Prepare to laugh, cry, sing and be horrified…
Les Misérables @ Palace Theatre
Tuesday 19th February – Saturday 30th March
Les Mis for the 21st Century continues its run at the Palace Theatre, bringing to life Victor Hugo’s melancholic and tragic story of the struggles in a 19th Century France in need of a revolution, plus all the painfully sad stories of the main characters, brought to life in wonderful, gut-wrenching, unbelievable songs. If you don’t cry beyond the barricade, there’s something wrong with you.
Rags The Musical @ Hope Mill Theatre
From Saturday 2nd March
This is the UK premiere of Rags, telling the heart-warming and powerful tale of a group of Jewish immigrants as they arrive to start a new life in America. With a ravishing score by the songwriters of Wicked and Annie and the book writer of Fiddler On The Roof, this is a sweeping saga of America’s immigrant past and a story of love, loss and hope.
The Stretch @ 53two
Wednesday 6th – Friday 15th March
Experience the highs, and definitely the lows of a 10-year prison sentence as this powerful and poignant piece follows Lee as he finds his way through life after just one terrible mistake. Written with input from the pastoral team at HMP Forest Bank and based on true experiences, this extended version of a JB Shorts 19 play is set to be even more powerful than the first outing almost a year ago.
Rain Man @ The Lowry
Monday 11th – Saturday 16th March
Based on the Oscar winning film which famously starred Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman, Bill Kenwright presents the inaugural Classic Screen to Stage Theatre Company production of Rain Man, which won Oscar’s for Best Picture, Best Screenplay, Best Director and Best Actor for Hoffman. Starring as the main duo are Paul Nichols and Chris Fountain.
The Barbershop Chronicles @ The Royal Exchange
Tuesday 12th – Saturday 23rd March
One day. Six cities. A thousand stories. For generations, African men have gathered in barber shops. Sometimes they have haircuts, sometimes they listen, more often than not they talk. Barber Shop Chronicles is a heart-warming, hilarious and insightful play, set in Johannesburg, Harare, Kampala, Lagos, Accra and London that invites the audience into a uniquely masculine environment where the banter may be barbed, but the truth always telling.
The World of Hans Zimmer @ Manchester Arena
Wednesday 20th March
Name a film score, he’s done it. Better yet, try and name a film score of his you don’t love and I’ll personally give you a tenner.
Beauty and the Beast @ The Lowry
Thursday 21st March
A tale as old as time, especially told by this beautifully put together ballet ensemble. The music alone is enough to make you melt.
Glengarry Glen Ross @ Opera House
Monday 25th to Saturday 30th March 2019
David Mamet’s 1984 Pulitzer Prize-winning play will be revived at the Opera House this March, with TV & stage stars Nigel Harman & Mark Benton as the deal-chasing cut throat salesmen. This ‘razor-sharp’ and darkly funny production is touring the UK and should be an unforgettable experience.
The Worst Witch @ The Lowry
Tuesday 26th to Sunday 31st March 2019
The original (and some would say better) Harry Potter, The Worst Witch was a series of beloved books from Jill Murphy, which also went on to become an excellent TV show and now this thrilling new stage adaptation at The Lowry. Expect family-friendly songs, music, magic and a dose of Mildred-induced-mayhem.
Blue Planet 2: Live in Concert @ Manchester Apollo Theatre
Wednesday 27th March
Now what’s not to love about this. David Attenborough, yes. Live orchestra, yes. Beautiful old theatre setting, yes. Guaranteed to make a grown man cry.
Trainspotting @ Mayfield
Friday 29th March
This is the Manchester premiere and it’s not to be missed. Getting rave reviews from all walks of life, if you thought the film was brutal, wait to see what’s in store live on the stage.
