JulyDecember 2024
NEW SEASON OF EVENTS WELCOME TO A
at Middleton Arena!
We’re ready to take you through the summer months right through to Christmas with some brilliant shows and, of course, our ever popular pantomime.
Fans of glitz, glamour and fun are spoiled for choice this season as we have the UK’s most popular redhead, drag queen La Voix returning to Middleton; as well as the hugely popular Lady Boys of Bangkok (p10) in town with their 25th anniversary show.
Sports fanatics take your pick from the return of An Evening of Snooker Greats (p18), this time with the legendary Stephen Hendry and Mark Williams; Manchester City 99 Heroes (p16); and everyone’s favourite sports anchorman Jeff Stelling (p20), in conversation with footballer Paul Merson.
As the nights draw in, spook yourself silly with serial killer investigator Colin Sutton and The Makings of a Murderer 2 (p10); or experience the chills
and thrills of Most Haunted Live (p19), with Yvette Fielding.
As ever we have plenty for music lovers, with the return of popular tribute shows One Night of Billy Joel (p21) and Totally Tina; as well as UK Pink Floyd Experience (p9) and The Chicago Blues Brothers (p16), plus many more.
Little ones don’t miss out, with Milkshake! Live (p9) rolling into town for the summer holidays accompanied by the one and only Chase and Marshall from Paw Patrol; and a magical adaptation of The Very Hungry Caterpillar (p14) featuring 75 loveable puppets!
We're delighted to have been added to Manford's Comedy Club's roster, as comedian Jason Manford brings his standup comedy night to Middleton for the first time (p13).
And, of course, don’t forget our hugely popular panto is back for November and December with romance, music and lots of laughs in Sleeping Beauty (p22); whilst Beauty and the Beast (p24) will be sprinkling some fairy dust over Heywood Sports Centre.
Read about our brand new online gift vouchers on page 4 and visit us at yourtrustrochdale.co.uk for more information on the charity’s wider activities.
We look forward to seeing you this season!
GIFT VOUCHERS
Give the gift of entertainment with a Middleton Arena gift voucher. Whether a fan of music or comedy, theatre or dance, a Middleton Arena gift voucher gives a night out to remember!
Scan the QR code to purchase online
BEST OF FRIENDS MEMBERSHIP
Enjoy savings on theatre and concert tickets throughout the year with our Best Of Friends scheme – for only £15 per year. Better yet, Best of Friends Membership is FREE for Your Leisure Members!
Scan the QR code to register:
BOOKING
AND FACILITIES
ONLINE
Book online 24 hours a day at yourtix.co.uk
TELEPHONE
Call our box office on 0300 303 8633, Monday - Friday, 10am - 2.30pm
IN PERSON
Middleton Arena’s box office is open Monday - Friday, 10am - 2.30pm
BLUE LIGHT DISCOUNT
We’re delighted to announce that we’ve become part of
the Blue Light Card discount scheme, offering 15% off tickets to those in the NHS, emergency services, social care sector and armed forces. Find out how to register your Blue Light Card with us at middletonarena.com
ESSENTIAL COMPANIONS
Our Essential Companions scheme exists to enable all patrons to equally participate in Middleton Arena and Heywood Civic Centre events. It is offered to all those who require a companion to assist in accessing the facilities. More information on applying
for our Essential Companions scheme can be found at middletonarena.com
ACCESSIBILITY
All public areas are fully accessible, with lifts to upper floors available at Middleton Arena. Both also have accessible toilets and baby changing facilities. For more accessibility info, please see yourtrustrochdale.co.uk or call 0300 303 8633.
DON’T STOP QUEEN NOW
FRIDAY 5 JULY, 7.30PM
MIDDLETON ARENA
Tickets from £25
Tonight, you’re gonna have yourself a real good time!
With this smash hit show, relive the magic of Queen or discover it for the first time as they play all of the hits such as Bohemian Rhapsody, We Are The Champions, We Will Rock You and of course, Don’t Stop Me Now.
Don’t Stop Queen Now‘s energetic and true-to-life performance, fronted by the incredible Michael Spence, who has featured on ITV1 as Freddie Mercury, brings Queen’s 40+ year reign to life in a show that’s guaranteed to blow your mind!
