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

Nov 25 2009 by Will Harris, Crewe Chronicle

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.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Regent Theatre, Hanley, until December 5)

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.

The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe (New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, until January 23)

AUDIENCES are being transported to the magical world of Narnia at the New Vic Theatre.

C S Lewis’s classic story is being faithfully retold in a new dramatisation by New Vic artistic director, Theresa Heskins, which will enchant children and whisk parents and grandparents back to their childhoods.

The show runs from Saturday until January 23 next year. Shows start at 7.30pm and tickets are £9.50-£17.50, to book phone the box office on 01782 717962.

White Christmas (The Lowry, Salford Quays, November 27-January 28)

THE spectacular stage musical of the classic 1954 movie starring Bing Crosby makes its North West debut at The Lowry this Christmas.

Singer and radio and TV presenter Aled Jones brings his charm and talent to the role of Bob Wallace.

Meanwhile 2008 Dancing on Ice champion and former Hear’Say member Suzanne Shaw, West End star Rachel Stanley and Royal Ballet principal and Billy Elliot actor Adam Cooper also join the cast.

Showtimes vary and tickets are £22-£37.50, to book phone the box office on 0870 787 5780.