Hope Mill Theatre Archives - Matinee Musicals

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 32

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 49

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 24

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 40

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 40

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 82

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 55

General

First Look: Hope Mill’s NINE

First Look: Hope Mill's NINE 21-01-25 Rehearsal images have been released for Hope Mill Theatre’s new concert version of Nine the Musical, starring Broadway and West End star Ramin Karimloo, at Lowry, Salford next month. The concert will be in celebration of Hope Mill’s 9th Birthday – and will play for two performances only at Lowry, on Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd February 2025. Joining Ramin Karimloo (Les Miserables, The […]

January 21, 2025 35

Latest

Review: Lizzie

Review: Lizzie Hope Mill Theatre 20-10-24 by Tiffany Chevis It’s August in 1892 in Fall River, Massachusetts, and the Borden household is shaken to its core by the brutal murders of Andrew and Abby Borden, the domineering father and stepmother of Emma and Lizzie. The prime suspect is the youngest sister, accused of killing the pair with a hatchet. But Lizzie has a band of women around her, and a […]

October 20, 2024 37