FROM GOLD TO RIO - THE GREATEST HITS OF SPANDAU BALLET & DURAN DURAN
FRIDAY 19 JULY, 7.30PM
MIDDLETON ARENA
Tickets from £24.50
From Gold to Rio will take you on a nostalgic journey back to the New Romantic era which ruled the charts for over a decade. With over 20 top ten hits, the show features non-stop classics including Gold, Rio, True, The Reflex, Through The Barricades, Save A Prayer, Lifeline and Girls on Film.
So, if you’re a Duranie, a Spandie, a Wild Boy or a Soul Boy, then this is something you don’t want to miss!
BIG GIRLS DON’T CRY
FRIDAY 26 JULY, 7.30PM
MIDDLETON ARENA
Tickets from £28
It’s time to hang on to what we got and celebrate the iconic sounds of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons! Come out tonight as we take you to a place where the moon shines bright and we dance the night away, taking you back in time with Big Girls Don’t Cry
During the 60s and 70s number one hits Sherry, December 1963 (Oh What a Night), Walk Like a Man, Rag Doll and Big Girls Don’t Cry helped propel the Four Seasons and Frankie Valli to superstardom.
Oh what a night it will be! It’s the time, it’s the place, it’s the motion!
LA VOIXTHE RED AMBITION TOUR
SATURDAY 27 JULY, 7.30PM
MIDDLETON ARENA
Tickets from £25
Direct from the West End, Britain’s funniest redhead is swinging into town with her most ambitious show yet!
This brand-new show promises an evening like no other, with huge live vocals, a live band and side-splitting comedy.
“Wear thick pants because you’ll wet yourself laughing!” – Jennifer Saunders
THE AMERICAN FOUR TOPS
FRIDAY 2 AUGUST,
7.30PM
MIDDLETON ARENA
Tickets from £27
Direct from the USA, and back by popular demand, Soul Satisfaction appear live in concert performing The American Four Tops Motown show, bringing you all the sweet soul music and Motown magic.
With powerful vocals, splendid harmonies and high stepping dance routines, you will be taken on a journey celebrating the legendary Four Tops, with hits such as Reach Out, Baby I Need Your Loving, Loco in Acapulco and other classics including songs from the Temptations, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Marvin Gaye, Ben E King and more!
MILKSHAKE! LIVE ON HOLIDAY
MONDAY 12 AUGUST, 1PM & 4PM
MIDDLETON ARENA
Tickets: £16.50
Join your favourite Milkshake! friends on holiday with Chase and Marshall from Paw Patrol, DORA, Pip and Posy, Blue from Blue’s Clues and You!, Milo, Milkshake! Monkey plus two presenters for an all-new adventure!
Pack your bags and jump aboard the Milkshake! train as we go on an all singing, all dancing holiday together. It’s a family show not to be missed!
UK PINK FLOYD EXPERIENCE
FRIDAY 6 SEPTEMBER, 7.30PM
MIDDLETON ARENA
Tickets from £26
Celebrating 30 years since the iconic PULSE tour, this highly authentic show recreates the atmosphere of Floyd livefeaturing top-flight musicians, a stunning light show and over two hours of incredible music.
The new show for 2024 includes many songs from the PULSE set, featuring tracks from The Division Bell, The Wall, Animals, The Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here.
Come and share the passion for Pink Floyd’s music, in our true celebration of all things Floyd!
ROY ORBISON &
TRAVELING WILBURYS EXPERIENCE
SATURDAY
7 SEPTEMBER, 7.30PM
MIDDLETON ARENA
Tickets from £26.50
Come and enjoy a journey through several decades of pop as we celebrate the music of Jeff Lynne’s ELO, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers and The Beatles’ George Harrison, as well as the collective genius that was The Traveling Wilburys.
Now in its ninth year of successful touring this popular show is an up-tempo feel-good celebration of classics such as Pretty Woman, Mr Blue Sky, Please Please Me, End of The Line, Handle With Care, Free Falling, Blowin’ in the Wind, Tweeter and the Monkey Man, Heading for the Light, Only the Lonely and many more.
