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. The show, starring Jason Manford and Richard Fleeshman, is a delightful blend of humor, catchy songs, and stellar performances. But what makes this production truly special is the personal connection it holds for both actors and the city itself.
Manford, a versatile talent known for his work in comedy, music, and television, exudes confidence in the show's appeal. "I'm that confident that people are gonna come and say 'I've had the best night ever,'" he declares. His enthusiasm is infectious, and it's easy to see why. The show is a non-stop laugh-out-loud affair, with Manford delivering a standout performance as Nick Bottom, an aspiring playwright who finds himself in competition with the legendary William Shakespeare.
Fleeshman, a West End leading man and former Coronation Street star, brings a pop-idol charm to the role of Will Shakespeare. His performance is a delightful contrast to Manford's, with hip wiggles, body pops, and knee slides adding a modern twist to the classic Bard. The two actors' chemistry is palpable, and their shared Mancunian roots add an extra layer of warmth to their on-stage dynamic.
The show's production values are set to be huge, a sign that big things are expected for this award-winning team. The premiere run in Manchester is a full-circle moment for Fleeshman, who first gained prominence at the Opera House with the world premiere of Ghost the musical in 2011. That production led to a Broadway transfer and a two-year stint in New York for the young actor, a defining moment in his career.
The show's success is not just a personal triumph for Manford and Fleeshman, but also a testament to the power of musical theatre to bring people together. The two actors performed in a West End one-concert presentation of Something Rotten in 2024, and the response from audiences was electric. "That was producers going, right let's just test this out and see if the Brits are going to get it," Manford recalls. "They might not get it, they might not like it, but it just got laughs on another level."
The show's catchy songs and hilarious moments are sure to resonate with audiences, and the personal connections to Manchester and its thriving arts scene add an extra layer of meaning. The premiere run is a celebration of the city's cultural heritage and a testament to the power of theatre to bring people together. As Manford notes, "As someone who essentially lives at the Opera House every Christmas, to be here in the summer, it's going to be weird being hot. But genuinely it's so exciting, for me as a Manc lad to be in this city, with a show that's this good, it's a real privilege."
Something Rotten! is a must-see for anyone who loves musical theatre, and the Manchester premiere is a testament to the city's thriving arts scene. The show's blend of humor, catchy songs, and stellar performances is sure to delight audiences, and the personal connections to the city and its actors add an extra layer of meaning. So, if you're in Manchester, be sure to catch this delightful production while you can. It's a show that will leave you laughing, humming, and reflecting on the power of theatre to bring people together.
