Theatre

Fawlty Towers – The Play is coming to Manchester Opera House next year

Still one of the funniest things ever written, don't even argue with us. (this article contains affiliate links)

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 3rd December 2024

John Cleese’s much-loved Fawlty Towers – The Play is landing at the Manchester Opera House next year and we cannot wait.

The critically acclaimed theatre adaptation of the iconic sitcom, still revered as one of the greatest UK comedies of all time, first came to fruition back in 2016 and is now set to land here in Manchester city centre for the first time ever.

We’ve been treated to Fawlty Towers The Dining Experience at The Lowry Theatre in Salford before, but this is the first time the smash-hit West End stage production has headed North and judging by the reviews, audiences are about to be belly-laughing all the way to Torquay.

Coming to Manc crowds this time next winter, you can expect this one to be a sell-out.

Still busy playing a fully booked-up run at London’s Apollo Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue, the twice-extended West End show is packing up its stage for a massive tour across the UK and Ireland.

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Announcing dozens of dates next year and well into the summer of 2026, including shows in Leeds, Liverpool, York, Stoke, Sunderland and many more, the show has earned four and five-star reviews from countless publications.

The Arts Desk have hailed it as a “comedy masterpiece [that] makes a seamless transition to the stage”, with actor Adam Jackson-Smith playing the lead role of Basil Fawlty and the entire cast said to leave viewers cackling with some of the best bits from iconic TV series recreated in the flesh.

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Speaking on the stage adaptation, John Cleese said: “When we came up with the idea of bringing Fawlty Towers to the stage, I never thought it would get the reception that it has.

“On 23 December it will be 50 years to the day since we recorded the pilot at BBC Television Centre and I’m delighted the audiences we’ve had in the West End still think it’s as funny as ever. The announcement of the tour means many more people will now have the chance to laugh themselves helpless.”

John Cleese, now 85.

Set to hit the road 50 years on from the broadcast of the first episode on BBC Two back in September 1975, before going on to win countless awards including two BAFTAS and even being voted the best British programme of all time as part of a British Film Institute poll, it all feels very full circle.

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Brought to life on stage by a creative team consisting of Cleese and fellow writer Connie Booth and directed by Caroline Jay Ranger – best known for her work on Blood Means Nothing (2019), My Week with Maisy (2024), Early Doors: Live (2021) and the Monty Python live show, there’s non-stop talent both on and off the stage.

One of the best part parts about a series that was stretched across just 12 half-hour episodes of TV is that you can just about manage to squeeze in the majority of the most memorable highlights into the approximately 1h50m run-time.

You can see the cast’s recent interview on This Morning HERE and for a short trailer for a better look at what to expect down below:

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Fawlty Towers – The Play comes to the Manchester Opera House on Tuesday, 4 November 2025 and will be there until Saturday, 8 November.

General admission is live as we speak, with ticket options starting from £20 and going all the way up to £147.50 for the best premium seats and experience in the house.

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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 Images (supplied)

Theatre

The big Manchester guide to Christmas 2024 – events, theatre, grottos and more

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

Ho, ho, ho, it’s me, no not Santa, Thomas from The Manc a.k.a your Christmas connoisseur, with all your go-to Christmas hotspots for 2024.

IT’S TIIIIME! Christmas is here and Manchester knows how to ring in the festive season in proper style with shows, trains and markets galore.

Manchester city centre and every suburb in the region is beaming with Christmas spirit and we’ve rounded up everything you need to know below.

From theatre shows to seasonal specials to meeting Santa Claus himself, here are some of the best events happening around Greater Manchester this Christmas.

Christmas in Manchester 2024 – The Guide 

Manchester Christmas Markets

Where to find the cheapest drinks at the Manchester Christmas Markets, from beer to mulled wine
Bratwurst at the Christmas Markets
Best hot chocolate at Manchester Christmas Markets
Credit: The Manc Group

Everybody’s favourite! If this isn’t part of your annual yuletide celebrations then where have you been for the past 26 years?

These street-side cabin-esque vendors have been bringing joy and festive cheer to the streets of Manchester since its launch in 1999.

The Manchester Christmas Markets are set to have their biggest year to date with over 200 stalls hitting the high street from 8 November until 22 December 2024, giving you plenty of time to soak up all the festivities before the big day. 

Bottomless brunch in a giant rooftop snow globe bar

Want to have a festive tipple far, far away from the madness of the Christmas Markets?

How does a rooftop snow globe bar serving seasonal spritzes sound – with the option to do a full bottomless brunch?

