The Manchester premiere of Something Rotten!, a comedy musical set in Shakespearean times, is a testament to the city's thriving arts scene and the enduring appeal of musical theatre. With a stellar cast, including Jason Manford and Richard Fleeshman, the show promises to be a hit, and it's easy to see why. The production values are set to be huge, and the show's creators have a proven track record of success, having previously brought another Manchester-gets-it-first musical hit, Mrs Doubtfire, to the stage.
Manford, a versatile comedian, musician, actor, and TV host, stars as Nick Bottom, an aspiring playwright who is annoyed that William Shakespeare is grabbing all the headlines. His performance is a standout, and it's easy to see why the producers are so confident that the show will be a hit. The musical has laugh-out-loud funny moments, catchy songs, and a brilliant set of performances, and it's clear that the show has something for everyone.
Fleeshman, a former Coronation Street star turned West End leading man, embodies a pop-idol-esque Will Shakespeare, complete with swooning women following his every step. His performance is a far cry from his Corrie character, Craig Harris, and it's clear that he has a bright future in musical theatre. The two Mancunian leading men are full of excitement about the show, and it's easy to see why. Manchester staging it first, on their home turf, means a lot to them, and they are confident that the show will be a hit with the local audience.
The show's success is not just due to the stellar cast and production values, but also to the clever writing and catchy songs. The song 'A Musical' is a particular standout, with parodies of musical classics thrown in for good measure. The real success of the song, however, is that I'm still humming it now, five days later, which is a testament to its catchiness and the show's overall appeal.
The cast also includes Marisha Wallace, an American musicals star, who plays the show's leading lady, Bea. Her role in the original Broadway production means that this is a full-circle moment for her, and it's clear that she is thrilled to be a part of the UK premiere. The production values are set to be huge, and the show's creators have a proven track record of success, which bodes well for its future.
In conclusion, the Manchester premiere of Something Rotten! is a must-see for anyone who loves musical theatre. With a stellar cast, clever writing, and catchy songs, the show is sure to be a hit with audiences of all ages. The production values are set to be huge, and the show's creators have a proven track record of success, which bodes well for its future. So, if you're in Manchester, be sure to catch this show while you can, and if you're not, be sure to catch it when it comes to the West End. It's a show that you won't want to miss.
