Theatres - Starting Next Week - January 28 onwards

Jan 25 2010 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

STARTING THIS WEEK

AND A NIGHTINGALE SANG (New Vic Theatre, Etruria Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, January 29-February 20)

A TEAM of TV talents are swapping soaps for Spam sandwiches for this wartime comedy. Katherine Dow Blyton of Hollyoaks is joining forces with Eastenders director Sarah Punshon for CP Taylor’s play, filled with musical favourites from the 40s. In World War Two Newcastle upon Tyne, the Stotts are an eccentric family waging personal battles against the terrifying backdrop of war. Amid the air raid sirens and fears of poison gas, Mam makes Spam sandwiches, Dad makes his own entertainment, Grandpa mourns his dead whippet, and daughters Joyce and Helen discover the joy and heartbreak of first love. Ring 01782 717962 or visit www.newvictheatre.org.uk.

BAHOK (The Lowry, Salford Quays, February 4)

NAMED after a Bengali word meaning “carrier”, this hotly anticipated work from Akram Khan Company features a score by Nitin Sawhney and explores how the bodey can express a sense of national identity and belonging. The dancers come from diverse cultures - Chinese, Korean, Indian, South African, Slovakian and Spanish - and their rich mix of both spoken and dance language pushes the boundaries of movement vocabulary. Visit www.thelowry.com or ring 0870 111 2000.

THE COLLECTOR (The Lowry, Salford Quays, February 4-5)

BASED on an adaptation of John Fowles’ classic novel, this superb psychological thriller from Pronto Productions is in turn sad, tense and horrific. Frederick is a man obsessed, repressed, introverted and unloved. A collector of butterflies and a keen photographer, he seeks solace in Miranda, a young intelligent art student. When his luck takes a turn for the better, he buys a remote farmhouse and makes plans for the future. However, he soon discovers the reality of his new life is far from the fantasy he imagined. Visit www.thelowry.com or ring 0870 111 2000.

FENCING FOR LOSERS (The Lowry, Salford Quays, January 29-31)

A MOVING tale from Ignition Stage of the cut-and-thrust nature of human relationships. Know-it-all Mancunian Danny signs up for fencing lessons in a bid to escape a life that is going nowhere. Full of bravado, he wants it all and has his sights set on nothing less than Olympic gold. His teacher Susan, also in a rut, needs to explore new horizons. Together they discover that escape is possible and an unlikely relationship develops between the sophisticated older woman and her tough, young pupil. Visit www.thelowry.com or ring 0870 111 2000.

GHOST STORIES (Playhouse Theatre, Williamson Square, Liverpool, February 4-20)

A TRULY terrifying theatrical experience written and directed by Jeremy Dyson of The League of Gentlemen fame and Andy Nyman, who co-created Derren Brown’s TV and stage shows. This is a spectacular 80 minute ride that will chill and thrill in equal measure. Not suitable for anyone under the age of 15 or of a nervous disposition. Visit www.everymanplayhouse.com or ring 0151 709 4776.

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2 (Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, February 1-6)

THE first film was turned into a stage musical that was so successful, its sequel has now received the same treatment. All the much-loved characters from the film series make a welcome return and the soundtrack features songs such as What Time Is It and You Are The Music In Me. Visit www.liverpoolempire.org.uk or ring 0844 847 2525.

PEPPA PIG’S PARTY (The Lowry, Salford Quays, February 4-7)

THE award-winning children’s TV series is recreated with puppets live on stage for the first time by the producers of Lazy Town Live. Peppa is a playful little pig who lives with her younger brother George, Mummy and Daddy Pig. Through everyday adventures, she plays games, makes new friends and enjoys jumping up and down in muddy puddles. Visit www.thelowry.com or ring 0870 111 2000.

THE RAT PACK - LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS (Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, February 2-6)

FRANK Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jnr and Dean Martin - names that have been immortalised on the silver screen and in the wider sphere of popular music. This spectacular production celebrates the incredible singing talent of three world famous entertainers and performers and some of the finest music and song that has ever been recorded. Visit www.ambassadortickets.com/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.

SHERLOCK HOLMES - THE LAST ACT (The Lowry, Salford Quays, February 6-7)

FOLLOWING the success of Sherlock Holmes – The Death and Life in 2009, Roger Llewellyn returns in this very different and thrilling new play. With wit, humour, high drama and a touch of pathos, the world's greatest fictional detective confronts the most complex case of all…his own psyche. Exploring the mind of the real man, he strips away his infamous clinical façade, revealing unexpected fears and weaknesses. Visit www.thelowry.com or ring 0870 111 2000.

THE SNOW QUEEN (Theatr Stiwt, Broad Street, Wrexham, January 30-31)

HANS Christian Andersen’s everygreen fairytale of the frozen north brings a touch of magic. Former Crossroads star Jane Rossington features in the title role as the Snow Queen who plans to rule the world in a new ice age. Visit www.stiwt.co.uk or ring 01978 841300.

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (Anthony Hopkins Theatre, Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold, February 4-27)

ONE of the greatest modern classics, this is the powerful story - based on the book by Harper Lee - of a fight for racial justice in a community divided and ruled by prejudice and discrimination. In Maycomb, Alabama, in the 1930s, momentous events unfold through the eyes of eight-year-old Scout Finch who lives in a close-knit neighbourhood with older brother Jem and lawyer father Atticus. Visit www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk or ring 0845 330 3565.