Your guide to HOME theatre shows in 2026
Find your ideal theatre outing...
Planning a big Manchester Pride weekend this year? Ready to bring the kids to their first show? Or maybe you’re wanting to get a headstart on your Christmas plans already?
Whatever you’re planning, and whatever you’re into, HOME has the perfect show for you.
With HOME’s autumn theatre season now on sale, you can find the right event for your plans – no matter what you’ve got in store.
For theatre recommendations based on what you love, keep scrolling…
If you’re after a fun Manchester Pride weekend…
Manchester Pride kicks off on August Bank Holiday weekend. But with so much queer talent in the city, why contain the celebrations to just one weekend!?
To extend a weekend of fun, you can head to HOME from the Thursday for side-splitting drag or fierce queer cabaret. It’s the perfect way to warm up for a lively few days of celebration.
In House of Pantha Ferocious Cabaret on Thu 27 Aug, expect a vibrant evening of burlesque, boylesque, drag and circus performance, with acts ranging from seductive and theatrical, to bold, high-energy and unapologetically queer.
Or, if you love drag, then don’t miss The Schitt's Show on Fri 28 Aug. In this hilarious evening, iconic queens take to the stage to pay tribute to the well-loved sitcom Schitt’s Creek.
You can expect big laughs as hilarious drag artists take on the ridiculous characters we know and love.
If you like to sort your festive plans early…
Already thinking about Christmas?
With HOME’s Christmas-themed shows already on sale, you can sort your festive plans early. So, by the time December rolls round, you can simply relax and enjoy the festivities – rather than trying to quickly sort last-minute activities.
You’ll thank yourself come December…
With The Sorcerer’s Apprentice landing at HOME, you can bring the whole family along to witness a magical, feelgood spectacle. Inspired by the classic Goethe poem that became an icon of Disney animation in Fantasia, this show oozes with festivity.
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Set against the backdrop of the Northern Lights, a small town is being pushed to the brink with big businesses draining its energy supplies. A sorcerer seeks to save the town from destruction, but will he work with his daughter Eva to make magic?
Combining laugh-out-loud humour with a gripping storyline, this is a show that everyone over 6 can enjoy this Christmastime. This family-friendly story sees brooms coming to life and love blossoming anew between the sorcerer and his budding apprentice.
Catch this enchanting new musical from Fri 27 Nov until Sat 2 Jan.
Alternatively, The Christmas Carol is back by popular demand between Wed 9 Dec – Sat 12 Dec.
This ghostly adaption of the most beloved festive classic embraces the gothic aspects of the novel. As the spirits visit through the night, you’ll be fully transported to the chilly atmosphere of Victorian London.
And, in an astonishing feat of acting, lead Adam Z. Robinson will portray all 28 different characters in the show – this really isn’t one to be missed.
If you’re missing out on Edinburgh Fringe…
Turns out, you don’t need to travel to Edinburgh to experience a Fringe-style night out…
HOME is showcasing plenty of performers who have already won over Fringe audiences, so you can enjoy all the fun of the Fringe right here in Manchester.
Team Viking originally debuted at Edinburgh Fringe way back in 2016, in a tiny meeting room. It then became a breakout hit, selling out, and went on to be enjoyed by countless audiences across the UK.
A comic ode of death, friendship, and the absurdity of life, Team Viking tells the remarkable, hilarious and heart-lifting story of how James Rowland managed to give his best mate the send-off he wanted.
Now, ten years on, you can catch the critically acclaimed hit here at HOME from Thu 15 Oct - Sat 17 Oct for its special anniversary edition – as funny, raw, and joyous as ever.
In another Fringe hit, catch Louise Orwin’s FAMEHUNGRY.
After a multi-award-winning Edinburgh run, FAMEHUNGRY will be touring internationally, stopping off at HOME on Thu 19 Nov and Fri 20 Nov.
Taking place simultaneously in HOME’s theatre 2 and on TikTok Live, Louise Orwin leverages audience interaction to create a chaotic, unpredictable, and hilarious night out. The show is watched by anywhere between 300 and 5000 unsuspecting strangers on any given night – who may either love her, troll her, fetishise her, or attempt to destroy her.
You’ll journey on an unsettling descent into the attention economy, and explore how far we will go to win over an invisible mass audience.
If you’re planning a wholesome family day out…
Taking the kids to the theatre is a great chance to open their minds to new things, and make memories as a family. And at HOME, you can do that in a welcoming space that’s perfect for young families (with kids eating for free in HOME’s restaurant).
