
JanuaryJune 2026

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JanuaryJune 2026

Another year of great lies ahead at
Drama takes centre stage in 2026 with Shakespeare’s classic love story Romeo & Juliet (p13), and a touching and funny tale of family life and autism with Living The Life of Riley (p9), as well as tales from stage, screen and comedy with An Evening with Crissy Rock (p9).
There are more laughs as we welcome the return of comedy legends Clinton Baptiste with his new show Spectral Intercourse (p21), and An Evening with Mick Miller (p16); as well as YouTube star Tiny Tim (p23) with his very first stand-up comedy tour.
Family fun comes in the form of some beautiful shows inspired by popular children’s books, with Tales from Acorn Wood (p14) and Tom Gates EPIC
Stage Show (p18), alongside the totally roarsome return of Amazing Animals (p20) and the poptastic Sweet & Sour (p19)
For fans of spectacular stage shows, witness the drama of Irish dancing with Celtic Illusion (p13), drag performance at its finest with The Dazzling Diamonds (p12), and all the glitz, glam and feather boas you can handle in An Evening of Burlesque Cabaret (p16).
As ever, our line-up of top tribute acts will have you singing along and dancing in the aisles. Favourites Totally Tina (p6), Hello Again - The Neil Diamond Songbook (p23) and The Mersey Beatles (p18) are back, and we can’t wait to show you fantastic new shows such as Michael Starring Ben
(p15), A Sky Full of Stars - A Tribute to Coldplay (p11) and Ray Quinn - King of Swing (p10).
There’s even something for true crime aficionados, with a brand new show from The Makings of a Murderer (p7), featuring Hunted star Peter Bleksley; and the world’s most shocking cases in Strange But True Crime (p22).
Find out more about how to book on page 5, and visit us at yourtrustrochdale.co.uk for more information on the charity’s wider activities.
We look forward to seeing you this season!
Enjoy savings on theatre and concert tickets throughout the year with our Best Of Friends scheme – for only £15 per year.
Better yet, Best of Friends Membership is FREE for Your Leisure Members!
Scan the QR code to register:
*Please note, not every show is included in the Best of Friends scheme.


Give the gift of entertainment with a Middleton Arena gift voucher. Whether a fan of music or comedy, theatre or dance, a Middleton Arena gift voucher gives a night out to remember!
Scan the QR code to purchase online
Book online 24 hours a day at middletonarena.com
TELEPHONE
Call our box office on 0300 303 8633, Monday - Friday, 10am - 2pm
Middleton Arena’s box office is open Monday - Friday, 10am - 2pm
We’re delighted to announce that we’ve become part of the Blue Light Card discount scheme, offering 15% off tickets to those in the NHS, emergency services, social care sector and armed forces. Find out how to register your Blue Light Card with us at middletonarena.com
ACCESSIBILITY
All public areas are fully accessible, with lifts to upper floors available at Middleton Arena. Both also have accessible toilets and baby changing facilities. For more accessibility info, please see yourtrustrochdale.co.uk or call 0300 303 8633.
Our Essential Companions scheme exists to enable all patrons to equally participate in Middleton Arena and Heywood Civic Centre events. It is offered to all those who require a companion to assist in accessing the facilities. More information on applying for our Essential Companions scheme can be found at middletonarena.com

FRIDAY 16 JANUARY, 7.30PM
Tickets from £28
Come shake a tail feather with the UK’s supreme Tina – Justine Riddoch – and her talented cast. This breathtaking recreation of a live Tina Turner concert celebrates the Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll’s incredible songbook.
Covering the music icons full career, from early hits Proud Mary, River Deep - Mountain High and Nutbush City Limits, to 80s anthems We Don’t Need Another Hero, Simply the Best, What’s Love Got to Do With It, I Don’t Wanna Lose You, and When the Heartache is Over.
SATURDAY 10 JANUARY, 7.30PM
Tickets from £25.50
The ultimate celebration concert to one of the most iconic and bestselling artists of all time.
Robert Schmuck (Billy The Kid) and his amazing seven-piece band perform breath-taking musical arrangements of multi-million selling songs such as My Life, Uptown Girl, River Of Dreams, An Innocent Man, Just The Way You Are, We Didn’t Start The Fire and many, many more.

THURSDAY 22 JANUARY, 7.30PM
Tickets from £29
Join Peter Bleksley, a founding member of Scotland Yard’s undercover unit and former star of Channel 4’s Hunted, as he lifts the lid on the most dangerous and hidden aspects of murder investigations.
From the gritty realities of infiltrating criminal gangs to his own terrifying experience of becoming the target of a murder plot, Peter shares the untold stories of the most high-stakes cases.