THE LADY BOYS OF BANGKOK25 YEARS OF FUN
TUESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER, 7.30PM
MIDDLETON ARENA
Tickets from £23
This big anniversary show has a glamorous cast of 16 in a funfilled outrageously funny new production, with more glitz and star-spangled sassiness than you can squeeze into any of your party nights out!
Packed with the biggest floor fillers from your favourite music superstars, performed by the biggest showbiz divas in the world!
THE MAKINGS OF A MURDERER 2THE REAL MANHUNTER
THURSDAY 12 SEPTEMBER, 7.30PM
MIDDLETON ARENA
Tickets from £29
Following sell-out shows nationwide, the UK’s top true crime theatre tour is back with a brand-new lineup, featuring Senior Investigating officer Colin Sutton, who caught serial killer Levi Bellfield and ‘Night Stalker’ Delroy Grant.
Join us for a chilling, thrilling night at the theatre as Colin, who was head of a Metropolitan Police murder squad tells us the stories of how he caught some of the UK’s most evil murderers.
STAX
OF SOULTHE LEGACY TOUR 2024
FRIDAY 13 SEPTEMBER, 7.30PM
MIDDLETON ARENA
Tickets from £21
Step into Middleton Arena for Stax of Soul’s triumphant return after their sold-out 40th Anniversary Tour in 2023. Originating in Manchester in 1983, the band now embarks on their 2024 Legacy Tour, marking 41 years of musical brilliance and the onset of their fifth decade.
Renowned for their vibrant brass section and electrifying performances, this legendary nine-piece band brings soulstirring hits from Stax, Atlantic, Motown, and Northern Soul, paying tribute to luminaries like James Brown and The Blues Brothers.
HERE COME THE GIRLS
SATURDAY 14 SEPTEMBER, 7.30PM
MIDDLETON ARENA
Tickets from £21.50
Get ready to be blown away by the ultimate celebration of some of the most iconic female artists of all time!
This multi-diva show is a feast for the senses, featuring the likes of Cher, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Shania Twain, Annie Lennox, Gloria Estefan, Blondie, Katy Perry, Adele, Abba and Bananarama!
Get ready to dance, sing and be swept away by the energy and excitement of this spectacular, fast-paced performance.
TOTALLY TINA
FRIDAY 20 SEPTEMBER, 7.30PM
MIDDLETON ARENA
Tickets from £26
Come shake a tail feather with the UK’s supreme Tina tribute – Justine Riddoch – and her talented cast.
This breathtaking tribute to Tina Turner celebrates the amazing life and work of the Queen of rock ‘n’ roll! Supported by her dazzling dancing girls in sequins, feathers and diamonds, Justine recreates and remembers those famed live performances for one night only!
CROONERS
SATURDAY
21 SEPTEMBER, 7.30PM
MIDDLETON ARENA
Tickets: £26.50
Packed with personality and humour, Crooners brings your much-loved Big Band hits to the stage with a brand new show chock full of hilarious one liners, laugh out loud silliness and a splendiferous injection of Big Band swing as they weave their way through an impressive back catalogue of hits, including Come Fly With Me, Fly Me to the Moon, Mack the Knife, My Way, That’s Life and many, many more.
MANFORD’S COMEDY CLUB
SUNDAY 22
SEPTEMBER, 7PM
MIDDLETON ARENA
Tickets from £14
Middleton Arena join the Manford’s Comedy Club family - the award-winning comedy club created by Manchester’s very own Jason Manford.
Each show has a different line-up of four top comedians, who are all personally chosen by Manford himself, and will feature comedians from the UK and international comedy circuit; with the occasional special guest drop in from the likes of Sarah Millican, John Bishop and Michael McIntyre!
Line up to be announced.
THE DAVINCI MICHELANGELO EXPERIENCE
MONDAY
23 SEPTEMBER, 7.30PM
MIDDLETON ARENA
Tickets from £22.50
Revel in an unforgettable journey through the Renaissance and rediscover the most exceptional artistic period in history.
Join Mark Rodgers on a unique journey through the glory of the Italian Renaissance with these giants of art and invention as your guides!
