Opera House Archives - Page 4 of 7

Shrek the Musical – Opera House, Manchester

3Aug

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

Shrek the Musical – Opera House, Manchester

Shrek the Musical is mesmerising extravaganza that is a great way to introduce children to the theatre and performing arts. Shrek the Musical has arrived at Manchester Opera House and is an absolute delight that brings the beloved ogre and his endearing companions to life on stage in an unforgettable theatrical experience. The cast is an absolute tour de force, with each actor embodying their iconic character with undeniable charm and flair. Shrek played by Anthony Lawrence has a warmth and energy that the audience immediately connect with and perfectly captures the grumpy yet lovable demeanour of everyone’s favourite ogre. Lawrence has a great on stage chemistry with Joanne Clifton who plays Princess Fiona with a great stage presence. Brandon Lee Sears as Donkey and James Gillan ...

The Commitments – Opera House, Manchester

6Jun

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

The Commitments – Opera House, Manchester

The Commitments Musical, stopping off at the Opera House in Manchester on its nationwide tour, takes on the daunting task of bringing a classic film to the stage. The result is a performance that might be aptly described as 'Commitments Lite', yet it is filled with sensational soul and a cast rich in talent. The story is simple. Jimmy, played by James Killeen, forms a soul band from a group of unlikely characters in the town who draw on the essence of being Dubliners to create their original sound. The band experiences a fleeting moment of massive success before falling apart. This narrative is supported by a plethora of fantastic numbers, performed by an array of talented actor-musicians. James Deegan stands out as Deco, a character brimming with charisma and a voice that rises to a s...

Lemons, Lemons, Lemons, Lemons, Lemons – Opera House, Manchester

22Mar

By Paul WilcoxNo Comments

North West

Lemons, Lemons, Lemons, Lemons, Lemons – Opera House, Manchester

How would you express yourself if you were restricted by law to using just 140 words per day? This question forms the intriguing premise behind this 2015 play from Sam Steiner which attempts to utilise the format of a romantic comedy to examine more serious subjects around freedom of expression and speech. However, in this endeavour, 'Lemons' felt underripe; a series of half explored ideas that were not fully thought through and left the audience with a sour taste at the conclusion. Following a commercially successful run at the smaller Harold Pinter Theatre in the West End, producers chose to open this Manchester run in the cavernous 2,000 seat Opera House. A decision that was no doubt powered by the demand to see the leading actors Jenna Coleman and Aidan Turner live onstage, was vind...

21Mar

By NewsdeskNo Comments

NEWS

So Lucky Manchester Gets It First Again

Ambassador Theatre Group Productions are delighted to announce the World Premiere of the official Stock Aitken Waterman musical I SHOULD BE SO LUCKY. Written and directed by Debbie Isitt and choreographed by Jason Gilkison, the show will open at the Manchester Opera House on 1st November 2023 and play the Christmas season at Leeds Grand Theatre & Opera House from 12th – 30th December 2023 as part of a UK tour. Tour schedule below with further dates to be announced soon. www.soluckymusical.com @Soluckymusical Mike Stock said today “We have been approached many times over the years to authorise a musical using the songs from the Stock Aitken Waterman catalogue and have always resisted, until now! What Debbie, Jason and the team behind the show have created is a truly original and sham...

Death Drop: Back in the Habit – Opera House

10Mar

By Scot CunninghamNo Comments

North West

Death Drop: Back in the Habit – Opera House

Are they really going to make a habit of this? Get on your knees and say your prayers: another killer comedy in the Death Drop series has descended upon Manchester. Long-serving man of the cloth, Father Alfie Romeo (LoUis CYfer) has been told about strange goings-ons at the St Babs convent. He goes to meet the flock of eccentric nuns, but his holy presence doesn’t necessarily guarantee their safety from ungodly fates. There is a Holly Stars-shaped hole in this sequel, both on-stage and in the script; she established the original Death Drop as an uproarious, Northern powerhouse of a play. With frequent references to ‘The Great British Bake Off’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings’, it seems that Rob Evans’ writing is instead intended to appeal to a much more mainstream audience. That being sai...

