Theatres - 24/9/09

Sep 21 2009 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

STARTING THIS WEEK

‘ALLO ‘ALLO (Forum Studio Theatre, Hamilton Place, Chester, September 24-October 3)

BASED on the hugely popular TV comedy series, the stage version follows the adventures of Rene, the hapless cafe owner in war-torn occupied France as he and his wife Edith struggle to hang on to a priceless portrait stolen by the Nazis. Visit www.tiptopproductions.co.uk or ring 01244 341296.

ENTERTAINING ANGELS (The Lowry, Salford Quays, September 28-October 3)

ACCLAIMED stage and screen actress Penelope Keith is joined by Polly Adams, Benjamin Whitrow, Caroline Harker and Carolyn Backhouse for this sharp-edged comedy by Richard Everett. As a clergy wife, Grace has spent a lifetime on best behaviour. Now, following the death of her husband, she is enjoying the new found freedom to do and say exactly as she pleases. But the return of her missionary sister forces Grace to confront some uncomfortable truths. Visit www.thelowry.com or ring 0870 787 5793.

THE KILLING OF SISTER GEORGE (The Lowry, Salford Quays, September 24-26)

DARK adult comedy by Frank Marcus follows actress June Buckridge as she discovers that Sister George, the much-loved character she plays in a popular radio soap opera, is to be killed off. Already volatile, June’s behaviour becomes ever more erratic in this powerful play which was filmed to great acclaim in 1965. Visit www.thelowry.com or ring 0870 787 5793.

LORD OF THE DANCE (Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, September 29-October 4)

THE most successful touring show in entertainment history has, to date, played in nearly 50 different countries to more than seven million people on every single continent. With more than 150,000 taps per performance, the Irish dance spectacular promises to wow British audiences yet again with its breathtaking footwork and dazzling music. Visit www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk or ring 0844 847 2525.

THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO (Theatr Stiwt, Broad Street, Rhos, Wrexham, October 1)

MID Wales Opera present Mozart’s most popular opera. It tells of Figaro, one of opera’s most celebrated characters, and his planned marriage to his beloved Susanna. All Figaro’s wit and cunning is required as the lascivious Count Almaviva and the colourful members of his aristocratic household have other ideas before a happy conclusion is reached. Visit www.stiwt.co.uk or ring 01978 841300.

THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, September 28-October 3)

THE legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical by Richard O’Brien returns to the stage with the usual assortment of outrageous characters led by Frank n Furter and also featuring the hapless Brad and Jent, rippling Rocky and vivacious Magenta. Hit numbers include Sweet Transvestite, Damn It Janet and, of course, The Time Warp. Visit www.ambassadortickets/stoke or ring 0844 871 7649.

SHIRLEY VALENTINE (The Brindley, High Street, Runcorn, September 29-October 3)

CENTENARY Theatre Company presents Willy Russell's classic play - the middle aged Liverpudlian housewife finally escapes her hum-drum life and flies off to Greece to find her true self. Made famous by the film version starring Pauline Collins and Tom Conti. Visit www.thebrindley.org.uk or ring 0151 907 8360.

STILL SHOWING

DEEP CUT (The Lowry, Salford Quays, September 22-26)

EIGHTEEN-year-old Cheryl James from Llangollen was one of four young women who died from gunshot wounds at Deepcut Barracks between 1995-2002. Cheryl’s parents wanted answers from those responsible for their daughter’s care. But Philip Ralph’s play explores the way in which governments can stop ordinary people finding out the truth. Taken from original source material and powerful first hand testimonies. Visit www.thelowry.com or ring 0870 787 5793.

DESPERATE TO BE DORIS (Library Theatre, St Peter’s Square, Manchester, September 23-October 3)

LIP Service present a new comedy with music featuring some of Doris Day’s greatest hits. Joining the comedy duo of Maggie Fox and Sue Ryding will be a community choir specially recruited for the Library run as well as Darren Southworth from the West End production of Spamalot. Dean works as a buyer for a mail order nightwear firm called The Pyjama Game. At home, he is a legend in his living room and sings like Doris Day! Visit www.librarytheatre.com or ring 0161 236 7110.