The little-known space The Dome has been transformed by Aperol Spritz into a glittering winter space, with bottomless brunches, bratwurst and more.

Book your spot here.

The Grotto at The Trafford Centre

Christmas grottos in Manchester
The big man himself at The Grotto in Trafford Centre.
Credit: Supplied

Santa, as you all know, is a very busy guy but he’ll always have a soft spot for Manchester, and the big-bellied gift-giver is stopping off at the Trafford Centre. 

Running from 18 November to 24 December, Santa and his little helpers are bringing their North Pole magic to the shopping centre once again and each paying child will receive a gift as well as time with Mr. Claus himself.

To save your spot with Christmas’ main man you can start by booking tickets here.

Santa Cruise 

No you did hear it right the first time. Not Santa Claus but Santa Cruise. Enjoy a trip on Salford Quays with a very special guest onboard. He’s decided against using his sleigh to get to the Manchester borough and has instead opted for a new mode of transport, a boat.

You didn’t think Santa would show up empty handed did you? Mr. Claus and his Chief Elf Tilly are providing adults with mulled wine and mince pies while offering children a juice drink and cookie while they enjoy their time on the cruise.

If you fancy a trip on Salford Quays with Santa you can find tickets here.

Cocktails and Canapés

When you think of Christmas you think of the notorious sit-down meal where all your family and friends gather round to feast on a dinner with an all-important meaty main event. What if the meat centrepiece was in fact veggie or even vegan?

COOK! are offering a culinary festive masterclass with a twist, everything you prepare during the session is veggie or vegan! You’ll be shown how to make seasonal cocktails and bite-sized delights that are not only utterly delicious but also completely meat-free.

The three hour event is taking place in Ancoats on 8 December at 11am and you can satisfy your appetite already with tickets here. 

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The Polar Express – Churnet Valley Railway

Fun things to do in Greater Manchester this Christmas
The Polar Express Churnet Valley Railway
Polar Express Greater Manchester
Credit: Supplied

The heritage steam railway is providing a chance for you to be a part of Christmas movie history travelling on The Polar Express.

Churnet Valley Railway is clearly as big of a fan of the film as the rest of the world, and is bringing the steam train ride to children and adults alike, offering both a standard and premium class tickets.

Guests who purchase standard tickets can expect a free hot chocolate, a freshly-baked cookie, and a silver sleigh bell.

And if you’re anything like me you can definitely still hear the bell! Tickets here.

LEGO Holiday Bricktacular – Trafford Centre, Trafford Palazzo

As well as letting your creative side loose at their Trafford Centre site, the brick-making company is hosting a festive bingo game, pop-up dance parties and a spin the advent wheel competition.

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And if this placed wasn’t already photographed enough, the store is also putting up some incredible photo opportunities spread across the shop floor.

For £6 extra, guests can upgrade their standard entry ticket to include a meet and greet with LEGO Santa in his grotto!

Full event activities will be running on weekends and holidays throughout 23 November to 30 December, tickets here.

Santa Paws at Cockfields Farm

How come humans get to have all the fun? Well over at Cockfields Farm, dogs are spoilt for choice with four fun-filled days of Christmas joy ready to book in December.

Take your dog for a wonderful day out where your pup can get up close and personal with Santa including a mini photoshoot.

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There’s a cosy cafe on site too where with each hot drink purchase your pooch can recieve a complimentary pupachino.

Each ticket also includes a little present for your dog so let’s show our furry friends some love. Tickets here.

Skate Manchester

Coinciding with the launch of the inaugural Christmas Markets, the infamous ice rink has returned too!

Situated in the heart of the city at Cathedral Gardens this covered ice rink offers an arctic experience no matter the weather conditions. The skating area will be open daily from 10:30am to 9pm everyday between 8 November to 1 January, only closing on the big day.

Each ticket purchased helps towards a sustainable future with 25p being donated to Everclime and are onsale here.

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Christmas Parties at Hotel Gotham

Esteemed for their grand Christmas displays that adorn their exterior, Hotel Gotham are hosting Christmas parties to remember.

You’re definitely on the nice list so go on, treat yourself to a meal in one of Manchester’s finest restaurants offering Christmas meals from £60 per person.

If you’re looking to take it one step further, why not dine in and hire out ‘GILT’, an exclusive and underground venue inspired by 1930’s speakeasies.

End your year right by treating yourself to some glitz and glam with bookings already being taken here.

The Holiday – Film With Live Orchestra

The Holiday Orchestra Manchester
Credit: Universal Pictures

Ever wanted to snuggle up and get real cozy while watching your favourite Christmas film… with a live orchestra?

