Theatres - Still Showing - 19/1/12

Jan 15 2012 Chester Chronicle

STILL SHOWING

ALICE IN WONDERLAND (New Vic Theatre, Etruria Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, November 19-January 21)

A MAGICAL new production of the classic Lewis Carroll story from the team that created Peter Pan last year. Join Alice as she journeys through a strange and enchanted world. Meet the White Rabbit, take tea with the Mad Hatter, search for the Cheshire Cat and hide from a very bad-tempered Queen. Call 01782 717962 or visit www.newvictheatre.org.uk.

BLACKBIRD (The Lowry, Salford Quays, January 17-21)

ALONE in a room full of scattered pomegranates, a grandfather clock and a dressing up box, The ‘Blackbird’ shares the secrets of her past, her obsession with movie trivia and the disturbing reason she’s in love with the man upstairs. This one-woman show is the story of a kidnapped woman, held captive for four years in the basement of her kidnapper’s home and the effects of her isolation with only her own imagination and infrequent visits by the kidnapper as comfort. Call 0843 208 6000 or visit www.thelowry.com.

CINDERELLA: MOP! IN THE NAME OF LOVE (Playhouse Theatre, Williamson Square, Liverpool, December 3-January 21)

GET your spandex, glitter and party pants on – the Everyman and Playhouse in Liverpool has announced the legendary rock ’n’ roll panto will shake, rattle and roll at the Playhouse. The boys are back in town too as audience favourites Adam Keast and Francis Tucker pair up again to bring their unique double-act to thrill and soak the crowd in equal measure. call 0151 709 4776 or visit www.everymanplayhouse.com.

THE LION IN WINTER (Little Theatre, Gloucester Street, Chester, January 14-21)

CHESTER Theatre Club presents John Goldman’s classic historical drama. Set in Chinon Castle at Christmas 1183, we meet the Plantagenets, one of the most influential and warring families of the time. Henry II is aware of his mortality and wants to ensure the legacy of the ‘empire’ he has built lives on. He has three living sons and one of them is his favourite. But his wife, Eleanor of Aquitane, favours another son and this gives rise to disagreements. Call 01244 322674 or visit www.chestertheatreclub.co.uk.

PANTO’S ON STRIKE (Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, January 17-21)

PADDY McGuinness and Jonathan Wilkes star in this original, side-splitting, rip-roaring comedy show that will have you rubbing your magic lamp. But be warned – the adult only humour will bring out the big kid in all of you. Over-18s only. Visit www.ambassadortickets.com or ring 0844 871 7649.

SHERICA (The Lowry, Salford Quays, January 17-21)

BROUGHT up in the care system, Katie knows the only important things in life are money and family. Working as a prostitute to ensure a better future for her younger sister, Natalie, she finds herself caught between two infatuated clients – rich-kid Douglas and hypocritical teacher Michael. When Douglas threatens her with blackmail, Katie has to fight to prevent the truth from reaching Natalie. Gripping, thought-provoking, darkly funny and very moving. Call 0843 208 6000 or visit www.thelowry.com.

SLEEPING BEAUTY - THE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL PANTO (Anthony Hopkins Theatre, Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold, November 25-January 28)

THE talented team of director Peter Rowe and designer Judith Croft, who created hit pantos Aladdin and Robin Hood & The Babes in the Wood - are back with the perfect festive show. The classic fairytale is sprinkled with the magic of memorable pop and soul hits, played live by an amazing cast of actor/musicians including everyone’s favourite dame Phylip Harries. Call 0845 330 3565 or visit www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk.

SPAMALOT (Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, January 16-21)

AUDIENCES all around the world have been roaring with laughter since Monty Python’s Spamalot, by Eric Idle and John Du Prez, won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2005. It tells the legendary tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. The show features the hilarious songs He Is Not Dead Yet, Knights Of The Round Table, Find Your Grail and of course Always Look On The Bright Side of Life. Marcus Brigstocke triumphantly returns as Arthur, King of the Britons; Jodie Prenger reprises her role as the Lady of The Lake; and Todd Carty is back as Patsy. Call 0844 847 2525 or visit www.liverpoolempire.org.uk.

TWO (Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester, January 18-February 25)

IN A northern pub, a landlord and landlady welcome you to join the colourful collection of people who make it their local. In this public place, you'll glimpse some private moments as we overhear snippets from the bittersweet lives and relationships of the regulars. Share an evening with two incredible actors as they conjure up every one of Cartwright's distinctive and original tales, exploring the highs, lows, triumphs and disasters that are part and parcel of being one half of “two”. Following the hugely successful Zack, comedian and actor Justin Moorhouse reunites with director Greg Hersov to play the Landlord in this acclaimed Jim Cartwright play. Ring 0161 833 9833 or visit www.royalexchange.co.uk.