A theatre production can only dream of a smooth sailing run – but it’s ultimately the public who will decide whether it sinks or swims when on the stage.

Kindertransport has returned to the stage in Manchester 25 years after writer Diane Samuels’ first showing – and it’s now presented to the world in a time where its themes of identity politics, immigration and anti-Semitism are perhaps more topical than ever.

It’s no surprise that the Kamaal Williams ensemble has been hailed as the most seismic jazz to come of out Britain in the past two decades.

Playing at the Lowry’s Quays Theatre, Carlos Pons Guerra choreographed this Spanish reading of Beauty and the Beast, which worked well in the intimate setting.

Manchester was brought back to the swinging sixties as hit West End and Broadway musical Hairspray arrived at the Opera House.

A show better be worth the hype if it’s to run for two consecutive months in Manchester.

Vancouver-based dance company British Ballet Columbia, on their first UK tour, left a lasting impression during a sparsely-packed show at The Lowry.

An ITV drama turned touring musical doesn’t exactly have ‘classic’ written all over it.

Simon Day appeared In Character at the Waterside in Sale on Thursday, treating the busy theatre to an evening of considered comedy.

On the day the world lost Stephen Hawking and Jim Bowen, it seemed appropriate to spend the evening enjoying the work of a man known for both his transcendent genius and razor-sharp wit.

Forget cream-coloured ponies and crisp apple strudels – this new stage production of The Sound of Music will be one of your favourite things.