After three years of waiting, The Book of Mormon is back in Manchester at the Palace Theatre and it’s just as outrageously funny as before.
All I had ever heard about this musical going into it is how absolutely hilarious it is – I had little knowledge of the story line and from what I did know I was still unsure I would like it. But I didn’t just like it, I loved it and I can’t remember the last time I laughed that much in one evening.
Written by Trey Parker, Matt Stone and Robert Lopez, the masterminds being South Park, The Book of Mormon returned to the Palace Theatre on Wednesday 11 September and will run up until Saturday 5 October with lots of tickets still on sale.
The story follows two young Mormon missionaries, Elder Price and Elder Cunningham, who are sent to a remote village in Uganda to spread the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Upon arrival, they are faced with harsh realities which starkly contrast with their own naïve expectations.
ADVERTISEMENT
The full cast of The Book of Mormon. Credit: Paul Coltas.
Also sounds quite serious doesn’t it? Well despite the plot line this is a show that had every member of the audience rolling around laughing from start to finish.
I must warn if you are not of fan of dark comedy, you’ll be better off catching Mamma Mia, but if you can lean into the humour you’ll be walking away with sore ribs and teary eyes.
ADVERTISEMENT
As the story pans out the pair struggle to connect with the locals and each other while their religious mission takes unexpected and often absolutely absurd turns.
This is a musical that certainly doesn’t shy away from poking fun at religion, especially Mormonism, and has a knack for finding the funny side of culture clashes and colonialism.
The ensemble of The book of Mormon. Credit: Paul Coltas.Credit: Paul Coltas.
While the show is famous for its comedy, something has to be said for the choreography, when you can take a moment from gasping at the contents of the lyrics you can appreciate that this cast can really dance.
ADVERTISEMENT
Absolutely turning the musical genre on its head, it carries all the same profanity and shock-factor as South Park in the best way possible.
The two leads played by Adam Bailey and Sam Glen are phenomenal all the way through, how they don’t burst out laughing sentence is a skill itself, and had the audience clinging onto every punch line.
But for me the ensemble really make a musical and this cast is nothing short of spectacular, I would go and watch it again tomorrow.
The Book of Mormon Manchester. Credit: Paul Coltas
The show is in Manchester at the Palace Theatre until October 5 and if you want an evening of non-stop laughing I could not recommend it more.
If you needed any more persuading, it’s been announced today that 15 tickets for each performance will be made available at £15 each, from 12pm the day of the performance so get your alarm set quick.
Manchester theatre tickets slashed to just £15 in biggest-ever January sale
Daisy Jackson
A huge sale on theatre tickets has gone live with shows in Manchester slashed to as little as £15.
From hit musicals to family favourites to dazzling dance and opera, the massive January Sale will let you see live entertainment for way less.
Thousands of discounted tickets are up for grabs across the UK, including at the Palace Theatre and the Opera House in Manchester.
ATG’s biggest-ever January sale includes smash hit shows like Bat Out Of Hell, Swan Lake, and Kinky Boots.
It also includes some huge shows coming to Manchester city centre for the first time in 2025, like Here You Come Again, a musical filled with the hits of Dolly Parton.
The huge theatre ticket sale includes incredible performances happening in the coming weeks, with both Swan Lake and The Nutcracker at the Opera House this month.
Or you could save big on a fabulous and flamboyant night out with Kinky Boots when it lands at the Palace Theatre in February.
Be whisked away with your favourite childhood musical, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, in March, or immerse yourself in the rock n roll world of Meatloaf’s Bat Out Of Hell with a musical inspired by the iconic album in February.
Kinky Boots is included in the January theatre tickets sale. Credit: Ollie RosserA scene from Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Credit: Tristram Kenton
There are also big savings to be had on Come Fall In Love, a musical comedy based on Bollywood’s most successful film, which is set to open in Manchester in 2025.
Other shows included in the theatre ticket sale are Calamity Jane, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Cruel Intentions, and Ellen Kent: La Bohème.
And they’ve teased that there are more shows to be added to the sale still too.
The ATG Tickets January sale is now live – have a browse and book tickets HERE.
Manchester theatre shows in the ATG January sale:
Manchester Opera House
Swan Lake – 16-17 January at 7.30pm; 19 January at 3pm
The Nutcracker – 18 January at 2.30pm and 7.30pm
Calamity Jane- 21-22 January at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.
Here You Come Again – The New Dolly Parton Musical – 4-6 February at 2.30pm and 7.30pm
Ellen Kent: La Bohème – 21 February at 7.30pm
Ellen Kent: La Traviata – 23 February at 7.30pm
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – 26-27 February at 2.30pm and 7.30pm
Seven Drunken Nights – The Story of the Dubliners – 17 March at 7.30pm
Come Fall in Love – 29-30 May at 7.30pm; 2-5 June at at 2.30pm and 7.30pm
Manchester Palace Theatre
Kinky Boots – 5-6 February at 2.30pm
Bat Out Of Hell – 24-25 February at 7.30pm, 26-27 February at 2.30pm and 7.30pm
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – 11-12 March at 7pm
Cruel Intentions – 25-28 March at 2.30pm, 5pm, 7.30pm and 8.30pm
ATG Tickets said: “2025 is a HUGE year for live entertainment and we’re celebrating with our biggest ticket sale ever.