There are plenty of family-friendly events happening at HOME. Let’s dive into a couple of newly-announced shows…
First up, At Sea is theatre for young audiences at its finest.
This uplifting tale of a sailor’s triumph over darkness pulls into dock at HOME on Sat 12 Sep, and is ideal for anyone aged 6+.
This non-verbal show is a real spectacle, with beautiful handmade puppets, stunning projects, and original music.
Later, The Littlest Yak is ideal for families after a half-term activity that’s suitable for kids over three.
Taking place during October half term (Tue 27 Oct – Thu 29 Oct), kids and adults alike will love this spectacular musical adaptation of the beloved children's book.
Come along for the beautiful puppets, catchy tunes and an uplifting tale of self-acceptance for all the family.
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If you’re a lover of the classics…
You can’t beat the classics, and HOME isn’t shying away from the big names this year.
In collaboration with several other venues across the UK, HOME has co-produced a number of bold shows, giving Manchester audiences front-row access to essential plays featuring incredible talent.
First, Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy Othello lands on stage between Tue 29 Sep until Sat 10 Oct.
Multi-award winning theatre director Anthony Almeida offers a fresh look at the timeless story, focusing just as much on hate as love, as he draws out the intensity of the jealousy and manipulation within Othello and Desdemona’s marriage.
You can also catch an unmissable adaption of the Pulitzer Prize winning August Wilson’s Fences here at HOME.
This landmark play is vital viewing, and to this day, stuns audiences globally. From one of America’s most influential 20th century writers, Fences remains a defining story of ambition.
The award-winning director Daniel Bailey brings the story back to life, as he puts masculinity, the American Dream, and systemic racism under a fresh spotlight.
Expect astonishing acting from an incredible cast, including award-winning lead Ray Fearon – who you might recognize from BBC and Netflix's Champion, Amazon’s hit feature film My fault: London, Fleabag, Death in Paradise, and much more.
Don’t miss it – catch this performance between Tue 3 Nov - Sat 7 Nov.
If you’re a big bookworm…
Are you a big bookworm?
Then don’t miss the chance to see your favourite tales and stories come to life on stage at HOME. With these upcoming theatre adaptations of must-read novels and stories, you’re in the right place…
Between Thu 24 Sep to Sat 26 Sept, you can experience the must-see adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s masterpiece novel, Mrs Dalloway here at HOME.
To embody the novel’s hallmark stream of consciousness style, this immersive show combines live music, film, and performance – creating an unforgettable theatrical feast.
So, as Oliver award-winning performer Kit Green takes to the stage, you won’t be able to tear your eyes away as you accompany Clarissa Dalloway throughout her day.
If you’re a fan of more gothic literature, Deepest Fears is the show for you.
This performance combines two classic tales of terror, live on stage. In a captivating evening of gripping storytelling, you’ll venture into The Room in the Tower by E. F. Benson and The Captain of the Polestar by Arthur Conan Doyle.
Dare to join this evening of spine-chilling storytelling? Catch these classic ghost stories on stage between Weds 4 Nov and Fri 6 Nov.
If you’re into stand-up comedy…
Enjoy big belly laughs and side-splitting evenings with HOME’s upcoming stand-up nights.
First in the spotlight this autumn, award-winning comic Daniel Foxx takes to HOME’s stage on Wed 21 Oct as part of his UK tour.
Described by Rolling Stone as ‘utterly hilarious and effortlessly charismatic’, Daniel is known for his sharp wit, absurdity, and relatable antics. His new comedy show “How Lovely” has already been awarded five stars by Broadway World and North West End UK, so you can rest assured that you’re in good hands…
So whether you’re already a fan of Daniel Foxx or you’re open to expanding your comedy horizons, this is definitely a date for your diary.
Or dp you prefer the thrill of seeing comics you don’t yet know?
Then you can take a punt on HOME’s House of Comedy to discover four top class comedians.
For one night only on Fri 23 Oct, you’ll discover rising stars who are making waves on the comedy circuit, along with nationally celebrated headline acts.
Perfectly placed on a Friday night, you can unwind after a long week at work in HOME’s intimate Theatre 2 for a raucous night of stand-up. Whether you’re after a date night or embarrassing your friends, head to HOME’s House of Comedy for a guaranteed good time.
But that’s not all…
There are plenty more shows happening at HOME soon, with stacked line-up of bestselling authors, standup comics, and other well-renown plays.
To explore the rest of HOME’s autumn line up, tap below: