Theatres - 12/09/08

Sep 12 2008 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

BRIEF LIVES (Anthony Hopkins Theatre, Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold, September 16-20)

ROY Dotrice recreates his acclaimed performance as John Aubrey in an hilarious masterpiece that earned him a place in the Guinness Book of Records. Aubrey lifts the lid on well known figures of his time, weaving a web of stories that unravel the way history has been told. Visit www.clwyd-theatr-cymu.co.uk or ring 0845 330 3565

ERIC’S (Everyman Theatre, Hope Street, Liverpool, September 19-October 11)

A NEW musical by award-winning Liverpool writer Mark Davies Markham whose previous work includes the musical Taboo. Joe’s in trouble. It’s not his time but the clock is ticking. The troops he rallies are from his past, the rebellious and creative fire of a small Liverpool club which sparked a cultural revolution. This the story story of one man’s fight for survival as he draws on the spirit of Eric’s. Starring Graham Bickley, Rosalie Craig and Mark Moraghan. Visit www.everymanplayhouse.com or ring 0151 709 4776

THE GLEE CLUB (Library Theatre, St Peter’s Square, Manchester, September 19-October 18)

IT’S 1962 and five hard-working hard-drinking Yorkshire miners and their pianist have a well-respected acapalla musical act on the northern working men’s club circuit. They raise a fortune for local charities but the swinging 60s are just around the corner. Will this cultural revolution render their act a thing of the past? Richard Cameron’s play is directed by Roger Haines. Visit www.librarytheatre.com or ring 0161 236 7110.

MIRACLE (The Lowry, Salford Quays, September 18-20)

UNCOVERING the darkness of love - ex-rent boy turned porn star Will Hung is the miracle cure for all terminal diseases but only if he has sex with you. Set in 1995, before combination therapies helped save the lives of many gay men with HIV and Aids, this play contains strong language and adult themes. Visit www.thelowry.com or ring 0870 787 5788

OUR HOUSE (The Lowry, Salford Quays, September 15-20)

X FACTOR winner Steve Brookstein turns his hand to musical theatre in this fun-loving show dominated by the music of Madness which won an Olivier award in 2003 for Best New Musical. Although packed with the band’s greatest hits, this is more than just a trIbute show as it focusses on a teenage boy faced with the dilemma of taking the wrong or the right path. Visit www.thelowry.com or ring 0870 787 5788

DEEP CUT (Emlyn Williams Theatre, Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold, September 9-13)

EIGHTEEN year old Private Cheryl James from Llangollen was one of four young soldiers who died from gunshot wounds at Deepcut Barracks between 1995 and 2002. Cheryl’s parents wanted answers from the people responsible for their daughter’s care. But how do you begin to grieve when no one seems to have a proper explanation? Philip Ralph’s play is taken from powerful first hand testimonies. Visit www.clwyd-theatr-cymu.co.uk or ring 0845 330 3565

HAUNTING JULIA (New Vic Theatre, Etruria Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, September 13, 15, 20)

A GHOSTLY comedy by Alan Ayckbourn. Julia Lukin, a brilliant musician, is dead. Was it an accident, suicide or something even more sinister. Twelve years on, her obsessed father Joe will stop at nothing to discover the truth. Starring Ian Hogg. Visit www.newvictheatre.org or ring 01782 717962

LIFE AND BETH (New Vic Theatre, Etruria Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, September 12, 16-18, 20)

A COMEDY of the supernatural by Alan Ayckbourn. Recently widowed Beth is trying to make it through her first Christmas alone. Even the cat has walked out. The family rally round but her alcoholic sister-in-law, accident prone son and his truculent girlfriend make it hard for her to maintain her welcoming smile. Starring Liza Goddard, Ian Hogg and Susie Blake. Visit www.newvictheatre.org or ring 01782 717962

LORD ARTHUR’S BED (The Lowry, Salford Quays, September 12)

THEATRE North returns with an extraordinary new play about the lives of gay men. In 2008, city slickers Donald and Jim are celebrating their civil partnership. Meanwhile, in 1868, wealthy young cross-dressers Ernest and Fred are celebrating Ernest’s ‘marriage’ to Lord Arthur Clinton MP. Martin Lewton’s play dramatises a farcical trial that gripped a nation. Visit www.thelowry.com or ring 0870 787 5788

SNAKE IN THE GRASS (New Vic Theatre, Etruria Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, September 13, 19)

A COMEDY from the shadows by Alan Ayckbourn. Conscientious Annabel is keen to patch up old quarrels with eccentric younger sister Miriam after the sudden death of their father. But their sunlit garden is filled with deeply buried childhood memories. When night begins to fall, is it only the past which comes to haunt them? Starring Liza Goddard and Susie Blake. Visit www.newvictheatre.org or ring 01782 717962