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.
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.
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.
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.
Smash-hit musical Mean Girls to open in Manchester at start of its first UK tour
Emily Sergeant
One of the most popular new musicals of the last decade is set to head out on its first-ever UK tour early next year.
And it’ll be kicking things off here in Manchester.
Based on the iconic 2004 movie of the same name, which is known and loved right across the globe, Mean Girls The Musical debuted at to huge success at the National Theatre in Washington D.C in 2017, before transferring to Broadway in April 2018, again to ecstatic responses where it played to sold-out theatres most nights.
The show then went on a hugely-successful US tour in 2019 and recently completed a second US tour.
Continuing on its run, the production then opened in the West End in 2025, where it was seen by more than 330,000 people over its run and recently took home the coveted ‘Best New Musical’ award at the 2025 WhatsOnStage Awards.
Mean Girls The Musical is opening its first-ever UK tour in Manchester next year / Credit: Brinkhoff Mögenburg
Not only that, but in 2024, you may remember that the new musical twist on the fan-favourite from the comedic mind of Tina Fey was released as a new feature film with sensational musical performances.
But for the first time ever, the rest of the UK is about to get a slice of the action.
Mean Girls The Musical will be heading out on tour early next year, and it’s us lucky musical lovers of Manchester that’ll get to see it before anyone else, as it’s landing on the legendary Manchester Opera House stage in February 2026.
Unfamiliar with the plot of Mean Girls The Musical? Just like the film, the musical follows Regina, Gretchen, and Karen, otherwise known as ‘The Plastics’ of North Shore High, as they meet homeschooled new girl, Cady Heron, as finds out that high school is a whole new level of savage.
Tickets go on sale this week / Credit: Brinkhoff Mögenburg
When Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a queen bee without getting stung.
Expect iconic characters, razor-sharp wit, and killer songs.
Mean Girls The Musical has a book by Tina Fey, music and vocal arrangements by Jeff Richmond, lyrics, and direction and choreography by Casey Nicholaw, among many other big names of the theatre world involved.
The tour will open at Manchester Opera House on 23 February 2026, before touring to venues across the UK and Ireland until the end of January 2027.
Tickets will go on general sale tomorrow (Thursday 3 July) at 10am here.
Featured Image – Brinkhoff Mögenburg
Theatre
Cult classic 13 Going On 30 to make its musical debut in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Cult classic rom com 13 Going On 30 is preparing for its musical world premiere – and it’s happening right here in Manchester.
The brand-new musical is based on the hit 2004 film of the same name, starring Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo.
As in the film, 13 Going On 30 The Musical will follow awkward teen Jenna Rink who makes a birthday wish to skip those difficult high school years.
To her surprise – her wish comes true.
Jenna wakes up to find herself ‘30, flirty and thriving’ in a dream role as a magazine editor, but still trying to work out what, and who really matters in life.
The brand new musical will open at the legendaryOpera House this September, bringing all the magic of the time-travelling film to life.
For the stage version, Lucie Jones (who you might recognise from X Factor) will star as Jenna, alongside David Hunter (Matt), Grace Mouat (Lucy), Caleb Roberts (Richard), Andrew Berlin (Kyle), and Dominic Andersen (Alex).
Cult classic 13 Going On 30 to make its musical debut in Manchester
The musical is also written by the same duo behind the hit flick.
13 Going On 30 The Musical will have songs by Michael Weiner and Alan Zachary, who wrote for High School Musical: The Musical, and will be directed by Andy Fickman of Heathers and She’s The Man.
Film writers Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yuspa, who have also written the book of the musical, said: “When we wrote the movie 13 Going on 30, we never dreamt that on the film’s 20th anniversary, we’d get the chance to see a whole new generation fall in love with Razzles and feel thirty, flirty, and thriving.
“It’s been a joy to work with ROYO, Revolution Studios, Wendy Federman and Phil Kenny, songwriters Alan Zachary & Michael Weiner, and director Andy Fickman to bring this story to life as a stage musical.
“We were thrilled by the audience’s response to our workshop last year, and now we can’t wait to officially open in Manchester at the legendary Opera House – the launchpad of so many iconic musicals.
“So bring your family, your friends, maybe a date, or just come alone – don’t be shy, we’re all nice. Hope you have as much fun seeing the show as we had making it!”
13 Going On 30 The Musical will be at the Opera House in Manchester between 21 September and 12 October 2025.
Will Kendrick -
9th October 2024 
