After three years of waiting, The Book of Mormon is back in Manchester at the Palace Theatre and it’s just as outrageously funny as before.
All I had ever heard about this musical going into it is how absolutely hilarious it is – I had little knowledge of the story line and from what I did know I was still unsure I would like it. But I didn’t just like it, I loved it and I can’t remember the last time I laughed that much in one evening.
Written by Trey Parker, Matt Stone and Robert Lopez, the masterminds being South Park, The Book of Mormon returned to the Palace Theatre on Wednesday 11 September and will run up until Saturday 5 October with lots of tickets still on sale.
The story follows two young Mormon missionaries, Elder Price and Elder Cunningham, who are sent to a remote village in Uganda to spread the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Upon arrival, they are faced with harsh realities which starkly contrast with their own naïve expectations.
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The full cast of The Book of Mormon. Credit: Paul Coltas.
Also sounds quite serious doesn’t it? Well despite the plot line this is a show that had every member of the audience rolling around laughing from start to finish.
I must warn if you are not of fan of dark comedy, you’ll be better off catching Mamma Mia, but if you can lean into the humour you’ll be walking away with sore ribs and teary eyes.
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As the story pans out the pair struggle to connect with the locals and each other while their religious mission takes unexpected and often absolutely absurd turns.
This is a musical that certainly doesn’t shy away from poking fun at religion, especially Mormonism, and has a knack for finding the funny side of culture clashes and colonialism.
The ensemble of The book of Mormon. Credit: Paul Coltas.Credit: Paul Coltas.
While the show is famous for its comedy, something has to be said for the choreography, when you can take a moment from gasping at the contents of the lyrics you can appreciate that this cast can really dance.
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Absolutely turning the musical genre on its head, it carries all the same profanity and shock-factor as South Park in the best way possible.
The two leads played by Adam Bailey and Sam Glen are phenomenal all the way through, how they don’t burst out laughing sentence is a skill itself, and had the audience clinging onto every punch line.
But for me the ensemble really make a musical and this cast is nothing short of spectacular, I would go and watch it again tomorrow.
The Book of Mormon Manchester. Credit: Paul Coltas
The show is in Manchester at the Palace Theatre until October 5 and if you want an evening of non-stop laughing I could not recommend it more.
If you needed any more persuading, it’s been announced today that 15 tickets for each performance will be made available at £15 each, from 12pm the day of the performance so get your alarm set quick.
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.
Abbie Bartlett -
20th September 2024 
