Theatre

Hundreds more FREE tickets released for Big Night of Musicals in Manchester

Hurry!!

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 10th January 2025

Hundreds more free tickets for Big Night of Musicals will be released this morning ahead of its return to the AO Arena in Manchester.

New shows have also been announced for the dazzling spectacle, which brings some of theatre’s biggest West End and touring shows to our city.

Just announced on the line-up are Cabaret, Chicago, Mary Poppins and Titanique, joining a show-stopping billing that already included Disney’s Hercules, Mean Girls, Jim Steinman’s Bat Out of Hell The Musical, Here & Now – The Official Steps Musical, Calamity Jane and Dear Evan Hansen.

Presented by Jason Manford, The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals saw its first release of tickets sell out within just 24 hours.

So now hundreds more are being released to National Lottery players from 10am today, Friday 10 January, on a first-come, first-served basis.

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The show on Monday 27 January, now in its fourth year, serves as a special thank you to National Lottery players who have helped support more than 20,000 theatre-related projects to the tune of £1.3b.

As well as all those dazzling musicals, the evening’s line-up will feature some unique performances, including musical theatre star Michael Ball, as well as a preview of some of the exciting new shows coming to the West End and on tour this year.

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Hundreds more FREE tickets released for Big Night of Musicals in Manchester which now includes Chicago. Credit: Tristam Kenton
Hundreds more FREE tickets released for Big Night of Musicals in Manchester which now includes Chicago. Credit: Tristam Kenton

Jason Manford said: “It’s an honour to be back hosting The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals for the fourth time!

“It’s always a pleasure to host in Manchester to give a northern audience the chance to see some spectacular performances and appearances from the stars of the West End – and this year’s line-up is stronger than ever.

“Once again, one of the best aspects of the show is that tickets are free as a thank you to National Lottery players who help ensure the performing arts industry thrives by playing each week.”

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The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals will also be broadcast by the BBC later this spring.

The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals will be at the AO Arena in Manchester on Monday 27 January – final release free tickets are available from 10am HERE.

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Featured image: Publicity picture

Theatre

Jake Quickenden to star in stage version of cult classic British comedy, Rita, Sue and Bob Too!

Danny Jones Danny Jones Jake Quickenden starring as lead in Rita, Sue & Bob Too play

The original stage play version of classic UK comedy, Rita, Sue and Bob Too!, is coming to Greater Manchester this February and it’s set to star Jake Quickenden in a leading role.

Released as a feature-length back in 1987, the cult favourite film set in North Yorkshire is still considered one of the most quintessentially British and incisive ‘dramedies’ ever made, depicting a very unfiltered and poignant look at working-class life during the Thatcher years.

The story has been brought to the theatre many times before, including down the road in Salford Quays, but this latest series of stage shows marks the first time Rita, Sue and Bob Too! the play is heading to this particular borough.

With a healthy slate of tour dates across the country, the Regal Entertainments production and recognisable cast is coming to Stockport for multiple nights next month.

Adapting the original semi-autobiographical play text by Bradford‘s very own Andrea Dunbar – where the tale takes place and whose upbringing the events revolve around – with direction from Chantelle Nolan, this is one of the biggest live productions of Rita, Sue and Bob Too! ever.

Speaking ahead of the nationwide tour, Nolan says: “After over 20 years of producing brilliant entertainment in St Helens and in Liverpool, Regal Entertainments has developed a touring department, and we can’t wait to share our five-star productions with new audiences across the UK.”

“We’re very proud to attract the top stars from the worlds of theatre, film and TV to star in our productions […] Dunbar’s cult classic film was originally a hit play, and we know that it’s a show that you can see time and time again and still be rolling in the aisles with laughter, we are incredibly pleased with the ticket sales so far.”

As well as the former X-Factor, I’m A Celeb, Hollyoaks and Dancing on Ice star in the leading role as Bob, other names on the call sheet include Jessica Ellis (also seen on Hollyoaks), Shameless and Coronation Street‘s Warren Donnelly, as well as ex-Britain’s Got Talent contestant, Siobhan Phillips.

As for the other two leads, Liverpool-born comic Kay Nicholson is starring as Rita and Lancashire actor Jenna Sian O’Hara as Sue. In case you’ve never seen or heard anything about it before, without spoiling anything, the two young schoolgirls get themselves into some rather adult circumstances.

Credit: Film 4/IMDb/Press Shot (supplied)

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Strictly an 18+ performance, the Stockport show is one of just a small handful of North West runs, set to take place at the iconic art deco theatre that is The Plaza from Tuesday, 18-Saturday, 22 February.

As for Quickenden, the 36-year-old added: “I’m delighted to be joining the brilliant cast of Rita, Sue and Bob Too! Regal Entertainments have a fantastic reputation for producing exciting entertainment in Merseyside and I can’t wait to take the show all over the UK.

“Andrea Dunbar’s play is a classic and I can’t wait to play Bob.” If you’ve not come across it before, maybe ask your mum and dad or perhaps a grandparent – we’re sure they’ll fill you in…

You can grab your tickets HERE.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Press Image (supplied via Regal Entertainment)/Film 4

Theatre

Matilda The Musical announces open auditions in Manchester

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia Matilda The Musical announces open auditions in Manchester

Much-loved theatre show Matilda the Musical is making its return to Manchester this Spring, and is now in search of some troublesome kids to star on the stage.

Set to hit the stage in spring 2026, the hit musical based off the Roald Dahl novel of the same name has now announced open auditions for the roles of Matilda and her classmates.

This might just be the only classroom your kids will ever beg to go to…

Auditions will be held in Manchester in February and March this year, with budding young stars asked to perform a short poem, speech or monologue, to sing something, and will be taught a dance from the show.

Matilda the Musical focuses on the life of an independent young girl who uses her magical powers to fix or hinder situations where she’s misunderstood by adults, all with a lively soundtrack of hit songs written by Tim Minchin.

As well as acting, dancing and singing abilities, age is a big factor too, and as much as I’d love to sit on stage eating a giant chocolate cake, unfortunately it’s not my time to shine.

Performers must be aged between nine and 13 on 1 July 2025 with height restrictions of 4’10” for boys and 4’6″ for girls. Those auditioning for the lead role of Matilda must be under 4’3″ and aged between nine and 12 on 1 July 2025.

Stomping their way through education. Credit: Manuel Harlan

These little stars have a few more rules to follow before they get to be ‘a little bit naughty’ as another requirement for boys is their voices must be unbroken.

All children who are interested in being part of the show, whatever the role, need to make sure they’re available for the full rehearsal and performance period with anyone cast needing to live within an hour of Manchester city centre.

There are lots of factors to consider and for anyone who needs some reassurance or who may be applying to a live show for the first time, there’s a handy video on the audition link that will prepare candidates.

Matilda the Musical rehearsals will take place from July to August this year ahead of its return to the Palace Theatre Manchester from 26 March to 25 April 2026.

The cast of Matilda soaring and singing. Credit: Manuel Harlan

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Any children aged between 9 and 13 on 1 July 2025 can apply for the open auditions HERE.

‘Matilda The Musical’ is on its way to Manchester for 2026 and although not everyone is eligible to apply for the casting call, everyone can see the show with tickets already on sale HERE.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Image: Manuel Harlan

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