Manchester Opera House has announced its new partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and the Bee Network.
The collaboration for 2024 will help to support the Opera House’s iconic annual pantomime, which this year sees the return of comedy legends Jason Manford, Ben Nickless and Myra Dubois playing Prince Charming, Buttons and the Wicked Stepmother in the magical tale of Cinderella. They will be joined by musical theatre’s Wendy Mae Brown as the Fairy Godmother and Sarah Vaughan as Cinderella.
The announcement marks a significant milestone in both organisations’ ongoing commitment to encouraging locals and tourists to visit and engage with the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene. The partnership will see the show appearing across the Bee Network using TfGM’s advertising sites and social channels as well as TfGM acquiring a widespread presence within the Opera House and its associated media platforms.
Packed with all the traditional pantomime ingredients Manchester audiences expect, Cinderella features laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses. Produced by Crossroads Pantomimes, the world’s biggest pantomime producer, last year’s Jack and the Beanstalk saw over 77,000 theatregoers getting into the holiday spirit.
David Jackson, Head of Marketing & Communications at the Palace Theatre and Opera House said: ‘’With Cinderella already shaping up to be as popular as our past productions, we are thrilled to be partnering with Transport for Greater Manchester for this year’s highly anticipated pantomime season.
With such aligned goals this collaboration is a match made in heaven and highlights the vital role community partnerships play in making arts and entertainment accessible to everyone. Together, we aim to make it easier than ever for families to visit our venues, immerse themselves in the festive magic, and create unforgettable memories with their loved ones.”
Mike Mellor, Head of Commercial at TfGM said: “We are delighted to announce our partnership with Manchester Opera House ahead of the opening of their next production of Cinderella.
“Pantomime season is a key part of the festive calendar in Greater Manchester and we’re excited to welcome theatre goers on to the Bee Network over the Christmas season. With a range of family tickets available across bus and tram travel, that offer great value for money, public transport is the perfect way to get around this Christmas.”