FRIDAY 23 JANUARY, 7.30PM
Tickets from £28.50
‘The greatest rock & roll band in the world’ is back! Formed in the 1970s in Leicester from several local bands, Showaddywaddy have sold more than 20 million records and have toured all corners of the world extensively.
Their live show is dynamic and uplifting featuring all of their biggest hits, many of which reached number one in the pop charts of Europe, including Under The Moon of Love, Three Steps to Heaven, Hey Rock & Roll, When, Blue Moon, Pretty Little Angel Eyes and many, many more.
TUESDAY 27 JANUARY, 7PM
Tickets from £10
Olivier Award-winner Jack Lowden (Slow Horses, Dunkirk) is joined by Emmy and BAFTAwinner Martin Freeman (The Hobbit, The Office) in the critically-acclaimed and subversively funny new play by David Ireland.
After years in the 12-step programme of Alcoholics Anonymous, James becomes

a sponsor to newcomer Luka. The pair bond and build a fragile friendship out of their shared experiences. But as Luka approaches step five – the moment of confession – dangerous truths emerge, threatening the trust on which both of their recoveries depend.
Filmed live from Soho Place on London’s West End.


FRIDAY 30 JANUARY, 7.30PM
Tickets from £20
Best known for appearing on TV shows such as Benidorm, I’m A Celebrity and Celebrity Masterchef, Crissy Rock is also known to her fans as one of the most outstanding and outrageous stand up comedians of her generation.
To celebrate over 30 years of her film debut in Ken Loach’s Ladybird Ladybird, Crissy Rock is hitting the road with a brand new show of two halves - a one woman show and a stand up comedy performance which will have you rolling in the aisles with laughter!
FRIDAY 6 FEBRUARY, 7.30PM
Tickets from £27
A nationally-acclaimed, heartwarming, heart-breaking and hilarious play, starring EastEnders’ Cheryl Fergison and Katie Price in an on-screen role.
Serious laughter combines with serious issues to bring the Riley family and their experiences with autism to life in front of your eyes, with a cast including Leah Bell, Alison Stanley and Paul Dunn.

FRIDAY 13 FEBRUARY, 7.30PM
Tickets from £23
Led by a bona fide star of swing music, Ray Quinn, this concert spectacular celebrates the fabulous music and tells the incredible story of the worldfamous Rat Pack.
Ray’s debut album, My Way, features songs from this golden era of music, including the greatest hits of Sammy Davis Jnr, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and many more timeless classics from the stars of swing and rat pack.
SATURDAY 7 FEBRUARY, 7.30PM
Tickets from £28.50
Starring a sensational cast, incredible vocals and a stellar live band, Endless Love is the ultimate feel good night out celebrating the two legendary artistes Diana Ross and Lionel Richie.
Featuring authentic live arrangements taken from both Lionel’s and Diana’s original touring shows, Endless Love is an electrifying, joyful and emotional rollercoaster guaranteed to get you singing along and on your feet!

SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY, 2PM
Tickets from £18
The circus is coming to town! Featuring international circus acts, amazing magic and lots of laughs.
Our top-class artistes bring skill and suspense, huge production numbers and comedy to make one truly magical experience that will have you laughing and cheering along!


FRIDAY 20 FEBRUARY, 7.30PM
Tickets from £29
Get ready for an electrifying night of music and magic with Sky Full of Stars – the most authentic tribute to Coldplay!
Whether you’re a lifelong Coldplay fan or just looking for an unforgettable night out, Sky Full of Stars delivers dazzling performances, stunning visuals, and an atmosphere that truly brings Coldplay’s greatest hits to life.
From the anthemic Viva La Vida to the uplifting A Sky Full of Stars, plus all the songs you love, including Clocks, Yellow, Paradise, and Hymn for the Weekend.
SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY, 7.30PM
Tickets from £25
Prepare to be dazzled as The Dazzling Diamonds proudly present their smash hit comedy variety drag show. From jaw-dropping dance numbers

to hilarious lip-sync performances and not forgetting the sensational live vocals, the cast will have you rolling with laughter and dancing in the aisles.
Gather your friends, put on your most fabulous outfit, and join us for a night of glitz, glamour, and pure entertainment.



