Theatres - 8/10/09

Oct 6 2009 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

STARTING THIS WEEK

BLOOD BROTHERS (Opera House, Quay Street, Manchester, October 12-24)

WILLY Russell’s deeply moving story of a mother’s haunting secret and the reunion of twin brothers, separated at birth, always guarantees a standing ovation on home ground. Visit www.palaceandoperahouse.org.uk or ring 0844 372 7272.

CEISIO’I BYWYD HI (Emlyn Williams Theatre, Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold, October 15-16)

A MODERN-day fable - a tragic comedy for our time, this is a provocative vision of a world of fear, detachment and alienation and a poignant portrayal of contemporary obsessions. In a bold multimedia production, with live musica from Acid Casuals, Owen Martell brings this contemporary classic to a Welsh-speaking audience. Visit www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk or ring 0845 330 3565.

DREAMBOATS AND PETTICOATS (Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, October 12-17)

THE million-selling album is now a West End smash hit musical. Relive the greatest time of your life with this rockin’ rollin’ musical inspired by the hit albums. In 1961, emotions run high as talented young musicians Norman and Bobby compete to win the hearts of their adoring female fans - especially the gorgeous Sue. Featuring a host of hit songs including Let’s Dance, Only Sixteen, Three Steps To Heaven, Runaround Sue and many more. Visit www.ambassadortickets/stoke or ring 0844 871 7649.

FORGOTTEN THINGS (The Lowry, Salford Quays, October 15-17)

SIXTEEN-year-old Tony believes he is a failure. He’s losing the will to live and his parents are frightened. Then there’s Grandma Lilly - she’s just losing her mind. Having forgotten “something important”, Lilly leads Toby into a mystery of half memories and family secrets. This dark comic play by Emma Adams is designed for cross-generational audiences, fusing puppetry and surreal style. Suitable for ages 14+. Visit www.thelowry.com or ring 0870 787 5793.

LITTLE TIN ROCK GOD (The Lowry, Salford Quays, October 8-9)

JOHNNY Hicks records are topping the charts. he can do no wrong - or so he thinks. The arrival of a mysterious businessman brings with it the revelation that Johnny’s star is fading. Does the smooth-talking stranger hold the answer to Johnny’s prayers. If so, at what cost? Visit www.thelowry.com or ring 0870 787 5793.

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.

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.

SHAKERS (Lyceum Theatre, Heath Street, Crewe, October 13-17)

HULL Truck Theatre presents an hilarious and fast paced comedy by John Godber and Jane Thornton. Carol, Adele, Nicky and Mel have ambitions and dreams and would like to go far but they’re working as waitresses in a cocktail bar. Visit www.lyceumtheatre.net or ring 01270 537333.

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.

SPIDERS WEB (Pavilion Theatre, Rhyl, October 12-17)

A SUPERB cast comes together to present this classic Agatha Christie mystery, directed by Joe Harmston. Among the familiar faces caught up in the intrigue are Denis Lill, Melanie Gutteridge, Bruce Montague and Mark Wynter. Ring 01745 330000 or visit www.rhylpavilion.co.uk.

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.

STILL SHOWING

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.

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, October 6-10)

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.

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.

HIGH SOCIETY (Lyceum Theatre, Heath Street, Crewe, October 20-24)

ROCKHOPPER Productions present a stage musical based on the classic film featuring all the glamour, style and spectacle of the Golden Age as well as a score including such wonderful songs as Swell Party, True Love and Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. Visit www.lyceumtheatre.net or ring 01270 537333.

HOT MIKADO (The Lowry, Salford Quays, October 6-10)

STRICTLY Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood and Tony Award-winning orchestrator Sarah Travis present this electrifying show which had toes tapping, fingers clicking and enjoyed nightly standing ovations at the renowned Watermill Theatre. The original Gilbert & Sullivan score is given a contemporary feel with swing, jive and sassy songs plus a little gospel. Visit www.thelowry.com or ring 0870 787 5793.

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.

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.

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.

SKELLIG (The Lowry, Salford Quays, October 6-10)

BIRMINGHAM Stage return to The Lowry with David Almond’s award-winning magical story. Ten-year-old Michael was looking forward to loving into a new house but now his baby sister is ill and his parents are frantic. Then Michael wanders into the crumbling garage and sees something lying beneath the spider webs and flies - is it a man or an animal? Visit www.thelowry.com or ring 0870 787 5793.

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.

COMING SOON

ADOLF HITLER: MY PART IN HIS DOWNFALL (Playhouse Theatre, Williamson Square, Liverpool, November 9-14)

SPIKE Milligan’s celebrated war memoirs are finally brought to the stage by Ben Power and Tim Carroll. This anarchic odyssey charts Gunner Milligan’s progress through World War Two, using Milligan’s own words as well as comedy, song and dance. Visit www.everymanplayhouse.com or ring 0151 709 4776.

ANNIE (Venue Cymru, Llandudno, October 27-31)

FROM its Broadway beginnings to the classic film musical, this heartwarming rags to riches story of Annie’s adventures from the New York orphanage to the home of Daddy Warbucks is a timeless tale, brought to life with the help of wonderful songs such as It’s A Hard Knock Life and Tomorrow. Su Pollard of Hi-De-Hi fame heads the cast alongside David McAlister. Visit www.venuecymru.co.uk or ring 01492 872000.