“Experience the magic of live entertainment with ticket prices from as little as £20 (+ £3.95 transaction fee per order)!
“Enjoy unbeatable discounts on a diverse selection of shows across Musicals, Plays, Comedy, Family Favourites, and Dance & Opera.
“Don’t miss out – book now and make unforgettable memories this year!”
The ATG Tickets January sale is now live – have a browse and book tickets HERE.
10 of the best theatre shows to see in Greater Manchester in 2025
Thomas Melia
Greater Manchester already has a jam-packed 2025 theatre schedule, and in the words of Hairspray, Manchester really can’t stop the beat.
There’s no denying that Manchester and its surrounding areas are no stranger to a live performance or two, after all, with three cracking theatres to choose from, it would be hard to miss one of these spell-bounding tours.
Without further ado, here’s a brief overview of 10 of the best theatre shows to see in Greater Manchester in 2025.
___
Wicked
Palace Theatre Manchester
3 December 2024 – 12 January 2025
Wicked / Credit: Matt Crockett
The smash-hit blockbuster of the year is continuing its reign even into the New Year for two weeks of gravity defying awesomeness.
Currently nearing the end of its remarkable cinema run, thanks to leading ladies Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, continue the magic of the two witches in the form of live theatre.
Expect all the usual hits like ‘Defying Gravity’, ‘Popular’ and ‘What Is This Feeling?’, get lost in the world of Ozian storytelling and recline in your own comfy bright red theatre seat.
It’s all about star power with this musical as Johannes Radebe from Strictly Come Dancing playing Lola and the music and lyrics handled by pop icon Cyndi Lauper.
The musical follows the life of a struggling businessman who’s inherited his family’s shoe factory, all seems dire until he meets Lola a drag queen who might just solve all his problems.
‘Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical’ as its titled is directed by Aditya Chopra, the film’s original director.
Since its big-screen release in 1995, the show has never left cinemas in Mumbai, becoming the longest-running title in Indian cinema.
This stage adaptation has a huge emphasis on colliding cultures, with the Bollywood production following the love story of two lovers from different backgrounds.
Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, back in Manchester LIVE.
ADVERTISEMENT
The six wives of Henry VIII have a special place in Manchester’s hearts, becoming a returning favourite since its not-so-quiet 2018 debut. For those who haven’t been lucky enough to see it, imagine Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour but a few centuries earlier – it’s a pure pop celebration.
Something’s just go hand in hand – Fish and chips, tea and biscuits, and thespians and The Rocky Horror Show.
This musical carries alongside it one of the biggest fandoms of all time, and with Jason Donovan playing the role of Frank-N-Furter, the love for this production is set to grow much stronger. Manchester is no stranger to doing the ‘Time Warp’ and with the musical returning in summer 2025, they’re most definitely about to do it again.
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe / Credit: Matt Crockett
Start filling your Christmas calendar for 2025 early and enrich yourself in a classic novel set in the fantasy land of Narnia.
Watch Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter tackle enemies, face foes and create solutions while venturing through a world of wonders. You’re about to be in awe as you get whisked away to this mystical land and watch the story unfold on stage with a live cast and some mesmerising set designs.
Dates for this show are very flexible too, meaning theatregoers have lots of opportunities to see the miracle worker that is Ms. Poppins fly about the streets of London.
It’s a double Australian bill as both Stefanie Jones and Jack Chambers who are reprising their roles as Mary Poppins and Bert, respectively, are both from down under.
‘What’s Love Got To Do With It?’, ‘Proud Mary’ and ‘The Best’, you can’t deny the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll has certainly earned her royal musical status.
This monumental singer achieved 12 Grammy awards during her musical career and grew a strong cult fanbase who stuck with her through thick and thin.
Now fans and musical lovers alike can enjoy a show all about the life of the vocal pioneer while also reminiscing on some of the biggest hits of her career.
Pride and Prejudice (Sort Of…) / Credit: Mihaela Bodlovic
There are lots of fantastic productions happening throughout the year and but we had to include this one because it’s Pride And Prejudice… well sort of.
Jane Austen’s groundbreaking novel has seen itself take on numerous adaptations since it’s original hardback debut from the big screen release in 2005 to this new stage musical coming in 2025. The drama will feature some of pop’s greatest records throughout the tale like ‘You’re So Vain’, ‘Young Hearts Run Free’ and ‘Will You Love Me Tomorrow’.
Abbie Bartlett -
20th September 2024 
