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Star cast Cheryl Baker and Heidi Range headed to The Lowry to showcase songs from the show ahead of the shows in June
It was milkshakes all round as the stars of a new musical version of hit US TV show Happy Days headed to The Lowry theatre.
Forty years since the TV show was first broadcast, the new musical is aiming to delight a whole new audience with the tales of the 1950s Cunningham family and their pals who meet at Arnold's Diner.
Star cast Cheryl Baker and Heidi Range headed to The Lowry to showcase songs from the show and launch it to audiences here ahead of the tour heading back to the theatre in Salford in June.
Former Sugababes star Heidi plays Pinky, the love interest of legendary character Arthur 'Fonzi' Fonzarelli, in the show and belted out her big show tune Legend in Leather yesterday. And she looked to have been inspired by the tune in her choice of outfit, with a leather-look skirt and retro blouse.
She says she's particularly excited to be coming to The Lowry with the show - as she missed out on making her theatrical debut on the very same stage some 13 years ago - when she instead joined the Sugababes.
She said: "I had been due to star in Sleeping Beauty in The Lowry, my picture was on the posters and everything, but then I got the job in Sugababes just before I was due to play it. So it will be nice to finally perform here after all those years."
Meanwhile 80s star Cheryl reveals there's even a Bucks Fizz inspired moment during the show - which you won't be surprised to hear has something to do with velcro and a skirt!
Cheryl is loving being a part of the new show as Mrs Cunningham, and says she has a raft of glamorous dresses to wear.
She said: "My costumes are amazing, the style of dresses makes your waist look so small - we should all wear these dresses girls, I'm telling you!"
Guests at the launch bash got to slurp chocolate and banana milkshakes while there were special 'Fonzarelli' burgers, hot dogs and chips to fit with the American diner theme.
Alas, Fonzi was not with the gang at the launch yesterday, as actor Ben Freeman who is taking on the iconic role was unable to attend. Happy Days the Musical will play at The Lowry from June 23 - 28.
PUBLISHED: 09:25, 28 January 2014 | UPDATED: 09:30, 28 January 2014
She starred in Strictly Come Dancing two years ago, so Nancy Dell'Olio loves a good spin and a lift.
And she proved that on Monday night, giggling in the arms of one of the stars of West End musical Tonight's The Night.
Nancy, 52, was carried off by a male cast member while backstage after the show, and she couldn't have been more delighted about it.
Fancy a lift: Nancy Dell'Olio gets carried away by one of the stars of Tonight's The Night musical
Wearing her trademark colour of black, the trained lawyer was in Liverpool to watch the musical written by Ben Elton, which is currently on a stage tour of the UK.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Nancy said: 'I enjoyed the show. I liked watching the young cast and their creativity on stage.'
She added: 'The way they performed was great to see. The people in the audience liked it very much too. The music was great and I liked the way the actors were so energetic – they were amazing. It was a fantastic show.'
Nancy has visited the city many times, but no doubt mostly when she was in a relationship with Sven-Göran Eriksson: 'I have been to Liverpool several times. I was here in the Capital of Culture year and for football matches. It’s a great city and I like being here.'
She's Sailing: Nancy was picked up after watching the show which features 25 Rod Stewart songs
Having a laugh: The American-Italian lawyer was at the Liverpool Empire Theatre to watch the show
After her football manager ex published his autobiography - revealing explicit details of his many affairs - Dell'Olio told The Daily Mail, Sven was only unfaithful; to get better practice for bedroom romps with herself.
'I think he was doing all this to make himself better for me, to satisfy me more,' Nancy said. 'Like practising. Sometimes, I think he should have gone to a sex addiction clinic, like Michael Douglas.'
But on Monday night, Sven was the last person on her mind thanks to the handsome actor carrying her away.
Tonight's The Night features 25 songs from Rod Stewart's back catalogue, from Maggie May to Sailing, and is the second musical from Elton that is based on the songs of a famous rock band - having previously written the book with Queen songs for We Will Rock You.
Lucky lady: Nancy posed with the rest of the male cast of the musical written by Ben Elton
The whole gang! Former Sugababe, Jade Ewen stars in the show which is currently on a major theatre across the UK
Tonight's The Night follows a shy young man, who cannot find the courage to declare his love for the girl of his dreams.
In a bid to win the lady's heart, the hero makes a deal with the devil and trades his soul for Rod Stewart's, but of course it doesn't work out the way he wants it to be.
