Opera House Manchester Archives

The SpongeBob Musical – Opera House, Manchester

18May

By Scot CunninghamNo Comments

North West

The SpongeBob Musical – Opera House, Manchester

SpongeBob SquarePants- the Nickelodeon sensation beloved across the world- made his Broadway debut in 2017. For the first time, the residents of Bikini Bottom are shipping their musical to the UK, promising seafaring silliness for fans both old and new. The impending eruption of an underwater volcano threatens to wipe out SpongeBob’s hometown: while he sets out to save the day, the other citizens plan an evacuation fundraising concert. Plot thinness is no issue here as a splendidly diverse cast puts everything into embodying their characters, making every scene an immersive joy. Anyone who has seen the show will appreciate the vast inclusion of its treasured sea creatures; Mrs Puff (Eloise Davies), Larry the Lobster (Theo Reece), Old Man Jenkins (Reece Kerridge) and Gary the Snail al...

2Feb

By Grace AnnabelNo Comments

North West

Mamma Mia – Opera House, Manchester

Mamma Mia! The smash hit jukebox musical opened tonight to a raving full house of ABBA fanatics and theatre enthusiasts, all head- bopping to the renowned hits from the overture to finale. As soon as the band began taking us through a medley of ABBA’s greatest hits during the overture, I could feel the electric energy and could tell this would be an unforgettable night of musical theatre. The creative team is comprised of highly acclaimed and accomplished theatre professionals. Directed by Phyllida Lloyd, choreographed by Anthony Van Laast and musically directed by Carlton Edwards - this collective is a powerhouse, creating a truly triple-theatre piece of theatre right from the get-go. During the show we were greeted by a simplistic set. This was used to created a multitude of ...

22Jul

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

NEWS

Mrs Doubtfire Confirms UK Premiere Cast

Producers Kevin McCollum and Jamie Wilson are thrilled to announce the full cast for the UK premiere of Mrs. Doubtfire, the new comedy musical based on the iconic movie, which will run for a strictly limited season at the Manchester Opera House from Friday 2nd September 2022 until Saturday 1st October. Mrs. Doubtfire the musical will introduce comic actor Gabriel Vick (Avenue Q) as Daniel Hillard, with Laura Tebbutt (School of Rock) as Miranda Hillard, Carla Dixon Hernandez (Matilda the Musical) as Lydia Hillard, Cameron Blakely (The Addams Family) as Frank Hillard, Marcus Collins (The X Factor) as Andre, Dominic Andersen (Heathers) as Stuart, Vanessa Fisher (Legally Blonde) as Wanda Sellner, Ian Talbot OBE (Hairspray, and Director of The Mousetrap) as Mr. Jolly and Aiesha Naomi Pease (...

Grease the Musical – Manchester Opera House

13Oct

By Hannah WildeNo Comments

North West

Grease the Musical – Manchester Opera House

If, like me, you’re a lifelong fan of the 1978 titular film Grease, then the touring production of Grease the Musical is not to be missed. Like its namesake, this production is as slick as you like. It has got everything a good show should have: a toe-tapping soundtrack, mesmerising choreography, and - quite literally - an all-singing, all-dancing cast. The performance I had the pleasure of attending starred Dan Partridge as the leading man Danny Zuko, and understudy Ellie Kingdon as his leading lady, Sandy. I was a bit apprehensive to see an understudy in such a prominent role - especially one who is making their professional debut in this show - but I needn’t have worried: Kingdon was incredible. Far from being “oh so scared and unsure” like her wallflower character Sandy, Kingd...

28Mar

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

NEWS, NWE UK Live

Bruce Joel Rubin celebrates 10 years of Ghost the Musical

On the 10th anniversary of the World Premiere of Ghost the Musical at the Opera House in Manchester, Oscar winning writer of the movie Bruce Joel Rubin sits down with our senior editor and Ghost the Musical super fan Paul Downham to discuss how the film transferred to the stage. https://www.youtube.com/embed/nSuL0ozzd00 Advertisement (contains affiliate links)