TV & Showbiz

Mancs wanted to take part in next series of BBC’s Race Across the World

Applications are now open.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 7th January 2025

Are you a fan of travelling? Got a bit of a competitive streak in your nature? This might just be your calling then.

The BBC is currently casting for the next series of Race Across the World.

The broadcaster has announced that the BAFTA-winning hit show is set to return to our TV screens later this year, and producers are now on the look-out for “intrepid duos” of all ages who reckon they’re ready to take a step into the unknown, and embark on an epic race across land and sea – and that includes Greater Manchester residents.

With applications for the next series of the massively-popular show now open, nomadic Mancs are being encouraged to take part.

On a limited budget and away from the luxuries of modern technology and conveniences, those lucky applicants selected to take part in the next series will get the chance to experience life in some of the world’s most beautiful and remote locations.   

BBC is looking for Mancs to take part in next series of Race Across the World / Credit: BBC

Navigating their way across thousands of miles, they’ll travel through spectacular scenery and dynamic cities, visit ancient wonders, learn local customs, and take part in time-honoured traditions. 

But, as producers are keen to point out, “the physical journey is only half of the story”.

That’s because, as the contestants take on the challenge of travelling across the world, the greatest thing they’ll discover along the way could actually be about themselves and one another.   

Putting out a UK-wide casting call on the BBC website this week, producers Studio Lambert wrote: “We are now accepting applications for the next series of Race Across the World. This experience is open to all, whether you’re a seasoned traveller or total novice.

“We want to hear what undertaking a trip like this would mean to you, and with a cash prize at stake, what lengths you would go to to win.

Applications for the massively-popular show are now open / Credit: BBC

“Maybe you’re looking to change something in your life? Or are keen to share the journey with someone special like a family member, best friend, or someone you’ve lost touch with. You may even have a very personal reason for wanting to travel at this time in your life or explore a particular part of the world.”

Fancy it then?

Applications for the third series of Race Across the World are now open for anyone over 18 years of age, with a deadline date of 6 April 2025, and you can find out more information and apply via the BBC website.

Read more:

Stick your application form in here.

Featured Image – BBC

TV & Showbiz

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – a masterclass in comedy, colour and movement

Danny Jones Danny Jones Joseph Technicolor Dreamcoat Manchester Opera House review 2025

To start with, we’re going to begin this review by advocating for going into stage shows with as little knowledge as possible because it only dials up the already exaggerated nature even further – we knew next to nothing about Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat before seeing it in Manchester.

And we truly think it helped.

Now, when we say nothing, we’ve obviously heard the title plenty of times over the years as it remains one of the most celebrated musical productions on the planet, and you don’t need to be an avid theatre buff to know who Andrew Lloyd Webber is. The point being is that all we knew was its reputation.

Going along with a second party several decades older than us who shared the same blindspot and just never quite understood what all the fuss was about makes the next part even funnier: we both loved it.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Opera House tickets
Colour, colour and more colour.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat review Manchester
Some impressive yet superbly simple production value.
Our review of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Opera House in Manchester. (Credit: Press Tristram Kenton)

We’re not going to dive too heavily into the story as we’re sure plenty of you who are more well-versed in the genre don’t need a synopsis regurgitating for the umpteenth time, but what we will say is that we’re somewhat glad we weren’t aware of its religious themes and numerous biblical references.

Not because we have any particular issue with Christianity nor adapting stories within theologies to turn them into entertainment, but because as atheists we probably would have been less keen to choose this particular text over another.

However, this is why we’re thankful for going in blind as we fear many others have missed out on this long-standing vibrant, energetic, all-singing, all-dancing twist on the tale of Genesis for decades simply due to being non-believers/agnostic.

That being said, we can confidently assure you that not only can you put your thoughts on faith to one side for the duration of the performance but, for us at least, it felt like it was more of an undercurrent than anything else and had little bearing on what a truly joyful evening for all ages.

You also get hand-held through it through the eyes of the children being retold the story right in front of you by the expert narrator, Christina Bianco, whose interventions and comic timing were lethal on a crowd already easily cracked up by a punchline or two – but she had the best of the lot.

Those Canaan Days song
‘Those Canaan Days’
Christina Bianco actor
Christina Bianco
(Credit: Tristram Kenton)

Where else to begin than with Joseph himself, played by Adam Filipe, who although we’ll admit to being layman on the subject until last night, feels almost born to play the role.

Not only did he bring respite to an otherwise frenetic (in the best way possible) onslaught of singing with his ability to deliver certain lines as nothing more than perfectly enunciated and emotional speech, but his voice was on point throughout and the way he made full use of the stage from the start was great.

One particularly immature slide up the curved wall of the set in the opening five minutes and we knew all we needed to know about not just movement but the rest of the cast too; pretty much non-stop movement and expression virtually at all times.

