Independent Ballet Wales (New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, June 17)

Jun 17 2009 by simon halewood, Crewe Chronicle

THE internationally acclaimed Independent Ballet Wales will be bringing Richard Llewellyn’s classic novel How Green Was My Valley to life in the round tonight.

The production stars some of the best young dancers in Europe while the MacMillan Young Composer of the Year Thomas Hewitt Jones provides a new score.

A show spokesman said: “With remarkable classical dancers and expansive choreography, this new production is sure to be a thrilling and entertaining event.

“It really is a show not to be missed.”

To book tickets, priced £12-16, phone the box office on 01782 717962 or visit www.newvictheatre.org.uk

City Songbirds (Victoria Hall, Hanley, June 17-18)

TALENTED groups of primary school pupils will be taking part in the City Songbirds concert tonight and tomorrow.

A show spokesman said: “Groups from 15 schools across the local area will perform songs and musical games that they have been working on throughout the term in an event that is sure to get everyone singing along.”

The event is a Make Some Noise project, in partnership with, and delivered by Stoke-on-Trent Music and Performing Arts service.

The show starts at 6.45pm both evenings.

For tickets, priced £6, phone the box office on 0844 871 7627.

Bill Bailey (Palace Theatre, Manchester, until June 20)

VETERAN comedian Bill Bailey will be performing his own unique brand of madcap comedy at the Palace Theatre in Manchester until Saturday.

Bailey, who regularly plays on his West Country heritage, has returned with a new show to showcase his comedic take on the world and all its wonders.

His previous tour Tinselwormplayed to sell-out audiences across the country and was converted into a hugely successful DVD.

A tour spokesman said: “Instead of braving the elements by performing at festivals this year, Bill decided to move indoors where the acoustics are better and the queues for the loos are marginally shorter.”

Shows start at 8pm.

For tickets, priced £25, phone the box office on 0844 847 2277.

Joe Longthorne (Victoria Hall, Hanley, June 20)

IMPERSONATOR-singer Joe Longthorne makes a welcome return to the Victoria Hall in Hanley on Friday.

Longthorne’s big break came in 1981 when he was a finalist on New Faces, an appearance that earned him fans around the world and led to him releasing a number of platinum disc albums.

His repertoire includes hundreds of the world’s top singers, but he is perhaps most famous for his take on Shirley Bassey, with the Welsh diva declaring: “Joe can do me better than I can do myself”. The show starts at 7.30pm.

For tickets, priced £22.50, phone the box office on 0844 871 7627.