Madagascar the Musical has officially touched down in Manchester, running at the Opera House for a select few dates this month.
Based on the smash-hit 2005 animation, the family-friendly musical invites audiences along on a journey with ‘all of your favourite crack-a-lackin’ friends’ on their unexpected journey. And we went along to opening night to see what it’s all about.
Walking into the stunning Opera House always fills me with excitement from the off, but this was only heightened by the sea of smiling little faces in fluffy lion ears. Cute.
Just to give a small synopsis if you happened to miss the epic Dreamworks film released 19 years ago (wow that makes me feel old), the storyline is quite simple and easy to follow. Four high maintenance animals escape their zoo with the help of four fugitive penguins, and subsequently find themselves in Madagascar living with some vivacious lemurs.
The musical show follows the story perfectly from costumes to script – everything is recognisable and feels somewhat nostalgic.
ADVERTISEMENT
The lights go down and the stage is transformed into a New York City skyline, setting the scene of the Central Park Zoo as we patiently wait to see our stars.
The first up-beat number of the night introduces the four main characters, Alex the lion, Morty the zebra, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo. From the get-go it’s clear this show is aimed at younger children, that’s not to say it can’t be enjoyed by all ages, but perfect for kids aged between four and ten.
ADVERTISEMENT
Madagascar the Musical in Manchester follows zoo creatures on the run. Credit: Publicity picture
The first half takes you quickly through the storyline and we meet four crafty Antarctic flightless birds who will ultimately be the driving force for the evening’s plot.
Marty, our zebra friend, then goes through what can only be described as an existential crisis and escapes the zoo for a better life in the wild. His animal companions of course go after him and subsequently end up being captured by animal control, at this point me and the adorable five year old sat next to me are on the edge of our seats.
Now would be a good time to give a mention to the set design, really outstanding and the attention to detail is meticulous. The crate scene, while the characters are being transported by boat, reflects the film perfectly and little details like ‘Transport to Kenya’ give nods to context to where we are in the plot.
ADVERTISEMENT
After an intense boat hijack from our penguin pals, the theatre plummets into darkness that marks the end of act one.
En route to the toilet I hear an interesting insight from a seven year old, ‘mummy, why would they be sending penguins to Kenya?’. A great question, one of life’s many unanswered questions, but we’ll scoot past that small plot hole because the opening of act one is the real nucellus of the evening.
The stage and set design of Madagascar the musical in Manchester is exceptionalThe stage and set design of Madagascar the musical in Manchester is exceptional
The set transforms into a beautiful tropical paradise and you can almost feel that warm breeze on your face and the white sand beneath your feet. We’ve made it to the main event – Madagascar.
Now while the news has been flooded with stories of King Charles over the last week, we’ve been sleeping on the fluffy royal legend that deserves every bit of fame and stardom we can offer. That’s right, he’s here, it’s King Julien.
The next five minutes are so full of energy and humour I have actual tears in my eyes. Watching a stage of lemur puppets and zoo animals performing a choreographed rendition of ‘I Like To Move It’ was not on my 2024 bingo card but I am thrilled to have experienced it.
ADVERTISEMENT
Act two, in general, carries all the energy, the upbeat catchy songs and the colourful staging filling the room with smiling faces.
I am not 100% clear what the climax of the plot is, and realise I can’t remember from the film either, but it really doesn’t matter. The film left kids with a very important message, ‘don’t eat your friends!’ and that’s something they will always remember.
After a remarkable solo from Alex the lion, which could rival the likes of ‘All that jazz!’, the story comes to a happy ending and the full audience are on their feet.
The full run time of the show is one of the shortest I’ve been to with just about 40 minutes for each half, but that’s ideal for kids you just can’t keep still. And grown-ups…
Tickets for Madagascar the Musical in Manchester are on sale here.
Review | The Karate Kid at Palace Theatre and Opera House, Manchester – very much wax ON
Lonnie Bowes
The theatrical version of The Karate Kid has arrived at the Palace Theatre and Opera House, bringing a well-known story of discipline, resilience and mentorship to a live audience.
Best known for its iconic cinematic legacy, The Karate Kid translates surprisingly well to the stage. It leans less on spectacle and more on character, movement and emotional growth.
At the production’s heart, the story still revolves around a young outsider trying to find confidence and belonging in an unfamiliar environment, guided by an unexpected mentor.
