Theatres - Starting This Week - November 26 onwards

Nov 24 2009 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

STARTING THIS WEEK

DICK WHITTINGTON (Everyman Theatre, Hope Street, Liverpool, November 28-January 23)

THE Everyman rock ‘n’ roll panto is one of the highlights of the festive season on the North West stage. Writers Sarah Nixon and Mark Chatterton have taken on the classic story of London’s most famous pre-Boris Johnson Mayor in a production which is also directed by Chatterton and packed with rock ‘n’ roll numbers. Visit www.everymanplayhouse.com or ring 0151 709 4776.

GAWKAGOGO FREAKSHOW (The Lowry, Salford Quays, December 3)

STEP into a twisted underworld of eye-popping comic strip mayhem. See the amazing Elephant Man Elvis, the Human Fly, obese medical miracle Norma Guntz and the six-breasted Pig-Faced Girl. Suitable for ages 16+. Visit www.thelowry.com or ring 0870 787 5793.

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.

NEVER FORGET (Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, December 1-5)

DIRECT from the West End comes the smash hit musical featuring the hits of Take That. Written by BAFTA award winner Danny Brocklehurst of Shameless fame, this follows the fortunes of five young men who enter a local talent competition, looking for a way out and a step up. Starring Philip Olivier from Brookside and The Games. Visit www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk or ring 0844 847 2525.

NIGHTMARE CAFÉ (The Lowry, Salford Quays, November 28)

CHRISTINA and Augustus are the unearthly proprietors of an absurd gothic eatery. They guide the audience through the macabre tale of a business mogul and his fateful quest for an heir, serving up his just desserts. An original devising by Hocus Pocus Theatre Company, this is a theatrical feast of dark comedy, grotesque burlesque, vaudeville, music, song and dance. Visit www.thelowry.com or ring 0870 787 5793.

PIRATES OF THE DAMNED (The Brindley, High Street, Runcorn, November 27)

WHEN a cruise ship is wrecked on a deserted island, Jake Taylor and Angelica Saxon’s trip takes an unexpected detour into danger. Deadly pirates, searching for treasure, pursue the pair and declare war across the seven seas! Will the mismatched pair be able to work together and stop the rise of The Devil’s Jewell before it’s too late? An action packed, swashbuckling adventure that is fun for all the family. Visit www.thebrindley.org.uk or ring 0151 907 8360.

POLES APART (The Lowry, Salford Quays, November 26)

OFFICIALLY, 60,000 Polish people have come to Britain to seek work since 2004. Two British lads, Dan and Mark, reversed the trend to get work in Warsaw. This unique comedy by Mark Whiteley and Daniel Hoffman-Gill is about a 2000-mile adventure from the UK to Poland and explores what it means to be an emigrant. Visit www.thelowry.com or ring 0870 787 5793.

PROFESSOR WHAT (The Brindley, High Street, Runcorn, November 28)

TEACHER James decides to write a novel as antidote to his job. After watching Who Do You Think You Are on television, he decides to research his family tree. Will he be related to someone famous? Is she being told the truth? Who is real? What is true? You must decide. Visit www.thebrindley.org.uk or ring 0151 907 8360.

SLEEPING BEAUTY (Lyceum Theatre, Heath Street, Crewe, December 2-January 2)

DAVID Lonsdale of Heartbeat stars as King Bumble, Jane Tucker of Rainbow fame plays Azuriel and Kerry Newell from Fun Song Factory and Wakey Wakey is Prince Valiant in this traditional family pantomime. Visit www.lyceumtheatre.net or ring 01270 537333.

THE 39 STEPS (Playhouse Theatre, Williamson Square, Liverpool, December 3-January 16)

DIRECT from the West End comes Alfred Hitchcock’s classic spy thriller, brilliantly and hilariously recreated by Patrick Barlow. It follows the adventures of handsome hero Richard Hannay as he encounters dastardly murders, double-crossing secret agents and devastatingly beautiful women. Four fearless actors play 139 roles in 100 minutes of fast-paced fun. Visit www.everymanplayhouse.com or ring 0151 709 4776.

THIS IS A THAT (The Lowry, Salford Quays, November 29)

IN AN apartment in Paris where nothing is quite as it seems. Josette and her Papa dance with their ears, eat a piece of the moon and meet a toy soldier called Jacqueline. This intriguing and innovative play, inspired by French playwright Eugene Ionesco, fuses dance with theatre to capture the imaginations of everyone. Suitable for ages 4-7. Visit www.thelowry.com or ring 0870 787 5793.

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.