Top shows to see in Manchester

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Whether you are going to see a dramatic theatrical spectacular, a hit musical or a musician/band in concert, seeing a show can be an exciting and memorable experience.

Whilst London is a hub for shows of all kinds including remarkable shows from musicians and dazzling west end musicals you don’t always have to venture into the capital to experience a fun-filled and incredible show.

Hailed as ‘the London of the North’, Manchester is a thriving city that offers an array of incredible shows to suit all tastes and people. Whether you want to experience live music in iconic locations such as The Manchester Arena, laugh out loud to a comedy show in The Comedy Store or be immersed in a theatre show in The Lowry, there is a wonderful choice of shows that satisfy people’s love of music, arts and theatre available in Manchester.

Monster Jam® Cardiff 2018 show - review

For many months I have been looking forward to the 19th May when we would surprise the boys by taking them to an epic live show. Way back in October last year I wrote about how Monster Jam® trucks were roaring their way to Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

Both boys love monster trucks especially Monster Jam® trucks. They adore watching Monster Jam® action online and have an impressive wealth of knowledge about the different trucks and drivers. They love playing with their Hot Wheels Monster Jam® trucks; creating ramps for the trucks to fly over, crushing Hot Wheels cars and displaying impressive mid-air stunts.

Disney On Ice Worlds of Enchantment

Journey across Disney's magical lands with Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Enchantment

Prepare to be wondered by the magic of Disney On Ice as Feld Entertainment showcase 4 favourite Disney stories in Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Enchantment.

Disney's magic has already spellbound fans in many cities across the UK, with the tour still to skate into Cardiff and Aberdeen.

Disney On Ice Celebrates 100 Years of Magic review

Disney is synonymous with magical stories and captivating characters who enchant and delight both young and old.

When Disney’s wonderous stories and characters are combined with high class, skilled ice skating a truly magical and enthralling show is created by Feld Entertainment - Disney On Ice.

Showcasing a number of renowned Disney films, over 50 beloved characters and 30 popular musical numbers Disney On Ice Celebrates 100 Years of Magic combines old classics with recent Disney films for a magical experience.

This past weekend we were delighted to visit Cardiff to watch the show and be transported into the world of Disney.

Strictly Come Dancing - a little history of the show.

Whilst I cannot confess to being a die-hard Strictly Come Dancing fan or to watching the show religiously, I do enjoy watching the show every once in a while when I’m not busy catching up on household chores – oh the glamour!

Watching the show gives me a glimpse into a world of glamour where celebrities and their dance partners look amazing as they show off their moves showcasing different dances to the beat of the music.

I must admit I sometimes feel a hint of envy at all that glamour and the fabulous costumes as I watch sitting in my old but very comfortable PJ’s with my hair a mess and my face showing the signs of tiredness. Plus having no rhythm at all myself it is nice to watch people with talent amaze me with their wonderfully choreographed dance routines. I find myself imagining that in another universe where I had a touch of rhythm and talent that it was me up on the famous Strictly stage dancing away in an extraordinary costume (a sparkly one often features in my day dream).

I Can't Sing! The X Factor Musical.

X Factor is a bit like marmite, people either love it or hate it.  Lee definitely lands in the ‘love it’ group and loves watching X Factor.  As an X Factor fan he makes sure it is on record to watch when he gets home from work so that he does not miss a single moment of the X Factor action. 

I had never watched X Factor until a few years ago when Lee introduced me to the show after we started dating.  Whilst I am not a huge fan like Lee and would not be overly bothered if I missed a show I do enjoy watching it especially when I get a chance to watch it with Lee and snuggle up on the sofa together.

We love snuggling up on the sofa and having a good old giggle watching the people who come to audition for the show who genuinely can’t sing and then watching our favourite contestant’s progress through the show, hoping that they have the X Factor and win the show.

Now in its 10th series, the X Factor is being highlighted in brand new musical comedy stage show; The X Factor Musical…. I Can’t Sing!

Ice Age Live! Review

As I love the Ice Age films I thought it was fantastic that a new live show had been created based on the hit franchise of Ice Age films.  After hearing Michael Curry, co-director of the show, “Ice Age Live! A Mammoth Adventure”, talk about the show saying “I’m really looking forward to bringing the Ice Age herd to life – they’re going to have so much fun in this live show! We are using the very best combinations we can bring to the table, with human actors, comedy, Kung Fu, ice skating, circus, costume performers and video illusion to combine many different forms – whatever works best to tell the story” I imagined that it would be an amazing show to watch.  Following my post about how it sounds like a fun and unique show, I was over the moon and extremely excited when I was offered the opportunity to go to see the show for myself and witness the friendly characters I love from the films go on a brand new adventure in a live show.

A Mammoth Show - "Ice Age Live! A Mammoth Adventure"

I am a bit of a big kid and love children’s animated films.  Now that I am a mummy I’ve got the perfect excuse to watch children’s films and I love snuggling up with little man watching a great film together.

I am a huge fan of Disney and love the classics especially Beauty and the Beast, The Jungle Book and The Lion King.  I also have a particular fondness for Pixar animated films; I absolutely love Finding Nemo and have watched it countless times, I also love Toy Story and the brilliant Toy Story sequels as well as Cars and Cars 2.  DreamWorks Animation have also made some loveable animated films that I thoroughly enjoy including the popular Shrek, Shark Tale and a favourite of mine Madagascar and its sequels, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa and Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted.  One of my all-time favourite series of animated films is Ice Age.

Win a family ticket to Andy and Mike's...Tick Tock Time Machine Show

If your little one loves Cbeebies you will most probably know of the popular children’s TV present Andy Day.  He hosts his own show on Cbeebies, ‘Andy’s Wild Adventures’ which won the Best Children’s TV program at the 2012 Freesat Awards and Best Children’s Program at the Montana International Wildlife Awards.

Following on from the success of the hit show ‘Andy and Mike’s… Big Box of Bananas’; Andy and his childhood friend Mike James have teamed up with ‘Tweenies’ creator Iain Lauchlan to produce another great show.  Combining their amusing humour and wit with their infectious energy they have created the fun show ‘Andy and Mike’s… Tick Tock Time Machine’ which will entertain audiences and make them want to travel back in time to see it all over again.  The fun show includes audience participation making for a fun filled family day out. 

Andy and Mike's... Big Box of Bananas

Andy and Mike’s … Big Box of Bananas is back on the road this June! And you are invited to their ‘fun pad’ – there is room for everyone and once there you can expect music, laughs, wigs, eye-patches, boats, planes, suspense and a BIG BOX OF BANANAS!

BAFTA-nominated CBeebies’ presenter Andy Day brings his much-loved humour to this high-energy, children’s comedy.  He and Mike James, childhood friends and comedy partners, have created a fast-paced show full of slapstick, songs and stories. With imaginative writing and great gags, Andy and Mike’s… Big Box of Bananas is a treat for the whole family.

Win A In the Night Garden Live Family Ticket

Little man loves In the Night Garden and gets all excited when I put it on for him to watch.  Daddy has a fondness for it too and copies the character noise’s which makes little man giggle like mad.  Like little man lots of little ones love In the Night Garden where they enter this magical place where a community of loveable characters care for each other and have fun together.

Top-selling children’s show, In the Night Garden Live is back by popular demand this summer and I have 1 family ticket to give away! The smash-hit show brings the world of CBeebies’ In the Night Garden to the stage with children able to see their favourite stars Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends up close.