26Feb

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

Chicago Blues Brothers – Opera House

The Blues Brothers hit movie theatres in 1980 and very soon after that, became a cult Classic; filled with feel-good blues music, iconic quotes and those recognisable black shades and trilby hats which have become a firm favourite at any fancy dress party! The insatiable fun and energy of that film has been kept alive thanks to the Chicago Blues Brothers; the group has been touring for over 30 years and their blend of high energy routines and feel good numbers has delighted thousands of audiences around the world. Their latest tour: titled ‘Cruisin for a Blues in’ is a hit filled show which takes you on a journey through the music capitals of the USA with an incredible soundtrack which has the entire Manchester audience dancing in the aisles. Chris Hindle and Gareth Davey star as ...

The Chicago Blues Brothers return to Manchester for one night only

23Feb

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

NEWS

The Chicago Blues Brothers return to Manchester for one night only

Following their last Hollywood themed sell-out show at the Opera House back in 2021, the Chicago Blues Brothers return with their new tour Cruisin’ For A Bluesin’. The boys have put the band back together and are ready to take you cruising to the music capitals of the USA for one night of spectacular live music. Performed in the hard-hitting style that has made the Chicago Blues Brothers the biggest and most loved Blues Brothers productions in the world. From the Savoy theatre in London’s West End to the Madinat Theatre, Dubai this show has rocked some of the most iconic venues around the globe. Join Jake and Elwood, The Sweet Soul Sisters and the amazing CBB Band for a hand clapping, foot-stomping, hit parade corker of an evening. Overflowing with heart and brimming with soul, in...

21Feb

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

The Rocky Horror Show – Opera House

"The Rocky Horror Show" is a classic musical that has captivated audiences for over four decades. As someone who recently had the pleasure of attending a live performance of the show at the Opera House in Manchester, I can confidently say that it is a truly unforgettable experience. From the moment the show begins, you are transported into a world of science fiction and horror, complete with catchy music and outrageous costumes. The cast of characters is eccentric and colourful, and the audience is encouraged to participate in the show by shouting out lines and using props. This creates an atmosphere that is both lively and engaging, making it a truly unique theatrical experience. The musical numbers are a true highlight of the show, with memorable songs such as "The Time Warp" and "...

<strong>Ellen Kent’s La Boheme – Opera House, Manchester</strong>

28Jan

By Paul WilcoxNo Comments

North West

Ellen Kent’s La Boheme – Opera House, Manchester

Producer Ellen Kent has created a niche in the theatrical world over the last three decades, importing the best of traditional ballet and opera from Eastern Europe to be staged here in the UK. Given the ongoing war in Ukraine and subsequent political upheaval, it is a testament to her tenacity that she has managed to bring 'The Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre' from war torn Kyiv, on a Spring tour to the UK, beginning at Manchester's Opera House. The small company of approximately a dozen, supplemented by local young artists and supported by a full orchestra, will be showcasing classic works by Puccini and Verdi over the next four months; Madama Butterfly, Aida and La Boheme. Ah, 'La Boheme'! At this point I have to confess my history with Puccini's impossibly romantic story of doom...

Madama Butterfly – Manchester Opera House

27Jan

By Jan MellorNo Comments

North West

Madama Butterfly – Manchester Opera House

What a privilege to be able to see one of Puccini’s most iconic operas, in one of auditoriums built for such a performance – at the Opera House in Manchester. I was so delighted to see this (even if it was on a school night!) and as it was a packed house so were a lot of people. The set was stunning, with the Japanese pagoda and trees across the stage and as the curtain rose we were taken to a mountain top village in Nagasaki, where life was simple, traditions obeyed and love was strong. Lieutenant Pinkerton of the American Navy, awaits his bride to be, the 15 year old naïve Cio-Cio-San, and is shown around his mountain top home by the marriage broker Goro. The American is joined by the American Consul Sharpless, who has adept knowledge of Japanese traditions and knowing that t...