The Blonde Bombshells of 1943 at The Lowry 20th – 24th January

After winning Best New Play at the 2006 MEN Theatre Awards, Alan Plater’s exuberant musical returns to Manchester.

The Blonde Bombshells are the most glamorous band in the North, but band leader Betty has a serious problem – she can’t seem to keep her musicians away from the GI camps! When the band is offered a top secret gig at the BBC Betty knows this could be their big break, but she needs to find new musicians fast. Open auditions present her with a schoolgirl, a singing nun, an upper-class lady and a draft-dodger in a frock. In wartime, you make do with what you’re given – but will Betty be able to get them in shape in time for the BBC recording?

Blonde Bombshells of 1943 opened to rave reviews, with critics praising its ‘genuine and entirely uncynical sweetness’ (The Guardian) and ‘comic charm’ (The Independent), and went on to win the prestigious Best New Play prize at the MEN Theatre Awards. If you want an uncomplicated night of entertainment with over 15 great musical numbers, a cast of hilarious characters and a great deal of heart, this could be the show for you.