Palace Theatre & Opera House Manchester Summer 2012

SUMMER 2012

0844 871 3019 (bkg fee) www.atgtickets.com/ manchester

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Tickets on top 3 prices, Tue perfs

‘MANCHESTER IS THE NUMBER 1 PLACE FOR MUSICALS TO HAPPEN BEFORE LONDON’ DAVE STEWART Ambassador Theatre Group is delighted that Manchester continues to be the first port of call for our most exciting new productions.

We launched the Manchester Gets It First scheme back in 2010 with the world premiere of the hugely successful Ghost The Musical, which is now set to take Broadway by storm.

Earlier this year, we launched Zach Braff’s hilarious new play All New People in Manchester, which played to packed out houses ahead of its West End run. This Spring, we look forward to opening here with Monkee Business - The Musical at the Opera House this zany feel-good musical is guaranteed to make audiences go bananas - until 14th April. Don’t miss it!

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WELCOME SUMMER 2012

39 VENUES FOR £30 JOIN TODAY! Go to www.atgtickets.com/theatrecard Call 0844 871 7633 Visit Your nearest ATG venue Box Office

Next in line in our campaign to make Manchester the UK’s No.1 city to showcase the biggest and the best shows is 9 ­ to 5, the new musical comedy coming to town this Autumn. Based on the hit movie , this feisty, fabulous show features 18 original numbers

by Dolly Parton, as well as the hit title song, of course! This promises to be a great night out for all ages, and we’re thrilled that Manchester audiences will be the first to share in the fun.

I am so grateful to this unique city for providing such a dynamic and exciting environment which allows new productions like these to flourish, and I look forward with keen anticipation to what this season has in store at our venues.

HOWARD PANTER ATG Joint Chief Executive & Creative Director

HALF PRICE

On Tue 23 Oct & Wed 24 Oct (mat)*

*ATG Theatre Card benefits are subject to availability, please check with the venue. Members can purchase up to 4 tickets and drinks with their Card.

Additional booking fees may apply on selected music, comedy and named act events. ATG reserves the right to withdraw benefits or related offers and without notice. For full Terms and Conditions please visit our website www.atgtickets.com/theatrecard

9 TO 5 FRI 12 - SAT 20 OCT

PALACE THEATRE

OPERA HOUSE

MONKEE BUSINESS 30 MARCH - 14 APRIL

4

PHANTOM OF THE OPERA 5 APRIL - 19 MAY

6

MIDNIGHT TANGO 17 - 21 APRIL

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VAMPIRETTE 4 - 19 MAY

9

SPAMALOT 21 - 26 MAY

10

ENGLISH NATIONAL BALLET - MY FIRST SLEEPING BEAUTY 2 - 3 JUNE

18

DANCING IN THE STREETS 4 - 9 JUNE

12

GIRLS NIGHT 5 - 9 JUNE

13

BLOOD BROTHERS 18 - 30 JUNE

14

I DREAMED A DREAM 19 - 23 JUNE

16

THE HITCHHIKERS GUIDE TO THE GALAXY 2 - 4 JULY

17

FLAWLESS & ENGLISH NATIONAL BALLET 6 - 8 JULY

18

DANDY DICK 28 AUGUST - 1 SEPTEMBER

19

LEGALLY BLONDE 11 - 22 SEPTEMBER

20

SISTER ACT 25 SEPTEMBER - 6 OCTOBER

22

NORTHERN BALLET - MADAME BUTTERFLY 25 - 29 SEPTEMBER

23

GREASE 8 - 13 OCTOBER

24

9 TO 5 12 - 20 OCTOBER

26

THE MOUSETRAP 22 - 27 OCTOBER

28

42ND STREET 23 - 27 OCTOBER

29

AMERICAN IDIOT 12 - 24 NOVEMBER

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ENGLISH NATIONAL BALLET – SLEEPING BEAUTY 28 NOVEMBER - 1 DECEMBER

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THE LION KING 6 DECEMBER - 31 MARCH

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ONE NIGHT SHOWS

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BOOKING INFORMATION

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Brochure cover image ©Disney

BASSADOR

OPERA HOUSE

LTD & AM CHAEL ROSE

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OUP PRESEN

THEATRE GR

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EDICT PETER BEN WRITTEN BY LOR Y DAVID TA DIRECTED BY

AST TRAIN ELIEVER, L B M A E R D DAY BELIEVER, VILLE, I’M A S K R A L C O T OF COURSE LLIPOP AND MY BOY LO ONKEES E’RE THE M HEY HEY W

EXOTIC LOCATIONS, FAR OUT CARS, GROOVY SPIES AND THE MONKEES’ BIGGEST HITS! Austin Powers meets James Bond, Monkee Business is the zany, new major musical for 2012! It’s the story of four innocent boys who fall prey to an evil record producer and are tricked into impersonating one of the biggest bands in the world. As they struggle to conceal their own personalities, a frantic world tour leads to entanglements with a harem of sexy Russian spies, an army of Tower Beefeaters and a railway carriage full of nuns. Totally far out!

The Monkees: a group that once outsold The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

Featuring a huge cast and a seriously loud and LIVE rock and roll band, with brand new designs by Morgan Large (Flashdance, Never Forget, Footloose), this exciting new musical features a fantastic score, madcap mix of zany adventure, dreamy romance, and hilarious hi-jinks that will have you going bananas!

Written by Peter Benedict (Naked Flame, Fire Down Under, Deadlock), directed by David Taylor (A Chorus Line, Cats, The Prisoner of Second Avenue), choreographed by David Morgan (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) and produced by the madcap Michael Rose Ltd in conjunction with the seriously-off-the-wall Ambassador Theatre Group.

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FRI 30 MAR - SAT 14 APR Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm TICKETS £18.50 - £45 (Premium seats £49.50) ATG THEATRE CARD Half price tickets Mon 2 Apr £6 off top 2 prices Mon - Thu GROUPS 10+ £5 off Mon - Fri GROUPS 20+ £6 off Mon - Fri GROUPS 50+ £7 off Mon - Fri FAMILY TICKET (4 people) £5 off Mon - Thu SENIOR CITIZEN Best available £20 SCHOOL GROUPS £15 Gallery Mon - Wed GENERAL CONCESSION £5 off Mon - Thu

0844 871 3018 (bkg fee) www.atgtickets.com/manchester

5

THE SPECTACULAR NEW PRODUCTION

CAMERON

PALACE THEATRE

MACKINTOSH’S

SPECTACULAR NEW PRODUCTION OF

ANDREW

LLOYD WEBBER’S

Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s phenomenal musical success The Phantom Of The Opera was unveiled at the Theatre Royal Plymouth in February 2012 and arrives at Palace Theatre Manchester as part of a national tour.

With a brilliant new design by Paul Brown, costumes by the much missed Maria Björnson, a new staging by Laurence Connor, director of the recent acclaimed 25th anniversary celebration at the Royal Albert Hall and with new choreography by Scott Ambler. Lighting design is by Paule Constable and sound design by Mick Potter. The production is overseen by Matthew Bourne and Cameron Mackintosh.

THU 5 APR - SAT 19 MAY Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm TICKETS £21 - £53 (Premium seats from £56) SIGNED PERFS Thu 26 Apr 7.30pm AUDIO DESCRIBED PERF Wed 2 May 7.30pm CAPTIONED PERF Sat 12 May 2.30pm

0844 871 3019 (bkg fee) www.atgtickets.com/manchester

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7

A DAZZLING EVENING OF DANCE NOT TO BE MISSED!

