Iconic 90s boy band and homegrown heroes Take That played the first of their five-night run at the AO Arena this Tuesday night and boy do these lads know how to put on a show.
I’m going to start this off by admitting I wasn’t necessarily the biggest Take That fan going in – the hordes of huns, mums and tipsy grans firmly won that – but I did walk out with my headphones full blast listening back to all the greatest hits I’d just had brought to life in front of me in glorious technicolour.
At one point, it looked like they might not get to play their truly massive Manc arena shows after the drama with Co-op Live’s ‘opening’ fortnight was derailed but, fortunately, the AO Arena were there to rescue this week’s performances and put together the frankly barmy production in just a few days.
So, first of all, big props have to go to them and they rightly did on the night; the venue helped keep lots of people’s dream gig alive, with both the headliners themselves and support act Olly Murs encouraging a huge round of applause from the packed-out 23,000 cap arena.
‘Olly olly’ opening (yes, he did chant get the entire crowd to chant that)
Speaking of Olly, again, I can’t pretend to be the biggest Murs fan but two things are true, I knew most of the words to his biggest hits (he played a medley of his career from start to finish), and the man has bundles of energy.
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He cut a George Michael and almost Harry Styles-esque figure at times (even if a few years older, sure), sprinting from one side of the stage to another, cycling through the whole roster of dance moves and giving the crowd exactly what they wanted: that cheeky chappy vibe that got him where he is.
While the 2010s UK chart-topper was a deeply unserious performer for the most part, simply having fun and pratting about as he wished – he even had a fun little stunt where people could call his number on stage – we’re not mad at it because make no mistake, he showed everyone a good time.
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And it wasn’t all just playing forgotten pop tunes to his main and admittedly adoring demographic, he he paid a touching tribute to his late friend Caroline Flack with a slower ballad and gave plaudits to his live band who helped bring plenty more. And then these three other lads emerged through the fog…
Non-stop shenanigans and we loved every second of it
Take That performing in the AO Arena in Manchester. Credit: RHM ProductionsHoward Donald of Take That. Credit: RHM Prouctions
Quite literally, we mean: Take That’s entrance felt like some kind of weird second coming and, to be fair, it looked to be a biblical experience for the die-hards who began to scream at pitches we’ve rarely heard as they walked out to ‘Keep Your Head Up’, the opener from their last year’s album.
An obvious way to start their Manc tour dates off, we had some idea of the shenanigans about to happen after spotting a few videos on social media but in no way we’re prepared for the thematic whiplash that was about to take place. Or how much we were going to enjoy it.
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We’re not joking when we say we lost track of how many costume changes there were, how many times the set design shifted from a set of stairs (think of a Vegas-style cabaret show, only at one point they were on fire) to a walkway descending from the ceiling and so much more madness.
The overarching narrative, in short, was a slightly sardonic twist on a Take That TV show, with Gary, Mark and Howard introducing and flicking through all the big moments down the years. It reminded us of The 1975 stage production at times, only a little less artsy and a bit more wink-wink, nudge-nudge.
Take That’s staggering show at AO Arena in Manchester. Credit: RHM ProductionsTake That’s staggering show at AO Arena in Manchester. Credit: RHM ProductionsGary Barlow taking to the piano in Manchester. Credit: RHM Productions
If we had to give you a top-line summary of the show overall, it’s intentionally camp, over-the-top and often silly by design, but all with plenty of self-awareness underpinned by the lads who, just like Olly did beforehand, did nothing but have a laugh on stage. Oh, and yes, Gary did ‘the thing’, don’t you worry.
Be it marching up and down stairs in synchronicity before running out of breath when they remember they’re 50, to delivering dance routines galore and getting the rest of the band to come and sway side-to-side with everyone sitting round a sofa, they pull out of the stops when it comes to pageantry.