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Well Bridgewater Hall are giving visitors the opportunity to experience a movie night like never before, releasing viewings of the classic 2006 big-screen production ‘The Holiday’ with the accompaniment of Hans Zimmer’s score live to film. 

Watch the usual couples Amanda and Graham, Iris and Miles fall in love during the Christmastime with a beautiful instrumental all while seated within the dramatic concert venue.

An extra date has already been added so demand is high, tickets are available here.

Baked A La Ska – Ska of Wonder

Baked A La Ska are bringing their show to Band Off The Wall

Band On The Wall is taking two passions and merging them together – Ska and Christmas.

So whether you’re ready to jam to ‘When You Wish Upon A Ska’ or just excited for anything related to the holidays, this gig seems ideal for you.

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This event is happening on Christmas Eve Eve and if that’s not enough for you, the band’s outfits are sure to put you in a festive mood.

Anyone looking to boogie away to an incredible live Ska performance, tickets are already onsale here.

A Christmas Carol: The Musical – The Lowry

A Christmas Carol: The Musical, coming to The Lowry this festive season.

If you’re looking for another way to enjoy the Dickens’ novel you can now watch the story brought to life on stage in Manchester.

This musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol is set to be a trailblazer with the phenomenal Claire Moore playing the iconic character of Scrooge.

The stage show is also offering accessible performances including audio described and dementia-friendly, enhance touch tour and a BSL viewing throughout the show’s run at The Lowry.

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You certainly won’t hear any Bah Humbug’s in our office! Tickets here.

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This guide is bursting with fun activities to get up to on your own, with family,  friends and anyone else you’d like to bring along.

Whatever you get up to most importantly, have a Merry Christmas!

Featured Image: The Manc Group

Theatre

Blood Brothers at Palace Theatre, Manchester – a timeless classic

Greg James Greg James Sean Jones and Joe Slight in Blood Brothers in Manchester. Credit: Jack Merriman

Bill Kenwright’s production of Blood Brothers surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End making it one of only three musicals ever to achieve that monumental milestone – and now it’s visiting us here in Manchester.

“Oh Bright New Day”, Blood Brothers has just landed back at the Palace Theatre. This musical written by Willy Russell is a British piece of theatre that is a staple in the musical theatre tapestry of our country. 

For anyone who is unfamiliar with this iconic story, it is an emotional tale of two twins who are separated at birth and grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with the most fateful of consequences.

The story’s central character, Mrs Johnston is the linchpin in this whole story and carries us through the show.

This role has been played by many superb women over the years including Mel C, Kiki Dee, Barbara Dickson and nearly all of the Nolan Sisters. This time, Mrs Johnston is performed by Vivienne Carlyle who provides a lovely maternal performance. 

The other two lead roles are Mickey and Eddie, played by Sean Jones and Joe Sleight respectively.

These are really complex roles to play as the actors have to portray the characters from early school years to grown adults.

The cast of Blood Brothers in Manchester. Credit: Jack Merriman
The cast of Blood Brothers in Manchester. Credit: Jack Merriman
Sean Jones, Gemma Brodrick and Joe Slight in Blood Brothers in Manchester. Credit: Jack Merriman
Sean Jones, Gemma Brodrick and Joe Slight in Blood Brothers in Manchester. Credit: Jack Merriman

Sean Jones has been playing the role of Mickey now for nearly 25 years and so he is no stranger to this character. And I must say, he still fantastically plays the part, even when playing young Mickey, and the show really takes off when he enters the stage.

Joe Sleight is someone who I had not seen in the role of Eddie before and he gave just as strong a performance as Jones. He offered a real contrast to his counterpart with a really beautiful, touching performance. 

The whole ensemble did a gorgeous job of helping to carry these characters throughout the musical, showing a real flair for multi-roling and beautiful musicality in the group numbers too. 

Something which elevates this already gripping story though is the music. There are many recurring musical motifs throughout the show that on the surface may come off as repetitive but they offer perspective on how things can evolve and change over time.

Of course the song though that everybody is perhaps familiar with is the power ballad, ‘Tell Me It’s Not True’. This is the climax of the show and what a climax it is. There’s not a dry eye in the house when we reach this point of the story, I can assure you! 

So, whether you are returning to watch this show again, perhaps know the story from studying it in English GCSE or seeing it for the first time, it will always be an absolutely timeless classic.

Blood Brothers is on at the Palace Theatre in Manchester until Saturday 30 November. Tickets are available HERE.

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Featured image: Jack Merriman

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