jamaica, and back. Their memories, their questions, and their grief, took them along the bottom of the Atlantic and through the figurative realm of an imaginary past. It was a long journey backwards, in order to go forwards. Salt, from Leeds-based artist and performer Selina Thompson, is what they brought back.

Part of the Orbit Festival

Sara has starred on BBC's Twenty Twelve, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Live at the Apollo, C4's Stand Up for the Week and Live at the Comedy Store on Comedy Central. Despite all this, she cannot be absolutely sure that she exists.

After publishing a book exploring the evolution of the female body, Sara now considers further issues - will pornography lead to our extinction? Are humans naturally bad? How do we become better? Do we really have to die? and gulp, should she have a baby? As always Sara is honest and unflinching as she expounds on sexuality, empathy, art, God and pubic hair. If that sounds a bit weighty, there will also be stuff about selfies, glow worms and RuPaul's Drag Race. Also, and this should be obvious, Slytherins are absolutely unwelcome.

Formed in Coventry in 1979 The Selecter spearheaded the Two Tone movement along with The Specials and Madness. Fronted by Pauline Black, they first hit the airwaves with the classic On My Radio, as well as countless other hit singles. The band split at the height of their popularity in 1981 but reformed 10 years later.

Original classics performed by 4 of the most popular bands of the 60s

Another explosive tour. For one night only seven legendary names take to the stage and deliver to you a night never to be forgotten. Herman's Hermits, Chris Farlowe, New Amen Corner, The Swinging Blue Jeans, The Union Gapuk, The Ivy League, Alan Mosca from Freddie and The Dreamers.

From the creators of Essence of Ireland and Ireland's Call The Musical, Seven Drunken Nights brings to life the music of Ireland's favourite sons, The Dubliners. Telling the story of a career spanning 50 years and evoking the spirit of Ronnie Drew, Luke Kelly, Barney McKenna, Jim McCann, Ciaran Bourke and John Sheahan, this hugely talented cast of musicians and singers bring the music of this iconic group to life. A show that will have you singing and clapping along to such classics as The Wild Rover, The Black Velvet Band, The Irish Rover, Molly Malone, Finnegan's Wake, McAlpines Fusileers, Raglan Road and of course The Seven Drunken Nights.