Theatres - Still Showing - December 10 onwards

Dec 7 2009 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

STILL SHOWING

ALADDIN (Opera House, Quay Street, Manchester, December 5-January 3)

THE most mystical pantomime of all flies into Manchester, guaranteeing another spectacular extravaganza for all the family. Join heroic Aladdin on a magic carpet ride as he tries to outwit the evil Abanazar. Headling is Coronation Street bad boy Gray O’Brien, joined by Hollyoaks star and Dancing On Ice finalist Chris Fountain as well as Eric Potts, Mike McClean and Sue Devaney. Ring 0844 847 2484 or visit www.palaceandoperahouse.org.uk.

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.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Emlyn Williams Theatre, Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold, December 9-31)

ROBERT Perkins returns with his successful one-man version of Charles Dickens’ famous Christmas story, bringing to life a host of familiar characters including the infamous Scrooge. Visit www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk or ring 0845 330 3565.

CINDERELLA (The Grange Theatre, Hartford, Northwich, December 5-January 3)

PANTO comes to the Cheshire stage with this magical fairy tale that sees former Coronation Street actress Casey-Lee Jolleys take on the title role of Cinders alongside David Dale and Drew Christie as the Ugly Sisters. Visit www.chesterfestivals.co.uk or ring 0845 241 7868.

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.

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.

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 (Palace Theatre, Oxford Street, Manchester, December 7-12)

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. Ring 0844 847 2484 or visit www.palaceandoperahouse.org.uk.

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.

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.