Theatre

Grease The Musical at Palace Theatre Manchester – a fizzing celebration of nostalgia

A night full of pelvic hip thrusts, leather pants and singalong tunes. (Contains affiliate links)

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall - 10th October 2024

There’s no denying that we all love a bit of Grease – the 1978 film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John is etched into our minds as an absolute cult classic at this point.

And the stage production is just as lighthearted and entertaining, so a midweek pick-me-up to see Grease The Musical at the Palace Theatre in Manchester was just what the doctor ordered.

If, like me, you could probably recite 80% of the film by heart and the Grease Megamix is one of your most played songs on Spotify, then you’re in for an absolute treat speckled with a few unexpected surprises.

The T-Birds and the Pink Ladies sing the classics with gusto, defiance and teenage rebellion. Add in exceptional choreography from Arlene Philips into the mix and you’ve got yourself an assault on the senses, but in the best way possible.

A definite highlight was ‘Freddy My Love’, a song written specifically for the musical that sees Marty (played by India Chadwick) longingly yearn for her so-called fiancé in the iconic sleepover scene.

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Chadwick won the audience over whilst singing a lesser known song, a feat not easy to complete but done with ease.

Images: Supplied
Grease the Musical is on at the Palace Theatre in Manchester.
Image: Supplied

Other highlights included ‘Beauty School Dropout’, because who can resist a cast dressed in pink bouffant wigs and fluffy wings, and ‘Born To Hand Jive’.

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Both numbers spearheaded by Josh Gash who played the coveted multirole of Vince Fontaine and Teen Angel, a role that if done well could steal the show – and he absolutely did.

Marley Fenton and Hope Dawe brought the love story of Danny and Sandy vividly to life, all thanks to their electric on-stage chemistry and exceptional vocals which made the audience at ease from the opening note.

Grease the Musical is on at the Palace Theatre in Manchester.
Grease the Musical is on at the Palace Theatre in Manchester. Image: Supplied

Rebecca Stenhouse, playing Betty Rizzo, was nothing short of sensational. Her sharp wit and stern look had the audience in fits of laughter, while her impressive vocals left us in awe.

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Overall if you’re looking for a fun night out at the theatre, then this is the production for you.

Two hours filled with brilliant songs that you know the lyrics to, stellar choreography and dazzling special effects – you’ll most definitely be leaving with a smile on your face if nothing else plus perhaps a few melodies in your head.

Grease The Musical is on at the Palace Theatre in Manchester until Saturday 19 October, and you can get your tickets HERE.

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Featured image: Publicity picture

Theatre

Moulin Rouge The Musical is heading to Manchester for the first time EVER

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Moulin Rouge The Musical is heading to Manchester for the first time EVER. Credit: Matt Murphy

For the first time ever, smash hit show Moulin Rouge The Musical is heading to Manchester on its debut world tour.

The multi-award-winning spectacle has announced an eight week run of shows at the Palace Theatre, and has just released the dates for when tickets will go on sale.

Moulin Rouge The Musical is set to bring ‘a world of splendour and romance, eye-popping excess, glitz, grandeur and glory’ to Manchester next autumn.

The musical, based on Baz Lurhmann’s revolutionary film starring Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman, features more than 70 hit songs from across 160 years of music.

Audiences will hear everything from Offenbach to Lady Gaga as the Palace Theatre stage is transformed into 19th century Paris.

The musical is set amidst the unparalleled extravagance and beauty of the iconic Moulin Rouge nightclub, where the space beneath the red windmill is filled with bohemians and aristocrats, boulevardiers and reprobates.

It follows the tale of lovesick American writer Christian and the subject of his affections, Satine, the star of the Moulin Rouge.

Their glittering love story is halted by the nightclub’s host and mastermind, Harold Zidler, and the Duke of Monroth, who wishes to buy the Moulin Rouge – and with it, Satine.

The all-singing, all-dancing cast also includes starving artist Toulouse-Lautrec and tango dancer Santiago, along with a full line-up of Can Can dancers, musicians, and more.

