Theatres - Starting next week - October 22 onwards

Oct 22 2009 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

STARTING THIS WEEK

ALICE (The Lowry, Salford Quays, October 24)

THIS sketchbook of tales, bursting with life, is a raw and playful search of the soul, experimenting with chaos and synchronisation. Using the stories of others to express herself, Alice sees fictional characters as extensions of herself. But what happens when her dreams become too vivid and her waking hours become ruled by memories of the night? Visit www.thelowry.com or ring 0870 787 5793.

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 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.

CABARET (Palace Theatre, Oxford Street, Manchester, October 27-November 7)

SHOWBIZ veteran Wayne Sleep stars in this risqué production of the classic musical set in Berlin in 1931. Visit www.palaceandoperahouse.org.uk or ring 0844 847 2484.

DESPERATE TO BE DORIS (The Brindley, High Street, Runcorn, October 29-31)

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. Visit www.thebrindley.org.uk or ring 0151 907 8360.

DINNERLADIES (Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, October 26-31)

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.ambassadortickets/stoke or ring 0844 871 7649.

FESTEN (Emlyn Williams 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.

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.

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.

OBSTACLES TO COMING HOME (The Lowry, Salford Quays, October 22-23)

STRANDED in Mid-West America, two road companions make their inevitable farewells as the sounds of a distant age drift listlessly into the evening sky. Tracing an epic journey drawn across Jack Kerouac’s On The Road, this evocative epic yet intimate visual theatre from Angel Club (North) incorporates live and recorded soundscapes, video projection and theatre performance. Visit www.thelowry.com or ring 0870 787 5793.

THE PITMEN PAINTERS (The Lowry, Salford Quays, October 27-31)

THIS new play by Lee Hall - presented by the National Theatre - is a humorous, deeply moving and timely look at art, class and politics. In 1934, a group of Ashington miners hired a professor to teach an art appreciation evening class. Rapidly abandoning theory in favour of practice, the pitmen began to paint. Within a few years, the most avant-garde artists became their friends and their work was acquired by prestigious collections. But every day they worked, as before, down the mine. Visit www.thelowry.com or ring 0870 787 5793.

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.

2ND MAY 1997 (Royal Exchange Theatre Studio, St Ann’s Square, Manchester, October 27-31)

THE world changes overnight. A great man sweeps to power as an influential dynasty crumbles. Amid the euphoria and despair, three deeply personal stories emerge. A smouldering new play from Jack Thorne, one of Britain’s most exciting young writers, about seizing the present, escaping the past and the audacity of hope for the future. Visit www.royalexchange.co.uk or ring 0161 833 9833.

STILL SHOWING

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.

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.

FIREFLIES (The Lowry, Salford Quays, October 16-31)

KEVIN Fegan’s new play tells the stories of Leigh and Nelson, two lonely hearts coming face to face with the reality of their lives. Told with a fierce frankness, this darkly comic and moving script conveys their resilience in the face of hardship. The cast features two former Coronation Street actors Naomi Radcliffe and Paul Simpson. Visit www.thelowry.com or ring 0870 787 5793.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ALADDIN (Forum Studio Theatre, Hamilton Place, Chester, December 15-January 3)

TIP Top Productions return to traditional pantomime for this home-grown production written by Peter Swingler who has been creating pantos for more than 30 years. Visit www.tiptopproductions.co.uk or ring 01244 341296.

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.

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.

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.

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.

HANSEL & GRETEL (Theatr Stiwt, Broad Street, Rhos, December 3-4)

FULL House Theatre Company present an uplifting, comical show to appeal to all ages featuring magical masks and giant puppetry in the story of the two children who venture into the forst where they encounter a wicked witch. Visit www.stiwt.co.uk or ring 01978 841300.

HOME FOR CHRISTMAS (Forum Studio Theatre, Hamilton Place, Chester, December 1-2)

THEATRE in the Quarter have collected local people’s memories of Christmas during World War Two as the basis for Helen Newall’s new play featuring original music by Matt Baker and directed by former Gateway Theatre director Russ Tunney. The production will be performed by a company of four actors and community singers/musicians. Visit www.tiptopproductions.co.uk or ring 01244 341296.