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.

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.

GISELLE (Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, October 28-November 1)

ENGLISH National Ballet present the ultimate romantic ballet, a tale of innocence, betrayal and the redemptive power of true love. Adolphe Adam’s music, played by English National Ballet’s symphony orchestra, accompanies the magical choreography. Visit www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk or ring 0844 847 2525.

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.

HER BIG CHANCE/BLACK COMEDY (The Brindley Studio, High Street, Runcorn, October 29-30)

MINIMUM Wage Theatre Company presents a double bill

Her Big Chance by Alan Bennett & Black Comedy by Peter Shaffer. Her Big Chance is one of Bennett’s original 1987 Talking Heads in which an aspiring actress ends up in a soft porn movie in West Germany. Black Comedy is a riotous farce about a young sculptor about to welcome a millionaire art dealer to his home on a night when everything goes wrong. Visit www.thebrindley.org.uk or ring 0151 907 8360.

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.

IN EXTREMIS (Forum Studio Theatre, Hamilton Place, Chester, October 16-18)

ON THE night of March 24, 1895 a society palm reader agreed to see Oscar Wilde in her London flat. Wilde’s lover, Lord Alfred Douglas (Bosie), was urging him to sue the Marquis of Queensberry, Bosie’s father, for criminal libel. But Wilde’s friends were warning him to leave town. Neil Bartlett’s play reveals the strange turmoil of that night as a man at the height of his fame turns to a complete stranger for advice about a potentially life-changing decision. Visit www.tiptopproductions.co.uk or ring 01244 341296.

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (Opera House, Quay Street, Manchester, October 20-25)

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.palaceandoperahouse.org.uk or ring 0844 372 7272.

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.

THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO (The Brindley, High Street, Runcorn, October 20)

MID Wales Opera present one of Mozart’s classic operas. Figaro, one of opera’s most celebrated characters, is planning to marry his beloved Susanna. But the lascivious Count Almaviva and the colourful members of his aristocratic household have other ideas. All Figaro’s wit and cunning is required before Mozart’s enchanting masterpiece comes to a happy conclusion. Visit www.thebrindley.org.uk or ring 0151 907 8360.

MATTHEW BOURNE’S DORIAN GRAY (The Lowry, Salford Quays, October 21-24)

MATTHEW Bourne’s latest dance creation comes to The Lowry after sell-out shows in London and Edinburgh. Set in the image-obsessed world of contemporary art and politics, Oscar Wilde’s cautionary fable tells the story of an alluring young man who makes a pact with the devil. Visit www.thelowry.com or ring 0870 787 5793.

MIXED UP NORTH (Everyman Theatre, Hope Street, Liverpool, November 3-7)

BASED on real events, this collaboration between Out of Joint and Octagon Theatre Bolton is a fiercely funny and moving new playby Robin Soans about the difficulties of uniting divided racial communities in the Lancashire mill town of Burnley. Trish leads a youth theatre group for Asian and white teenagers. At the final dress rehearsal, tensions rise and bonds fracture. Visit www.everymanplayhouse.com or ring 0151 709 4776.

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.

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.

RELATIVELY SPEAKING (Forum Studio Theatre, Hamilton Place, Chester, November 7-14)

ALAN Ayckbourn’s breakthrough comedy is revived by Tip Top Productions. It is a masterpiece of misunderstandings as a young couple in the early days of romance whose relationship is tainted with suspicion due to some mysterious phone calls. When his girlfriend rushes off to see her parents in the country, Greg decides to follow and ends up in he middle of an extremely confusing Sunday lunch. Visit www.tiptopproductions.co.uk or ring 01244 341296.

RENT (Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, October 20-24)

THE smash hit Broadway and West End musical comes to the Regent. Based on Puccini’s opera La Boheme, it tells the story of a group of young artists learning to survive, falling in love, finding their voices and living for today. Visit www.ambassadortickets/stoke or ring 0844 871 7649.

SALT (Royal Exchange Theatre Studio, St Ann’s Square, Manchester, February 3-20 2010)

WORLD premiere of Fiona Peek’s sparkling and seductive play, one of four winners of the Bruntwood Playwriting Competition. Though Amy and Simon have the money and children that life has so far denied Nick and Rachel, a friendship forged years ago remains constant. When they find the cash to enable their friends to hold on to their dreams, a simple act of charity brings everything bubbling to the surface. Visit www.royalexchange.co.uk or ring 0161 833 9833.

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.

SWEET (Royal Exchange Theatre Studio, St Ann’s Square, Manchester, October 22-24)

IN THE era of romantic comedies with happy endings and perfect heroes, Total Theatre Award winners Chotto Ookii present a bitter take on the saccarine nature of love. Physical theatre, stunning visuals, puppetry and dance are combined in the company’s inimitable style. One man and his wizened, chain-smoking alcoholic heart drag themselves out of the mundane into a sugar coated world which seems too good to be true. Visit www.royalexchange.co.uk or ring 0161 833 9833.

THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES (Lifestyle Centre, Winsford, October 17)

SPECIAL performance of Eve Ensler’s hit show comes to Cheshire with a cast that features former Hollyoaks star Sarah Jayne Dunn, Coronation Street’s Sally Lindsay and ex-Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley. Visit www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk or ring 01606 867539.

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.