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
Top Manchester attraction Museum of Illusions has been transformed by spooky Halloween surprises
Daisy Jackson
A spooky new Halloween experience has arrived at Manchester’s Museum of Illusions, and it’s perfect for half term.
The top attraction is getting a spooky makeover, with strange surprises, mind-bending tricks and plenty of photo opportunities taking over this October.
Running until Sunday 1 November, Weird Wonders is transforming some of the museum’s best-loved exhibits into a Halloween-inspired experience, making it a fun option for families, friends and anyone looking to get into the spooky spirit.
And with the whole experience taking place indoors on Market Street, it’s a dream option for those unpredictable Manchester autumn days when the weather has other plans, and a perfect spot to fill a day of the half term holidays..
Five of the attraction’s most popular exhibits are getting a Halloween transformation, giving visitors even more reasons to question what they’re seeing, strike a pose and get some seriously strange photos along the way.
Among the spooky highlights is the Bone Throne, where visitors can take their seat on a suitably eerie chair that warps your perspective, while the Spider Clone Table promises a creepy twist on one of the museum’s classic illusions.
There’s also the Web of Faces, where a giant kaleidoscope multiplies your face (now with added cobwebs), alongside the Echo Cave, offering another opportunity to step into a world where your senses can be deceived.
And the museum’s Hollow Faces experience features 3D-printed faces inspired by Einstein, Frankenstein and Count Dracula – bringing together science, classic horror and a little optical trickery.
Halloween at the Museum of Illusions. Credit: The Manc Group
There’s more to Weird Wonders than spooky photo opportunities, too.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Halloween without a few treats. Every child ticket holder will receive a complimentary brain puzzle from the Illusion Shop, plus a sweet treat to take home at the end of their visit.
Adults haven’t been forgotten either, with a free treat available when purchasing two adult tickets.
Weird Wonders is running at the Museum of Illusions Manchester from 3 October to 1 November 2026.
Tickets and further information are available HERE.
Manchester parks are hosting loads of FREE Halloween-themed activities this month
Emily Sergeant
Parks across Manchester are set to host loads of Halloween-themed activities this month.
With October half term right around the corner and Halloween not far off either, it won’t be long before parents and carers are looking for ways to keep little Mancs occupied… luckily, Manchester City Council has unveiled a programme of free ‘spooktacular’ activities that’ll be happening at parks across the borough this month.
Manchester’s parks will ‘come alive’ this October half-term with a packed programme community-focussed free activities for children – including a range of lantern making workshops delivered by the parks’ teams.
There will also be pumpkin carving throughout the week, with everything provided to create a suitably scary masterpiece to take home, as well ‘Hidden Horror’ trails across 13 parks with lots of spooky characters to be discovered.
Other highlights included guided walks, cycling along the Yellow Brick Road in Debdale Park, helping to create a giant haunted house using recycled materials at Alexandra Park, and a Halloween Party at Grounded Cafe in Cringle Park.
Manchester parks are hosting loads of free Halloween-themed activities this October half term/ Credit: Max Burchill | Pierre Bouyer (via Unsplash)
And fireworks won’t be the only attraction on Bonfire Night either.
Activities on the day begin from 3pm with the chance for little ones to enjoy magical storytelling experiences from Z Arts, with hands-on crafting inspired by the story.
Dazzling fire performers will light up the event with a mesmerising display of flames, fiery choreography, and captivating skills, and the Lantern Parade prior to the main fireworks display is not to be missed.
Georgina Pellant -
5th November 2021 
