Carmel ThomasonMy first ever stadium gig as a child was watching the late Tina Turner at Gateshead International Stadium in 1990. It was billed as a farewell tour – which of course it wasn’t. Much to the delight of her fans, this born performer was back at the...
Cathy CrabbTickets for the upcoming run of Miss Saigon at the Palace Theatre, Manchester (4-8 August 2026) went on sale today, Friday 14 November 2025, following the stunning success of the current tour. If you intend to go, hurry up and get a ticket...
In the early 2010s, when Ray Davies was first telling his story of 60s icons The Kinks on stage, who would have thought flying the Union Jack flag and talk of Britishness could be so controversial? Forget the high jinks of an intoxicated Dave Davies...
As soon as you walk in the doors of the Palace Theatre, it is clear why Moulin Rouge, which takes residency at the venue for the next 6 weeks, is billed a ‘Spectacular Spectacular’. This show is so spectacular you have to say it twice to grasp the...
There’s nothing like a bit of sun to lift the spirits. So, as Spring arrives, it feels there couldn’t be a better time for Mary Poppins to fly into Manchester and blow away any last wisps of winter cobwebs. This stage musical, from Cameron...
Dear Evan Hansen, today is going to be a good day because there is a great new musical in town that’s full of heart, hope and leaves you feeling like the sun is shining on your face. Well, when I say new, it’s a new production. The show is 10-years...
Thigh-high, screaming red heels that dazzle as they shine – these boots weren’t made for walking, but they sure know how to get an audience on its feet. These aren’t just any boots, they are, as Drag Queen, Lola cheekily describes them: ‘Two...
Martin ThomassonSeven-(almost eight)-year-olds, Mickey and Eddie form an immediate bond when they meet by chance in a Liverpool park in the 1960s. Unruly, foul-mouthed Mickey thrills and appalls Eddie (‘Edward’ to his parents) with his unfettered language and...
Nic DowlingThere was no shortage of Elf devotees in Manchester this week for an early slice of Christmas fun. We could tell by the amount of elf hats, Christmas sparkles and Elf merch adorning the crowds outside the Palace, that this show has a serious...
Paul ThomasonGrease is back in Manchester for a welcome return with this energetic touring production featuring a youthful cast. This current version is a blend of one of the greatest movie musicals of the last half century and the original 1971 stage show it...