Theatres - Starting This Week - September 1 onwards

Aug 26 2011 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

STARTING THIS WEEK

ALL BECAUSE OF MOLLY (The Lowry, Salford Quays, September 1-3)

MAKING their debut at The Lowry prior to a North West tour, the critically acclaimed Organised Chaos presents a provocative play about the essence of friendship. Visit www.librarytheatre.com or call 0843 208 6005.

CALENDAR GIRLS (Venue Cymru, Llandudno, September 5-10)

AWARD-WINNING producers David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers have announced that 2011 will be the final tour of Tim Firth’s play before the amateur rights are released in 2012. The cast features Lynda Bellingham, Debbie Chazen, Camilla Dallerup, Jennifer Ellison, Jan Harvey, Rula Lenska, June Watson and Ruth Madoc with Bruno Langley as Lawrence the photographer and Joe McGann as John. Call 0844 847 2525 or visit www.liverpoolempire.org.uk.

DANCING SHOES – THE GEORGE BEST STORY (The Lowry, Salford Quays, September 5-10)

A MUSICAL telling of the turbulent and colourful life of one of the greatest footballers the world has ever seen. From his childhood days kicking a tennis ball against a gable wall in Belfast to a life in Manchester of fame, fortune and controversy, this story has it all. Combining the talents of two of Northern Ireland’s most popular playwrights, Marie Jones (Stones In His Pockets) and Martin Lynch (Chronicles of Long Kesh), with the superb song-writing talents of Glasgow’s JJ Gilmour and Belfast’s Pat Gribben, Dancing Shoes is packed with great characters, beautiful songs and trademark Belfast humour. Call 0843 208 6000 or visit www.thelowry.com.

THE DEBT COLLECTORS (New Vic Theatre, Etruria Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, September 7-10)

NEW comedy from John Godber, author of Bouncers, Up ‘n’ Under and Teechers!. Two out of work actors fall into the world of debt recovery in a comedy that mixes money and love with the love of money. It’s a role they despise but a job they were made for - and they’re desperate for cash. Call 01782 717962 or visit www.newvictheatre.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.

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

THE Centenary Theatre Company presents 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.

PATAGONIA - THE LONG JOURNEY (Anthony Hopkins Theatre, Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold, September 5)

THE rich shared culture of Wales and Patagonia is the inspiration for a new piece of theatre from the National Youth Theatre of Wales. Using historical and contemporary material, NYTW cast a new perspective on old ties through an exciting combination of physical theatre, music, soundscapes and new media. Call 0845 330 3565 or visit www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.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.

THE RISE AND FALL OF LITTLE VOICE (Anthony Hopkins Theatre, Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold, September 8-10)

NEW Hull Truck Theatre production of the award-winning play by Jim Cartwright, with a cast featuring former Emmerdale star Lisa Riley. Mari’s daughter Little Voice never leaves the house and stays in her room with only her record collection for company. But when her mother’s latest sleazy boyfriend discovers LV has a voice to die for, the big time beckons. Call 0845 330 3565 or visit www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.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 Jason Donovan as Captain Von Trapp. Call 0844 847 2484 or visit www.palaceandoperahouse.org.uk.

TARTUFFE (Playhouse Theatre, Williamson Square, Liverpool, September 8-17)

MOLIERE’S play returns to the Playhouse in its acclaimed adaptation from the city’s own legendary poet Roger McGough. Tartuffe is a beacon of piety and in the home of wealthy merchant Orgon, he has his feet firmly under the table. But all is not as it seems and as Orgon becomes more enraptured with his companion, the whole city is chattering. Is he a friend or a fraud? Visit www.everymanplayhouse.com or call 0151 709 4776.

TRANSLUNAR PARADISE (The Lowry, Salford Quays, September 8-10)

TRANSLUNAR Paradise - a place where time stands still. Stage Award winner (2009) and Total Theatre Award nominee (2010) Theatre Ad Infinitum invites you on a journey of life, death and enduring love. Returning from beyond the grave, Rose revisits her widowed companion to perform one last act of love: to help him let go. Visit www.librarytheatre.com or call 0843 208 6005.

WE WILL ROCK YOU (Empire Theatre in Lime Street, Liverpool, September 6-24)

THE Queen and Ben Elton musical has been crowned the UK’s favourite show at the recent Olivier awards. The touring cast features Noel Sullivan, Ian Reddington and Leon Lopez. The guitar-thrashing, leather clad musical, which is based on more than two dozen Queen songs with a script and direction by Ben Elton, has been one of the West End’s biggest attractions since it opened at London’s Dominion Theatre almost nine years ago. Call 0844 847 2525 or visit www.liverpoolempire.org.uk.