From gripping thrillers to show stopping musicals, we take a look at the top five theatre shows on in Manchester this week
It’s fair to say that Manchester theatre lovers are spoilt for choice this week. From gripping thrillers to show stopping musicals, there is something for everyone in Manchester this week.
To help make your choice a little easier, Frankly My Dear UK has put together a list of our top five shows that are on this week.
STRANGERS ON A TRAIN – Opera House
First up is Craig Warner’s stage adaption of STRANGERS ON A TRAIN which heads to Manchester’s Opera House on Monday 5 February.
Based on Patricia Highsmith’s 1950 novel, STRANGERS ON A TRAIN tells the story of two men – Guy Haines and Charles Bruno – who meet in the dining carriage of a train crossing America. Both men have someone in their lives who is an inconvenience to them so when Bruno suggests they ‘trade’ murders, Haines laughs it off as a joke until the imaginary bargain suddenly turns real, leading to dire consequences for both.
The play features a cast of familiar faces including CORONATION STREET bad boy Christopher Harper as Bruno and CALL THE MIDWIFE’S Jack Ashton as Haines. EMMERDALE’S John Middleton also makes his UK touring stage debut as Detective Arthur Gerard and MR SELFRIDGE’S Hannah Tointon stars as Guy’s fiancé Anne Faulkner.
STRANGERS ON A TRAIN runs at the Opera House until 10 February. Ticket prices start from £18.00.
DANCING BEAR – Palace Theatre
Manchester’s Palace Theatre plays host to the world premiere of DANCING BEAR, a stunning new musical which explores the struggle between faith, sexuality and gender identity.
With its dizzying cabaret of contradictions, catchy pop tunes and dramatic storytelling, DANCING BEAR forms part of Queer Contact Festival 2018, Contact Theatre’s 10th annual festival celebrating LGBT+ arts and culture in Greater Manchester.
The show features a multi-talented cast, including Divina De Campo from BBC’s ALL TOGETHER NOW and THE VOICE.
DANCING BEAR runs at the Palace Theatre until 7 February. Ticket prices start from £10.15.
FRANK BRUNO: LET ME BE FRANK – Palace Theatre
Former British professional boxer, Frank Bruno MBE, heads to Manchester’s Palace Theatre on 8th February for an evening of conversation hosted by well-known comedian and entertainer Jed Stone.
Based on his recent book, Bruno talks openly and honestly about his battle with mental illness, his unique perspective on living with bipolar disorder and his long road back to stability. The much loved sports personality, also talks about his boxing career, his fears, his triumphs and the great affection he feels for the legion of fans he has to this day.
FRANK BRUNO: LET ME BE FRANK is on at the Palace Theatre on Thursday 8th February. Ticket prices start from £32.15.
THE ALMIGHTY SOMETIMES – Royal Exchange Theatre
THE ALMIGHTY SOMETIMES, winner of the Judges Award at the 2015 Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting, also makes its world premiere this week at Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre.
The coming of age story tells the tale of Anna, a young woman with Bipolar Disorder ready to take control of her life. But after 13 years on a cocktail of drugs, Anna is starting to wonder whether her mother was too quick to medicate, leading her to make a decision that could affect the rest of her life.
The family story full of heart and humour stars Julie Hesmondhalgh and Norah Lopez Holden.
THE ALMIGHTY SOMETIMES runs at Royal Exchange Theatre until 24 February. Ticket prices start from £17.00
SHOWSTOPPERS! THE IMPROVISED MUSICAL
Following its successful run in London’s West End, SHOWSTOPPERS! THE IMPROVISED MUSICAL heads to Manchester’s Palace Theatre for one night only this Saturday.
Created from scratch at each performance, SHOWSTOPPERS! THE IMPROVISED MUSICAL is a musical show like no other. Audience suggestions are transformed on the spot into an all-singing, all dancing production with unpredictable and hilarious results. Add in dazzling dance routines and catchy melodies and it’s easy to see why SHOWSTOPPERS! THE IMPROVISED MUSICAL has been given five star reviews across the board.
SHOWSTOPPERS! THE IMPROVISED MUSICAL is on at the Palace Theatre on 10 February. Ticket prices start from £17.90
Donna is the Founder and Editor of Frankly, My Dear UK. By day, she works as a digital marketing specialist, by night she reviews film, theatre and music for a wide range of publications including WhatsonStage and The Reviews Hub. Loves Formula 1, prosecco and life.
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