Crowds came to a halt outside of the arena
18:53, 13 Jun 2026Updated 18:53, 13 Jun 2026
Barry Manilow impersonator Wayne Denton(Image: Liverpool ECHO)
People gathered in Liverpool today following a surprise appearance outside Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena. Thousands of fans are set to watch music legend Barry Manilow perform tonight, but an unexpected appearance by his lookalike stole the spotlight before the show even began.
Barry is best known for hits like ‘Mandy,’ ‘Copacabana (At the Copa),’ and ‘I Wanna Do It With You.’ Barry released a new studio album, What a Time, on June 5, marking his first of predominantly original songs in nearly 15 years.
Barry is now set to perform in Liverpool’s M&S Bank tonight, despite recently cancelling shows for his Las Vegas residency due to lung surgery recovery. In January, he pushed the dates back again, saying he needed more time to recover before returning to the stage.
Thankfully, the singer appears to be back in good health after the first show of the UK tour kicked off in Glasgow without a hitch. While he was getting ready to perform in Liverpool, his doppelganger stole the show outside of the arena.
Barry Manilow impersonator Wayne Denton(Image: Liverpool ECHO)
Crowds gathered outside of the arena as Barry Manilow impersonator Wayne Denton held an impromptu meet and greet. Wayne performs professionally as a Barry Manilow lookalike and is star of the theatre production Celebrating Barry.
Decked out in a replica of Barry’s famous ‘Copacabana (At the Copa)’ stage jacket, Wayne met fans and snapped photos while they waited to enter the arena.
Doors open for Barry Manilow at 6pm. The support act will take to the stage at 7.30pm followed by a brief interval at 8pm. Barry is scheduled to perform at 8.20pm with a curfew call for 11pm.
Barry Manilow impersonator Wayne Denton(Image: Liverpool ECHO)
Barry has welcomed a number of support acts on the tour across his career.
Regulars include jazz stars Curtis Stigers and Dave Koz, and even comedians Jimmy Tarbuck, Gordie Brown and Bradley Walsh. Comedian Dennis Blaire was confirmed as Barry’s supporting act for the UK shows.
The new album, What a Time, marks his 33rd studio album, following 2011’s 15 Minutes. Take That’s Gary Barlow is credited as a co-writer on the new feel-good track ‘Sun Shine’.
The album also features collaborations with singer Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds, nine-time Grammy winner Dave Cobb, and co-writers Bruce Sussman and Adrienne Anderson.
The record features 13 tracks and is available to pre-order on CD and vinyl, and pre-save on streaming.