HOW NOW BROWN COW (Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, November 2-7)

THE fifth play in Brendan O’Carroll’s hilarious Mrs Brown series, following the huge success of For The Love of Mrs Brown which premiered at the Empire in 2007. Visit www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk or ring 0844 847 2525.

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.

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.

ONE LITTLE WORD (The Brindley, High Street, Runcorn, November 13)

INTERNATIONALLY renowned M6 Theatre Company brings its wealth of more than 30 years experience to this sensitive new production. We meet two characters who play together – exploring a new space, new objects, dressing up and taking turns - but struggles arise when one of them wants to be the only Captain of the ship! A beautiful and gentle story of friendship, power struggles and the rich world of creative play. Specially created for young children 3+ and contains only one spoken word. Visit www.thebrindley.org.uk or ring 0151 907 8360.

THE ORIENTATIONS TRILOGY (Library Theatre, St Peter’s Square, Manchester, February 17-27)

RE-ORIENTATIONS is the third part of ground-breaking theatre company Border Crossings’ trilogy and is a visually stunning feast, tackling issues of gender, sexuality and performance in mythic and contemporary Asia. The trilogy is produced in association with the all-male company Yaksha Degula from Bangalore in India. Visit www.librarytheatre.com or ring 0161 236 7110.

THE PRODUCERS (Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, November 3-7)

AMATEUR production by NSOS of this Broadway and West End sensation based on the classic Mel Brooks comedy film about a dodgy theatrical producer and his hapless accountant who come up with a scam to stage a guaranteed disaster of a show - only to see it become a massive hit. Visit www.ambassadortickets/stoke or ring 0844 871 7649.

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.

RE:PLAY FESTIVAL 2010 (Library Theatre, St Peter’s Square, Manchester, January 26-February 6)

FIRMLY established as the primary platform for theatre companies to present the best productions first seen in smaller venues in manchester and Salford to a wider audience. Details of the programme will be available on the Library website. Visit www.librarytheatre.com or ring 0161 236 7110.

ROBIN HOOD & THE BABES IN THE WOOD (Anthony Hopkins Theatre, Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold, November 20-January 23)

THE same team who produced Jack and the Beanstalk and Cinderella - The Panto With Soul return to Mold for what is sure to be another sell-out show. Robin Hood tries to outwit the Sheriff of Nottingham and save the babes and their Nanny and marry Maid Marian. A talented cast of actor/musicians serve up more than 20 rock ‘n’ roll classics along the way. Visit www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk or ring 0845 330 3565.

THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, November 9-14)

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.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk or ring 0844 847 2525.

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.

SAUSAGE & SAMOSA (The Brindley, High Street, Runcorn, November 21)

EVE, an environmentalist and dry-stone wall expert, is tired of dating agencies and in a last ditch attempt to find her man taps into the Asian culture of arranged marriages. She takes cookery, Asian etiquette and dancing classes - all food for the ultimate blind date and her quest for the perfect man. Ready Steady Cook meets Blind Date and in true Bollywood style, Eve’s fantasy begins as the potential suitors downloaded from Eve’s website are shown. The audience cast their vote by raising a sausage or a samosa card to choose Eve’s perfect Adam. Visit www.thebrindley.org.uk or ring 0151 907 8360.

SPACESHIP ‘87 (Royal Exchange Theatre Studio, St Ann’s Square, Manchester, December 16-January 2)

1987: the year of shell suits, casio keyboards and the great storm. A little girl’s bedroom has been turned into a spaceship - a place to dream about astronauts, aliens and asteroids. But there is a storm raging, both through her family and outside, a storm which threatens to destroy everything. This is a flourescent voyage exploring the power of the imagination, accompanied by a classic 1980s soundtrack. Visit www.royalexchange.co.uk or ring 0161 833 9833.

WEST SIDE STORY (The Brindley, High Street, Runcorn, November 17-21)

CENTENARY Theatre Company present this famous musical adaptation of Romeo and Juliet set in New York City, where rival street gangs (the Jets and the Sharks) battle for territory and respect. Is the love affair between former Jets leader Tony and Maria, sister to Sharks’ leader Bernardo, doomed to failure? Visit www.thebrindley.org.uk or ring 0151 907 8360.

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.