Theatre

13 Going On 30 The Musical at Manchester Opera House – a fresh take on the nostalgic smash hit

Thirty, flirty and thriving…

Amy Williams Amy Williams - 1st October 2025

13 Going On 30 The Musical made its world premiere in Manchester last night, and it’s a night to relive a childhood favourite film, done so brilliantly. 

With the original writers, Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yuspa, as part of the team plus Andy Fickman, who has screen hits such as She’s The Man and musicals including Heathers, you know from the off this is going to be good. 

If you don’t know the story, it begins with a young (13 year old) Jenna and Matty, with Jenna wishing she was one of the popular girls, and instead ‘thirty, flirty and thriving’. The next minute, she wakes up on her 30th birthday. 

She got everything she dreamed of – prom queen, editor of a popular fashion magazine, and the dream guy – but lost her best friend, family and became someone she didn’t quite like.

Can she turn it around and get back to the person she once was? 

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I loved this film when I was closer to 13, and now watching it premiere on the stage a bit closer to 30 myself, it’s still just as brilliant.

There’s an original score throughout it too (with the exception of, of course, Thriller – and the whole dance routine to go with it too might I add). 

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Staring Lucie Jones as Jenna Rink – with previous roles on Les Miserables, Ghost The Musical and Wicked – and David Hunter as Matt Flamhaff, their voices were absolutely incredible. A special mention too to young Matt, with brilliant vocals. 

13 Going On 30 The Musical brought back the Thriller dance, the famous multicoloured dress and the need to go back instantly and rewatch the film again (and make my mum watch it, who hadn’t seen the film previously but still loved the show just as much).

13 Going On 30 The Musical is on at the Opera House Manchester until Sunday 12 October and you can still grab tickets here

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Featured image: Pamela Raith Photography