The autumn promises virtual wall-to-wall musicals at Manchester’s twin venues, the Palace and the Opera House.
Joining the double award winning Michael Ball in Mack and Mabel, direct from its première at Chichester Festival, comes the return of Jersey Boys, following a sell-out visit in 2014.
Annie is another returning musical, this time starring Strictly Come Dancing’s Craig Revel Horwood, while one of the top golden age musicals of them all, Guys and Dolls, starring Sophie Thompson, arrives in the city prior to a London season.
Tommy Steele will bring The Glenn Miller Story to life along with a spectacular 16-piece orchestra while hit comedy Hairspray is back in the region with Tony Maudsley, Brenda Edwards, Claire Sweeney and Peter Duncan.
For dance fans, Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace return with their final-ever theatre tour in The Last Tango. Northern Ballet’s annual visit features The Elves and the Shoemaker designed specifically for children aged three plus, along with its brand new ballet based on George Orwell’s 1984. English National Ballet also returns with Lest We Forget, a poignant reflection of World War One and for something more classical, Romeo and Juliet.
For festive treats there’s the Musical Miracle on 34th Street or So This is Christmas.
Wrapping up 2015 is this year’s blockbuster musical The Bodyguard with Alexandra Burke and the annual family show at the Opera House when Torvill and Dean star in their very first panto Cinderella.
Already lined up for 2016 are The Rocky Horror Show, Mary Poppins, Cats, Chicago, Thriller Live and Mamma Mia!.