OPERA HOUSE

FANG-TASTICALLY FUN NEW MUSICAL

OPERA HOUSE

PRESENTED BY ARLENE PHILLIPS AND ADAM SPIEGEL

THE STARS OF STRICTLY COME DANCING IN THE THEATRICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR SPECTACULAR VAMPIRE FLYING SEQUENCE

★★★★

THEMED VAMPIRE COCKTAILS!

‘A TRIUMPH’ DAILY TELEGRAPH

PRIZES FOR BEST DRESSED VAMPIRE EACH NIGHT!

TUE 17 - SAT 21 APR Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm

FRI 4 - SAT 19 MAY Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Sat 12, Wed 16, Sat 19 May mats 2.30pm

TICKETS £14.50 - £35.50 (Premium seats £40.50)

Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace have dazzled television audiences for seven series of the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing with their stunning Tango routines. And now they’re back by incredible popular demand with Midnight Tango - a breathtaking evening bringing all the drama, sensuality and elegance of this most exciting of dance forms to life.

Vincent and Flavia’s mesmerising choreography and fiery chemistry command the floor with explosive Tango routines, gravity-defying moves and feather-light footwork.

Set in a late night bar in downtown Buenos Aires and featuring some of the finest Tango dancers in the world and live music, Midnight Tango takes you on a journey into the heart of this intoxicating city. As danger and excitement, joy and jealousy, pain and passion all combine - this is a spectacular and explosive evening not to be missed! www.midnighttango.co.uk 8

Production photography by Manuel Harlan

ATG THEATRE CARD Half price tickets Tue 17 Apr on top 3 prices, thereafter £6 off top 3 prices Wed - Thu perfs & Sat mat GROUPS 10+ £5 off plus 1 in 20 free on top 3 prices SENIOR CITIZENS Best available seats £16, (Wed mat only) GENERAL CONCESSION £5 off top 3 prices, £3 off 4th price applicable Tue - Thu and Sat mat) C G Details page 39

TICKETS £10 - £25

Vampirette is the blood-curdlingly hilarious musical comedy debuting at the Manchester Opera House. Packed full of great songs, eye-gouging dance routines and loads of laughs, get ready to vamp it up in the aisles with your mates!

A new show like no other - with prizes for the best dressed vampire each night - this spooktakular musical will have you humming along with the romantic ballads and screaming out the classic rock anthems including California Girls and the monster hit Total Eclipse of the Heart!

So slap on too much make up, enjoy a Bloody Mary at the bar and get your vampire teeth at the ready it’s gonna be one batty night!

ATG THEATRE CARD Half price tickets Wed 9 May, thereafter £5 off Mon - Thu PREVIEW OFFER Half price tickets Fri 4 - Tue 8 May GROUPS 10+ £18 SCHOOL/YOUTH GROUPS 10+ £10 and 1 in 10 free for teachers - Mon, Tue eve & Wed mat SENIOR CITIZENS Best available £15 Wed mat C G S Details page 39

0844 871 3018 (bkg fee)

0844 871 3018 (bkg fee)

www.atgtickets.com/manchester

www.atgtickets.com/manchester

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OPERA HOUSE

‘I FELT I MIGHT ACTUALLY DIE OF LAUGHTER’ THE INDEPENDENT

STARRING

MARCUS BRIGSTOCKE BONNIE LANGFORD TODD CARTY Audiences across the land have been roused in chorus singing Always Look on the Bright Side of Life and roaring with laughter since Monty Python’s Spamalot by Eric Idle and John Du Prez, won the Tony Award for Best Musical.

NOW IN ITS SECOND SMASH HIT YEAR! SEEN BY OVER A MILLION PEOPLE IN THE UK! Spamalot tells the legendary tale of King Arthur and the lled Knights of the Round Table and features a bevy (or (cancleth + heasafety) possibly a brace) of beautiful show girls, witch burnings not to mention cows, killer rabbits and French people.

The show features the hilarious songs He Is Not Dead Yet, Knights Of The Round Table, Find Your Grail and of course the Nation’s Favourite Comedy Song ALWAYS LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE and features Eric Idle himself as God (see small print)*.

AINT OMBE’S FRESH-AS-P ‘CHRISTOPHER LUSC AR! THE HOUSE ON A RO PRODUCTION SETS – OT AL AM SP TICKET TO BOOK YOURSELF A

IT WILL HELP YOU IN THESE DARK DAYS SIDE OF LIFE’ LOOK ON THE BRIGHT , 16TH JANUARY 2012 RAPH

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Photos of previous cast © Manuel Harlan *As a visual recording! As if we could afford to cart this God-like comic round the country!

DAILY TELEG CHARLES SPENCER,

MON 21 - SAT 26 MAY Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm TICKETS £12 - £34.50 (Premium Seats £35 & £45) ATG THEATRE CARD Half price on Mon 21 May thereafter £6 off top 2 prices, Tue - Thu & Sat mat GROUPS 10+ £5 off top 3 prices 20+ £6 off top 3 prices 50+ £7 off top 3 prices plus 2 free tickets SCHOOLS £13 tickets Mon, Tue eve & Wed mat SENIOR CITIZENS Best available £17.50, Wed mat only STUDENTS Best available £17.50, Grand Tier, Mon eve only C G S Details page 39

0844 871 3018 (bkg fee) www.atgtickets.com/manchester

11

GUARANTEED TO HAVE YOU DANCING IN THE AISLES!

PALACE THEATRE

A BRILLIANTLY FUNNY MUSICAL COMEDY

OPERA HOUSE

Classic hits include:

I Heard It Through The Grapevine Baby Love My Girl Dancing in the Streets Shop Around Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours Please Mr Postman Reach Out I’ll Be There Stop In the Name of Love Up Tight (everything’s alright) Tears of a Clown Tracks of My Tears

MON 4 - SAT 9 JUN Mon - Thu eves 7.30pm Fri 5pm & 8.30pm Sat 4pm & 8pm

WITH A FULL SUPPORTING COMPANY OF SINGERS, DANCERS AND THE ‘DANCING IN THE STREETS’ BAND After wowing audiences all over the UK and spending three years in London’s West End, Dancing in the Streets is back!

Experience the energy, the excitement, the emotion and the electricity of Motown in Ivor Novello Award-winning director Keith Strachan’s production of the hit show Dancing in the Streets, the spectacular celebration of classic music from the heart of the Motor City - Detroit!

Motown was a prominent force in breaking down barriers around the world and equally as important, was responsible for producing some of the world’s most influential and enduring songs of the 20th century.

TICKETS £9 - £25 (Premium seats from £27) ATG THEATRE CARD Half price tickets Mon 4 Jun, thereafter £5 off GROUPS 10+ £3 off GROUPS 20+ £3 off plus 1 free GENERAL CONCESSION £2 discount C G Details page 39

0844 871 3019 (bkg fee) www.atgtickets.com/manchester

12

‘A NON-STOP, LAUGH OUT LOUD MUSICAL COMEDY’ DERRY JOURNAL

STARRING

GILLIAN TAYLFORTH, KIM TAYLFORTH & REBECCA WHEATLEY Five life-long friends celebrate the past on a hilarious karaoke night out packed with girlie anthems including Dancing Queen, I Will Survive, It’s Raining Men and many more.

From Where the Heart Is writer, Louise Roche, this thoughtful, brilliantly funny and down-to-earth musical comedy follows five girlfriends on a riotous karaoke night out. You’ll recognise every one of them: Carol the party girl, eccentric Anita, Liza with her issues, boring Kate and gossipy Sharon.

