A “women’s only” religious musical comedy has been the hottest ticket for Manchester Jewry.

Over 800 women enjoyed sell-out performances of My Fair Sadie at the Radcliffe Civic Suite at the weekend. So great was the interest that the final dress rehearsal was opened to the public.

The musical was staged by Pace — a performing arts group producing comedy for religious audiences — to raise funds for and awareness of Manchester welfare charity, The Fed.

Producer Elisheva Uzvolk spent a year organising the show. “I’m still recovering from the success,” she said. “I’m overwhelmed. A lot of the people who came don’t go to cinema or theatre, so I’m pleased to have given them a good laugh and a night out.”

The Fed’s marketing manager Rochelle Broman said the venture had resulted in volunteering offers from the Charedi community. “These women wanted to do something for Project Smile, which mainly helps religious children, so we’re very grateful.”