| Musical show and productions in Manchester | | |
| MASTERS OF THE HOUSE SING THE MUSICALS | | | Thursday 31st July 2008 - 7.30pm | | At the Stockport Plaza: Don’t miss this musical feast featuring former stars from Les Miserables performing in concert. The Masters of The House have taken many of the best known (and a few of the not so well known) songs from the world of musical theatre and blended them together with a witty assortment of theatrical anecdotes… the end result being a truly entertaining evening for all. (back to top) | | | to book by phone, call | | stockport plaza | | we also recommend... | 0161 477 7779 | | | |
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| PARTY AT TATTON PARK | | | Sunday 3rd August 2008 - open from 3pm (music 5pm-10.30pm) | | This year Tatton Park have a great afternoon and evening of music for you with live bands playing from 5pm. At 6pm get ready to party with The Music of Dirty Dancing which features all the hits from the cult film starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey including Do You Love Me, Be My Baby, Big Girls Don't Cry, She's Like the Wind, Hungry Eyes, and the immortal (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life. From 9pm Rod Leissle’s legendary band Björn Again perform the greatest Hits of ABBA including Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Take A Chance On Me, Thank You for the Music, Waterloo, Money Money Money and Fernando. Bring the whole family, order the picnic and most importantly bring your dancing shoes for a night of hit after hit. You can also pre-order your picnic online - click here for details. (back to top) | | | to book by phone, call | | tatton park | | we also recommend... | 0844 847 2277 | | | |
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| OLIVER! at the Palace Theatre | | | Thursday 14th to Saturday 16th August 2008 - 7.30pm | | The Palace Theatre is delighted to announce that this years Stage Experience will be an ‘oompah-pah’ occasion as young people from the Manchester area will star in Lionel Barts’ classic musical Oliver! The production will then be staged on the professional Palace Theatre stage, offering young people the chance to star on the stage that has seen the likes of Lawrence Olivier, Charlton Heston, Vivienne Leigh, Laurel & Hardy and Judy Garland to name a few. This is the sixth successive year that the Palace Theatre has offered 200 young people the chance to get involved in the creation of a production, whether its as a performer, working in wardrobe or as a backstage crew member. There is a 2.30pm matinee on the Saturday. (back to top) | | | to book by phone, call | | palace theatre | | we also recommend... | 0844 847 2277 | | | |
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| BUGSY MALONE (Summer Youth Project 2008) | | | Friday 15th & Saturday 16th August 2008 - 7.30pm | | At the Stockport Plaza: Bugsy Malone, the ganster musical set in 1930s New York, is this year’s production. The Summer Youth Project gives young people the opportunity to work with a professional creative team. There is a 2.30pm matinee on the Saturday. (back to top) | | | to book by phone, call | | stockport plaza | | we also recommend... | 0161 477 7779 | | | |
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| FLASHDANCE THE MUSICAL at the Palace Theatre | | | Monday 8th to Saturday 13th September 2008 - 7.30pm | | Based on the Paramount Pictures Film. Screenplay by Tom Hedley and Joe Eszterhas, story by Tom Hedley The first ever tour of the World Premiere production of Flashdance is set to take Manchester by storm! Set in Pittsburgh, USA, Flashdance tells the story of 18 year old Alex, a welder by day and ‘flashdancer’ by night, whose dream is to obtain a place at the prestigious Shipley Dance Academy. The show features an iconic score including the smash hit "Maniac", along with “Manhunt”, "Gloria", “I Love Rock & Roll” and the Academy Award winning title track "Flashdance - What a Feeling". Full of pulsating raw energy and breathtaking choreography by Arlene Phillips (Grease, Strictly Come Dancing, Starlight Express, Saturday Night Fever) Flashdance is an unmistakably unique musical about holding onto your dreams and love against all the odds. It promises to be the musical event of the year – so take your passion and make it happen! There are two performances on the Friday at 5pm & 8.30pm. There is a 2.30pm matinee on the Saturday. (back to top) | | | to book by phone, call | | palace theatre | | we also recommend... | 0844 847 2277 | | | |
