Kevin Hart is heading back to Manchester this week for a huge stand-up gig as part of his UK arena tour.
The comedian and actor will be bringing his Reality Check show to the AO Arena on Tuesday 25 April, before heading on to gigs in London and Glasgow.
It’s been six years since the Emmy and Grammy-nominated Kevin Hart toured the UK, when he was here with his What Now? tour.
And for his return, he’s making his shows totally phone-free events, with strict rules involved to keep devices out of action – and anyone caught using a phone inside will be told to leave.
It’s hoped that limiting access to mobile phones and devices will allow both artist and audience to ‘enjoy the show in the moment without distraction’.
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Here’s everything you need to know if you’re going along to the AO Arena this week.
What devices are banned at Kevin Hart’s AO Arena show?
Basically anything with a screen will be prohibited at the arena for Kevin Hart’s show.
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That includes mobile phones, tablets, smart watches, cameras and recording devices.
Ticket-holders are being encouraged to leave them at home if possible – but if you do need to bring one along, there’ll be measures in place to make sure you can’t use it inside.
How will the phone-free system work?
Kevin Hart has partnered with a company called Yondr, which provides lockable pouches to all ticket-holders.
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As you enter the AO Arena, your phone, smart watch or small camera (which needs to be off or on silent) will be put inside the Yondr pouch, which will then be locked.
You keep the pouch with your device it it on you at all times, then visit an unlocking station on the way out through the lobby – here you can get your device back out and drop the pouch back into a collection bin.
There’ll be dedicated Phone Use Zones in the venue for anyone who does need to use their phone.
It is recommended that you arrive early, as the Yondr bag securement process may result in delays during entry. Doors open from 6pm.
Make sure you declare any devices on entry (anyone found using a phone/device during the show will be asked to leave).
Only card payments can be made within the venue, as Applepay or similar payment methods will not be available to you without your phone/device. AO Arena is a cashless venue.
Phone Use Zones will be available in the venue if you need to use your phone/device.
Tickets for Kevin Hart
Kevin Hart. Credit: Flickr
There’s still a scattered number of tickets on sale for Kevin Hart’s Manchester gig this week, including a handful of seats together if you’re going in a group.
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Tickets start from £92.95 and go up to £120.95 – they’re still on sale now with Ticketmaster.
What are the stage times?
Doors to the AO Arena will open at 6pm, with Kevin Hart due on stage at 8pm.
Due to the phone-free logistics, it’s advised to allow yourself loads of time to get in and find your seats.
The venue
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.
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All bags are scanned on entry to check for prohibited items like laser pens, flares, projectiles, weapons, drugs and alcohol, and even selfie sticks.
Featured image: Publicity picture
What's On
Huge vintage home show to take over historic Manchester building next month
Emily Sergeant
One of Manchester’s most historic buildings is set to host a huge home show full of vintage finds next month.
The Vintage Home Show is taking over Victoria Baths for their second event of the year.
For anyone looking to add a retro touch to their homes, this is a chance to feast your eyes on a carefully-curated collection of furniture, homeware, ceramics, artworks, vinyl records, and more stocked by more than 60 knowledgeable sellers in a welcoming atmosphere amid the empty Grade II-listed swimming pool.
Planning to renovate in a vintage style? Or looking for one missing piece of the puzzle? This event can help you track down that something special for your home.
From one-off minimalist pieces, to mass-market retro and kitsch classics, with prices for items starting from as little as £1, you’ll have the chance to shop the collections of dozens of quality independent dealers from right around the UK, all under one historic roof.
Browse a selection of vibrant stalls featuring pieces spanning from the mid-century decades to the bold brightness of the 1990s, and everything in between.
No matter what your budget, you’ll find that gorgeous something to suit your impeccable taste.
Once you’ve finished shopping everything you need to transform your home, you can stop off at Victoria Baths’ on-site cafe to treat yourself to a selection of cakes, savouries, pastries, and soup, as well as both hot and cold drinks.
A huge vintage home show will be taking over the historic Victoria Baths in Manchester next month / Credit: Vintage Home Show
The Vintage Home Fair will take over Victoria Baths on Sunday 5 October, kicking off from 10:30am for keen shoppers after ‘Early Bird’ entry, while ‘Standard Entry’ starts at 11am and runs through the day until 3:30pm.
Due to popularity, the event will be operating a timed ticket entry process, that way organisers can manage the numbers of visitors in the building at any one time to allow everyone a chance to see everything.
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Tickets are now on sale, priced anywhere from £2 to £6 depending on the time you go, so you simply need to arrive anytime within your allocated hour and stay as long as you wish.
Rochdale will be hosting its FIRST EVER comedy festival later month
Thomas Melia
There’s a comedy festival making its way to Rochdale for the first time ever, and it’s taking place over 10 days this autumn.
Rochdale is preparing for barrels of laughter, as the borough is about to host a comedy festival as part of its events programme for being crowned Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture for 2025-26.
The line-up features some well-renowned names in thecomedy world, many of whom have received awards and recognition along the way.
You can expect appearances from Lou Conran, who features as a regular support act for Sarah Millican, Tez Ilyas, from ‘Man Like Mobeen’, and TV comedy legend Mick Miller. There’s even some Britain’s Got Talent alumni in the form of last year’s finalist Alex Mitchell and 2017 semi-finalist Jonny Awsum.
Tez Ilyaz, Lou Conran and Brennan Reece are just some of the acts listed for Rochdale Comedy Festival / Credit: Supplied
Edinburgh Festival favourite Patrick Monahan will be performing along with English comedian of the year Rob Mullholland, Aaron Wood – named by Rolling Stone UK as one of the 12 rising comedy stars to see at the Edinburgh Fringe this summer, and comedy musician Alex Camp.
The lineup also includes Robin Ince, co-host and creator of Sony Gold Award winning BBC Radio 4 series The Infinite Monkey Cage, and a whole host of other stand-up acts who are all gearing up ready to make Rochdale giggle.
“Us northerners are famous for our sense of humour and there’s a big appetite for comedy,” commented Councillor Sue Smith, who is the cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council.
Rochdale Comedy Festival has an array of comedians taking part including Jonny Awsum and Daisy Earl / Credit: Supplied
“I’m happy to see Rochdale Comedy Festival launching during our year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture.
“It will bring together communities and give new comedians a chance to shine.”
So whether you’re in need of a cheer up, or you’re a comedy aficionado, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to crack a smile at Rochdale Comedy Festival, as it’s happening across 10 days from 26 September to 5 October in various venues across the Greater Manchester borough.
Daisy Jackson -
24th April 2023 
