A beloved classic Disney film has been turned into a spectacular musical production, and it’s heading out on a UK tour this summer.
And of course, the new 101 Dalmatians stage show will be making a stop off to visit us here in Manchester.
Originally a novel written by Dodie Smith all the way back in 1956, first turned into an animated film by Walt Disney Productions a few years later in 1961, and then most-notably remade as a live-action movie by Disney again starring Glenn Close, Jeff Daniels, and Joely Richardson in 1996, 101 Dalmatians is tale known by millions worldwide.
It tells the story of an evil heiress named Cruella de Vil who decides to make a fur coat for herself out of the skins of Dalmatian puppies, but when teals a litter of 15 puppies, it’s up to their parents to rescue the innocent pups.
As well as the original animated film and the first live-action remake, the story of 101 Dalmatians has also been continued on with a number of sequel films and several spin-off TV shows, as well as through a recent new reimagining in 2021, titled Cruella, starring Emma Stone as the infamous title character.
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But while the story may be a familiar tale to millions across the world, never has been told quite like this before.
A musical version of 101 Dalmatians is coming to Manchester next year / Credit: Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
With a book by Johnny McKnight, and music and lyrics composed and written by Douglas Hodge, this new musical that’s heading out on a tour of the UK tour in 2024 comes from a stage adaptation by Zinnie Harris, and is being reimagined from what was the critically-acclaimed Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production back in 2022.
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The story is brought to life on stage with spectacular puppetry, show-stopping choreography, hilarious songs, and, of course, irresistible puppies.
It’s now been announced that Kym Marsh will star as Cruella De Vil, with the remaining cast and creative team to be announced in the coming months.
Kym wrote: “I’ve got a tail-wagging announcement for you so lock up your puppies.. Cruella has arrived!
“I’m so excited to reveal I will be starring as the greatest villain of them all, Cruella De Vil, in the smash-hit musical, 101 Dalmatians!”
101 Dalmatians The Musical is kicking off its 2024 UK with a launch in Wimbledon, before visiting several other major cities such as Birmingham, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Liverpool, Cardiff, Glasgow, and so many more.
The full lineup for the Strictly Live tour has been revealed
Danny Jones
Yes, ballroom lovers, it’s here: the full lineup of dancers for the ‘Strictly Come Dancing Live’ tour has finally and officially been revealed.
It feels like fans have been waiting ages to find out the entire roster for the Strictly Live tour next year, with only limited waves having been released thus far.
However, the patience has paid off, and we now know who’ll be starring both on the stage and on down on the floors of some of Britain’s most beloved venues, including our very own AO Arena.
You can see the latest raft of additions down below.
As you can see, the final four couples who complete the next Strictly Live tour lineup for 2026 are social media personality George Clarke, Emmerdale face Lewis Cope, former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, and another actor in Layton Williams.
This quality quartet will be paired up with Alexis Warr, Katya Jones, Lauren Oakley and Nikita Kuzmin, respectively; it has already been confirmed that much-loved trio Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood will be returning as judges, with Janette Manrara remaining as host.
Strictly‘s still ongoing season – the 23rd in the show’s history – is due to conclude this weekend, following the final on Saturday night (20 December), and it remains to be seen which of the current cast will be crowned champion, with several of those above and below now signed up for the live tour.
The rest of the Strictly Live dancers for 2026 here:
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey aka ‘Nitro’
Alex Kingston
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Balvinder Sopal
George Clarke
La Voix
Chris Robshaw
Ellie Goldstein
Thomas Skinner
Vicky Pattison
Stefan Dennis
Ross King
Karen Carney
Lewis Cope
Amber Davies
It isn’t guaranteed that each of these contestants will be taking part in EVERY single one of the tour dates, but either way, you’ve still got ‘The Professionals’ to come next spring, too.
The annual Strictly Come Dancing UK tour has become a firm fan favourite, not only among die-hard viewers of the BBC show but lovers of live entertainment in general.
Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield and others confirmed the dates for their live shows earlier this year, with the AO set to host the two days’ worth of moves across Saturday, 31 January and Sunday, 1 February.
Hosting both normal evening shows as well as matinee slots, it’s simply up to you at what time of day you fancy panto-booing Craig…
If you’re interested in securing tickets for the typically fabulous festivals, you can grab yours HERE.
Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied via BBC/AO Arena)
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Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics is returning to Manchester next year
Clementine Hall
IconicDJ and radio presenter Pete Tong MBE is making his way back to Manchester with a whole host of guests ready to help you dance the night away.
Known for his live radio shows such as the ‘Essential Mix’ on BBC Radio 1, Tong is bringing back his widely successful Ibiza Classics club night to Manchester with an equally impressive roster of guests.
The ‘Ibiza Classics’ concept originated and debuted back in 2015 with Tong and co. taking on Royal Albert Hall as part of BBC Radio 1’s Proms schedule, paying homage to the island’s infectious anthems.
Since then, the English DJ has built a music event bigger than he could have ever imagined, and after a milestone year marking the 10th anniversary of the acclaimed Ibiza Classics show, Pete Tong has announced a brand-new run of UK arena dates for 2026.
Some of Tong’s notable releases include ‘Where’s The Music Gone’ and ‘Apocolypse’, alongside some very respectable dance music artists.
Other tracks to his name include ‘You Got The Love’ and ‘Time’, both collaborations with Jules Buckley, one of the famous faces you’ll get to see on this special Ibiza Classics tour.
The seven-date arena tour kicks off in Glasgow’s before heading to Manchester’s AO Arena on Friday 4 December 2026.
He will also be playing in Leeds, Birmingham, and Nottingham, culminating the tour with two huge nights at The O2 London.
Ibiza Classics Live 2026
Thursday 3 December – Glasgow, OVO Hydro
Friday 4 December – Manchester, AO Arena
Saturday 5 December – Leeds, First Direct Bank Arena
Wednesday 9 December – Birmingham, Utilita Arena
Thursday 10 December – Nottingham, Motorpoint Arena
Friday 11 and Saturday 12 December – London, The O2
He will be joined by long-standing collaborators Jules Buckley and The Essential Orchestra.
This night is expected to be filled with pure dance hits, and based on recent shows, there might even be appearances from even more musical talents and special guests.
Pete Tong, Jules Buckley, and The Essential Orchestra are bringing Ibiza Classics to AO Arena on Friday 4 December 2026.
Emily Sergeant -
19th October 2023 
