Theatres - Still Showing - February 25 onwards

Feb 21 2010 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

STILL SHOWING

ARDEN OF FAVERSHAM (Emlyn Williams Theatre, Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold, February 11-March 6)

AN ELIZABETHAN drama by an anonymous author based on a true story in which desire, envy and greed inexorably lead to death. The play, directed by Terry Hands, is an early example of Elizabethan tragi-comedy. Visit www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk or ring 0845 330 3565.

COME DANCING (Opera House, Quay Street, Manchester, February 22-27)

STEP back in time and get ready to dance with former Kinks front man and songwriter Ray Davies’ award-winning musical. At the Palais Ballroom of the 1950s, thousands would dance and romance as rock ‘n’ roll was bursting on to the scene. The show includes new songs as well as such classics as Waterloo Sunset and You Really Got Me. Ring 0844 847 2484 or visit www.palaceandoperahouse.org.uk.

1984 (Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester, February 24-March 27)

AN ELECTRIFYING new stage version of George Orwell’s nightmare vision of a totalitarian society has been adapted and directed by Matthew Dunster. Central character, Winston Smith rewrites history for the Ministry of Truth, but when he’s handed a note that says simply ‘I love you’, by a woman he hardly knows, he decides to risk everything in a search for the real truth. Visit www.royalexchange.co.uk or ring 0161 833 9833.

JUS’ LIKE THAT (The Lowry, Salford Quays, February 22-27)

TOMMY Cooper, one of the nation’s most beloved natural clowns, is brought back to life in a show stuffed with all the trademarks - the fez, the magic, the gags. Clive Mantle of Holby City and Vicar of Dibley fame stars as the legendary comedian. Visit www.thelowry.com or ring 0870 111 2000.

MEDEA (Everyman Theatre, Hope Street, Liverpool, February 23-27)

THE acclaimed Northern Broadsides company returns with their highly charged performance and charismatic cast of actors who take on the Euripedes classic in a new version by Tom Paulin. Alone and betrayed by a husband she sacrificed everything for, Medea unleashes a horrifying vengeance on her enemies, making both assassins and victims of her children. Visit www.everymanplayhouse.com or ring 0151 709 4776.

NOT IN MY NAME (The Brindley, High Street, Runcorn, February 23-27)

A BOLD and challenging play that allows young people to openly, safely and productively discuss issues around terrorism and extremism. The play realistically portrays the aftermath, community impact and personal consequences of a fictional terror attack as told from the perspective of a group of young characters. The production concludes with a structured interactive forum session that rewinds events of the play, and gives audiences an opportunity to discuss grievances and alternative courses of action. Visit www.thebrindley.org.uk or ring 0151 907 8360.

OPERA NORTH (The Lowry, Salford Quays, February 23-27)

OPERA North return to The Lowry with three productions. Puccini’s La Boheme can be seen on February 23 and 26; Gilbert & Sullivan’s Ruddigore is on February 24 and 27; and Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte on February 25. Visit www.thelowry.com or ring 0870 111 2000.

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.

I OUGHT TO BE IN PICTURES (Library Theatre, St Peter’s Square, Manchester, February 11-27)

TOUCHING, poignant and typically funny Neil Simon comedy drama. Hollywood screenwriter Herbert Tucker is down on his luck. Struggling with writer’s block, his career is on the skids. One day, his daughter Libby, an aspiring New York actress he abandoned nearly 20 years ago, turns up unannounced at his door. Visit www.librarytheatre.com or ring 0161 236 7110.

THE 39 STEPS (Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, February 22-27)

DIRECT from the West End, Broadway and 25 countries around the globe comes Alfred Hitchcock’s classic spy thriller, brilliantly and hilariously recreated as the smash-hit Olivier Award-winning Best New Comedy. This blissfully funny show follows the incredible adventures of our handsome hero Richard Hannay, complete with stiff-upper-lip, British gung-ho and pencil moustache as he encounters dastardly murders, double-crossing secret agents, and, of course, devastatingly beautiful women. Visit www.ambassadortickets.com/stoke or ring 0844 871 7649.

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.