Theatres - Coming Soon - August 26 onwards

Aug 23 2010 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

COMING SOON

ANTHOLOGY (Everyman Theatre, Hope Street, Liverpool, September 28-October 30)

EACH night, the Everyman audience will be taken on a different adventure on stage, backstage, inside and outside, up and around Hope Street. Working with Slung Low, one of the UK’s mist groundbreaking theatre companies, writers including Lizzie Nunnery, Esther Wilson, Lawrence Wilson and Jeff Young have been creating seven new stories inspired by the city. But which story will you encounter, where will you see it and how will it be told? Visit the website: www.everymanplayhouse.com or ring 0151 709 4776.

ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA (Playhouse Theatre, Williamson Square, Liverpool, October 8-November 13)

SEX and The City star Kim Cattrall returns to her birth city or William Shakespeare’s story of two civilisations torn apart by the force of history’s most enduring love story. Jeffrey Kissoon co-stars in a production directed by the renowned actress end director Janet Suzman. Visit www.everymanplayhouse.com or ring 0151 709 4776.

ARCADIA (Library Theatre at The Lowry, Salford Quays, September 23-October 9)

THE Library Theatre’s first presentation at The Lowry during its temporary stay at the Salford Quays venue while a new home is built for the company in Manchester is Tom Stoppard’s acclaimed play. In 1812, a scandal rocked the Croom household in Derbyshire. A sexual liaison - possibly involving Lord Byron - apparently ended in a fatal duel. Two hundred years later, a pushy academic and a popular historian are trying to uncover the house’s true history. Visit www.librarytheatre.com or ring 0843 208 6010.

AWAKENINGS (The Lowry, Salford Quays, September 22-24)

RAMBERT Dance Company present their world premiere of Awakenings, inspired by Dr Oliver Sacks’ masterpiece, in the venue’s tenth anniversary year. Based on true life stories and inspired by Sacks’ book of the same name, made famous by the Hollywood movie starring Robert De Niro and Robin Williams, Awakenings presented Rambert Dance Company with a very interesting challenge. How do you create a dynamic dance work when ‘sleeping sickness’ lies at the heart of the story? Ring 0843 208 6010 or visit thelowry.com.

THE BLUES BROTHERS (Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, September 13-18)

THE legendary original tribute to The Blues Brothers returns. Featuring cast members from the original hit West End run, this show brings you all those amazing, classic moments. Jake and Elwood are joined by one of Europe’s finest seven piece bands and the sassy Bluettes, all performing such memorable songs as Everybody, Shake Ya Tail Feather, Sweet Home Chicago and Respect. Visit www.ambassadortickets.com or ring 0844 871 7649.

BRICK UP: THE WIRRAL STRIKES BACK (Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, September 7-15)

FROM the writer and producer of One Night In Istanbul, Tale of Two Chippy’s and the co-writer of the original Brick Up The Mersey Tunnels comes the all-new play from acclaimed playwright Nicky Allt. It is set after the Mersey tunnels have been bricked up and the Runcorn bridge blown up – leaving the Wirral stranded and isolated. Without any link to Liverpool, the Wirral peninsular and the “wirrilians” are forced to adapt to a new way of life. This Scouse free Wirral leads to a re-emergence of boatbuilding and high jinx on the river Mersey. Visit www.liverpoolempire.org.uk or ring 0844 847 2525.

CALENDAR GIRLS (Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, September 27-October 2)

CALENDAR Girls has been the fastest selling tour ever and has triumphed in the West End. Now, it’s coming to Liverpool for one week only. A group of ordinary women do something extraordinary and spark a global phenomenon when they persuade one another to pose for a charity calendar with a difference! Based on an inspiring true story, Calendar Girls is quirky, poignant and hilarious. The all-star cast includes Denise Black, Jean Boht, Jennifer Ellison, Julia Hills, Ruth Madoc, Elaine C Smith, Rachel Lumberg with Joe McGann as John and Bruno Langley as Lawrence the photographer.

Visit www.liverpoolempire.org.uk or ring 0844 847 2525.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Library Theatre at The Lowry, Salford Quays, December 3-January 8)

THE Library Theatre’s Christmas presentation at The Lowry during its temporary stay at the Salford Quays venue while a new home is built for the company in Manchester is David Holman’s adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic. The timeless story of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is directed by Rachel O’Riordan who directed Grimm Tales at The Library last Christmas. Visit www.librarytheatre.com or ring 0843 208 6010.

CIRQUE DE GLACE - EVOLUTION (Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, September 22-26)

IF THE creation of the world was shaped by fire and ice, then it all began with Cirque de Glace, an ice show beyond imagination. It brings to life the story of the creation of our planet, man’s evolution and a journey to the limits of technology as a stunning ice spectacular. Combining dazzling ice dance from the internationally renowned Russian Ice Stars with the world of cirque, made famous by Cirque de Soleil, Evolution promises a thrilling, breathtaking experience filled with music, colour, ibcredible costumes and jaw-dropping acrobatics. Visit www.ambassadortickets.com or ring 0844 871 7649.

