Glamour girl/ex Hollyoaks actress Gemma Atkinson has been cast in the title role of Peter Pan in Manchester’s big pantomime this Christmas.

The Bury star, last seen battling it out in jungle reality show I’m A Celebrity… follows in the footsteps of fellow former soap star Tina O’Brien who starred as Cinderella in the Opera House panto last Christmas

Gemma will be joined in the production by Didsbury-based Cold Feet star John Thomson who will star as panto baddie Captain Hook.

Amanda Holden’s favourite Britain’s Got Talent finalists, martial arts duo Strike (pictured) also star in the panto as two new additions; kung-fu pirates who help Peter in the fight against Hook.

Booking is now open for Peter Pan at the Opera House from Saturday, December 6 until Sunday, January 4.

Tickets are priced £9.50 – £23.50.

This competition is now closed and the answer is Helen Mirren.

The winner is Geoff Dagger. Enjoy the play!

I am unable to do the job as I would wish without the support of the woman I love.” Edward VIII BBC Abdication broadcast to the Nation, 11 December 1936.

This is a taster of the fascinating play, Crown Matrimonial, starring Patricia Routledge, which visits the Lowry in July and we have a pair of tickets up for grabs!
THE PLAY:
Crown Matrimonial is a gripping drama, centring on the crisis which faces the nation when Edward VIII declares his deep love for Wallis Simpson and insists on marrying her, in full knowledge that he will have to abdicate.

This unique insight into the domestic life of the Royal Family in the 1930s shows the passions aroused between Queen Mary and her son King Edward VIII caused by his love affair, and mirrors the other great royal constitutional crisis set in 1997 so memorably portrayed in the 2006 film The Queen. (more…)

New musical Can’t Smile Without You, based on the songs of American singer-songwriter Barry Manilow, will hit the Manchester stage later this year. The new compilation musical tours the ountry from on 28 August 2008 at Bromley’s Churchill Theatre, where it continues until 6 September, arriving at Manchester’s Palace Theatre on 29th September for one week. The show is also planned to transfer to the West End next year.

Barry Manilow has sold more than 75 million records worldwide. At the height of his success in the late 1970s, he had five albums on the best-seller charts in the US. His many easy-listening singles include “I Write the Songs”, “Mandy”, “Looks Like We Made It”, “Weekend in New England”, “Ready to Take a Chance Again”, “I Made It Through the Rain”, “Can’t Smile Without You” and “Copacabana”.

The last song was so popular that its story – about showgirl Lola and her jealous lover Tony – was made into a movie musical, which was aired in the US in 1985, starring Manilow himself as Tony. (more…)

Rupert Hill has traded life on the cobbled streets of Coronation Street for the Wigan Casino, as he takes on the role of Eugene in the hugely popular exploration of the Northern Soul scene; Once Upon A Time In Wigan at The Octagon. Re-worked by Nick Martin, the show now features live music, as opposed to the sound of the famous long players.

As Jamie Baldwin, Rupert garnered quite a following, but he clearly enjoys performing on stage, juggling his acting career with his passion for music, via his band.

We caught up with Rupert and he talks about the challenges of performing in such a well loved piece as Wigan. He also talks about life on the street, his band Yellow Dog and Stephen Fry.

Place Of Birth
Southampton

Lives now in
Manchester

When did you first realise that you wanted to act?
When I was 3 I acted in my first play, I was a Inn Keeper (one of the great 3 year old keepers). Apparently I told my mum, there and then, that I wanted to keep doing it (act).

What would you have done professionally if you weren’t acting or performing in your band?
I don’t know. I’d probably try writing novels and scripts, or directing. I don’t have an academic bone in my body and I’ve only ever excelled in the arts, so it would have to be creative.

Is there anyone you would still like to meet and why?
I have many heroes like Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Woody Allen, Martin Scorsese etc…but I don’t believe meeting them would do their legend any favours. So I suppose I’d have to say Stephen Fry (who I have actually met). (more…)

This competition is now closed and the answer is The Witches.

Congratulations to Debbie Harney, Mark Acton and Wendy Green!

George’s Marvellous Medicine is Roald Dahl’s amazing story about a young boy who makes a marvellous new medicine to cure his grandmother of her terrifying temper. But when Grandma drinks his special new potion, the most incredible things start to happen – and George’s adventure has just begun!

THE SHOW:
This fantastic tale of potions and lotions comes to the Palace Theatre from 15th-19th July.

The Birmingham Stage Company is the nation’s leading theatre producer of Roald Dahl’s work, with an unrivalled reputation for productions of his stories including The Witches, Fantastic Mr Fox, James and the Giant Peach and Danny the Champion of the World. Their production of George has been featured twice on Blue Peter!

If you’re looking for fizztickling fun and wizzpopping magic for all the family, then don’t miss George and his Marvellous Medicine. (more…)