Live music debuts at Theatre Royal with acclaimed Manchester act

Saturday, 13 December 2025 13:22

By Dean Sampson

Ramsbottom’s Theatre Royal has launched its first ever live music event, welcoming Manchester swing artist Dominic Halpin and the Honey B’s to a packed and appreciative audience.

The event, which took place at the historic theatre in the heart of the town, marked a new chapter in the venue’s cultural programming. Singer Dominic Halpin praised the building as a “hidden gem” and said he felt lucky to have performed there.

“This is my first time in Ramsbottom,” he said. “We had a lovely meal up the street and then walked into the theatre, and it’s just incredible. Not every town has a space like this.”

Halpin, who usually performs at larger venues, said the intimacy of the 205-seat auditorium made the night special. “You don’t often get audiences like this. It was the perfect setting,” he added.

The gig was the first in a new series titled ‘Live Music at the Theatre Royal’, with organisers keen to build on the success of the opening night.

Promoter Neil Hughes said the venue offers two spaces for music events: the main theatre for larger acts and a smaller bar area suited to audiences of 80 to 90 people.

“We’re open to jazz, folk, swing and blues acts, and it’s about building an audience while staying true to the theatre’s community roots,” said Hughes. “Tonight, we saw a lot of new faces and that’s encouraging.”

Theatre manager Stephen Davies described the launch as “a thrill” and confirmed that future concerts are already booked for the new year.

“It’s a new venture for us, and we’re going to continue,” said Davies. “It was fantastic to see people smiling as they left and saying they’ll be back.”

Theatre Royal, a volunteer-run venue with a long-standing reputation for community theatre, film nights and comedy, is now positioning itself as a live music destination too. The addition of music events aims to broaden its appeal and attract a wider range of visitors while keeping the community at the centre of its identity.