Matt Baker’s Stars on Sunday at The Laugh Inn in Chester

Nov 3 2011 by Jo Henwood, Chester Chronicle

Chester talent will be under the spotlight – and a glitter ball – on Sunday at the city’s Laugh Inn, Station Road.

Matt Baker’s Stars on Sunday will showcase highlights from three productions about to hit the region in the lead-up to Christmas.

Compère Baker, who is also artistic director of Chester’s Theatre in the Quarter, said: “The city is still without a theatre, but there is an abundance of professional and community shows which are either touring or performing locally and they are all homegrown here in our city.”

First up will be vocal trio The Harmonettes, Chester’s answer to The Andrew Sisters.

Formed three years ago, the group – comprising Charlotte Jones, Georgina West and Sarra Cooper – have created a new musical play, The Harmonettes Go Into Orbit, which tours Cheshire this month as part of the Rural Touring Arts programme.

Tip Top Productions, the amateur company that has kept theatre alive at The Forum in Chester, will preview highlights from their forthcoming production of Showtune, celebrating the words and music of Jerry Herman, which is showing from November 10-19.

Topping the bill will be actor and magician Paul Dabek, who stars in Theatre in the Quarter’s forthcoming Christmas tour Star of Wonder, with music by Matt Baker.

Fresh from a sell-out show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, magic man Paul is looking forward to his new challenge.

He said: “This brand new play is about a Victorian conjurer from a Chester music hall, so there is no role better for me.”

The play, written by Helen Newall and directed by Nuffield Theatre Southampton’s Russ Tunney will tour Chester and Lancashire, including three performances at The Laugh Inn next month.

Matt added: “Stars on Sunday is a cross between a Graham Norton Show and an East End knees-up, so come with fine voice ready to sing your hearts out.”

Stars on Sunday on December 4 will feature Liverpool choir Sense of Sound and Chester choir A Handbag of Harmonies.

Matt Baker’s Stars on Sunday is on Sunday, November 6, at The Laugh Inn, opposite Chester Railway Station. Doors open at 7pm, with the show beginning at 8pm.