Manchester at the Musicals Christmas Party
Starring John Owen Jones, Samantha Barks, Alfie Boe, Sheridan Smith, Elesha Paul Moses, and Alice Fern
Music performed by Manchester Camerata orchestra
With the Pendleton School Choir
Co-op Live, 20 December 2024
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Last night was the inaugural Manchester at the Musicals at the Co-op Live stadium and it was an absolute blast!
Hosted by John Owen Jones and Samantha Barks, the evening was a mix of musical numbers and Christmas songs, with music performed by the brilliant Manchester Camerata. Guest stars included Elesha Paul Moses, Alice Fern, Sheridan Smith… and Alfie freaking Boe. Star-struck? Yeah, just a little! I’ve been eager to see Boe live for years and he definitely lives up to his reputation. He’s a fabulous singer, and funny to boot.
Also funny is the wonderful Sheridan Smith. I’ve adored her since Two Packets of Lager and a Packet of Crisps and followed her acting/musical career closely. Seeing her live was another tick on the list. I’m not sure if there was a stage door call, but I needed to get home so I didn’t ask. Definitely getting selfies next time!
The show ran from 7 – 10 pm with a 20 minute interval at the halfway point. The atmosphere was very festive and some of the audience were very happy courtesy of the bar. There was plenty of security on hand to make sure there was no nastiness. All the staff were pleasant and polite, with guidance on exiting that I really appreciated.
The Co-op Live is also an odd space. Lots of bare concrete and quite cavernous. It’s brilliant for access, but lacks warmth, both physically and mentally. Certainly not as cosy as a theatre. The seats are NOT made for bigger bodies. That said, if the Co-op Live hosts Manchester at the Musicals in 2025, I’ll still go. It was a fabulously festive evening!