Real-life sisters Gillian Taylforth (EastEnders, The Bill) and Kim Taylforth (Bad Girls, London’s Burning) appear for the first time together on stage playing sisters, alongside Rebecca Wheatley (Casualty) in this hilarious musical comedy jam-packed with anthems.

Grab your girlfriends, your sisters and your workmates and prepare to laugh like never before!

TUE 5 - SAT 9 JUN Tue - Thu eves 7.30pm Fri 4.30pm & 8.30pm Sat 4pm & 8pm TICKETS £17.50 & £19.50 ATG THEATRE CARD £3.50 off per ticket OPENING NIGHT Best available £10 GROUPS 10+ £10 SENIOR CITIZENS £10 Midweek Special C G Details page 39

0844 871 3018 (bkg fee) www.atgtickets.com/manchester

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DIRECT FROM HIS WEST END SEASON FOR TWO MANCHESTER WEEKS ONLY!

MARTI PELLOW STARS AS THE NARRATOR BILL KENWRIGHT PRESENTS

A GREAT BRITISH MUSIC ICON IN AN ICONIC MUSICAL

OPERA HOUSE

‘EXHILARATING. ONE OF THE BEST MUSICALS EVER WRITTEN’ SUNDAY TIMES

★★★★★

★★★★★

‘TERRIFIC’

‘WONDERFUL’

SUNDAY EXPRESS

EVENING STANDARD

‘A TRIUMPHANT EVENING UNMISSABLE AND UNBEATABLE’ THE SPECTATOR

MON 18 - SAT 30 JUN Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm TICKETS £12 - £29.50 (Premium seats £35)

West End star and multi-platinum selling artist Marti Pellow joins the cast of Blood Brothers for two spectacular weeks only. The Wet Wet Wet front-man and music legend will take on the role of Narrator alongside Maureen Nolan as Mrs Johnstone in the critically acclaimed smash hit musical.

‘BRINGS THE AUDIENCE CHEERING TO ITS FEET AND ROARING ITS APPROVAL’ DAILY MAIL 14 x

Written by Willy Russell, the legendary Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences. The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.

Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multi awardwinning Blood Brothers, and Bill Kenwright’s production, having recently celebrated its 23rd phenomenal year in London, continues to enjoy standing ovations at every devastating performance.

No wonder Blood Brothers is now ‘THE MUSICAL FOR ALL TIME’.

ATG THEATRE CARD £5 off top 2 prices & £3 off remaining prices (inc Premium) GROUPS 10+ £5 off top 2 prices GROUPS 50+ £6 off top 2 prices SCHOOL GROUPS Best available £15, plus 1 in 10 free Mon, Tue eves & Thu mat SENIOR CITIZENS Best available £15 Thu mat GENERAL CONCESSION £3 off C G S Details page 39

0844 871 3018 (bkg fee) www.atgtickets.com/manchester

15

SUSAN BOYLE IS COMING TO MANCHESTER!

PALACE THEATRE

THE ORIGINAL CAST REUNITED LIVE ON STAGE!

OPERA HOUSE

PERFECTLY NORMAL PRODUCTIONS AND THE ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS FOR THE RADIO THEATRE COMPANY PRESENT

STARRING

SIMON JONES AS ARTHUR DENT

GEOFF McGIVERN

‘I CAN’T WAIT FOR THIS MUSICAL TO HIT THE STAGE’

AS FORD PREFECT

SUSAN SHERIDAN AS TRILLIAN FROM THE SAGA THAT CHANGED LIFE, THE UNIVERSE AND EVERYTHING THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY BY DOUGLAS ADAMS

MARK WING-DAVEY AS ZAPHOD BEEBLEBROX

SUSAN BOYLE

AND THE VOICE OF

STEPHEN MOORE SUSAN BOYLE WILL MAKE A GUEST APPEARANCE ON THE PALACE THEATRE STAGE IN THIS NEW MUSICAL THAT CHARTS HER EXTRAORDINARY STORY. Starring Elaine C Smith, best known as Mary Doll in BBC TV’s Rab C Nesbitt, the musical follows Susan Boyle’s meteoric rise from humble beginnings to global icon and features signature songs from her multi-platinum selling albums.

Don’t miss your chance to see this amazing production featuring a special performance from Susan herself. This astounding musical will make you laugh and cry but most of all dream.

If she can dare to dream so can you.

You may think it’s a long way down the street to the chemist But that’s just peanuts to space...

TUE 19 - SAT 23 JUN Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm TICKETS £15 - £34 (Premium seats from £35) ATG THEATRE CARD Half Price tickets Tue 19 June, thereafter £5 off Tue & Thu SENIOR CITIZENS Best available £15 Wed mat GENERAL CONCESSION £5 off Tue - Thu perfs C Details page 39

0844 871 3019 (bkg fee) www.atgtickets.com/manchester

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The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy became an instant classic on its launch as a radio series. Now Douglas Adams’ immortal creation explodes back into life, re-born in this ground-breaking new stage production - a radio show like you never saw before in surround sound, packed with laughter, robots, really wild sound effects and drinks with extremely silly names.

The legendary Radio and TV cast are re-united for these live performances, led by Simon Jones as Arthur Dent, bringing to life the characters written for them in highlights from the entire Hitchhiker’s Saga. They are joined on stage by a series of VIP Guest Voices Of The Book and supporting actors from Hitchhikers in all its phases.

Directed by Dirk Maggs, Douglas Adams’ choice to conclude the narrative in its original medium, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy... Live! is an adventure which will introduce newcomers of all ages to Vogons, Babel Fish, Marvin the Paranoid Android and allow them to explore the unique and hilarious Whole General Mish Mash According To Douglas Adams.

Whatever else you do, make sure you know where your towel is...

AS MARVIN THE PARANOID ANDROID

MON 2 - WED 4 JUL Mon - Wed eves 7.30pm TICKETS £19 - £25 (Premium seats £29.50) ATG THEATRE CARD £3 off per ticket on top price GENERAL CONCESSION £2 off top 2 prices C Details page 39

0844 871 3018 (bkg fee) www.atgtickets.com/manchester

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ENGLISH NATIONAL BALLET

PALACE THEATRE

The My First ballets by English National Ballet in partnership with English National Ballet School bring your children their first taste of the fantastical, magical, make-believe world of ballet.

My First Sleeping Beauty is an enchanted world of castles and curses, forests and fairies, created especially for the whole family.

Tchaikovsky’s gorgeous waltz-filled music includes the tune made famous as Once Upon a Dream in Disney’s version.

★★★★ ‘IT KEPT A THEATRE FULL OF SWEETIECRUNCHING TOTS ENTHRALLED’ THE GUARDIAN ON THE SLEEPING BEAUTY

SAT 2 & SUN 3 JUN Sat 11am, 2pm & 5pm Sun 11am & 3pm TICKETS Adults £10 - £20 Children £8 - £15 (Premium seats £20 & £25) Artwork by Mark Ruffle www.rufflebrothers. com

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FAMILY TICKET £55 (not Premiums) C G S F Details page 39

‘ETERNALLY POPULAR - A T0NIC’ PALACE THEATRE

FLAWLESS and ENGLISH NATIONAL BALLET in

AGAINST TIME STREETDANCE GOES CLASSICAL English National Ballet and World Dance Champions Flawless perform Against Time - a thrilling fusion of streetdance, acrobatics and ballet.

Four students of The Academy of Excellence set off on a quest to stop an evil manipulator who plans to end dance by stopping time. The boys from Flawless and the ballerinas take us on a journey that fuses the opposing poles of dance and generates dance fireworks.

