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: SuppliedImage: 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. 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.
Based on the highly successful film of the same name, seen by more than 12 million people across five continents, and the recipient of over 80 awards internationally – including 10 Tony Awards and five Olivier Awards – Billy Elliot The Musical is heading back out on tour this year, and making its long-awaited return to one of Manchester‘s most legendary stages.
If you’re unfamiliar with the musical, the show is set in a northern mining town against the background of the 1984/85 miners’ strike and follows Billy’s journey from the boxing ring to the ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance that inspires his family and whole community and changes his life forever.
Billy Elliot The Musical is returning to Manchester this Christmas / Credit: Supplied
Since its debut on stage all the way back in 2006, the show has been massively acclaimed by audiences and critics alike – with 125 boys having now played the iconic title role on stage worldwide.
The upcoming Manchester production will be brought to life by the multiple award-winning creative team behind the film, including writer Lee Hall (book and lyrics), director Stephen Daldry, choreographer Peter Darling, and of course, they’ll be joined by Elton John who composed the show’s score.
“Creating Billy Elliot the Musical was one of the most joyous and inspiring moments of our careers, so to bring the show back for a UK tour and a season in the West End for the first time in over a decade is both incredibly emotional and exciting,” commented Elton John and Stephen Daldry.
Tickets officially go on sale early next month / Credit: Supplied
“It’s bold, it’s British, it’s full of heart and the story feels more relevant than ever. We can’t wait for a whole new generation to experience it.”
Billy Elliot The Musical is taking to the Manchester Palace Theatre stage from 2 December 2026 through to 9 January 2027, before it does a run in the West End shortly after, and tickets officially go on sale in early March.
Tickets go on sale to ATG+ members on Thursday 5 March at 10am, and general on sale begins on Monday 9 March at 10am here.
Featured Image – Supplied
Theatre
Smash-hit musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie to return to Manchester on 10th anniversary tour
Emily Sergeant
One of the most beloved musicals of the 21st century is set to return to Manchester on its 10th anniversary tour.
Following a record-breaking three-year West End residency, two sold-out UK and Ireland Tours, and even an award-winning Amazon Studios film, the smash-hit musicalEverybody’s Talking About Jamie is returning for its 10th anniversary tour, and will be stopping off here in Manchester on one of our most legendary stages.
Set to open in Leeds a decade after the original opening at the Sheffield Crucible, Jamie will be ‘coming home again’ for what is said to be ‘possibly the last time’, as the show heads out to major cities across the UK.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie tells the story of 16-year-old title character, Jamie, who lives on a council estate in Sheffield but doesn’t quite fit in and is terrified about the future, even though he wants to be a sensation.
Supported by his loving mum and surrounded by his friends, Jamie overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies, and steps out of the darkness into the spotlight.
With an original score of catchy pop tunes by lead singer-songwriter of The Feeling, Dan Gillespie Sells, and writer Tom MacRae, the musical is said to be one the whole family should experience.
This new 10th anniversary addition of the show coming to Manchester even features a brand-new song to the already-beloved soundtrack.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie will be coming to Manchester Palace Theatre on 15 March 2027, and will also be visiting other northern cities on the tour like Leeds, Chester, Sunderland, Sheffield, and Liverpool, as well as other major cities nationwide.
Tickets officially go on sale this week, with presale at 10am this Thursday (5 February) for ATG+ Members and general sale at 10am on Friday 6 February.
Clementine Hall -
10th October 2024 
