Theatre

Hit musical The King and I is returning to Manchester for another theatre run

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 15th July 2022

Record-breaking musical The King and I is heading back to Manchester next year on a major UK theatre tour.

The majestic production is set in 1860s Bangkok, and follows the relationship between the King of Siam and a British schoolteacher, Anna Leonowens.

Anna is employed in the Thai capital to teach the King’s many children – as well as his wives.

The romantic musical theatre plays out on stage with more than 50 world-class performers and a full-scale orchestra.

A previous cast on The King & I – the musical is heading to Manchester. Credit: Johan Persson

Songs within The King and I include Whistle a Happy Tune, Getting to Know You and Shall We Dance.

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The production is heading back out on tour, following a record-breaking runs on Broadway and at the London Palladium, as well as its previous UK and international tour.

The multi-award winning musical will be back at the Palace Theatre in 2023.

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It will again be directed by Tony Award-winning Bartlett Sher but with a brand new cast.

A previous cast on The King & I – the musical is heading to Manchester. Credit: Johan Persson

Producer Howard Panter says: “We are delighted to take this majestic multi award-winning production of THE KING AND I on a major UK and international tour in 2023.

“The London Palladium season saw critical plaudits, Box Office records and standing ovations at every show – we were overwhelmed with the rapturous response.

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Read more: A musical version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is coming to Manchester next summer

“Coupled with the reaction to the Global cinema screenings of the film version – which was the biggest theatre event in cinemas of the year and number one at the Box Office.

“This really is musical theatre at its very best, so we are thrilled that we can now share this wondrous production with theatre lovers up and down the country next year.”

The King and I will be at the Palace Theatre in Manchester from 8 May, 2023. You can buy tickets for the theatre here.

Featured image: Johan Persson

Theatre

Chicago the Musical razzles (and dazzles) at the Palace Theatre in Manchester

Clementine Hall 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.

Images: Supplied

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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.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Press images (Supplied)

Theatre

Giselle, one of the greatest romantic ballets, has landed in Manchester and it’s a must-see

Eva Claricoates 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.

giselle ballet manchester review
giselle review palace theatre manchester
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.

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Giselle runs until the 2 November at the Palace Theatre and it’s well worth going along to if you ask us.

You can grab your tickets HERE.

It’s not the only impressive show we’ve caught at the Palace recently either.

Grease The Musical at Palace Theatre Manchester – a fizzing celebration of nostalgia
If Giselle or the ballet doesn’t quite tickle your fancy, why not try the biggest show in Manchester right now?

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Press Images (supplied)/The Manc Group

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