STAYING ALIVE...

DISCO fans, it might be time to dust of those dancing shoes as Saturday Night Fever rolls into town. Mancunians can boogie down to the Palace Theatre, where the hit musical production will perform eight shows over five days next week - including evening and matinee performances.

Saturday Night Fever tells the story of Tony Manero, who escapes the harsh realities of working-class Brooklyn life when he embarks on a reckless and thrilling road to dancing success.

The stage production is inspired by the 1977 film, which famously rocketed John Travolta to stardom.

Tony Manero will be played by actor and dancer Richard Winsor, best known for playing Caleb Knight on the BBC medical drama Casualty for three years, before his shock departure in 2017.

Beyond his TV career, Richard Winsor has performed as a dancer both on stage and on screen including as the principal dancer for renowned choreographer Sir Matthew Bourne for ten years.

He has starred in productions around the world, including Bourne’s celebrated production of Swan Lake, as well as Dorian Gray, Edward Scissorhands, The Car Man and Play Without Words. He also played the lead role in cult dance movie StreetDance 3D.

This role is Winsor’s first leading role in a major musical and his first stage appearance since leaving Casualty.

While paying homage to the original version, the new stage version promises a revitalised show with new choreography and more music.

The show has been directed and produced by Bill Kenwright, with choreography by Olivier Award winning Bill Deamer.

The album soundtrack for the original film, remains one of the best-selling movie records of all time and the musical too is packed full of sing along songs.

The show features some of the Bee Gee’s greatest hits including Stayin’ Alive, How Deep Is Your Love, Night Fever, Tragedy and More Than a Woman.

Plus, there are lots more 70s favourites to dance to including Disco Inferno and Boogie Shoes.

And for the first time, a band will perform the songs live on stage as part of the show.

Saturday Night Fever is on at The Palace Theatre from Tuesday, January 22 to Saturday, January 26. To book tickets, go to: atgtickets. com/palacetheatremanchester