42 Balloons at The Lowry

Shekina Rose, Families Editor

Book now

42 Balloons

Lowry, Salford
18 April-19 May 2024

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

The cast of 42 Balloons at The Lowry
The cast of 42 Balloons. Image courtesy of The Lowry.
Book now

We have lift off! 42 Balloons, the brand-new uplifting musical from the producers of SIX, is now on at The Lowry. This amazing show opened on 18 April to standing ovations, incredible feedback and sold-out performances – stories about dreams, hope and never giving up are definitely just the ticket for audiences at the moment!

It’s 2 July 1982, and something extraordinary is happening above the streets of Los Angeles. Armed with nothing but a lawn chair and 42 helium-filled weather balloons, truck driver Larry Walters is defying all odds (and FAA airspace regulations) as he soars an incredible sixteen thousand feet above the city. Yes, you read that right – sixteen thousand feet. In a chair. Is this the real-life UP?

This hard-to-believe true story comes to life in 42 Balloons, a sensational new musical about chasing your dreams and aiming high. Join Larry and his partner Carol Van Deusen as they gather their friends and family to help make the impossible, possible.

Featuring a toe-tapping, ’80s pop-inspired musical score, the production invites you to consider that age-old question – how far would you go to make your dreams come true? Is the sky truly the limit, and what happens when things don’t go according to plan?

42 Balloons is packed with talented creatives and cast members. The cast line-up includes Evelyn Hoskins (Waitress, Gypsy, Spring Awakening) and Charlie McCullagh (Bonnie & Clyde, Jesus Christ Superstar) as Larry and Carol, reprising their roles from the 2022 staged concert performances in the West End.

The book, music and lyrics have been written by Jack Godfrey whose other works include This is a Love Story (Dundee Rep, Birmingham Hippodrome) and Babies (Lyric Theatre, West End).

Jack said, “I am so excited for the full production of 42 Balloons coming to the Lowry in April. It’s been about six years since I started writing the show after discovering the incredible story of Larry’s flight during a late-night online deep dive, and it’s extremely cool and slightly surreal to see it being realised as a full production for the first time. I’m extremely grateful for the amazing cast and creative team bringing the show to life and I can’t wait to share 42 Balloons with everyone.”

42 Balloons at The Lowry has been produced by an incredible award-winning team – Andy Barnes and Wendy Barnes from Global Musicals (SIX, The Choir of Man, Pieces of String, Lift) and Kevin McCollum from Alchemation (Mrs Doubtfire, SIX, Rent, Avenue Q), in association with  The Lowry, Debbie Hicks, Sam Levy, S&Co and Kenny Wax.

Wendy Barnes said, “It’s our passion to produce new musicals with original stories – and original scores – by emerging artists, and we can’t wait for audiences to discover 42 Balloons and fall in love with the show as much as we have. Jack’s created a beautiful musical inspired by a remarkable true story from the early 80’s and has written a pop score that stands shoulder to shoulder with some of the hits of that decade.”

42 Balloons is fast becoming a soaring success. Be part of this extraordinary journey – book your tickets now and fly high with Larry, Carol and friends as they make history.

Recommended for ages 12+.

What's on at Lowry

This is England at The Lowry
Until
TheatreMediaCityUK
Dear England at Lowry

Don’t miss James Graham’s Olivier Award-winning, big-hearted, ‘pitch-perfect’ celebration of football when it comes to Salford.

From £23

Where to go near 42 Balloons at The Lowry

Manchester
Gallery
Irwell Sculpture Trail

The 33-mile trail, which follows the River Irwell from Salford Quays all the way to Bacup in Pennine Lancashire, has been around for over a decade, but it’s recently been restored and expanded.

Manchester
Shopping Centre
Lowry Outlet Mall

The Lowry Outlet Mall in The Quays district of Manchester sits opposite both The Lowry and MediaCityUK, Europe’s largest media hub and the home of BBC North.

Manchester
Bar or Pub
Central Bay

Central Bay is a new waterfront dining and drinking destination at Quayside MediaCity, opening summer 2023.

MediaCityUK
Café or Coffee Shop
Blanconero

High-level Italian food in Salford Quays, with no less than seven different lasagnas to choose from.

The Quays
Restaurant
The Alchemist Mediacity

The latest offering from the UK-conquering Alchemist has an energetic vibe similar to others in this highly-regarded chain of restaurants.

Salford
Uswim
at Salford Quays

Jump into waters of dock 9 at Salford Quays with Uswim, they bring the benefits and freedom of open water swimming to the convenience of a central location.

Manchester
Restaurant
11 Central

11 Central is a new bar and microbrewery launched by local brewing legends SEVEN BRO7HERS BREWING CO at the Central Bay site in Salford.

Ice Rink
Manchester
MCUK Ice Rink
at Media City

Embrace that most Christmassy of activities and get your skates on outside of the chaotic city centre this winter. The Ice Rink at Media City will be serving festive fun till January 5th.

Manchester
Shop
Booths Media City

The Booths branch at Media City, Salford Quays is much appreciated by TV, radio and media executives who work in the area.

What's on: Theatre

SLAMCHESTER Poster
LiteratureManchester
SLAMCHESTER at 53Two

This June, Manchester welcomes the launch of SLAMCHESTER, a one-night-only spoken word slam featuring a a special performance by Jardel Rodrigues.

From £6.00
This is England at The Lowry
Until
TheatreMediaCityUK
Dear England at Lowry

Don’t miss James Graham’s Olivier Award-winning, big-hearted, ‘pitch-perfect’ celebration of football when it comes to Salford.

From £23

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Experimental performance, thought-provoking new writing and our picks of Manchester International Festival - here’s what’s taking centre stage this summer.

Cloudwater Production One
Tours and Activities in the North

Go forth with wild abandon to dance the pavements, dabble with the paint and down the pints in this month's tours and activities guide.

Classical Music in the North

Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region's most cherished orchestral forces and venues.

Experience a unique deep listening art installation inviting audiences to lay down and be bathed in sound and light.
Exhibitions in the North

From city-wide art festivals to open-air sculptural installations, we have exhibitions from all around the North, both indoors and out.

A young boy with a white sash around his left arm cries.
Cinema in the North

Outdoor cinema announcements, a major retrospective at HOME, and the best of indie cinema.

Music in the North

Gigs are coming in hot this spring – from long-awaited returns to one-off happenings you’ll blink and miss if you're not careful.