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Hit musical Dreamgirls is coming to Manchester on its first UK-wide tour

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 23rd April 2021

World-famous musical Dreamgirls is heading out on a tour of the UK, and will be stopping off at Manchester next September.

This is the first time the hit show is set to tour the country.

The multi award-winning production – which was also notably adapted into a film starring Beyonce and Jennifer Hudson in 2006 – follows the lives of three young singers, Effie, Lorrell and Deena, as they navigate the turbulence of the 1960s and the cut-throat world of fame, fortune and show business.

Dreamgirls was originally set to tour the UK back in 2020, but all dates understandably had to be postponed and rearranged due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The tour has now been confirmed for 2021-2023, starting in Liverpool this December and arriving at Manchester’s Palace Theatre between Wednesday 13th September and Saturday 24th September 2022.

Dreamgirls made its West End premiere in 2016 at the Savoy Theatre, 35 years after opening on Broadway, and has since gone on to win six Tony Awards and two Grammy Awards.

Nicole Raquel Dennis – a stage veteran and a finalist on ITV’s The Voice – will play the role of Effie White.

She is also set to star in productions of Waitress, The Book of Mormon and Dear Evan Hansen.

At present, dates for the Dreamgirls UK tour are subject to the government guidance for indoor performances, with the Palace Theatre and Opera House Theatre in Manchester yesterday publishing a joint statement on reopening dates saying: “As we continue to plan for our theatre reopening, we are today suspending performances to Saturday 26th June.

“This announcement puts us on a path towards opening our doors to you all.

“Our team is coming back to work in our theatre and this additional period also gives our producer partners the time to prepare their amazing productions.

“If this affects your booking, you don’t need to do anything, and we will email you soon. We’ve rescheduled so many incredible productions and will continue to find new dates for these shows. If your performance is rescheduled your tickets and seats will be automatically transferred.

“We are so close to our first standing ovation and we cannot wait to share the moment with you all”.

Dreamgirls UK / Aaron Crockett

The Dreamgirls UK tour will be at the Palace Theatre Manchester from 13th – 24th September 2022, and tickets will on sale at 10am next Tuesday 27th April.

You can grab yours here.

Featured Image – Dreamgirls UK / Aaron Crockett

What's On

Trafford Centre’s massive student night returns next month with up to 30% off on big brands

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Shopping at the Trafford Centre

Students can get themselves up to 30% off on food, activities, and loads of big-name brands at the Trafford Centre next month.

With thousands of new and returning students set to start arriving for the new academic year at Greater Manchester‘s universities over the next couple of weeks, one of the region’s biggest student nights will be making a long-awaited comeback for one night only next month, and there’ll be lots of exclusive offers and free entertainment to make the most of across the evening.

Taking over the Trafford Centre in early October, the popular one-off student night is happening in partnership with Student Shopping UK, and gives cash-strapped students the chance to shop a variety of incredible discounts all under one roof.

Just some of the big brands offering big discounts include 20% off at Levi’s, 20% off at Tommy Hilfiger, 20% off River Island, 20% off at All Saints, 25% off at Boux Avenue, and 15% off at both Hotel Chocolat, and Monica Vinader at Selfridges.

Rituals, Flying Tiger, New Look, and Office are just a couple of the other shops you can head to for some savings.

It’s not just retail brands you’ll be able to save some pennies on either, as many of the Trafford Centre’s restaurants and cafes will also be offering discounts and freebies on the night too, with 20% off at places like Wagamama and Barburrito, 25% off The Real Greek, and £5 pizzas and exclusive discounts at the new Franco Manca.

You can also tuck into cut-price foodie feasts at Yo Sushi, KFC, and Costa, while places like Gymshark, Boots, Paradise Island Adventure Golf, and Selfridges are some of the places doing giveaways, workshops, offering freebies and prizes, and more.

And, if all of that wasn’t exciting enough as it is, you can expect live music to entertain you whilst you shop – with DJ blasting tunes all night long.

Trafford Centre’s massive student night returns next month with up to 30% off on big brands / Credit: Trafford Centre

“Our annual Student Night is always hugely popular,” commented Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at Trafford Centre.

“This year we’ve secured some amazing deals and exclusive savings from many of our stores and restaurants.

“With frequent tram services from Manchester city centre on Metrolink’s Trafford Park line, plus regular buses from all over the region, now’s your chance to experience the unique vibe of the Trafford Centre.”

Read more:

The Trafford Centre’s Student Night is happening on Thursday 2 October from 6-10pm, and students can now reserve themselves a spot by registering online here.

Featured Image – Trafford Centre

What's On

Greater Manchester’s beloved Santa steam trains are back again this Christmas

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Greater Manchester’s beloved Santa steam train rides are back for more festive fun this Christmas, and tickets are already on sale… genuinely.

Sure, it’s literally only the second week of September, and we’ve technically still got the rest of summer, and the small matter of Halloween and Bonfire Night to get through first, but East Lancashire Railway (ELR) is already looking ahead to the most magical time of year.

The heritage railway has announced that its popular ‘Santa Specials’ steam train rides are back once again from late November.

The famous festive steam trains have become an essential part of Christmas for many families in the North West.

You can already grab tickets for Greater Manchester’s beloved Santa steam train rides this Christmas / Credit: ELR

And in recent years, the much-loved event has been even bigger and better than ever before.

ELR’s ‘Santa Specials‘ are your chance to hop on board an old-school steam train and travel through the magical Irwell Valley to make ‘enchanted memories’ that last a lifetime.

The truly special Christmas day out starts as you make your way through a winter wonderland at Bury Bolton Street Station.

You’ll first get to meet some old favourites and new characters, including the magical talking Christmas tree, Mrs Claus, and ELR’s very own Ice Princess, all before before having a singalong with a chorus of musical polar bears. 

The festive fun then continues on the Santa Special steam trains themselves, with an 80-minute ‘enchanting voyage’ through the picturesque Greater Manchester countryside.

And, of course, you can expect a special visit from Santa while you’re on board.

The famous East Lancashire Railway ‘Santa Special’ steam train / Credit: Darren Robinson Photography (via ELR)

After you’ve grabbed a selfie or two with the big man himself, the grown-ups can look forward to mince pies and festive tipple, while little Mancs can enjoy a soft drink, some chocolate, and take a festive-themed activity pack home with them.

East Lancashire Railway’s famous Santa Specials are running on weekends and selected weekdays from Saturday 22 November – Wednesday 24 December.

Tickets now on sale starting from £22.50 for kids and £23 for adults.

Read more:

You can book your seats here before it’s too late.

Featured Image – ELR

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