There’s a ‘rock opera’ musical stage show about the life and times of former Prime Minister Tony Blair coming to Manchester later this year.
And that is a 100% genuine statement.
It’s not something we expected to be writing today, and nor is it something you expected to be reading, but we’re being completely serious when we say that a “reckless reappraisal” of the life of “Britain’s first pop Prime Minister” Tony Blair is actually a thing – and it’s a thing that’s arriving in Greater Manchester later this year.
TONY! [The Tony Blair Rock Opera] is currently playing a limited season at the Leicester Square Theatre in London until 21 May, and then it’s heading out on a tour of the UK.
TONY! [The Tony Blair Rock Opera] is now playing in London and then embarks on tour!
Our official trailer gives you a glimpse of some of the characters you'll get to meet…
— TONY! The Tony Blair Rock Opera (@TonyRockOpera) May 3, 2023
It’ll be playing a limited four-week run at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival, before it takes to the stage at The Lowry in Salford this October – which conveniently coincides with the 2023 Conservative Party Conference being held in Manchester.
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Co-written by comedian Harry Hill and Steve Brown, the musical apparently tells the story of how one man went from “a peace-loving, long-haired hippy, and would-be pop star” to a “warmongering multimillionaire” in just a couple of decades, with a stellar cast of larger-than-life characters setting the scene.
Tony Blair’s wife Cherie, Princess Diana, John Prescott, Peter Mandelson, Alastair Campbell, Osama bin Laden, George W Bush, Saddam Hussein, and Gordon Brown are just some of the musical’s characters.
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Oh, and Liam Gallagher.
A ‘rock opera’ about Tony Blair coming to Manchester / Credit: TONY! (via Twitter)
Described as being like Yes, Minister meets The Rocky Horror Show, it’s a hilarious musical of political intrigue, religion, power, and romance.
“It’s a show for Tony lovers, haters, and everyone in between,” explained co-creators Harry Hill and Steve Brown.
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“Don’t expect a history lesson. In our world, Tony’s born singing and dancing, Saddam Hussein is played as Groucho Marx, and Gordon Brown occasionally turns into the Incredible Hulk – let’s just say all the facts are there… but not necessarily as they occurred.
It’s described as being a “reckless reappraisal” of the life of “Britain’s first pop Prime Minister” / Credit: TONY!
“Tony hasn’t yet replied to our invite to see the show, but we do hope he’ll pop along to his old stomping ground of Sedgefield to give his verdict when we open there at the Parish Hall.
“Tony? If you’re reading this we’ve put a couple of tickets in your name on the door.”
Chicago the Musical razzles (and dazzles) at the Palace Theatre in Manchester
Clementine Hall
A story of murder, greed and corruption was performed with style, ease and flair; Chicago is the longest-running American musical in Broadway and West End history, and it’s easy to see why now that it’s arrived in Manchester.
The jazz-fuelled fiasco is filled with catchy songs that you can’t help but click along to, funny one-liners, and likeable characters such as Miss Roxy Hart herself.
Best-known for appearing as Kate Connor in Coronation Street, the opening night in Manchester on Chicago‘s UK tour may have been a daunting prospect, but it’s one Faye Brookes pulled off seamlessly.
Here’s our full review…
Image: Press Images (Supplied)
Brookes is fantastically expressive and brings new energy to a classic, complemented throughout by a sultry cast dressed in buckles and mesh that really bring the ‘Razzle Dazzle’ to the stage.
Her co-star, Strictly Come Dancing‘s Kevin Clifton, struts through the show transformed into Billy Flynn – a flamboyant 1920s American lawyer who has the desperate inmates in the palm of his hand.
The opening number, ‘All That Jazz’, is spearheaded by Djalenga Scott as Velma Kelly and she does it brilliantly.
Image: Supplied
The cast slink their way across the stage with Scott at the forefront, who undoubtedly delivers a faultless performance and complements Brookes as Roxie Hart perfectly.
A highlight of course included the hilarious‘Cell Block Tango’, the audience were laughing along as the women sang the stories of their murderous deeds whilst performing sharp and sultry choreography.
Not even a toe out of place.
Image: Supplied
The set is minimalist, dark and simple, but is simply brought to life by the wonderful expression and lively musical numbers performed on stage by the live band.
The live band sits on a staircase centre stage and their playful use of instruments throughout is truly impressive.
Neil MacDonald, the show’s musical director, even got involved with a few on-stage conversations which was a fabulous touch that made the show feel bespoke to us.
Other notable performances included Brenda Edwards as Mamma Morton, whose powerhouse voice left the audience in absolute awe, and Joshua Lloyd as ‘Mister Cellophane’ caused a couple of pitiful “awws” from the auditorium.
Overall, this was a fantastic production of the Broadway classic – the standing ovation at the end proves I wasn’t the only one who thought that too.
Chicago the Musical is playing at the Palace Theatre Manchester until Saturday, 9 November and you can grab your last-minute tickets HERE.
Giselle, one of the greatest romantic ballets, has landed in Manchester and it’s a must-see
Eva Claricoates
When the English National Ballet is in Manchester, it’s an opportunity you shouldn’t let slip by, and is almost guaranteed to be one of the most stunning performances to grace the stage– Giselle at the Palace Theatre certainly was.
Giselle tells the story of a young peasant girl, who falls in love with Albrecht, a duke, who pretends to be a peasant in order to seduce the show’s namesake.
Albrecht is not only hiding his status but also an engagement to another. When Giselle finds out about his deception, she descends into madness and dies from a broken heart.
Giselle is summoned from the dead by spirits, the Wilis, all abandoned and betrayed before their wedding day. The Wilis take their revenge by dancing men to death, and Giselle must decide whether her love for Albrecht is too strong to sentence him to the same fate.
Credit: The Manc Group
Giselle tells a story of grief, heartbreak, and love, and how a true heart always avails. Hauntingly beautiful and romantic, Mary Skeaping’s production had been tenderly revived from its original performance, and it’s clear to see why the performance received five-star reviews earlier this year.
The entire production was captivating and dramatic, leaving the audience gasping, laughing and firmly glued to their seats. Adolphe Adam’s score is performed live by the English National Ballet Philharmonic nestled beneath the stage, which compliments the performance beautifully and skilfully.
Perhaps the most mesmerising point of the performance was the Wilis appearing in the forest at the beginning of act two, as they formed perfectly symmetrical formations, and appeared to almost float across the stage.
It served as a great medium for exploring themes of the supernatural exquisitely, providing truly stunning imagery to the audience.
Giselle uses mime to convey its storyline to the audience, and even if you are a first-time ballet-goer, it’s an easy-to-follow, modern performance which can be enjoyed by all audiences. If you’re so inclined, you can even get involved in a dedicated ballet masterclass.
Join our Creative Learning team and English National Ballet on Saturday 2 November for an exclusive ballet masterclass at the Palace Theatre! 🩰
This workshop is suitable for ages 11-17 with a keen interest in dance ranging up to intermediate levels.
Emily Sergeant -
5th May 2023 
