British comedy legend Al Murray is back on the live comedy circuit and bringing his latest stand-up routine to Greater Manchester for two dates this year.
Two years on from his last show Gig For Victory, ‘The Pub Landlord’ himself is back out on stage with new material and the Al Murray: Guv Island tour, with the first of his two dates local to Manchester starting this month.
Kicking off his return to 0161 in Stockport at the stunning Plaza Theatre on Saturday, April 20, the 55-year-old comic will be here before you know it.
Although there’ll be a few more sets performed relatively nearby, including Buxton and Warrington, his second Greater Manchester date at the legendary Lowry Theatre in Salford Quays won’t come around until 20 October – but looking at the reviews, it sure to be worth the wait.
Murray has already left a great legacy playing the role of the exaggerated English publican, but the comedian and Oxford University alumnus has always been one of the sharpest on the stand-up scene.
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Having secured veteran status long ago, where many experienced acts might be accused of phoning it in on occasion this far into their careers, it’s great to see the Buckinghamshire-born funny man still putting out a quality two-hours plus (including an interval) of jokes.
Receiving fours and fives pretty much across the board, Al Murray isn’t just a household name across the UK but still a very bloody good stand-up.
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Said to toy with the modern British population and PC culture, insisting it’s “lost its way” and is now seeking a “life partner/mentor/inspiration”, the description for Guv Island issues the following warning: “No timewasters, tedious show-offs or offend-o-trons”.
Tickets for both his Greater Manchester shows are on sale now and given that the former takes place this weekend at 7:30pm, you might want to be quick about getting one.
You can grab your seats for Al Murray’s show at the Stockport Plaza HERE or for his night at The Lowry this October HERE.
Featured Images — Press Images/Al Murray (via Instagram)
TV & Showbiz
More adult virgins needed for next series of Channel 4’s hit reality show Virgin Island
Emily Sergeant
Channel 4 is back looking for more adult virgins to take part in the potential next series of its hit reality show Virgin Island.
You may remember that early last year, we brought you the breaking highly-important news that Channel 4 was currently in the process of producing a new reality TV series that, at the time, had the working title of ‘The Intimacy Retreat’ and was looking for a group of adult virgins to apply to take part, if they were brave enough.
But now, well over a year on, we all know that show turned out to be the hit show Virgin Island – which has just finished airing its first series this week.
Channel 4 needs more adult virgins for the potential next series of its hit reality TV show Virgin Island / Credit: Channel 4
If you’re unfamiliar with Virgin Island, it’s unlike anything ever seen on TV before, as it follows the journey of a group of adult virgins who are whisked off to a Mediterranean island retreat to learn life-changing skills in the art of intimacy.
Working with leading international therapists, the aim is to help the young people overcome their fears and insecurities when it comes to intimacy and sex.
Channel 4 said it chose to commission the show after a recent study into intimacy found out that one in eight British 26-year-olds is, apparently, still a virgin.
Virgin Island aims to help young people overcome their insecurities around intimacy and sex / Credit: Channel 4
A casting call for the new series on the Channel 4 website reads: “Are you a virgin and do you need help and guidance with your fears and insecurities around intimacy and sex? Double Act Productions is casting adults for a potential second series of Virgin Island.”
You just need to be over 21 years of age to take part in the show.
Fancy it then? Or know someone who may be up for the ride? Applications for the potential next series of Virgin Island are now open, and there’s still plenty of time left to put your name down.
You can find out more and register your interest here.
Featured Image – Channel 4
TV & Showbiz
You can watch Twilight with a live orchestra surrounded by candlelight in Manchester
Emily Sergeant
One of the most iconic literary and film sagas of the 21st century is celebrating 20 years since the first book was published next year.
And to celebrate this milestone moment, you’ll be able to watch the first film live in dozens of cities across the UK surrounded by the beauty of more than a thousand candles while a live orchestra plays the soundtrack to accompany.
That’s right, Twilight in Concert is coming to Manchester.
Undeniably one of the most successful young adult film franchises of all time, with five films (Twilight, The Twilight Saga: New Moon, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse and The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Parts 1 & 2) to its name, The Twilight Saga has impressively grossed more than $3.3 billion at the worldwide box office.
You can watch Twilight with a live orchestra surrounded by candlelight in Manchester / Credit: Supplied
The films were adapted from author Stephenie Meyer’s acclaimed literary series that won multiple awards over its time, sold more than 160 million copies worldwide, and was translated into 49 different languages.
But no matter whether you’re Team Edward or Team Jacob, Twilight In Concert promises to be an unforgettable event for fans of the belovedfranchise, two decades on.
Set in an enchanting candlelit setting, TwilightIn Concert offers fans a unique opportunity to re-live the film that started it all, while musicians take the stage to perform the beloved score in perfect synchronisation with the original movie presented in its entirety on a cinema-size screen.
You can expect a 12-piece ensemble of rock and orchestral musicians / Credit: Supplied
You can expect a 12-piece ensemble of rock and orchestral musicians to transport you on a journey deep into the heart of Forks.
Twilight in Concert will be stopping off at 12 other major UK cities on its tour, including other northern hubs such as Sheffield, York, and Liverpool, as well as arriving at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall on Friday 6 February 2026.
Danny Jones -
15th April 2024 
