A trip to the theatre is the perfect way to wash away the post-Christmas January blues - and Manchester’s Palace Theatre and Opera House have a raft of shows running throughout the month, kicking 2023 off with a jam-packed schedule.
This month, The Lion King continues its mammoth run at Manchester’s Palace Theatre, mesmerising audiences with more than 200 puppets.
Originally the production of the Disney classic was to run from October 27 to February 19, but it will remain in the city centre until March 11 , due to ‘phenomenal demand’.
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There are a very limited number of tickets available for the cheapest price of £20 which you can buy on ATG Tickets - some nights are already completely sold out.
Our reviewer said: “This beautifully reimagined on stage production of a beloved animated classic is a powerful, emotive and completely unique show that I’ll remember forever. It’s visually spectacular, completely immersive and absolutely breathtaking. It truly is the King of Musicals, and the roars from the audience were proof enough that it’s not one to be missed.”
Read the full review of The Lion King here .
Over at the Opera House, there’s no less than nine shows running throughout the month, including Swan Lake, The Nutcracker and Mamma Mia.
For one night only on January 5, Romesh Ranganathan and Tom Davis are bringing their hit podcast Wolf & Owl to Manchester.
The description reads: “For those sweet sweet souls who listen to the podcast, expect more of Tom and "party" Rom shooting the breeze but in an unedited live show. They'll be solving problems, reminding you to do you but most importantly doing it to the max. There will still be no format but there will be lots of laughs.”
Tickets are available from £29.64 , but be warned this show is strictly for over 14s as a result of ‘swearing and adult content’.
For the younger generation, Jurassic Live will bring mind blowing special effects and the UK’s only flying Pterodactyl to the stage. Professional puppeteers offer the most realistic dinosaurs in this 90 minute full stage production, with tickets from £21.65 for January 7 and 8.
On January 14, Raise the Roof, produced by Rain Dance Colour Festival, will promote mental health and wellbeing at the Opera House, featuring key messages from NHS health and care leaders through Bhangra, Bollywood, R&B and global fusion music. Buy your tickets from £23.65 here.
Nerubashenko Ballet will present the best-loved Swan Lake from January 19 to 20, followed by The Nutcracker on January 21. A live orchestra performing the familiar scores is the perfect complement to these remarkable ballets, where you can buy tickets from as little as £13.
From January 26 to 28, The Opera House will play host to Opera International's award-winning Ellen Kent productions alongside the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv, with international soloists, chorus and a full orchestra. The group will perform Madama Butterfly, La Boheme and Aida each for one night only, with tickets from £13.
Finally, January 31 will mark the start of a week-long run of Mamma Mia, cleverly told through the timeless songs of ABBA. The description reads: “Sophie’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings her mother face to face with three men from her distant romantic past on the eve of a wedding they’ll never forget.
“Whatever age you are, you can’t help but have the time of your life at Mamma Mia!”
You can buy your tickets from £22 here.
READ MORE:
- The Mousetrap at The Opera House, reviewed: "I'm saying nothing"
- Iconic LS Lowry masterpiece welcomed home with joyous celebration
- Christmas pantomimes and shows in and around Manchester in 2022
- I got a front row ticket to ABBA Voyage and it's a futuristic spectacle that will have you questioning reality
- Review: Cinderella at Hope Mill Theatre
