Sleeping Beauty (Regent Theatre, Hanley, January 13)

Jan 6 2010 by Will Harris, Crewe Chronicle

EVERY child’s favourite fairy tale is magically brought to life by the Russian State Ballet of Siberia in its return to the Potteries.

They are supported by the Orchestra of Siberia to tell the classic story of love and magic set to Tchaikovsky’s sublime score featuring stunning choreography, sumptuous costumes and wonderful sets.

Formed in 1981, The Russian State Ballet of Siberia has quickly established itself as one of Russia's leading ballet companies and has built an international reputation for delivering performances of outstanding quality and unusual depth. Theatre spokesman Dave Bradbury said: “The soloists and corps de ballet are superb and never fail to delight audiences with their breathtaking physical ability and dazzling costumes.”

The show starts at 7.30pm and tickets are £10-£28. To book, phone the box office on 0844 871 7649.

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.

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

In Spirit With Colin Fry (Victoria Hall, Hanley, January 9)

LEADING television medium Colin Fry will be communicating with the other side on his return to the Victoria Hall.

His visit is part of a UK tour which demonstrates his special gift for contacting spirits and deciphering their messages to share with those who have lost loved ones.

His reputation has grown by presenting Most Haunted, Psychic Private Eyes and 6ixth Sense with Colin Fry for Living TV.

The show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are £20, phone the box office on 0844 871 7649 or visit www.theambassadors.com/ victoriahall.

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