Last night I was invited along to the press night of Something Rotten! at the Opera House, Manchester, and I have to admit, I went in not really knowing what to expect. From a little research, I knew it had a bit of a cult following and had picked up awards, but beyond that, I was pretty much in the dark. I did wonder if this might be a bit too slapstick for me. I couldn’t have been more wrong.
From the moment it started, Something Rotten is just fun. It is fast, it’s loud in all the right ways, and it completely leans into being a musical comedy without taking itself too seriously.
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What is Something Rotten! About?
Something Rotten! first opened on Broadway back in 2015 at the St. James Theatre in New York. It was created by Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick, with the book written by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell.
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The story is set in Shakespeare’s England, and it follows two brothers who are trying really hard to make a name for themselves as playwrights. The problem is, they are constantly overshadowed by William Shakespeare.
Then they hear that the next big thing in theatre is something called a “musical”. So naturally, they decide to beat Shakespeare to it and create one first.
What follows is a chaotic, hilarious and very fast-paced story filled with big musical numbers, comedy, and loads of clever theatre references.
It was a huge hit on Broadway and picked up multiple Tony Award nominations, and it has built a strong following ever since.
Something Rotten at Opera House Manchester Review
What really stood out straight away was the cast. It honestly feels like there isn’t just one lead, but several characters all sharing the spotlight, and it works so well.
Nick Bottom (Jason Manford) really anchors the story. He has this mix of frustration and determination that makes you really root for him.
Will Shakespeare (Richard Fleeshman) is just brilliant. He is confident, a bit ridiculous, and completely entertaining in that over-the-top way you expect.
Bea Bottom (Marisha Wallace) is a total powerhouse. She brings strength, warmth and a real sense of heart to everything.
Nigel Bottom (Cassius Hackforth) is much quieter, but in a really beautiful way. He feels thoughtful and a bit more gentle compared to the chaos around him.
Portia (Carla Dixon-Hernandez) adds so much colour and energy. She feels bright and full of life every time she is on stage.
And then there is Nostradamus (Cory Englsih), who is absolutely hilarious. He fully commits to the chaos and gets some of the biggest laughs of the night.
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Set, Music and Choreography
The set is genuinely stunning. It really transports you into the world of the show, but it still feels fun and accessible rather than heavy or overly serious.
The musical numbers are huge. They are bold, energetic and really well put together. Everything feels tightly choreographed, and nothing ever feels messy or out of place.
The ensemble deserve a huge mention too, because they keep the energy high throughout the entire show. There is always something happening on stage, and it just feels alive.
Why Something Rotten Works So Well
What I really loved is how clever it is without ever feeling pretentious. It mixes Shakespeare, musical theatre and comedy in a way that feels really natural. There are loads of theatre references and historical jokes, but they are done in a way that feels funny and accessible, not confusing or forced.
It does have adult humour in places, so I would say it is best for older children. I would recommend that children be over 12+. It does push the boundaries, so be aware. Nothing I found offensive, our boys would have loved the cheeky humour, it depends on your children and boundaries.
A Huge Success
Something Rotten is a great night out at the theatre. It is funny, it is energetic, and it never stops moving. It feels fresh, clever and genuinely entertaining from start to finish.
If you are looking for a Manchester theatre show that feels a bit different, this is definitely one to book.
Where Can You See Something Rotten
Something Rotten is playing at the Opera House Manchester until the 19th July and omg dont miss this one.
Disclaimer: I was gifted the tickets, but a review is optional. However, all opinions are my own. Check out where to park near the Opera House Manchester.
