Hotels for Jane McDonald - Living The Dream

Expect a crowd that skews older and dressed up for a proper night out, many travelling in groups of friends or with family. This is the sort of show where people sing along to every word and cheer before a note is even played, because they feel like they already know the woman on stage from years of Sunday-night television.

A Thursday date means an early finish matters less than the evening itself, and the mood stays warm rather than rowdy. Expect big ballads, cruise-ship glamour, and a lot of genuine affection in the room.

A long-established fixture of Manchester's live scene, the AO Arena sits right in the city centre beside Victoria station, hosting arena tours, comedy and sport throughout the year. Its central location puts the Northern Quarter's bars, restaurants and late-night spots within an easy walk. Victoria station's trains and Metrolink trams are on the doorstep, with Piccadilly a short distance away. Staying centrally means you can stroll to the show and back, making the most of the city's nightlife once the gig ends.