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
