13 Going on 30 The Musical to open next year

Thirty flirty and thriving ✨

13 Going On 30 film
Author: Emily BurrettPublished 29th Oct 2024

Hit movie 13 Going on 30 landed in cinemas a huge 20 years ago, but now there's some very exciting news for fans, as the world premiere production of 13 Going On 30 - The Musical, is opening at Manchester Opera House for a limited season from 21st September 2025.

The musical is based on the rom-com classic from Revolution Studios starring Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo, and is written by the film writers Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yuspa and will be directed by the award winning, Andy Fickman.

Jenna Rink is an adorably awkward 13-year-old girl who wishes she could skip over the misery of high school. When her birthday wish comes true, Jenna magically wakes up as an adult to find herself “thirty, flirty and thriving” as the editor of a fashion magazine with a seemingly perfect life. But as she gradually unravels the mystery of what kind of person she has become, she goes on a journey to work out what — and who — really matters.

13 Going on 30 The Musical

Film writers Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yuspa, who have also written the book of the musical, said: “When we wrote the movie 13 Going on 30, we never dreamt that on the film’s 20th anniversary, we’d get the chance to see a whole new generation fall in love with Razzles and feel thirty, flirty, and thriving. It’s been a joy to work with ROYO, Revolution Studios, songwriters Alan Zachary & Michael Weiner, and director Andy Fickman to bring this story to life as a stage musical. We were thrilled by the audience’s response to our workshop last year, and now we can’t wait to officially open in Manchester at the legendary Opera House — the launchpad of so many iconic musicals. So bring your family, your friends, maybe a date, or just come alone — don’t be shy, we’re all nice. Hope you have as much fun seeing the show as we had making it!”

13 Going On 30 - The Musical will have songs by Michael Weiner and Alan Zachary and it is directed by Andy Fickman.

Tickets go on sale at 1.30pm on Wednesday 13th November with full casting yet to be announced.

Check out all of the films coming out in 2024 and beyond:

Argylle

Release date: 2nd February 2024


With an all-star cast including the likes of Dua Lipa, Henry Cavill, Bryce Dallas Howard, John Cena, Catherine O'Hara and Bryan Cranston, this brand new spy film was an exciting one for fans. Directed by Matthew Vaughn, who also worked on the smash-hit Kingsman franchise, the film sees the line between fiction and reality blur, as Elly Conway's spy novel begins to mirror a real-life spy organisation.

Dune: Part Two

Release date: 1st March 2024


The follow-up to 2021's smash-hit Dune, Dune: Part Two saw the return of stars such as Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, as they continued their mythic journey. After fans were left slightly disappointed with the lack of Zendaya's presence in the first film, it seemed as though she would feature more heavily in the sequel, with Timothée stating before the film's release that her scenes are "incredible" and in "greater abundance".

Challengers

Release date: 26th April 2024


It's no secret that pretty much any film featuring superstar Zendaya is a hit! The actress stars as Tashi Donaldson in this romantic sports comedy-drama - a tennis player turned coach who becomes involved in a love triangle 'gone wrong'. Also starring are names such as Mike Faist, Josh O'Connor and Faith Fay.

Inside Out 2

Release date: 14th June 2024


The sequel to 2015's Inside Out, we re-visit the colourful gang as Amy Poehler returned as Joy. The film was released in summer 2024, and explores Riley's emotions as a teenager! The film introduces four new Emotions, including Anxiety, which is voiced by Stranger Things and Do Revenge star Maya Hawke. An official teaser trailer for the film was released in November 2023, and the full-length trailer was released in March 2024. The film was a gargantuan success - becoming the highest-grossing animated film of all time, globally.

Deadpool & Wolverine

Release date: 25th July 2024


Returning for its highly-anticipated third instalment, Ryan Reynolds reprised his role as Deadpool (or should we say, Wade Wilson) in July 2024. The original film dropped back in February 2016, with the sequel arriving two years later in 2018. With Wolverine entering the mix, we saw the incredible combo of Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman - with the flick surpassing 2019's Joker as the biggest R-rated movie ever.

A Quiet Place: Day One

Release date: 27th June 2024


A sequel to John Krasinski's A Quiet Place, titled A Quiet Place: Day One, served as a prequel to the original idea from John, detailing 'why our world went quiet'. The official trailer was released in February, with names such as Joseph Quinn, Lupita Nyong'o, Alex Wolff, Djimon Hounsou and Denis O'Hare filling the impressive cast list.

Beetlejuice 2

Release date: 6th September 2024


The iconic 1988 hit Tim Burton film Beetlejuice, starring Michael Keaton as the wacky titular character, officially came back into our lives in 2024 - with a sequel landing just in time to kick off the Autumn. Not only that, but the new fantasy horror comedy was once again be directed by Tim, with other legendary actors returning such as Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder and Catherine O'Hara. Beetlejuice 2 also features Wednesday star Jenna Ortega, as well as Monica Bellucci and Willem Dafoe.