DECLARATIONS (Playhouse Theatre, Williamson Square, Liverpool, September 15-16)

INTERNATIONALLY renowned dance company Phoenix Dance Theatre present the world premiere of four unique pieces of dance: Maybe Yes Maybe, Maybe No Maybe by Aletta Collins; Locked in Vertical by Isira Makuloluwe; The Audacious One by Warren Adams and Haunted Passages by Philip Taylor. Visit www.everymanplayhouse.com or ring 0151 709 4776.

DESIRE UNDER THE ELMS (New Vic Theatre, Etruria Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, September 24-October 9)

EUGENE O’Neill’s epic tale of ambition, love and passion in 19th century New England is a great American classic which confirmed the writer’s reputation as the “fathjer” of American drama. Ephraim Cabot and his three grown up sons lead a life of hard work and loneliness on the remote family farm. In his 70s, a widower who has worked two wives into early graves, he rules over his children with Old Testament harshness, incurring the hatred of his sons. But when the old man brings home a seductive new wife, half his age and twice as calculating, passions run high. Visit the website: www.newvictheatre.org.uk or ring 01782 717962.

A DOLL’S HOUSE (Library Theatre at The Lowry, Salford Quays, February 24-March 12)

THE Library Theatre continues its temporary stay at the Salford Quays venue while a new home is built for the company in Manchester with Henrik Ibsen’s classic 1879 play. Nora loves her husband above everything. But when she risks her reputation in order to save him, the consequences force her to examine her devotion and she finds herself struggling for her own life. Visit www.librarytheatre.com or ring 0843 208 6010.

DON’T TURN MY LIFE INTO A MUSICAL - THE MUSICAL (New Vic Theatre, Etruria Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, September 3-4)

AFTER the success of last year’s The Garden, New Vic Youth Theatre presents another premiere of a musical written by Sarah Nelson and James Atherton. Darkly funny and deeply moving, this extraordinary new musical features real life stories from a world in which the line between private and public is increasingly blurred. Visit the website: www.newvictheatre.org.uk or ring 01782 717962.

EVITA (The Lowry, Salford Quays, September 6-18)

FEATURING some of the most inspiring music ever written for the stage, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s extraordinary musical brings to life the dynamic persona of Eva Peron, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Peron. Songs include Don’t Cry For Me Argentina, Another Suitcase in Another Hall and Oh What A Circus. Visit www.thelowry.com or ring 0870 111 2000.

EXTRAVAGANZA ON ICE (The Brindley, High Street, Runcorn, September 13)

EXPERIENCE a new dimension in theatre entertainment, with sequins and feathers andŠice skaters. This is a dazzling new production bringing the breathtaking talent of a cast of international ice skaters to the theatre stage. It’s a unique show with stunning costumes and upbeat music has something for all the family. The show includes exciting performances and glamorous show girl feathers, 1950s swing, Celtic dancing onŠice and much more. Ring 0151 907 8360 or visit www.thebrindley.org.uk.

FIREMAN SAM (Parr Hall, Palmyra Square, Warrington, October 30)

JOIN Fireman Sam and all his friends as Pontypandy hosts its first ever music festival. With great new songs, daring new rescues and more adventures than ever before, this new show is fun for all the family. Ring 01925 442345 or visit www.pyramidparrhall.com.

THE GAME (Playhouse Theatre, Williamson Square, Liverpool, September 21-25)

LANCASHIRE 1913 - match day! Blackton Rovers are in need of money. Owner Austin Whitworth sells his star centre forward - local football hero Jack Metherell - to a rival club on the eve of a crucial match that could see Rovers relegated to the second division. Will honest Jack do Austin’s bidding when asked to throw the match? From the halcyon days of professional football where players were working class heroes comes a spirited comedy by Hobson’s Choice writer Harold Brghouse that combines broad northern humour with the passion and pride of two football families, brought to life by the always superb Northern Broadsides company. Visit www.everymanplayhouse.com or ring 0151 709 4776.

LOVE AND OTHER MAGIC TRICKS (The Lowry, Salford Quays, September 3-4)

PART love story, part magic show, this debut from standnotamazed brings to life a world where anything can happen. Visit www.thelowry.com or ring 0870 111 2000.

THE MIKADO (New Vic Theatre, Etruria Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, September 7-18)

DIRECTOR Chris Monks returns with his uproariously popular version of the Gilbert and Sullivan masterpiece. Local klutz Koko has managed to rise to the highest rank a citizen can attain - Lord High Executioner. He lists after Yum-Yum but she loves freewheeling Nanki-Poo. Prepare to be bowled over as Japan is swapped for the idyllic setting or

THE ODD COUPLE (The Brindley, High Street, Runcorn, September 7-11)

NEIL Simon's brilliant and highly popular comedy.ŠWhen one divorcedŠchap invites his newly separated friend to share his flat - and when one of them is a slob and the otherŠone is meticulous with a cleaning fetish - then mayhem ensues. Not only was this a huge hit film with WalterŠMatthauŠand Jack Lemmon, but it was also made into a long running television series. Ring 0151 907 8360 or visit www.thebrindley.org.uk.

