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Inside the distillery: What’s the Manchester Gin Experience all about?

Gareth Lloyd - 8th March 2020

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Review | The Karate Kid at Palace Theatre and Opera House, Manchester – very much wax ON

The Karate Kid The Musical stage version review

The theatrical version of The Karate Kid has arrived at the Palace Theatre and Opera House, bringing a well-known story of discipline, resilience and mentorship to a live audience.

Best known for its iconic cinematic legacy, The Karate Kid translates surprisingly well to the stage. It leans less on spectacle and more on character, movement and emotional growth.

At the production’s heart, the story still revolves around a young outsider trying to find confidence and belonging in an unfamiliar environment, guided by an unexpected mentor.

The narrative follows Daniel, played by Gino Ochello, marking his first professional stage debut, as he struggles to adjust to a new life, facing intimidation and self-doubt before encountering the legendary Mr Miyagi, played by Adrian Pang.

the karate kid the musical manchester palace theatre — Credit: The Manc Group

karate kid stage version — Credit: The Manc Group

What unfolds is more than just a story of learning karate; it becomes a study of patience, balance and inner strength for Daniel. The central relationship between student and teacher remains the production’s strongest theme, grounding the story in warmth and sincerity.

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The bond between student and Sensei is clear to see throughout. Focusing more on the movement side of things, the musical definitely has its fair share of action; the production shines with storytelling through choreography.

The fight sequences are carefully staged. The whole production walks a balanced line between movement and tension that feels immediate without losing theatrical elements.

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These scenes are not about aggression alone but about control, reflecting the philosophy at the core of the story: balance. If you’ve seen the movies or the likes of Cobra Kai, you’ll know the vibes.

The cast works cohesively to maintain this balance. Ochello playing Daniel captures a mix of genuine vulnerability and determination as he attempts to settle into his new life in California, a million miles from the streets of Jersey he once knew.

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While Adrian Pang portrays Mr Miyagi does this with a quiet authority. Their dynamic evolves on stage flawlessly, allowing the audience to invest in their journey rather than simply anticipating the next fight.

Visually, the production makes effective use of staging and design. The set shifts fluidly between locations, using lighting and more than a few well-timed transitions to keep the pace moving.

Subtle changes in atmosphere mirror the cast’s internal world, moving from insecurity and isolation to confidence and connection as the story progresses. The music throughout further supports this, blending nostalgia from the old flicks we all knew and love, with a new contemporary stage feel.

As the story builds toward its familiar ending, the focus remains less on winning and more on personal growth. The final moments emphasise discipline, self-belief and restraint rather than triumph alone.

karate kid musical production 2026 — A well-deserved standing ovation. (Credit: The Manc)

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Reinforcing why the story has endured across generations and how the themes explored remain powerful pillars of life in today’s world.

Ultimately, The Karate Kid on stage at the Palace Theatre succeeds not by trying to replicate the film exactly, but by reinterpreting its themes for a live audience. It’s a production that leans into character, movement, friendship and emotional resilience.

It reminds viewers that its real power lies not in the fights, although sometimes necessary as a last resort, but in what they represent on the inside. We had a much deeper experience than we expected, and loved pretty much every minute of it.

Fancy giving it a try? Grab your tickets now.

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Featured Images — The Manc Group

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What it’s like to stay in Manchester’s surprisingly affordable new mid-century hotel, Mollie’s

There’s a fine line between ‘tastefully retro’ and ‘your nan’s spare room’, but the city’s newest hotel – Mollie’s Manchester – lands firmly in the former.

Designed by the same team behind Soho House, this (surprisingly affordable) mid-century hotel feels like stepping into the 1950s… if the 1950s had Pelotons and Dyson Airwraps in the wardrobes and enough aesthetic lighting to make everyone look faintly famous.

Whether you’re booking the classic rooms, usually priced from £109, or the huge suites, you can expect the same level of design detail.

Think terrazzo tiles, teak panelling, sage greens, burnt oranges, and interesting textures on every sittable surface.

And unlike some hotels that punish you for booking the ‘basic’ room by giving you a view of an air conditioning unit and a kettle balanced on a luggage rack, every room type at Mollie’s feels far more premium than the actual price tag.

For our stay, we were welcomed with batched cocktails and a mini fridge filled with treats like canned wine (which feels deeply respectful of modern traveller needs), plus a Grind coffee machine, fluffy robes, giant TVs, rainfall showers, and Cowshed toiletries.

If you end up on the better side of the hotel, you’ll have views of the city skyline from your bed, your sofa, or your bath.

Design details in a Mollie's Manchester room — Design details in a Mollie’s Manchester room

Grind coffee machine in the room — Design details in a Mollie’s Manchester room

There are bunk rooms you can book too, where up to four people can climb into stylish wooden sleep pods, so cool I’m immediately planning a girls’ night out where someone can hand me a martini as I climb into a luxury bunk bed.

Downstairs in Mollie’s, which has taken over the former Granada Studios, you’ll find a cocktail bar that seems to pay homage to the building’s history.

Studio IV has vintage TV screens above the bar, music performances and DJs on stage, and cocktails inspired live music you can enjoy from a loungey vintage-patterned sofa.

Breakfast at Mollie's Manchester — Breakfast at Mollie’s Manchester

Cocktails in Studio IV — Breakfast at Mollie’s Manchester

Then there’s Mollie’s Diner, which fully commits to recreating 1950s Americana. Inspired by a vintage Cadillac, the interiors are all deep burgundy leather booths, glowing globe lights, and polished chrome details.

The menu is exactly what you want from a diner like this: thick milkshakes, burgers, steaks, and fried chicken in the evenings; waffles, French toast, eggs any style in the mornings.

Mollie’s Manchester may be inspired by the Golden Age of Hollywood – but it’s heralding in a new Golden Age of hotel for Manchester too.

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Featured image: The Manc Group