What’s on in Manchester: April 2 – April 8

By Sean-Paul Doran

Your guide to what’s on in and around Manchester this week.

Monday April 2

Steve Aoki, Manchester Club Academy. Doors from 7.30pm, tickets £16.25.

When talking about Kylie Minogue, the media often use the term ‘pint-sized popstar’ to describe her. Australia’s favourite small songbird brings her intimate Anti-Tour to Manchester Academy on Sunday and Monday but as tickets sold out within 10 minutes of being released,  a trip down isn't recommended.

Instead, why not have a night with one of the most sought-after DJ’s on the circuit right now; Steve Aoki. Guaranteed to get the crowd going, expect an energetic set from the American electro-house DJ and producer.

Tickets from www.ticketmaster.co.uk.

Tuesday April 3

Good Mourning Mrs Brown, O2 Apollo, Manchester. Doors from 7.30pm, tickets from £22.25.

Mrs Brown’s Boys is coming to Manchester and if you’re a fan of the breakthrough comedy TV show of 2011, then you’re in for a treat with the stage show adaptation.

Based largely on the concept of the audience being amused by a grown man dressed as an elderly lady and swearing periodically, Brendan O’Carroll’s book-turned film-turned TV show-turned stage show has certainly split public opinion.

However, most people will go to the show knowing what to expect and they will be rewarded with a top-class production and a show that stays true to the spirit of the smash hit series.

Tickets from www.livenation.co.uk.

Wednesday April 4

Monkee Business, Manchester Opera House. Doors from 7.30pm, tickets from £22.50.

This all-singing, all-dancing stage show spectacular has hit Manchester, and I’m definitely a believer. Monkee Business is set on the Emmy Award winning TV series The Monkees and has promised to stay true to the chaotic spirit that made the eponymous band a worldwide smash in the ‘60s.

If the production can live up to this promise, there will be dancing in the isles as hits such as ‘Daydream Believer’, ‘Pleasant Valley Sunday’ and the timeless theme tune, ‘The Monkees’, are rolled out.

Thursday April 5

Under That Cloud, Manchester Art Gallery. Free entry.

When the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull erupted and caused havoc to travel plans in 2010, who’d have thought that something good could have come out of it all?

In Mexico City, 18 international artists were stranded together and decided to record their impressions of the South American country through art. The result of this has been displayed in Manchester Art Gallery for a few months now but is set to leave next week, so Thursday would be a great chance to take in this remarkable exhibition before it’s gone.

Friday April 6

Manchester Duck Race, Spinningfields. 2pm.

Good Friday is traditionally a day for relaxing with the family and spending quality time together, so if you’re looking for a day out you should take a jaunt down to Spinningfields for the third annual Manchester Duck Race.

It promises to be eggs-tremely quacking. At 2pm on Good Friday, the klaxon will sound as The Manchester Duck Race sees thousands of rubber ducks set off on their 200m sprint down the Spinningfields stretch of the River Irwell to cross the finish line. Other activities to behold include: Duck Herding, Punch and Judy Show, Giant Slide and much more. Go on, don’t be chicken and duck out of it.

Saturday April 7

Alegria - Cirque du Soleil, Manchester Arena. 8pm, tickets from £49.50.

Prepare to be amazed. The spectacular Alegría is a classic, internationally acclaimed Cirque du Soleil production that has bemused and amazed over 10million people worldwide in equal measures since it 1994. If you’re a fan of dangerous stunts, spectacular feats of acrobatics and, of course, fancy costumes, then this is for you.

Tickets aren’t particularly cheap but this is one of the events that are measured by enjoyment rather than monetary value.

Sunday 8 April

Manchester United v QPR, Old Trafford, Manchester. 1.30pm.

Manchester United v QPR isn’t just another standard football match. As the business end of the season approaches, this game is a chance for the Reds to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table over the Blues, who visit Arsenal later on Sunday. Three points here could possibly see United lead by eight points on Sunday night, depending on results before then, and that just might be enough to keep the Premier League trophy in the red side of Manchester.

See www.manutd.com for ticket details.