Theatres - Still Showing - February 23 onwards

Feb 18 2012 Chester Chronicle

STILL SHOWING

AS YOU LIKE IT (Anthony Hopkins Theatre, Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold, February 9-March 10)

THE wonderful Hedydd Dylan - so memorable in The Taming of the Shrew at Clwyd last year - returns for another Shakespearean comedy directed by Terry Hands. When Rosalind is banished by Duke Frederick his daughter Celia runs away with her to the Forest of Arden, where Rosalind’s father, Duke Senior, is in hiding. Orlando also escapes there from his dangerous brother Oliver. Rosalind and Orlando are already in love but in the forest Rosalind is disguised as a man. Call 0845 330 3565 or visit www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk.

THE GATEKEEPER (Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester, February 8-25)

THIS world premiere lifts the lid on a darkly comic family get-together. Mike and Julia made sure their children Rob and Stacey had the best of everything when they were growing up. Now they're adults all they want is to be proud of them. But when they meet up in a Lake District holiday cottage to celebrate Stacey's birthday, it seems that nobody has been honest with each other. With a brilliant ear for dialogue, playwright Chloe Moss wickedly captures the infuriating family habits and conversations that can drive you mad. The bid to keep up appearances in front of an unexpected guest soon falls by the wayside as secrets are revealed and the ‘get together’ falls apart, in this painfully funny play. Ring 0161 833 9833 or visit www.royalexchange.co.uk.

GEORGE’S MARVELLOUS MEDICINE (Opera House, Quay Street, Manchester, February 20-22)

ROALD Dahl's amazing story about a young boy who makes a marvellous new medicine to cure his grandmother of her terrifying temper. When she drinks his special new potion incredible things start to happen. Ring 0844 372 7272 or visit www.manchesterpalace.org.uk.

THE KING AND I (The Lowry, Salford Quays, February 21-25)

RODGERS and Hammerstein’s classic show is one of the best-loved musicals of all time. Seen by millions across the world since it was first performed in 1951, it remains a firm favourite today. It tells the heart-warming story of the British governess brouight to the court of Siam to tutor the King’s many children and features such songs as Getting To Know You, Shall We Dance and Hello Young Lovers. This new production stars Ramon Tikaram as the King and Josefina Gabrielle as Anna. Call 0843 208 6000 or visit www.thelowry.com.

OLIVER! (Palace Theatre, Oxford Street, Manchester, January 25-March 10)

THE classic stage musical by Lionel Bart based on the Charles Dickens novel makes a welcome return with a fabulous cast headed by Neil Morrissey as Fagin. The score includes Food Glorious Food and many more memorable songs. Ring 0844 372 7272 or visit www.manchesterpalace.org.uk.

SOUTH PACIFIC (Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, February 21-March 3)

THIS breathtaking and lavish Lincoln Center Theater production reinvented the classic Rodgers & Hammerstein show, swept the 2008 Tony Awards, played to sold-out houses on Broadway. The UK touring cast is headed by former EastEnders star Samantha Womack. Call 0844 847 2525 or visit www.liverpoolempire.org.uk.

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE (Playhouse Theatre, Williamson Square, Liverpool, February 17-March 10)

THE first Tennessee Williams produced by the Playhouse in more than 30 years features a stunning cast including Amanda Drew, Sam Troughton and Leanne Best. Blanche Dubois escapes to the heat and heart of New Orleans. But a dark past is hard to leave behind and when confronted for the first time with her brother-in-law Stanley Kowalski, the present soon turns ugly. Call 0151 709 4776 or visit www.everymanplayhouse.com.

TWO (Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester, January 18-February 25)

IN A northern pub, a landlord and landlady welcome you to join the colourful collection of people who make it their local. In this public place, you'll glimpse some private moments as we overhear snippets from the bittersweet lives and relationships of the regulars. Share an evening with two incredible actors as they conjure up every one of Cartwright's distinctive and original tales, exploring the highs, lows, triumphs and disasters that are part and parcel of being one half of “two”. Following the hugely successful Zack, comedian and actor Justin Moorhouse reunites with director Greg Hersov to play the Landlord in this acclaimed Jim Cartwright play. Ring 0161 833 9833 or visit www.royalexchange.co.uk.

UP ‘N’ UNDER (The Brindley, High Street, Runcorn, February 21-25)

THE Centenary Theatre Company present John Godber’s comedy that follows the story of Arthur, an ex-pro who takes on the challenging Wheatsheaf Arms Rugby League team and attempts to lead them to success. Join in as they struggle through adversity to try to become a team. Ring 0151 907 8360 or visit www.thebrindley.org.uk.