It also has to be said that no matter how big a Take That fan you are, hearing a full AO Arena belting out ‘Patience’, ‘The Greatest Day’, ‘Never Forget’; ‘Rule The World’, ‘Back For Good’, ‘Relight My Fire’ and oh my they really do have a shed load of absolute bangers, don’t they?…
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I mean, just look at this:
Probably the best moment of the night – even if they were wearing strange, Daft Punk-type space helmets.
To cut a long story short, while Take That obviously wished “all the best” to the Co-op Live for when it hopefully opens next week, it felt rather fitting for them to return once again to the venue that first started playing decades ago and still how the record for having played the most shows at.
Better still, the whole bells and whistle spectacle did add something to the experience and it wasn’t as gratuitous as it perhaps looks in some of the clips that have been memed up online. Still daft, don’t get us wrong, but they know it is and it made moments when the vocals were front and centre memorable.
It doesn’t matter how many years on they are, Take That’s latest show proves exactly why your mum, grandma, auntie and probably your uncle loved them in their heyday, why it was such a big deal when they came back in the noughties and why they’re still selling out arenas to this day.
They’ve been doing this for years and they’re absolute pros – we don’t see them going away again any time soon. Roll on the next few nights!
The legendary Hulme community pub The Old Abbey Taphouse has been reborn
Daisy Jackson
The closure of The Old Abbey Taphouse was a real blow for Hulme and the surrounding university district area; the community pub was a bit of a local institution thanks to its grassroots music and inclusive atmosphere.
But now it appears that the spirit of the venue lives on, under the new name of The Abbey.
Some of the city’s most experienced independent operators – who have been behind venues like YES and The Deaf Institute, and music promoters Now Wave – will be the new custodians of this beloved local landmark.
The pub, which closed early last year, has now been carefully and lovingly restored ahead of its big relaunch, which will start in true Manc vision with an exclusive opening night gig.
The Abbey is reborn. (Credit: The Manc Group)
The vision for its new chapter will be ‘Old Pub, New Music’, creating a new home for grassroots live music and emerging artists.
There’s also affordable, hearty pub grub, including Pieminister pies, and a huge range of beers from local breweries and beyond.
Bringing The Abbey back to life are a core team of four: Ruth Hemmingfield, Wesley Jones, Jonathan Wickstead and Gareth Butterworth.
Ruth, Jon and Wesley are co-owners of YES; Ruth previously launched and programmed landmark Manc venues including The Deaf Institute, Gorilla and Albert Hall; while Wesley and Jonathan, through Now Wave, promote hundreds of independent gigs and live events each year.
As for Gareth, he’s the founder of the multi-venue festival Manchester Psych Fest, meaning that all of them have plenty of hospitality, late-night, live music and events experience between them.
The team behind The Abbey pub. Credit: Piran Aston
The rear of the site of The Old Abbey Taphouse will be extended to create a new dedicated live music and events venue, while the cherished beer garden is given a facelift with new decking and its own bar.
The Abbey has stood in Hulme since the 1890s, playing an important role in the area’s heritage – this is where activist Len Johnson managed to overturn the shameful ‘colour bar’ policies of the 1940s.
Its restoration and relaunch are part of the flourishing Manchester Science Park development.
Matthew Pazos, Senior Retail Commercial Manager at Bruntwood SciTech, said: “Ruth, Wesley and Jonathan are the perfect custodians to breathe new life into The Abbey.
“Their reputation for running independent spaces in Manchester, alongside their live music expertise, will ensure this much-valued pub once again becomes a beating heart for Hulme and the wider neighbourhood.
“The reopening of The Abbey will create an inclusive new hub that welcomes everyone – from the Hulme locals who have looked after the pub over the years, to the Manchester Science Park community, university students, and the many residents and workers across the Oxford Road Corridor.
“We are delighted that such a culturally significant and important pub is set to open its doors once again.”
