An Evening with Blowers – Caught Short and Grumpy (The Lowry, Salford Quays, February 13)

Feb 10 2010 by Will Harris, Crewe Chronicle

CRICKET commentary legend Henry Blofeld will stump the audience next week with a new ‘audience with...’ style show.

An Evening with Blowers - Caught Short and Grumpy follows The Loves and Laughs of Henry Blofeld tour last year.

Blofeld is notorious for his ramblings about pigeons, cranes, double-decker buses and cakes between overs, and he famously blundered England spinner Monty Panesar’s name by calling him ‘Monty Python’.

As a well-loved cricket commentator known for his unique style, Blowers brings his after-dinner speaking expertise to his fun and friendly show - while also managing to hit one or two modern habits for six.

The evening starts at 8pm and tickets are £17.50, to book phone the box office on 0843 208 6000 or visit www.thelowry.com

Noddy in Toyland (Gatehouse Theatre, Stafford, February 14)

BEEP-BEEP! Look out for Noddy as he trundles into Stafford’s Gatehouse Theatre in his little red and yellow car on Sunday.

Audiences are invited to come and join the fun with the children’s favourite as he plans a tea party for all his Toyland friends.

Joining him are Big Ears, Tessie Bear, Bumpy Dog, Dinah Doll, Mr Sparks and Martha Monkey.

The whole family can come and clap their hands along with Noddy and his friends as they sing and dance in their fun-filled show.

Amazingly, Noddy is nearly 60 years old despite appearing forever young, and was created by author Enid Blyton.

The show starts at 1.30pm, tickets are £10. To book phone 01785 254653.

And A Nightingale Sang, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, until February 20)

TIME is running out to catch the team of TV talents lined up in this wartime comedy.

Katherine Dow Blyton of Hollyoaks is joining forces with EastEnders director Sarah Punshon for CP Taylor’s play, filled with musical favourites from the 40s.

In Second World War Newcastle-upon-Tyne, the Stotts are an eccentric family waging personal battles against the terrifying backdrop of war.

Shows start at 7.30pm and tickets are priced from £8.50-£17.50. To book, phone the box office on 01782 717962 or visit www.newvictheatre.org.uk.

The X Factor - Live (Echo Arena, Liverpool, February 15-16)

X FACTOR winner joe McElderry will be the star name on the bill when the live touring show heads for Liverpool.

He will be joined by fellow finalists Stacey Solomon and Olly Murs, while fans will also be eagerly looking out for Irish twins John and Edward.

The line-up also includes Lucie Jones, Lloyd Daniels, Jamie Archer and Danyl Johnson.

Shows start at 7.30pm and tickets are priced £28.50. To book phone the box office on 0844 8000 400 or visit www.echoarena.com