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Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds is coming to Manchester – with a Liam Neeson hologram

The virtual Neeson takes the role of The Journalist, who recounts his story of survival from the Martian invasion of 1898.

Daisy Jackson - 5th December 2023

Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds will be coming to Manchester as part of a monumental new arena tour.

The much-loved musical spectacular, based on the dark Victorian tale by H. G. Wells, will feature a 3D hologram of Liam Neeson.

The virtual Neeson takes the role of The Journalist, who recounts his story of survival from the Martian invasion of 1898.

The Spirit of Man Tour will also see the stage filled with a 35-foot fire-breathing Fighting Machine, alongside the eight-piece Black Smoke Band and 36-piece ULLAdubULLA Strings.

The rest of the new cast and further details will be announced in the coming months.

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The War Of The Worlds will be at the new Co-op Live arena in 2025, as part of the 17-date, 19-show tour of the UK and Ireland.

Its arrival in Manchester will coincide with the 130th anniversary of the world-famous production.

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And after 19 years of live touring, the enormous musical experience has grown to mind-blowing proportions.

It was already considered a cutting-edge production in 2006 with six trucks filled to the brim – these days, it will be up to 12 trucks to bring the phenomenal special effects to life.

Tickets for The War of the Worlds in Manchester will go on sale at 10am on Friday 8 December via myticket.co.uk/artists/jeff-wayne-s-the-war-of-the-worlds.

Jeff Wayne’s The War of the Worlds tour dates

Fri 28 March Hull Connexin Live
Sun 30March 3Arena Dublin, Ireland
Tue 1 April Aberdeen P&J Live
Wed 02 April Glasgow OVO Hydro
Thu 03 April Leeds First Direct Arena
Sat 05 April Newcastle Utilita Arena
Sun 06 April Manchester Co-op Live
Tue 08 April Sheffield Utilita Arena
Wed 09 April Liverpook M&S Bank Arena
Thu 10 April Nottingham Motorpoint Arena
Sat 12 April Brighton Centre – matinee & evening
Sun 13 April Bournemouth Int Centre
Mon 14 April Bournemouth Int Centre
Wed 16 April Cardiff Utilitia Arena
Thu 17 April Cardiff Utilita Arena
Fri 18 April Birmingham Resorts World Arena
Sun 20 April London The O2 – matinee & evening

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Theatre

Giselle, one of the greatest romantic ballets, has landed in Manchester and it’s a must-see

Eva Claricoates

When the English National Ballet is in Manchester, it’s an opportunity you shouldn’t let slip by, and is almost guaranteed to be one of the most stunning performances to grace the stage – Giselle at the Palace Theatre certainly was.

Giselle tells the story of a young peasant girl, who falls in love with Albrecht, a duke, who pretends to be a peasant in order to seduce the show’s namesake.

Albrecht is not only hiding his status but also an engagement to another. When Giselle finds out about his deception, she descends into madness and dies from a broken heart.

Giselle is summoned from the dead by spirits, the Wilis, all abandoned and betrayed before their wedding day. The Wilis take their revenge by dancing men to death, and Giselle must decide whether her love for Albrecht is too strong to sentence him to the same fate.

giselle ballet manchester review — Credit: The Manc Group

giselle review palace theatre manchester — Credit: The Manc Group

Giselle tells a story of grief, heartbreak, and love, and how a true heart always avails. Hauntingly beautiful and romantic, Mary Skeaping’s production had been tenderly revived from its original performance, and it’s clear to see why the performance received five-star reviews earlier this year.

The entire production was captivating and dramatic, leaving the audience gasping, laughing and firmly glued to their seats. Adolphe Adam’s score is performed live by the English National Ballet Philharmonic nestled beneath the stage, which compliments the performance beautifully and skilfully.

Perhaps the most mesmerising point of the performance was the Wilis appearing in the forest at the beginning of act two, as they formed perfectly symmetrical formations, and appeared to almost float across the stage.

It served as a great medium for exploring themes of the supernatural exquisitely, providing truly stunning imagery to the audience.

Giselle uses mime to convey its storyline to the audience, and even if you are a first-time ballet-goer, it’s an easy-to-follow, modern performance which can be enjoyed by all audiences. If you’re so inclined, you can even get involved in a dedicated ballet masterclass.

Join our Creative Learning team and English National Ballet on Saturday 2 November for an exclusive ballet masterclass at the Palace Theatre! 🩰

This workshop is suitable for ages 11-17 with a keen interest in dance ranging up to intermediate levels.

🎟️ https://t.co/A8qu0DPouX pic.twitter.com/kg78rGGOtT
— Palace & Opera Mcr (@PalaceAndOpera) October 26, 2024

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Giselle runs until the 2 November at the Palace Theatre and it’s well worth going along to if you ask us.

You can grab your tickets HERE.

It’s not the only impressive show we’ve caught at the Palace recently either.

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

If Giselle or the ballet doesn’t quite tickle your fancy, why not try the biggest show in Manchester right now?

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Press Images (supplied)/The Manc Group

Theatre

13 Going On 30 The Musical to make world premiere in Manchester

Daisy Jackson 13 Going On 30 The Musical to make world premiere in Manchester

13 Going On 30 The Musical to make world premiere in Manchester

A cult classic rom com is making its world premiere on the stage in Manchester – that’s right, 13 Going On 30 The Musical is coming to town.

The brand new show will open at the legendary Opera House next autumn, bringing all the magic of the time-travelling film to life.

The musical is based on the 2004 film starring Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo, and is written by the same duo behind the hit flick.

It follows the story of adorably awkward 13-year-old Jenna Rink, who wishes she could skip the difficult high school years – until her birthday wish comes true.

She magically wakes up to find herself ’30, flirty and thriving’ in a dream life as a magazine editor.

But then comes the journey to work out what, and who, really matters in life.

13 Going On 30 The Musical will have songs by Michael Weiner and Alan Zachary, who wrote for High School Musical: The Musical, and will be directed by Andy Fickman of Heathers and She’s The Man.

Film writers Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yuspa, who have also written the book of the musical, said: “When we wrote the movie 13 Going on 30, we never dreamt that on the film’s 20th anniversary, we’d get the chance to see a whole new generation fall in love with Razzles and feel thirty, flirty, and thriving.

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“It’s been a joy to work with ROYO, Revolution Studios, songwriters Alan Zachary & Michael Weiner, and director Andy Fickman to bring this story to life as a stage musical.

“We were thrilled by the audience’s response to our workshop last year, and now we can’t wait to officially open in Manchester at the legendary Opera House – the launchpad of so many iconic musicals.

“So bring your family, your friends, maybe a date, or just come alone – don’t be shy, we’re all nice. Hope you have as much fun seeing the show as we had making it!”

Tickets go on sale at 1.30pm on Wednesday 13 November HERE.

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Featured image: Supplied