Preview: Return to the Forest at Aviva Studios
Return to the Forest mixes dance, puppetry and play in an immersive theatrical experience. The world premiere takes place on Thursday 7 May and the Manchester run continues over the Bank Holiday Weekend before heading to London at Sadler's Wells East.
Published 1 May, 2026
Manchester International Festival favourites, Gregory Maqoma and Theatre-Rites return to the city with Return to the Forest, a thoughtful but fun piece of experimental theatre for children and adults alike.
Directed by Sue Buckmaster, mesmerizing puppetry, inventive stagecraft and dance power the performance. The audience is transported from a museum to a wild and wonderful forest, guided by a band of explorers. This isn’t just a bums on seats production; you’re invited to explore this magical world which is inspired by global folk traditions.
With the recent Koh-i-Noor kerfuffle, the return of Benin bronzes earlier this year and the permanent dispute over the Elgin Marbles, the story of treasured objects leaving a museum in a heist of their own making seems culturally spot-on.
Acclaimed South African choreographer, Gregory Maqoma explains the work as: “A mythical journey, but it holds so much truth in it.”
Expect an immersive high-energy experience mixing dance, masquerade and a sense of real enchantment.
Return to the Forest runs until Sunday 10 May 2026 at Aviva Studios. For tickets and further information, visit Factory International.
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Summary
Jo Milligan is one of the main writers at Confidential Guides. She has almost fifteen years experience as a writer and copywriter specialising in writing about food, restaurants, bars, events and family days out in the North West of England. Her work includes features, reviews, articles and practical guides designed to help readers make the most of their city and beyond.
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