How one venue is bringing Hope to regional theatre

The Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester is marking its tenth anniversary this year – so we sat down with founders Joseph Houston and William Whelton.

Since opening in a converted textile mill, the 145-seat venue has become a well-known producing house, staging a mix of revivals and new work. Past productions have included Spring Awakening, Rent and Mame, while Young Frankenstein opens later this month. In 2026, the company will expand its reach with a new staging of High School Musical at The Lowry.

Chief critic Sarah Crompton and editor-in-chief Alex Wood host a weekly series on all things theatrical. News, views, frank exchanges and lists offer an unmissable guide to what’s happening on stage (and in film and on television) now, in the past and in future.

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