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| OVER THE RAINBOW - THE EVA CASSIDY STORY | | | Monday 15th September 2008 - 8pm | | At the Opera House - Since its first performance ‘Over the Rainbow’ has received rapturous receptions and inspired cathartic outpourings of emotion. This is the poignant and moving story of Washington born singer Eva Cassidy. This show has now received standing ovations throughout the UK and Ireland and was a huge hit in Holland, winning “Best Production of the Year”. By the time of her death, she was unknown outside Washington but within four years Terry Wogan discovered and promoted her haunting interpretation of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ to the top of the chart. This compelling Musical play journeys through her life, from her idyllic childhood growing up in a musical family, to her studio work with boyfriend and mentor Chris Biondo; to the exuberant live recording of Blues Alley and finally to her tragically premature death at the age of only 33 years. This sad but uplifting love story features over 27 of her best loved songs recreated by a multi-talented cast of West End performers. Her album ‘Imagine’ came straight in at Number One ahead of international singing stars Robbie Williams and Beyonce, and her interpretations have received accolades from Roberta Flack, Mick Fleetwood and Sting, making her the only female Artist ever to receive three posthumous Number One albums. This Musical captures the beautiful qualities of this wonderfully talented and spiritual song stylist, a true artist in every sense of the word, with no interest in fame and fortune. Not since Blood Brothers has a Musical received such an emotional response. A show for anyone who has lost someone they love. A thoroughly entertaining and a truly memorable experience. (back to top) | | | to book by phone, call | | manchester opera house | | we also recommend... | 0844 847 2277 | | | |
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| OUR HOUSE at the Lowry Theatre (Lyric Theatre) | | | Monday 15th to Saturday 20th September 2008 - 7.30pm | | Starring original X-Factor winner, Steve Brookstein. Our House didn’t just win the Olivier Award for Best New Musical, it was an instant smash-hit, winning the hearts of London’s West End. A touching tale of life and love, heartbreak and comedy, right and wrong, Our House is the irresistibly brilliant musical bursting with non-stop classic hits from everyone’s favourite 80s pop group, Madness. Sixteen today, in love for the first time – the world is really changing for the young Joe Casey. But on this fateful night he doesn’t realise quite how much. Our House features more than 15 Madness hit including My Girl, Wings of a Dove, Baggy Trousers, House of Fun, Driving in My Car and of course, the all-time joyous classic It Must Be Love. This hilarious, touchingly romantic and emotionally-charged musical is written by Calendar Girls’ Tim Firth, and directed by Lord of the Rings’ Matthew Warchus, with high-octane choreography by Billy Elliot’s Peter Darling. There is a 2pm matinee performance on the Wednesday and Saturday. (back to list) | | | to book by phone, call | | lyric theatre | | we also recommend... | 0870 787 5780 | | | |
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| MAD ABOUT THE MUSICALS (Stockport Plaza) | | | Thursday 18th September 2008 - 7.30pm | | This electric production of Musical Showstoppers was voted by many venues last year as one of the best onenight shows in the UK. Transporting you on a whistle stop tour into the heart of London’s theatre land the 'Mad About the Musicals' show contains over 25 of your favourite musicals from composers such as Lloyd Webber, Boublil and Schonberg. So, sit back and enjoy two hours of unforgettable West End and Broadway favourites, the stunning vocal talents of a West End cast, top notch dancing, glitzy costumes and a Premier Live Band - ‘A Pure Slice Of Entertainment’. (back to top) | | | to book by phone, call | | stockport plaza | | we also recommend... | 0161 477 7779 | | | |
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| THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC (Palace Theatre) | | | Friday 19th September 2008 - 7.30pm | | Million-selling hit follows million-selling hit as Abba meet the Bee Gees in brilliant box office blockbuster Thank You For the Music. Abba Magic and Bee Gees Magic star in the year’s biggest and best concert show, taking you on an unforgettable magical musical ride. Classic Abba hits Dancing Queen, Super Trouper and Thank You For the Music rub shoulders with chart toppers Massachusetts, Stayin’ Alive and even Bee Gees-penned hits for other artists; Islands in the Stream and Woman in Love. Join us in a theatrical romp through the decades, a show that has it all – star-studded cast, glittering costumes, superb musicianship. Experience the world’s original and best Abba and Bee Gees theatre show – now in its 11th fantastic year – as we say Thank You For the Music. Tickets on sale from Wednesday 11th June. (back to top) | | | to book by phone, call | | palace theatre | | we also recommend... | 0844 847 2277 | | | |
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| THE EXTRA FACTOR at the Opera House | | | Thursday 25th to Saturday 27th September 2008 - 8pm | | The eXtra Factor is a Comedy Musical which takes an ironical and hilarious look at reality shows. The ultimate winner will be decided each night by the audience! Apart from the comedy antics in the living quarters, the live-singing action takes place in a TV studio, with the wannabe pop-stars fighting for their 15 minutes of fame; and we see there is no limit to what some people will do to get it. From the house to the studio and back, this fast paced production will keep you laughing and guessing until the final moments. The eXtra Factor features 6 extremely talented performers, locked away in a house, desperate for fame, fortune and stardom. Kevin Kennedy (Coronation Street) teams up with Antony Costa (Blue, I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here), Kelle