Hope Mill Theatre has announced that Acorn Antiques The Musical will play a special one-night-only fundraising concert at London’s Shaftesbury Theatre on Sunday 9 November 2025 at 7:30pm.
Due to overwhelming demand, a second performance has also been added at the Manchester Opera House on Sunday 16 November 2025 at 5pm, following the previously announced concert on Sunday 2 November.
The production will be directed by Hope Mill Theatre’s Joseph Houston and William Whelton, with musical direction and supervision by Nigel Lilley and choreography by Sammy Murray.
Tickets for both new performances are on sale from 10am today, Monday 30 June.
Audiences will be transported to Manchesterford, home of the charming “Acorn Antiques” shop run by sisters Miss Babs and Miss Berta. Alongside them are business partner Mr Clifford, the ever-loyal tea lady Mrs Overall, and two ‘pitiful adolescents’.
But their quaint world is under threat from developers with plans to replace the high street with coffee bars and lingerie shops. As the drama unfolds, secrets are revealed, including a missing triplet sister and a mysterious will.
This musical parody promises laughs, toe-tapping tunes, and a healthy dose of nostalgia. “This laugh out loud musical parody will be sure to have you rolling in the aisles and toe tapping along…so grab yourself a macaroon and don’t miss this special one-off performance.”
The concert celebrates 10 years of Hope Mill Theatre, with all proceeds supporting their Outreach programme and a new community space.
Originally created by Victoria Wood as a sketch in Victoria Wood As Seen on TV, Acorn Antiques lovingly spoofed soap operas like Crossroads and Waggoners Walk. The musical version premiered in 2005 at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, directed by Trevor Nunn and choreographed by Stephen Mear. It earned multiple Olivier nominations and featured stars such as Julie Walters, Celia Imrie, and Duncan Preston.
Star casting for the 2025 concerts is yet to be announced.
