Review | Something Rotten! | Manchester Opera House | 24 June 2026
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
At a time when theatre can often feel dominated by screen-to-stage adaptations and jukebox musicals, audiences have long been crying out for fresh stories and original scores. Something Rotten answers these prayers, premiering in the UK eleven years after its Tony award winning Broadway debut.
Set in 1590, we meet brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom, who long to rival the success of Shakespeare. When it is foreseen that the future of theatre involves mixing dialogue with song to tell a story, the brothers set about creating the worlds first musical. Bursting with silliness, with a combination of musical theatre satire and Shakespeare references, it never takes itself too seriously and takes no time establishing its tone.
Opening number ‘Welcome to the Renaissance’ lets audiences quickly know they are in for an outrageous evening. It is one of a number of standout numbers, alongside the broadway-esq ‘A Musical’ and the delightfully cheeky ‘Hard to Be the Bard’. While the highlights are genuinely great, other numbers are less memorable and struggle to maintain the momentum set by the stronger material.
The production’s humour is one of its greatest strengths, particularly for musical theatre fans. References to countless shows are woven throughout the script and music, alongside an abundance of Shakespeare nods. These work best in the song ‘A Musical’ where Jason Manford has the audience in the palm of his hands. As the show progresses however, the reliance on references occasionally feels laboured and the general human can start to tire.
Richard Fleeshman steals the show completely, with a standout performance as Shakespeare. Portraying the Bard as a swaggering rockstar with more than a touch of camp arrogance, he steals every scene he appears in. Although he is portrayed as the bad guy, with charisma by bucket loads, Fleeshman’s Shakespeare is impossible not to love. It is just a shame we don’t get more of him, only first appearing towards the end of the first act. From the supporting cast, Corey English is equally memorable as Nostradamus, who injects energy to this truly ridiculous show.
At its best, Something Rotten is wonderfully silly and provides pure escapism. There are moments when it tips a little too far towards pantomime, but it's impossible not to have fun watching this love letter to musical theatre. Something Rotten plays at Manchester Opera House until Sunday 19 July 2026.
Note: My ticket was gifted in exchange for a review. This review is based on my honest opinion alone and is without influence.
