Photo: Pamela Raith Photography
Manchester does it again! A city that gives birth to so many musicals that go on to conquer the world, Something Rotten is the latest UK premiere to grace the Opera House stage and this one is something special!
Something Rotten! is a high-energy comedy set in 1595, where struggling brothers Nick Bottom and Nigel Bottom compete with rock-star playwright William Shakespeare. Desperate for success, Nick consults a soothsayer who predicts the future of theatre—and invents the musical, complete with singing, dancing, and jazz hands. What follows is a rapid-fire blend of wordplay, tap numbers, and affectionate parody of Shakespeare, musical theatre clichés, and creative jealousy. With show-stopping ensemble pieces, heartfelt sibling rivalry, and relentlessly silly humour, the show celebrates originality while poking fun at artistic ego and the timeless urge to entertain audiences through clever lyrics and buoyant choreography.
I have been fortunate to have reviewed every premiere the Opera House has hosted since Ghost haunted the venue and this is one of the best, if not the very best we have seen in over a decade. The writing, the cast, the music are world class and the set from Colin Richmond is one of the finest I have seen on any stage in over 30 years of reviewing. I also have never witnessed such an ovation from the audience that began after the opening number and did not falter until the curtain call. Manchester audiences appreciate good theatre like no others, maybe a reason we are gifted with so many premieres.
Boasting an A-list cast of West End and Broadway stars Jason Manford, Richard Fleeshman, Marisha Wallace and Cory English all shone brightly, but it was for me Cassius Hackforth and Carla Dixon-Hernandez who stood out as Nigel and Portia, their chemistry was undeniable and utterly believable.
This show is an encyclopaedia of musical theatre, I can not begin to list the number of Broadway and West End shows referenced tonight, a theatre geeks dream.
Manford rarely left the stage for the whole night and provided a strong assured performance alongside brother Hackforth. His interactions with Wallace were never anything but a joy and her voice is a highlight of the show on its own. As Shakespeare Fleeshman owns the stage every time he steps upon it and genuinely looks to be in the role of his life. English as Nostradamus was a beautiful blend of Doc Brown and Max Bialystock and instantly likeable.
Something Rotten is something very special, and for me the biggest dose of fresh air musical theatre has seen in this country for over a decade. This show is ready for the West End and will win many awards!
Something Rotten continues at the Opera House until 19th July, https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/something-rotten/opera-house-manchester/
Reviewer: Paul Downham
Reviewed: 24th June 2026
North West End UK Rating:
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