Featuring videos, 3D animation, film clips and images of Michelangelo and Da Vinci’s many sketches, inventions, machines, sculptures, codices and paintings.
PSYCHIC SALLY
TUESDAY 1 OCTOBER,
7.30PM
MIDDLETON ARENA
Tickets from £26
The nation’s favourite psychic is back on tour! Sally has been wowing theatre audiences young and old around the world for over 12 years. Her show will have you on the edge of your seat, as she continues to bring mediumship into the 21st century.
With Sally’s love, laughter and warmth, this show is a unique evening not to be missed. Book your tickets now to see this phenomenal psychic in action.
THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR SHOW
WEDNESDAY 2 & THURSDAY
3 OCTOBER, 1.30PM & 4PM
MIDDLETON ARENA
Tickets from £12
The critically acclaimed production of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show created by Jonathan Rockefeller features a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets.
Perfect for little ones, this show faithfully adapts four stories by author/illustrator Eric Carle: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Busy Spider and of course, the star of the show – The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
THE LAST DAYS OF DISCO
FRIDAY 4 OCTOBER, 7.30PM
MIDDLETON ARENA
Tickets from £26.50
The greatest disco show on earth, a complete history of the genre from the 70s into The Last Days of Disco – the 1980s.
With a set list like no other show, The Last Days of Disco features classics from Irene Cara, Lipps Inc, Debarge, The Pointer Sisters, Shalamar, Evelyn Champagne King, Kool And The Gang, Stephanie Mills, Stacey Lattishaw, Chic, Earth Wind and Fire and many more.
THE ULTIMATE POP SHOWLIVE
SUNDAY 6 OCTOBER, 3PM
MIDDLETON ARENA
Tickets from £18.50
Delivering the most exhilarating dance routines, latest trends and hits from the biggest charttopping artists including; Taylor Swift, Girls Aloud, Ariana Grande, Harry Styles, Miley Cyrus, Beyonce, Justin Bieber, Little Mix and many more.
Round up your family and friends and get ready to sparkle and shine with this all-new family friendly concert experience!
MANCHESTER CITY 99 HEROES
THURSDAY
10 OCTOBER, 7.30PM
MIDDLETON ARENA
Tickets from £30
Join us for an unforgettable evening with the Manchester City promotion heroes of 1999.
Captain Andy Morrison, Shaun Goater, Paul Dickov and Nicky Weaver will be interviewed live on stage by Manchester City BBC Commentator and fanatical Blue Ian Cheeseman.
The guys will be sharing anecdotes of their playing careers as well as discussing the current Manchester City success story. There will also be a Q&A and exclusive City memorabilia to purchase on the night.
Limited VIP seats and early entry meet and greet tickets available.
THE CHICAGO BLUES BROTHERS
FRIDAY 11 OCTOBER, 7.30PM
MIDDLETON ARENA
Tickets from £27
As seen at the Adelphi Theatre and the Savoy Theatre in London’s West End, The Chicago Blues Brothers have put the band back together to bring you their RESPECT Greatest Hits tour.
We have chosen the best arrangements from our last four tours to bring you our greatest set list ever, a combination of audience favourites and showstoppers from The Back in Black Tour, The Motown Mission Tour, A Night at the Movies Tour and The Cruisin’ for a Bluesin’ Tour.
Join us for a night filled with great music, dancing, and the infectious spirit of the Blues Brothers.
AMAZING ANIMALS
SUNDAY 13 OCTOBER, 12PM & 3.30PM
MIDDLETON ARENA
Tickets from £16
If you love animals, then you are going to love this show!
IN THE NAME OF LOVE: THE DIANA ROSS STORY
SATURDAY
12 OCTOBER, 7.30PM
MIDDLETON ARENA
Tickets from £26.50
Prepare to be taken on a spellbinding journey through one of the greatest musical stories ever told.
In The Name of Love is fronted by two international Diana Ross performers Cheri Jade (The Supremes) and Tameka Jackson (solo career), performing hits such as Where Did Our Love Go, Baby Love, You Keep Me Hanging On, I’m Coming Out and so many more!