GISELLE (Palace Theatre, Oxford Street, Manchester, September 23-27)

ENGLISH National Ballet's traditional staging of one of the most famous romantic ballets with music by the English National Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Mary Skeaping revisiting the choreography by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot. Visit www.palaceandoperahouse.org.uk or ring 0844 372 7272.

THE GLASS MENAGERIE (Emlyn Williams Theatre, Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold, September 17-October 10)

TENNESSEE Williams’ first great play is well established as a classic of the American stage. In the squalor and poverty of a St Louis tenement in 1937, the Wingfields dream of a different life. All of Amanda’s hopes are fixed on finding a gentleman caller for her cripplingly shy daughter Laura while son Tom endures the crushing boredom of working in a shoe factory. Visit www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk or ring 0845 330 3565.

KES (Playhouse Theatre, Williamson Square, Liverpool, September 18-October 10)

THE Playhouse has announced an acclaimed cast for its new production of Kes. It includes Daniel Casey, who played Sgt Gavin Troy in ITV crime drama Midsomer Murders, Katherine Dow Blyton, and Oliver Farnworth, both former Hollyoaks actors. The lead role of Billy Casper, the schoolboy who rescues a kestrel, will be played by Stefan Butler, who has just finished the UK tour of David Essex’s musical, All The Fun Of The Fair. And 120 pupils from Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School, Childwall Sports College, Halewood Arts College and St John Bosco Arts College will take on supporting parts. Visit www.everymanplayhouse.com or ring 0151 709 4776.

LORD OF THE DANCE (Opera House, Quay Street, Manchester, September 22-27)

THE most successful touring show in entertainment history has, to date, played in nearly 50 different countries to more than seven million people on every single continent. With more than 150,000 taps per performance, the Irish dance spectacular promises to wow British audiences yet again with its breathtaking footwork and dazzling music. Visit www.palaceandoperahouse.org.uk or ring 0844 372 7272.

THE MISER (Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester, September 2-October 3)

THE penny-pinching Harpagon reckons there’s a mint to be made in marriage and intends to cash in on both his children and himself - but Elise and Cleante believe in love and have fallen head over heels for suitors of their own. as Harpagon plots to stop his credit being crunched, nothing and nobody is as it seems in Moliere’s rapid fire comedy. Visit www.royalexchange.co.uk or ring 0161 833 9833.

STEPPING OUT (Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, September 22-26)

FORMER EastEnders star Jessie Wallace and Brian Capron, best known as sinister Richard Hillman in Coronation Street, star in this hit Richard Harris comedy. In a dusty church hall, ex-professional dancer Mavis holds her weekly tap class with a bunch of well-intentioned but not very talented students. The thought of anyone actually watching terrifies them - so Mavis has a job on her hands when they are invited to perform at a charity gala. Visit www.ambassadortickets/stoke or ring 0844 871 7649.

THE TART AND THE VICAR’S WIFE (Lyceum Theatre, Heath Street, Crewe, September 21-26)

SINGER and actress Bernie Nolan teams up with Matt Healy from Emmerdale, Sarah Jane Buckley from Hollyoaks and Brookside regular Marcus Hutton for a revival of this hit comedy by Joan Shirley. Glenda and her husband Robert were the archetypal successful couple - until Robert decides to devote himself to God and become a vicar. Then a millionaire turns up in the village looking for help from Robert to exorcise his haunted manor house and Glenda and her friends realise just how far they will go for money! Visit www.lyceumtheatre.net or ring 01270 537333.

WRITE ME A MURDER (Anthony Hopkins Theatre, Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold, September 22-26)

ICONIC EastEnders star Leslie Grantham heads the cast of this ingenious Frederick Knott thriller which also stars Christopher Villiers from Emmerdale, Paul Opacic from Bad Girls and Helen Weir of Emmerdale. Two brothers inherit the family fortune upon the death of their father. You are ivited to solve the dilemma of not only who is the murderer but also who is the victim in this intricate maze of clues and crimes. Visit www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk or ring 0845 330 3565.

COMING SOON

BEYOND THE FRONT LINE (The Lowry, Salford Quays, October 5-17)

SALFORD is under attack from the enemy and the British Army have taken up positions to defend it. That’s where you, the audience, take centre stage as UN inspectors. With total access to the facility, you’ll hurtle from the VIP tent deep into the war zone for a total sensory experience. This powerful piece explores the friction and ties between the civilian population and the armed forces that serve us. This show is a promenade piece where seating will not always be available. Visit www.thelowry.com or ring 0870 787 5793.

