Event type: Theatre

Wonders of Our Universe

This isn’t just a theatre show — it’s a voyage through space and time like no other.

Guided by astrophysicist Ian Hall FRAS, Wonders of Our Universe takes audiences on an awe-inspiring journey from the explosive birth of the cosmos to humanity’s first steps beyond our home planet. Along the way, you’ll uncover the secrets of black holes, witness the birth and death of stars, and explore the breath-taking beauty of distant galaxies.

Every moment is brought vividly to life with cinematic visuals, immersive sound, and a soaring soundtrack that turns complex science into pure emotion. Ian’s live narration blends knowledge, humour and storytelling in a way that makes the wonders of our universe accessible to everyone — whether you’re a lifelong stargazer or seeing the cosmos anew.

Visually spectacular, scientifically rich and emotionally stirring, Wonders of Our Universe will change the way you see the night sky — and your place within it.

This is science as you’ve never experienced it before: live, cinematic, and utterly unforgettable.

Recommended Age Guidance: 11 years plus, although children younger than this will enjoy the show if they are particularly engaged with the topic.

The (Almost) Complete History of Britain

Mud, blood and stiff upper-lips!

Join the critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company on a breathless race through the centuries in this delightfully inventive show that tells the entire story of Britain in under 2 hours.

Have you ever wanted to see the life of Henry VIII told as a romantic comedy or the tale of the Spanish Armada reimagined as a light operetta? Probably not. But that won’t stop The Pantaloons retelling great moments from the country’s past in a variety of surprising genres! Featuring live music, audience interaction and wild historical inaccuracy.

Much Ado About Nothing

Warring lovers, lovers at war, revenge and reconciliation – Much Ado brings a war of words (& a happy ending) this August.

Shake-Scene are bringing their distinctive cue-based performance back to Shakespeare North – let the love & chaos commence!

The cast prepare from their own lines & cues only – not the whole play

Why? Because that’s how the original players played it!

Book your place in the Garden for a wild rollercoaster ride through love and relationships – there’s plots, there’s joy, there’s misunderstandings galore…

Suitable for 12+

Love’s Labour’s Lost

 

When a king meets a princess, keeps his kingdom but loses his heart – but he, and his friends are all courting some very witty, wily ladies… Will they all labour in vain for love?

Shake-Scene are bringing their distinctive cue-based performance back to Shakespeare North – let the love & chaos commence!

The cast prepare from their own lines & cues only – not the whole play

Why? Because that’s how the original players played it!

Book your place in the Garden for a wild rollercoaster ride through love and relationships – there’s plots, there’s joy, there’s misunderstandings galore…

Suitable for 12+

 

Macbeth

What would you destroy to get what you want?

A dagger. A crown. The original text.

One musician. Ten storytellers. Fifty candles. Ninety breathless minutes.

Step into the shadows. Let the scorpions in your mind strike. Watch a world turn inside-out beneath a tyrant’s rule.

Ben Crystal returns to Shakespeare North with a fast, spooky, blood-spattered staging of one of William Shakespeare’s most famous works: The Tragedie of Macbeth—ambition-driven, greed-flecked, grief-filled, revenge-fuelled, ghost-haunted… and absolutely cursed.

Something very wicked this way comes.

Suitable for 12+

As You Like It

Pedalling from venue to venue with all of their set, props and costumes on the back of their bikes, the HandleBards are a four-strong troupe of actors who are spending the summer bringing environmentally sustainable Shakespeare to venues across the UK.

Join the troupe at Shakespeare North Playhouse for a fantastically funny bicycle-powered production of Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’.  

What’s the play about? Well – Rosalind and her cousin Celia flee to the Forest of Arden, where they bump into Rosalind’s love interest Orlando. However, Rosalind is disguised as a young man. Cue some local Shepherds getting involved and the stage is set for a wild ride of wooing, hilarious mistaken identity and the odd wrestling match.  

This is an outdoor production, so please bring a chair or blanket to sit on, a picnic to dig into, and dress for the weather!