This is the first time ever that Moulin Rouge The Musical has performed in Manchester, landing at the Palace theatre on 20 August 2025.

The show has won a whopping 10 2021 Tony Awards (including Best Musical), an Olivier Award, and masses more.

Carmen Pavlovic for Global Creatures, producer of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, said: “It is thrilling that the Manchester Palace will host Moulin Rouge! The Musical next year as part of its world tour.

Moulin Rouge The Musical is heading to Manchester for the first time EVER
Moulin Rouge The Musical is heading to Manchester for the first time EVER. Credit: Matt Murphy

“Manchester is such a welcoming, lively and culturally vibrant city, world renowned for its rich artistic and musical heritage.

“A city also known for defending free speech and liberty of opinion, so we know that the bohemians and artisans of the Montmartre will be embraced with open arms. We can’t wait to welcome Manchester to the Moulin Rouge!”

Casting is still to be announced.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical will come to the Palace Theatre Manchester between Wednesday 20 August and Saturday 4 October 2025.

Pre-sale tickets will go on sale at 12pm on Tuesday 5 November, before the general public sale begins on Thursday 7 November.

Read more: World-renowned Matilda The Musical is coming to Manchester on its major UK tour

Featured image: Matt Murphy

Theatre

Planet Earth III at AO Arena, Manchester – ‘Enough to bring a tear to my eye’

Will Kendrick Will Kendrick Planet Earth III at AO Arena, Manchester - 'Enough to bring a tear to my eye'

On Sunday night, the AO Arena in Manchester became more than just a venue for live music; it transformed into a window to the natural world.

In a breathtaking blend of sound, imagery, and live performance, Planet Earth III Live in Concert transported its audience across deserts, oceans, and rainforests, celebrating the wonders of our planet in a way that only this franchise can.

There was something heartwarming about people from across the city coming together to marvel at the beauty of nature and to learn about its fragility. This was far from your average concert experience.

From the moment the opening sequence of Planet Earth filled the arena, accompanied by the aura of a full orchestra, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation. A stunning 4K screen, stretching above the stage, brought Planet Earth III to life with vibrant visuals that made it feel as if the AO Arena had been immersed in the depths of the Amazon or the expanse of the Arctic tundra.

The City of Prague Philharmonic orchestra, under the impeccable direction of conductor Matthew Freeman, provided an emotional backbone to the images, breathing life into every scene with a score that was as powerful as the landscapes it depicted.

The music, composed by the brilliant Hans Zimmer, with additions by Jacob Shea and Sarah Barone, is what sets this apart from a typical evening watching Planet Earth on your TV at home.

Each note carried weight, resonating with the emotional highs and lows of the natural world: the haunting strings underscored the fragility of endangered ecosystems while the thunderous percussion amplified the awe-inspiring power of natural forces.

It was impossible not to feel in awe during the breathtaking sequences of migrating Monarch butterflies in Mexico, or a flicker of sadness watching an endangered elephant’s quest for survival.

But beyond the sheer spectacle of it all, the evening felt like a rallying cry. Interspersed with awe-inspiring visuals were stark reminders of the environmental crisis we face. Planet Earth executive-producer Mike Gunton, the host of the evening, ever-wise and compelling, spoke to the urgency of action needed to preserve the world we were witnessing. The concert didn’t just aim to entertain; it sought to inspire change.

Planet Earth III transformed the AO Arena. Credit: The Manc Group
Planet Earth III transformed the AO Arena. Credit: The Manc Group

The night ended on a high note with a moving orchestral rendition of Bastille’s Pompeii, the chorus ironically erupting around the arena in harmony with the live orchestra; I’d be lying if I said it didn’t bring a tear to my eye.

Paired with a montage of the evening’s most striking moments, this was a beautiful crescendo for an incredible evening. 

As the final note echoed through the arena and the screen faded to black, the message was clear: this Earth is our shared home, and it is worth fighting for.

The standing ovation from the packed audience was more than just appreciation – it was a commitment to protect the fragile beauty that had just been so vividly brought to life.

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Tickets for remaining shows are on sale here.

Featured image: The Manc Group

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