Former Sugababe Jade Ewen stars in the revival of the West End show, which first premiere in 2003, and is now on a new major theatre tour.
The tour opened at Manchester’s Palace Theatre last week and will visit Edinburgh, Birmingham, Milton Keynes, Sheffield, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Bristol and many more.
Visit: Nancy says she has travelled to Liverpool a number of times for football events, no doubt because of her past relationship with Sven-Göran Eriksson
It was a pleasure having the lovely Jade Ewen (from the Sugababes) in on Friday night to celebrate her birthday with us, along with the cast of Tonight's The Night!
January 24 Birthday Horoscope Personality: idol Your greatest challenge is learning not to fear criticism The way forward is to use criticism as a powerful incentive to learn and improve. As flattering as praise is, it teaches us nothing, so instead of seeking praise seek criticism. You’re drawn to people born on April 21 to May 21 You are both restrained on the outside but fiercely passionate on the inside and this creates a deep, mutual understanding. Luck maker Stop waiting for things to be perfect Don’t wait for the perfect opportunity to come along; make the one you have in hand the best you possibly can. People born on January 24 are blessed with the ability to stun all those who come into contact with them with their larger-than-life glamor. Everybody wants a piece of them and they are never short of admirers. Although people are drawn to them sometimes to the point of infatuation, those born on this day have an aloof quality about them. Few know them really well and even fewer get close enough to know their hearts. This may be because behind their natural ability to excite others there is a deepseated fear of experiencing a negative reaction. To protect themselves from this they prefer to keep everyone at arm’s length and to keep quiet about what really excites them. In the short term this approach seems to only increase their popularity, but in the long run this suppression of their true feelings can lead to emotional damage. It is important for them to move away from suspicion of others to the belief that true friends will appreciate them just as they are. Typically around the age of twenty-seven there is a turning point, which suggests a movement away from total independence to greater emotional sensitivity. Despite feeling insecure at times and misunderstood most of the time, the unique qualities and spark of genius people born on this day possess mean that they are never short of original ideas. They are capable of making great breakthroughs in their careers while at the same time being a delight to have around. They do enjoy being in this position but the danger is that it can lead to vanity. It really is better for their psychological growth to come down to earth with everybody else from time to time. If those born on this day can find the courage to break down the barriers they have put up and become the person they really are, they may lose some of their idol status but they will gain something far greater in return: self-knowledge. And when they are finally able to understand themselves better, the potential for true greatness lies within them. On the dark side Vain, insecure, aloof At your best Energetic, exciting, stunning Love Never short of admirers People born on January 24 are rarely without a partner; their destiny is to attract others to them. Having said that, they do have problems letting themselves go fully in a relationship, and although they have a loving, generous heart, intense emotions frighten them. They need a partner who is willing to give them the time and space they need to open up fully. Health Don’t get obsessed Those born on this day tend to be extremely careful with their health and appearance; it is important that they don’t become obsessed with their diet, or an exercise or beauty regime. When it comes to their health, balance in all things is crucial. They would particularly benefit from group sporting activities that take the focus away from them and onto a team, as well as time spent relaxing with family and friends. Wearing, meditating on and surrounding themselves with warm down-to-earth colors such as brown and green will help stimulate their creativity and interaction with others. Career Born nature lovers Fear of the disapproval and non-acceptance of others often means that these people are at their happiest among children, or working with animals or with nature, as here they feel they can experience a level of trust and understanding that is perhaps lacking in their relationships with people. With their keen intelligence they are likely to succeed in almost any career, but they may find themselves drawn toward philosophy, religion, law, education, sociology, psychology, astrology, writing or the entertainment world. Destiny To inspire others with their desire to improve the world The life path of people born on this day is to learn to feel comfortable with the person they are and not to create false images of themselves. Once they are able to open up, their destiny is to inspire others with their honesty, integrity and genuine desire to make the world a better place. Power Thought “I joyously give to life and life joyously gives to me” Zodiac Signs & symbols Zodiac sign: Aquarius Ruling planet: Uranus, the visionary Symbol: The Water Carrier Birth date ruler: Venus, the lover Tarot card: The Hierophant (guidance) Favorable numbers: 6,7 Lucky days: Saturday and Friday, especially when these days fall on 6 and 7 of the month Lucky colors: Electric blue, cerise, lilac Zodiac Birthstone: Amethyst
There were plenty of Hot Legs sailing into the Palace Theatre for the launch of Rod Stewart musical Tonight’s the Night
Carolynne Poole and Roxanne Pallett
And it certainly seems the Scottish rocker’s appeal spreads far and wide.