Bryan (Eternal), Anthony Kavanagh (chart topper & ITV1’s Grease is the Word); Russ Spencer (pop group Scooch & West End’s Chitty Chitty bang bang) Jennifer Biddall (Hollyoaks) and Suzanne Carley (Blood Brothers & Grease). As well as the poignant and hilarious Comedy writing, the show will feature some of the biggest hits from the last 3 decades, including Robbie William’s “Angels”, George Michael’s “Freedom”, Donna Summer’s “I’m So Excited”, Europe’s “The Final Countdown” and many more. Big Brother meets Fame Academy to create The eXtra Factor in this no holds barred situation comedy where friendships are made but quickly broken when our Finalists strive to see who has the The eXtra Factor to make them a star. There is a 2.30pm matinee on the Saturday. (back to top) | | | to book by phone, call | | manchester opera house | | we also recommend... | 0844 847 2277 | | | |
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| ONE NIGHT WITH PIANO MEN (Stockport Plaza) | | | Thursday 25th September 2008 - 7.30pm | | A nostalgic musical journey through the 70’s & 80’s featuring the music of the great Piano Men. Sir Elton John, Billy Joel, Barry Manilow and more... Starring the outstanding showmanship of singer/songwriter Martyn Lucas with his Grand Piano. Accompanied by musicians from the world acclaimed British Philharmonic Orchestra who have accompanied the likes of Shirley Bassey and Michael Ball. For a night of music & passion don’t miss, ‘One Night with the Piano Men.’. (back to top) | | | to book by phone, call | | stockport plaza | | we also recommend... | 0161 477 7779 | | | |
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 | CAN'T SMILE WITHOUT YOU at the Palace Theatre | | | Monday 29th September to Saturday 4th October 2008 - 7.30pm | | Bill Kenwright presents Can’t Smile Without You. The songs inspired a generation…The Musical will touch your heart! Can’t Smile Without You - The new Barry Manilow musical featuring all of his classic hits! With book by Tim Prager, based on an original idea by Bill Kenwright, and featuring all the timeless hits from music legend Barry Manilow, the story centres around an aspiring young band who, on a visit to New York, come across an opportunity not to be missed - auditions for the latest reality TV show to find the next pop music sensation. When the TV company offers lead singer Tony a chance to appear on the show, the other band members give him their unconditional blessing. But before Tony can realise his dream, he is caught up in a tragic sequence of events which leaves him fighting for his life. Left with no memory his dreams are all but shattered. His only hope lies in the power of the music he loves and his feelings for a girl he once knew called Mandy… Barry Manilow is one of the most successful music artists of all time. He has sold more than 75 million records worldwide and at the height of his success he had five albums on the best-seller charts in the US. This brand new musical, fully endorsed by Barry Manilow and his music executive Garry Kief, includes over 30 of Barry’s hit songs including Could It Be Magic, It’s A Miracle, I Write The Songs, Mandy, I Made It Through The Rain, Trying To Get The Feeling and of course Can’t Smile Without You as well as many, many more. Matinee performances on Wednesday & Saturday at 2.30pm. Please note: Barry Manilow will not be starring in this production. (back to top) | | | to book by phone, call | | palace theatre | | we also recommend... | 0844 847 2277 | | | |
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| YOU DON'T BRING ME FLOWERS (Stockport Plaza) | | | Thursday 2nd October 2008 - 7.30pm | | Celebrating the chart-topping hits of Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond, You Don’t Bring Me Flowers is a dynamic multimedia concert from the producers of the sell-out success Manhattan Nights. Bringing together top tracks by these two multi-platinum selling artists, You Don’t Bring Me Flowers celebrates Barbra Streisand’s and Neil Diamond’s careers with songs, music and dance. Featuring classic hits such as America, Song Sung Blue, Papa Can You Hear Me, Beautiful Noise and Evergreen this show combines top West End talent with smart choreography and a stunning video backdrop. Building on the audience success that greeted Manhattan Nights, the musical celebration that is You Don’t Bring Me Flowers will have audiences dancing in the aisles and shouting for more. Produced by David Fellerman with direction and choreography by Nick Winston, musical supervision by Julian Reeve and featuring some of the West End’s leading performers, You Don’t Bring Me Flowers reunites the talented creative team behind the magical musical celebration Manhattan Nights and offers a show scaled to suit all venues with four top west end vocalist/dancers in a compact and elegant UK theatre touring production and up to sixteen performers in a larger scale show for the overseas markets. (back to top) | | no tickets available online, call 0161 477 7779 |
| | to book by phone, call | | stockport plaza | | we also recommend... | 0161 477 7779 | | | |
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| CABARET at the Palace Theatre | | | Monday 6th to Saturday 11th October 2008 - 7.30pm | Music and lyrics by Kander and Ebb, the team behind the hit musical Chicago.
