Recent Projects

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The Palace Theatre and Opera House are working with five Greater Manchester primary schools and 12 wonderful teachers, to support them in bringing more creativity into their schools. The three clear strands of the programme centre around show-based learning - connecting pupils with Matilda the Musical - an introduction to theatre careers and a practical skills focus delivered by a teaching artist.

Phase one of the partnership is now complete, taking place between January - April 2026. All 12 teachers were supported to attend the RSC's CPD session at the theatre, centred around creative writing, and 291 school pupils watched the dress rehearsal of Matilda the Musical, 90% of whom were first time theatre goers. The team then facilitated a workshop in each of the partner schools, with 255 children taking part and ultimately having some of their work performed by a Matilda cast member.

We look forward to phase two and three of the partnership being delivered across the rest of the year. 

In September 2025, the Palace Theatre opened its doors to give anyone aspiring to a career in theatre a glimpse behind the curtain of the multi award-winning Moulin Rouge. Get Technical! is a truly spectacular careers event which showcases theatre careers and the professionals working behind the scenes through live demonstrations from all departments: wigs, wardrobe, sound, stage management, lighting and automation. And most importantly, it connects attendees with the amazing humans who make everything happen. Originally tied to the West End production, the Manchester team were overjoyed to support this programme happening on tour for the first time. The event saw:  

• 729 people of all ages attend and learn about what goes into producing a world-class show.  
• 141 complimentary tickets issued to support those from low-income backgrounds access the event.  
• 360 tickets supporting education settings to access theatre career provision.  

“... that was brilliant! Our young people had no idea of the backstage roles in theatre, we’ve been blown away!”
Attending Teacher

The Relaxed Young Company started in 2023 due to a lack of similar provision in the city, with thanks to support from Manchester City Council’s Youth and Play Team. This small nurturing group provides a safe space for young people aged 13 - 18 on the autism spectrum to develop their creative awareness at the same time as learning essential communicative skills, making friends and having fun through drama workshops, movement and singing. The group takes place at the Palace Theatre on Mondays and is open to welcoming new members each term. 

Work in Theatre is an ATG INSPIRE programme for young people aged 14-17 to gain key insight into the different workings, roles and skills that make up the theatre industry - ATG's answer to traditional work experience.   

During this 4 day course, young people hear from venue experts who support the day to day running of the two Grade II listed theatres, such as Technical, Marketing and Communications, Theatre Management, ATG INSPIRE departments and Freelance Creative Practitioners. Each cohort then takes part in focused career sessions and workshops with  theatre experts, to understand what each role requires before pitching their ideas formally to a panel at the end of the course.  

The Trust proudly supports young people from a range of backgrounds to access Work in Theatre free of charge.  

   The Trust is keen to provide unique opportunities for young people across Greater Manchester to take part, which led to the development of Musical Theatre Masterclasses. The programme includes half term and school holiday courses inspired by the world-class shows visiting the theatres (Spongebob, 101 Dalmatians, Oliver!), and specific show-inspired workshops are led by industry partners (English National Ballet, Cameron Mackintosh Foundation, Disney Theatricals, My Fair Lady, Dream Girls and Dear Evan Hansen). The sessions are carefully crafted to support children to develop a range of performance skills, dance, vocal coaching and drama, to make for a comprehensive performance foundation, build confidence and have fun! 

 The trust is passionate about accessibility and each School Holiday Masterclass offers 20% of places subsidy for those who need it.

Our family sessions are designed to support young children and their families in accessing our historic theatre buildings - opening up the Grade II heritage theatres as playgrounds for imagination and participation through site-specific mini performances based around visiting shows.  The latest instalment was themed around our pantomime for the year, Cinderella, with 16 families taking part.