Manchester Opera House has this week released revised dates for its new socially-distanced production of Sleeping Beauty this Christmas.
Following England’s second national lockdown coming to an end, and a return to the government’s new “tougher” three tiered regional system commencing – with Greater Manchester having entered into Tier 3 restrictions – Manchester Opera House has confirmed that the opening of Sleeping Beauty will be delayed.
The production – which was due to open next week – will now begin on Thursday 24th December 2020, and run until Sunday 10 January 2021.
Manchester Opera House said it is “determined to stage this wonderful production” as safely as possible.
The pantomime – which has been created especially for Manchester Opera House in this unprecedented year – will be “a riotously funny, one-act celebration of pantomime” and it’s set to be packed full of comedy and laughter to allow audience members the opportunity to come safely together and enjoy the magic of the much-loved and unique art form this festive season.
Funding from The National Lottery has helped panto return to the Opera House Manchester this year.
Following the announcement that Manchester is moving to Tier 3 restrictions, we want to reassure all our Sleeping Beauty socially-distanced pantomime ticket holders that we are doing everything in our power to bring this show to our city. (1/3)
Given this wait, we must confirm that the show will need to open later than previously planned and we will share all information with bookers directly via email. Let’s stay safe, look out for each another and keep positive that we come together in 2020! (3/3)
Speaking on the release of the revised dates, Sheena Wrigley – Theatre Director of Manchester Palace & Opera House – said: “Given the downward trend of the virus in the city, and the community’s campaign for the reduction of the Tier level at the next review, we continue to be hopeful that we can stage the show this Christmas, opening a little later than planned on 24th December.
“We thank all of our customers for their patience at this time as we work to get affected bookings rescheduled,
“And [we] are also grateful The National Lottery for their continued support to enable the rescheduled performances to go ahead.”
It was also announced last month that NHS staff are to be given free tickets to the opening night performance as a thank you for all their hard work during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic this year, but this has now also been rescheduled to the performance on Friday 8 January at 7pm.
All original ballot entries remain valid, and winners will be contacted from 7th December.
Palace & Opera / ATG Tickets
The relaxed performance of Sleeping Beauty – has been specially adapted to allow those with autism, sensory and communication disorders, learning difficulties or anyone who would benefit from a more informal setting to enjoy the performance, comfortably – has also been rescheduled.
This will now take place on Wednesday 6 January at 1pm.
Customers will be pleased to know that there are no changes to the originally-announced cast and can expect to see Salford-born comedian Jason Manford as Muddles, alongside Blackpool’s own Jodie Prenger as The Enchantress, Billy Pearce as King Billy, Eric Potts as The Queen, Jenny Gaynor as Carabosse, Louis Gaunt as The Prince, and Sarah Goggin as Princess Beauty.
Aside from free / discounted eligibility, ticket prices start from £13 per person.
Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Manchester Opera House’s capacity is being reduced by 50%, there’ll be staggered arrival times and one way systems in place, with sanitising stations placed around the venue, and deep cleaning taking place between every performance.
You can grab your tickets and find more information here.
What's On
You can star in your own series of Taskmaster in a castle near Greater Manchester this summer
Clementine Hall
Are you ready to channel your inner comedian? Great, because Taskmaster is coming up north.
Well…sort of.
The beloved (and hilarious) show is bringing a family-friendly version to Beeston Castle and Gardens, which is a picturesque English Heritage site in the rural Beeston area of Tarporley in Cheshire, and you are invited to try your hand at the wacky tasks yourselves.
From now right up until Sunday 31 August, visitors can take part in the ridiculous challenges inspired by the hit TV show.
In partnership with English Heritage, it’s appropriate for all ages and a fantastic day out for all the family.
Contestants will pick up their score card on arrival before exploring the site and getting involved in tasks along the way.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the popular comedy show or a complete newbie, this Taskmaster experience guarantees a hilarious day out in the Cheshire countryside… and don’t worry, Greg Davies and Alex Horne won’t be judging your efforts along the way either – phew.
“We are delighted to be collaborating with the Taskmaster team this summer,” commented Beth Stone, who is the Head of Visitor Engagement and Experience at English Heritage.
You can star in your own series of Taskmaster near Greater Manchester this summer / Credit: Jim Holden (via English Heritage)
“From tasks such as becoming a monarch and making your own laws, to creating your own solstice, our visitors can expect a host of fun with a history twist at many of our properties, and of course, plenty of rubber ducks.”
Alex Horne, creator and star of Taskmaster, added: “It’s nice to go to nice places, but it’s even nicer to do fun things in those nice places – and this should ensure you can do just that for this summer at least.”
To find out more, take a look at English Heritage’s website here.
Featured Image – English Heritage
What's On
Classical musician Hauser announces huge arena gig in Manchester later this year
Thomas Melia
Croatian cellist and former member of classical band 2CELLOS, Hauser, has announced a tour including an arena date in Manchester this year.
World-class musician Stjepan Hauser, known professionally as Hauser, is getting ready to pack his cello and cheeky smile as he embarks on ‘The Rebel Is Back’ tour.
Hauser has amassed a worldwide cult following of classical music lovers, by not only respecting the genre, but evolving it too by intertwining his cello skills into modern day pop hits.
The cellist has covered lots of current pop songs while part of musical duo 2CELLOS like ‘We Found Love’, ‘Despacito’, and ‘Viva La Vida’.
You can also expect to hear covers of some of music’s greatest compositions, including the timeless opera classic ‘Nessun Dorma’, and highly-adored ballet piece ‘Swan Lake’.
Recently, Hauser has teamed up with London Symphony Orchestra to reimagine Ennio Morricone’s ‘Le Vent, le cri’, taken from the 1981 French film Le Professionnel.
Hauser has performed in over 40 countries and played at some of the most prestigious venues across the world – including Royal Albert Hall and Sydney Opera House.
He’s also become a social media sensation, capturing people’s attention via his videos playing his cello in a variety of interesting locations like a swimming pool, at the desert, and even on the famous Brooklyn Bridge.
Classical musician Hauser announces huge arena gig in Manchester later this year / Credit: Stefan Brending (via Wikimedia Commons)
You’ll be able to identify a lot of the tracks played out when Hauser visits AO Arena, as his upcoming album titled Cinema, features a wide variety of soundtracks and film theme tunes.
The highly-anticipated LP from Hauser contains ‘What Was I Made For?’ from Barbie, ‘Mission: Impossible’, ‘A Time For Us’ from Romeo and Juliet, alongside lots more motion picture melodies.
The musician is quite familiar with Manchester city city centre too, Hauser studied at Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester before taking the classical world by storm.
Emily Sergeant -
4th December 2020 
