Chinese State Circus, The Lowry. Salford Quays, January 27-31)

Jan 20 2010 by Will Harris, Crewe Chronicle

DEATH defying stunts come to the north west next week with the Chinese State Circus.

The brand new action-packed production includes impressive displays of mastery from the Tai An Acrobatic Troupe intermingled with world-class martial arts from the Shaolin Temple warriors and narration from one of the most prolific characters from Chinese folklore, the Monkey King.

Some of the featured performances include back-flipping acrobats, plate-spinning divas, candelabra-balancing knotted contortionists, Chinese pole balancing, Beijing bicycle balancers and a stunning performance of the Lion Dance.

Tickets are priced £14-£22 with shows at varying times, to book phone 0843 208 6000 or visit www.thelowry.com

010 Dance (Regent Theatre, Hanley, January 21-30)

THE return of the region’s most extensive and exciting youth dance festival 010 Dance DecaDance features an eclectic menu of styles from sublime ballet to stomping street, creative contemporary to passionate pop.

The theme is based on the new decade and an impressive run of ten vibrant shows. Around 250 new works will be performed by over 90 dance companies and almost 2,000 talented young dancers during the week-long run.

The widest possible range of groups are taking part this year including universities, primary school children, companies featuring able-bodied and disabled dancers and dancers from special schools.

Shows start at 7.30pm each night and tickets are priced £8, to book phone the box office on 0844 871 7649.

Les Misérables (Palace Theatre, Manchester, January 19-February 13)

THE 25th anniversary of the world’s longest-running musical Les Misérables comes to Manchester next week.

This international award-winning musical sweeps its audience through an epic tale of passion and destruction, against the backdrop of a nation in the grip of revolution.

The magnificent score includes iconic tracks such as I Dreamed a Dream, On My Own, Do You Hear the People Sing?.

A theatre spokesman said: “Seen by more than 55 million people worldwide in 40 countries and in 21 languages, this spectacular adaptation of Victor Hugo's masterpiece continues to thrill audiences night after night.”

Shows start at 7.30pm with 2.30pm matinee performances on Thursdays and Saturdays. Tickets are £21-£48.50, phone 0844 847 2277 to book.

All Star Wrestling (Victoria Hall, Hanley, January 23)

THE UK’s fiercest wrestlers will be fighting it out when All Star Wrestling returns to The Potteries.

A show spokesman said: “All Star Wrestling bring you your favourite British wrestlers battling it out against formidable USA and world stars. It is an action-packed night that will entertain and enthral the whole family.”

The show starts at 7.30pm. For tickets, £12, call the box office on 0844 871 7649.