WEDNESDAY
4 MARCH, 7.30PM
Tickets from £28
Fusing the thunderous rhythm of Irish dance with mind-blowing magic, Celtic Illusion breaks boundaries like never before. This jawdropping spectacle blends the traditional with the contemporary - think the pulse of Fosse, the flair of Michael Jackson, and the power of Broadway - in a show that is truly one of a kind.
With stunning choreography, breathtaking illusions, and limitless energy, Celtic Illusion will leave you in awe - and wanting more.
THURSDAY 5 MARCH, 12.30PM & 7.30PM
Tickets from £17
In the heat of Verona, two young lovers are torn between loyalty and desire, family and fate. As the deadly feud between the Montagues and Capulets rages on, Romeo and Juliet risk everything for a love that defies their world. But as passions ignite and tempers explode, their story hurtles toward its tragic and unforgettable end.
Experience Shakespeare’s greatest love story in all its breathtaking intensity, with fierce sword fights, searing emotion, and a romance that burns against the odds.
FRIDAY 6 MARCH, 7.30PM
Tickets from £27
Featuring songs from every one of Pink Floyd’s 15 studio album legacy performed with extraordinary accuracy and a stunning light show – you’ll hear the songs you love, no matter which era of Pink Floyd you prefer.
Performed by top-flight musicians, the UK Pink Floyd Experience is two hours of incredible music and a faithful celebration of the UK’s most visionary rock band. Featuring all your favourites including Money, Time, The Great Gig in the Sky, Another Brick in the Wall and, of course, Comfortably Numb.

TUESDAY 17 - SATURDAY 21 MARCH, 7.30PM & SATURDAY MATINEE 2.15PM
Tickets from £17
With music and lyrics by the great Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick, 9 To 5 The Musical, based on the 1980 movie, is a story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era.
Pushed to boiling point, three female co-workers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss. In a hilarious turn of events, Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy - giving their boss the boot!
THURSDAY 12 MARCH, 1.30PM & FRIDAY 13 MARCH, 10.30AM
Tickets from £13.50
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved Tales from Acorn Wood stories are brought to life on stage for the first time in an enchanting lift-the-flap experience.
Poor old Fox has lost his socks! Are they in the kitchen or inside the clock? And Rat-a-tat-tat! Who’s that keeping tired Rabbit awake? You can also join in with Pig and Hen’s game of hide-and-seek and discover the special surprise Postman Bear is planning for his friends.
Packed full of toe-tapping songs, puppetry, and all the friends from Acorn Wood.

SUNDAY 22 MARCH, 3PM
Tickets from £13
Cheer the goodies and boo the baddies! Featuring the man with the million dollar arms, TV’s world wide heavyweight champion Tiny Iron, the tag team titles on the line and a sensational over the top rope red hot rumble! Plus, a free meet and greet and your chance to have a selfie with your favourite wrestler on the night. Our American Wrestling Show always sells out, so book early!


FRIDAY 27 MARCH, 7.30PM
Tickets from £28
Take a journey back in time to remember Michael Jackson –the man, the music and the magic.
Michael Starring Ben stars the UK’s ultimate Michael Jackson tribute star, Ben Bowman and features a live band, dazzling costumes and the performer’s iconic dance routines. It showcases the greatest hits of Michael Jackson and The Jackson 5, including Beat It, Billie Jean, Thriller and Man in the Mirror.



THURSDAY 2 APRIL, 7.30PM
Tickets from £26
Mick Miller is a comedy legend who has been at the top of his game for over 40 years. His deadpan delivery and his unique hairstyle are what people remember, but he constantly works on his act and is forever adding new gags and stories to keep it fresh.
In this show, Mick performs a full comedy set in the first half, and is joined in the second half by comedian and close friend Ryan Gleeson for an interview that’s never the same twice!
FRIDAY 3 & SATURDAY 4 APRIL, 7.30PM
Tickets from £29.50
Join world-renowned Elvis performer Chris Connor, with his 12-piece live band and backing vocals by The Sweet Harmonies for a show that respectfully and authentically recreates Elvis Presley at his very best, transporting you back in time to two of his famous concerts.
If you were not lucky enough to see Elvis live, you’ll walk away from this night feeling that you have!
SATURDAY 18 APRIL, 7.30PM
Tickets from £30
First class music, the slickest choreography and an amazing band combine to deliver truly outstanding performances for the best Motown experience you will ever have!
This show will have you Dancing On The Ceiling, with songs from legendary artistes such as Lionel Richie, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson Five, The Isley Brothers, Edwin Starr and many, many more.
FRIDAY 17 APRIL, 7.30PM
Tickets from £29.50
Roll up, roll up… the UK’s longest-running burlesque show is back touring the nation with a thrilling new twist!
This ultimate variety show blends stylish cabaret, comedy, music, and burlesque into a spectacular extravaganza of glitz and glamour. Featuring dazzling showgirls, speciality cabaret artists, and stars of the stage and screen, this is a night of sophistication and stunning performances.


