<img src='' title='Event Category: Drama' alt='' id='templ_icon_' width='' height='' /> Event Category: Drama

A Play About Joy Division & Manchester

New Dawn Fades – A Play About Joy Division And Manchester returns with a scintillating new production touring the UK in 2026. The play tells the story of four ordinary lads who, inspired by the punk revolution of 1970s Manchester, came together to form one of the most influential bands of all time, Joy Division. Following the untimely death of lead singer Ian Curtis, the band went on to huge world-wide success as New Order.

For 2026, New Dawn Fades reunites the creative team from last year’s sell-out tour, with producers NIGEL CARR and TONY DAVIDSON. It is written by the award-winning BRIAN GORMAN, who received much praise for his portrayal of Factory Records boss Tony Wilson. He guides the audience through the heart and soul of both the band and the city, introducing historical figures, including Roman General, Julius Agricola, Dr John Dee, Friedrich Engels, Paul Morley, and Pete Shelley of Buzzcocks! The result is a spellbinding journey of love, passion, grief, and of course music, drawing inspiration from the enigmatic lyrics of Ian Curtis, with a soundtrack featuring iconic hits of the late 1970’s UK music scene, including of course Joy Division. The play is directed by Brian Gorman and Lauren Greenwood, who reprises her role as Debbie Curtis. Josh Lonsdale reprises his role as Joy Division frontman, Ian Curtis.

A smash hit when it debuted at the Greater Manchester Fringe Festival in July 2013, New Dawn Fades has continued to wow audiences across the country, playing to capacity crowds and standing ovations.

“The play is a beautiful crafted and emotional homage to a hugely influential and talented band.”

– Tony Clarke (Louder Than War)

 

“It’s certainly the closest I’ll ever get to seeing Joy Division… I could not recommend this musical play more highly.”

– The Punk Site

 

“a story about ordinary people responding to extraordinary times—and that those times still echo through every note, every word, every flicker of light onstage.”

– Ken Foster  (Plus One)

 

“So fascinating, and (Josh Lonsdale) who played Ian Curtis was brilliant!”

– Jayne Middlemiss (Virgin Radio)

 

“New Dawn Fades is a spellbinding and brilliant play about one of the greatest bands of all time. I totally urge anyone left out there who believes in music to go and see it”

 John Robb

“Highly entertaining, poignant, and often very funny. Brian Gorman played an uncanny version of the late great Tony Wilson”

– Will Sergeant (Echo and The Bunnymen)

“An evocative piece that beautifully captures the heart and soul of Manchester in the 1970s. This is the way, step inside…” 

The play runs for 90 minutes with a 20 minute interval

Winner of The Salford Star Best Play of the Year Award 

Written & Directed by Joe O’Byrne

England, 1953. Renowned American parapsychologist Doctor Roy Earle, famous for discrediting hauntings and exposing fake mediums, is invited to attend a seance in Blaine Manor, said to be the most haunted building in England.

However, Earle’s arrival awakes something horrific within the manor’s walls. As a raging storm closes them off from the outside world, Earle and his companions find that what is waiting within the manor is not nearly as horrific as what has entered with them.

In the spirit of M R James, England’s most accomplished ghost story writer (‘Casting the Runes’, ‘Whistle and I’ll Come To You My Lad’, ‘The Haunted Doll’s House’) and with a nod to the classic black and white film classics of Columbia Pictures, Metro Goldwyn Mayor, Universal Pictures and 20th Century Fox.

O’Byrne’s award winning production is a love letter to both the Golden Age of Hollywood and the Hammer Horror era. An appreciation of the fabulous characters played by the likes of Vincent Price, Peter Cushing, Bette Davis, Peter Lorre and more. It’s a thrilling haunted house chiller set in a manor with a twisted history of madness, witchcraft, tragedy and death, it’s the new ‘The Woman in Black’.

“A horror masterclass from one of our very best and busiest writers” The Salford Star

“Shocking reveals and really fantastic character work from the cast, The Haunting of Blaine Manor feels plucked out of the old BBC Ghost Stories for Christmas and is highly recommended” Bloody-Flicks.co.uk

“A superbly crafted ghost story, with all the pace of a hard-boiled detective thriller, tinged with Hollywood glamour – and a good old dose of horror.” Lucy Wood, Grimsby Telegraph

“We should not be surprised that O’Byrne has a knack for the classic ghost story” The Manchester Theatre Awards

“One of the best original ghost stories I’ve seen on stage in a long time. The atmosphere in the theatre was fantastic. Everything you’d expect from a strong piece of theatre rooted in Victorian gothic horror… a great piece of theatre” The Nantwich News

“The direction by O’Byrne is impeccable, ensuring every moment is packed with tension and intrigue…every scene a blend of suspense and theatrical flair”  Stageside.co.uk

Ages 10+

A full-scale production set in a world of rivalry, rebellion, and forbidden love. 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 breath-taking intensity, with fierce sword fights, searing emotion, and a romance that burns against the odds.

Age Recommendation: 11+

Update 01.09.2025 – Due to personal reasons Vicki Entwistle has had to withdraw from the Life of Riley Tour. Katie Price will be replacing Vicki in the UK tour from February 2026.

Update 13.10.2025 – Final addition to the cast is Cheryl Fergison and  Katie Price will be an on-screen role.

A nationally acclaimed stage play which is heart-warming, heart-breaking and hilarious.

Serious laughter combined with serious issues bring the Riley Family to life in front of your eyes.

“Centered on the dynamics of an ordinary family trying to cope with everyday life including a diagnosis of autism for their youngest son. This could only have been written by someone with firsthand experience!”

CAST OF ACTORS IN LIVING THE LIFE OF RILEY

CHERYL FERGISON (Eastenders)

Leah Bell            Alison Stanley      Paul Dunn

Jonny Larman              Simon Stuart            Jay Stanley

KATIE PRICE in an on-screen role

Autism has a voice in this amazing stage play

WHAT OUR AUDIENCE SAY

** The trials and tribulations of family life with serious issues and serious laughter, a fabulous cast and amazing show. **

** I laughed and cried in equal measure.  Highly recommended **

** A rollercoaster of emotions, love, laughter but tissues to the ready, this is a must-see show**

**A brilliant cast, an amazing concept and brilliantly acted**