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

Dec 23 2009 by Will Harris, Crewe Chronicle

The New Vic’s Christmas spectacular is already on its way to being a roaring success.

Opening to a capacity audience, the show has seen a record number of bookings, with more children than ever visiting the theatre.

Director Theresa Heskins said: “CS Lewis’ magical story is an all-time children’s classic! It is adored by children, and has the ability to whisk mums, dads and grandparents back to their childhoods.

“Theatregoers and families across South Cheshire are in for a real treat!”

Shows start at 7.30pm and tickets are £9.50-£17.50, to book phone the box office on 01782 717962.

Cinderella (Gatehouse Theatre, Stafford, until January 10)

STAFFORD’S Gatehouse Theatre is ready to party as its rock ‘n’ roll take on Cinderella hits the stage.

Producers are promising non-stop laughter, masses of audience participation and lashings of slapstick comedy and mayhem.

Dance and sing-along favourites this year include Here Come the Girls, You Can’t Stop the Beat, Hot Stuff, Don’t Stop Me Now and Rescue Me.

Theatre spokeswoman Justine Watkins said: “Expect to be dazzled by the stunning sets, lavish costumes, spectacular dance routines and talented band performing classic hits in the enchanting fairytale which promises festive fun for all the family!”

Tickets are £12.95-£16.95 and showtimes vary. To book phone 01785 254653.

Porridge (The Lowry, Salford Quays, until January 16)

FOLLOWING the success of Dad’s Army – The Lost Episodes and ‘Allo ‘Allo! Calibre Productions return with the first ever professional stage adaptation of the BBC’s hit comedy Porridge.

Penned by the original writers Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, the same team who brought Auf Wiedersehn Pet to our screens, this new play features all your favourite characters from the original series.

So prepare for laughs-a-plenty as Fletch, Godber and the other inmates of Slade Prison take on the system under the nose of the ever suspicious Mr Mackay in what promises to be a sure-fire alternative festive treat for the whole family.

Showtimes vary and tickets are £22-£24, to book phone 0843 208 6000.

Aladdin (Opera House, Manchester, until January 3)

CORONATION Street’s menacing Gray O’Brien is the star of this year’s panto Aladdin.

O’Brien, who has played the role of killer Tony takes the part of Abanazar, while writer and fellow ‘Corrie’ bill.

A theatre spokesman said: “Aladdin provides all that is expected of a Manchester pantomime, brand new sparkling sets and costumes, amazing song and dance routines, romance, comedy, bags of audience participation, a real magic carpet and the most important ingredient of all – a sprinkling of pantomime magic.”

Showtimes vary and tickets are priced £10.50-£24.50, to book phone the box office on 0844 847 2277.