Manchester Opera House has this week released revised dates for its new socially-distanced production of Sleeping Beauty this Christmas.
Following England’s second national lockdown coming to an end, and a return to the government’s new “tougher” three tiered regional system commencing – with Greater Manchester having entered into Tier 3 restrictions – Manchester Opera House has confirmed that the opening of Sleeping Beauty will be delayed.
The production – which was due to open next week – will now begin on Thursday 24th December 2020, and run until Sunday 10 January 2021.
Manchester Opera House said it is “determined to stage this wonderful production” as safely as possible.
The pantomime – which has been created especially for Manchester Opera House in this unprecedented year – will be “a riotously funny, one-act celebration of pantomime” and it’s set to be packed full of comedy and laughter to allow audience members the opportunity to come safely together and enjoy the magic of the much-loved and unique art form this festive season.
Funding from The National Lottery has helped panto return to the Opera House Manchester this year.
Following the announcement that Manchester is moving to Tier 3 restrictions, we want to reassure all our Sleeping Beauty socially-distanced pantomime ticket holders that we are doing everything in our power to bring this show to our city. (1/3)
Given this wait, we must confirm that the show will need to open later than previously planned and we will share all information with bookers directly via email. Let’s stay safe, look out for each another and keep positive that we come together in 2020! (3/3)
Speaking on the release of the revised dates, Sheena Wrigley – Theatre Director of Manchester Palace & Opera House – said: “Given the downward trend of the virus in the city, and the community’s campaign for the reduction of the Tier level at the next review, we continue to be hopeful that we can stage the show this Christmas, opening a little later than planned on 24th December.
“We thank all of our customers for their patience at this time as we work to get affected bookings rescheduled,
“And [we] are also grateful The National Lottery for their continued support to enable the rescheduled performances to go ahead.”
It was also announced last month that NHS staff are to be given free tickets to the opening night performance as a thank you for all their hard work during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic this year, but this has now also been rescheduled to the performance on Friday 8 January at 7pm.
All original ballot entries remain valid, and winners will be contacted from 7th December.
Palace & Opera / ATG Tickets
The relaxed performance of Sleeping Beauty – has been specially adapted to allow those with autism, sensory and communication disorders, learning difficulties or anyone who would benefit from a more informal setting to enjoy the performance, comfortably – has also been rescheduled.
This will now take place on Wednesday 6 January at 1pm.
Customers will be pleased to know that there are no changes to the originally-announced cast and can expect to see Salford-born comedian Jason Manford as Muddles, alongside Blackpool’s own Jodie Prenger as The Enchantress, Billy Pearce as King Billy, Eric Potts as The Queen, Jenny Gaynor as Carabosse, Louis Gaunt as The Prince, and Sarah Goggin as Princess Beauty.
Aside from free / discounted eligibility, ticket prices start from £13 per person.
Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Manchester Opera House’s capacity is being reduced by 50%, there’ll be staggered arrival times and one way systems in place, with sanitising stations placed around the venue, and deep cleaning taking place between every performance.
You can grab your tickets and find more information here.
What's On
Greater Manchester’s beloved Santa steam trains are back again this Christmas
Emily Sergeant
Greater Manchester’s beloved Santa steam train rides are back for more festive fun this Christmas, and tickets are already on sale… genuinely.
Sure, it’s literally only the second week of September, and we’ve technically still got the rest of summer, and the small matter of Halloween and Bonfire Night to get through first, but East Lancashire Railway (ELR) is already looking ahead to the most magical time of year.
The heritage railway has announced that its popular ‘Santa Specials’ steam train rides are back once again from late November.
The famous festive steam trains have become an essential part of Christmas for many families in the North West.
You can already grab tickets for Greater Manchester’s beloved Santa steam train rides this Christmas / Credit: ELR
And in recent years, the much-loved event has been even bigger and better than ever before.
ELR’s ‘Santa Specials‘ are your chance to hop on board an old-school steam train and travel through the magical Irwell Valley to make ‘enchanted memories’ that last a lifetime.
The truly special Christmas day out starts as you make your way through a winter wonderland at Bury Bolton Street Station.
You’ll first get to meet some old favourites and new characters, including the magical talking Christmas tree, Mrs Claus, and ELR’s very own Ice Princess, all before before having a singalong with a chorus of musical polar bears.
The festive fun then continues on the Santa Special steam trains themselves, with an 80-minute ‘enchanting voyage’ through the picturesque Greater Manchester countryside.
And, of course, you can expect a special visit from Santa while you’re on board.
The famous East Lancashire Railway ‘Santa Special’ steam train / Credit: Darren Robinson Photography (via ELR)
After you’ve grabbed a selfie or two with the big man himself, the grown-ups can look forward to mince pies and festive tipple, while little Mancs can enjoy a soft drink, some chocolate, and take a festive-themed activity pack home with them.
East Lancashire Railway’s famous Santa Specials are running on weekends and selected weekdays from Saturday 22 November – Wednesday 24 December.
Tickets now on sale starting from £22.50 for kids and £23 for adults.
You can book your seats here before it’s too late.
Featured Image – ELR
What's On
Halloween in the City will return to Manchester with iconic inflatable monsters and loads more
Emily Sergeant
Halloween is soon set to return to the city, and dozens of huge inflatable monsters will be invading Manchester next month.
Yes, it’s that time of year yet again… the monsters are back.
After several years of looming over Manchester‘s most-notable rooftops and lurking around famous city centre sites, it’s been revealed that the iconic MCR Monsters will be returning for another year of spooky celebrations next month, along with loads of other terrifying tricks and treats – with something for the whole family to get involved with.
Organisers Manchester BID are set to turn the city centre into a ‘monstrous playground’ once the free two-day festival of frightful fun returns.
Halloween in the City will return to Manchester with iconic inflatable monsters and loads more / Credit: Manchester BID | CityCo
This year’s annual Halloween in the City celebrations will feature a week-long colourful invasion of the MCR Monsters, following the two-day family festival across the city’s popular shopping destinations.
For the first time ever, the epic MCR Monsters – which are created by talented local artists, Filthy Luker and Pedro Estrellas – will invade the city’s rooftops and buildings on the opening day of the Halloween in the City festival.
They’ll be taking over leading locations including Manchester Arndale, Selfridges, The Royal Exchange, KAMPUS, and AO Arena – with more terrifying takeovers yet to be announced.
A slimy creature will also be on the loose across the city centre, as ‘The Leech’ – a wriggling eight metre-long monster, created and produced by Walk the Plank – makes its anticipated return.
As for other spine-chilling activities over the weekend-long festival, you can expect family games, storytelling, and the bone-rattling Monster Party Procession, complete with giant puppet monsters, stilt walkers, and a live band.
Then as night falls, the city will glow ‘eerie green’ as iconic buildings light up in spooky style.
To finish things off, thousands of pumpkin lanterns will, once again, line the city’s shopping streets to add a ‘flicker of fun’ to the festival celebrations.
Halloween in the City festival will take over Manchester city centre on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October, and MCR Monsters will be in town from Saturday 25 – Friday 31 October.
The pumpkins may potentially appear even earlier, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled.
Emily Sergeant -
4th December 2020 
