New Dawn Fades - A Play About Joy Division And Manchester returns with a re-energised and vibrant new production touring the UK this October.

The play tells 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.

Following the untimely death of lead singer Ian Curtis, the band went on to huge world-wide success as New Order.

For the first time the play comes to its spiritual home of Macclesfield, not only the home of drummer Stephen Morris and Ian Curtis, but where Ian and Debbie lived on Barton Street.

For 2025, New Dawn Fades reunites the creative team from last year's triumphant tour, with producers NIGEL CARR and TONY DAVIDSON. It is written by the award-winning BRIAN GORMAN, who received much praise for his portrayal of Factory Records boss Tony Wilson and reprises the role this year.

He 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, Friedrich Engels, Paul Morley, and Pete Shelley of 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 late 1970's UK music scene including of course Joy Division. The play is directed by Brian Gorman and Lauren Greenwood, who reprises her role as Debbie Curtis. Josh Lonsdale reprises his role as Joy Division frontman, Ian Curtis.

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

2025 Tour

• 30th Sept/1st Oct Cheltenham – Everyman Theatre + Exhibition
• 4/5th Oct Manchester - RNCM +Exhibition
• 7th Oct Coventry – The Albany Theatre + Exhibition
• 9th Oct Chester – The Live Rooms
• 10th Oct Manchester - RNCM + Exhibition
• 13/14th Oct Birmingham – The Old Rep
• 15/16th Oct Bury – The Met +Exhibition
• 17/18/19th Oct Macclesfield - Cinemac
• 20th Oct Sheffield – The Foundry
• 22nd Oct Blackpool – The Grand Theatre
• 24/25th Oct – Altrincham – The Bowdon Rooms
• 27/28/29th Oct London – The Bloomsbury Theatre + Exhibition
• 30/31st Oct Leeds – City Varieties Music Hall  

Tickets: https://www.newdawnfades.co.uk/events