Gigs and theatre at Manchester Cathedral

For acoustics and atmosphere, Manchester Cathedral beats many purpose-built music and theatre venues hands down. Following its staging of the recent Tindersticks concert, it will host a series of events this summer that will show off the building's attributes to audiences who might not normally choose to spend their evening in a place of worship.

The American sisters, who are prone to dressing in drag and whose 2005 album had a drawing of vomiting, copulating unicorns on the cover, are not the obvious choice for a gig in a sacred space.

This Friday, 7 May, arty electro-pop duo CocoRosie will be performing there to a select crowd of 1,000 in the nave. The American sisters, who are prone to dressing in drag and whose 2005 album had a drawing of vomiting, copulating unicorns on the cover, are not the obvious choice for a gig in a sacred space. They'll be promoting their new album Grey Oceans. Tickets are available at £17.50 + booking fee from Ticketline.

On 20 May, MOPA Theatre will bring their production of Macbeth to the Cathedral. The non-secular setting is expected to heighten the drama and inspire a new understanding of the well-worn play about witches, murder, and treachery. Tickets from £8 via the Bridgewater Hall box office (0161 907 9000).

On 26 May, we're back on safe ground with a performance of spirit-rousing African American spirituals and traditional American choral music from Bucknell University Choir. They'll be joined by The Fitzwilliam String Quartet for this concert. Tickets are priced from £10 and are available from the Music Department, Manchester Cathedral or through the Cathedral Visitor Centre. Call 0161 833 2220 for further information.

Then on 3 July, flat-voiced indie folksters Noah & the Whale will be performing in the nave. Last time they played in Manchester, their guitars, bass and drum kit were stolen from the car park outside the Academy. Perhaps they're hoping that they'll be safe from scallies and thieves in this venue. Tickets are £15 + booking fee from Ticketline.

Finally, on 3 August, Will Oldman will be at the cathedral in the form of Bonnie Prince Billy and the Cairo Gang. Promoting their new album, The Wondershow of the World, this is likely to be one of the gigs of the summer. Tickets from £21.50 + booking fee from See Tickets.

Manchester Cathedral, Exchange Station Approach, Victoria Street, M3 1SU, 0161 833 2220, www.manchestercathedral.org