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Everything you need to know about Michael McIntyre’s MAGNIFICENT tour at AO Arena

Dads, we do hope you kept your tickets in the 'man drawer'.

Danny Jones - 22nd March 2024

British comedy legend Michael McIntyre is rolling back into Manchester this weekend for a double bill of his brand-new tour, MAGNIFICENT at the AO Arena.

Still one of the biggest names in UK comedy and always delivering a reliable and largely family-friendly performance (this being a 14+ show), he’s set to pack out the legendary Manc entertainment venue this Friday and Saturday.

Despite being a household name for the best part of two decades now, this latest show is actually his first stand-up tour in five years and has already received pretty solid reviews from the likes of Chorlte, so it’s great to see him back out on the circuit.

With all that in mind, we thought we’d provide those going along to either of his two Manchester shows with all the info you need.

Are there tickets left?

michael mcintyre manchester gig tickets — Credit: UKTV Gold

First off, if you’re still looking to grab tickets to see Michael McIntyre at Manchester’s AO Arena, although the Sunday is sold out there are still a fair few tickets left for the Friday, 22 March show.

With the cheapest tickets starting from just £34.50 and the closest seats going all the way up to £147.06, you can pretty much have your pick of the bunch.

As always, if you’re feeling like being a bit posh and treating yourself (you always deserve it, as far as we’re concerned), you can of course spring for the more premium hospitality packages like the Electric Lounge’s Champagne Experience. You can find the full gamut of tickets HERE.

Warm-up act and stage times for Michael McIntyre’s Manchester show

As for stage times, comedy shows at the AO Arena skew slightly earlier than the likes of your live music in Manchester but we can still let you know how long you can expect to be there.

Doors are set to open from 6pm on both nights but the jokes won’t start flying until 8pm, so you’ll have plenty of time to grab a drink, something to eat, nip to the loo etc.

With opening support act Jake Lambert — who has also turned with the likes of industry heavyweights Romesh Ranganathan and Jack Dee — set to take the stage for a 20-minute warm-up set at 8pm, McIntyre isn’t due on until 8:20pm, and his roughly 75-minute set will take you up to 22:10pm, so you should be out well before the venue’s curfew at 11pm.

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How to get to the AO Arena and other travel info

The AO Arena is right in the heart of the city centre, so it’s fairly easy to get to.

On foot:

The AO Arena is located within the Manchester Victoria Station complex in the city centre, on the corner of Trinity Way, Hunts Bank and Great Ducie Street. You can enter through the station (up the stairs), through the Trinity Way Tunnel, or from Hunts Bank.

By tram: Also super straight-forward – hop off the tram at Manchester Victoria and you’re right by the stairs to the venue. It’s also a short walk from Exchange Square and Shudehill. Trams run directly to Victoria Station from Rochdale, Bury, Altrincham, East Didsbury and the Airport.

By train: While Piccadilly is the city’s largest train station, plenty of trains do pass through Manchester Victoria. You can plan your journey through the National Rail website.

Parking: The postcode if you’re driving to the AO Arena is M3 1AR. There’s an on-site CitiPark car park with 958 spaces, which can be pre-booked here. Bear in mind that Trinity Way is closed after concerts to allow gig-goers to leave safely, though cars are allowed out of the car park with directions from staff.

About the AO Arena

The AO Arena has a few strict policies to keep gig-goers safe, so make sure to check entry requirements carefully before you travel.

For example, only one small bag per person is allowed, and bags like backpacks, travel cases and laptop bags are not permitted inside the arena.

All bags are scanned on entry to check for prohibited items like laser pens, flares, projectiles, weapons, drugs and alcohol, and even selfie sticks.

We hope that should be everything you need to know ahead of Michael McIntyre’s two Manchester shows this weekend.

The veteran comic also recently had to postpone a show in Southampton after undergoing surgery at the start of the month, so we’re glad to hear he’s back fit, fighting and funny.

Also, if you’re looking for somewhere for a classy drink and a nice bite to eat, then the brand-new Mezz restaurant is the perfect spot for some pre-gig fun.