Sign up to the waitlist now to experience the intergalactic antics of ‘The Empire Strips Back’ when it takes over the stage at Depot Mayfield this winter.
– Staff Writer
· December 23, 2025
Take some beloved sci-fi characters, add some saucy choreography and a hefty dash of spice – no, not the illicit space kind – and you’ll get The Empire Strips Back, a popular burlesque parody which has already stunned crowds worldwide and now has set its sights on Manchester. Coming to Depot Mayfield in March 2026, you can journey to a galaxy far, far away; one where Darth Vader struts in a sheer catsuit accompanied by some scantily-clad stormtroopers and your favourite bickering duo – Han and Chewie of course – bust some classic moves.
The Empire Strips Back – Waitlist
What can you expect at The Empire Strips Back?
This otherworldly burlesque parody is like a Star Wars fever dream. A spectacle of sensual stripteases, creative choreography, inspired props, mesmerising sets and killer costumes, The Empire Strips Back serves up a tantalising twist on your favourite scenes from the iconic franchise. One thing is for sure, you’ll never watch Luke’s tauntaun encounter on the ice planet Hoth the same way.
Get ready to embrace the dark side. You’ll be treated to a fantastic fusion of wit and wonder as talented performers master the art of sci-fi seduction and dance to a playlist-worthy repertoire of hit songs. Think Boba Fett bumping and grinding to Guns N’Roses, a giant Jabba the Hutt rapping along to Notorious B.I.G. and a hypnotising pair of Twi’leks taking synchronicity to a whole new mesmerising level. There’s even a rather shudder-inducing turn from Emperor Palpatine on a wrecking ball. Plus, like all good burlesque shows, a compere will be at hand between performances to provide puns and banter galore.
Following hugely successful runs in Canada, Mexico and the US, not to mention their popular stint in London, The Empire Strips Back is now set to delight Star Wars fans in Manchester. You won’t want to miss the show that WeLiveEntertainment called ‘the most fun (they’ve) had at a show all year, a must-see’ or that SFGate said was ‘one of the most memorable and impressive live performances (they’ve) ever seen.’ From the sounds of things, this is the show you’re looking for.
Event details
The Empire Strips Back – Waitlist