Save “Money, Money, Money” on Manchester theatre tix!
July 3, 2008
With the publicity for the film version of Mamma Mia! going into overdrive, I could not resist the pun within the headline. But, there is another reason, with the credit crunch hitting hard, I have decided to morph into Martin Lewis and share my tips on how you can get theatre in Manchester on the cheap.
With food, petrol and the cost of living on the rise, theatre tickets might be the last thing on your shopping list.
You often read about how to get West End bargains, but never Manchester. So, here goes:
1) Have a look at lastminute.com. Many people associate this site with London theatre only. But there is a regional section and they cover many of the main theatres, such as the Palace, the Opera House and the Lowry with discounts to be had. It’s always worth a look.
2) Subscribe to websites offering discounts. The Royal Exchange have a great newsletter, which often has superb offers with tickets to be had for as little as a fiver! You can also subscribe to ticketmaster regionally which will also give you the odd special offer. The Manchester Evening News sometimes have offers on Fridays in their City Life supplement and the paper itself is free if you live or work in the City Centre! Read more
Rupert Hill talks to WOS Manchester
June 13, 2008
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). Read more
Queer Up North’s Jonathan Best talks to WOS Manchester
May 9, 2008
Jonathan Best (pictured) is the artistic director for Queer Up North. Following the Arts Council’s U-turn, the festival will go ahead, as planned from 9th -25th May.
This year’s programme includes Tough Time, Nice Time, by radical theatre troupe Ridiculusmus and The Fairy Godfather of Hollywood, avant-garde performer Bette Bourne’s show about the life and times of Hollywood screen icon Rock Hudson.
Opening the festival is controversial comedienne, Sandra Bernhard, who we will be interviewing shortly.
In the meantine, we caught up with Jonathan recently and he talks about the organising the festival, his love of Kneehigh’s Brief Encounter, the funding crisis and what you can look forward to at Queer Up North. This is Best’s second year as artistic director and he is confident that the programme is the best yet. Read more
Keith Jack talks to WOS Manchester
April 11, 2008

Keith Jack (pictured) is currently starring as the narrator in the Bill Kenwright tour of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which opens at the Palace Theatre, Manchester on the 28th April.
Following his appearance on reality show, Any Dream Will Do, Keith has not stopped working. He has been attached to many projects, according the gossip magazines.
But, how many of the rumours are true? Read more
Blackbird tops Lowry’s new season
March 10, 2008
The Lowry have unveiled their new season and, as ever, there is huge variety in store for theatregoers in the North West. From ballet to Black Watch and some West End hits; there is something for everyone.
We at WOS Manchester have compiled a ‘must see’ list, just for you.
Blackbird - this harrowing play wowed audiences in London. At last, we get the chance to see it on tour. Starring Dawn (Monarch Of The Glen) Steele (pictured) and Robert (The Royal) Daws, this shattering and disturbing play won Best New Play at the Olivers in 2007.
Eurobeat- Almost Eurovision - with an introduction by Terry Wogan himself, this award-winning spoof proved to be a huge hit in Edinburgh last year. We get to join in and vote for the eventual winner. Sounds Euro-tastic! Read more