Suitable for 8+

Hamlet

Step into the world of Hamlet, Shakespeare’s masterpiece of revenge, betrayal, and ambition.

Now in a brand-new 70-minute outdoor version from multi award winning A Place for Us Theatre Company, at Shakespeare North Ken Dodd Performance Garden this July. Shakespeare’s classic tale of revenge, betrayal, madness, and ambition is distilled into a high-energy performance that captures all the drama, emotion and language of the original play. Under the open sky, audiences will be drawn into Hamlet’s gripping journey and tragic demise as he confronts family betrayal, moral dilemmas, and the weight of destiny. Perfect for both newcomers and seasoned Shakespeare fans, this fast-paced adaptation brings the iconic characters and timeless story to life in a way that is thrilling, fresh and unforgettable.

‘…The torment is real, the hideous crimes authentic, the anguish and grief tangible – each scene, each actor, each movement, played with passion and credence. It was superb… (***** Northwest End Review – Macbeth)

Making Up Stories in the Company of Others | Workshop

6:00pm

Love performing but new to improvisation? This workshop is for you.

Improvising Stories unpicks the DNA of great narrative. Learn the structures behind classic story archetypes and discover the tools to build them spontaneously. Whether you want to explore the grand scale of Myth and Fantasy or the deep connection of Personal Autobiography, you’ll gain the confidence to create on your feet.

Come with an open mind and leave having performed a brand-new story created entirely in the moment.

About the Instructor: Lead by Mark Smith co-director of LIF, storytelling tutor at LJMU, and a veteran of spontaneous theatre. Mark has been creating stories in the company of others for more than three decades, directing and performing in work that has toured extensively across the UK and beyond.

Twelfth Night – Off The Ground Theatre

 

Step into a kaleidoscope of Shakespearean wit and Wonderland magic. This vibrant touring production blends live music, explosive color, and one of Shakespeare’s greatest comedies. Come and fall down the rabbit hole with us!

This production imagines what the play would be like if arriving into Illyria were a bit like arriving into Wonderland with Alice… Full of mayhem, bold colourful characters and adventure, this is not one to miss.

 

 

 

 

 

Unity Scratch Night: July

7:30pm

The acclaimed series of work in progress nights at Unity continues into 2026 by popular demand with monthly instalments of never before seen work.

Over the last few years Unity has established itself as the go to venue for fresh, and innovative new work with a sell out series of work in progress evenings and unmissable variety nights.

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Line Up:

Andrew Stark
‘Candy Loss’

A story of love and loss. A short exploration of clowning and aerial circus as a medium for story telling. Silly sad and oh so stupid.
Insta: @stoptalkingaboutpicnics

Thaddeus Bent by Rob Rhys Bond

Down the back of the sofa of your subconscious lie your deepest fears! In this realm of fluff and nightmares one man walks alone…
The Author, story teller and fear-monger shines his mini mag light torch into the blackest corners of your mind!
Thaddeus Bent is an inhuman three way of Stephen King, Garth Marenghi and Alan Partridge!

A collision of stand up, storytelling with a terrifying live music soundtrack!

Bent’s Tight Storytelling and incessant zany details never fail to amuse- genuinely puts you on the edge of your seat!

Broadway Baby ****

Creative. Original. Eclectic and down bizarre- but also wickedly funny!

North West End **** 

Randlebar and Clutch Take the Low Road

By Eli Randle & Chris Murray
A serious police drama.
Detectives Randlebar and Clutch serve the sleepy Scottish town of Inverdodgy. Nothing ever happens there.
Until today.
There’s been a MURDER.
And unfortunately, you’re all suspects

The Girl Who Could Fly By Stephen Porter
 ‘The Girl Who Could Fly’: Saint Vespaluus remembers waking up in a grotty Manchester hospital (in borrowed robes) and pieces together the reasons for his youthful self-sabotage.

Spoken Word performer Stephen Porter presents excerpts from his uplifting but very dark comic Fringe show.
Warning: suicide references.

Crime & Furnishment by Pranav Viswanathan