Against Time is produced by English National Ballet and World Dance Management created

by Flawless and Jenna Lee. FRI 6 - SUN 8 JUL Fri 7.30pm Sat 4.30pm & 8.30pm Sun 2pm & 6pm TICKETS £11 - £27 (Premium seats £32)

MICHAEL BILLINGTON

Written in Brighton in 1887, Dandy Dick is the inaugural production of Theatre Royal Brighton Productions. This will be its first major revival for forty years, and stars Olivier Award-winner Patricia Hodge, whose career spans film (Betrayal, Behind Enemy Lines), theatre (Noises Off, Calendar Girls) and television (a BAFTA nomination for Hotel du Lac, The Falklands Play and, of course, Miranda). Nicholas Le Prevost’s distinguished stage career includes many productions at the National Theatre, including My Fair Lady, for which he was nominated for an Olivier Award. More recently, he was seen in The Misanthrope with Keira Knightley.

Dandy Dick tells the hilarious story of the Very Reverend Augustin Jedd, a pillar of Victorian respectability, who preaches regularly against the evils of the Turf. But a visit from his tearaway sister, herself an habitual gambler, leads him to risk all at the races, much against his better judgement.

Mayhem ensues, with romantic intrigue, mistaken identity and a runaway horse . . .

Following his huge success with The Madness of George III in the West End, Christopher Luscombe directs a solid gold cast of comic actors in what is surely the must-see comedy of 2012.

OPERA HOUSE

Adapted and directed by CHRISTOPHER LUSCOMBE Design JANET BIRD Lighting PAUL PYANT Music NIGEL HESS Sound GREGORY CLARKE TUE 28 AUG - SAT 1 SEP Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed, Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm TICKETS £10 - £27 (Premium seats £32) ATG THEATRE CARD Half price tickets on Tue 28 Aug £5 off top 3 thereafter (inc Premium seats) C G S Details page 39

0844 871 3018 (bkg fee) www.atgtickets.com/manchester

19

‘THE BEST SHOW I’VE EVER SEEN. BRILLIANT’

SCOTT MILLS, BBC RADIO 1

‘RIGHT UP THERE ALONGSIDE MAMMA MIA AND HAIRSPRAY’ THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

OPERA HOUSE

DIRECT FROM 3 TRIUMPHANT YEARS IN THE WEST END!

★★★H

‘HYSTERICALLY FUNNY’ THE MAIL ON SUNDAY

‘SIMPLY BLOWS OTHER MUSICALS OUT OF THE WATER. SENSATIONAL’ THE SUN

RETURNING BY POPULAR DEMAND FOR ONE WEEK ONLY! The international award-winning hit Legally Blonde The Musical is returning to Manchester. Winner of 7 major awards including the coveted Best Musical 2011 (Olivier Awards) this all singing, all dancing romantic comedy is about knowing who you are and showing what you’ve got!

Elle Woods can handle anything. So when her boyfriend, Warner, dumps her she decides to follow him to Harvard Law School and win him back. With some help from new-found friends Paulette, Emmett and her chihuahua Bruiser, she learns that it’s so much better to be smart.

Directed by Tony and Olivier Award winner Jerry Mitchell (Hairspray), Legally Blonde The Musical is the funniest and most fabulous musical around. The best show in town, case closed.

★★★★★ TIME OUT

TUE 11 - SAT 22 SEP Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm Wed 12 Sep mat 2.30pm TICKETS £12 - £39.50 (Premium seats from £35) ATG THEATRE CARD Half price tickets Tue 11 Sep £6 off Mon - Thu perfs GROUPS 10+ £5 off top 2 prices 20+ £6 off top 2 prices SCHOOL GROUPS Tue, Wed Eves & Thurs Mat - £15, plus 1 teacher in 10 pupils free SENIOR CITIZENS Best available £20 midweek mats G F S C Details page 39

0844 871 3018 (bkg fee) www.atgtickets.com/manchester

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11 21

‘A BIG, FAMILY-FRIENDLY MUSICAL’ OPERA HOUSE

NEW YORK OBSERVER

NORTHERN BALLET’S BEAUTIFUL AND MOVING CLASSIC PRODUCTION

PALACE THEATRE

★★★★★

WHOOPI GOLDBERG & STAGE ENTERTAINMENT PRESENT

‘SIMPLY STUNNING’

©

METRO

‘A TRIUMPH OF ARTISTRY WORTH A VISIT

BY ANYONE’ SUNDAY EXPRESS TUE 25 SEP - SAT 6 OCT Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm Extra mat Sun 30 Sep 3pm

TUE 25 - SAT 29 SEP Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm

TICKETS £15 - £43.50 (Premium seats from £45.50)

From producers Whoopi Goldberg and Stage Entertainment (Hairspray, High School Musical), the smash hit musical Sister Act is returning to Manchester!

The show, which opened its triumphant UK tour at the Opera House last year, stars Coronation Street’s Denise Black as Mother Superior, Brookside and The Royal favourite Michael Starke as Monsignor O’Hara and Cynthia Erivo as Deloris Van Cartier.

Based on the movie of the same name, this fabulous, family-friendly, feel-good show is packed with songs inspired by Motown, funk, soul and disco. More than a million people saw Sister Act in the West End and now, as the habit hits the road, fall in love with the funniest and funkiest nun on the run, and her heavenly sequinned sisters all over again!

‘PRAY YOU CATCH IT WHILE YOU CAN!’ OLDHAM CHRONICLE 22

Photographs of the UK touring production by Tristram Kenton

ATG THEATRE CARD Half price on top 3 prices on Tue performances. £6 off top 3 prices Wed - Thu perfs GROUPS EARLY BOOKING £10 off top 3 prices when paid for by 1 Jul 2012 GROUPS 10+ 10+ £5 off top 3 prices (Tue – Thu) 20+ £6 off top 3 prices (Tue – Thu) 50+ £7 off top 3 prices, plus 2 free tickets (Tue – Thu) SCHOOLS AND STUDENT GROUPS Best available seats £16 on Tue - Thu perfs with 1 teacher free with every 10* GENERAL CONCESSIONS £5 off top 3 prices, £3 off bottom two prices, applies Tue - Thu evening perfs SENIOR CITIZENS SPECIAL Best available seats for £25 on the midweek matinee C G S E Details page 39

0844 871 3018 (bkg fee) www.atgtickets.com/manchester *Box Office only

TICKETS £12.50 - £35 (Premium seats from £29.50)

Don’t miss Northern Ballet’s much-loved Madame Butterfly as it visits Manchester this autumn.

Innocence, love and betrayal unfold in the picturesque gardens of a Japanese Villa. Butterfly is fragile, unworldly, and prepared to sacrifice everything for the love of the handsome American, Lieutenant Pinkerton. He deserts her and their child, only to return years later with his new wife. Abandoned and betrayed, Butterfly is left with only one honourable course of action.

East meets West as Northern Ballet Sinfonia play Puccini’s beautiful score, interspersed with traditional Japanese music, as the Company blend classical ballet with Japanese-style dancing.

The recipient of much critical acclaim, book now for your opportunity to see Madame Butterfly – one of Northern Ballet’s most enduring productions.

