An Evening With Ricky Hatton (Victoria Hall, Hanley, September 2)

Aug 26 2009 by Will Harris, Crewe Chronicle

FORMER two times world boxing champion Ricky Hatton packs the punches at the Victoria Hall next week.

The Mancunian is telling audiences around the country about the highs and lows of his career with funny anecdotes and personal memories of an iconic career.

Hatton stepped out of the ring for the final time in May this year after a defeat to legendary Philippine fighter Manny Pacquiao.

A special guest appearance comes from boxing legend Frank Bruno.

VIP tickets are available at £100, which includes a signed photo with ‘The Hitman’.

Regular tickets are £25 and the evening starts at 7.30pm. To book phone the box office on 0844 871 7649. VIP tickets are available on 01202 475600.

Magic Of The Dance (Regent Theatre, Hanley, September 1-2)

THEATRE-GOERS are promised a feast for the eyes with the return of Irish spectacular Magic of the Dance.

The troupe boasts more Irish dance world champions than any other Irish dance production, as well as some of the finest exponents of modern American tap dance in the New York Tap All Stars.

The show has received critical acclaim around the globe and has comedy, tragedy, magic and romance, all rolled out by superb dancing and a sophisticated production.

The storyline is narrated by Lord of the Rings trilogy star Sir Christopher Lee, and tells the tale of a boy and girl who fall in love, but become separated as they travel to America in search of a better life.

Shows start at 8pm and tickets are £11-£24, phone the box office on 0844 871 7649.

Prick Up Your Ears (The Lowry, Salford Quays, Aug 31-September 5)

THE true story of playwright Joe Orton, his success and ultimate downfall, is told at The Lowry next week.

Little Britain creator and star Matt Lucas helps tell the tragic tale of Orton and his jealous lover Kenneth Halliwell, who get caught up in theatre life in 1960s London.

A Lowry spokesman said: “This dark, funny and moving play imagines what really happened, how their co-dependent attachment became recrimination and finally revenge.

Shows start at 8pm with a 2.30pm Saturday matinee performance. Tickets are £24-£26, phone 0870 787 5780.

How The Other Half Loves (New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, September 2-19)

A RARE ‘in-the-round’ revival at the New Vic will end a 40-year wait for Alan Ayckbourn fans as the master of comedy returns to one of his most famous works.

A new production of How The Other Half Loves marks the first time the legendary playwright has returned to direct the play, since its world premiere in 1969.

The revival also heralds a rare return to the round for Ayckbourn’s play. Despite being created specifically for the space, the production is its first at a theatre-in-the-round for 40 years.

Shows start at 7.30pm and tickets are £8.50-£17.50, phone the box office on 01782 717962.