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Major Manchester theatre show issues casting call for a DOG to star on stage

This production is pawsome.

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia - 10th February 2025

One of the world’s most famous theatre shows is coming back to Manchester, and they’ve opened a casting call in search of the ‘canine equivalent of Brad Pitt’. 

The unusual casting call is seeking a ‘dog with star quality’ to star in La Bohème when it returns to the Manchester Opera House on 21 February.

Dorothy has Toto, Annie’s got Sandy and now another show is in search of a four legged companion who wouldn’t mind being in the spotlight.

La Bohème is coming to Manchester at the end of this month and as well as bringing in theatregoers to fill up all the seats, they’re also looking for one prized pooch to take centre stage.

This Italian opera, which translates to ‘The Bohemian’, tells the tale of a poor seamstress and her artist friends with all the events taking place in the city of love, Paris.

As with most casting calls there are a few regulations however the trickiest requirement may be the owner’s involvement in the production.

dogs needed for a returning production at Manchester Opera House
Your four legged friend could be the next doggy diva gracing the Manchester Opera House stage.
Casting call for dogs at Manchester Opera House
Your pooch could be on set day-dreaming of Hollywood… or doggy treats?
Credit: Supplied

Dogs are asked to be small to medium sized and very well behaved, while owners have to go on stage in costume as part of the background ensemble – get those jazz hands ready!

Award-winning opera director and producer Ellen Kent said: “People say never work with children or animals but I love to do both.

“The first time was 20 years ago when my pet cat Holly Go-Lightly was in one of my productions and was an instant hit. Since then, we’ve had horses, dogs, goldfish and even a golden eagle with a 6ft wingspan on stage.

“When we last did La Bohème in 2023 we asked local people to volunteer their pets – it was a huge success. We even used a rescue dog once and found him dozens of new owners!

“We’re a nation of animal lovers after all. I’m sure there is plenty of doggie talent out there.”

She’s also helped source a water garden in Madam Butterfly, a horse for Carmen and a pair of Afghan Hounds which featured in Rigoletto.

So there’s no better fit for this current casting call which entails finding a drama-loving doggy for La Bohème than Ellen Kent.

dogs needed for a returning production at Manchester Opera House
La Bohème is looking for an all-star pooch for their upcoming February production.
Casting call for dogs at Manchester Opera House
La Bohème is coming to Manchester at the end of this month at Manchester Opera House.
Credit: Supplied

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Anyone who thinks their pup is the perfect fit for this upcoming production of La Bohème are requested to email [email protected] with photographs of your dog, including your contact number and address as well as the breed, height, weight, age and name of your dog. The show will contact you if you are successful.

La Bohème is making its grand return to Manchester Opera House on 21 February 2025 with tickets for the show available HERE.

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

Featured Image: Publicity Picture (Supplied)

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A huge Hot Wheels monster truck event is coming to Manchester

Danny Jones Danny Jones Hot Wheels Monster Trucks live show Manchester

A massive Hot Wheels-themed monster truck event is coming to Manchester city centre as part of a brand new UK tour.

You can file this under one for the kids and for the big kids.

Following the success of the brand’s award-winning ‘Glow-N-Fire’ event earlier this year, Hot Wheels is hitting the road once again and bringing the explosive show to yet more domestic audiences.

Whether you’re a monster truck enthusiast, part of the wider motorhead masses, or simply looking for something fun to do with the little ones, you should be all over this.

hot wheels events manchester
hot wheels ao arena
Credit: Pres shots (supplied)

What is Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Glow-N-Fire?

Produced by Family Entertainment Live, Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live™ sees versions of the genuine collectable toys brought to life on the biggest scale possible.

Remember that old miniature car you had that looked like a shark? Yep, they’ve even got that.

But there’s much more than just colossally large vehicles; as well as the debut of an all-new truck called the ‘Rhinomite’ – the dynamite Rhino-themed truck which charges horn-first into challenges and looks to destroy the competition – the new and improved experience will feature never-before-seen stunts.

Performed not only by the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks drivers, but also by a talented roster of FMX (freestyle motocross), you can expect the likes of no-handed front flips and much more by these impressive professionals.

