Review: Something Brilliant! A Rottenly Good Night at the Palace

Something Rotten is the newest resident in Manchester’s Opera House, and being a debut show – it’s one not to be missed!

Watching Something Rotten! at the Palace Theatre was an absolute joy from start to finish. New musicals can become very hit and miss with musical fans but this one for me? Hit. Hit. Hit.

From the moment the curtain went up, the audience were treated to a pleather of comedy, music, and sheer theatrical brilliance. It’s one of those rare productions that keeps you laughing throughout, and I honestly can’t remember the last time I left a theatre with such a big smile on my face.

What struck me most was just how unique the show is. In an era where many musicals can feel familiar, Something Rotten! manages to carve out its own identity with a script that is refreshingly original and incredibly clever. The writing is packed with witty wordplay, unexpected twists, and countless jokes that land perfectly.

The cast deserves enormous credit for bringing this wonderfully eccentric world to life. Every performer on stage appeared fully committed to their role, and that passion shone through in every scene. From the principal cast to the ensemble, there was an infectious energy throughout the entire production. It never felt like anyone was simply going through the motions; every member of the company seemed genuinely invested in delivering the best possible performance.

What makes the show particularly special is that it’s unlike anything I’ve seen before. It blends historical nonsense with the perfect musical theatre feel. The result is a production that feels fresh and unpredictable, constantly finding new ways to surprise its audience.

The humour is undoubtedly one of the show’s greatest strengths. It’s fun, light-hearted, and absolutely loaded with innuendos that had the audience laughing out loud on countless occasions. The jokes are delivered with impeccable timing, and there’s a playful cheekiness running through the entire production that never outstays its welcome.

For musical theatre fans, there’s an extra layer of enjoyment thanks to the numerous sly references and affectionate digs at other musicals. These moments are woven cleverly into the script rather than feeling forced, rewarding those who know the genre while still remaining funny for those who don’t catch every reference. It’s a love letter to musical theatre that also isn’t afraid to poke fun at it.

A special mention must go to Jason Manford, whose performance adds an extra spark to an already excellent show. His natural comedic instincts are perfectly suited to the material, and he has an effortless ability to get a laugh from even the smallest moment. Beyond the humour, his professionalism and stage presence help anchor the production, ensuring that every scene he appears in is engaging and entertaining. He clearly understands the rhythm of the comedy and delivers his lines with confidence and precision, making an already funny show even more enjoyable.

Overall, Something Rotten! is a brilliantly entertaining evening of theatre. Cleverly written, superbly performed, and genuinely hilarious, it’s a production that embraces its absurdity and delivers two and a half hours of pure fun. With tickets still available this is one you seriously do not want to miss:

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/something-rotten/opera-house-manchester/