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (Old Hall, Tatton Park, Knutsford, September 4)

ILLYRIA’S production of Jane Austen’s classic is the last of a summer season of open air theatre in the grounds of the atmospheric Old Hall. In a social whirlwind of balls, dinners and very eligible officers, Lizzie Bennett and Fitzwilliam Darcy stand alone as the only sane people – and they hate each other! Or do they? Can she see beyond his pride, and can he overcome her prejudice in order to achieve their mutual happiness? Bring a picnic and have a ball as the irrepressible Illyria sharpen their claws to bring you Jane Austen at her vibrant, pacy, bitchy best! Ring 01625 374400 or visit www.tattonpark.org.uk.

THE RISE AND FALL OF LITTLE VOICE (Forum Studio Theatre, Hamilton Place, Chester, September 9-18)

AMATEUR performance directed by Gail Young of Jim Cartwright’s funny yet moving play about a shy reclusive girl named Little Voice who lives with her larger than life mother. She spends most of her time locked in her room listening to her dead father’s record collection while delivering flawless impersonations of famous divas such as Judy Garland and Dusty Springfield. This play contains strong language. Ring 01244 341296 or visit www.chestertheatre.co.uk.

THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (Venue Cymru, Llandudno, September 20-25)

RICHARD O’Brien’s outrageous classic is continuing to thrust its way through the UK on an extensive national tour with Olivier Award winner David Bedella starring as the celebrated Frank ‘n’ Furter. Brush up on those pelvic thrusts, squeeze into that corset and slip back into those killer stilettos because the world’s favourite rock ‘n’ roll musical is back with a vengeance. Welsh TV and radio presenter Gethin Jones will be making a special guest appearance as the Narrator. Ring 01492 872000 or visit www.venuecymru.co.uk.

THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, October 4-9)

RICHARD O’Brien’s outrageous classic is continuing to thrust its way through the UK on an extensive national tour with Olivier Award winner David Bedella starring as the celebrated Frank ‘n’ Furter. Brush up on those pelvic thrusts, squeeze into that corset and slip back into those killer stilettos because the world’s favourite rock ‘n’ roll musical is back with a vengeance. Visit www.liverpoolempire.org.uk or ring 0844 847 2525.

SLEEPING BEAUTY (Everyman Theatre, Hope Street, Liverpool, November 26-January 22)

THE traditional annual Everyman rock ‘n’ roll panto this year takes on the famous tale of the beautiful princess who is cursed at birth by an evil witch and can only be saved by a brave handsome prince. Sarah Nixon teams up with director Mark Chatterton to combine classic songs with the timeless tale. Visit the website: www.everymanplayhouse.com or ring 0151 709 4776.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC (Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, October 12-30)

THIS lavish and critically acclaimed production, direct from the London Palladium, tells the story of the Von Trapp family's flight across the mountains and works it's magic once again, for young and old alike. Its unforgettable score includes some of the most memorable songs ever performed on the musical stage including My Favourite Things, Do-Re-Mi, Climb Ev'ry Mountain, The Lonely Goatherd, and of course the glorious title song. Returning to the role of Maria is Connie Fisher who is expected to perform at all performances excluding Monday evenings, October 13 matinee, October 20 and 27 evenings. Visit www.liverpoolempire.org.uk or ring 0844 847 2525.

TELL ME ON A SUNDAY (Venue Cymru, Llandudno, September 7)

A RARE opportunity to see the definitive version of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Don Black’s classic musical. With a wonderful original score, featuring the chart topping song Take That Look Off Your Face, it is now remodeled for Claire Sweeney for 2010 with an exclusive new song, I Still Believe in Love. The show charts the romantic misadventures of a young English girl in New York. Brimming with optimism, she seeks success and love. But as she weaves her way through the maze of the city and her own anxieties, frustrations and heartaches she begins to wonder whether she's been looking for love in all the wrong places. Visit www.venuecymru.co.uk or ring 01492 872000.

THAT’LL BE THE DAY (Lyceum Theatre, Heath Street, Crewe, October 6-7)

THE legendary That’ll Be The Day - the UK’s most successful touring rock ‘n’ roll production - returns with a special 25th Anniversary show. Trevor, Gary and the gang return with the show’s ‘greatest hits’ featuring the most popular feel-good comedy routines and favourite hits from the 1950s, 60s and 70s which have been performed in the show over the last 25 years. Ring 01270 537333 or visit www.lyceumtheatre.net.

‘TIS PITY SHE’S A WHORE (Everyman Theatre, Hope Street, Liverpool, September 16-October 30)

AFTER the death of her mother, Annabella is left to face adolescence alone. When her elder brother Giovanni returns home, he propels them both into a dangerous world of sexual transgression and youthful revolt. Together they crash through the boundaries of what can be said, what can be read, what to believe and who you can love. First unleashed in 1633, John Ford’s play is one of the most shocking and powerful theatre stories of all time. Visit www.everymanplayhouse.com or ring 0151 709 4776.