Theatres - Still Showing - October 15 onwards

Oct 13 2009 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.