An undeniable cult-classic of amusical is set to kick off its next UK tour right here in Manchester next year.
That’s right, you can’t stop the beat… or Hairspray The Musical from heading back to our city.
There’s no denying that Hairspray is known and loved by millions worldwide since it first opened on Broadway all the way back in 2002, and has had audiences tapping their feet on the West End and in countless other cities and countries across the globe ever since.
The eight Tony Award wins and the record-breaking 11 Olivier Award nominations prove that all too well, as does the smash-hit success of the 2007 film adaptation too.
Cult-classic musical Hairspray will kick off its UK tour in Manchester next year / Credit: Supplied
After a triumphant return to the stage in 2024, it’s now been announced that Hairspray The Musical is heading out on a major national tour of the UK and Ireland once again in 2027 – with theatre lovers able to get their hands on tickets when they go on sale today (6 July).
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Oh, and what better way to kick things off than right here in Manchester?
In case you’re unfamiliar, the timeless story of Hairspray centres around heroine Tracy Turnblad, who has “big hair, a big heart, and big dreams” and wants to dance her way onto national TV, and into the heart of teen idol Link Larkin.
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When Tracy becomes a local star, she is able to use her newfound fame to fight for liberation, tolerance, and interracial unity in Baltimore.
But the real question is, can she win equality – and Link’s heart -without denting her ’do?
An all-time favourite.
Audiences in Manchester will be the first to hear some of musical theatre’s most well-known songs, including ‘Welcome To The 60s’, ‘You Can’t Stop The Beat’, and ‘Good Morning Baltimore’, before it heads out to other major cities across the country.
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Liverpool, Bradford, York, and Sunderland are just a few of the fellow northern cities where the tour will be stopping off at in 2027.
The show’s original production team of Mark Goucher, Matthew Gale, and Laurence Myers will return, alongside Brenda Edwards and Paul Kerryson as directors.
Meanwhile, choreography will come from Olivier Award winner Drew McOnie, and music is provided by the Academy Award, Tony, and Emmy-winning duo Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.
The all-singing, all-dancing show is taking to the Palace Theatre stage / Credit: Pamela Raith
Hairspray The Musical will take to the stage at Manchester’s Palace Theatre from 2 – 19 July 2027.
Tickets are going on general sale today at 10am, and although prices haven’t been revealed yet, it’s expected they’ll be available in a range of prices so it’s affordable for everyone looking to make the most of the all-singing-all-dancing experience.
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.
Don’t forget to stop off at the retro funfairs, and the food and drink village for some seasonal treats to enjoy on the night.
Find out everything happening in Manchester this October half term and Halloween HERE.
Featured Image – Pierre Bouyer (via Unsplash)
Manchester
Victim named and murder investigation launched after young woman is killed in Newton Heath stabbing
Emily Sergeant
The victim of a street stabbing in Newton Heath this week has been named for the first time as a murder investigation continues.
It comes after officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) responded to reports of a disturbance at around 2am yesterday (Thursday 15 October) on Dorking Avenue, in the Newton Heath area of Manchester, and when they arrived on the scene, they found a woman in her 20s with serious injuries that were ‘consistent with a stabbing’.
Despite best efforts of all emergency services involved, the young woman was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
As the murder investigation progresses, the woman has now been publicly named and a photo of her has been released for the first time.
She has been named as 26-year-old Alisha Samuels.
At this time, one man, aged 25, has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and a man and woman, aged 61 and 38, have been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, and they all remain in custody – with officers continuing their enquiries to establish the full circumstances of this incident.
Alisha’s family have asked for privacy whilst they deal with the devastating loss of their loved one, GMP has stated.
“We are continuing to urge people who may have information in relation to this incident to please come forward to support our investigation and bring justice for Alisha,” the police force said in a public appeal.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or has mobile phone, CCTV, or doorbell footage, is urged to call GMP on 0161 856 5464, or contact them via the Major Incident Public Portal here.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
Emily Sergeant -
6th July 2026 