Photography by Jason Tozer

ATG THEATRE CARD Half price tickets for Tue 25 Sep Thereafter £5 off top 4 prices EARLY BOOKING OFFER £5 off top 3 prices if booked and paid before 31 May GROUPS EBO £10 off top 3 prices if booked and paid before 31 May GROUPS 10+ 10+ £5 off top 3 prices 20+ £6 off top 3 prices plus 1 free 50+ £7 off top 3 prices plus 3 free GENERAL CONCESSIONS Thu mat best available seats £13.50 Sat mat £3 off top 2 prices CHILDREN 1 child free with accompanying adult on top 3 prices only (Concessions exclude Sat eve) G F S E Details page 39

0844 871 3019 (bkg fee) www.atgtickets.com/manchester

23

‘GREASE IS STILL THE WORD’ SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

PALACE THEATRE

‘THE NO.1 GREATEST MUSICAL!’ 100 GREATEST MUSICALS, CHANNEL 4

BECOME A GROUPS BOOKER AND SAVE £££’S! WHY NOT MAKE YOUR VISIT TO THE THEATRE EVEN BETTER BY GETTING TOGETHER AS A GROUP & MAKING THE MOST OF OUR FABULOUS GROUP BOOKINGS SERVICE? As Manchester’s two premier venues for live theatre, we are proud to be able to bring our Group Bookers a wide range of top-quality productions that reflect the diversity of taste in our audience.

We are confident that, no matter what type of group you organise or what type of show you prefer to see, we are second to none in the region for offering the very best in live entertainment!

In addition to this, we are also able to offer our Group Bookers a huge range of benefits.

These include:

MEAL DEALS

RADISSON EDWARDIAN MEAL DEAL Make your Theatre experience extra special and book our Brand New Meal Deal Package at the Radisson Edwardian’s Alto Restaurant. 2 courses £15.50, 3 courses £17.50 or 3 courses plus a glass of champagne each for £25.

 Dedicated Priority Booking Line with

Ice Champion

 First to hear of new shows with an exclusive

booking period

 Invites to special show launches and previews  Reserve now, pay later  No booking fees with tickets posted free

to your door

 Huge savings on the majority of shows The No.1 Greatest Musical, Grease, is returning to Manchester Palace Theatre, for one week only!

Danny Bayne (winner of ITV’s Grease Is The Word, Hairspray) stars as Danny with Carina Gillespie (Grease, Buddy) as Sandy and Ice Champion Robin Cousins as Teen Angel.

MON 8 - SAT 13 OCT Mon - Thu eves 7.30pm Fri 5.30pm & 8.30pm Sat 5pm & 8.30pm

Dust off your leather jackets, pull on your bobby-socks and take a trip to a simpler time as ‘bad boy’ Danny and ‘the girl next door’ Sandy fall in love all over again.

TICKETS £12 - £37.50 (Premium seats £35)

It’s the original High-School musical, featuring all the unforgettable songs from the hit movie including You’re The One That I Want, Grease Is The Word, Summer Nights, Hopelessly Devoted To You, Sandy, Greased Lightnin’ and many more.

So throw your mittens around your kittens and hand jive the night away with the show that’ll make you want to stand up and shout, ‘A-wop-bop-a-loo-bop, A-wop-bam-boom!’

IT’S THE MOST ELECTRIFYIN’ EXTRAVAGANZA on stage!!

Be there or be square!

‘IT’S ELECTRIFYING GO GO GO!’ SKY NEWS 24

 Reservations can be easily changed

Photographs of West End company by Paul Coltas

 Reserve more than one show at a time  No deposits required AMAZING SAVINGS FOR GROUPS!

MONKEE BUSINESS Up to £7 off top 3 prices SPAMALOT Up to £7 off top 3 prices (plus 2 free for Groups of 50+)

G F S C Details page 39

So, just call our dedicated and friendly Group Sales team on the priority booking line:

www.atgtickets.com/manchester

Located in the centre of Manchester, the UK’s largest Hard Rock has joined with us to offer our groups a Hard Rock Café meal deal that will rock the senses and enhance any trip to the theatre.

Available on all shows, for just £14.00 per person, you will receive a choice of Entrée, Hard Rock’s signature ice cream and a soft drink. Call us now!

Just look at the fantastic per ticket savings you can make when booking a group.

ATG THEATRE CARD Half price tickets Mon 8 Oct £6 off top 2 prices Mon - Thu & Fri Early GROUPS 10+ 10+ £5 off top 3 prices 20+ £6 off top 3 prices, plus 1 ticket free

0844 871 3019 (bkg fee)

HARD ROCK CAFÉ MEAL DEAL

BLOOD BROTHERS £6 off top 3 prices 42ND STREET Up to £6 off per ticket, plus 1 free THE MOUSETRAP Best available seats £15

AFTERNOON TEA

All offers are subject to terms and conditions and availability.

For £9.50 per person, you can enjoy a selection of sandwiches, a scone with clotted cream and preserves and unlimited tea and coffee - all in the Octagon Lounge of The Midland Hotel.

0844 871 3038 Mon - Fri, 10am - 6pm manchestergroups@theambassadors.com 25

OPERA HOUSE

FRIENDSHIP, GOSSIP, POISON, MURDER? THESE GIRLS HAVE ALL OF THE FUN!

FRI 12 - SAT 20 OCT Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm WRITTEN BY

PATRICIA RESNICK DOLLY PARTON

MUSIC & LYRICS BY

DIRECTED BY JEFF

’EM W SHO ’S O WH S! BOS 26

CALHOUN

9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL is a hilarious new musical comedy, based on the hit movie and centres on three office workers who turn the tables on their sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot of a boss.

They conspire to take control of the company and learn there’s nothing they can’t do - even in a man’s world. Outrageous, thoughtprovoking and even a little romantic, 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL is about teaming up and taking care of business.

FEISTY, FUN AND OH SO FABULOUS! This show features Dolly Parton’s original hit title song, 9 to 5, which won her an Oscar nomination and 4 Grammy Award nominations along with her new Tony® and Grammy nominated score. With 18 original numbers, including Backwoods Barbie and Shine Like the Sun, that mix Broadway and pop with Dolly’s signature witty lyrics it will have you kicking up your heels. Leave your daily grind behind and join in on the fun.

Based on the 20th Century Fox Picture Originally produced on Broadway by Robert Greenblatt, April 2009

TICKETS £15 - £35 (Premium seats £42) ATG THEATRE CARD Half price tickets Fri 12 Oct & Mon 15 Oct thereafter Tue to Thu perfs £5 off GENERAL £5 off top 3 prices, Mon - Thu & Sat mats GROUPS 10+ Groups 10+ £5 off top 4 prices Mon - Thu & Sat mats C G S Details page 39

0844 871 3018 (bkg fee) www.atgtickets.com/manchester

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THE LEGENDARY, RECORD-BREAKING SMASH HIT THRILLER CELEBRATES ITS 60TH ANNIVERSARY

OPERA HOUSE

‘FULL OF BROADWAY RAZZAMATAZZ - PURE ESCAPIST ENTERTAINMENT’ MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS

PALACE THEATRE

‘THE CLEVEREST MURDER MYSTERY OF BRITISH THEATRE’ THE TELEGRAPH

‘A TRULY ENTERTAINING CLASSIC THRILLER’ THE SUNDAY TIMES

‘DESERVEDLY A CLASSIC AMONG MURDER THRILLERS’ THE OBSERVER

‘ONE OF THE MOST SKILLFULLY WRITTEN MURDER MYSTERIES EVER PRODUCED’ NEW YORK TIMES A classic. A landmark. A legend.

The Mousetrap is famous around the world as being the longest running show of any kind in the history of theatre - with almost 25,000 performances it’s a play to be proud of. And to celebrate 60 incredible years on stage, it’s going on tour for the first time, with a star cast to give you a once in a life-time opportunity to see this masterpiece here at the Manchester Opera House.

MON 22 - SAT 27 OCT Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm

The scene is set when a group of people gathered in a country house cut off by the snow discover, to their horror, that there is a murderer in their midst. Who can it be? One by one the suspicious characters reveal their sordid pasts until at the last, nerve-shredding moment the identity and the motives are finally revealed.