Wilkommen, Bienvenue, Welcome to Bill Kenwright’s multi award winning hit West End production of CABARET! The “Sensational” Double Olivier Award Winner and Variety Club Awards ‘Best Musical’, turns Weimar Berlin of 1931 into a divine haven of decadence, its extraordinary and morally ambiguous inhabitants determined to keep up appearances as the real world prepares for the nightmarish chaos of war. And at its heart is the legendary Sally Bowles who performs nightly at the infamous Kit Kat Klub in ‘A shimmering masterpiece of a show guaranteed night after night! It’s divine decadence darling!’ Since its Broadway premiere in 1966 and the famous movie version, with Liza Minnelli, Michael York and Joel Grey, CABARET has won a staggering number of stage and screen awards including 8 Oscar’s, 7 BAFTA’s and 13 Tony’s. There is a 2.30pm matinee on the Wednesday and Saturday. (back to top) | | | to book by phone, call | | palace theatre | | we also recommend... | 0844 847 2277 | | | |
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| THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ (Stockport Plaza) | | | Saturday 11th October 2008 - 1.30pm | | This superb show is a treat for all ages. Told in pantomime style, the show follows the adventures of Dorothy, The Scarecrow, The Tin Man and of course the Cowardly Lion on their way to the Emerald City in the Land of Oz to see the Mighty Wizard. There is plenty of encouragement for audience participation, especially between the Good Fairy and the Wicked Witch of the West, with the audience cheering Dorothy all the way to the Emerald City. With colourful scenery and costumes, Directed by Simon Walters and choreography by Simon Bashford, it is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. (back to top) | | | to book by phone, call | | stockport plaza | | we also recommend... | 0161 477 7779 | | | |
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| WITCHES OF EASTWICK at the Opera House | | | Monday 13th to Saturday 18th October 2008 - 7.30pm | | Based on the Warner Brothers motion picture starring Jack Nicholson, Michelle Pfeiffer and Cher, the musical of The Witches of Eastwick is coming to Manchester, starring the sensational Marti Pellow as the devilish Daryl Van Horne. When three desperate housewives in mid-town America wish for the man of their dreams they get far more than they bargain for. All hell breaks loose - quite literally, with the arrival of Daryl Van Horne. After leading Wet Wet Wet to a plethora of multi-platinum singles and albums, peaking with Love Is All Around's 15 week stint at the top of the charts, Marti has gone on to a successful solo career as well as West End and Broadway seasons as Billy Flynn in the hit musical Chicago. The Witches of Eastwick marks Marti Pellow’s first musical in 5 years and is set to be the hottest ticket of 2008. There are two shows on the Friday (5pm & 8.30pm). There is a 2.30pm performance on the Saturday. (back to top) | | | to book by phone, call | | manchester opera house | | we also recommend... | 0844 847 2277 | | | |
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| VAMPIRES ROCK at the Palace Theatre | | | Wednesday 15th October 2008 - 7.30pm | | Rockman Music proudly presents Steve Steinman’s legendary Vampires Rock. 1000 volts of explosive energy power Steve Steinman’s spellbinding fantasy rock concert. Featuring over 20 stadium rock anthems performed live on stage including classics from Queen, AC/DC, Guns & Roses, Bon Jovi, Meat Loaf, Bonnie Tyler and many more. With awesome sets, state of the art pyrotechnics, heart-stopping guitar riffs and spine-shivering drumbeats, Steve Steinman's Vampires Rock is The No.1 Rock Spectacular! (back to top) | | | to book by phone, call | | palace theatre | | we also recommend... | 0844 847 2277 | | | |
