The highly-acclaimed, and hugely popular New Dawn Fades: A Play About Joy Division and Manchester returns, this time with a new production team, cast, and director. A decade after the show debuted, this is a whole new, re-energised, and vibrant staging.

The new touring production is written by Brian Gorman, produced by Nigel Carr and T J Davidson, and directed by Mark Jones for Tin Orb Ltd.

New Dawn Fades: A Play About Joy Division and Manchester is the story of four ordinary lads who, inspired by the punk revolution of 1970s Manchester, came together to form one of the most influential bands of all time, Joy Division.

‘Mr Manchester’ Tony Wilson guides the audience through the heart and soul of both the band and the city, introducing an array of historical figures, including Roman General Julius Agricola, Dr John Dee, Frederich Engels, Pete Shelley, and Buzzcocks!

The result is a spellbinding journey of love, passion, grief, and of course music, drawing inspiration from the enigmatic lyrics of Ian Curtis, with a soundtrack featuring iconic hits of the 1970s UK music scene.

A smash hit when it debuted at the Greater Manchester Fringe Festival in July 2013, New Dawn Fades has toured regularly across the country, playing to capacity audiences and standing ovations.


There will also be a special Joy Division Exhibition on performance days featuring actual band and studio equipment loaned from the extensive collection owned by Chris Hewitt at CH Vintage Audio.

Dates & Times

Last session: Thu 12 Oct 2023 at 8:00 PM - This event has now passed
Derby Hall @ The Met
£24 / £20 concessions (inc fees)

Recommended for ages 16+. Includes sensitive subject matter including reference to suicide, violence, trauma and bereavement. Profanity throughout.

Reviews

“A spellbinding and brilliant play about one of the greatest bands of all time”

John Robb - Louder Than War

“This is an experience you won't easily forget”

Mary O'Meara - Mudkiss Fanzine

“It captured everything perfectly”

Rowetta - Happy Mondays

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