ATG THEATRE CARD Half price tickets on Mon 22 Oct thereafter £5 off top 3 prices (including Premium seats)

In her own inimitable style, Dame Agatha Christie has created an atmosphere of shuddering suspense and a brilliantly intricate plot where murder lurks around every corner.

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www.MousetrapOnTour.com

TICKETS £10 - £27 (Premium seats £29.50 & £32)

C G S Details page 39

0844 871 3018 (bkg fee) www.atgtickets.com/manchester

‘A TOP NIGHT OF ENTERTAINMENT’ STARRING DAVE WILLETTS AND MARTI WEBB COME AND MEET THOSE DANCING FEET Winner of the 1980 Tony Award for Best New Musical and the 2001 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical: 42nd Street the timeless, inspiring tale of small town Peggy Sawyer’s rise from chorus line to Broadway star.

And those songs! Lullaby of Broadway, We’re in the Money, Shuffle Off to Buffalo, Keep Young and Beautiful, I Only Have Eyes For You and the spectacular title number, danced down a flight of steps that lights up as brightly as the faces of the cast. Audiences will find out what it’s like to float up to Musical Comedy Heaven.

Directed by the shows author and Broadway director Mark Bramble the show features the stunning sets and costumes from the US production.

THE SCOTSMAN

‘TAPTASTIC!’ NOTTINGHAM EVENING POST

TUE 23 - SAT 27 OCT Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm TICKETS £15 - £35 (Premium seats £45) ATG THEATRE CARD Half price Tue 23 Oct & Wed 24 Oct (mats), or £6 off top 3 prices C G Details page 39

0844 871 3019 (bkg fee) www.atgtickets.com/manchester

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THE MOST EXHILARATING THEATRICAL JOURNEY OF THE SEASON

PALACE THEATRE

ENGLISH NATIONAL BALLET PRESENTS THE SLEEPING BEAUTY

OPERA HOUSE

‘THE MOST ADVENTUROUS MUSICAL TO BRAVE BROADWAY IN THE PAST DECADE’ THE NEW YORK TIMES

Direct from Broadway, the smash-hit musical American Idiot tells the story of three lifelong friends, forced to choose between their dreams and the safety of suburbia. Their quest for true meaning in a post 9/11 world leads them on the most exhilarating theatrical journey of the season.

Based on Green Day’s GRAMMY® Award-winning multi-platinum album, American Idiot boldly takes the American musical where it’s never gone before. The result is an experience Charles Isherwood of The New York Times declares, ‘THRILLING, EMOTIONALLY CHARGED, AND AS MOVING AS ANY BROADWAY MUSICAL I’VE SEEN THIS YEAR!’ Featuring the hits Boulevard of Broken Dreams, 21 Guns, Wake Me Up When September Ends, Holiday and the blockbuster title track, American Idiot features the music of Green Day and the lyrics of its lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong, direction by Tony Award® winner Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening), choreography by Olivier Award winner Steven Hoggett (Black Watch), music supervision, orchestrations and arrangements by Pulitzer Prize winner Tom Kitt (Next to Normal), Tony Award® winning set design by Christine Jones and Tony Award® winning lighting design by Kevin Adams.

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American Idiot contains adult content and strong language

‘THE FIRST GREAT MUSICAL OF THE 21ST CENTURY!’ THE TORONTO STAR

MON 12 - SAT 24 NOV Mon - Thu eves 8pm Fri 5pm & 8.30pm Sat 4pm & 8pm TICKETS £17.50 - £43.50 ATG THEATRE CARD Half Price on top 3 prices on Mon 12 Nov thereafter Tue to Thu eves & Fri Early £5 off on top 3 prices C G Details page 39

0844 871 3019 (bkg fee)

The Sleeping Beauty English National Ballet’s The Sleeping Beauty reawakens the magic of the world’s favourite fairy tale in an enchanted world of castles, curses, forests and fairies.

With wonderful choreography by Kenneth MacMillan, The Sleeping Beauty is the ultimate classical ballet – featuring the most luxurious staging, superb dance and dazzling music including Tchaikovsky’s much-loved Rose Adagio and Once Upon a Dream used in Disney’s version of this popular classic.

HHHH ‘WHAT A TRIUMPH’ SUNDAY EXPRESS

www.atgtickets.com/manchester

WED 28 NOV - SAT 1 DEC Wed - Sat eves 7.30pm Schools mat Thu 2pm Sat mat 2.30pm TICKETS £10 - £35 (Premium seats from £30) ATG THEATRE CARD Half Price tickets on Wed 28 Nov, off top 3 prices GROUPS 10+ Groups EB0 £5 off top 3 prices, book before 2 Jul Groups 10+ £5 off top 3 prices Groups 20+ £6 off top 3 prices plus 1 free ticket C G S E Details page 39

0844 871 3018 (bkg fee) www.atgtickets.com/manchester

Photographs: Michael Garner and Laurent Liotardo

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THE ACCLAIMED WEST END AND BROADWAY MUSICAL IS COMING TO MANCHESTER!

Set against the majesty of Serengeti Plains and to the evocative rhythms of Africa, Disney’s The Lion King is a worldwide theatrical phenomenon. It has been seen by over 65 million people worldwide and is still drawing sell-out crowds at London’s Lyceum Theatre in its 13th year.

PALACE THEATRE

THU 6 DEC 2012 SUN 31 MAR 2013 (PREVIEWS FROM SAT 1 DEC)

Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed, Sat & Sun mats 2.30pm Extra mats 27 Dec & 3 Jan

In December 2012, this award-winning production will begin its long anticipated season at the Palace Theatre, Manchester.

TICKETS £20 - £55 (Premium seats £72.50 & £75)

A spectacular visual feast, this adaptation of Disney’s classic film transports audiences to a dazzling world that explodes with glorious colours, stunning effects and enchanting music. At its heart is the powerful and moving story of Simba - the epic adventure of his journey from wide-eyed cub to his destined role as King of the Pridelands.

SIGNED PERFS Wed 13 Mar 7.30pm, Thu 14 Mar 7.30pm AUDIO DESCRIBED PERF Tue 12 Feb 7.30pm Wed 6 Mar 7.30pm CAPTIONED PERF Sat 12 Jan 2.30pm

DON’T MISS THIS ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION WHEN IT ARRIVES AT THE PALACE THEATRE, MANCHESTER!

0844 871 3019 (bkg fee) www.atgtickets.com/manchester

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SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

THE WIGGLES LIVE IN CONCERT THU 14 JUN 1pm & 4.30pm TICKETS £16 F

PT

SUN 27 MAY 2pm TICKETS £15 F

SUN 3 & MON 4 JUN 7.30pm TICKETS £19.50 - £24.50 ATG THEATRE CARD £5 off top price C S G F

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Following several sell-out UK tours and best-selling stand-up DVDs, multi-award winning welsh wonder Rhod Gilbert is back on the road with a new live show. A regular on Live At The Apollo and with his own BBC One show Ask Rhod Gilbert, he’s one of the world’s hottest comedians. ‘ONE OF THE BEST COMEDIANS ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD’ TIME OUT

CIRQUE DU CIEL’S SHANGHI

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THE RETURN OF THE PIRATES OF THE RIVER ROTHER 2 IN STRANGER TIGHTS

The Wiggles, the fab four from Australia, are very proud to be bringing their world famous live show back to the UK and Ireland in 2012.