A show dedicated to and celebrating all creatures great and small. The only show around where you get to see life-sized crocodiles, sloths, reindeer, dinosaurs, penguins, orangutans and maybe even a spraying skunk bursting out onto the stage right before your very eyes.
This heart-warming show is packed full of music, comedy and amazing animal effects, suitable for all ages from toddlers to grown-ups.
AN EVENING WITH SNOOKER GREATSCLASH OF THE TITANS
THURSDAY 17 OCTOBER, 7.30PM
MIDDLETON ARENA
Tickets from £37.50
Seven-times World Snooker Champion Stephen Hendry takes on the Welsh potting machine Mark Williams, as referee for the evening Dennis Taylor hosts a night of fun, laughter and a bit of snooker thrown in!
Come and join the UK’s favourite snooker stars as they recreate the matches that saw them rise to the top of their profession. Stephen Hendry won seven World Championships; Mark Williams has won three World Championships – who is your favourite to win?
ROCK ON TOMMY
FRIDAY 18 OCTOBER, 7.30PM
MIDDLETON ARENA
Tickets from £23
He’s a national treasure who became a household name as one half of Cannon & Ball.
Tommy Cannon played the straight man to the late Bobby Ball as the double act dominated prime-time TV for more than a decade.
Now he’s returning to the stage in Rock On Tommy, a variety show featuring clips, incredible stories, tons of laughter, audience Q&As and more. You can also meet the man who has provided laughter to millions since debuting in 1968 on the talent show Opportunity Knocks.
CIRQUE DU MAGIQUE
TUESDAY 29 OCTOBER, 7PM
MIDDLETON ARENA
Tickets from £22
It's time to be taken to a world of wonder as we combine mindblowing magic, world-class circus, and death-defying stunts that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Cirque Du Magique is the most extraordinary show that will make you believe the unbelievable.
From incredible illusions that challenge your perception of reality, to jaw-dropping aerial displays and awe-inspiring acrobatics and feats of strength - prepare to be amazed!
MOST HAUNTED LIVE
WEDNESDAY 6 NOVEMBER, 7.30PM
MIDDLETON ARENA
Tickets from £28.50
Most Haunted is the original and most successful worldwide paranormal investigation series ever made and premieres it’s spine-chilling theatre show in 2023/24.
Presented by Yvette Fielding, the first lady of the paranormal, together with Karl Beattie and the Most Haunted team, you will be taken on the darkest, most terrifying journey of your life.
You’ll be shaking in your seat as Yvette and the team present Most Haunted‘s all-time top 10 scares, complete with unseen video footage from haunted castles, manor houses, hospitals and prisons. In this show, no one is safe and seeing is believing!
THE NUTCRACKER
FRIDAY 8 NOVEMBER,
7.30PM
MIDDLETON ARENA
Tickets from £13
Join Clara and her heroic Nutcracker Prince as they encounter wondrous snowflakes, delightful dancing dolls, waltzing flowers, a magnificent Christmas tree that seemingly touches the heavens and, of course, the magical Sugar Plum Fairy.
Tchaikovsky’s hauntingly beautiful musical score intertwines with stunning choreography, creating a spell binding atmosphere of fantasy and illusion.
Ballet Theatre UK’s opulent new production aims to surpass your expectations and breathe new life into this traditional tale, it’s the perfect festive treat for all the family.
THE MIDDLETONES
SATURDAY
9 NOVEMBER, 7.30PM
MIDDLETON ARENA
Tickets from: £15
Join us for a night of unforgettable music and celebration as The MiddleTones, with their impeccable vocals, tight instrumentals, and contagious stage presence, perform classics from bands such Oasis, James, The Stone Roses, The Arctic Monkeys, and more!
With support from the amazing Kaiden Nolan band, indulge in a wave of nostalgia, sing your heart out to the anthems that shaped an era and relive the glory days of Manchester's classic indie clubs.
ENDLESS LOVE: A TRIBUTE TO DIANA ROSS AND LIONEL RICHIE
FRIDAY 15 NOVEMBER, 7.30PM
MIDDLETON ARENA
Tickets from £27.50
Starring a sensational cast, incredible vocals and a stellar live band, Endless Love celebrates the two legendary artistes Diana Ross and Lionel Richie.
