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Hamilton is coming to Manchester for the first time as part of UK tour
‘America then, told by America now’
The multi-award-winning West End musical sensation Hamilton is to embark on its first ever UK tour, starting with Manchester.
It has been announced that the Broadway and West End production of Hamilton will be coming to Manchester’s Palace Theatre for 15 whole weeks later this year — having only ever opened at London’s Victoria Palace, where it has continued to be a huge success since 2017.
In one of the city’s biggest musical production announcements, the show will run from November 11th 2023 all the way through the festive season and into the new year, until February 24th 2024. It will then make its way up to Edinburgh on February 28th for the second stage of its epic tour of the UK.
Described as ‘America then, told by America now’, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton will wow audiences and send fans into a frenzy with its contemporary jazz, hip-hop and R&B blends as it tells the story of Alexander Hamilton and his journey as he became one of the founding fathers of the United States.
Known for its diversity of cast members in portraying the founding fathers, Hamilton is said to have created a revolutionary movement in theatre, having a profound impact on culture, education and politics — for which it has won notable awards including The Oliver, Tony, Grammy and Pulitzer.
Manchester audiences will now have the chance to be In The Room Where It Happens — one of the iconic songs of the musical — as they prepare to be dazzled.
In a statement released today, Cameron Mackintosh said: “Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton is indisputably the most brilliant, ground-breaking, contemporary musical of modern times. I feel extraordinarily fortunate that Lin and my friend Jeffrey Seller, the show’s original producer, have entrusted me with their wonderful musical in the UK and Ireland.
“The London production opened in 2017 at the Victoria Palace, a theatre I completely rebuilt to house Hamilton, where it continues to play and has proved to be as big a success as the Broadway original.
“So, I am thrilled that it is time to put together a second British national touring company to bring this great show to our leading cities.
“Opening first in Manchester, followed by Edinburgh – not far from where the real story of Alexander Hamilton began in Ayrshire, where his father was born in the 1700’s, before he moved to Nevis in the West Indies. Tomorrow we start casting for a brilliant new company. We look forward to welcoming audiences to ‘the room where it happens’”.
With book, music and lyrics written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, the musical tale of Hamiliton is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography.
Further touring venues are yet to be announced and casting for the UK tour is now currently underway.
General tickets go on sale for the Manchester and Edinburgh seasons on March 13th at 10am. There will also be a pre-sale for ATG Theatrecard holders from March 10th online at Manchester’s Palace Theatre. Prices have not yet been confirmed.
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Fabio and Grooverider are coming to Manchester for a huge night of drum & bass
It will be their first time playing in the city
Jungle legend Fabio and his longtime right-hand man Grooverider are coming to Manchester for one huge night of drum & bass.
The pair were at the forefront of the drum & bass scene as it exploded and developed their sound and partnership, playing at raves up and down the country, as it evolved into the globally-known genre it has become today.
The godfathers of the drum & bass have reinvented themselves and moved with the scene from where it all began in the acid house era, to their hugely influential London club night Rage at Heaven.
Widely recognised as the pioneers of the music they have been making their mark since 1988 and continue to be beacons in the underground scene.
The legendary duo are set to play at the Manchester Academy on Saturday, January 13th.
Playing alongside The Outlook Orchestra, together they will present a very special score celebrating a history of jungle and drum & bass.
Exploring classic anthems in ways never before experienced – sparking the imagination of generations of music lovers, the show will feature outstanding orchestral renditions of the scene’s most iconic and well-loved tracks.
Since its formation in 2017, The Outlook Orchestra has grown to be a force in its own right, collaborating with champions of sound system culture from across the globe and striving to drive the scene forward in new and exciting ways.
The gig will feature special appearances from Demolition Man, Jenna G, Kele Le Roq, Cleveland Watkiss and MC GQ.
Supporting artists include David Rodigan, DJ SS, Charlotte Devaney and Northbase.
Guaranteed to be an unforgettable night, this unique musical experience will be a true celebration of the past, present and future of UK rave culture.
Fabio and Grooverider perform at the Manchester Academy, along with The Outlook Orchestra on Saturday January 13th. To book tickets, click HERE.
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Get half price tickets to see a Cinderella pantomime in Manchester this December
The fairy godmother of all pantomimes is back – Oh, yes it is!
A Cinderella pantomime is coming to Manchester’s Contact Theatre for laughs, songs and dance in a series of fantastic performances throughout the festive season.