FRIDAY 24 APRIL, 7.30PM
Tickets from £28
From the costumes, instruments, cheeky Scouse wit and, of course, that brilliant era-defining Mersey sound, The Mersey Beatles’ stunning live stage show is a gloriously presented hit-packed celebration of the music that changed the world.
Throughout two unforgettable hours, go on a fabulous ride through the ‘mop top’ hits of Beatlemania, the psychedelic creativity of Sgt Pepper to the melodic wonder and energy of the Fab Four’s later work.
SUNDAY 19 APRIL, 3.30PM
Tickets from £15.50
Based on the best-selling books by Liz Pichon, and brand new for 2025, Tom Gates EPIC Stage Show comes to Middleton, bringing alive the illustrations and music that makes Tom Gates hugely popular around the world!
With catchy tunes and hilarious performances, this fantastic new stage show brings the best of the Brilliant World of Tom Gates into one live show!
FRIDAY 1 MAY, 7.30PM
Tickets from £32
X Factor and TV icon Jack Quickenden stars in Wham! The Show – the ultimate party tribute to Wham! and George Michael.
Featuring the biggest hits of the 80s from Wham!, such as Freedom, Club Tropicana, I’m Your Man and Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go, all the way through the stunning back catalogue of George Michael, including Faith, Careless Whisper, Fastlove and Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me, this promises to be the best night out of the year!



SUNDAY 3 MAY, 6PM,
Tickets from £24.50
Following a sell-out show in 2025, get ready for the return of an electrifying night of pop anthems, heartbreak hits, and fierce rival vibes at Sweet and Sour – the ultimate Olivia Rodrigo vs. Sabrina Carpenter tribute show!
Feel the intensity of Olivia’s raw, emotional ballads like Drivers License and Vampire, and let loose to Sabrina’s unapologetic anthems like Please, Please, Please and Nonsense
Whether you’re Team Rodrigo, Team Carpenter, or somewhere in between, this tribute show is an unforgettable experience!
THURSDAY 7 MAY, 8PM
Tickets from £14
Join us for another edition of the award-winning comedy club where each show has a different line-up of four top comedians, all personally chosen by Jason Manford.
The line-up for the show will be announced soon and will feature many comedians from the UK and International comedy circuit. Watch this space and we’ll see you soon!

SUNDAY 10 MAY, 12PM & 3.30PM
Tickets from £17
If you love animals, then you are going to love this show - dedicated to celebrating all creatures great and small. It’s the only show around where you get to see lifesized crocodiles, sloths, reindeer, penguins, orangutans and maybe even a spraying skunk bursting out onto the stage right before your very eyes.
The heart-warming show packed full of music, comedy and amazing animal effects is suitable for all ages, from toddlers to grown-ups.

SATURDAY 16 MAY, 7.30PM
Tickets from £24
After selling out arenas across Europe, The West End Tenors embark on their first UK Tour, bringing their smash hit show directly to you!
The cast of The West End Tenors have starred in musicals such as Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia and Miss Saigon, as well as performing at Windsor Castle for the Royal Family, the BBC Proms and the Eurovision Song Contest.
WEDNESDAY 13 MAY, 7.30PM
Tickets from £29.50
Hot on the heels of his fourth sell-out UK tour, the nation’s favourite clairvoyant medium, from Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights, Clinton Baptiste is back with a new live show for 2026 and beyond!
In a rudderless world, mankind needs an envoy to gather solutions from the all-knowing, all-seeing Afterlife. But who should it be? Of course, there’s only one man for the job – Clinton Baptiste.
Receiving the audiences’ queries and earthbound dilemmas, Clinton will then reach out to spirits for answers. Fear not. He will probe sensitively.

THURSDAY 21 MAY, 7.30PM
Tickets from £25
Join us for a stranger than fiction night of true crime with ex-forensics lecturer Jennifer Rees who explores the world’s most shocking and unbelievable cases. Jennifer explores stories such as the serial killer who gained work in law

enforcement whilst on the run – and ended up hunting himself; the female, balloon-carrying killer clown; serial killers on game shows – how their appearances led to their identification, and many more stories.
A fascinating look at the strangest, but true crime stories, perfect for fans of true crime documentaries and podcasts.



