The new Mrs Doubtfire musical is set to premiere in the UK at Manchester’s Palace and Opera theatre.
Based on the hit Mrs Doubtfire movie, the brand new musical follows Daniel, an out-of-work actor who’ll do anything for his kids.
Just like in the film, the story sees him create an alter ego – Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire – in order to stay in their lives following a messy divorce.
Little does he know, his new alter ego will soon take on a life of her own and teach Daniel the truly important meaning of being.a father.
The musical will land at Manhester’s Opera House for a limited season, with shows kicking off on Friday, 2 September 2022, and only running for a month before ending on Saturday, 1 October.
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First released as a film in 1993, the American comedy-drama was a box office smash hit and is beloved by generations.
Now it’s been developed into a hit musical, which first debuted in New York on Broadway to rave reviews and record ticket sales.
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Originally starring Robin Williams in the titular role, the new musical version of the hit has been created by a transatlantic team of award-winning artists, with a book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell, original music and lyrics by Wayne and Karey Kirkpatrick, (the Tony Award-nominated team behind Something Rotten!.
Producers Kevin McCollum and Jamie Wilson said: “We are thrilled to announce that Mrs Doubtfire will make its UK premiere next year
“Manchester is one of the great cities of theatre, and we can’t wait to bring Mrs Doubtfire to the Opera House.”
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“We hope audiences will take this hilarious and touching show to their hearts, and promise a great evening for everyone!”
Sarah Bleasdale, general manager of Palace and Opera House Theatres, said: “We’re incredibly excited to have another production launching in the UK from Manchester, and this time – direct from Broadway.
“We continue to proudly showcase the very best in new musical theatre under our Manchester gets it first banner and know that our audiences have a real treat on the way with the iconic Mrs Doubtfire. A big moment for our theatres and the city, and a production we cannot wait to open our doors to”.
Kids & Family
LEGO is back hosting more interactive workshops for kids in Manchester this month
Emily Sergeant
Little Mancs who love LEGO can take part in a series of interactive building workshops in Manchester this month.
Following the launch of its campaign aimed at championing and standing up creativity last year, The LEGO Group hosted a series of free interactive workshops throughout 2024, and now, in a bid to keep encouraging children across Greater Manchester to ‘play without limits’, the next round of dates for this summer have been announced.
Aimed at young creators aged six to 12, the workshops will be botanical themed, and will focus on igniting imagination and nurturing children’s social skills.
The hands-on workshops where kids can build their own butterfly garden will take place down at the Trafford Centre on selected Sundays this month, as well as online for those who can’t make it in person.
LEGO is back hosting more interactive workshops for kids in Manchester this month / Credit: Supplied
The in-person ‘Creativity Workshops’ – which will be held at the LEGO Store Trafford Centre on Sunday 15 and Sunday 22 June – will be led by expert Brick Specialists who’ll provide a guided interactive experience that sparks curiosity, encourages creativity, and fosters a deeper appreciation for the beauty of plants and nature.
And the best bit? Tickets to the workshops will only cost £5 per child.
But you will need to make sure you book them in advance on the LEGO website here, however, as they’re expected to be snapped-up fast.
For those who aren’t able to attend the workshops in person though, you can make the most of this year’s ‘Creativity at Home’ online workshop series instead, which this month led by content creator Plant Kween, also known as Christopher Griffin.
Workshops are happening down at the Trafford Centre these next two weekends / Credit: Craig A Rodway (via Flickr)
“I’ve always felt a deep connection to nature, and love decorating my home with botanicals,” Plant Kween said, “so I’m so excited about this opportunity to connect with families, and celebrate the joy and beauty that plants bring into our lives, one brick at a time.
“What makes this especially meaningful is seeing young people get involved, using their imaginations to build, explore, and develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
“It’s hands-on, joyful learning that truly plants the seeds for creativity and connection.”
Book your place on the Greater Manchester-based workshops here.
Featured Image – Supplied
Kids & Family
Community festival Universally Manchester returns this weekend with a FREE day of fun
Emily Sergeant
A community festival with dozens of free events and activities for all the family is returning to Manchester this weekend.
After what was a successful turnout last summer to celebrate 200 years since the University of Manchester (UoM) first welcomed students through its doors, with more than 150 immersive events on the lineup, Universally Manchester is back this weekend, and the popular festival has a jam-packed day of fun to look forward to.
Oh, and it’s FREE fun, at that.
As part of the university’s civic commitment to ‘enhancing’ its relationship with members of Manchester‘s local communities, the annual university-wide festival will back for its sixth year this Saturday.
Running since 2017, the university’s campus turns into a welcoming space for thousands of visitors from Greater Manchester and beyond, so they can discover all the important work the institution does.
The festival aims to be an ‘inviting and informal space’ for visitors to meet the university’s staff and students, while UoM also gets to play an integral part in conversations that connect people and inspire future generations.
Kicking off from 11am this Saturday (14 June), you can expect there to be something for everyone during this free day jam-packed with fun activities for all the family.
Saturday 14 June
Universally Manchester returns this weekend with a free day of fun / Credit: UoM
Universally Manchester is back for 2025 this weekend, and it’s shaping up to be a proper community day for all.
We’re talking everything from creative sessions with poetry, music, and art, right through to special tours and meets-ups with the university’s inspiring curators, lots of different activities for your wellbeing, and load more.
You can even watch and join in with science experiments, and listen to enthralling stories of local history and experiences.
Georgina Pellant -
5th November 2021 