Comedy star Matt Lucas was among the famous faces to head to catch the show and met up with cast afterwards.
Little Britain favourite Matt, whose flatmate Craig Mather stars in the show, said: “It’s always nice to be back in Manchester and I really enjoyed seeing this talented cast perform such great songs.”
Meanwhile, actress Roxanne Pallett and former X Factor singer Carolynne Poole flashed their Hot Legs in tribute to Rod on the red carpet.
Roxanne laughed: “We’re northern so we’re not going to let the weather get in the way of glamour.”
Both lucky ladies have met Rod before, although Roxanne, wearing hot pink, admits it was a bit, ahem, hairy.She said: “Rod’s wife Penny asked me to take part in a charity shoot with my dog but I don’t have one! So I borrowed a dog but ended up chasing it around Rod Stewart’s garden. I don’t know what he must have thought!”
The musical was penned by comedian Ben Elton who also headed to the premiere last night.
Ben said he was ‘delighted’ the show has been revived.
He said: “I knew there was life in it and it’s pretty wonderful that it’s launching at the Palace, as I studied just down the road from here at Manchester University .”
But he confides the director refused to let him add a modern joke into the script.He laughed: “I was banned from using the word twerking would you believe?”
The show plays here until Saturday.
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Bright and breezy! Roxanne Pallett stands out in vibrant fuchsia dress as she attends press night for Rod Stewart musical
PUBLISHED: 01:00, 22 January 2014 | UPDATED: 09:09, 22 January 2014
She recently opened up about the terrifying cancer battle that almost resulted in her losing a breast, but Roxanne Pallett appeared to have put her recent troubles behind her on Tuesday during her latest public appearance in Manchester.
The former Emmerdale star stood out in a vibrant fuchsia dress for an evening out at the press night for Rod Stewart musical Tonight’s The Night at Manchester Palace.
Roxanne matched her breezy outfit with a black leather jacket and matching shoes after arriving at the theatre, which will play host to the touring show for five consecutive days before it moves on to Liverpool.
Stepping out: Roxanne Pallett makes an appearance at the press night for Rod Stewart musical Tonight's The Night in Manchester on Tuesday evening
The actress continued a balanced theme by opting for a single neutral accessory in the form of a black, embellished leather handbag.
With her long hair carefully fringed, the 31-year-old was in high spirits as she paused for photographers before making her way inside, where a host of guests had gathered for the celebratory show feauring 25 of Rod’s biggest hits – amongst them Hot Legs, Do Ya Think I’m Sexy and Maggie May.
Earlier this month Roxanne revealed how she was rushed to hospital for an emergency operation in December after discovering a 'small discoloured mark' near her left nipple.
Looking good: The former Emmerdale star opted for a fuchsia coloured dress, black leather jacket and matching shoes for her evening out on Tuesday
She's got the X Factor: Roxanne shares a photo opportunity with former X Factor contestant Carolynne Poole
After being referred to a skin specialist and being told the mark was in fact a potentially cancerous growth, Roxanne was forced to go under the knife to have it removed - before then facing a four-week wait over the festive period to discover whether or not the doctors managed to remove the whole thing.
And, if she hadn't raised her concerns about the mark during a routine health check, she could have potentially lost her left breast if she had left the cancer to grow for just one more week.
Roxanne told the Sun On Sunday: 'If they hadn't caught it in time, the cancer would have spread and I would have needed further surgery and chemotherapy immediately.'
Pals: The pair enjoy a giggle during their night out in Manchester
Following the operation, which saw surgeons have to 'dig down' in order to confirm the very rare form of cancer that she was suffering from hadn't spread to Roxanne's lymph nodes, the actress has been left with a one-inch long scar on her breast.
She said of the procedure: 'I woke up feeling like a forklift truck had dropped a ton of bricks on my chest.'
But Roxanne said she was determined not to let the lasting reminder of the terrifying cancer battle affect her femininity, instead describing it as her 'badge of honour'. She added: 'You actually feel more feminine - because you feel more powerful as your body has won.'
Here she comes: Roxanne arrives at the venue ahead of the musical's press night on Tuesday evening
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