The dancing – particularly a rather hilarious ‘can-can’ confusion – was top-notch throughout and no matter which bright, flowing costume he or the ensemble was wearing during a specific number, they all looked the part and didn’t put a foot out of place.

Adam Filipe Joseph
Even a more serious interlude was welcome.
opera house manchester shows
We’d have loved more yellow-forward moment and backdrops in the palette but that’s just us being picky…
Credit: Press Images

But much to our delight, there really wasn’t one standout performance that stood head and shoulders above the rest, simply because they were all brilliant.

Whether it was the Jacobs and Sons company of brothers bringing both melodrama and some comic relief, or the score of female dancers delivering an elegance and added level of pageantry to proceedings, they all played their part.

However, every time one or more of the kids took to the stage a show-stealing moment was ripe for the picking and they all seized their opportunity, be it in unison or in the select few solo moments in the spotlight. An audience is always going to get up for youngsters shining front and centre.

But, we suppose if we absolutely had to give another special mention to another member of the production and single them out, there’s only one person it could be…

Having previously played the lead role back in 2016 following his X-Factor success, Joe McElderry returns to Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and the Manc crowd in the role of the Pharoah and boy was he good having passed the baton and shifted gears. So good and so funny.

joe mcelderry joseph technicolor dreamcoat
joe mcelderry as the pharoah
Credit: Supplied

Read more:

As well as an expert command of light, colour and choreography, the one thing we were surprised by was just how well-placed the comedy was throughout.

Not too much, not too little and nothing too contrived – a hard balance to strike and one that helps ease in those rare typically theatre-goers prone to a touch of cringe.

All in all, we sincerely urge you to go and see this show for yourselves, especially if you’re like us and have never given it a chance before. You won’t regret it.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is on in Manchester until Sunday, 9 March. You can still grab tickets HERE.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Tristram Kenton (supplied)

TV & Showbiz

Thousands of cinema tickets are being given away for FREE across the UK next month

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant People in the cinema

Thousands of cinema tickets are being given away for free all across the UK next month, and you can get your hands on them now.

As part of Escapes – a project supported by the British Film Institute (BFI) and National Lottery funding giving everyone the opportunity to “enjoy the big screen experience” and “discover independent cinema” – tens of thousands of cinema tickets are now up for grabs in Greater Manchester and across the UK for completely free of charge.

The ultimate aim of the Escapes project is to “bring new audiences” to the cinema, whether you’re someone who always prioritises a trip to the cinema, someone who treasures a visit but only on a special occasion, or someone who’s just keen to discover more.

There is a slight catch though… these tickets are only to see one particular film.

The Penguin Lessons
The Penguin Lessons
You can get free tickets to see The Penguin Lessons starring Steve Coogan next month / Credit: Sony Pictures Classics

But as far as free tickets to cinema go, let’s just say you could do a whole lot worse than taking a trip to see the the new heartwarming drama-comedy The Penguin Lessons on Monday 17 March, before it gets its wider release to the public.

The Penguin Lessons – which is inspired by the true story of a disillusioned Englishman who takes up a teaching post in Argentina in 1976 – tells the story of Tom, played by Steve Coogan, who arrives expecting an easy ride, however he quickly finds himself in a divided nation with a class of unteachable students.

After rescuing a penguin from an oil-slicked beach, Tom’s life is turned upside-down, leading to unexpected friendships and profound life lessons.

From the director of the Full Monty and the writer of Philomena, and also featuring a performance from Jonathan Pryce, the film promises to be both “humorous and heartfelt” by combining comedy and drama, and is ideal for film-lovers looking for a story that will bring all the feels this March.

This is the second year Escapes is offering free cinema tickets, after already making a huge impact with more than 65,000 tickets claimed in 2024 alone.

All showings of The Penguin Lessons will be screened with descriptive subtitles.

Escapes is partnering with leading cinema chains, as well as independent venues across the UK throughout 2025.

If a touching comedy-drama about a penguin doesn’t really sound like something up your street though, not to worry, as The Penguin Lesson is only the first film on the lineup in 2025, as Escapes is set to announce a range of other new films to preview all throughout the year.

Read more:

Fancy it then?

You can find out more about Escapes, find out which Greater Manchester cinemas are participating, and grab your free ticket to see The Penguin Lessons on Monday 17 March here.

Featured Image – Krists Luhaers (via Unsplash)

More TV & Showbiz

Legendary Bury Black Pudding reveals secrets - including powdered blood

Bury

Legendary Bury Black Pudding reveals secrets – including powdered blood

Art & Culture

Manchester streaming platform StreamGM unveils four-part creative industry careers podcast

Content creation opportunities Greater Manchester

Art & Culture

We’ve teamed up with a new creative hub to offer an exciting opportunity to a rising Manchester star

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches