Five reasons to see Rags at Hope Mill Theatre

We talked to the team at ”Rags” to discover five heart-warming reasons to see this musical revival

Editorial Staff

14 March 2019

The show has recently opened at Hope Mill Theatre and we are really excited about it. We asked the team at Rags for five heart-warming reasons to see this production, from the theatre that produced the WhatsOnStage Award-winning Spring Awakening.

1. The story

Rags the Musical tells the heart-warming and powerful story of a group of Jewish immigrants as they arrive to start a new life in America. Fresh from Ellis Island, a young mother and her son search for a new life and a sense of home. It's a story of love, loss and hope.

2. The music

With a ravishing score by the songwriters of Wicked and Annie and the bookwriter of Fiddler on the Roof, Rags is a sweeping saga of America's immigrant past. This is the UK premiere of the eagerly anticipated new version and is directed by Bronagh Lagan (Little Women, Putting It Together and Promises, Promises), starring the Olivier Award-winning Rebecca Trehearn.

3. The rave reviews

This superb production has received rave five star reviews. The Jewish Telegraph said this production "deserves to be in the West End – exceptional in every respect", with Reviews Hub declaring that it "has taken over 30 years for Rags the Musical to reach the UK; worth the wait…. Rebecca Trehearn is an excellent heroine".

4. The award-winning producers

Producers Katy Lipson, Joseph Houston and William Whelton are fast making a name for themselves as exciting producers of musical theatre. Under the banner of Hope Aria the trio bring to life new musicals, musical premieres and musical revivals at the stunning Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester. Hope Aria productions since 2016 include: Parade, Hair, the European premiere of YANK!, Pippin, the European premiere of Little Women, the world premiere of new musical The Toyboy Diaries, Spring Awakening (WhatsOnStage Award for Best Regional Production) and Andrew Lloyd Webber's Aspects of Love. London transfers include YANK! at Charing Cross Theatre, Pippin at Southwark Playhouse which received the record for the most Off-West End Award nominations and Hair at The Vaults which ran for 15 weeks and won the WhatsOnStage Award for Best Off-West End Production and is embarking on a major UK tour this month.

5. It's at the Hope Mill Theatre

A stunning new Manchester theatre, Hope Mill is not just a destination for brilliant theatre but boasts a stunning bar and serves excellent food. A place to relax, unwind and socialise, it is a must visit when in Manchester.