If you’re ready for some absolute classic pop songs rolled into a theatre show about a girl not needing a man in her life – this is it.
& Juliet is much like a sequel to the Shakespeare classic Romeo & Juliet, but imagines what would have happened if Juliet didn’t die at the end.
It’s all about a life after Romeo – soundtracked by non-stop pop anthems.
After finding out that her star-crossed lover actually dated lots of people, and wasn’t only in love with Juliet (all too relevant to real life I think), she decides to escape with her friends to France and live her best life.
Seeing Juliet’s second chance at love, the story between William Shakespeare and his wife, and also a prince who was being forced to find a princess (but actually was falling in love with Maye, a non-binary character also finding out about themselves), the modern-day musical is bringing love stories bang up to date.
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And the playlist that carries the & Juliet story along throughout its run in Manchester includes hits like Hit Me Baby One More Time, I Want It That Way by Backstreet boys, Roar by Katy Perry, and so many more.
One thing I absolutely cannot skip out on here is how INCREDIBLE the voices of the entire cast are, with Matt Cardle playing Shakespeare, Gerardine Sacdalan playing Juliet, Lara Denning as Anne Shakespeare and Sandra Marvin as Angelique. They really blew it out the park, and had everyone on their feet.
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Sandra Marvin as Angelique & Ranj Singh as LanceMatt Cardle as ShakespeareMatt Cardle as ShakespeareGerardine Sacdalan as Juliet (left) and the cast in & Juliet& Juliet is at the Manchester Opera House this July. Credit: Matt Crockett
A mix of humour and romance, you’ll be belly laughing one minute, then filling up with tears and dancing the next.
Especially with TV doctor Ranj Singh shining in the comedic role of the French King – he was brilliant, and hilarious.
Created by the same writers as Schitts Creek (this sold it to me before I’d even see the show) The producer, Tim Headington, even came on at the end as we went on the first night in Manchester to say: “We wanted to create something where you can escape the world for just two hours, and then get up and dance at the end.” And that is absolutely what they’ve done.
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I’ve seen a lot of theatre shows now, and this has to absolutely be up there with one of my favourites.
& Juliet is on at the Manchester Opera House until 20 July – so make sure to grab your tickets before it’s too late here.
13 Going On 30 The Musical at Manchester Opera House – a fresh take on the nostalgic smash hit
Amy Williams
13 Going On 30 The Musical made its world premiere in Manchester last night, and it’s a night to relive a childhood favourite film, done so brilliantly.
With the original writers, Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yuspa, as part of the team plus Andy Fickman, who has screen hits such as She’s The Man and musicals including Heathers, you know from the off this is going to be good.
If you don’t know the story, it begins with a young (13 year old) Jenna and Matty, with Jenna wishing she was one of the popular girls, and instead ‘thirty, flirty and thriving’. The next minute, she wakes up on her 30th birthday.
She got everything she dreamed of – prom queen, editor of a popular fashion magazine, and the dream guy – but lost her best friend, family and became someone she didn’t quite like.
Can she turn it around and get back to the person she once was?
I loved this film when I was closer to 13, and now watching it premiere on the stage a bit closer to 30 myself, it’s still just as brilliant.
13 Going On 30 The Musical in Manchester13 Going On 30 The Musical in ManchesterCredit: Pamela Raith Photography
There’s an original score throughout it too (with the exception of, of course, Thriller – and the whole dance routine to go with it too might I add).
Staring Lucie Jones as Jenna Rink – with previous roles on Les Miserables, Ghost The Musical and Wicked – and David Hunter as Matt Flamhaff, their voices were absolutely incredible. A special mention too to young Matt, with brilliant vocals.
13 Going On 30 The Musical brought back the Thriller dance, the famous multicoloured dress and the need to go back instantly and rewatch the film again (and make my mum watch it, who hadn’t seen the film previously but still loved the show just as much).
13 Going On 30 The Musical is on at the Opera House Manchester until Sunday 12 October and you can still grab tickets here.
Beloved musical Dirty Dancing is returning to the stage in Manchester next year
Emily Sergeant
Ready to have the time of your life? Dirty Dancing is returning to Manchester next year.
Based off the iconic 1987 film of the same name, audiences are being told to expect this new production of Dirty Dancing to explode onto the stage with heart-pounding music, breathtaking emotion, and of course, sensationally sexy dancing when it heads out on a grand tour of the UK and Ireland in 2026.
The popular stage production will, once again, come to life before your very eyes with what is already being described as a ‘fantastic, emotional and triumphant’ live show.
If you’ve never seen the film, or you haven’t been lucky enough to watch Dirty Dancing on stage before, this worldwide smash hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny.
Beloved musical Dirty Dancing is returning to the stage in Manchester next year / Credit: Mark Senior
Already seen by millions across the globe, you’ll get to watch these two ‘fiercely-independent’ young spirits from different worlds come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives.
The musical features the hit songs ‘Hungry Eyes’, ‘Hey! Baby’, ‘Do You Love Me?’, and the heart stopping ‘(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life’.
The iconic show will first be returning to the stage with a preview at Milton Keynes Theatre on 27 August 2026 before it heads out on a tour of the UK and Ireland, and arrives at Manchester’s legendary Palace Theatre from Tuesday 29 September to Saturday 3 October 2026.
Tickets officially go on sale this week / Credit: Dirty Dancing (via X)
Once again, the show will be directed by Federico Bellone and choreographed by Austin Wilks, with the producer being Karl Sydow.
“We can’t wait to bring this amazing show back to audiences across the UK and Ireland,” Karl Sydow said. “Now more than ever, theatre needs the excitement and joy that Dirty Dancing brings – you’ll have the time of your life.”
Tickets to Dirty Dancing at Manchester Palace Theatre from Tuesday 29 September to Saturday 3 October 2026 officially go on sale this morning at 10am.
Amy Williams -
16th July 2024 