THURSDAY 4 JUNE, 8PM
Tickets from £25
Eight years ago, Tiny Tim decided to go on his own adventure navigating through adult life and posting about his calls on social media.
With over 250 million views on YouTube and over 10 million followers on all social media platforms, at some point everyone has seen the hilarious videos of the legend that is Tiny Tim’s Adventures. Now it’s your turn to join the man behind the voice on his biggest adventure to date.
FRIDAY 5 JUNE, 7.30PM
Tickets from £29.50
Celebrating 60 Diamond
Years, the smash hit show Hello Again is back in 2026 with a brand-new, mindblowing production paying tribute to the life and work of Neil Diamond.
Follow Neil Diamond’s story from his early songwriting days to international stardom through six decades of all your favourite hits, including Sweet Caroline, Cracklin’ Rosie, Forever in Blue Jeans, I Am I Said, Song Sung Blue, Hello Again, Love on the Rocks, Red, Red Wine, I’m a Believer, America and many more.
SATURDAY 6 JUNE, 6PM
Tickets from £20
Step back in time, to a decade of rock and pop anthems and sing-along classics with a DJ to start the party, support from Ricky Stone and Hayley Jane, and the peak of the party with 80s party band The Rubix Effect.
With four fantastic acts and a ‘summer beach’ party vibe, this is most definitely not to be missed!
DATE TITLE
JANUARY
Saturday 10 January One Night of Billy Joel: The Piano Man
Friday 16 January Totally Tina
Thursday 22 January The Makings of a Murderer
Friday 23 January Showaddywaddy
Saturday 24 January Lancashire Hotpots
Tuesday 27 January NT Live: The Fifth Step
Friday 30 January An Evening with Crissy Rock
FEBRUARY
Friday 6 February Living the Life of Riley
Saturday 7 February Endless Love
Friday 13 February Ray Quinn: King of Swing
Sunday 15 February Circus Spectacular
Friday 20 February Sky Full of Stars: A Tribute to Coldplay
Saturday 28 February The Dazzling Diamonds
MARCH
Wednesday 4 March Celtic Illusion
Thursday 5 March Romeo & Juliet
Friday 6 March UK Pink Floyd Experience
Thursday 12 - Friday 13 March Tales From Acorn Wood

Tuesday 17 - Saturday 21 March HAODS presents: 9 To 5
Sunday 22 March American Wrestling Show
Friday 27 March Michael Starring Ben
APRIL
Thursday 2 April An Audience with Mick Miller
Friday 3 - Saturday 4 April The World Famous Elvis Show
Friday 17 April An Evening of Burlesque Cabaret
Saturday 18 April Motown’s Greatest Hits - How Sweet It Is
Sunday 19 April Tom Gates EPIC Stage Show
Friday 24 April The Mersey Beatles
MAY
Friday 1 May Wham! The Show starring Jake Quickenden
Sunday 3 May Sweet and Sour
Thursday 7 May Manfords Comedy Club
Sunday 10 May Amazing Animals
Wednesday 13 May Clinton Baptiste: Spectral Intercourse
Saturday 16 May The West End Tenors
Thursday 21 May Strange But True Crime
JUNE
Thursday 4 June Tiny Tim’s Stand-Up Adventures
Friday 5 June Hello Again - The Neil Diamond Songbook
Saturday 6 June
JM Entertainment: The Rubix Effect

DATE TITLE
JULY
Friday 3 July Phantoms of the Popera starring G4
Saturday 11 July Luther Live & Velvet Voices
Friday 24 July The Bootleg Eagles
Saturday 25 July Thank ABBA For the Music
AUGUST
Sunday 2 August Fireman Sam: The Lost Pirate Treasure
Thursday 6 August Manfords Comedy Club
Friday 21 August Sugar Pie Honey Bunch - Music of The Four Tops
Sunday 23 August Taylormania
SEPTEMBER
Saturday 5 September Walk Right Back - The Everly Brothers’ Story
Friday 11 September An Audience with Harry Redknapp
Friday 18 September Go Your Own Way
Saturday 19 September Sing The Musicals
Friday 25 September Love Hurts - Rock Anthems & Power Ballads
OCTOBER
Friday 2 October The Legend Of Barry White
Saturday 3 October Jive Talkin’
Friday 16 October Simon and Garfunkel Through the Years
Saturday 24 October Oasis Supernova

Located two minutes from Middleton town centre, bus station and additional pay and display car parking.
By car, Middleton is approx five minutes from the M60 (Junction 19) and the M62 (Junction 19) and 15 minutes from Manchester City Centre. Please use postcode M24 1AG if you are navigating by sat nav.
Nearest train station: Mills Hill is a 25 minute walk away. See tfgm.com for timetables.
Nearest bus routes: 17 - Rochdale to Shudehill; 163 - Piccadilly Gardens to Bury; 18 - Manchester Royal Infirmary to Langley; 415 - Oldham to Middleton. See tfgm.com for timetables.