Photo Flash: Stars Turn Out For SUNSET BOULEVARD Opening Night

One of the all-time great musicals, Andrew Lloyd Webber's Tony Award®-winning (Best Musical, Best Original Score and Best Book of a Musical) masterpiece Sunset Boulevard is a compelling story of romance and obsession, based on Billy Wilder's legendary film, with Don Black and Christopher Hampton's wonderful book and lyrics.

This much-loved score includes the title number Sunset Boulevard, With One Look, As If We Never Said Goodbye, The Greatest Star Of All, and The Perfect Year - and performed by a full orchestra.

Sunset Boulevard is now running at the Palace Theatre Manchester until Saturday 4 November 2017.

In her mansion on Sunset Boulevard, faded silent-screen goddess Norma Desmond lives in a fantasy world. Impoverished screen writer, Joe Gillis, on the run from debt collectors, stumbles into her reclusive world.

Persuaded to work on Norma's 'masterpiece', a film script that she believes will put her back in front of the cameras, he is seduced by her and her luxurious lifestyle. Joe becomes entrapped in a claustrophobic world until his love for another woman leads him to try and break free with dramatic consequences.

Produced by Michael Harrison and David Ian, and Directed by Nikolai Foster, the musical features an impressive cast. Ria Jones plays Norma Desmond, and Danny Mac stars as Joe Gillis.

Last year, Ria Jones played the role of Norma Desmond at the London Coliseum when Glenn Close was indisposed, receiving rave reviews and standing ovations for her performance. Ria has recently starred as Dorothy Brock in 42nd Street at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. Her West End credits include Fantine in Les Misérables; Grizabella in Cats; and Florence in Chess. Her touring credits include Alex in The Witches of Eastwick; Mrs Overall in Acorn Antiques - The Musical; Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes; and The Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Danny Mac captured the nation's hearts and received overwhelming support during his incredible time on BBC1's Strictly Come Dancing making it all the way to the final. Theatre credits include Gabey in On The Town at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre; Wickedand Legally Blonde.

Also starring Adam Pearce as Max Von Mayerling; Molly Lynch as Betty Schaefer; Dougie Carter as Artie Green; and Carl Sandersonas Cecil B DeMille.

The rest of the company includes Bernadette Bangura, Matthew Barrow, Benjamin Chambers, JoAnna Goodwin, Kristoffer Hellström, Iain Mattley, James Meunier, GEmma Naylor, Fiona O'Carroll, Joanna O'Hare, Jessica Paul, Sam Peggs, Tom Vincent andBarney Wilkinson.

Book now at www.atgtickets.com/Manchester or by calling the box office on 0844 871 3019.

Joe McElderry

Kirsty Leigh Porter

Claire Sweeney and Pete Price

Claire Sweeney

Jorgie Porter