AN EVENING WITH JEFF STELLING PLUS VERY SPECIAL GUEST PAUL MERSON
THURSDAY 14 NOVEMBER, 7.30PM
MIDDLETON ARENA
Tickets from £29.50
Join us for an exclusive evening of football nostalgia, fun and entertainment with Sky Sports legend Jeff Stelling; anchor man of Sky Sports’ Gillette Soccer Saturday for over 30 years.
During the evening, Jeff will share anecdotes from an amazing career which saw him rise to fame as the recognisable face of Sky Sports Soccer Saturday, along with behind the scenes anecdotes. He will be joined on stage by Bianca Westwood, his Sky colleague, as she hosts and roasts the anchorman, as well as very special guest Paul Merson.
The show is packed with Motown classics and timeless smash hits such as I’m Coming Out, Dancing On The Ceiling, Upside Down, Say You Say Me, Chain Reaction, All Night Long, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, Hello, Can’t Hurry Love and many more classics.
ONE NIGHT OF BILLY JOEL: THE PIANO MAN
SATURDAY 16 NOVEMBER, 7.30PM
MIDDLETON ARENA
Tickets from £24.50
The ultimate celebration concert to one of the most iconic and best-selling artists of all time.
Robert Schmuck (Billy The Kid) and his amazing seven-piece band perform breath-taking musical arrangements of multi-million selling songs such as My Life, Uptown Girl, River Of Dreams, Tell Her About It, Still Rock ‘n’ Roll To Me, An Innocent Man, Movin’ Out, Just The Way You Are, We Didn’t Start The Fire, Piano Man, The Longest Time and many, many more, it’s a nonstop hits show!
CHRISTMAS, YOU’RE INVITED TO THE PANTOMIME OF YOUR DREAMS, SLEEPING BEAUTY AT MIDDLETON ARENA.
TUESDAY 26 NOVEMBER - MONDAY 30 DECEMBER, MIDDLETON ARENA
Tickets from: £16.50
Once upon a time, in a Pantoland far away, a beautiful Princess is cursed by the evil Carabosse to perish on her 21st birthday by pricking her finger on a spinning wheel. Thanks to Beauty’s fairy, she only falls into a deep sleep that can be broken by her one true love. Will her handsome prince come to her rescue, fight the dragon, destroy Carabosse and save the day? There’s only one way to find out…
This magical pantomime features great songs from our live band, dazzling dance routines, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and incredible circus acts. It will be an unforgettable experience for children and adults alike.
ENTERTAINMENT RETURN FOR THIS YEAR’S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS PANTOMIME BEAUTY & THE BEAST - BRAND NEW ENCHANTING FAMILY PANTOMIME!
SATURDAY 14 - 28 DECEMBER HEYWOOD SPORTS VILLAGE
Tickets from: £10.50
In a tale that’s as old as time, it’s time to discover what it takes for true love to conquer all! The mysterious Beast imprisons Beauty in his enchanted castle. Can she escape with the help of her family and melt the Beast’s icy heart before it’s too late? Will the plan work before the last rose petal falls?
So join in the fun and boo the evil Gaston as he tries to win the heart of Beauty. Laugh out loud with the hilarious Loopy Louie le Fool and Dame Polly Potts as we tell a tale as old as time, packed with songs, dance and lots of comedy.
From the team behind the last six Heywood pantomimes.
AT A GLANCE
Located two minutes from Middleton town centre, bus station and additional pay and display car parking.
By car, Middleton is approx five minutes from the M60 (Junction 19) and the M62 (Junction 19) and 15
MIDDLETON ARENA
MIDDLETON ARENA
OLDHAMRD
minutes from Manchester City Centre. Please use postcode M24 1AG if you are navigating by sat nav.
Nearest train station: Mills Hill is a 25 minute walk away. See tfgm.com for timetables.
Nearest bus routes: 17 - Rochdale to Shudehill; 163 - Piccadilly Gardens to Bury; 18 - Manchester Royal Infirmary to Langley; 415 - Oldham to Middleton. See tfgm.com for timetables.