Ruth from the new Abbey team commented: “We love a good pub. With The Abbey, we’re excited about bringing a brilliant old pub back to life, protecting what people loved about it, and creating something special: a great local, alongside a vital grassroots music venue for the area.
“We’re honouring the pub’s history while building its future.”
Gig review | Lola Young’s Manchester comeback – A joyous return to stage at the O2 Apollo Manchester
Kristen MacGregor-Houlston
The excitement in the air is palpable in the O2 Apollo Manchester, the crowd is itching for her to make her way onto stage and is chanting her name – Manchester has missed you, Lola Young.
After an extended hiatus since she collapsed at the All Things Go festival in New York last September, Lola is back on a short tour to find her feet again. Whilst Manchester isn’t officially the first show, it is the headline performance for her comeback.
Lola’s break had come at a pivotal moment, with her third studio album, I’m Only F***ing Myself (2025), earning huge acclaim, performances across the globe, and endorsements from the likes of Elton John for her talent.
After cancelling all of her shows ‘for the foreseeable future’, Lola asked fans for their forgiveness, writing in an emotional statement: “I really hope you’ll give me a second chance once I’ve had some time to work on myself and come back stronger.”
Tough to handle for anyone, let alone a young rising artist.
It was clear to everyone that her hard work on herself had paid off, as this was a different Lola Young from the one I saw at Glastonbury last year: there was a calmness to her – she seemed more centred and more confident.
That calmness, however, did not mean a lacklustre performance: she is still a powerhouse; her stage presence is just magnetic, and it is clear to see how loved she is by her fans. The energy in the room didn’t falter the entire time she was on stage.
She kicked things off with ‘Sad Sob Story’, a song about moving on from a toxic relationship, which seemed fitting as she steps away from the drama and difficulties of last year into a fresh start. A wall-shaking opening number that set the scene for what was to follow with the rest of the show.
As part of her healing journey, Young stated that she has decided to write something special and specific for each show to tell herself if she’s worried or doubting her ability.
She shared her Manchester mantra with us: “When you are connected, when you express what you feel is true to you, when you open yourself up and share your very unique experience, remember you are electric… Those who want to listen will lean in, no matter your volume.”
Although she was clearly introspecting, she was also speaking to her audience, her fans, and expressing gratitude for them still being there. Shouts of support echoed out through the venue, her fans truly loving and supporting her as they have since day one, perhaps more so than ever.
Her performances of songs like ‘Big Brown Eyes’, ‘Not Like That Anymore’ and ‘Conceited’, showed just how much fun Lola was having on stage, being back and being surrounded by people who truly loved her.
At times, the crowd were singing along so loudly and passionately that she laughed and told the audience, “I can’t even hear myself in my own ears.” She had to occasionally take moments to step back and take it all in, seemingly overwhelmed with joy at the outpouring of love being reflected back to her.
Her band were also a stand-out, sharing in her energy and passion. It is clear that Young and her band could easily fill huge arenas with their talent and fervour, but this more intimate venue just seemed correct.
Lola continued to prove throughout the night why she was so deserving of her BRIT Award for ‘Breakthrough Artist of the Year’, and her Grammy nominations for ‘Best New Artist’ and ‘Best Pop Solo Performance’.
Her vocal talent, emotional depth and electric stage presence were showcased in songs like ‘why do i feel better when i hurt you?’, ‘Post Sex Clarity’ and the incredible ‘You Noticed’, showing an extremely vulnerable side to her that had many audience members tearing up.
We saw all sides of Young during this show, with her iconic songs ‘One Thing’, ‘d£aler’ and ‘Messy’ practically blasting the roof off of the O2 Apollo Manchester.
The fans could hardly contain themselves, screaming the lyrics back at her – it was truly a night to remember for everyone.
With another night in Manchester due to popular demand, Lola promised to be back soon. Could it be a bigger tour, bigger venues, new music?
Who knows, but for now we’re just glad to see her healthy and have her back in our lives again.
Danny Jones -
8th May 2024 
