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
An unmissable Whitney Houston tribute event is returning to Greater Manchester
Thomas Melia
A much-adored and cherished Whitney Houston tribute show is returning to Greater Manchester later this year for not one but two different shows, each channelling the charisma and energy of the pop legend.
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the phenomenal theatre production, ‘Queen of the Night’, the show is visiting a multitude of stages and venues all across the UK.
0161 had to receive at least one date on this tour, partly due to being the music capital of the North and also due to the fact that this is a city many fans of the 80s diva will forever hold close to their hearts.
Houston played her final ever concert performance of her career here in this very city back in 2010, taking up residence in AO Arena for two nights of world-renowned ballads and mesmerising live vocals.
This tribute show is set to include some of the diva’s biggest and much-loved hits like ‘I Will Always Love You’, ‘How Will I Know’ and ‘The Greatest Love of All’, the audience is sure to be singing along.
Adenike Adewale is taking on the role of the American R’n’B Pop singer and is no stranger to the stage or TV, featuring on The Voice in 2021 where she sang a Whitney classic, making it to the semi-finals.
Fast forward to 1 June and the tour returns to Greater Manchester and legendary city centre space, Bridgewater Hall: an incredible room more than fit for renditions of the powerhouse vocalist.
A pair of stunning venues, two stunning shows and one incomparable voice.
It’s not only our lovely region the Queen of the Night experience will be visiting; our friends over at The Hoot have plenty of nearby opportunities to sing along too, with Yorkshire dates in Hull, Halifax, Harrogate and Bradford to name a few.
I’m definitely saving all my love for when this show visits us later this year in March, and after I buy out the front row for all my friends I’ll certainly relate to the smash 1993 single ‘I Have Nothing’.
Tickets are on sale already now – you can grab yours HERE.
Charlotte Dawson will be handing out compliments and big prizes in Manchester to brighten Blue Monday
Daisy Jackson
TV star Charlotte Dawson will be cheering up Blue Monday in Manchester, dishing out compliments to strangers and awarding some big prizes too.
The actress, who is the daughter of the legendary late Les Dawson, will be bringing her signature sunny energy to Printworks on Monday 20 January.
Otherwise known as Blue Monday, it’s believed that the third Monday in January is the most depressing day of the year – so she’s here to nip that in the bud.
Between 1pm and 3pm on the huge gaming screen inside Printworks – part of its £21m transformation that included adding a huge digital ceiling – Charlotte Dawson will be spreading joy and laughter.
She’ll be live streaming straight to passers-by, spreading smiles and dishing out compliments.
Charlotte will also be treating visitors to some amazing prizes from Printworks’ collection of bars, restaurants and leisure venues.
These prizes will include free brunch for four at Walkabout, gaming sessions at Bierkeller, or family cinema tickets with Ice Blasts at VUE. Other prizes include Nando’s vouchers, a drink and activity for two at the new Trax Social, and much more.
And the top prize will be a luxury overnight stay for two at Hotel Indigo, just across the road in the very heart of Manchester.
Charlotte Dawson will take part in Blue Monday at Printworks, Manchester
There’ll even be free coffee vouchers for Todd St Cafe on offer to brighten your Blue Monday.
Kristian Brennan, Marketing Manager at Printworks, said: “We couldn’t be more excited to have Charlotte at Printworks this Blue Monday.
“As a true Mancunian icon, her vibrant personality is exactly what we need to brighten up the most depressing day of the year and we know she’ll bring plenty of laughs and smiles to everyone who stops by.
“What makes this event truly unique is the opportunity for the public to chat with Charlotte under Europe’s largest digital ceiling, which will showcase new mood-boosting content.
“It’s an innovative and exciting way for people to connect, and we can’t wait to see families and friends come together to create joyful memories in this truly unique setting!”
Daisy Jackson -
24th April 2023 
