What's On

Priority booking

Want to be first in line with early access to tickets? Become a Member and get 48 hours priority booking for all our future shows and events, plus many more perks. Are you in?

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Coming soon: Einstein on the Beach

An archive image of Albert Einstein standing on a beach looking out towards the sea.
A powerful new production of Einstein on the Beach arrives at Aviva Studios in 2027, presented by English National Opera and Factory International.
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International Work

Tao of Glass

@sohoplace West End, London | 24 July – 12 September 2026

The Faggots and Their Friends Between Revolutions

Park Avenue Armory, New York | December 2025
A group of performers around a table littered with objects, some are playing musical instruments, one is waving a flag

Under the Radar 2026

Wet Mess, Quarantine and Jo Fong and George Orange present work at Under the Radar Festival, New York | January 2026
a person performing on stage in blue lighting with their face painted

Marina Abramović: Balkan Erotic Epic

Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona | Ruhrtriennale | Berliner Festspiele | Park Avenue Armory, New York | Throughout 2026
A group of women in traditional Eastern European attire stand barefoot in a grassy field under a dramatic, cloudy sky. Most are wearing black skirts, white blouses, and black headscarves, with some partially exposing their chests while lifting their heads upward in a ritualistic pose. In the foreground, a single woman dressed in white kneels on the ground with a headscarf and embroidered belt, gazing to the side.

Huang Ruo: City of Floating Sounds

National Taichung Theater | March 2026
A futuristic cityscape with cherry blossom trees and people walking in the backgroud

Germaine Kruip: A Possibility

PLT Theater Heerlen | Internationaal Theater Amsterdam | June 2026
A theater stage with a dramatic, modern design is shown, featuring black framing and a stark white, illuminated backdrop. The contrast between the dark seating area and the bright stage creates a striking visual effect.

Digital Projects

Dream Space

A podcast from Factory International, hosted by Gemma Cairney, where we ask; what does art have the potential to do when we allow ourselves to dream?
Dream Space podcast artwork, a transparent cube in front of purple hazed clouds.

Factory Settings

Factory Settings allows you to access a whole new dimension to Aviva Studios through inventive and playful virtual experiences.
Aviva Studios x Trespass with vines and greenery covering the building

I CAN'T FOLLOW YOU ANYMORE

A video game by artist Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley that explores Black trans identity, spirituality and resistance through vampires.
I CAN'T FOLLOW YOU ANYMORE

Factory Works

A new audio artwork and accompanying film by Neville Gabie – created with Nabihah Iqbal, Mark Thomas and the Aviva Studios construction workers.
Image of Factory Works cover

Access

AD: Audio-described
Introduction and commentary of the visual aspects of a show to assist blind and visually impaired patrons. This is usually delivered via infrared headsets. These performances often include a Touch Tour where guests can also explore the more tactile elements.

BSL: British Sign Language interpreted
A British Sign Language interpreter will translate the spoken words for BSL users.

CAP: Captioned
Captioning displays dialogue and some sound effects as visible text on a screen or mobile device for anyone who would find this useful.

REL: Relaxed
A more relaxed performance environment that is suitable or people with an Autism Spectrum Condition, sensory and communication disorders, a learning disability or those with babes in arms.

Good to know

Visiting Aviva Studios this week? With high temperatures forecast for Manchester, here’s some information to help you enjoy a comfortable visit.

Aviva Studios is fully air-conditioned, so you can escape the heat whether you’re visiting the Social or seeing The Surge in the Hall. All our performances are going ahead.

If you're attending a performance, please remember to stay hydrated and allow extra time for your journey where needed. You are welcome to bring empty water bottles into the venue, which can be refilled at dedicated water points in the Social. We also have a great selection of cold drinks and ice cream available at our bars!

We look forward to welcoming you.

Aviva Studios is open from Thursday to Sunday. Check the latest opening hours here.

Highlights

Ai Weiwei: Button Up!

History, power and empire collide in Button Up! – a major new exhibition from the world-leading artist and activist Ai Weiwei
Ai Weiwei's Law of the Journey artwork, showing a crowd of people surrounding a huge, inflatable migrant boat in a big warehouse

Ai Weiwei: Sewing a Button

Ai Weiwei re-enacts his secret detention in Sewing a Button – an unflinching 24-hour live performance
Black-and-white image of Ai Weiwei sitting on a chair beside a simple metal bed against a brick wall.

The Surge: An Ode to Sinéad O'Connor

The world premiere of a dance work inspired by Sinéad O'Connor’s uncompromising voice and spirit
Black and white photo of Sinéad O'Connor

David Bowie: You're Not Alone

Discover the creative mind, spirit and soul of one of the world’s greatest, most visionary artists
A person looking at five versions of David Bowie singing on a large screen

It's a Sin

Joy, loss and defiance collide in a new dance adaptation of the landmark series
Neon-lit dancers posing inside a glowing triangle frame at a nightclub.

Manchester Collective: Patterns in Repeat

Rhythm begins with the body in this evening of contemporary experimental music with four titans of the genre
Four members of Manchester Collective perform on stage surrounded by blurred lighting

Gigs at Aviva Studios

Intimate Gigs. Warehouse Raves. Unbeatable Sound. Discover our latest gig listings at Aviva Studios.
A crowd of people cheering and filming over the barrier in the Warehouse at Aviva Studios. The lighting is blue.

Classical music at Aviva Studios

Explore our classical music programme at Aviva Studios – from cutting-edge opera to contemporary classical
The BBC Philharmonic orchestra performing in the Warehouse. The lighting is pink and purple. The audience are stood in the middle of the orchestra.

Summer at Aviva Studios

Ai Weiwei takes over Aviva Studios with Button Up! – plus summer activities, music and family fun
Factory Square filled with people sat on the grass and deckchairs, drinking and chatting. The sun is shining.

All events