Celebrated musical Jesus Christ Superstar is finally back out on the road – and its first port of call is right here in Manchester.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s smash hit production opened at the Palace Theatre earlier this week, before heading out on a UK tour that will run all the way to August 2024.
In the role of Herod is legendary comedian Julian Clary, whose every word drips with theatrical sarcasm.
Dressed in shimmering robes and a tonne of make-up, it’s like he was born for this role.
But the star of the show, as it should be, is Jesus Christ, played by Ian McIntosh.
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He completely dominates the stage even when he’s bumping elbows with a dozen other people, in a musical that’s more rock concert than nativity play.
Jesus Christ Superstar is famed worldwide for its 1970s rock score, with its original production in London running for more than eight years – at the time, the longest-running musical in West End history.
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Credit: Paul Coltas
Such was its success that it was even turned into an ITV reality show competition to find the next Jesus, with Ben Forster cast for an arena tour of the show.
Jesus Christ Superstar is produced by David Ian for Crossroads Live and Work Light Productions, featuring lyrics and music by Emmy, GRAMMY, Oscar and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber.
The musical follows the final weeks of Jesus’s life, seen through the eyes of Jesus.
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And we all know how that ends (not well).
Credit: Paul ColtasCredit: Paul ColtasThe Jesus Christ Superstar Tour opened in Manchester this week.
But while the overall plot line is pretty dark (obviously – it’s about the death of Jesus), it’s lightened and brightened with clever details.
There’s the way they throw glitter across his back instead of lashing him with whips, the sparklingly sharp performance from Julian Clary, and that sing-along soundtrack.
Jesus Christ Superstar is as wonderful today as it’s always been.
13 Going On 30 The Musical at Manchester Opera House – a fresh take on the nostalgic smash hit
Amy Williams
13 Going On 30 The Musical made its world premiere in Manchester last night, and it’s a night to relive a childhood favourite film, done so brilliantly.
With the original writers, Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yuspa, as part of the team plus Andy Fickman, who has screen hits such as She’s The Man and musicals including Heathers, you know from the off this is going to be good.
If you don’t know the story, it begins with a young (13 year old) Jenna and Matty, with Jenna wishing she was one of the popular girls, and instead ‘thirty, flirty and thriving’. The next minute, she wakes up on her 30th birthday.
She got everything she dreamed of – prom queen, editor of a popular fashion magazine, and the dream guy – but lost her best friend, family and became someone she didn’t quite like.
Can she turn it around and get back to the person she once was?
I loved this film when I was closer to 13, and now watching it premiere on the stage a bit closer to 30 myself, it’s still just as brilliant.
13 Going On 30 The Musical in Manchester13 Going On 30 The Musical in ManchesterCredit: Pamela Raith Photography
There’s an original score throughout it too (with the exception of, of course, Thriller – and the whole dance routine to go with it too might I add).
Staring Lucie Jones as Jenna Rink – with previous roles on Les Miserables, Ghost The Musical and Wicked – and David Hunter as Matt Flamhaff, their voices were absolutely incredible. A special mention too to young Matt, with brilliant vocals.
13 Going On 30 The Musical brought back the Thriller dance, the famous multicoloured dress and the need to go back instantly and rewatch the film again (and make my mum watch it, who hadn’t seen the film previously but still loved the show just as much).
13 Going On 30 The Musical is on at the Opera House Manchester until Sunday 12 October and you can still grab tickets here.
Beloved musical Dirty Dancing is returning to the stage in Manchester next year
Emily Sergeant
Ready to have the time of your life? Dirty Dancing is returning to Manchester next year.
Based off the iconic 1987 film of the same name, audiences are being told to expect this new production of Dirty Dancing to explode onto the stage with heart-pounding music, breathtaking emotion, and of course, sensationally sexy dancing when it heads out on a grand tour of the UK and Ireland in 2026.
The popular stage production will, once again, come to life before your very eyes with what is already being described as a ‘fantastic, emotional and triumphant’ live show.
If you’ve never seen the film, or you haven’t been lucky enough to watch Dirty Dancing on stage before, this worldwide smash hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny.
Beloved musical Dirty Dancing is returning to the stage in Manchester next year / Credit: Mark Senior
Already seen by millions across the globe, you’ll get to watch these two ‘fiercely-independent’ young spirits from different worlds come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives.
The musical features the hit songs ‘Hungry Eyes’, ‘Hey! Baby’, ‘Do You Love Me?’, and the heart stopping ‘(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life’.
The iconic show will first be returning to the stage with a preview at Milton Keynes Theatre on 27 August 2026 before it heads out on a tour of the UK and Ireland, and arrives at Manchester’s legendary Palace Theatre from Tuesday 29 September to Saturday 3 October 2026.
Tickets officially go on sale this week / Credit: Dirty Dancing (via X)
Once again, the show will be directed by Federico Bellone and choreographed by Austin Wilks, with the producer being Karl Sydow.
“We can’t wait to bring this amazing show back to audiences across the UK and Ireland,” Karl Sydow said. “Now more than ever, theatre needs the excitement and joy that Dirty Dancing brings – you’ll have the time of your life.”
Tickets to Dirty Dancing at Manchester Palace Theatre from Tuesday 29 September to Saturday 3 October 2026 officially go on sale this morning at 10am.
Sophey Donohue -
14th September 2023 
