Theatres - 9/7/09

Jul 9 2009 by Michael Green, Flintshire Chronicle

AN UPLIFTING and thought-provoking new play by Sonia Hughes receives its premiere. When the universe is a million million million million light years edge-to-edge – or would be if it had edges – how come our thoughts and feelings matter so much? Comparing the age of the universe with the time mankind has occupied the Earth, why does it matter what we do, how we do it, how we feel, what people think of us when we’re just a small fraction of the time? Using lighting, sound and imagination, this intriguing and intimate show asks the big questions. Visit www.royalexchange.co.uk or ring 0161 833 9833.

ONE NIGHT IN ISTANBUL (Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, starting today until July 18)

SCOUSERS Tommy Kelly and Gerry Edwards arrive in Istanbul to see their beloved Liverpool team take on Italian champions AC Milan. In order to pay for their trip to Turkey, first they have to find the Grand Bazaar to sell Adolf Hitler’s cufflinks while their sons, Jamie and Joseph, are simply desperate to find tickets. In Nicky Allt’s first show since Brick Up The Mersey Tunnels, a football fairy tale is about to unfold. Tom and Gerry tell the story of their town and Liverpool’s past European conquests while all the time dreaming of that ninth big win that’ll mean it’s for keeps. Visit www.liverpoolempire.org.uk or ring 0844 847 2525.

SCOOBY-DOO AND THE PIRATE GHOST (Opera House, Quay Street, Manchester, until July 11)

SCOOBY-Doo and the gang are back. The ultimate cartoon classic bursts on to the stage once again with a new show to entertain the whole family. Join Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Velma, Daphne and Fred as they encounter a new case to solve in their trademark Mystery Inc style. They will be mixing their familiar blend of classic physical comedy, popular tunes and special effects into a theatrical experience that will appeal to the kids and their parents who grew up with the TV show. Visit www.palaceandoperahouse.org.uk or ring 0844 847 2484.

THE WICKED LADY (New Vic Theatre, Etruria Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, until July 25)

A SPECTACULAR action adventure, specially written by one of Britain’s finest playwrights, Bryony Lavery. Directed by Theresa Hawkins, this breathtaking production has thrilling, midair action created with the help of specialist aerial company Upswing. Lady Barbara Skelton is beautiful, wild and truly wicked. Forced into a respectable marriage with a man she can’t love, she soon becomes bored and embarks on a secret life of gambling, highway robbery and murder. Visit www.newvictheatre.org.uk or ring 01782 717962.

THE HYPOCHONDRIAC (Playhouse Theatre, Williamson Square, Liverpool, until July 11)

FOLLOWING his triumph last year with Tartuffe, Liverpool writer Roger McGough has returned to the works of Moliere for another adaptation. Argan is a perfectly healthy, wealthy gentleman, convinced he is seriously ill. But his sharp-tongued servant has a cunning plan to reveal the truth and open her master’s eyes. Visit www.everymanplayhouse.com or ring 0151 709 4776.

EVERYBODY LOVES A WINNER (Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester, until August 1)

IT WILL be eyes down for a full house at the Royal Exchange Theatre this summer when the building is transformed into a working bingo hall. This remarkable devised show opens a door on a secret world – a world of dreams, dabbers, camaraderie and cash. Combining drama, comedy, music and choreography, the production deploys a tightly choreographed cast of 20 to delve beneath the surface of a day in the life of a Manchester bingo hall. Visit www.royalexchange.co.uk or ring 0161 833 9833.