Hope Mill Theatre

All images are credit Hope Mill Theatre unless stated otherwise.

Tucked away in a former cotton mill dating back to 1824, Hope Mill Theatre has quickly become one of Manchester’s cultural gems.

It only opened its doors in November 2015, but walk inside and you’ll feel the history in its very walls.

Hope Mill Theatre was the brainchild of two young theatre-makers, Joseph Houston and William Whelton, who left London’s theatre scene to build something special up north. So, ten years ago they threw caution and their bank balances to the wind and opened their own indie theatre in this converted mill, modeling it on the intimate Off-West End playhouses they loved.

Audiences flocked to the mill for vibrant revivals and new musicals that you wouldn’t normally find outside London. By 2018 Hope Mill had already won Fringe Theatre of the Year at The Stage Awards, a remarkable feat for a venue of such intimate size - c145 seats dependent on configuration.

Not too shabby for a brand new theatre tucked behind an old chimney!

What really makes Hope Mill special is its fearless programming and community spirit. This is the place that staged cult musicals like Hair (on its 50th anniversary) and the stirring civil-rights musical Parade in an intimate setting, allowing audiences to experience these shows up-close and personal.

It’s also where new works and UK premieres have found a nurturing home, from the transgender-positive musical The Regulars to an all-drag panto that had Manchester chattering.

If not clear from above, Hope Mill is proudly LGBTQ+ led and you feel that welcome the moment you walk in. From its annual Turn On Fest to year round queer storytelling and open community projects, the team’s aim is a safe and inclusive home for artists and audiences.

Despite its growing national profile, the theatre retains a warm, community feel. The front-of-house team greets you like an old friend (most are enthusiastic volunteers from the local community).

The cosy Engine Room bar buzzes with audiences and artists mingling together at the interval, drinks in hand, sharing the collective excitement this space generates.

Perhaps that’s why some couples even choose Hope Mill for their weddings! Yes, you can actually get married on stage here, and a handful of lucky couples do so every year.

And if all that isn’t enough… they’ve just been accredited to offer an onsite BA Honours degree in Musical Theatre Performance next year.

In just a decade, this humble theatre has proven that you don’t need a massive West End hall to create world-class theatre. With its bold programming, heartfelt artistic charm, and that distinctive old mill ambiance, Hope Mill Theatre has become a powerhouse of northern culture and creativity.