Roundup of theatre shows in South Cheshire and the surround area

Jul 21 2010 by Will Harris, Crewe Chronicle

BLEAK HOUSE (New Vic Theatre, Newcastle, until July 24)

FOGGY London meets the forensics of CSI as a thrilling New Vic premiere promises to immerse audiences in the world of a Dickens’ novel. Theatregoers are being invited to turn detective by talking to characters, sifting through evidence and exploring the scene of the crime before the performance begins. Shows start at 7.30pm and tickets are £8.50-£17.50, phone 01782 717962 to book or visit www.newvictheatre.org.uk

HAIRSPRAY (Opera House, Manchester, until July 31)

MUSICAL theatre legend Michael Ball will reprise his role of the rotund Edna Turnblad in this UK tour out of the West End. It was originally a 70s hit starring Debbie Harry and a young Ricki Lake, but was more recently updated in the 2007 sensation starring John Travolta and Michelle Pfeiffer. Shows start at 7.30pm and tickets are priced from £24-£47. To book tickets phone the box office on 0844 847 2277 or visit www.manchestertheatres.com/operahouse.

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR (Little Moreton Hall, Congleton, July 22-24)

ALSAGER Community Theatre will be performing William Shakespeare as audiences are invited to picnic on the lawns beforehand. Shows start at 7.30pm and tickets are £12, to book phone the box office on 01260 276165, or email alsagercommunitytheatre@googlemail.com. For further information visit the group’s website at www.alsagercommunitytheatre.org.uk

Motown’s Greatest Hits – How Sweet It Is (Empire Theatre, Liverpool, July 25)

AN ULTIMATE celebration of the sweet sound of Motown is back by popular demand! The 100% live show combines first class music and the slickest choreography to deliver over 50 years of Motown with tracks from the likes of The Temptations, Diana Ross, The Four Tops and Smokey Robinson. The show starts at 7.30pm and tickets are £24, to book phone 0844 847 2525.

BILLY ELLIOT (Regent Theatre, Hanley, until July 24)

THE amateur production jumps and twirls into The Potteries next week. Stage Productions presents the spectacular new youth theatre adaptation of the smash hit West End musical. Set in the North East of England against the background of the miners’ strike, Billy pursues his passion for dance in secret to avoid the disapproval of his struggling family. Shows start at 7.30pm and tickets are £14.25-£20, to book phone 0871 871 7649.

KEEPING UP APPEARANCES (Regent Theatre, Hanley, July 26-31)

THIS brand new show has been written specially for stage and follows Hyacinth Bucket (“it’s Bouquet!”) and her dysfunctional family with sisters Rose and Daisy, and neighbours Elizabeth and Emmet.

The show runs from Monday until Saturday, July 31. Shows start at 7.30pm with 2.30pm matinees on the Wednesday and Saturday. Tickets are priced £11.30-£27, to book phone 0871 871 7649.