One of the most beloved musicals of all time is stopping off here in Manchester as part of a major UK tour next year.
Fresh off-the-back of successful run down at The London Palladium, and just a couple of years since it played to packed-out crowds here in 2022, it’s just been announced this week that Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat will be making its way back to Manchester next year, and will be taking over one of our city’s most iconic stages.
The sensational musical production was first staged all the way back in 1968, and is known for being the first major collaboration between theatre legends, Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice.
On its way to becoming one of the world’s best-loved family musicals, the multi award-winning show has been performed hundreds of thousands of times – including multiple runs in the West End and on Broadway, as well as international tours in more than 80 countries worldwide.
THE SMASH-HIT SPECTACLE RETURNS 🌈 We’re delighted to announce that Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is coming to the Opera House from 26 Feb – 9 Mar 2025🤩.
Whether you can believe it or not, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat actually started out as a concept album based off a small-scale school show, before it grew into what we know today.
Told entirely through song with the help of the narrator, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat follows the story of Jacob’s favourite son, Joseph, who after being sold into hardship by his 11 brothers, tries to ingratiate himself with Egyptian noble, Potiphar, but ends up in jail after refusing the advances of Potiphar’s wife.
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Beloved musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat is coming to Manchester / Credit: Tristram Kenton (via Supplied)
While imprisoned, Joseph discovers his ability to interpret dreams, and soon finds himself in front of the mighty but troubled showman, the Pharaoh. As Joseph strives to resolve Egypt’s famine, he becomes Pharaoh’s right-hand man and eventually reunites with his family.
The show features songs that have gone on to become musical theatre stapes, including ‘Any Dream Will Do’, ‘Close Every Door To Me’, ‘Jacob and Sons’, and ‘Go, Go, Go Joseph’.
This particular production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat that’s coming to Manchester in 2025 is produced and directed by acclaimed musical theatre duo, Michael Harrison and Laurence Connor.
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It’ll be taking over one of our city’s most iconic stages early next year / Credit: Tristram Kenton (via Supplied)
Speaking ahead of the show’s return to our Manchester Opera House next year, producer Michael Harrison explained: “After two sensational runs at The London Palladium and a celebrated tour, which saw audiences up on their feet when we played in Manchester in 2022, I am delighted to bring Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat back to the Opera House next year.
“Few shows bring the generations together the way Joseph does, and we can’t wait to welcome audiences new and old to make memories that will last a lifetime.”
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat will be on the Manchester Opera House stage from Wednesday 26 February – Sunday 9 March 2025, and tickets are set to go on general sale from as little as £15 each tomorrow (Friday 14 June) at 10am.
Find out more and grab your tickets when they go on sale here.
Featured Image – Tristram Kenton (via Supplied)
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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.
Tickets go on sale next Monday 15 December, and you can get them here.
Featured Image – Supplied
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A big battle of the bands is happening in Manchester this week – and it’s all for charity
Danny Jones
A massive battle of the bands event is happening in Manchester this week, and it’s helping raise money for crucial grassroots organisations.
Better still, it’s happening at one of our favourite venues in the city centre: Band on the Wall.
Now, the beloved Northern Quarter institution hosts all kinds of live music throughout the year, so they’re no strangers to events like a battle of the bands competition. Teaming up with homegrown charity Forever Manchester and some other well-known faces, this is set to be a big one.
This brand new event will see local businesses and employees come together to form a band for one night only, to see who is the best of the best up on stage. Who knows? You could be about to see the best-kept secret…
Yes, Manc worker bees are banding together (quite literally) to form the exclusive super group and will be judged by a panel of audiophile aficionados.
It doesn’t matter whether you work in the industry, you do office admin or work in a cafe all day long; at the debut ‘Forever Manchester Rocks‘ competition, consider yourself a music god in the making.
The live on-stage battle is open to pre-existing bands who have already played together, but we’ll confess, we’re looking forward to seeing what those cobbled together specifically for this contest are going to sound like.
Finalists not only have the opportunity to perform at the most iconic venues, but the winners of this year’s competition will claim the inaugural ‘Manchester Business Rocks Legends’ trophy, as well as being invited to play the annual Forever Manchester Birthday Party at the Kimpton Clocktower in February.
Once again, the best part of this new battle of the bands event at Band on the Wall is that it’s all for the greater good, with important funding being generated for local community groups – a cause that both pursue with 24/7, 365 days a year.
If you’re interested in a last-minute sign-up, the rules for entering the competition are as follows:
A majority of band members must work at the same company or in the same industry
Covers or originals welcome – just bring your best 15-minute set
You bring the instruments and tunes – the backline, PA and sound engineer will be provided
Acts will be judged on talent, energy, crowd reaction, showmanship and amount of money raised.
Nick Massey CBE, chief exec at Forever Manchester, said: “As a region famed for its musical prowess, entrepreneurial spirit and its sense of community, Forever Manchester Rocks just made total sense to me as our next big occasion.
“It is a battle like no other, and we’re calling for businesses across the region to trade their KPIs for killer riffs to show us how they shine on stage… And it’s all in support of a fantastic cause, with the money raised helping to fund vital community initiatives in the Greater Manchester region.
“We can’t wait to see colleagues from across the region unleash their hidden talents and bring that Manchester energy to Band on the Wall on 10 December!”
For those looking to come along this Wednesday (10 Dec), you can grab your tickets HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
13th June 2024 
