Theatres - Still Showing - 4/2/10

Feb 2 2010 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

STILL SHOWING

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.

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.

LES MISERABLES (Palace Theatre, Oxford Street, Manchester, January 19-February 13)

CAMERON Mackintosh present this 25th anniversary production of the world’s longest running musical. Heading an impressive cast is Broadway and West End star John Owen Jones as Jean Valjean, Earl Carpenter as Javert and Pop Idol winner Gareth Gates as Marius. The legendary score includes I Dreamed A Dream, Master of the House and Do You Hear The People Sing. Ring 0844 847 2484 or visit www.palaceandoperahouse.org.uk.

A RAISIN IN THE SUN (Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester, January 27-February 20)

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.

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.

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.

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.