Dolly Parton’s smash-hit 9 to 5: the Musical is coming back to Manchester for a short run in Spring 2022, it has been revealed.
Starring Clare Sweeney as Violet, the hit show is inspired by the 80s film and tells the story of three colleagues who are pushed to breaking point by a sexist and egotistical supervisor.
Ultimately, Doralee, Violet, and Judy plan to kidnap their despicable boss in a bid to turn the tables on the situation – leaving audiences wondering whether the women will reform their office, or fall foul to old systems following a surprise visit from their CEO.
Written by the talented Patricia Resnick, who also created the original hit 80’s movie on which the musical is based, the comedic musical adaptation comes directly from the West End and features an Oscar, Grammy and Tony award-nominated score by the one and only Dolly Parton.
It opens with Dolly Parton herself, singing on a large video screen, before the three main characters take to the stage for their first song – so fans dying to get a glimpse of the queen bee herself will not be disappointed.
Stopping off in the city for just five days, fans will have to be quick to bag a seat when it lands at Manchester’s Palace Theatre on March 1, 2022.
When it first came to Manchester in 2019, the show enjoyed a sell-out run and rave reviews.
Dolly Parton has previously said that the “positive fan reaction to this universal story tickles every rhinestone on my body”.
This time around, theatre and tv actor Claire Sweeney will step into the role of Violet Newstead – replacing Louise Redknapp for the 2022 performances.
She will join Vivian Panka, making her professional stage debut as Judy Bernly, Stephanie Chandos as Doralee Rhodes, Sean Needham as Franklin Hart Jr., Julia J. Nagle as Roz Keith, and Russell Dickson as Joe.
To get your hands on tickets for the limited run of 9 to 5 at the Palace Theatre, click here.
What's On
HOME’s family-friendly festival full of free interactive activities returns to Manchester this weekend
Emily Sergeant
A free festival with a lineup packed full of interactive activities, workshops, live music, and more is returning to Manchester this weekend.
Back by popular demand after a successful time in the city last summer, families across Greater Manchester are invited to head on down to the independent arts venue, HOME, this weekend and get stuck into everything from interactive theatre and circus skills workshops, to dance, hands-on crafts, and so much more.
Little HOMEfestival is set to pop up across two days this weekend, and you can enjoy a vibrant programme full of family-friendly activities.
A family-friendly festival full of free interactive activities is happening in Manchester this weekend / Credit: HOME MCR
A variety of free pop-up performances will be taking place at the spaces in and around HOME throughout the festival, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled.
Some of the highlights festivalgoers can expect this weekend include the chance to learn circus skills like juggling, spinning plates and more with the Spectacular Skylight Circus Arts, craft workshops where you make an African mask or decorate a festive party headband, and take part in some fun family dance sessions with Afrocats.
There’ll also be immersive family theatre shows by Byteback Theatre, enchanting campfire tales by The League of Curiosity, and Dhol Drumming workshops by The Bhangra Duet.
Family-friendly film screenings are also on the agenda, and there’ll be a ‘fresh and fabulous’ take on storytelling with everyone’s favourite pantomime dame, Mama G.
Outdoor walk-about puppetry and cookie decorating round out the events planned.
Little HOME 2025 is taking over HOME this weekend on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 August.
All the activities that form part of Little HOME are free to take part in, and you can find more information ahead of the festival next month here.
Featured Image – HOME
What's On
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 28 July – 3 August 2025
Emily Sergeant
It’s the last week of July, and once August arrives, we don’t want to see anyone denying that summer is here… you just can’t.
Schools across Greater Manchester are now out for the summer holidays, and that means the fun is just getting started, so there’s plenty happening this week to celebrate – from festivals, and themed events, to new foodie openings, family fun, and loads more.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though? No worries. We’ve chosen a few of the highlights for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.
Both free things and those that’ll set you back a few pennies are featured.
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Summer of Senses
Science and Industry Museum
Monday 28 July – 31 August
Summer of Senses / Credit: Science Museum Group
The Science and Industry Museum has got a spectacular summer holiday programme packed with all sorts of things to be getting up to, making it one of the best places to escape the hustle and bustle with your little ones in the city centre this summer.
With events running up until 31 August, whether it’s disco dancing around a giant brain, unveiling the science behind optical illusions, or journeying through a giant ear canal, there’s something for everyone during the museum’s ‘sense-sational’ summer.
Loads To Do / Credit: Artem Kniaz | Yan Krukau (via Unsplash & Pexels)
Thousands of free activities have been planned by Manchester City Council ready for local families to take part in this summer.
A many parents, carers, and guardians will likely be looking for ways to keep the kids entertained for six whole weeks before the new term starts, the Councilhas relaunched its popular Holiday Activity and Food programme (HAF) to help keep little Mancs active during the summer break.
From arts and crafts, to sporting events and plenty other physical activities, there is a whole host of entertaining things for everyone to get involved with, no matter your budget, making sure no one gets bored over the holidays.
There’s everything from a pop-up bar in Piccadilly Gardens with surprise live acts doing sets, and markets in St Peter’s Square selling vinyl and vintage goods, to block parties in the Northern Quarter, and the already-announced Music for the Senses art trail dotted around all the well-known city centre sights.
Rockstar chef Brad Carter is heading up to Manchester for one night only, going back-to-back with Winsome’s chef patron Shaun Moffat.
This self-taught, Michelin star chef will be cooking up a six-course feast starring dishes like lamb doner oysters, ricotta potato dumplings with spider crab, and smoked Tamworth pork.
There’ll also be DJ Hutch on the decks to create one of the city’s coolest dinner parties.
Music for the Senses / Credit: David Oates Photography
An all-new multi-sensory art exhibition has taken over the streets of the city centre this summer.
