Comedy stars Jason Manford and Ben Nickless are to reunite for this year's Manchester Opera House pantomime after the duo were hailed a "big hit" at last year's big Christmas production. The two comedians will star in Jack and the Beanstalk in December - with additional dates added "by popular demand" say theatre bosses.
The annual family panto production will start a week earlier this year, from Saturday 2 December 2023 running right across the festive season to New Year's Eve. Stockport-based TV star Jason made his panto debut last year as baddie Hook in The Adventures of Peter Pan, but this year will take on the role of the hero of the piece as Jack.
Rochdale's Britain's Got Talent star Ben, who has become a firm panto favourite in Manchester, will return for his fifth year starring as Silly Simon, Jack's brother in the panto. Jason and Ben's comedic double act won rave reviews after last year's panto, and tickets are on sale now for the new show.
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Jason said: "I know I joked about Peter Pan being my ‘farewell debut’ in Panto, but in truth I had such a wonderful time last Christmas that I was itching to do it again. So, to be invited back to the Opera House in Manchester with such a fun and collaborative company and alongside my new best mate, the hilarious Ben Nickless, well, how could I say no?
"This Christmas I’ll be putting down the hook and stepping into the title role in Jack and the Beanstalk, and I’m very much looking forward to playing the nice guy! The Manchester audiences are second to none, so I’m really honoured to be part of your Christmas panto tradition once again.”
Ben, who returns to the Opera House for his fifth consecutive year, said: "I’m delighted to be coming back to Manchester for my fifth pantomime at the Opera House and especially convincing Jason to come back with me (didn’t take much… a caramel latte, 2 steak bakes and a yum yum from Greggs). Jason and I had such a great time working and laughing together last year, we thought we should do one more together and I can’t wait to get started on some new routines for the amazing Manchester audiences."
Stand-up comedian, actor, singer, radio and television presenter Jason Manford began his career in 1999, while working at the Buzz Comedy Club in Chorlton, Manchester, and since then has regularly packed-out theatres and arenas up and down the country with his award-winning comedy. He has presented numerous shows for the BBC and ITV including the quiz show Unbeatable, Sunday Night at The Palladium and The Royal Variety Performance.
He can currently be seen on ITV1 every Saturday night judging on the new series of Starstruck. Later this month, he will host BBC One's primetime show Big Night of Musicals for the second time. Jason has also starred in numerous stage musicals in the West End and across the UK, including Sweeney Todd, The Producers, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Guys and Dolls, and Curtains.
Rochdale-born Ben started his working life playing the comedy clubs in the North-West and his career took off in 2006 when he performed his own style of comedy and impressions on the BBC television series Let Me Entertain You alongside Brian Conley and Christine Bleakley, winning his episode. Ben returns to the Manchester Opera House panto by popular demand, having played Smee in The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan, Wishee Washee in Aladdin, Muddles in Snow White and Buttons in Cinderella.
Michael Harrison, Chief Executive of the UK’s biggest pantomime producer Crossroads Pantomimes said: "Jason was such a hit last year in Manchester that it was a no brainer to ask him back for another season, he is a comedic legend and together with Opera House favorite Ben Nickless the show has all the ingredients to delight comedy lovers looking for a great time this Christmas. I’m thrilled to have them both back for the gigantic adventure of Jack and the Beanstalk this Christmas at The Opera House."
Robin Hawkes, Theatre Director of the Palace Theatre & Opera House said: “Last year was our most successful pantomime to date, with thousands of visitors relishing what quickly became a showstopping partnership between Jason and Ben. The entire show was a runaway success, and we are therefore thrilled these two titans of comedy will be reunited on our stage later this year. Our pantomimes are a well-loved festive staple for many, and we’re excited to welcome current and first-time theatregoers to experience what is sure to be a gigantic success for both the Opera House and Manchester’s ever-growing cultural scene.”
How to get tickets
Tickets are now on sale for the Opera House panto of Jack and the Beanstalk. The production runs from Saturday, December 2 until Sunday, December 31.
There will be the option of matinee (1pm), early evening (5pm) and evening shows (7pm) available across selected dates throughout December.
Tickets are priced from £13, which you can buy now here.
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