Theatres - Coming Soon - July 28 onwards

Jul 24 2011 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

COMING SOON

ALADDIN (Venue Cymru, Llandudno, December 10-31)

PANTOMIME at Venue Cymru in Llandudno will enter another dimension this year as international television personality Jason Gardiner from Dancing On Ice makes his pantomime debut, as the evil Abanazar. Joining Jason on stage will be panto funny man John Evans as he heads back to Llandudno for his fifth year as the loveable Wishee Washee. Call 01492 872000 or visit www.venuecymru.co.uk.

ALEGRIA (MEN Arena, Manchester, April 4-7)

CIRQUE du Soleil brings its critically-acclaimed production Alegría to UK arenas for the first time. Alegría is a Spanish word that means happiness, joy and jubilation and features an international cast of 55 performers and musicians from 17 countries and showcases breathtaking acrobatics. Call 0844 847 8000 or visit men-arena.com.

ALL THE WAY HOME (The Lowry, Salford Quays, September 29-October 15)

MANCHESTER’S Library Theatre Company in association with The Lowry, Salford Quays will present the world premiere of Salford-born Ayub Khan-Din’s new work. The East is East writer has produced a gritty, modern day tale about a disparate group of warring siblings who gather at their former family home, under the shadow of impending loss. Visit www.librarytheatre.com or call 0843 208 6005.

ANNIE (Palace Theatre, Oxford Street, Manchester, November 8-12)

FROM its Broadway beginnings to the classic film musical, this heart-warming rags-to-riches story of Annie’s adventures, from the New York orphanage to the luxurious home of Oliver Warbucks. A great show for all the family. Ring 0844 372 7272 or visit www.manchesterpalace.org.uk.

BOUNCERS (Forum Studio Theatre, Hamilton Place, Chester, August 18-20)

BURSTING with imagination and wit, John Godber’s comedy is an outrageous and hilarious parody of the disco scene. The four brutish bouncers of the title portray more than 20 different characters as we are invited for a night out on the town. Ring 01244 341296 or visit www.chestertheatre.co.uk.

CINDERELLA (Opera House, Quay Street, Manchester, December 3-31)

LOUIE Spence, star of Sky TV’s Pineapple Dance Studios and Louie Spence’s Showbusiness, will play the Prince’s aide-de-camp Dandini while singer and actress Suzanne Shaw will take the title role of Cinderella. The most magical fairy tale of them all provides everything audiences will expect from a traditional pantomime – stunning sets, lavish costumes, amazing song and dance numbers, romance, bags of audiences participation. Ring 0844 372 7272 or visit www.manchesterpalace.org.uk.

CINDERELLA (The Brindley, Runcorn, December 9-January 8)

BROOKSIDE stars Sarah White and Philip Oliver team up for The Brindley’s panto this season. Philip is Buttons and Sarah The Wicked Stepmother in this classic show full of the funa and games you would expect from panto. Call 0151 907 8360 or visit www.thebrindley.org.uk.

EDWARD II (Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester, September 7-October 8)

ON ASCENSION to the English throne, Edward II calls back his beloved ally Piers Gaveston. But when their close relationship throws the court and Edward's marriage into disarray, it threatens to destabilise an entire country. The inventive creative team behind last year's production of Doctor Faustus, led by director Toby Frow, reunite for this fast-paced thriller by Christopher Marlowe, which will have your allegiances shifting in a night of gripping theatre. Ring 0161 833 9833 or visit www.royalexchange.co.uk.

GODSPELL (Palace Theatre, Oxford Street, Manchester, September 29-October 8)

CELEBRATING 40 years since its Broadway debut, West End and Broadway singing sensation Kerry Ellis stars in this iconic concert of the smash-hit musical. Ring 0844 372 7272 or visit www.manchesterpalace.org.uk.

THE GOLDEN DRAGON (Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester, October 4-8)

THE award-winning theatre company ATC return to present this British premiere of Germany's most lauded new play. The Golden Dragon is a typical local Asian restaurant creating a world where everyone is connected to everyone else. Roland Schimmelpfenning's theatrical and funny fable reveals what really goes into that bowl of spicy soup. Ring 0161 833 9833 or visit www.royalexchange.co.uk.

GOOD (Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester, October 12-November 5)

1930S GERMANY. Professor Halder is struggling with an elderly mother, a needy wife and the increasing tendancy to hear beautiful music in unexpected places. A good man, he finds himself increasingly caught up in the Nazi propaganda machine. CP Taylor’s play is a shifting, moving exploration of how personal morality can be twisted, and drawn to a sinister and diabolical cause. Ring 0161 833 9833 or visit www.royalexchange.co.uk.