The new exhibition, which is titled Music for the Senses: an art arrangement for a musical city, is a collaboration between global art producer Wild in Art – the creators of the famous Bee in the City project – and Manchester City Council.
A free open-air cinema has arrived Manchester city centre for the summer.
With a backdrop of the modern Manchester skyline, Screen on The Square the go-to hangout for Mancs this summer, as audiences can recline in deck chairs surrounded by one of the city’s best views, and watch everything from classic and family films, to music, sporting events, and so much more.
It’s launched down at New Jackson – Renaker’s world-class skyscraper district and thriving new neighbourhood that’s taken shape at the southern side of Manchester city centre.
Stories – Brought To Life / Credit: The Manc Group
A major new National Portrait Gallery exhibition has arrived in Salford.
The ground-breaking new experience by FRAMELESS Creative has opened at MediaCity, bringing some of the world’s most famous portraits to life like never before.
Stories – Brought to Life will explore the fascinating lives of these figures, who have shaped the UK’s history and culture all the way since the Tudor period, and will combine the highest quality digital projection, Hollywood-style visual effects, and the latest audio technology, along with specially created musical scores and creative narratives to shine a new light on each individual.
Visitors will be able to step inside iconic portraits including Grayson Perry, Nelson Mandela, Malala Yousafzai, Emmeline Pankhurst, Queen Elizabeth I, and William Shakespeare.
The Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years / Credit: Supplied
You can step into the fantastical imaginary world of The Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years this summer.
This world-premiere exhibition, created in collaboration with robotics studio Air Giants, invites you to experience a playful blend of education, theatre, and dreamscape – and it’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen at Manchester Museum before.
Once you’ve met the 10-meter long sleepy cat, you’ll then find a series of fun, free, cat-inspired activities at the Museum throughout the summer, including an augmented reality trail.
A beach, splash park, fairground rides, and loads more family fun has returned to the Trafford Centre for the summer.
After proving to be massively-popular over the past couple of years, with thousands of families travelling from across Greater Manchester and beyond to bask in the sunshine and make the most of all the fun and games, the Trafford Centre has welcomed back its Summer Fair for 2025.
And this year, the beloved event has got itself a new family activity zone, and it sounds set to be bigger and better than ever.
The best bit? Tickets will only set you back just £3 each.
The SmileyWorld® Art Trail / Credit: Scott Kershaw Photography
Stockport has transformed into a playful outdoor gallery this summer as a colourful new art trail has taken over the town.
Visitors should get ready to explore a full spectrum of emotions this summer, as the SmileyWorld® Art Trail is making its North West debut and taking over the town centre with a colourful collection of quirky, fun, and exciting sculptures, each reimagined by a different artist to reflect the full range of human emotions including joy, pride, surprise, anxiety, and lots more.
The trail is created by trailblazing global arts producer, Wild in Art, in partnership with Totally Stockport BID and SmileyWorld.
The legendary illustrator behind Roald Dahl’s most iconic characters has landed in Salford, and this magical exhibition is completely free.
Quentin Blake and Me has taken over The Lowry for the summer, with more than 100 of his instantly-recognisable illustrations, alongside a life-sized sailing boat, a monster portrait gallery, puzzles, trails, dressing up, and even a selfie stop with the Enormous Crocodile.
Cheshire Oaks has brought its popular The Great Summer Social event back for another year, and there’s currently loads to get involved with while schools are out.
Not only is there a bunch of retail offers and promotions to make the most of, as well as free family-friendly interactive activities to get involved with too, but there’s also a big wheel, a mini golf course, a big screen showing entertainment events, DJs blasting out tunes, and a wide variety of street food and drink vendors across the Designer Outlet.
Kargo on the Docks / Credit: Supplied | Mark Waugh
Kargo on the Docks is back for the summer.
MediaCity’s al fresco dining pop-up has taken over the waterfront and gardens once again with a fresh wave of local food traders and stunning artwork by Salford-based creatives, all as the sun shines down on Salford Quays this summer.
A handful of Greater Manchester’s most popular independents have set themselves up Quayside inside those signature re-imagined shipping containers.
Foodies can expect a menu packed with bold new flavours including Caribbean, Lebanese, Mexican, Ethiopian, and Pan-Asian dishes.
Chester Zoo’s much-loved Afterglow event is back this summer, and organisers say it’ll be ‘bigger and better’ than ever.
Returning to the UK’s biggest charity zoo by popular demand, Afterglow is already known and loved for offering visitors the rare opportunity to explore the zoo and its 37,000 animals after hours… and this time around, there will be ‘even more’ surprises to discover.
Animal lovers will get the unique chance to encounter some of the world’s most endangered species during golden hour – which, for many animals, is one of their most active periods.
Find out more and see if there’s last-minute tickets here.
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Day Out With Thomas
East Lancashire Railway
Saturday 2 & Sunday 3 August
Day Out With Thomas / Credit: ELR
Everyone’s favourite little blue engine has once again made a long-awaited return to Greater Manchester for the summer.
The beloved Day Out With Thomas experience is said to be ‘a train ride like no other’.
Families will have the chance to hop onboard the East Lancashire Railway’s replica of the cult-classic blue train character when he returns this weekend for a 45-minute trip through the Greater Manchester countryside.
A free festival with a lineup packed full of activities, workshops, live music, and more is coming to HOME this weekend.
The independent arts venue in the heart of Manchester city centre is inviting familie to the first of its two weekend-long festivals this Saturday and Sunday to get stuck into everything from interactive theatre and circus skills workshops, to dance, hands-on crafts, and so much more.
Georgina Pellant -
19th November 2021 
