Carry On Uncle Eric (New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, to August 29)

Aug 19 2009 by Will Harris, Crewe Chronicle

COMIC carry on has arrived at the New Vic Theatre with the return of Uncle Eric.

The ultimate 60’s musical that sends up iconic British figures is back, and this time has tailed itself on the Carry On film series.

When Eric goes to the cinema to see Carry On Camping, he’s soon made a booking at the nudist Paradise Camp Site but, when Madge finds out and tags along, all his beautiful plans start to go wrong.

Producer and leading man David Graham says: “He is a very British character in that he is a great British loser, and we love that.

“Whatever he does, whatever he says, we know he is not going to succeed. That’s probably why people have taken him to their hearts!”

Shows start at 7.30pm and tickets are £8.50-£17.50, to book phone the New Vic’s box office on 01782 717962 or visit www.newvictheatre.org.uk

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

ROALD Dahl’s classic children’s book is being given a new lease of life at Manchester’s Palace Theatre.

When a children’s entertainer fails to turn up at little Sophie’s party, she urges her dad to become The BFG so they can act the story in the living room.

So begins the famous tale of The BFG, little orphan Sophie, and their plan to convince the Queen of England that giants do exist, and need to be wiped out for good.

Dahl’s tale has been enchanting generations of children for more than 25 years, and has been adapted for the stage by David Wood.

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

Milkshake Live! (The Lowry, Salford Quays, August 28-30)

YOUNGSTERS will be dragging parents to The Lowry atSalford Quays next week for stage show Milkshake Live!.

It brings all of the favourite Milkshake! characters to life as they all unite on one stage, including Peppa Pig, Rupert Bear, Mr Bump and Noddy and Tessie Bear.

The presenters of the Five children’s programme will be there too singing and dancing with each other and the audience.

Shows start at various times and tickets are £14. To book and for more information phone the box office on 0870 787 5780 or visit www.thelowry.com.

Quadrophenia (Empire Theatre, Liverpool, August 25-29)

ICONIC rock film Quadrophenia has been converted into a stage show and is visits the Empire Theatre.

Originally an album released by The Who in 1973, Quadrophenia featured many of their most famous songs including The Real Me and Love Reign O’er Me.

The album was transformed into the 1979 film of the same name, written by Pete Townshend.

It has now been re-visualised into a stage production to tell the tale of hedonistic teenager Jimmy and his exploits in trying to find a girl to love in the mod heyday of London and Brighton.

Shows start at various times and tickets are £13.50-£26.50, phone the box office on 0844 847 2525.