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| ROLLING BACK THE YEARS (Stockport Plaza) | | | Friday 17th October 2008 - 2.30pm & 7.30pm | | One of the biggest shows of its kind in the UK, taking you on a breathtaking musical journey from the good old days of Music Hall, through the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, and finally into the some of the beautiful harmonies of the 1970’s. Beautifully costumed and choreographed for each decade, performed by ‘West End’ and international vocalists, along with the stunning ‘Memory Lane’ dancers. (back to top) | | | to book by phone, call | | stockport plaza | | we also recommend... | 0161 477 7779 | | | |
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| THAT'LL BE THE DAY at the Opera House | | | Tuesday 21st October 2008 - 7.30pm | Prepare to party as the legendary That’ll Be The Day, the Number One Award winning entertainment show, returns this Summer with a brand new production. This new show includes a new unique mixture of 50’s, 60’s & 70’s rock ‘n’ roll hits mixed with great comedy that never fails to surprise and entertain audiences around the country again and again. This non-stop entertainment is widely recognised as a great party time night out not to be missed. (back to top) | | | to book by phone, call | | manchester opera house | | we also recommend... | 0844 847 2277 | | | |
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| DISNEYS BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Palace Theatre) | | | Tuesday 21st to Saturday 25th October 2008 - 7.30pm | One of the most popular and enchantingly romantic stories ever told comes to life in Disney’s multi-award winning musical Beauty & the Beast. Seen by over 25 million people, one of the biggest musicals of all time brings to life the beloved “tale as old as time” with a burst of theatrical magic. Nominated for nine Tony awards including Best Musical, this eye-popping musical has been wowing audiences world-wide with record breaking runs in New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Sydney, Tokyo and London’s West End. And now the magic of this spectacularly staged smash-hit West End Musical is returning to the Palace Theatre, Manchester. Be our guest and bring someone you love to experience the enchantment of an unforgettable performance of Disney’s classic musical.
There is a 2.30pm matinee on the Wednesday and Saturday. (back to top) | | | to book by phone, call | | palace theatre | | we also recommend... | 0844 847 2277 | | | |
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| BEYOND THE BARRICADE at the Opera House | | | Thursday 23rd October 2008 - 7.30pm | | This cast of past principal performers from Les Miserables perform songs from Miss Saigon, The Lion King, Tell Me on a Sunday, Phantom Of the Opera, We Will Rock You, Chicago, Blood Brothers and many more, climaxing with a spectacular finale from, of course, Les Miserables. (back to top) | | | to book by phone, call | | manchester opera house | | we also recommend... | 0844 847 2277 | | | |
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| ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR at the Palace Theatre | | | Monday 27th October to Saturday 1st November 2008 - 7.30pm | | Set against the backdrop of a travelling funfair and packed with dazzling stunt sequences, hilarious crafty cons and plenty of rock ‘n’ roll, All the Fun of the Fair is a brand new action-packed musical from legendary singer and songwriter David Essex and the creator of Boogie Nights, Jon Conway. Widower and funfair owner Levi Lee (David Essex) is struggling to fend off the unwelcome attentions of an alluring and attractive divorcee whilst trying to keep up with the ins and outs of his son’s tangled love life and lofty ambitions. And what is he to make of the dangerous predictions of the fair’s mysterious gypsy fortune teller, warning him about what the future has in store? Inspired by David’s debut album, this roller-coaster ride is underscored by a helter-skelter of hits such as Winter’s Tale, Hold Me Close, Gonna Make You A Star, Me and My Girl Nightclubbing, Silver Dream Machine and Rock On. So roll on up and get your tickets now for this beautiful, modern musical love-story with a heartbreaking twist. There is a 2.30pm matinee on the Wednesday and Saturday. (back to top) | |
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