We Will Rock You (Palace Theatre, Manchester, to June 6)

Apr 8 2009 by Will Harris, Crewe Chronicle

ROCK musical extravaganza We Will Rock You is wowing audiences at Manchester’s Palace Theatre.

The show, penned by Ben Elton and Queen, is set in a place once called Earth.

Globalisation is complete, everyone watches the same movies, wears the same clothes, and thinks the same thoughts.

All musical instruments are banned, but resistance is growing and a hero is needed to break the mould.

The show is packed full of Queen’s most popular tracks including Don’t Stop Me Now, We Are The Champions and We Will Rock You.

Shows start at 7.30pm with 2.30pm performances on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Tickets are £17.50-£40, phone the box office on 0844 847 2277.

Chicago (Empire Theatre, Liverpool, April 6-11)

WORLD famous Broadway spectacular Chicago is taking the Liverpool Empire Theatre by storm this week.

Seemingly innocent Roxie Heart, played by former EastEnders star Emma Barton, shoots her lover and has to fight her case with the help of smooth-talking lawyer Billy Flynn played by Jimmy Osmond.

The universal tale of fame, murder and all that jazz is now the longest running musical to play at West End and includes all the classic show-stopping-songs such as Razzle Dazzle, Cell Block Tango and All That Jazz.

The show runs until Saturday, shows start at 7.30pm tonight (Wednesday) and tomorrow and at 5pm and 8.30pm. Tickets are £12.50-£31, phone the box office on 0151 708 3200.

Paul Merton’s Silent Clowns (Opera House, Buxton, April 12)

COMEDIAN Paul Merton visits the Buxton Opera House on Sunday with the stage version of Paul Merton’s Silent Clowns.

The show was a successful television programme on BBC2, and his stage show screens hilarious extracts from the very best silent comedians in some of their funniest films.

A theatre spokesman said: “Charlie Chaplin, Laurel & Hardy, Harold Lloyd and many others are presented by Merton, whose infectious enthusiasm and knowledge of these films means a splendid time is guaranteed for all.”

The show is suitable for anyone over the age of nine. The show starts at 7pm and tickets are £14.50, phone the box office on 0845 127 2190.

Stones In His Pockets (The Lowry, Salford Quays, April 9-11)

MULTI award-winning West End comedy Stones In His Pockets runs at the Lowry tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday.

The show is a poignant yet hilarious tale set in a small town in rural Ireland and its change by the arrival of a massive Hollywood movie shoot.

Celebrating its fourth year, Stones In His Pockets has just finished a world tour, performing in Australia, Portugal, France, Germany and Italy.

Shows start at 8pm with a 3pm matinee performance on Saturday. Tickets are £18-£20, phone 0870 787 5780.