ENTERTAINMENT
WHAT’S ON Spring is here and as more people venture outdoors and into theatres and concert halls, our venues are staging some brilliant, heart-warming and uplifting productions. Step outside, buy a ticket and see some amazing musicals, fabulous family shows and outstanding world-class drama right on your doorstep
Musicals Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Palace Theatre: 31 March – 4 June Disney first debuted Beauty and the Beast on Broadway 26 years ago. This magical musical returns to the stage with members of the original creative team reuniting on this new production, which features all of the spellbinding music and lyrics of Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. Don’t miss this beautiful ‘tale as old as time’.
Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World The Lowry: 5-9 April This empowering new stage show will be celebrated by anyone who is prepared to move and be moved and features characters and songs that pack a real popstar punch! The world premiere of a brand-new kickasspirational pop musical bursts into life on stage as the Fantastically Great Women step forward to tell their stories. Join our inquisitive heroine Jade as she breaks away from her class to take a peek behind the scenes at the not-yet-open Gallery of Greatness in the local museum. From explorers, artists and scientists to secret agents, hear the stories of some of history’s strongest mothers, sisters and daughters; all independent icons who really did change the world.
The Addams Family Opera House: 19-23 April Everyone's favourite kooky family are back on stage in this spectacular musical comedy from the writers of multi-awardwinning hit musical Jersey Boys. Starring Strictly Come Dancing’s Joanne Clifton as Morticia, it also features a live orchestra and a terrific original score.
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Passion Hope Mill Theatre: 5 May – 5 June Olivier Award winner and musical theatre icon Ruthie Henshall stars in a reimagining of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s multi-award-winning Passion, a ravishing and exciting look at the lengths people will go to for desire. Directed by Michael Strassen, this dynamic revival re-energises a tale of love, sex and obsession.
Singin’ in the Rain Opera House: 9-14 May Song and dance legend Adam Cooper stars as Don Lockwood in this critically acclaimed production featuring highenergy choreography and sumptuous set design, which includes over 14,000 litres of water on stage every night! This glorious production retains all the charm, romance and wit of one of the world’s best-loved films and includes songs such as Good Morning, Make ‘Em Laugh, Moses Supposes and, of course, the legendary Singin’ in the Rain.
The Cher Show Opera House: 17-21 May The Cher Show tells the incredible story of Cher’s meteoric rise to fame, flying in the face of convention at every turn. This fabulous new production features no less than three West End stars – Millie O’Connell, Danielle Steers and Debbie Kurup – and is a dazzling glitter-fest sparkling with Cher’s signature wit and style. Hits include If I Could Turn Back Time, Strong Enough, Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves and I Got You Babe.
Family The Jungle Book Oldham Coliseum: 7-24 April Packed with memorable characters, original songs, humour and brilliant storytelling, this modern musical reworking
of Rudyard Kipling’s famous story is the perfect Easter treat.
The Smeds and the Smoos The Lowry: 12-16 April Soar into space with this exciting adaptation of the award-winning book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. On a far off planet, Smeds and Smoos can’t be friends. So, when a young Smed and Smoo fall in love and zoom off into space together, how will their families get them back? Music, laughs and interplanetary adventures for everyone aged 3+.
Oh No, George! The Lowry: Sun 17 April | 1.30pm & 3.30pm Oh No, George! is the delightfully playful tale of a dog who wants to be good but just can’t resist temptation. Adapted from the award-winning picture book by Chris Haughton, this brand-new show uses acrobatics, slapstick comedy, Sign Supported English and live music to bring George’s joyful escapades to life. Age 3+.
Drama Habibti Driver Bolton Octagon: 21 April – 7 May Based on co-writer Shamia Chalabi’s real-life experiences, this heart-warming new play will make you laugh and cry as it explores the clashes, compromises and comedy that come with living in a mixed culture family in today’s Britain.
Electric Rosary Royal Exchange: 23 April – 14 May Bruntwood Prize Judges’ Award winner Tim Foley’s new play is sharp, timely and gloriously funny and brings nuns and robots together on the Royal Exchange stage for the first time. Electric Rosary asks what faith really means in the age of artificial intelligence and what it is to be human in tomorrow’s world.
