On Sunday night, the AO Arena in Manchester became more than just a venue for live music; it transformed into a window to the natural world.
In a breathtaking blend of sound, imagery, and live performance, Planet Earth III Live in Concert transported its audience across deserts, oceans, and rainforests, celebrating the wonders of our planet in a way that only this franchise can.
There was something heartwarming about people from across the city coming together to marvel at the beauty of nature and to learn about its fragility. This was far from your average concert experience.
From the moment the opening sequence of Planet Earth filled the arena, accompanied by the aura of a full orchestra, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation. A stunning 4K screen, stretching above the stage, brought Planet Earth III to life with vibrant visuals that made it feel as if the AO Arena had been immersed in the depths of the Amazon or the expanse of the Arctic tundra.
The City of Prague Philharmonic orchestra, under the impeccable direction of conductor Matthew Freeman, provided an emotional backbone to the images, breathing life into every scene with a score that was as powerful as the landscapes it depicted.
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The music, composed by the brilliant Hans Zimmer, with additions by Jacob Shea and Sarah Barone, is what sets this apart from a typical evening watching Planet Earth on your TV at home.
Each note carried weight, resonating with the emotional highs and lows of the natural world: the haunting strings underscored the fragility of endangered ecosystems while the thunderous percussion amplified the awe-inspiring power of natural forces.
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It was impossible not to feel in awe during the breathtaking sequences of migrating Monarch butterflies in Mexico, or a flicker of sadness watching an endangered elephant’s quest for survival.
But beyond the sheer spectacle of it all, the evening felt like a rallying cry. Interspersed with awe-inspiring visuals were stark reminders of the environmental crisis we face. Planet Earth executive-producer Mike Gunton, the host of the evening, ever-wise and compelling, spoke to the urgency of action needed to preserve the world we were witnessing. The concert didn’t just aim to entertain; it sought to inspire change.
Planet Earth III transformed the AO Arena. Credit: The Manc Group
The night ended on a high note with a moving orchestral rendition of Bastille’s Pompeii, the chorus ironically erupting around the arena in harmony with the live orchestra; I’d be lying if I said it didn’t bring a tear to my eye.
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Paired with a montage of the evening’s most striking moments, this was a beautiful crescendo for an incredible evening.
As the final note echoed through the arena and the screen faded to black, the message was clear: this Earth is our shared home, and it is worth fighting for.
The standing ovation from the packed audience was more than just appreciation – it was a commitment to protect the fragile beauty that had just been so vividly brought to life.
Legendary musical CATS is coming to Manchester on its UK tour next year
Emily Sergeant
Legendary musical CATS will be taking to the stage here in Manchester next year.
A brand-new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s global sensation, CATS, will embark on a major UK tour from summer 2026 following an open-air residency at Regent Park in London – including dates at Manchester’s prestigious Palace Theatre in November.
Based on Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, CATS is one of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history.
The show originally premiered at the New London Theatre in 1981, where it played for 21 record-breaking years and almost 9,000 performances.
Since its world premiere, the musical has been presented in more than 54 countries, translated into 23 languages, and has been seen by more than 77 million people worldwide – collecting a number of awards along the way.
Legendary musical CATS is coming to Manchester on its UK tour next year / Credit: Feast Creative
This new production of CATS is produced by Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, with Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals, as part of Drew McOnie’s second season as Artistic Director, and it marks the third Andrew Lloyd Webber title produced by the venue in the last decade.
Unfamiliar with the show? CATS tells the story of the Jellicle cats.
From Euston station to Victoria Grove, the strays and rebels of London gather under the Jellicle moon in the hope they’ll be the chosen one.
With a legendary score featuring well-known songs like Old Deuteronomy, Macavity: The Mystery Cat, TheJellicle Ball, and, of course, the chart-topping hit Memory, this brand-new production of CATS is gearing up to be one of the best theatrical events of 2026.
“I am very excited to see a totally new production of CATS back on the stage where it belongs,” creator Andrew Lloyd Webber said on the show’s return. “I can think of no-one better than Drew McOnie to bring a new vision to the world of the Jellicles.”
Casting and the full creative team is set to be announced in due course, as is the on-sale date and link for tickets, so keep your eyes peeled.
Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons
Theatre
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.
Will Kendrick -
9th October 2024 
