If you’re wandering down Oxford Road this week and take a wrong turn, then you may find yourself in early 20th century Paris.
Moulin Rouge is a sultry, sexy extravaganza of lust, sin, and debauchery that you just can’t get enough of, so it’s time to lose yourself in the magic and showmanship of the Parisian clubs of yesteryear, as whether you’re a big fan of the hit 2001 movie, or new to the world of Moulin Rouge, I can say without a shadow of a doubt that you will be blown away.
This is possibly the best show I’ve ever seen on stage.
There’s an excited buzz in the air as everyone pours into the Palace Theatre. The theatre is conveniently Moulin Rouge red by default, so you already feel like you’ve been transported before you’ve even got to your seat.
As you approach your seat, you’re met with the spectacle that is the sensational staging. On one side of the room, you have the infamous Moulin Rouge windmill, and the other side has the giant elephant head where our diamond Satine resides.
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The time has come, Bohemians of Manchester! 🎉
Tickets are officially ON SALE for Moulin Rouge! The Musical at the Palace Theatre from Wed 20 August – Sat 4 October 2025 ❣️
The show begins with the iconic Lady Marmalade song and the excitement that spreads through the audience is almost palpable. Each song and performance gets stronger, more exciting, more uplifting, carried by our club host – the fantastic and hilarious Harold Zidler (Cameron Blakely).
As fans of the movie, my guest and I were initially surprised by the medleys of modern songs that spanned the duration of the show, but they fit the storyline so well that by the end we were hooked. The original score was still present, just with the modern additions woven in seamlessly.
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For those who don’t know, the show follows young Christian, played by Josh Rose, who tells his story of moving to Paris to pursue his dream of becoming a songwriter. Upon arrival, he meets Toulouse (Kurt Kansley) and Santiago (Rodrigo Negrini), struggling artists in the bohemian Montmartre. Impressed with his love songs, they convince him to seduce the sensational Satine (Verity Thompson) in an effort to get their show on the Moulin Rouge stage.
Moulin Rogue The Musical has arrived at Manchester Palace Theatre / Credit: Matt Crockett (Supplied)
The club however is struggling, and Harold has tasked Satine to seduce The Duke (James Bryers) to help secure funding to ensure the club’s future. Satine and Christian meet first and immediately fall in love, causing heartache and tragedy throughout the course of the show.
Every single cast member is spectacular from start to finish.
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The performances and dance numbers are works of art and get the whole audience going. The excitement and passion from the cast shines throughout, and it’s clear they’re enjoying the show as much as we are.
The jaw-dropping production is on stage in Manchester until 4 October / Credit: Matt Crockett (Supplied)
The singing is mind-bogglingly good, with everyone hitting every note without question. It would be remiss of me to not give an extra special shout out to Verity Thompson, whose singing was absolutely jaw dropping. If I could sing like her, you’d literally never shut me up.
It isn’t often you see something and think, everyone has to see this, but this show is definitely one of those. If their gift is their song, then I would be happy to accept it over and over again.
Moulin Rouge is playing at Palace Theatre Manchester until Saturday 4 October, and you can find out more and get your tickets here.
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You do not want to miss this – seriously.
Featured Image – Johan Persson (Supplied)
Theatre
Cult-classic musical Hairspray to kick off UK tour in Manchester next year
Emily Sergeant
An undeniable cult-classic of amusical is set to kick off its next UK tour right here in Manchester next year.
That’s right, you can’t stop the beat… or Hairspray The Musical from heading back to our city.
There’s no denying that Hairspray is known and loved by millions worldwide since it first opened on Broadway all the way back in 2002, and has had audiences tapping their feet on the West End and in countless other cities and countries across the globe ever since.
The eight Tony Award wins and the record-breaking 11 Olivier Award nominations prove that all too well, as does the smash-hit success of the 2007 film adaptation too.
Cult-classic musical Hairspray will kick off its UK tour in Manchester next year / Credit: Supplied
After a triumphant return to the stage in 2024, it’s now been announced that Hairspray The Musical is heading out on a major national tour of the UK and Ireland once again in 2027 – with theatre lovers able to get their hands on tickets when they go on sale today (6 July).
Oh, and what better way to kick things off than right here in Manchester?
In case you’re unfamiliar, the timeless story of Hairspray centres around heroine Tracy Turnblad, who has “big hair, a big heart, and big dreams” and wants to dance her way onto national TV, and into the heart of teen idol Link Larkin.
When Tracy becomes a local star, she is able to use her newfound fame to fight for liberation, tolerance, and interracial unity in Baltimore.
But the real question is, can she win equality – and Link’s heart -without denting her ’do?
An all-time favourite.
Audiences in Manchester will be the first to hear some of musical theatre’s most well-known songs, including ‘Welcome To The 60s’, ‘You Can’t Stop The Beat’, and ‘Good Morning Baltimore’, before it heads out to other major cities across the country.
Liverpool, Bradford, York, and Sunderland are just a few of the fellow northern cities where the tour will be stopping off at in 2027.
The show’s original production team of Mark Goucher, Matthew Gale, and Laurence Myers will return, alongside Brenda Edwards and Paul Kerryson as directors.
Meanwhile, choreography will come from Olivier Award winner Drew McOnie, and music is provided by the Academy Award, Tony, and Emmy-winning duo Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.
The all-singing, all-dancing show is taking to the Palace Theatre stage / Credit: Pamela Raith
Hairspray The Musical will take to the stage at Manchester’s Palace Theatre from 2 – 19 July 2027.
Tickets are going on general sale today at 10am, and although prices haven’t been revealed yet, it’s expected they’ll be available in a range of prices so it’s affordable for everyone looking to make the most of the all-singing-all-dancing experience.
Beloved sitcom Dinnerladies to return after 25 years with new stage show in Manchester
Emily Sergeant
One of the most beloved sitcoms of all time is set to return after 25 years, but this time it’s coming to the stage in Manchester.
More than a quarter of a century after it was first screened on BBC One, a brand-new stage adaptation of Dinnerladies is planned for 2027, and it’ll feature a storyline inspired by the episodes and characters from the iconic original TV sitcom.
Making its premiere at Manchester Opera House in January, the new show is the first piece of the late Victoria Wood’s work to be commissioned by her Estate.
Adapted by Beth and Emma Kilcoyne, and directed by double Olivier-award winner Sean Foley, after debuting here Manchester, the production will then tour major theatres across the UK until August – with star Les Dennis as maintenance man Stan, and further casting to be announced soon.
Originally created, written by, and starring Bury comedy legend Victoria Wood, Dinnerladies ran for two acclaimed series and 16 episodes between 1998 and 2000, winning widespread critical plaudits and a devoted audience thanks to its warmth, wit, and brilliantly observed characters.
Dinnerladies is returning after 25 years with a new stage show in Manchester / Credit: BBC
Set in the canteen of fictional Manchester factory, HWD Components, the show followed the lives, friendships, and workplace dramas of the staff and regulars who gathered there every day.
Now, audiences will be reunited with the dinnerladies once again, as all the much-loved characters that made the show such a huge British comedy classic will feature in the play – including Bren, Tony, Dolly, Anita, Jean, Twinkle, and Philippa.
No matter whether you’re revisiting an old favourite or discovering it for the first time, the new Dinnerladies show is set to serve up a hilarious night out packed with heart, nostalgia, and plenty of surprises.
Dinnerladies will take to the stage at Manchester Opera House on 29 January 2027 and run right through to 6 February 2027 – with tickets going on sale this Friday (3 July).
Kristen MacGregor-Houlston -
22nd August 2025 