GREASE (Palace Theatre, Oxford Street, Manchester, September 29-October 8)

DUST off your jackets, pull on your bobby-socks and get ready for the most fun filled, high octane rock 'n' roll party of the year, packed with famous songs such as Summer Nights, Greased Lightning and You’re The One That I Want. Ring 0844 372 7272 or visit www.manchesterpalace.org.uk.

HER BENNY (Pavilion Theatre, Rhyl, October 4-8)

DENBIGHSHIRE brother and sister Dewi and Erin Wykes have been cast as the production’s juvenile leads - coincidentally another brother and sister but this time Victorian street urchins Benny and Nell Bates. This is a rags to riches, feel good, family musical, following the fortunes of urchin Benny and his little sister Nell, as they rely on courage and love to survive on the hard streets of Liverpool in the late 1800s. Call 01745 330000 or visit www.rhylpavilion.co.uk.

HORRIBLE HISTORIES (Opera House, Quay Street, Manchester, November 1-5)

WE ALL want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! So it’s time to prepare yourselves for the return of Horrible Histories live on stage with two shows: The Ruthless Romans and The Awful Egyptians. Ring 0844 372 7272 or visit www.manchesterpalace.org.uk.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST (The Brindley, High Street, Runcorn, September 6-10)

THE Centenary Theatre Company present this popular comedy in which gentlemen maintain fictitious personas in order to escape burdensome obligations. Its high farce and witty dialogue have helped make it Oscar Wilde’s most enduring popular play. Ring 0151 907 8360 or visit www.thebrindley.org.uk.

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (Opera House, Quay Street, Manchester, August 16-21)

HAVING enjoyed sensational reviews, Bill Kenwright’s production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sparkling family musical continues to enjoy huge success across the country with standing ovations at every performance. Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph, his 11 brothers and the coat of many colours, this magical musical is full of unforgettable songs including Any Dream Will Do, Close Ev’ry Door and One More Angel. Ring 0844 372 7272 or visit www.manchesterpalace.org.uk.

THE LADYKILLERS (Playhouse Theatre, Liverpool, November 3-19)

A TRULY all-star cast has been assembled for this stage version of the classic 1955 Ealing comedy. Peter Capaldi, James Fleet and Ben Miller lead the way in this story of the eccentric little old lady Mrs Wilberforce who lives alone with her parrots in a strange lopsided house in King’s Cross. Her life is turned upside down by the arrival of Professor Marcus and his four friends, who between them make up the most unlikely group of criminals. Call 0151 709 4776 or visit www.everymanplayhouse.com.

LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL (Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, September 20-October 1)

THE award-winning Broadway sensation created by a top-of-their-class creative team. This all singing, all dancing, feel good musical comedy, based on the hit film starring Reese Witherspoon, will be the highlight of your year. This touring productions features West End star Dave Willetts as Callaghan, Neil Ring from Hollyoaks as Warner and newcomer Faye Brooks as Elle. 0844 372 7272 or visit www.manchesterpalace.org.uk.

LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL (Opera House, Quay Street, Manchester, October 18-29)

THE award-winning Broadway sensation created by a top-of-their-class creative team. This all singing, all dancing, feel good musical comedy, based on the hit film starring Reese Witherspoon, will be the highlight of your year. This touring productions features West End star Dave Willetts as Callaghan, Neil Ring from Hollyoaks as Warner and newcomer Faye Brooks as Elle. 0844 372 7272 or visit www.manchesterpalace.org.uk.

THE NUTCRACKER (Opera House, Quay Street, Manchester, November 22-26)

NORTHERN Ballet Theatre present The Nutcracker which brings to life everyone's favourite Christmas story with their unique magic scattered throughout. Performed to Tchaikovsky's enduring score. Ring 0844 372 7272 or visit www.manchesterpalace.org.uk.

THE PROPOSAL (The Lowry, Salford Quays, September 1-3)

AS PETE prepares to propose to his girlfriend, a web of lies, deceit and misunderstanding is unveiled in this exploration of love, friendship and lust presented by Fiddy West Productions. Call 0843 208 6000 or visit www.thelowry.com.

ROARY THE RACING CAR (Empire Theatre in Lime Street, Liverpool, August 6)

THE number one little race car zooms into theatres for the first time. It’s the day of the Champion of Champions race at Silver Hatch and Roary is all set to battle it out with Maxi, Cici and all the other cars to win the race. Farmer Green has created some new biofuel to make sure this race is the fastest and greenest ever. But Flash has his eyes on that fuel for his skateboard and Big Chris seems more interested in baking a pizza than preparing cars for the race. Call 0844 847 2525 or visit www.liverpoolempire.org.uk.