THE BFG (Playhouse Theatre, Williamson Square, Liverpool, November 3-7)

DAVID Wood’s acclaimed adaptation of Roald Dahl’s perennial favourite returns to the stage. When little orphan Sophie is snatched out of her bed in the dead of night by the BFG, she fears the worst. But in fact, the giant is a dream catcher and not a man eater and he’s about to take Sophie on a journey she never expected. Visit www.everymanplayhouse.com or ring 0151 709 4776.

THE BLACK ALBUM (Playhouse Theatre, Williamson Square, Liverpool, October 27-31)

HANIF Kureishi’s witty stage adaptation of his acclaimed novel. An Asian kid from Kent goes to college in London and teams up with a sympathetic group of anti-racists. But it’s 1989, the year of the fatwa, and as Shahid begins a hedonistic affair with his lecturer, his radical Muslim friends want to steer him away from the decadence of the West. Visit www.everymanplayhouse.com or ring 0151 709 4776.

BLITHE SPIRIT (Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester, December 9-January 23)

NOEL Coward’s glorious supernatural comedy comes to the Exchange with a cast headed by Suranne Jones. When Charles Condomine and his wife Ruth hire the services of eccentric Madame Arcati, they don’t realise they are in for an evening of high spirits - especially with the madcap mystic accidentally brings Charles’ ex-wife Elvira back from the beyond. Visit www.royalexchange.co.uk or ring 0161 833 9833.

CABARET (Floral Pavilion, New Brighton, Wirral, October 5-10)

SHOWBIZ veteran Wayne Sleep and I’d Do Anything finalist Samantha Barks team up for this risqué production of the classic musical set in Berlin in 1931. Visit www.floralpavilion.com or ring 0161 666 0000.

THE CARETAKER (Everyman Theatre, Hope Street, Liverpool, October 2-31)

CELEBRATED actor Jonathan Pryce returns to the theatre where he began his career for Christopher Morahan’s production of this Harold Pinter classic story of two brothers and a tramp. Davies is down and out when Aston takes him in for the night. Lost in a shoeless world, chasing papers in Sidcup, he soon fancies his chances at something more permanent. But then Mick shows up. Visit www.everymanplayhouse.com or ring 0151 709 4776.

DANCING IN THE STREETS (Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, September 28-October 3)

EXPERIENCE the energy, emotion and electricity of Motown with this spectacular celebration of the music that came from the streets of Detroit. Visit www.ambassadortickets/stoke or ring 0844 871 7649.

DINNERLADIES (Venue Cymru, Llandudno, October 20-24)

VICTORIA Wood’s hit BBC TV sitcom is brought to the stage in a world premiere UK tour starring Andrew Dunn and Shobna Gulati from the original series. Follow the reluctant love story of Bren and Tony, egged on by Dolly, Jean. Twinkle and Anita. Visit www.venuecymru.co.uk or ring 01492 872000.

DREAMS OF VIOLENCE (Library Theatre, St Peter’s Square, Manchester, October 20-24)

A NEW comedy by Stella Feehily, directed by Max Stafford-Clark, arrtistic director of the acclaimed Out of Joint company. For Hildy, political activism comes easier than dealing with her family life. By day, she leads the city’s cleaners in revolt against the bankers - by night, she dreams unsettling acts of violence. Starring Catherine Russell and Paula Wilcox. Visit www.librarytheatre.com or ring 0161 236 7110.

THE ENTERTAINER (Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester, November 4-December 5)

JOHN Osborne’s scathing and scintillating state of the nation classic from 1957 is revived by director Greg Hersov. Music Hall artist Archie Rice is about to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the last time he paid income tax. In a clapped out business in a broken country, he’s the last hurrah of a lost age but as long he can still make ‘em laugh, he couldn’t care less. But then conflicts start to overwhelm him and his comedy begins turning to tragedy. Visit www.royalexchange.co.uk or ring 0161 833 9833.

FESTEN (Anthony Hopkins Theatre, Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold, October 22-November 14)

TIM Baker directs this dramatisation by David Eldridge of the celebrated Danish Dogme film and play by Thomas Vinterberg, Mogens Rukov and Bo Hansen. A father is celebrating his 60th birthday with a formal dinner at his large country home. But there is tension in the air and when Christian, the eldest son, rises to propose the first toast, he makes a devastating accusation against his father which changes relationships forever. Visit www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk or ring 0845 330 3565.

