Hope Mill Theatre Archives - Matinee Musicals

Harry Judd heads to London with High School Musical after Lowry performance

Updated 21-09-26 Harry Judd has officially joined the cast of Disney’s High School Musical, with the McFly star now heading to London after making his debut in the role of Coach Bolton at Lowry. Judd appeared in the final two Salford performances of the production on Saturday 19 September, taking over from Jason Donovan as Troy Bolton’s basketball coach and father. And next stop, London! The production now transfers to Troubadour […]

September 21, 2026 31

Cast News

Alexa Lopez joins Gaten Matarazzo in West End cast of Rent

24-08-26 Alexa Lopez will make her West End debut as Mimi in the eagerly awaited new production of Jonathan Larson’s Rent. She joins the previously announced Stranger Things star Gaten Matarazzo as Mark, alongside Travis Ross as Roger, Billy Nevers as Collins, Lazy Violet as Maureen, Danielle Fiamanya as Joanne, Jeevan Braich as Angel and Joaquin Pedro Valdes as Benny. Lopez takes over the role of Mimi from Bella Brown, […]

August 24, 2026 75

16

Cast News

FIRST LOOK: Jason Donovan and cast in rehearsals for High School Musical

14-08-26 The Wildcats are getting their heads back in the game as first-look rehearsal images have been released from the new UK production of Disney’s High School Musical. Jason Donovan is pictured rehearsing alongside the company ahead of the show opening at Lowry in Salford on 22 August 2026, where it runs until 19 September. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkCdr4cUo-o The production, the first UK non-replica staging of the Disney musical, will then transfer to […]

August 14, 2026 68 16

General

Matinee’s Top 40 Greatest Shows of 2025 40-30

2025 proved that musical theatre is thriving on every scale, from intimate two-handers to blockbuster West End transfers and UK tours that packed houses night after night. Here’s how Matinee’s Top 40 Musical Highlights of 2025 counted down, with the performers and venues that helped make each moment land. 40. The Addams Family The national tour brought Gomez, Morticia and the whole macabre clan to packed regional theatres across the […]

December 31, 2025 56

Latest

Victoria Wood’s Acorn Antiques: The Musical Returns in Style

Victoria Wood’s Acorn Antiques: The Musical Returns in Style Updated: 08-11-25 The kettle’s on in Manchesterford again, as Victoria Wood’s Acorn Antiques: The Musical takes to the stage for a special fundraising concert celebrating ten years of Hope Mill Theatre. Following its critically acclaimed opening in Manchester last week, Victoria Wood’s Acorn Antiques: The Musical in Concert arrives at London’s Shaftesbury Theatre this Sunday (9 November), before heading back to […]

November 8, 2025 28

Latest

Review: Young Frankenstein

Review: Young Frankenstein ★★★★ Hope Mill Theatre 15-10-25 by Jamie Griffiths Hope Mill has struck lightning with Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein, and this time, it is most definitely alive. I have seen the show at Newcastle Theatre Royal and later in the West End, both joyous in their own right, but this new Manchester production surpasses them technically and emotionally. The intimacy of Hope Mill’s space gives the comedy and […]

October 16, 2025 62

General

Full cast revealed for Acorn Antiques the Musical in Concert

Full cast revealed for Acorn Antiques the Musical in Concert 18-09-25 Hope Mill Theatre has lifted the curtain on the full cast for its glittering fundraising revival of Victoria Wood’s Acorn Antiques the Musical. The concert production plays the Manchester Opera House on 2 and 16 November before a one-night-only trip to the Shaftesbury Theatre in London on 9 November. Heading back to Manchesterford, Katherine Kingsley will play Miss Babs, […]

September 18, 2025 54

General

Review: Glorious

Review: Glorious Hope Mill Theatre 06-03-25 by Jamie Griffiths Glorious isn’t a musical — far from it! In fact, heaven forbid anyone attempts a cast recording. But what it is, is a celebration of music, passion, and a woman who sang like no one was listening (even though, unfortunately for them, they were). This show contains the essence of joyous musical theatre and it's a heartfelt triumph. Directed with a […]

March 6, 2025 102

Latest

Young Frankenstein: Regional Premiere Announced

Young Frankenstein: Regional Premiere Announced 12-02-25 Hope Mill Theatre have announced Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein The Musical will have its regional premiere from 10 October to 30 November 2025, with a press night on 15 October. YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN will be directed and choreographed by Nick Winston. Adapted by Mel Brooks from his legendary 1974 film starring Gene Wilder, Young Frankenstein tells the story of the grandson of the infamous Victor […]

February 12, 2025 61