Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Regent Theatre, Hanley, November 17-December 5)

Nov 18 2009 by Will Harris, Crewe Chronicle

THE most fantasmagorical stage musical has arrived at Hanley during the fourth year of its high-flying tour.

With a cast and crew of 100 (including ten dogs), this action-packed adventure is the story of the magical car, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts, and his two children Jeremy and Jemima, alongside Truly Scrumptious and Grandpa Potts, all try and outwit the dastardly Baron and the famously evil Childcatcher.

The show is bursting with magical songs such as Toot Sweets, Hushabye Mountain and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Theatre spokesman Dave Bradbury said: “This ravishing show is guaranteed to be the most exciting theatrical event of the year. Don’t let it take off without you!”

Shows start at 7.30pm with 2.30pm matinee performances on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Tickets are £18.50-£37.50, phone 0844 871 7649.

High School Musical 2 (Opera House, Manchester, November 23-28)

ENERGY and fun for all the family bound back onto the stage next week in High School Musical 2.

The Wildcats are back for a new adventure. The audience is invited to join Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, Ryan and the rest of the East High gang as they dive into the world of Lava Springs Country Club and put their talent to the ultimate test.

The new production picks up where the original High School Musical left off, and promises to be another box office buster.

And there is another catchy soundtrack with songs such as What Time Is It? and You Are The Music In Me.

Shows start at 7pm and tickets are £12.50-£30, to book phone 0844 847 2277.

Ed Byrne (Victoria Hall, Hanley, November 24)

IRISH eyes will be smiling on comedian Ed Byrne when he brings his UK tour to Hanley next week.

Byrne has made numerous television appearances on shows such as Just For Laughs and has regularly been a panellist on Channel 4 comedy quiz 8 Out Of 10 Cats, BBC2’s Mock The Week and Have I Got News For You.

He has performed six sell-out Edinburgh Festival Fringe runs and three sell-out UK tours, while his star is rising on the international circuit in countries such as Canada, France, Australia, New Zealand and the United States.

Byrne appears at The Potteries on Tuesday at 7.30pm. Tickets are £17.50, to book phone the box office on 0844 871 7649.

Glory, Glory Man United (The Lowry, Salford Quays, November 22)

THE stars of Manchester United glory days will be recounting tales of their careers and discussing the current team at The Lowry on Sunday.

Bryan Robson, now the national coach at Thailand, has been replaced by Gary Pallister and Alex Stepney, to joining Norman Whiteside for this rare opportunity for United fans - and football fans in general.

There will be time for questions from the audience and also paid signed memorabilia from the lads. The evening gets underway at 8pm and tickets are £20, phone 0870 787 5780.