Theatres - 11/07/08

Jul 11 2008 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

STARTING NEXT WEEK

FAME THE MUSICAL (Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, July 15-19)

THE smash hit dance explosion has been enjoyed by more than 3.5m people since its West End launch. Based on the classic Alan Parker movie, it follows star-struck pupils on a rollercoaster ride through triumph, heartache and romance at New York’s School for the Performing Arts and features an outstanding score including the title track and songs such as Out Here On My Own. Visit www.regenttheatre.co.uk or ring 0870 060 6649

GASLIGHT (Emlyn Williams Theatre, Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold, July 15-19)

MOLD Players take on the classic Victorian thriller by Patrick Hamilton. It tells the story of Bella Manningham who is slowly and methodically being driven out of her mind by her husband, Jack. What motive lies behind his cruel treatment? And who is the mysterious visitor who offers Bella a way out of her nightmare? Please note there will not be performances on July 16 or 17 due to the Unison industrial action. Visit www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk or ring 0845 330 3565.

NOW SHOWING

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (Arley Hall & Gardens, Northwich, July 17)

ARLEY Hall & Gardens will provide the perfect backdrop for an open-air performance of one of William Shakespeare’s best loved plays, presented by celebrated performance group The Lord Chamberlain’s Men which performs with an all male cast. The two hour performance will be held in the beautiful walled garden in the heart of the Arley Estate, with show-goers invited to bring their own picnics and beverages. Visit www.arleyhallandgardens.co.uk or ring 01565 777 353.

TREASURE ISLAND (Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, July 16-19)

GET ready for action and adventure when the Empire Theatre sets sail for this swashbuckling new production from the Birmingham Stage Company. When young Jim Hawkins discovers a treasure map in The Admiral Benbow Inn, he hands it over to Squire Trelawney. Seized with excitement, Trelawney sets sail with Jim in search of the island. They are joined on the ship by a hand-picked crew and the ship's cook, Long John Silver. But the one-legged Silver has a shocking secret in store and when they reach their destination, Jim faces the most exciting and dangerous adventure of his life! Visit www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk or ring 0844 847 2525

WHAT’S STILL SHOWING & WHERE

THE BALLAD OF WILLIAM OWEN (Emlyn Williams Theatre, Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold, July 9-12)

MIKROKOSMOS Theatre Company present the thrilling tale of the notorious 18th century smuggler who plied his infamous trade around the coastlines of Wales and the Isle of Man but whose adventures took him as far as the Caribbean where he became embroiled with the war against Spain. Visit www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk or ring 0845 330 3565

BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET (The Lowry, Salford Quays, July 8-12)

AFTER an absence of almost five years, the full-length ballet Giselle returns to Birmingham Royal Ballet’s repertoire and The Lowry stage. In separate programme, Stravinsky’s music is celebrated in the triple bill Stravinsky: The Real Deal, featuring Petrushka, Card Game and the recently-premièred Le Baiser de la fée, by choreographer Michael Corder. Visit www.thelowry.com or ring 0870 787 5793

CHESTER MYSTERY PLAYS (Cathedral Green, Chester, June 26-July 19)

DATING back to the 1300s, the Chester Mystery Plays have become a rare and treasured part of Britain’s cultural heritage - now performed only every five years. Artistic director Robin Goddard and composer and musical director Matt Baker re-invent these iconic Bible stories into a spectacular, dynamic theatrical experience. A company of more than 400 present tales of ambition, intrigue, betrayal and passion. Visit www.chestermysteryplays.com. 01244 304618

DON GIOVANNI (New Vic Theatre, Etruria Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, June 27-July 19)

FOLLOWING the success of The Magic Flute and The Marrage of Figaro, director Chris Monks completes a trilogy of Mozart adaptations with this interpretation of his darkest and wittiest work. Set in fog-bound London in 1897, the central character is libertine Count Zhivamy, a dashing charismatic illusionist who aims to seduce the entire female population of the metropolis! Visit www.newvictheatre.org.uk. 01782 717962

EVITA (Opera House, Quay Street, Manchester, June 23-July 12)

WEST End performer Louise Dearman plays the title role of the extraordinary Eva Peron, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Peron, who, from young and ambitious beginnings, gained enormous wealth and power during her ultimate rise to sainthood. Joining her in the role of Che is Seamus Cullen, finalist from the hit BBC TV programme Any Dream Will Do. This classic Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber musical features an array of unforgettable songs. Visit www.palaceandoperahouse.org.uk. 0844 847 2328

HAY FEVER (Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester, July 1-August 9)

THE classic Noel Coward comedy comes to the Royal Exchange to provide audiences with a real summer theatre treat. When each member of an eccentric theatrical family invites a guest to stay with them without telling the other, the stage is set for a memorable and madcap weekend in the country. Coward based his play on his experiences of gatherings at the home of celebrated American stage actress Laurette Taylor. Visit www.royalexchange.co.uk. 0161 833 9833

ONCE UPON A TIME AT THE ADELPHI (Playhouse Theatre, Williamson Square, Liverpool, June 28-August 2)

NEW musical by Phil Willmott, commissioned and produced by the Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse as part of the Capital of Culture programme. 1930s Liverpool and the glitz and glamour of Hollywood pour off the luxury liners for their first taste of England.Š

Amid the chaos and decadence, no-nonsense Alice has fallen for the dashing Thompson but fate, Hollywood, World War Two and a dizzying array of staff and guests intervene in an epic Liverpool love story spanning over 70 years. Visit www.everymanplayhouse.com. 0151 709 4776