GEORGE’S MARVELLOUS MEDICINE (Theatr Stiwt, Broad Street, Rhos, November 5-7)

BIRMINGHAM Stage Company presents Roald Dahl’s amazing tale, adapted for the stage by David Wood. A young boy makes a marvellous medicine to cure his grandmother of her terrifying temper. But when his grandmother drinks the special new potion, the most incredible things start to happen. Visit www.stiwt.co.uk or ring 01978 841300.

THE GOOD SOUL OF SZECHUAN (Library Theatre, St Peter’s Square, Manchester, October 30-November 28)

THREE gods are on a mission to see if there are any good people left on earth. Only Shen Te, a warm-hearted prostitute, offers them shelter. She opens a tobacco shop with what the gods give her as thanks. Suddenly everyone starts to take advantage of her good nature. How will she survive? David Harrower translates Bertolt Brecht’s parable for our time in a production directed by Chris Honer. Visit www.librarytheatre.com or ring 0161 236 7110.

GRIMM TALES (Library Theatre, St Peter’s Square, Manchester, December 5-January 23)

THE Brothers Grimm’s dark and spooky stories have been brought to life on stage by Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy in this new Library Theatre Company production which promises to provide a feast of physical, musical and mythical theatre. Suitable for ages six and upwards. Visit www.librarytheatre.com or ring 0161 236 7110.

THE HOT DOTS (The Brindley, High Street, Runcorn, October 23)

FRANK Johnstone and Evie Steele met in 1928. This is the story of two hugely successful vaudeville performers and their spectacular fall from grace. Featuring So & So Theatre's trademark acrobatic balancing and a fantastic story set against the backdrop of 1930s Music Hall, this show is a real one-off treat. Visit www.thebrindley.org.uk or ring 0151 907 8360.

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (Venue Cynru, Llandudno, November 3-8)

THE musical that started it all for Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, originally conceived as a brief school production but eventually expanded into a musical theatre world beater thanks to memorable songs such as Any Dream Will Do and Close Ev’ry Door. Visit www.venuecymru.co.uk or ring 01492 872000.

LAST TRAM TO STARR GATE (The Brindley, High Street, Runcorn, October 16)

LOUISE Nulty and Jacqueline Pilton (previously known as H.A.I.R.) bounce from character to character; playing male and female, young and old colliding in a madcap collage of ‘kiss me quick’ hats, grumpy landladies and tales from picture postcards set in Blackpool 1962. Along the tram route, between Fleetwood and Starr Gate, the story of Beth, the conductress with big ideas unfolds in an evening of sixties sounds, laughter and delight. Visit www.thebrindley.org.uk or ring 0151 907 8360.

MOTHERLAND (Library Theatre, St Peter’s Square, Manchester, October 6-10)

LIVE Theatre and Empty Space present this powerful and moving drama which shares the stories of women whose everyday lives have been touched by the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Winner of The Stage’s Best Ensemble at the 2008 Edinburgh Festival. Visit www.librarytheatre.com or ring 0161 236 7110.

MY GRANDFATHER’S GREAT WAR (Library Theatre, St Peter’s Square, Manchester, October 11)

COMPARING the very different lives led by young men from generations at opposite ends of the 20th century, this one-man performance - by Cameron Stewart - interweaves the First World War diaries of Captain Alexander Stewart with the contemporary perspective of his grandson. Visit www.librarytheatre.com or ring 0161 236 7110.

PUB (Royal Exchange Theatre Studio, St Ann’s Square, Manchester, November 11-December 5)

AS THE nights draw in, it’s happy hour in The Studio with an eclectic celebration of the Great British Pub. Featuring new work by new directors and some imaginative performers, this is a unique programme of performance with a surprise around every corner. Snatches of story combine with live music, real ale, quizzes, games and chance encounters. Visit www.royalexchange.co.uk or ring 0161 833 9833.

