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.
The Karate Kid – The Musical, inspired by the iconic 80s film, is coming to Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Iconic 80s film The Karate Kid has now been reimagined as a stage musical – and it’s coming to Manchester next spring.
The Karate Kid – The Musical will be heading out on its UK premiere tour in 2026, including a run of dates at the Palace Theatre in Manchester.
The musical follows the same themes as the original, legendary 1984 film, a coming-of-age story that follows the relationship and teachings between Daniel LaRusso and Mr Miyagi.
It’s not just about karate, it’s about resilience, mentorship, and the quiet strength that bridges generations, and on the stage you can expect movement, music, and energetic storytelling too.
The original blockbuster starred Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita and has gone down in history as one of cinema’s greatest films, earning Morita an Academy Award nomination.
It’s become a major global franchise, including three movie sequels, a remake with Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan, and a Netflix series (Cobra Kai).
The Karate Kid – The Musical made its world premiere in 2022, selling out theatres and earning rave reviews.
Those iconic cinematic moments are brought to life on the stage by a Tony Award-winning design team.
The Karate Kid – The Musical is heading on a major UK tour before it hits the West End and Broadway.
It’s written by Robert Mark Kamen, screenwriter of the original 1984 movie, with music and lyrics by Drew Gasparini.
Kamen says: “William Goldman said about Hollywood “No one knows anything.” He was right.
“Who knew that 43 years after I wrote the original script for THE KARATE KID, we would see these very same characters acting and singing on the British stage in a story that is as fresh and universally relevant as it was four decades ago.”
The Karate Kid – The Musical is at the Palace Theatre from Tuesday 12 to Saturday 23 May 2026, with tickets on sale now HERE.
Legendary musical CATS is coming to Manchester on its UK tour next year
Emily Sergeant
Legendary musical CATS will be taking to the stage here in Manchester next year.
A brand-new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s global sensation, CATS, will embark on a major UK tour from summer 2026 following an open-air residency at Regent Park in London – including dates at Manchester’s prestigious Palace Theatre in November.
Based on Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, CATS is one of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history.
The show originally premiered at the New London Theatre in 1981, where it played for 21 record-breaking years and almost 9,000 performances.
Since its world premiere, the musical has been presented in more than 54 countries, translated into 23 languages, and has been seen by more than 77 million people worldwide – collecting a number of awards along the way.
Legendary musical CATS is coming to Manchester on its UK tour next year / Credit: Feast Creative
This new production of CATS is produced by Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, with Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals, as part of Drew McOnie’s second season as Artistic Director, and it marks the third Andrew Lloyd Webber title produced by the venue in the last decade.
Unfamiliar with the show? CATS tells the story of the Jellicle cats.
From Euston station to Victoria Grove, the strays and rebels of London gather under the Jellicle moon in the hope they’ll be the chosen one.
With a legendary score featuring well-known songs like Old Deuteronomy, Macavity: The Mystery Cat, TheJellicle Ball, and, of course, the chart-topping hit Memory, this brand-new production of CATS is gearing up to be one of the best theatrical events of 2026.
“I am very excited to see a totally new production of CATS back on the stage where it belongs,” creator Andrew Lloyd Webber said on the show’s return. “I can think of no-one better than Drew McOnie to bring a new vision to the world of the Jellicles.”
Casting and the full creative team is set to be announced in due course, as is the on-sale date and link for tickets, so keep your eyes peeled.
Clementine Hall -
10th October 2024 
