Theatre

Hit musical The King and I is returning to Manchester for another theatre run

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 15th July 2022

Record-breaking musical The King and I is heading back to Manchester next year on a major UK theatre tour.

The majestic production is set in 1860s Bangkok, and follows the relationship between the King of Siam and a British schoolteacher, Anna Leonowens.

Anna is employed in the Thai capital to teach the King’s many children – as well as his wives.

The romantic musical theatre plays out on stage with more than 50 world-class performers and a full-scale orchestra.

ADVERTISEMENT
A previous cast on The King & I – the musical is heading to Manchester. Credit: Johan Persson

Songs within The King and I include Whistle a Happy Tune, Getting to Know You and Shall We Dance.

The production is heading back out on tour, following a record-breaking runs on Broadway and at the London Palladium, as well as its previous UK and international tour.

The multi-award winning musical will be back at the Palace Theatre in 2023.

ADVERTISEMENT

It will again be directed by Tony Award-winning Bartlett Sher but with a brand new cast.

A previous cast on The King & I – the musical is heading to Manchester. Credit: Johan Persson

Producer Howard Panter says: “We are delighted to take this majestic multi award-winning production of THE KING AND I on a major UK and international tour in 2023.

“The London Palladium season saw critical plaudits, Box Office records and standing ovations at every show – we were overwhelmed with the rapturous response.

ADVERTISEMENT

Read more: A musical version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is coming to Manchester next summer

“Coupled with the reaction to the Global cinema screenings of the film version – which was the biggest theatre event in cinemas of the year and number one at the Box Office.

“This really is musical theatre at its very best, so we are thrilled that we can now share this wondrous production with theatre lovers up and down the country next year.”

The King and I will be at the Palace Theatre in Manchester from 8 May, 2023. You can buy tickets for the theatre here.

Featured image: Johan Persson

Theatre

There’s a new immersive outdoor theatre experience surrounded by nature in Bolton

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

A brand-new immersive outdoor theatre experience has brought an adaptation of a childhood favourite book to Bolton.

Set in a giant 10-metre dome across a woodland trail and surrounded by nature in the grounds of the historic Bolton School, The Lost Words: Told in Gold takes families and theatre fans on a journey like no other.

It features some stunning 3D installations and an impressive goldfinch nest auditorium.

Directed by Collette Murray, and adapted from Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris’ book, what makes this different than other theatre productions is that during the show, audience members are actively encouraged to seek, find, and speak the lost words of nature in the picturesque surroundings.

The family-friendly show is performed by UnderSong Productions, and led by three actors – a six-foot-four RAF heron (Pete Williamson), a folk-singing barn owl (Julie Power), and a breakdancing raven (Khagen Douglas), who all bring Macfarlane’s words to life through song, dance, and performance.

Not only that, but a selection of spoken word pieces also accompany the production, with recordings provided by some of North’s best-loved voices – including Julie Hesmondhalgh and Bolton’s very-own Maxine Peake.

The Lost Words: Told in Gold takes families and theatre fans on a journey like no other / Credit: Supplied
It’s set in a giant 10-metre dome across a woodland trail, and surrounded by nature in the grounds of the historic Bolton School / Credit: Supplied

Some of Bolton’s young artists have also been involved in the production by building a willow archway, and creating props for the set design too.

Jackie Morris’ original illustrations inspire all the artwork seen in the production.

The soundtrack features music from the Spell Song’s album, and has been created by some of the UK’s most0renowned folk music talents by interpreting Robert Macfarlane’s words. 

Read more: A Fawlty Towers dining experience is coming to Bolton

Speaking on the immersive production, Director Collette Murray said: “There are swathes of activity across the country regarding The Lost Words – but mainly in rural counties and districts and our production aims to bring the same message of eco-responsibility to urban settings.”

The production features some stunning 3D installations and an impressive goldfinch nest auditorium / Credit: Supplied

Public performances in the grounds of Bolton School run until this Friday 22 July, and then after that, the production will then appear at several community spaces in the Bolton area in conjunction with Bolton at Home.

You can grab tickets from £5 here.

Featured Image – Supplied

Theatre

The Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Musical is heading to Manchester – and tickets go on sale today

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson

One of the world’s most beloved tales is being brought to life on the stage, and it’s heading to Manchester.

A musical version of Roald Dahl’s classic children’s story Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will arrive at the Palace Theatre next summer.

It’s already proven to be a smash-hit on both Broadway and the West End, based on the 1964 novel of the same name.

We’ll have to wait until July 2023 (4 – 30 July, to be precise) to see the magical show, but tickets will go on sale today.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – the Musical is heading to Manchester. Credit: Joan Marcus

In case you’re unfamiliar with the story, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical tells ‘the devilishly delicious tale’ of young golden ticket winner Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectionary wizard Willy Wonka.

A synopsis for the musical production reads: “When Charlie wins a golden ticket to the weird and wonderful Wonka Chocolate Factory, it’s a chance of a lifetime to feast on the sweets they’ve always dreamed of.

“But beyond the gates astonishment awaits, as down the sugary corridors and amongst the incredible and edible delights, the five lucky winners discover not everything is as sweet as it seems.

“This sensational musical is choc-full of fantastical treats to dazzle your senses taking you to a world of pure imagination.”

It features memorable songs from the beloved 1970s film, as well as a host of new numbers.

Charlie and Chocolate Factory – The Musical has a book by David Greig, music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Mark Shaiman and Scott Wittman, and is directed by James Brining and designed by Simon Higlett.

Read more: The Lion King adds even more dates to Manchester theatre run

Liverpool, Hull, and Sunderland are among the other Northern locations making up the UK tour of the highly-anticipated production.

Tickets go on sale on Friday 8 July at 11am, and you can grab yours here.

Featured Image – Joan Marcus (via Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical)

More Theatre

Affiliate

A musical version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is coming to Manchester next summer

Food & Drink

A live show devoted to reviewing crisps is coming to Manchester

Affiliate

The Lion King adds even more dates to Manchester theatre run

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches