Hello Dolly! (Gatehouse Theatre, Stafford, April 21-25)

Apr 15 2009 by Will Harris, Crewe Chronicle

ONE of America’s best-loved matchmakers takes a whirlwind tour of New York in Stafford’s Gatehouse Theatre next week in an amateur production of Hello Dolly!.

The Stafford Operatic Society present the story of the recently widowed Dolly, who discovers that the man she is supposed to be finding a wife for would make the perfect mate for her.

A show spokesman said: “Don’t miss the biggest show-stopping musical of all time featuring great songs like Call On Dolly and So Long Dearie.”

The show runs from Tuesday until Saturday, April 25. Shows start at 7.30pm with a 2.30pm matinee performance on the Saturday. Tickets are £11.50, concessions £10.50, phone the box office on 01785 254653.

Honeymoon Suite (New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, April 3-25)

THE highs and lows of newly-married life is being played out at the New Vic Theatre this month in Richard Bean’s comedy Honeymoon Suite.

Colin Tarrant, best known for his role as Inspector Munroe in The Bill, and Juliet Bravo’s Stephanie Turner make an emotional return to the area where they established themselves in their early careers.

Shy 1950s newlyweds Irene and Eddie arrive at their posh honeymoon suite in the best hotel on Bridlington front. They’re thrilled by the fitted carpets, the en-suite bathroom and the king-size bed. But what happens when the youthful passion fades?

The show runs until Saturday, April 25. Shows start at 7.30pm and tickets are £8.50-£17.50, phone the box office on 01782 717962.

Thriller Live (Regent Theatre, Hanley, April 14-18)

FANS of the King of Pop are in for a thrill this week when a show celebrating Michael Jackson’s career comes to Hanley’s Regent Theatre.

Thriller Live promises all of Jacko’s biggest and best hits both as a solo artist and with the Jackson 5, including dancefloor fillers like Billie Jean, Beat It, and I Want You Back.

Jackson’s distinctive dancing and sound will be recreated over two hours, with an award-winning director and choreographer, and a live band.

The show runs until Saturday. Show start at various times and tickets are £12-£27. For more details and to book, phone 0870 060 6649.

Beef (Lyceum Theatre, Crewe, April 18)

FORMER Emmerdale actor Matthew Booth returns to the Lyceum in Crewe for one night only on Saturday in the Hull Truck Theatre company production of Beef.

Another work from the John Godber ‘conveyor belt’, the audience meets Dave Cookson, a man trapped in his own physique, pin toed, and narrow shouldered with a sunken chest.

But he wanted to be somebody, and then something happened to change his life.

Now he is 17st of rippling muscle. He has got the body he wanted, but now he’s losing his mind in a body he can’t control.

The show is recommended for over-16s, and starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are £13.50-£15.50, phone 01270 537333.