Theatres - Still Showing - August 4 onwards

Aug 1 2011 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

STILL SHOWING

AS YOU LIKE IT (Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre, Chester, July 7-August 21)

THE second year of this Chester Performs-led outdoor theatre project gets under way with one of the Bard’s best-loved works. When Rosalind is banished by Duke Frederick, his daughter Celia runs away with her to the Forest of Arden where Rosalind’s father Duke Senior is in hiding. Orlando also escapes there from his dangerous brother Oliver. Rosalind and Orlando are already in love but in the forest Rosalind is disguised as a man. Full of great characters, beautiful words, singing, dancing and jokes, Shakespeare’s As You Like It shows a fragmented, bitter and broken world being remade into something completely different. Ring 0845 241 7876 or visit www.grosvenorparkopenairtheatre.co.uk.

AS YOU LIKE IT (Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester, June 29-August 6)

WHEN Rosalind is banished by Duke Frederick, his daughter Celia runs away with her to the Forest of Arden where Rosalind’s father Duke Senior is in hiding. Orlando also escapes there from his dangerous brother Oliver. Rosalind and Orlando are already in love but in the forest Rosalind is disguised as a man. Full of great characters, beautiful words, singing, dancing and jokes, Shakespeare’s As You Like It shows a fragmented, bitter and broken world being remade into something completely different. Ring 0161 833 9833 or visit www.royalexchange.co.uk.

DINNERLADIES (Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, August 1-6)

VICTORIA Wood’s hit BBC TV sitcom is brought to the stage in a world premiere UK tour starring Andrew Dunn and Sue Devaney from the original series. Follow the reluctant love story of Bren and Tony, egged on by Dolly, Jean. Twinkle and Anita. Visit www.ambassadortickets.com or ring 0844 871 7649.

DREAMBOATS AND PETTICOATS (Venue Cymru, Llandudno, August 1-6)

THE million-selling album is now a West End smash hit musical. Relive the greatest time of your life with this rockin’ rollin’ musical inspired by the hit albums. In 1961, emotions run high as talented young musicians Norman and Bobby compete to win the hearts of their adoring female fans - especially the gorgeous Sue. Featuring a host of hit songs including Let’s Dance, Only Sixteen, Three Steps To Heaven, Runaround Sue and many more. Visit www.venuecymru.co.uk or ring 01492 872000.

MERLIN AND THE WOODS OF TIME (Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre, Chester, July 14-August 19)

THE second production of this year’s Chester Performs-led outdoor theatre project is a specially commissioned work by Glyn Maxwell based on the famous Arthurian legends. It’s a perfect day in Camelot. Knights joust and the ladies show favour. Blood is spilt, love is declared and medieval pundits talk us through the action. But then a humble water carrier falls head over heels for an arrogant beauty and in his passion, stumbles on the secret of controlling time. Now the survival of the world is in his hands and only the wisdom of Merlin can save Old England from catastrophe. Ring 0845 241 7876 or visit www.grosvenorparkopenairtheatre.co.uk.

MR STINK (The Lowry, Salford Quays, August 2-14)

DAVID Walliams, star of Little Britain, has written the smelliest book of all time which now breaks new ground in this scratch ‘n’ sniff production. Chloe has no friends until she meets Mr Stink, the local tramp. When her mother starts campaigning to rid the streets of homeless people, Chloe must find Mr Stink a secret hiding place. But is there more to him than meets the nose? Call 0843 208 6000 or visit www.thelowry.com.