Something for everyone this season at The Lowry in Salford Quays

Jan 14 2010 Flintshire Chronicle

Ten years ago, The Lowry at Salford Quays opened its box office and sold its first ever theatre ticket.

Now The Lowry celebrates the beginning of its tenth year of cultural excellence, with performances from around the globe, fresh talent and big name stars coming together to delight audiences.

For the first time Ballet Nacional de Cuba (April 14–17), one of the world’s most prestigious dance companies, perform at the North West venue.

Legendary dancer Carlos Acosta makes one special performance (April 15), back with the company that helped him to stardom.

Also new to Salford is Akram Khan (February 4), one of the most acclaimed choreographers working in Britain today, who brings together dancers from the National Ballet of China and music from Nitin Sawhney.

The seven Spanish brothers Los Vivancos (March 25–27) present their only UK appearance with passion, excitement and raw Latin sensuality.

The worldwide festival hit Traces (March 8–10) is a unique, infectious, funky, pioneering brand of circus. This high-energy, dazzling display of urban acrobatics combines traditional circus skills with basketball, skateboarding, street and contemporary dance.

Candoco (April 27), who performed in The Lowry’s opening season, return to celebrate the venue’s tenth anniversary with a world première.

After Matthew Bourne’s Dorian Gray wowed audiences on his last visit, the modern-day classic of Swan Lake (March 1–6) returns.

This iconic production is perhaps best known for replacing the traditional female corps de ballet with a menacing male ensemble.

Following two sell-out weeks, Calendar Girls (February 9–20) has become the fastest selling tour ever and has triumphed in the West End.

Now it’s back for one final season starring Lynda Bellingham, Debbie Chazen, Letitia Dean, Jan Harvey and local girls Gemma Atkinson and Judith Barker.

Winners of a Manchester Evening News Theatre Award for Be Near Me, the Donmar Warehouse return with Serenading Louie (March 30–April 3).

On the music front, hitting more of the high notes are Nanci Griffiths (February 5), Elkie Brooks (April 19), Boy George (April 22) and the Ukulele Orchestra (March 28).

And side-splitting comedy fun is delivered by Sean Lock (April 11), Stewart Francis (January 26), Rhod Gilbert (April 18), Dave Gorman (March 13) and Stephen K Amos (February 21).

Younger audiences are also well catered for. For the first time, the BAFTA award-winning children’s TV show Peppa Pig (February 4–7) is recreated live on stage using magical puppets. And ever popular favourite The Gruffalo (April 6–8) returns with songs, laughs and scary fun.

Tickets for shows from the new brochure are on sale via the box office on 0843 2086005).