From Spamalot to Margaret Cho - here’s our pick of Manchester’s best shows over the next two months
THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES | The King’s Arms | 31 October - 25 November
The case is reopened! Follow Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Dr Jane Watson on their journey from the streets of London to the Devonshire Moors in Northern Rep’s hilarious recreation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic mystery. The King’s Arms, 11 Bloom Street, Salford M3 6AN (7pm; tickets from £12 at thehoundofthebaskervilles.co.uk)
SPAMALOT | Palace Theatre | 7-11 November
Lovingly ripped off from the 1975 hit film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Selladoor’s riotous comedy follows King Arthur and his Round Table Knights as they search for the illusive Holy Grail. Expect killer rabbits, dancing nuns and ferocious Frenchmen (amongst other things). Palace Theatre, 97 Oxford Street, M1 6FT (2.30pm & 7.30pm; tickets from £21.40 at atgtickets.com)
REVOLUTION | Salford Arts Theatre | 7 November
Burjesta Theatre mark 100 years since the Russian Revolution in this compelling in-house production; which blends drama, reportage and Greek-style Chorus along with song, dance, music and poetry - based on eyewitness accounts of those involved. Salford Arts Theatre, Kemsing Walk, Salford M5 4BS (7.30pm; tickets £8 at ticketsource.co.uk)
LITTLE WOMEN | Hope Mill Theatre | 9 November - 9 December
It’s established quite the reputation for musicals, so we’re expecting good things from Hope Mill’s take on Louisa May Alcott’s seminal novel - produced in collaboration with Aria Entertainment and Knockhardy Productions, with a score by Grammy award-winning Jason Howland. Hope Mill Theatre, 113 Pollard Street, M4 7JA (2.30pm & 7.30pm; tickets from £16 at ticketsource.co.uk)
THE HUNTING OF THE SNARK | The Met | 11 November
The impossible voyage of an improbable crew to hunt an imaginary creature is brought magically to life in this musical comedy. With a good dollop of Lewis Carroll's ageless humour, it’ll suit everyone from four to 94. The play will also be visiting The Lowry from 17-19 November. The Met, Market Street, Bury, BL9 0BW (2pm; tickets £12 at themet.biz)
ED BRYNE | Middleton Arena | Monday 20 November
Following a sell-out run at Edinburgh Fringe, Ed returns to the road with Spoiler Alert: a brand new show in which he explores the thin (and contentious) line between righteous complaining and brat-like whining. Are we just a bunch of spoiled millenials? Middleton Arena, LCpl Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton M24 1AG (8pm; tickets £24 at link4life.org)
ILLUMINATE: A JOURNEY OF SEVEN STORIES | Central Library | 24-25 November
In what promises to be an unforgettable after-hours experience in Grade II-listed surrounds, Company Chameleon bring a site-specific production to Manchester Central Library for two breathtaking evenings of new dance, music and light. Central Library, St Peter's Square, M2 5PD (7pm & 9pm; free)
MARGARET CHO | The Lowry | Thursday 30 November
Five time Grammy and Emmy-nominated US comedian Margaret Cho was recently named one of Rolling Stone’s 50 best stand-up comedians for her sharp yet sensitive take on difficult subjects. New tour Fresh Off the Bloat is no different, as she tackles drinking, drugs and death with her ‘sickest show to date.’ The Lowry, Pier 8, The Quays, Salford M50 3AZ (8pm; tickets £28.50 at thelowry.com)
GUYS AND DOLLS | Royal Exchange | 2 December - 27 January
In this this Royal Exchange and Talawa Theatre Company co-production, Frank Loesser’s musical is relocated to Harlem, yet retains all the classic Broadway ingredients: gangsters, gamblers and timeless tunes. Royal Exchange, St Ann's Square, Manchester, M2 7DH (2.30pm & 7.30pm; tickets from £22 at royalexchange.co.uk)
SOMETHING DARK | The Met | Thursday 14 December
The Met presents a rare chance to see a dramatic reading of Lemn Sissay’s one-man play this winter. Detailing the performance poet’s tumultuous upbringing in children's homes and foster care, and the search for his family and true identity, Something Dark promises an extraordinary true story by a masterful performer. The Met, Market Street, Bury, BL9 0BW (8pm; tickets £12 from themet.biz)