COLIN FRY

CHOIR ANTHEMS

VEGAS SPECTACULAR

HIGHER SENSES TOUR

TONY BENNETT IN CONCERT

BEYOND THE BARRICADE

MON 28 MAY 7.30pm TICKETS £23.50 - £33.50

THU 31 MAY 7.30pm TICKETS £17-£21

SAT 2 JUN 7.30pm ATG THEATRE CARD £1.50 off TICKETS £15 C S G

SAT 30 JUN 7.30pm TICKETS £15.50 & £17.50 C G ATG THEATRE CARD £3 off

TUE 3 JUL 8pm TICKETS £46 - £66

SAT 7 JUL 7.30pm TICKETS £20.50 C G ATG THEATRE CARD £2 off

www.ratpack.biz

One of the world’s most recognised spiritualist mediums, Colin’s TV series 6ixth Sense has now been broadcast worldwide making his public performances an international demand. Colin Fry brings his own unique form of comfort and upliftment to ordinary people living ordinary lives.

PT

See multi Grammy award-winner Tony Bennett performing his timeless classics, touching the souls of audiences with his legendary vocals.

With signature songs including Steppin Out and I Left My Heart in San Francisco. Don’t miss a night to remember with a musical legend.

This concert is in aid of The Christie Hospital.

BOOK NOW 0844 871 3018 (bkg fee)

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Following appearances on Coronation Street and Shameless, The Manchester Show Choir are one of the UK’s most recognised vocal groups. This spine-tingling concert will see the 120-strong choir perform contemporary musical anthems including Chasing Cars and Rule the World as you have never heard them before.

Join Jeff, Anthony, Murray and Sam as well as our Wiggly friends; Dorothy the Dinosaur, Captain Feathersword, Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus and the world famous Wiggly dancers for this spectacular production!

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‘Purveyors of Cool’ come to town with a sensational live show featuring the greatest music of the 20th century. Every song is an absolute classic like - Under My Skin, Mr Bojangles, That’s Amore, Come Fly With Me and Mack The Knife. The BBC summed it up in one word ‘MAGNIFICENT’

PT

THE RAT PACK

PT

HOOKED ON CLASSICS PT

ShangHi is a marvellous two-hour extravaganza featuring superb costumes, sets and lighting.

Originally directed by Cirque du Soleil’s Guy Caron. It combines acrobatics, modern dance, original music, martial arts and many other Chinese elements.

Now celebrating over 20 years performing to children around the globe they are bringing their big hits such as Hot Potato, Fruit Salad, Rock A Bye Your Bear and Toot Toot Chugga Chugga and more in a show jam packed with audience favourites!

www.rhodgilbertcomedian.com

Ahoy there landlubbers! A vast behind and prepare to splice the main brace as the boys go on a full blown swash-buckling adventure at sea! Magic, mystery and mayhem are guaranteed. Fun and laughter for all the family and grandmother as well!

With over 13 million units sold worldwide Hooked On Classics is one of the most successful album series of the last 30 years, and now it’s back with a new live production.

Louis Clark, former arranger for Electric Light Orchestra, conducts the English Pops Orchestra recreating the magical Hooked On Classics live in concert.

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CHUCKLE BROTHERS

SAT 26 & SUN 27 MAY 8pm TICKETS £26 Age 16+

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The No.1 Billboard Chart-topping album Thick As A Brick from 1972 will be played in its entirety, for the first time since its original tour. We can now reveal that Ian’s new album, Thick As A Brick 2 will be performed too. Ian and his band will incorporate video projections and a guest into this show.

RHOD GILBERT

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SUN 22 APR 7.30pm TICKETS £25.50 - £28.50

H

JETHRO TULL’S IAN ANDERSON PLAYS THICK AS A BRICK 1 & 2

Back by overwhelming public demand, this most successful touring show of its kind returns with a new 2012 production.

Recreating original West End/ Broadway songs with amazing authenticity, this spectacular concert features past principal performers from Les Miserables.

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SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE ENHANCE YOUR THEATRE EXPERIENCE n BEAT THE QUEUES AND PAY FOR YOUR PARKING AT OUR SELECTED NCP CAR CARKS IN THE THEATRE FOYER WHEN YOU ARRIVE (OUR SELECTED CAR PARKS CAN BE FOUND ON PAGE 34) n MERCHANDISE AND PROGRAMMES ARE AVAILABLE IN THE FOYER

BACK FOR GOOD

A perfect way to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in a wonderful afternoon filled with patriotic music, nostalgia and fun.

Travel back through 60 glorious years and enjoy a trip down memory lane when Britannia ruled the waves and blue birds flew over the white cliffs of Dover.

The boys are back! Recreating the magic of Take That live in concert in their own inimitable style. If you like Take That you will LOVE Back For Good! Sensational dance routines, and uncanny live performances, you will be singing and dancing and left with little doubt that you are watching ‘THE GREATEST BOY BAND OF ALL TIME’.

FRI 20 JUL 7.30pm TICKETS £20.50 C G S ATG THEATRE CARD £3 off

n DON’T FORGET TO PRE-ORDER YOUR INTERVAL DRINK n RECEIVE GREAT DISCOUNTS FRONT OF HOUSE WHEN YOU BECOME AN ATG THEATRECARD MEMBER (SEE THE INSIDE FRONT COVER FOR MORE INFORMATION)

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THU 19 JUL 7.30pm TICKETS £21 C G ATG THEATRE CARD £3 off O

TUE 10 JUL 2.30pm TICKETS £11 - £13 C G ATG THEATRE CARD £1 off

MOTOWN’S GREATEST HITS - HOW SWEET IT IS PT

THERE’LL ALWAYS BE AN ENGLAND

The ultimate celebration of the sweet sound of Motown, is in its 10th anniversary year. This stunning 100% live show combines first class music, the slickest choreography, and an amazing band to deliver outstanding performances for the best Motown experience ever!

FIND US ONLINE SEE US ON youtube.com/PalaceandOperaHouse

VISIT US ON

PT

Angelina pirouettes onto the stage in her brand new Mousical - a magical show packed full of singing and dancing. Angelina and her friends think their dreams have come true when Camembert Academy wins the opportunity to appear in their favourite television show Dancing With Mice!

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FRI 21 SEP 7.30pm TICKETS £24 & £25 C G

JULIAN CLARY

Direct from London’s West End, the newest sizzling spectacular on tour comes to town with an all-star cast of elegant, beautiful girls.

It’s all tease, no sleaze as corsets, killer heels, stockings aplenty, sultry vocals, breathtaking choreography, mischief, magic, frivolity and fun collide.

Over 18s www.easytheatres.com

BOOK NOW 0844 871 3019 (bkg fee)

SUN 21 OCT 8pm TICKETS £21 ATG THEATRE CARD £2 off C Recommended Age 16+ H

AN EVENING OF BURLESQUE

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FRI 17 - SUN 19 AUG 6.30pm, Sat & Sun mats 2.30pm C G F ATG THEATRE CARD £4.50 off TICKETS £13.50 - £17.50

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ANGELINA BALLERINA

facebook.com/ PalaceandOperaHouseManchester

Master of camp Julian Clary is looking for love and he’s not leaving town empty handed and no straight unturned. ‘BECAUSE I’M STILL CONSIDERED TO BE QUITE A CATCH & BECAUSE YOUR TOWN IS NOTED FOR ITS HETERO-SEXUALS ON THE CUSP, THERE’S BOUND TO BE STIFF COMPETITION’ says Julian.

FOLLOW US ON twitter.com/PalaceandOpera

THEATRE VOUCHERS THE IDEAL GIFT AVAILABLE IN £5, £10 AND £20 Please pop into our box office for more information.

