Kevin Hart is heading back to Manchester this week for a huge stand-up gig as part of his UK arena tour.
The comedian and actor will be bringing his Reality Check show to the AO Arena on Tuesday 25 April, before heading on to gigs in London and Glasgow.
It’s been six years since the Emmy and Grammy-nominated Kevin Hart toured the UK, when he was here with his What Now? tour.
And for his return, he’s making his shows totally phone-free events, with strict rules involved to keep devices out of action – and anyone caught using a phone inside will be told to leave.
It’s hoped that limiting access to mobile phones and devices will allow both artist and audience to ‘enjoy the show in the moment without distraction’.
Here’s everything you need to know if you’re going along to the AO Arena this week.
What devices are banned at Kevin Hart’s AO Arena show?
Basically anything with a screen will be prohibited at the arena for Kevin Hart’s show.
That includes mobile phones, tablets, smart watches, cameras and recording devices.
Ticket-holders are being encouraged to leave them at home if possible – but if you do need to bring one along, there’ll be measures in place to make sure you can’t use it inside.
How will the phone-free system work?
Kevin Hart has partnered with a company called Yondr, which provides lockable pouches to all ticket-holders.
As you enter the AO Arena, your phone, smart watch or small camera (which needs to be off or on silent) will be put inside the Yondr pouch, which will then be locked.
You keep the pouch with your device it it on you at all times, then visit an unlocking station on the way out through the lobby – here you can get your device back out and drop the pouch back into a collection bin.
There’ll be dedicated Phone Use Zones in the venue for anyone who does need to use their phone.
It is recommended that you arrive early, as the Yondr bag securement process may result in delays during entry. Doors open from 6pm.
Make sure you declare any devices on entry (anyone found using a phone/device during the show will be asked to leave).
Only card payments can be made within the venue, as Applepay or similar payment methods will not be available to you without your phone/device. AO Arena is a cashless venue.
Phone Use Zones will be available in the venue if you need to use your phone/device.
Tickets for Kevin Hart
Kevin Hart. Credit: Flickr
There’s still a scattered number of tickets on sale for Kevin Hart’s Manchester gig this week, including a handful of seats together if you’re going in a group.
Tickets start from £92.95 and go up to £120.95 – they’re still on sale now with Ticketmaster.
What are the stage times?
Doors to the AO Arena will open at 6pm, with Kevin Hart due on stage at 8pm.
Due to the phone-free logistics, it’s advised to allow yourself loads of time to get in and find your seats.
The venue
The AO Arena has a few strict policies to keep gig-goers safe, so make sure to check entry requirements carefully before you travel.
For example, only one small bag per person is allowed, and bags like backpacks, travel cases and laptop bags are not permitted inside the arena.
All bags are scanned on entry to check for prohibited items like laser pens, flares, projectiles, weapons, drugs and alcohol, and even selfie sticks.
Featured image: Publicity picture
What's On
Rochdale will be hosting its FIRST EVER comedy festival later this year
Thomas Melia
There’s a comedy festival making its way to Rochdale for the first time ever, and it’s taking place over 10 days this autumn.
Rochdale is preparing for barrels of laughter, as the borough is about to host a comedy festival as part of its events programme for being crowned Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture for 2025-26.
The line-up features some well-renowned names in thecomedy world, many of whom have received awards and recognition along the way.
You can expect appearances from Lou Conran, who features as a regular support act for Sarah Millican, Tez Ilyas, from ‘Man Like Mobeen’, and TV comedy legend Mick Miller. There’s even some Britain’s Got Talent alumni in the form of last year’s finalist Alex Mitchell and 2017 semi-finalist Jonny Awsum.
Tez Ilyaz, Lou Conran and Brennan Reece are just some of the acts listed for Rochdale Comedy Festival / Credit: Supplied
Edinburgh Festival favourite Patrick Monahan will be performing along with English comedian of the year Rob Mullholland, Aaron Wood – named by Rolling Stone UK as one of the 12 rising comedy stars to see at the Edinburgh Fringe this summer, and comedy musician Alex Camp.
The lineup also includes Robin Ince, co-host and creator of Sony Gold Award winning BBC Radio 4 series The Infinite Monkey Cage, and a whole host of other stand-up acts who are all gearing up ready to make Rochdale giggle.
“Us northerners are famous for our sense of humour and there’s a big appetite for comedy,” commented Councillor Sue Smith, who is the cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council.
Rochdale Comedy Festival has an array of comedians taking part including Jonny Awsum and Daisy Earl / Credit: Supplied
“I’m happy to see Rochdale Comedy Festival launching during our year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture.
“It will bring together communities and give new comedians a chance to shine.”
So whether you’re in need of a cheer up, or you’re a comedy aficionado, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to crack a smile at Rochdale Comedy Festival, as it’s happening across 10 days from 26 September to 5 October in various venues across the Greater Manchester borough.
Featured Images – Supplied (via Publicity Pictures)
What's On
Salford Red Devils supporters group outline plans for the next major protest march
Danny Jones
Salford Red Devils supporters trust, The 1873, have outlined details of their next major march in protest over the club’s well-publicised ownership troubles and financial crisis.
The fan group, which has mobilised on multiple occasions already this year, is set to hit the streets once again this month and in larger numbers than ever, confirming another big demonstration before their next home game this weekend.
Sharing the update with fellow Red Devils on social media, 1837 leaders are demanding “truth and accountability from the top” ahead of the peaceful protest through Salford.
They have dubbed the event ‘The Last Rally’, but we can only assume there’ll be more fan action as the weeks and possibly months of uncertainty continue.
As you can see, The 1837 are calling for like-minded supporters to rally outside another nearby amateur rugby league football team, Salford City Roosters, before marching on to a second meeting point and, ultimately, the Salford Community Stadium.
Starting in Eccles, with a stop at Barley Farm, before arriving at their club’s home ground in Barton-upon-Irwell, the plan is to gather as much awareness, support and local attention as possible.
Writing in the caption of the above post, they added: “We’ve dominated headlines. We’ve exposed bad ownership. We’ve stood together.
“A history worth fighting for. A future worth protecting. Our last chance to be heard. Don’t stay silent. Make it count.”
Following a recent meeting of the RFL and the two Greater Manchester Mayors, Andy Burnham and Paul Dennett, Salford Red Devils were given somewhat of an even further stay of execution, as it was confirmed that their ‘winding up’/administration deadline has now been adjourned until October.
Nevertheless, the majority of fans are still being kept in the dark about the exact and up-to-date nature of their rugby league club’s situation at present.
Back in June, it looked like new investors could very well still be injecting vital funds to keep key players and staff on the books, but jump to now, and it looks like they don’t know if even things like the big screen even belong to them much longer.
Salford Red Devils aren’t just in debt – our very identity is up for grabs.
The badge. The name. Even the big screen. All signed off as collateral to financiers.
Once again, the march and peaceful protest will take place this Friday, 19 September, prior to the next fixture against Wakefield Trinity.
Getting points on the board will no doubt be a big plus for all, but the game looks like it will very much serve as the backdrop to the wider ongoing saga.
Are you a Red Devils fan, and if so, will you be attending the demonstration? Better still, even if not, what do you make of the circumstances surrounding your side at the moment?
Fantastic to see the fans turn out again, Salford Red Devils will never die 1873 👹🏉 pic.twitter.com/Gne5peQK6u
Daisy Jackson -
24th April 2023 
