Manchester City submits proposals for immersive theatre inspired by hit musical near Etihad Stadium

'We cannot think of anywhere better to bring one of the world’s most popular and ground breaking theatrical productions'

Bosses at Manchester City have submitted proposals for a new immersive events space which would be situated at Etihad Campus next to Co-op Live and the Etihad Stadium.

Planning permission for the space, within the newly-named Medlock Square development, has been submitted to Manchester City Council which, if greenlit, would incorporate a venue to host a Manchester production of the interactive Mamma Mia! The Party experience.

Already a hit in London at The O2 since 2019, and having recently celebrated its tenth anniversary in Stockholm, the theatrical dining experience brings ABBA’s hit back catalogue to life with a four-course Greek feast and a live show The London production has welcomed more than 600,000 guests and delivered over 1500 performances to date.

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Working alongside Pophouse Entertainment, Manchester City’s proposals would offer a unique theatrical dining experience for up to 600 guests per show. The venue would sit alongside the 401-room Medlock Hotel, a partnership with Radisson Blu Hotel Group, which is set to open its doors later this year and help emerge the Campus area as a popular event-led destination for sports and music fans.

Earlier this week, the name of Medlock Square was unveiled for a new £300m entertainment zone. The huge 3,000 capacity venue has been billed as a 'year-round hub for culture, leisure and entertainment' and will include bars, restaurants and cafes, a sky-walk, giving views over the Manchester skyline, a zip-wire and a three storey office block.

Commenting on the Club’s planning application for the theatre space, Danny Wilson, the Managing Director of Manchester City Operations, said: “Working with Pophouse, the Club’s latest proposal to further develop the Etihad Campus is an incredibly exciting opportunity for both East Manchester and the wider city more generally.

“We know there is ever increasing demand for more immersive, entertainment experiences in the North of England and we are incredibly proud to have put forward plans for consideration by Manchester City Council to bring a world-renowned event to Manchester’s newest entertainment destination, Medlock Square.

“As with all of our developments, we remain focused on ensuring that our local community benefit from any new facilities, not only in terms of jobs and training during construction, but through our local supply chain and permanent jobs across the Campus enabling local people to build their careers with us.”

Pophouse Chief Executive Officer, Jessica Koravos, added: “Manchester is known for its enthusiasm and innovation in music and entertainment and we cannot think of anywhere better to bring one of the world’s most popular and ground breaking theatrical productions.

“Mamma Mia! The Party has been hugely successful in London, with audiences continuing to love the experience even seven years after its opening, and we are excited to be able to expand on that success, with plans to give it a new home in Manchester for many more people to enjoy.”

Manchester City will be hosting a drop-in event at Beswick Library between 4pm and 6:30pm on Thursday, March 26 for local residents to learn more about the proposals and ask any questions.