For a man who is arguably the most famous comedian in the UK, Peter Kay sure is good at keeping a secret.
There’s been a total blanket ban on content from his shows at the AO Arena (and he’s doing more than 40…), with nothing much in the way of spoilers.
The beloved star’s latest treat that he kept almost entirely under wraps was three stand-up gigs in his hometown.
The chance to see Bolton-born Peter Kay in such an intimate setting is pretty remarkable after his huge achievement selling out arenas across the country.
It was the first time he’s performed in Bolton for more than 20 years, and was all to raise funds for the Octagon theatre.
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The chance to grab tickets was only even offered to a select few people, with priority access given to Octagon members and patrons of the theatre. Then whatever was left were offered to those signed up to the theatre’s mailing list, selling out in seconds.
Peter Kay performed brand new material and celebrated the best of Bolton to an intimate audience at the theatre where he used to work on the box office.
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The series of performances, sponsored by Carrs Pasties (how very Bolton) raised more than £80,000 for the Octagon, which is a registered charity.
One fan who was there said: “Peter Kay was wonderful. An incredible experience to see such an outstanding warmly funny comedian in such an intimate setting. So proud of the Octagon and what it does for the community of Bolton, both on and off stage.”
Another said: “He was absolutely fantastic, we were so lucky and pleased to be able to watch him yesterday! He’s made December special for many there’s no doubt. Thank you octagon for putting on such a great show.”
Chief Executive at the Octagon, Roddy Gauld, commented: “We had an incredible day on Sunday with three shows by Peter Kay.
“Over one thousand people got the chance to be part of a hilarious, exclusive, and up-close performance with one of Britain’s best loved comedians, here in his hometown. It was a unique experience that Octagon donors and returning customers were able to book.
“We’re a charity and rely upon fundraising. Every pound allows us to create more magical, creative experiences on and off stage for young people and communities in Bolton and beyond.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Peter for his support and to Carrs Pasties, who sponsored the shows. We raised a total of £80k and a big thank you to everyone who came, donated, and joined a memorable event that people will be talking about for years.
“Peter was a member of our Youth Theatre before working in our box office, and his talent and passion for comedy was clear then. So, you never know who you’ll meet when you book a ticket or see a show here!”
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You can sign up to the Octagon’s mailing list to be the first to find out about events like this in the future here.
Smash-hit musical Kinky Boots starring Strictly’s Johannes Radebe is coming to Manchester next year
Emily Sergeant
Smash-hit musical Kinky Boots is heading out on a tour of the UK next year, and the talented cast will be stopping off here in Manchester.
The Broadway and West End phenomenon, which is based on a true story and is an adaptation of a 2005 film of the same name, has become known and loved by musical theatre fans all across the globe since its stage debut back in 2012, and has scooped up several Tonys, Olivier Awards, and GRAMMYs along the way.
And now, it’s set for a revival starring Strictly Come Dancing‘s Johannes Radebe, and the production will be touring the UK and Ireland from January 2025.
Kinky Boots The Musical features a score by Cyndi Lauper and a book by Harvey Fierstein, and this new production will be directed by Artistic Director, Nikolai Foster – who has famously helmed productions of The Wizard of Oz and Billy Elliot, to name a few – as well as starring the fan-favourite Strictly pro as Lola, alongside and rising star Dan Partridge as Charlie Price.
Smash-hit musical Kinky Boots starring Strictly’s Johannes Radebe is coming to Manchester / Credit: Ollies Rosser (via Supplied)
In case you’re unfamiliar with the Kinky Boots story, here’s brief rundown.
After inheriting his family’s failing shoe factory and with a relationship on the rocks, life is proving to be very challenging for Charlie Price, but that is until he meets Lola – a drag queen whose “sparkle and unsteady heels” might just hold the answer to saving the struggling business.
The 2025 revival production is already being billed as “guaranteed to raise you up” and “celebrate everybody’s individuality” when it arrives here in Manchester next February.
👢 On sale to ATG+ members 👢
Kinky Boots The Musical, is strutting back to Manchester in a new production starring Strictly Come Dancing’s Johannes Radebe and rising star Dan Partridge.
“Kinky Boots is one of the things I’m proudest of in my career,” commented Cyndi Lauper, on the musicals return to the road across the UK.
“I’m so excited that audiences will get to see it again, in a new production, as it’s like a happy pill, and we could all use some of that right now, so I can’t think of a better time or place to relaunch this special show in its place of origin.”
Kinky Boots The Musical will be taking to the iconic Manchester Palace Theatre stage from 4-8 February 2025, and tickets are set general
You can grab your tickets when they go on sale here.
Featured Image – Ollie Rosser (via Supplied)
Theatre
Award-winning classic musical Mary Poppins is returning to Manchester next year
Emily Sergeant
One of the best-loved musicals of all time is set to return to the stage in Manchester on its UK tour next year.
Two decades after the world premiere in Bristol, and subsequent record-breaking run of productions around the world ever since, it’s now been announced that Mary Poppins is set to fly back to Manchester next April.
Direct from the West End and stopping off in our city as part of a UK-wide tour, the classic multi award-winning musical will be landing on stage at the iconic Palace Theatre from 9 April – 17 May 2025.
Australian stars, Stefanie Jones and Jack Chambers, are both set to reprise their roles as Mary Poppins and Bert in the 2024/25 UK and Ireland tour, after having both received critical acclaim and nightly standing ovations for their performances in the recent Australian production.
Someone magical is RETURNING… ✨
Direct from the West End, #MaryPoppinsMusical will embark on 2024/2025 UK & Ireland Tour. ☂️
— Palace & Opera Mcr (@PalaceAndOpera) March 7, 2024
This award-winning West End musical comes from the legendary theatre producer Cameron Mackintosh, and the Disney Theatrical Group.
In case you’re somehow unfamiliar with Mary Poppins, this production is based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film, and tells the beloved story of the world’s favourite nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane.
The show is set to be “more magical than ever before”, and will feature dazzling choreography, incredible effects, and all the unforgettable songs we know and love.
Award-winning classic musical Mary Poppins is returning to Manchester next year / Credit: Daniel Boud (via Supplied)
The production has original music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, with new songs and additional music and lyrics also featuring too.
The book comes from Julian Fellowes, dance and vocal arrangements are by George Stiles, co-choreography is by Matthew Bourne and Stephen Mear, sound design is by Paul Gatehouse, lighting is by Hugh Vanstone, and the set and costume designs are by Bob Crowley.
Mary Poppins will be live at the Palace Theatre Manchester from 9 April – 17 May 2025, and tickets are set to go on general sale next Monday (18 March) at 10am.
Daisy Jackson -
11th December 2023 