PUNK ROCK (Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester, October 7-31)

IN THE library of a grammar school, seven sixth formers are preparing for their mock A levels and nearing the end of their school lives. Soon Manchester will be a thing of the past and there will be new friends and enemies. When the whole world opens up in front of you, there’s a danger it could eat you up. There’s danger all around in this world premiere of Simon Stephens’ new play. Suitable for ages 14+. Visit www.royalexchange.co.uk or ring 0161 833 9833.

PYGMALION (Anthony Hopkins Theatre, Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold, October 8-31)

BERNARD Shaw’s commentary on the battle between the sexes and the British class system returns to the stage in a new production directed by Terry Hands. As an academic exercise, Professor Henry Higgins (Philip Bretherton), an expert in dialect and pronunciation, makes a bet that he can turn the cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle (Hedydd Dylan) into a duchess within six months. Visit www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk or ring 0845 330 3565.

A RAISIN IN THE SUN (Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester, January 27-February 20 2010)

LORRAINE Hansberry’s play was the first written by a black woman to be produced on Broadway, winning the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for best play of 1959. Lena’s life on Chicago’s Southside has always been about staying alive with “a pinch of dignity”. Now the insurance money from her husband’s death is coming through, her family sees the chance to make their dreams come true. But when those dreams conflict, it becomes harder than ever to retain that dignity. Visit www.royalexchange.co.uk or ring 0161 833 9833.

SHAKESPEARE SCHOOLS FESTIVAL (Library Theatre, St Peter’s Square, Manchester, October 12-17)

THE UK’s largest yough drama festival works in partnership with the National Theatre and the National Youth Theatre to support 10,000 young people on their journey to become professional Shakespearean players. Four local schools will stage four different half-hour plays each night. Visit www.librarytheatre.com or ring 0161 236 7110.

SPYMONKEY’S MOBY DICK (Playhouse Theatre, Williamson Square, Liverpool, October 20-24)

A GLORIOUS mis-telling of Melville’s epic novel. Four actors find themselves in the belly of a literary monster. As they ponder the irony of their fate, they recount a story of Moby Dick, sparkling with their own fantastical flourishes. Visit www.everymanplayhouse.com or ring 0151 709 4776.

STEPPING OUT (Palace Theatre, Oxford Street, Manchester, October 5-10)

FORMER EastEnders star Jessie Wallace and Brian Capron, best known as sinister Richard Hillman in Coronation Street, star in this hit Richard Harris comedy. In a dusty church hall, ex-professional dancer Mavis holds her weekly tap class with a bunch of well-intentioned but not very talented students. The thought of anyone actually watching terrifies them - so Mavis has a job on her hands when they are invited to perform at a charity gala. Visit www.palaceandoperahouse.org.uk or ring 0844 372 7272.

TWOPENCE TO CROSS THE MERSEY (Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, October 6–17)

SMASH hit musical Twopence to Cross the Mersey returns to the Liverpool Empire this October, starring former Shameless star Ciaran Kellgren. The show chronicles an author’s early life during the Great Depression and has already taken an astonishing £1.5m at the box office and, with Helen Forrester’s readership breaking into the multi-millions, the producers are working towards a tour of the UK and Ireland. Visit www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk or ring 0844 847 2525.

WELSH NATIONAL OPERA (Venue Cymru, Llandudno, October 13-17)

THE WNO bring two of the greatest love stories ever sung to life in a beautiful period-set productions. La Traviata by Verdi can be seen on October 13 and 16 while Puccini’s Madam Butterfly is performed on October 14 and 17. Completing the line-up is Berg’s Wozzeck on October 15. Visit www.venuecymru.co.uk or ring 01492 872000.

WELSH NATIONAL OPERA (Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, October 21-24)

THE WNO bring two of the greatest love stories ever sung to life in a beautiful period-set productions. La Traviata by Verdi can be seen on October 21 and 23 while Puccini’s Madam Butterfly is performed on October 22 and 24. Visit www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk or ring 0844 847 2525.

WHITE CHRISTMAS (The Lowry, Salford Quays, November 27-January 9)

SINGING star Aled Jones, former chart-topper Suzanne Shaw and stage and screen veteran Roy Dotrice head the cast for this stunning stage version of the classic film musical featuring songs by Irving Berlin. It tells the story of two buddies putting on a show in a magical Vermont inn who find their perfect mates in the process. Apart from the immortal title song, other numbers include Blue Skies, Happy Holidays and Sisters. Visit www.thelowry.com or ring 0870 787 5793.