Theatre

Open casting call goes live for major musical premiering in Manchester

Perfecting my poppin' and lockin' as we speak.

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia - 6th January 2025

An open casting call is now live looking for rising stars to take to the stage in Manchester, for a major new musical.

After receiving lots of critical acclaim in USA, cross-cultural musical Come Fall In Love is making its UK premiere in Manchester, and is looking for budding theatre performers to get involved.

Full name Come Fall in Love : The DDLJ Musical, the production is based off the legendary Bollywood cut ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’, shortened to DDLJ in more recent years, with the film becoming the longest-running title in Indian cinema.

The musical and film adaptation both follow the love story of Raj and Simran, who meet in Europe and also in India where Raj fights and ultimately wins the love of his life from her promised potential husband.

Running from 29 May to 21 June, this Bollywood inspired stage show is sure to be a smash hit, especially when it’s taking place at the Manchester Opera House , which has seen names like ‘& Juliet’, ‘Madagascar the Musical’ and ‘The Full Monty’ in 2024.

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Alex and safari crew at Manchester Opera House. Credit: Supplied
Lorna Courtney and the cast of & JULIET. Credit: Matthew Murphy
& JULIET in all its splendour. Credit: Matthew Murphy
The Full Monty came to Manchester last year. Credit: Supplied

They aren’t stopping there either as this year alone the theatre are bringing in an already stacked roster of musicals such as ‘Come Fall in Love’ and the coming of age blockbuster turned sing-a-thon, ’13 Going on 30′.

Come Fall in Love is a bright and energetic production which has chosen Manchester as the fortunate city to host its UK theatre premiere.

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After its official announcement in September, producers are now looking for South Asian dancers, actors and singers to feature in the show throughout its one month run at the Manchester city centre venue.

The creative team behind this all-new, colourful show is certainly one to boast about. From Olivier Award winner Nell Benjamin, behind Mean Girls and Legally Blonde, through to music by Indian talents, Vishal & Shekhar, it’s a true fusion of cultures.

Auditions are starting as soon as this month with the first batch taking place on 13 January with successful candidates travelling to London for rehearsals from 14 April.

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The official ‘Casting Call’ for ‘Come Fall in Love’. Credit: Supplied

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Anyone considering applying for this East-meets West musical comedy can do so via their official website HERE – but you only have until 7 January to apply.

If you love the sound of this stage production but your dancing abilities might not be up to scratch, you can enjoy from the comfort of your own theatre seat with tickets available HERE.

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

Featured Image: Publicity Picture (Supplied)

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

Read more:

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

Theatre

Manchester theatre tickets slashed to just £15 in biggest-ever January sale

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson The theatre sale includes LOADS of tickets for Bat Out Of Hell. Credit: Publicity picture

A huge sale on theatre tickets has gone live with shows in Manchester slashed to as little as £15.

From hit musicals to family favourites to dazzling dance and opera, the massive January Sale will let you see live entertainment for way less.

Thousands of discounted tickets are up for grabs across the UK, including at the Palace Theatre and the Opera House in Manchester.

ATG’s biggest-ever January sale includes smash hit shows like Bat Out Of Hell, Swan Lake, and Kinky Boots.

It also includes some huge shows coming to Manchester city centre for the first time in 2025, like Here You Come Again, a musical filled with the hits of Dolly Parton.

The huge theatre ticket sale includes incredible performances happening in the coming weeks, with both Swan Lake and The Nutcracker at the Opera House this month.

Or you could save big on a fabulous and flamboyant night out with Kinky Boots when it lands at the Palace Theatre in February.

Be whisked away with your favourite childhood musical, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, in March, or immerse yourself in the rock n roll world of Meatloaf’s Bat Out Of Hell with a musical inspired by the iconic album in February.

Kinky Boots is included in the January theatre tickets sale. Credit: Ollie Rosser
Kinky Boots is included in the January theatre tickets sale. Credit: Ollie Rosser
A scene from Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Credit: Tristram Kenton
A scene from Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Credit: Tristram Kenton

There are also big savings to be had on Come Fall In Love, a musical comedy based on Bollywood’s most successful film, which is set to open in Manchester in 2025.

Other shows included in the theatre ticket sale are Calamity Jane, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Cruel Intentions, and Ellen Kent: La Bohème.

And they’ve teased that there are more shows to be added to the sale still too.

The ATG Tickets January sale is now live – have a browse and book tickets HERE.

Manchester theatre shows in the ATG January sale:

Manchester Opera House

  • Swan Lake – 16-17 January at 7.30pm; 19 January at 3pm
  • The Nutcracker – 18 January at 2.30pm and 7.30pm
  • Calamity Jane- 21-22 January at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.
  • Here You Come Again – The New Dolly Parton Musical – 4-6 February at 2.30pm and 7.30pm
  • Ellen Kent: La Bohème – 21 February at 7.30pm
  • Ellen Kent: La Traviata – 23 February at 7.30pm
  • Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – 26-27 February at 2.30pm and 7.30pm
  • Seven Drunken Nights – The Story of the Dubliners – 17 March at 7.30pm
  • Come Fall in Love – 29-30 May at 7.30pm; 2-5 June at at 2.30pm and 7.30pm

Manchester Palace Theatre

  • Kinky Boots – 5-6 February at 2.30pm
  • Bat Out Of Hell – 24-25 February at 7.30pm, 26-27 February at 2.30pm and 7.30pm
  • Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – 11-12 March at 7pm
  • Cruel Intentions – 25-28 March at 2.30pm, 5pm, 7.30pm and 8.30pm

ATG Tickets said: “2025 is a HUGE year for live entertainment and we’re celebrating with our biggest ticket sale ever.

“Experience the magic of live entertainment with ticket prices from as little as £20 (+ £3.95 transaction fee per order)!

“Enjoy unbeatable discounts on a diverse selection of shows across Musicals, Plays, Comedy, Family Favourites, and Dance & Opera.

“Don’t miss out – book now and make unforgettable memories this year!”

The ATG Tickets January sale is now live – have a browse and book tickets HERE.

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Featured image: Publicity picture

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