Saw 11

Release date: 24th September 2024


September 2024 will see the infamous game continue as the 11th instalment in the Saw franchise arrives at cinemas. Fans of the gory horror don't have to wait too long between films, with the 10th Saw landing back in September 2023.

Joker: Folie à Deux

Release date: 4th October 2024


Following the huge success of the first Joker film in 2019, Joaquin Phoenix reprised his role in the highly-anticipated sequel, which was released in October 2024. Not only that, but we got to see none other than 'Born This Way' icon Lady Gaga star as the Joker's girlfriend Harley Quinn, with pictures of her character first being teased in December 2023. Days before the film's released, it was announced that Gaga was releasing a companion album called 'Harlequin'.

Smile 2

Release date: 18th October 2024


Smile 2 is heading our way in October 2024, meaning the sequel will arrive around two years after the original horror/mystery film was released.

Wicked

Release date: 22nd November 2024


The hugely anticipated Wicked movie will be landing in two parts - with Part One dropping in late November 2024 - which is around Thanksgiving in the United States. Initially set for release on 27th November, this has now been moved forward to 22nd. Part Two will land a year later, with a current release date of 26th November 2025. The film stars Ariana Grande as Glinda, alongside Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba.

Moana 2

Release date: 29th November 2024


Disney bosses delighted fans in February by announcing a shock sequel to 2016 movie Moana! Sharing a short announcement clip, Disney confirmed the second movie will land in November 2024! By the looks of the teaser trailers - and the full-length trailer - it's not going to disappoint! Check out everything we know here.

Gladiator 2

Release date: 15th November 2024


A whopping 24-years after the release of the original smash-hit film Gladiator, starring Russell Crowe, a sequel is officially on the way! With a current scheduled release date of November 2024, the highly-anticipated movie will see the talented Ridley Scott return to direct, as well as Normal People's Paul Mescal take on a starring role.

Mufasa: The Lion King

Release date: 20th December 2024


Fans were incredibly excited when Disney announced another live-action film coming our way. In the upcoming prequel film, set for release in December 2024, we will get to see Mufasa's journey to becoming the King.

Sonic 3

Release date: December 2024


After the success of the first two Sonic films, which starred the likes of Ben Schwartz, James Marsden and Jim Carrey, fans cannot wait for the third instalment to be released in 2024. The upcoming third film in the franchise is set to feature the introduction of a character named Shadow, who is expected to serve as the movie's main antagonist, with other iconic game characters such as Rouge the Bat making an appearance.

Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fow

BBC bosses announced in June that there's going to be a brand new Wallace and Gromit moving dropping at Christmas time. Titled, Vengeance Most Fow, the 70-minute film will see the return of Feathers McGraw.


Release date: Christmas 2024

Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy

Release date: February 2025


That's right - Bridegt Jones is back! Renée Zellweger, Hugh Grant and Emma Thompson are all set to reprise their famous roles, with Renée confirming the exciting announcement in April 2024. The fourth film, titled Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy, will be based on the latest novel by Helen Fielding of the same name, and is thought to be heading for a US release date of Valentine's Day 2025. Find out about the plot, cast and more here.

Snow White live-action remake

Release date: 21st March 2025


Starring Rachel Zegler in the titular role, and Gal Gadot as The Evil Queen, Disney will bring us a brand new Snow White live-action remake in 2024. Getting the Disney remake treatment, the film will include new music from composing duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul - the masterminds behind hit songs from epic movies such as La La Land, The Greatest Showman, and Dear Evan Hansen.

Peaky Blinders film

Release date: 2025


That's right, we're officially getting a Peaky Blinders film! In place of a seventh series, show creator Steven Knight has confirmed that they will be creating a movie, which will be set during the time-frame of World War Two. Steven previously teased that production would start in Spring 2023, and that it might hit cinemas by Spring 2024 - however, in January 2024 he told Radio Times: "I'm just working on the final bits of it at the moment", and that: "The plan is to start shooting that in the middle of 2024". So, it looks like a 2025 release date is on the cards.


Find out everything we know about the plot, cast and characters here.

Jurassic World: Rebirth

Release date: July 2025


Set five years after the events of 2022 movie Jurassic World Dominion, Scarlett Johansson and Jonathan Bailey are set to star in Jurassic World: Rebirth, which is the eighth movie from the franchise. Bosses released the official title and first look photos in August 2024, with the movie set for release at the beginning of July 2025.

Now read:

A Clueless musical is coming to the West End

The Hunger Games is getting a live stage adaptation

Mean Girls the Musical is coming to the West End

How to listen to Cool FM

Tune into Northern Ireland’s number 1 for music, Cool FM on 97.4FM, online, on our Rayo app, your DAB radio, or say ‘Play Cool FM’ on your Smart Speaker. We play you the biggest hits from the world’s hottest artists, from Pete Snodden in the morning to the NI Hit 40.