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Cult classic 13 Going On 30 to make its musical debut in Manchester

Tickets are on sale now

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 26th June 2025

Cult classic rom com 13 Going On 30 is preparing for its musical world premiere – and it’s happening right here in Manchester.

The brand-new musical is based on the hit 2004 film of the same name, starring Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo. 

As in the film, 13 Going On 30 The Musical will follow awkward teen Jenna Rink who makes a birthday wish to skip those difficult high school years. 

To her surprise – her wish comes true. 

Jenna wakes up to find herself ‘30, flirty and thriving’ in a dream role as a magazine editor, but still trying to work out what, and who really matters in life. 

The brand new musical will open at the legendary Opera House this September, bringing all the magic of the time-travelling film to life.

For the stage version, Lucie Jones (who you might recognise from X Factor) will star as Jenna, alongside David Hunter (Matt), Grace Mouat (Lucy), Caleb Roberts (Richard), Andrew Berlin (Kyle), and Dominic Andersen (Alex).

Cult classic 13 Going On 30 to make its musical debut in Manchester
Cult classic 13 Going On 30 to make its musical debut in Manchester

The musical is also written by the same duo behind the hit flick.

13 Going On 30 The Musical will have songs by Michael Weiner and Alan Zachary, who wrote for High School Musical: The Musical, and will be directed by Andy Fickman of Heathers and She’s The Man.

Film writers Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yuspa, who have also written the book of the musical, said: “When we wrote the movie 13 Going on 30, we never dreamt that on the film’s 20th anniversary, we’d get the chance to see a whole new generation fall in love with Razzles and feel thirty, flirty, and thriving.

“It’s been a joy to work with ROYO, Revolution Studios, Wendy Federman and Phil Kenny, songwriters Alan Zachary & Michael Weiner, and director Andy Fickman to bring this story to life as a stage musical.

“We were thrilled by the audience’s response to our workshop last year, and now we can’t wait to officially open in Manchester at the legendary Opera House – the launchpad of so many iconic musicals.

“So bring your family, your friends, maybe a date, or just come alone – don’t be shy, we’re all nice. Hope you have as much fun seeing the show as we had making it!”

13 Going On 30 The Musical will be at the Opera House in Manchester between 21 September and 12 October 2025.

Tickets are on sale now HERE.

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Featured image: Publicity picture

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adidas and Oasis launch exclusive 90s-inspired collection with new Manchester store

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson adidas and Oasis launch exclusive 90s-inspired collection with new Manchester store

Rock ‘n’ roll giants Oasis have officially partnered with adidas to launch an exclusive Oasis Live ‘25 collection as part of a new Original Forever campaign.

The legendary Manchester band and the pioneering sportswear brand have dropped a full collection of 90s-inspired adidas Originals x Oasis Live ‘25 apparel. 

The 26-piece collection lands just in time for the massive Oasis reunion shows this summer, which includes five homecoming gigs at Heaton Park.

And it’s launching in Manchester in a big way – with a brand-new adidas store that will host the exclusive Oasis collaboration collection. 

The new adidas store is set to open on Thursday 3 July on Market Street, in the heart of Manchester’s busiest shopping district, and will have a packed programme of events to celebrate the city that shaped this iconic band. 

Those events include a free after-hours opening party (you can sign up for the exclusive event through Eventbrite HERE), with free food and beer, plus a tote bag full of limited edition gifts for the first 150 in the queue – first come, first served. 

Bada Bing will be in store serving up a specially curated menu of signature sandwiches, alongside beers from local craft brewery Track Brewing.

The adidas Originals x Oasis Live ‘25 apparel
The adidas Originals x Oasis Live ‘25 apparel
The adidas Originals x Oasis Live ‘25 apparel
The adidas Originals x Oasis Live ‘25 apparel

Manc icons Mani from the Stone Roses and DJ Paulette will be DJing the event, along with giveaways, raffles, gifts with purchase, and a free photobooth. 

The opening party is set to be a celebration of adidas within the city, of Oasis’s return to Manchester, and the city’s loud and proud legacy. 

Later in the month, on Thursday 10 July, there’ll be a live podcast recording in-store – The Band With The 3 Stripes Podcast with The Face will take fans behind the scenes of Oasis, with photographer Lawrence Watson who’s known for capturing iconic images of the band’s raw energy and style. 

His work with the band over the years helped to define the visual identity of the era and adidas’s influence on British youth culture. 

The event will include complimentary drinks throughout the evening, with a personally signed A6 postcard print by Lawrence Watson as a gift with purchase if attendees purchase any one item from the range.