Returning not only to the capital but now Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and Leeds too, more and more Brits are going to be able to see the action for themselves.

hot wheels monster trucks manchester tickets
Credit: Supplied

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live – UK tour dates

  • Saturday to Sunday, 3-4 January 2026: AO Arena, Manchester
  • Sat-Sun, 10-11 January: The O2 Arena, London
  • Sat-Sun, 28-29 March: First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds
  • Sat-Sun, 4-5 April: M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool
  • Sat-Sun, 11-12 April: Utilita Arena, Birmingham 

With special children’s pricing, VIP packages and even the chance to participate in the official pre-show party, held two and a half hours prior to every performance, there really is so much value-for-money to be soaked up from this high-octane piece of live entertainment at the AO Arena.

The pre-show party, specifically, gives fans a unique opportunity to access the arena floor where they can get up close and personal with the outrageous Hot Wheels designs and the truly epic size of a minster struck, as well as grab autographs and selfies with their favourites.

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks – Manchester tickets

Glow-N-Fire won the most recent Pollstar ‘Family Show of the Year’ award and has sold thousands of tickets this year alone, so it goes without saying that you have every reason to give this one a go.

Tickets for next year’s Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live show at the AO Arena in Manchester go on sale this Friday, 5 September at 10am.

You can get ready to grab yours HERE.

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

Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied)

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Rick Astley to play Co-op Live on major UK arena tour – with big-name supporting act

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Rick Astley

Rick Astley has announced a major UK and Ireland arena tour, and of course he’ll be playing a huge gig here in Manchester.

The Newton-le-Willows native started his remarkable career all the way back in 1987 when he became an unlikely global phenomenon after his era-defining smash ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ established him as an international chart-topping, BRIT Award winning global star, following by a debut album that sold a whopping 15.2 million copies worldwide.

But then he stepped away from the spotlight, and seemingly left that chapter of his life behind – that was until he returned to the charts in 2016 and has stayed at the top of his game ever since.

He has collaborated with everyone from Foo Fighters to Blossoms along the way, and even did a double-bill of festival sets at Glastonbury in 2023, before releasing his latest album titled ‘Are We There Yet?’.

Throughout his career, Rick has released eight studio albums, sold more than 40 million records worldwide, and has played and toured around the world multiple times.

And now he’s heading back out on the road, and will be taking to the Co-op Live stage here in Manchester next April.

He’ll be playing Co-op Live on Friday 17 April 2026, and support for the tour comes from none other than the legendary Gabrielle herself.

Other major cities Rick’ll be stopping off at along the way include the capitals London, Cardiff, Belfast, and Dublin, as well as Glasgow, Leeds, Birmingham, Newcastle, Liverpool, and more.

Rick Astley – The Reflection Tour 2026

With special guest Gabrielle

  • Friday 10 April – Glasgow OVO Hydro
  • Saturday 11 April – Newcastle Utilita Arena
  • Monday 13 April – Belfast SSE
  • Tuesday 14 April – Dublin 3Arena 
  • Thursday 16 April – Liverpool M&S Bank Arena      
  • Friday 17 April – Manchester Co-op Live
  • Saturday 18 April – Leeds First Direct Bank Arena
  • Monday 20 April – Bournemouth International Centre
  • Tuesday 21 April – Cardiff Utilita Arena
  • Wednesday 22 April – Nottingham Motorpoint Arena
  • Friday 24 April – Birmingham bp pulse LIVE
  • Saturday 25 April – London The O2

After taking a break in 2025, Rick says he’s excited to head out on his UK and Ireland arena tour next year, and is looking forward to performing live again.

Rick Astley begins The Reflection Tour on 10 April 2026, before he arrives in Manchester on 17 April, and tickets go on sale this week – with presales for Co-op Live members starting at 9:30am this Wednesday (3 September), before general sale begins this Friday 5 September, again at 9:30am.

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You can get tickets when they go on sale here.

Feeling a little fancier? You can treat yourself to some VIP tickets to Rick’s Co-op Live show via SeatUnique, with a range of different packages available here.

Featured Image – Supplied

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