The BFG (Palace Theatre, Manchester, August 25-29)

Aug 12 2009 by Will Harris, Crewe Chronicle

ROALD Dahl’s popular children’s book comes to life at the Palace next week.

The world’s favourite children’s author has sold 37 million copies of the book in the UK – more than one million copies of The BFG are sold each year – and has won the Children’s Book Award.

The adaptation of this national treasure tells the story of Sophie, an orphan who is stolen from her bed in the middle of the night by the mysterious BFG.

However, he turns out to be nothing like his child-munching neighbours – the big friendly giant prefers dream making and ‘whizz-popping’.

Show times vary and tickets are £10.50-£15.50, phone 0844 847 2277 to book.

Walking With Dinosaurs (Echo Arena, Liverpool, August 19-23)

DINOSAURS will once again roam the Earth when they make their long-awaited comeback at the Echo Arena next week.

A show based on the BBC’S award-winning programme Walking With Dinosaurs is heading to the King’s Dock venue for the English leg of a show which has been wowing crowds from Australia to the USA.

The £10m production features life-sized replicas of 10 different species of the prehistoric creatures, including the tyrannosaurus rex, plateosaurus, stegosaurus, allosaurus and torosaurus.

It took a year to construct the original models in a Melbourne docklands workshop, which itself was big enough to park a Boeing 747 plane.

Tickets cost £20-£35, phone 0844 8000 400.

Beauty & the Beast (Empire Theatre, Liverpool, to August 22)

THE classic adage of never judging a book by its cover comes to life in Disney’s multi-award winning musical.

It has been seen by more than 25 million people and brings to life the beloved ‘tale as old as time’ with a burst of theatrical magic.

A theatre spokesman said: “Be our guest and bring someone you love to experience the enchantment of an unforgettable performance of Disney’s classic musical.”

Shows start at 7.30pm with 2.30pm matinee performances on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Tickets are priced £12.50 to £28, phone the box office on 0844 847 2525.

Gilbert and Sullivan Festival (Opera House, Buxton, to August 22)

THE 16th Gilbert and Sullivan Festival is well underway in Buxton.

The beautiful Edwardian Opera House has been hosting the festival with a variety of the operatic duo’s most famous works being performed.

These include greats such as HMS Pinafore, The Mikado and Trial By Jury.

A highlight has been the international competition, which attracts groups from around the world performing for a range of prestigious awards.

More than 100 performances have been taking place over the three weeks at various times.

For full details, including ticket prices for the remaining shows, visit www.gs-festival.co.uk.