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MANCHESTER STAGE EXPERIENCE PRODUCTION OF

PALACE THEATRE

BOOKING INFORMATION BOOK IN PERSON The Palace Theatre Ticket Centre at The Palace Theatre, Oxford Street, Manchester M1 6FT is open Mon-Sat 12pm-8pm (6pm non-performance days). The Opera House Box Office opens 90 minutes before a performance.

TELEPHONE Opera House 0844 871 3018* Palace Theatre 0844 871 3019* GROUPS SALES Groups Hotline 0844 871 3038 manchestergroups@theambassadors.com (Mon to Fri, 10am – 6pm) ONLINE Log on to www.atgtickets.com/manchester

BY POST Stating the performance and seat choice, enclose a cheque or postal order made payable to The Ambassador Theatre Group Venues, or your card details and post to the above address. Please enclose a stamped and addressed envelope.

Cheques for The Lion King should be made payable to ATG London.

ACCESS FOR ALL Call 0161 245 6605 (Mon to Fri, 10am-6pm) or email manchesterboxoffice@theambassadors.com is also available by calling 0844 277 9856 (24 hours).

This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger LTD on behalf of Music Theatre International of New York.

Book by THOMAS MEEHAN Music by CHARLES STROUSE Lyrics by MARTIN CHARMIN

Join Manchester’s most talented young people in this timeless classic musical featuring the famous songs It’s a Hard Knock Life and Tomorrow.

Set in New York during the depression, the show tells the story of a feisty little girl named Annie. Despite being abandoned by her parents on the doorstep of a New York orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan, Annie remains optimistic that one day soon everything is going to turn out just fine - and that day might just be Tomorrow! With the help of her friends, Annie escapes the clutches of Miss Hannigan and sets off out to find her parents. Her infectious nature soon finds her with a new four-legged best friend called Sandy, an offer of adoption from billionaire Oliver Warbucks and even a meeting with President FD Roosevelt! However Miss Hannigan and her scheming brother, Rooster, are soon back on her trail, determined to take her back to the orphanage.

★★★★ ‘AMAZING DEGREE OF SKILL AND SHEER TALENT’ THE PUBLIC REVIEWS*

★★★★ ‘HIGHLY RECOMMENDED’ WHAT’S ON STAGE*

HEARING IMPAIRED

An infrared system is provided in the auditorium and a headset is required to access the system. Please see a member of staff who will be able to help you.

THU 2 - SAT 4 AUG Thu - Sat eves 7pm Sat mat 2pm TICKETS £14

0844 871 3019 (bkg fee) www.atgtickets.com/manchester

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Quotes from 2010 Guys and Dolls reviews.

Photos from previous Stage Experience production of Fame

STAGETEXT AUDIO DESCRIBED (including a PREVIEW), SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETED and CAPTIONED perfs offered on selected shows. See logos on show pages. PREVIEW is a pre-show introduction, led by the audio describer, for blind and visually impaired people.

The Palace Theatre has street level

access to the left of the main doors, a wheelchair lift in the foyer and lift access to the circle level. The Opera House has street level access and wheelchair access to the circle level.

CARD CHARGES & TICKET COLLECTION Bookings may occasionally carry a credit/debit card fee in addition to the usual transaction and booking fees. For security, when purchasing tickets by card, the card used to pay must be presented on collection from the Box Office.

CONCESSIONS Shows with these symbols have the following concessions available:

C

Seniors / Children / Students / Reg. Unemployed

G S E F

Groups of 10 or more Schools Early booking offer Family offers vary per show.

Please contact the Box Office.

Concessions may be restricted to certain price levels and performances and can be changed or withdrawn by management without notice. Only one concession can be applied at any one time and proof of status is required.

GENERAL INFORMATION The Grand Tier and Gallery are the top levels at the Palace Theatre and Opera House respectively. Both levels offer limited legroom and steep steps and are not recommended for elderly patrons, or those with limited mobility or fear of heights.

Mobile phones should not be used in the auditorium. Photographic, video and audio recording are strictly prohibited.

CHILD POLICY Children (ages 2 to 15 inclusive) shall require their own ticket which shall be at full ticket price if no child concessions are available at the time of booking.

Babes in arms (children under 2 years) shall be admitted free of charge to those shows they may attend (children’s shows and pantomimes only). Children must be supervised at all times and supervision of children shall be by not less than 1 adult per 10 children. The Management reserves the right to ask parents / supervisors to remove children if, in the opinion of the Management, they are causing a disturbance.

The Lion King is recommended for a general audience. As an advisory to adults who might bring young people, Disney recommends The Lion King for ages 6 and up. Children under the age of 3 will not be admitted into the theatre. All persons entering the theatre, regardless of age, must have a ticket.

CAR PARKING We recommend patrons use official NCP car parks. The nearest car parks to the Palace Theatre are located on Oxford Street and Whitworth Street. The nearest to the Opera House is Spinningfields (off Quay Street near Granada Studios).

Parking tickets can be validated at the cloakrooms of both venues.

RESTORATION FUND The ticket price for shows includes a £1 contribution to the theatre’s restoration fund. *Booking/card/postage charges may apply. The information and prices in this brochure are correct at the time of going to press. The Ambassador Theatre Group reserve the right to alter the advertised programme, facilities, prices and discounts at any time.

AMBASSADOR THEATRE GROUP Co-founded by Howard Panter and Rosemary Squire in 1992, the Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd (ATG) is the largest owner/operator of theatres in the UK with 39 venues, an internationally recognised theatre producer and a leader in theatre ticketing services through ATG Tickets.

ATG’s impressive portfolio of West End theatres includes Apollo Victoria, Donmar Warehouse, Duke of York’s, Fortune, Harold Pinter, Lyceum, Phoenix, Piccadilly, Playhouse, Savoy, Trafalgar Studio 1 and Trafalgar Studio 2. ATG’s regional theatres include The Ambassadors Woking encompassing the New Victoria and Rhoda McGaw Theatres and the award-winning Ambassador Cinemas; Aylesbury Waterside Theatre; New Alexandra Theatre Birmingham; Theatre Royal Brighton; Bristol Hippodrome; Churchill Theatre Bromley; Edinburgh Playhouse; Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone; King’s Theatre and Theatre Royal, Glasgow; Grimsby Auditorium; Liverpool Empire; Palace Theatre and Opera House, Manchester; Milton Keynes Theatre; New Theatre, Oxford; Richmond Theatre; Southport Theatre; Regent Theatre and Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent; Sunderland Empire; Princess Theatre, Torquay; New Wimbledon Theatre and New Wimbledon Studio; Grand Opera House, York. ATG has been behind some of the most successful and innovative productions in Britain and internationally.

Current and recent ATG co-productions include Ghost The Musical, South Pacific, All New People, Monkee Business, Matthew Bourne’s The Nutcracker!, Legally Blonde The Musical, Monty Python’s Spamalot, The Misanthrope, West Side Story, Elling, Guys and Dolls, Sweeney Todd, Company, Exit the King and The Rocky Horror Show.

GETTING HERE The Palace Theatre is located opposite Oxford Road train station, the postcode for Sat Nav is M1 6FT. The Opera House is located on Quay Street and the postcode is M3 3HP. The nearest Metrolink stop for both venues is St Peter’s Square.

Design swd.uk.com Print John Good

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“a sparkling performance”

“reminds you why a night out at the theatre is truly special”

THEATRE’S LONGEST-RUNNING SUPPORT ACT “the two leads fizz with delicious chemistry”

“all the makings of a classic”

Proud to play a supporting role to

The GORDON’S and SHALL WE G&T STARTED words and associated logos are trade marks. © Tanqueray Gordon & Co. 2011