Theatre mini-break - Manchester or Dublin?

I have never been to Manchester so I can't really comment on it but I can, with certainty, say that Dublin is fantastic. I went there for the first time this Easter and liked it so much I'll be moving there in summer (I'm moving for Uni and that was, admittedly, planned before the holiday but I did want to see whether I'd like it there first).

It's brilliant for theatre (I only went to see two plays, unfortunately because I was with my mother who isn't a fan of theatre in general and of being dragged along to shows by me in particular) but both of those were fantastic. I saw Grief is the Thing with Feathers at the O'Reilly Theatre (which isn't pretty theatre, more like an old school hall but the show made up for that) and Tryst at the Project Art Centre (which is a sort of fringe-y arts space / theatre). I also had a look at what the other theatres had on and there pretty much seemed to be something for everybody: big productions of tours, traditional plays, some opera, and (my fav) experimental and fringe theatre. So whatever you're into, there is going to be something there for you. I can recommend both of the venues I went to and have heard only good things about Smock Alley Theatre and Theatre Upstairs. Again, they're into experimental theatre so if that's not your cup of tea, maybe look towards other venues but I have no doubt there will be somebody you'll like.

Re sightseeing, Dublin is brilliant to just look at but especially if you're into literature. The National Library is fantastic and the Writer's Museum is a treat for any literature-fan. Also, obviously, you won't be able to ignore James Joyce if you're there (even if you want to).

That's basically what I loved about it - I felt so at home with all the literature and theatre and art around me, I honestly considered just staying there.

My family absolutely swear by the Leprechaun Museum in Dublin. They've never been very forthcoming about the contents, they just tell me to suspend my eye-rolling and visit it. Assuming the rumours about Come From Away are true and it does play Dublin this winter, I'll be planning my own mini-break over there so feel free to share LOTS of helpful Dublin tips, people!

August is pretty dead for theatre in Manchester. If you went last week of July you could catch Queens of the Coal Age at the Royal Exchange, Aspects of Love at Hope Mill, Dusty at the Lowry, The Fishermen at Home, Some sort of Sherlock Holmes thing at the Opera House (no idea what it is but looks like Robert Powell is in it) and Fame at the Palace.

Don’t forget Home, which has some great productions on. 2019 would be a good year to come to Manchester as it’s the International festival in July that year.

I’ve never been to Dublin and have always promised to myself that I will go to the Theatre festival there when I retire. I’m always working when it’s on, so it’d be something new for me.

You’ll also be able to catch a performance of riverdance in Dublin if you go over the Summer. A truly authentic Irish experience!