Multitalented 30-piece orchestra to perform RnB classics at O2 Ritz
RnB Classics has been in the pipeline since 2018 - put together by a team of professional orchestrators, DJs and arrangers, all of whom have been deeply ingrained in classical, pop and jazz music industries for the last decade.
A 30-piece multitalented ensemble featuring some of the UK’s most talented musicians is coming to Manchester to perform a full night of RnB classics this autumn.
Paradox Orchestra – a powerhouse collective of musicians who’ve worked with everyone from Little Mix to Craig David, Liam Gallagher and Louis Tomlinson – is taking to the stage at O2 Ritz in September, reimagining the biggest rhythm and blues tunes released at the turn of the millennium.
The blockbuster two-and-a-half-hour show will see renditions of Destiny’s Child, Sean Paul, Kelis, Outkast and The Black Eyed Peas, among others – with promoters inviting Mancs to “get their freak on” for a night of early noughties bangers.
Paradox Orchestra will perform the set on Sunday 26 September 2021 from 7pm.
RnB Classics will be performed by a 30-piece ensemble
Promoter Mikey Sluman said: “We can’t wait to bring Paradox Orchestra to the people of Manchester, a city that has one of the most vibrant music scenes in the world. The orchestra is made up of musicians who have worked with the likes of Kano, Elizabeth Troy, Celeste, Sugababes, Marc Almond, So Solid Crew, Naughty Boy…the list is endless!
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“It’s a top, hand-picked orchestra with only the best musicians in the industry. I can promise you will be leaving the O2 Ritz having been dancing non-stop all night and having enjoyed one of the best parties you’ve had this year.
“Having been a resident of Manchester for over 6 years I know how much the people of this fine city have missed a good night out and I can guarantee they are going to love this show.”
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RnB Classics has been in the pipeline since 2018 – put together by a team of professional orchestrators, DJs and arrangers, all of whom have been working across classical, pop and jazz music industries for the last decade.
Paradox Orchestra will perform at the O2 Ritz on 26 September
Musical Director of the show Laurence Mason said: “It’s been really exciting orchestrating all of this incredible music for the show, I’ve been transcribing our original mixes by our resident DJ, Tom Langur by ear to create a bespoke set of parts for the orchestra and five of the most outstanding vocalists to perform.
“This is going to be a really unique gigging experience brought to you by some amazing musicians. The crossover of pop, jazz and classical is going to take the audience on such a high energy journey, the way Tom has mixed the songs is really unique to our production.
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“Everyone is going to be leaving the show wanting to come back again and again!”
Paradox Orchestra will perform at the O2 Ritz on 26 September.
Check out the Orchestra in action on their socials and from their Eiger Studios session, filmed by Connor Page (@pageandpixels).
What's On
More Metrolink disruption expected as further tram strikes have been scheduled
Danny Jones
Further disruption to the Bee Network is now expected during an already full-on time of year, as more Metrolink tram strikes have been scheduled over the festive period.
Put in the simplest terms, members of Unite the Union have said: “The dispute is over driver fatigue and fears that their shift patterns and lack of rest breaks are putting them and passengers at risk.”
As a result, they have now pencilled in protests on 19, 20 and 31 December, holding walkouts from their usual timetable.
A largely empty St Peter’s Square tram stop is a fairly rare sight to see. (Credit: The Manc)
In addition to the other pair of strikes planned for this coming weekend (5-7 Dec), the latest trio have been specifically timed in and around key dates on the city’s calendar.
As well as the return of Manchester’s firework display on St. Peter’s Square, the walk-outs will also coincide with a Manchester City fixture at the Etihad Stadium, as well as notable live music gigs like Jools Holland and Manc band, Doves.
Naturally, tens upon tens of thousands are set to use the Bee Network and trams, in particular, to travel to these events – reiterating just how important properly investing and staffing the Metrolink and other arms of Manchester’s public transport service is.
The most recent update from the union continues: “Unite has repeatedly raised issues with management, but has been told there is no funding available for improvements to working patterns.”
Their General Secretary, Sharon Graham, said as part of the most recent statement: “Driver fatigue is a serious problem. Our members are raising serious concerns about their and their passengers’ safety, but Metrolink management is burying its head in the sand.
“Management must sort this problem out once and for all. It can’t try to fob drivers off by putting profits before safety.”
Here are some of the scenes from the demonstrations earlier this year:
⏰HAPPENING NOW; when Transport for Greater Manchester wouldn't come to the table SO the strikers brought the table (*and chairs) to them! We're ready when you are TfGM. pic.twitter.com/io1OFHED8I
Union members have also clarified their position surrounding ‘fatigue’; it isn’t just the fear of possible risks in operating a tram whilst being “exhausted”, but both the wider mental and physical toll that working the current shift patterns has on workers.
One driver quoted as saying: “My colleagues are tired, but the fatigue is also giving them cold-like symptoms and many have been going off sick with stress, which adds to problems with staffing levels.”
So, if you’re planning on using the Metrolink this holiday season when travelling around for Christmas shopping or even just going home, make sure to keep the strike dates in mind.
Elsewhere, the Bee Network has also provided more information on the designs to bring tram lines to Stockport town centre. Read more down below.
Featured Images — David Dixon (via Geograph)/The Manc Group
What's On
The Tina Turner Musical at Palace Theatre, Manchester – simply the best
Aimee Woodcock
Tina – The Tina Turner Musical has landed in Manchester, with a run of shows at the Palace Theatre taking place all the way into 2026.
And on opening night last week, the show lit up the Palace Theatre with a fierce, emotional and utterly captivating performance that charted Tina’s extraordinary life from her childhood in Nutbush to becoming the queen of Rock and Roll.
The cast delivered a knockout evening, bringing humour, heartbreak and sheer power to a story that truly earns its standing ovation.
Leading in the role of Tina, Jochebel Ohene MacCarthy was nothing short of phenomenal, capturing both the raw vulnerability of teen Anna Mae Bullock and the unstoppable force of the icon she became. Her vocals were electric, presence magnetic – a true tribute to Tina herself.
Opposite her, David King-Yombo’s portrayal of Ike Turner was chilling, layered and deeply impactful, grounding the story in its difficult truths without overshadowing Tina’s resilience.
Strong support from Martin Allanson (Phil Spector), William Beckerleg (Erwin Bach) and Isaac Elder (Roger Davies) rounded out a perfectly balanced cast. Special mention also to Sophia St Louis (young Anna-Mae) who belts out every vocal with ease, a true honour to watch her on the stage.
Tina – The Tina Turner Musical has arrived at Manchester’s Palace Theatre. Credit: Manuel Harlan
The musical beautifully weaves Tina’s life through her legendary discography. Opening with “Nutbush City Limits,” we step straight into her Tennessee childhood before moving through her early performing days with high-energy numbers like “Shake a Tail Feather” and “A Fool in Love.” The tension rises with “River Deep – Mountain High,” a defiant, goosebump-inducing moment that marked the beginning of Tina reclaiming her voice.
Act Two dives into reinvention, beginning with a vulnerable and reflective “Private Dancer,” before ramping up to the hits that defined her solo career. “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” and “Proud Mary” was a standout – tender and triumphant all at once, while “The Best” closed the night with every person in the theatre on their feet.
This production doesn’t sanitise Tina’s story – it honours her strength, her fire, and her refusal to break. Emotional, electrifying and delivered with absolute heart, it’s a must-see tribute to a woman who truly was… simply the best.
You can get tickets for TINA – The Tina Turner Musical in Manchester HERE.
The Manc -
13th July 2021 
