Outline of Ian Curtis looking back with siloutted skyscrappers in backgroun

New Dawn Fades

Duration

1 hour 50 minutes (including interval)

Date

Wed 5 May 2027 7pm

Venue

Theatre

Need to know

Tickets: £36 (includes souvenir programme) / £32

Groups: Parties of 10 or more get one free ticket. Please email groupbookings@warwick.ac.uk or contact our box office for more information and to book.

Swearing and themes of suicide

Recommended Age:

15+. Under 16s to be accompanied by a responsible adult.

A play about Joy Division and Manchester

The play tells the electrifying and often hilarious 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 2027, New Dawn Fades reunites the creative team from last year's sell-out 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. He guides the audience through the heart and soul of both the band and the city, introducing 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.

“It’s certainly the closest I’ll ever get to seeing Joy Division… I could not recommend this musical play more highly.”

The Punk Site

“New Dawn Fades is a spellbinding and brilliant play about one of the greatest bands of all time. I totally urge anyone left out there who believes in music to go and see it”

John Robb

“High risk, high reward… a bold piece of theatre that captures the atmosphere of late-70s Manchester and the creative spark that surrounded Joy Division.”

Manchester Evening News