Between 18 and 21 July, from 10am to 6pm, adidas will collaborate with Vinyl Exchange on a record store takeover, featuring listening stations and a free branded slip mat with any purchase from the collection. 

Exclusive to the adidas x Vinyl Exchange pop-up, select records will also be available at a set price for the special event.

A new adidas store opens on Market Street next week, with a huge launch event
A new adidas store opens on Market Street next week, with a huge launch event
A new adidas store opens on Market Street next week, with a huge launch event
A new adidas store opens on Market Street next week, with a huge launch event

Back to that collaboration though – Oasis and adidas have announced their official partnership to celebrate 30 years of shared history and culture-defining style. 

The Original Forever campaign film shows euphoric crowd-surfers as they journey through each historic era that Oasis has touched, including iconic moments like Knebworth, Wembley and Rio – set to the soundtrack of Live Forever.

The adidas Originals x Oasis Live ‘25 apparel collection consists of looks from the 90s that have been reimagined for modern day, with quintessentially British style. 

At their heyday, Oasis were deeply entrenched in UK terrace culture and lifelong football fans, leading to this new football-casual collection of Firebird tracksuits (Noel’s favourite), raglan sleeve jerseys, coach jackets and bucket hats. 

Chris Walsh, VP Brand at adidas, said: “adidas and Oasis share a story defined by originality and cultural impact, with roots that run deep and  have long been entwined in the fabric of music and style. 

“This official partnership represents more than  just two icons coming together; it reignites a timeless piece of cultural music history. 

“‘Original Forever’ continues to build on adidas’ lasting legacy in music and celebrates the powerful role music and style  play in shaping culture across generations,”

The adidas Originals x Oasis Live ‘25 collection is available now within adidas retail stores including the brand-new adidas store in Manchester, and adidas.co.uk.

The new adidas Manchester store opens on Market Street on Thursday 3 July, with the exclusive Oasis collection in store. 

Find out more HERE.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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Popular noodle bar Chopstix to host ALL-NEW live music event in Manchester

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

Much-loved noodle box eatery Chopstix are hosting an all-new series of live music events, with the first kicking off at one of Manchester’s most popular venues.

Chopstix has become a foodie’s favourite in the city centre with its combo boxes and now they’re about to win over the music lovers thanks to these brand-new live-performances.

The Asian restaurant chain is launching ‘Red Box Live’,a first-of-its-kind music event series taking place in some of the UK’s best independent music venues,, and it kicks off at one of the city’s most beloved music venues, YES.

These events will see a rising star headline slot, DJ’s, free drinks and of course, food, because it couldn’t be a Chopstix party without some of its iconic flavour-packed boxes.

Chopstix are known for serving up flavoursome feasts in their combo boxes.
Chopstix is known for serving up flavoursome feasts in their combo boxes.
The Asian restaurant chain has chosen YES as the first spot for their 'Red Box Live' event.
The Asian restaurant chain has chosen YES as the first spot for their ‘Red Box Live’ event.
Credit: Supplied

Indie-pop artist Liang Lawrence is claiming the first headline spot and she’s definitely no stranger at frequenting some of the most famed stages in the country, having recently performed at Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Sefton Park on the BBC Introducing stage, following in the footsteps of Manc rap-talent Aitch.

The ‘Red Box Live’ music events build from the eatery’s previous music-focused series ‘Red Box Sessions’ which saw acts like Flames Collective and Grace Davies (X-Factor) in intimate studio sessions.

Rob Burns, Marketing Director for Chopstix, said: The launch of our brand new Red Box Live event series is incredibly exciting.”We’re bringing big, bold flavour and raw music talent together – serving up an unbeatable combo for our flavour craving crowd right here in Manchester.”

“We’re bringing BIG, BOLD flavour and raw music talent together – serving up an unbeatable combo for our Flavour Craving crowd right here in Manchester.”

Liang Lawrence will be performing at 'Red Box Live' organised by Chopstix.
Liang Lawrence will be performing at ‘Red Box Live’ organised by Chopstix.
There will be free food and live music at this exclusive event.
There will be free food and live music at this exclusive event.
Credit: Supplied

The first ‘Red Box Live’ is taking place on 16 July with a headline performance from Liang Lawrence at YES in Manchester. Doors open from 7pm with a DJ set, and tickets are available to win for free on Chopstix’s website.

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If you want to get in on the ultimate mix of banging beats and bold eats, you can enter our FREE ticket draw to win your way in HERE.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images – Publicity Pictures (via Supplied)

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