The Cinderella pantomime is set to take over Contact Theatre with Manchester drag sensations Lady Bushra and Misty Chance, who will take centre stage in this enchanting production from eight-freestyle this December.
And our followers can bag themselves half price tickets to see it.
Theatre guests can expect a fresh twist on the traditional storyline as Cinderella fights for her freedom from her cruel Stepsisters and their questionable fashion choices.
Marvel at the inventions of Lord Stoneybroke, share laughs with Buttons, and help the Prince find true love – all set to an upbeat modern soundtrack of ballroom bangers mixed by DJ Dandini.
The show stars eight-freestyle’s regular cast of all-singing, all-dancing performers, making it a treat for children of all ages – even the grown-up ones!
This year’s Cinderella pantomime not only features an exceptional LGBTQ+ cast but also emphasises sustainability through recycled costumes and a collaboration with Hart-Work.
Hart-Work is a reworked clothing brand founded by Kimberly Hart-Simpson with the aim of promoting a positive buying experience and a goal to get people talking about clothing regardless of opinion.
The production team is committed to reducing its environmental impact, making this an eco-conscious and inclusive event for all.
Sean Canning, Director of eight-freestyle, said: “Directing Cinderella with this fabulous team has been an absolute ball! With the unrivalled energy of our cast and the brilliant collaboration with Contact Young Company, we’re confident this will be eight-freestyle’s best panto yet.
“We’re all about the magic of storytelling and the joy of pantomime, and this production brings both to life in the quirkiest, most sustainable way possible.”
Keisha Thompson, Artistic Director and CEO of Contact, said: “We’re over the moon to partner with eight-freestyle for another extraordinary production.
“With sustainability woven into the fabric of the show, it’s like Cinderella’s glass slipper – a perfect fit for our commitment to eco-conscious fun.
“And let’s not forget the wild creativity of Contact Young Company! Cinderella is going to be a hoot, showcasing that entertainment can be both a riot and responsible.”
Cinderella runs from Saturday December 9th until Sunday December 31st at Contact Theatre, Oxford Road, Manchester. Tickets range from £15 – £25.
The run includes a range of access provisions, including BSL, captioned performances, relaxed conditions and a range of discounts.
Our followers can get half price tickets on selected performances with code: FAIRY50% at checkout. For more information and to book tickets, please click HERE.
The selected performances include:
- December 14th at 7 PM
- December 15th at 7 PM
- December 16th at 7 PM
- December 20th at 10AM
- December 21st at 3.30 PM
- December 22nd at 7PM
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Celebrate Christmas in style at Manchester’s King Street
Visitors can get their hands on some excellent prizes in the run up to Christmas
Celebrate this Christmas in style at Manchester’s King Street – the city’s premium shopping and dining destination.
What better way to celebrate the festive season than on the picturesque King Street against a backdrop of 18th and 19th century buildings featuring a variety of premium shopping and dining destinations, plus plenty more.
Nestled in between historic landmarks in the city’s old banking district are a host of Alpine festive market stalls selling a tempting selection of European goods as well as crafts, food and drinks.
This beautiful street features an eclectic collection of fantastic high-end and designer brands, salons, an art gallery and even a tailor-made travel agents. Just some of these include the likes of The White Company, Hobbs, Patagonia, Kuoni Castle Fine Art, and Nailed It.
Some fantastic dining destinations here include El Gato Negro, Franco Manca, Gordon Ramsay’s Lucky Cat, Miller & Carter, and many more.
To add an extra sprinkle of festive magic, weekly competitions will be held where visitors to King Street will be in with the chance of winning prizes from various brands and shops situated here.
Visitors can simply scan the QR code, located on King Street, to enter the competition and be in with the chance of winning.
Winners of prizes will be announced each week with goodies from the likes of: TAST, Charles Tyrwhitt, Franco Manca, Kala, Castle Fine Art, and Kuoni.
For those dreaming of jet-setting off to a sunny paradise on a luxury holiday, Kuoni will be giving away a £500 voucher towards flights as one of the prizes to be won, which will be announced at the end of December.
For those wishing to enter the competition, just visit one of the two vinyl screens located on 35 King Street and scan the QR code – you can’t miss them!
There will be POS signage in some stores for people to scan as well.
Once you’ve scanned the code, just sign up to the mailing list to enter the competition. Prizes will be announced each week with weekly giveaways until Christmas – find out more and sign up for the mailing list HERE.
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Fabio and Grooverider are coming to Manchester for a huge night of drum & bass