The narrative follows Daniel, played by Gino Ochello, marking his first professional stage debut, as he struggles to adjust to a new life, facing intimidation and self-doubt before encountering the legendary Mr Miyagi, played by Adrian Pang.
What unfolds is more than just a story of learning karate; it becomes a study of patience, balance and inner strength for Daniel. The central relationship between student and teacher remains the production’s strongest theme, grounding the story in warmth and sincerity.
The bond between student and Sensei is clear to see throughout. Focusing more on the movement side of things, the musical definitely has its fair share of action; the production shines with storytelling through choreography.
The fight sequences are carefully staged. The whole production walks a balanced line between movement and tension that feels immediate without losing theatrical elements.
These scenes are not about aggression alone but about control, reflecting the philosophy at the core of the story: balance. If you’ve seen the movies or the likes of Cobra Kai, you’ll know the vibes.
The cast works cohesively to maintain this balance. Ochello playing Daniel captures a mix of genuine vulnerability and determination as he attempts to settle into his new life in California, a million miles from the streets of Jersey he once knew.
While Adrian Pang portrays Mr Miyagi does this with a quiet authority. Their dynamic evolves on stage flawlessly, allowing the audience to invest in their journey rather than simply anticipating the next fight.
Visually, the production makes effective use of staging and design. The set shifts fluidly between locations, using lighting and more than a few well-timed transitions to keep the pace moving.
Subtle changes in atmosphere mirror the cast’s internal world, moving from insecurity and isolation to confidence and connection as the story progresses. The music throughout further supports this, blending nostalgia from the old flicks we all knew and love, with a new contemporary stage feel.
As the story builds toward its familiar ending, the focus remains less on winning and more on personal growth. The final moments emphasise discipline, self-belief and restraint rather than triumph alone.
A well-deserved standing ovation. (Credit: The Manc)
Reinforcing why the story has endured across generations and how the themes explored remain powerful pillars of life in today’s world.
Ultimately, The Karate Kid on stage at the Palace Theatre succeeds not by trying to replicate the film exactly, but by reinterpreting its themes for a live audience. It’s a production that leans into character, movement, friendship and emotional resilience.
It reminds viewers that its real power lies not in the fights, although sometimes necessary as a last resort, but in what they represent on the inside. We had a much deeper experience than we expected, and loved pretty much every minute of it.
Smash-hit West End musical Trainspotting is coming to Manchester later this year
Emily Sergeant
Trainspotting The Musical is coming to Manchester.
30 years on from the film that changed everything, and following its successful world premiere run in London’s West End, Trainspotting The Musical is heading out on a major UK tour later this year, and will be taking to one of Manchester‘s most iconic stages in the autumn.
Written by Irvine Welsh – as adapted from his best-selling debut novel – and directed and developed by Caroline Jay Ranger, Trainspotting The Musical has been described by critics as ‘radical, invigorating and life-affirming’ since its premiere.
It’s said to be an unforgettable production that’ll have even the most sceptical audiences leave on a ‘consciousness-altering high.’
➕ ATG+ PRESALE ➕
CHOOSE LIFE.
Trainspotting: The Musical is coming to the Palace Theatre this November. Written by Irvine Welsh.
Groups presale 👉 Tues 12 May 10am General sale 👉 Wed 13 May 10am
— Palace & Opera Mcr (@PalaceAndOpera) May 11, 2026
In 1996, the breakthrough British film of the same name was released and became the biggest grossing UK film of the year, winning a slew of awards in the process – including a BAFTA for Best Screenplay, and even being ranked tenth in the BFI’s top 100 greatest British films of the 20th century.
Now, three decades later, the industrial drug crazed working-class heroes of British youth culture are back… but this time, live on stage.
Trainspotting The Musical is coming to Manchester later this year / Credit: Supplied
“I believe the musical has a bigger, loudly beating human heart than either the book or the film,” creator Irvine Welsh commented as the UK tour was announced this week.
“People need to think about the world we’re living in, and we offer that inspection, but they also need to sing their hearts out and laugh their heads off. It’s what being human is all about. We’ve put together an incredible Scottish cast and I can’t wait to see them bring the musical to life.”
Trainspotting The Musical will taking to the stage at Manchester Palace Theatre later this year from Monday 2 – Saturday 7 November 2026, and tickets officially go on general sale tomorrow (Wednesday 13 May) from 10am.
Abbie Bartlett -
9th February 2024 