ROARY THE RACING CAR (Venue Cymru, Llandudno, August 7)

THE number one little race car zooms into theatres for the first time. It’s the day of the Champion of Champions race at Silver Hatch and Roary is all set to battle it out with Maxi, Cici and all the other cars to win the race. Farmer Green has created some new biofuel to make sure this race is the fastest and greenest ever. But Flash has his eyes on that fuel for his skateboard and Big Chris seems more interested in baking a pizza than preparing cars for the race. Visit www.venuecymru.co.uk or ring 01492 872000.

SINDERFELLA (Dance House, Manchester, December 15-January 7)

A WICKED adult twist on the classic pantomime, Sinderfella mixes bawdy cross dressing and feel good party anthems to kick start Christmas with a bang. The actress scheduled to play Cinderella for the night hasn't turned up so it’s left to Fairy Godmother Lillian (Shameless’s Alice Barry) to conjure up a plan. Call 0161 832 111 or visit www.thedancehouse.co.uk.

SISTER ACT (Opera House, Quay Street, Manchester, September 29-October 15)

FROM producers Whoopi Goldberg and Stage Entertainment (Hairspray, High School Musical) the smash hit musical comedy based on the classic film comes to the Opera House direct from its record breaking run at the London Palladium. Ring 0844 372 7272 or visit www.manchesterpalace.org.uk.

SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS (Pavilion Theatre, Rhyl, December 9-January 7)

FEW people in the world haven’t heard the tale of the charming young princess who is nearly killed by her evil stepmother – the Wicked Queen, but is helped by a group of seven lovable characters. This year’s pantomime stars Tupele Dorgu, best known for her role as Kelly Crabtree in Coronation Street , as the Wicked Queen, Channel 5’s Milkshake presenter Amy Thompson as Snow White and, back by popular demand, the hilarious Andy Jones star of our 2010 pantomime Peter Pan as Muddles. Call 01745 330000 or visit www.rhylpavilion.co.uk.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC (Palace Theatre, Oxford Street, Manchester, September 6-17)

THIS lavish and critically acclaimed production of the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical tells the uplifting true story of the Von Trapp family’s flight across the mountains and works its magic once again, for young and old alike. Memorable songs come thick and fast as we follow the fortunes of feisty nun Maria and the impact she has on the Von Trapp children. Starring Connie Fisher and Jason Donovan. Call 0844 847 2484 or visit www.palaceandoperahouse.org.uk.

SOUTH PACIFIC (Palace Theatre, Oxford Street, Manchester, October 25-November 5)

THIS breathtaking and lavish Lincoln Center Theater production reinvented the classic Rodgers & Hammerstein show, swept the 2008 Tony Awards, played to sold-out houses on Broadway, and was televised across America. Ring 0844 372 7272 or visit www.manchesterpalace.org.uk.

THRASHER (Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester, September 28-October 1)

ONCE lost, can faith, friendship and love ever be recovered? A beautifully sharp drama about betrayal and lost innocence. A gripping story laced with genuine warmth and vicious comedy. Six people spiral towards destruction over one night in Manchester. Written by acclaimed new playwright Conor McKee, Thrasher is a beautifully sharp new drama. Ring 0161 833 9833 or visit www.royalexchange.co.uk.

THE WOMAN WHO COOKED HER HUSBAND (Forum Studio Theatre, Hamilton Place, Chester, August 11-13)

KENNETH and Hilary have been married for nearly 20 years when he begins an affair with another woman. At first, Laura seems to be everything he could dream of but there’s a problem - she can’t cook. With jealousy and betrayal on the menu, Hilary invites them round for a dinner they’ll never forget. Tip Top Productions present Debbie Isitt’s hit comedy which contains scenes of a sexual nature and strong language. Ring 01244 341296 or visit www.chestertheatre.co.uk.

WONDERFUL TOWN (Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester, March 31-April 14, 2012)

FOR the first time, The Royal Exchange Theatre, The Hallé Orchestra and The Lowry will combine their artistic forces and present this remarkable fully staged, brilliantly choreographed production of the legendary composer Leonard Bernstein’s musical comedy. Connie Fisher plays aspiring writer Ruth Sherwood who arrives in New York with her beautiful younger sister Eileen. The indomitable pair meet an array of colourful characters along the way, creating chaos at every turn in their search for romance, success and a free meal at Walgreens deli. Ring 0161 833 9833 or visit www.royalexchange.co.uk.