New season of shows revealed at Crewe’s Lyceum Theatre

Jan 12 2009 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

HIT West End shows, all-star names, comedy, music and drama – all this and more lies in store at Crewe’s Lyceum Theatre this season.

This programme boasts an array of musical extravaganzas including the return of One Night In Vegas and two rocking nights from That’ll Be the Day.

Masters of the Musical showcases the wonderful tunes of Broadway in a new production celebrating their 10th anniversary, followed by a journey back to the 50s and 60s with Forever In Blue Jeans and a celebration of classic Motown songs in the Magic Of Motown.

Kicking off the new season of music is Sixties legend Gerry Marsden, who will be taking his audience on a trip down memory lane with timeless songs and anecdotes about the heady days of 1960s Liverpool.

The stunning musical show Beyond the Barricade will also be back to entertain following their sold out date in 2008.

Drama lovers are in for a real treat this season with a diverse range of plays, starting with The Holly And The Ivy which stars Philip Madoc.

The first of two Ian Dickens productions this season is Charles Dyer’s classic comedy Rattle Of A Simple Man, a timeless comedy set in the 1960s, and starring Huw Higginson (PC Garfield in The Bill) and former Coronation Street star Clare McGlinn.

Hull Truck Theatre make a welcome return bringing two John Godber plays to Crewe Lyceum Theatre in the form of Beef, a bleak, funny and shocking story of revenge gone wrong, and the hilarious lottery-winning comedy Lucky Sods.

Frederick Knott’s acclaimed thriller Write Me A Murder is the second Ian Dickens production this season.

For comedy fans there is the long-awaited return of Freddie Starr. Cricket commentating veteran Henry Blofeld makes a welcome return to Crewe Lyceum and promises plenty of good humoured anecdotes about his life and the famous faces he has met along the way.

Early booking is advised for Eve Ensler’s West End hit The Vagina Monologues. Based on interviews with women around the world, this collection of lusty, poignant and outrageous tales boasts a top-class cast, featuring Perrier Award-winning comedian Jenny Éclair, former Brookside and Chicago star Jennifer Ellison, and Coronation Street favourite Wendi Peters (Cilla Battersby-Brown).

Football fans will not want to miss a night with The Hardmen Of Soccer. Liverpool legend Tommy Smith and Norman “Bite Yer Legs” Hunter tell the stories of a golden age of football, followed by an autograph session.

Stopping off at Crewe Lyceum Theatre on her first national tour is psychic to the stars Sally Morgan, famous for her work with Princess Diana.

Comedian and TV Personality Mark Little stars in the famous Broadway solo play, Defending The Caveman, while WISH Theatre presents a selection of repertory plays, promising a mix of murder mysteries, period dramas and comedies.

For more information on the season, ring the box office on 01270 537 333 or visit www.lyceumtheatre.net.