New Dawn Fades

The funny, moving and powerful story of Ian Curtis and the rise of Joy Division returns in a re-energised production touring the UK in Autumn 2026.

Set against the backdrop of the post-punk explosion in 1970s Manchester, the play follows four ordinary young men who came together to form one of the most influential bands of all time: Joy Division. Blending humour, drama and music, New Dawn Fades charts the band's rapid rise from Manchester clubs to the brink of international success, with Ian Curtis at the centre of it all — a young man grappling with fame, creativity and personal turmoil.

Following Curtis' tragic death in 1980, the remaining members would go on to achieve worldwide success as New Order.