Theatre

The Bodyguard musical is heading to Manchester, with tickets from just £13

The smash-hit musical is coming to Manchester. This article contains affiliate links.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 14th June 2022

Another of the world’s best-loved musicals will head to Manchester next year as The Bodyguard lands at the Palace Theatre.

The musical version of one of cinema’s greatest love stories will visit Manchester next spring as part of a new UK and Ireland tour.

Tickets have gone on sale today and start from just with start from just £13.

The award-winning show follows former Secret Service agent-turned-bodyguard Frank Farmer, who is hired to protect star Rachel Marron from a stalker.

The Bodyguard is coming to Manchester. Credit: Publicity poster

The musical is based on the hit Oscar-nominated 1992 film of the same name, which starred Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner.

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Its songs include irresistible classics like I Will Always Love You, I Wanna Dance with Somebody, Saving All My Love, Queen of the Night, and One Moment in Time.

The Bodyguard musical premiered at the Adelphi Theatre in London’s West End and was nominated for four Olivier Awards.

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To date, The Bodyguard has played to more than 3.6 million people in 15 countries.

The Bodyguard will perform at the Palace Theatre between 3 and 15 April 2023.

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You can book your tickets now through ATG Tickets.

Featured image: Publicity picture

Theatre

Review | Midsomer Murders comes to Manchester for a satisfying Opera House adaptation

Hollie Wells Hollie Wells Midsomer Murders stage version theatre review Manchester Palace Theatre

‘The Fuzz are here!’ – also known as the well-known duo, Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby and
Detective Sergeant Troy. As ever, they’re here to solve the murder of orchid-loving, elderly lady Emily Simpson in the seemingly sleepy county of Midsomer…

Manchester’s historic Opera House played host to the first ever stage production of Midsomer
Murders: ‘The Killings at Badger’s Drift‘ last night.

With a busy, full audience of fans of the original novel by Catherine Graham and the acclaimed ITV staple. There was a hum of anticipation to see the timeless tales unfold.

Excitingly, the role of Barnaby in the stage play is under the trusted care of Daniel Casey, who
is best known as DS (Detective Sergeant) Troy in the prior television adaptation of Midsomer Murders between 1997 and 2008.

Casey’s comfort and wealth of experience with these narratives comforted the audience from the outset. In a purposely complicated plot, Casey grounded the performance and was the throughline in the show.

‘The Killings at Badger’s Drift’ is a good, light-hearted, mid-week show, with an enjoyable concoction of eccentric characters and the perfect ‘whodunnit’ plot, which keeps you intrigued and entertained throughout its roughly two and a half hour duration.

Even those more than familiar with Misdomer tales and the most typical murder mystery format will still get plenty of enjoyment out of it.

The engaging use of multi-role actors received a great response from the audience, particularly the moments between Barbara Lessiter and Dickie Whitley; all of their interactions were performed with fabulous comedic timing by Chandrika Chevli.

The elements of comedy throughout made for a lovely evening at the Opera House. This was
not solely through the actors, either: the use of mechanics within the set of this stage-play allowed for
multiple moments of physical comedy, and this was a strong motif throughout.

Credit: The Manc

A rotation of impressive transitional sets also aided in transporting the audience to the infamous village and crime scenes, allowing one to be absorbed in the story and successfully converting Midsomer Murders from page to screen to stage.

Running for only three days from Wednesday, 27, until Saturday, 30 May 2026, with matinee shows available throughout.

One must act fast to join the detective duo and catch the killer before it’s too late!

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — The Manc Group

Theatre

Waitress at Palace Theatre Manchester – a perfect recipe for a delicious night out | Review

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Waitress has all the ingredients for what makes a brilliant musical, with Carrie Hope Fletcher’s astonishing vocals as the cherry on top.

It’s been a decade since Waitress first wowed audiences on Broadway, and to celebrate this milestone, the show is touring the UK – bringing Sara Bareilles’ beautiful score to life once again.

This time, West End superstar Carrie Hope Fletcher is dusting off Jenna’s apron, and it’s safe to say, the beloved show is in very, very safe hands.

Waitress follows Jenna, a talented pie-maker working in a small town diner who is trapped in an abusive relationship.

Image: Matt Crocket (Supplied)

She dreams of a better life, and this only becomes more apparent when she finds out she is pregnant and falls in love with the charming Dr Pomatter (and after watching it last night, I think the whole audience did too).

Fletcher’s portrayal of Jenna is heartfelt and warm, yet perfectly powerful. Her vocals are nothing short of flawless, singing Bareilles’ glorious yet challenging score with ease.

Her rendition of ‘She Used To Be Mine‘ had us all reaching for tissues, and the round of applause that followed was the longest I’ve ever seen for a solo performance within a show.

Image: Matt Crocket (Supplied)

The opening number ‘Opening Up’ plunged us into her world, inviting the entire cast (of which there is no weak link) onto the stage for a exceptionally well-choreographed slice of diner dancing.

At drama school, we were told to never work with food on stage, but this production proved my lecturers wrong as clouds of flour and showerings of sugar were perfectly timed to the lyrics of ‘What Baking Can Do’. Impressive to say the least.

Jenna’s best friends Becky and Dawn, played by Sandra Marvin and Evelyn Hoskins, provided welcomed comedic timing in a story that often has its dark moments.

Image: Matt Crocket (Supplied)

Meanwhile, Mark Anderson brought a surprisingly tender charm to Ogie, balancing the character’s eccentricities with genuine heart.

His chemistry with Hoskins was utterly endearing, and their performance of ‘Never Ever Getting Rid of Me’ was one of the evening’s standout moments, earning huge laughs from the audience.

Visually, the show is a real treat too. The diner set feels cosy and intimate, while the live band gives Bareilles’ score an added richness that fills the theatre beautifully.

Image: Matt Crocket (Supplied)

Overall, Waitress remains as sweet as ever – a heartfelt story topped with a huge dollop of charm and a sprinkling of comedy that’ll have you craving another slice as soon as you’ve finished the first.

Read more:

Waitress is on at Manchester’s Palace Theatre until Saturday 30 May, and you can grab yourself some last-minute tickets here.

Featured Image – Matt Crocket (Supplied)

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