Theatres - Starting This Week - September 8 onwards

Sep 2 2011 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

STARTING THIS WEEK

BLOOD BROTHERS (Pavilion Theatre, Rhyl, September 12-17)

WRITTEN by Willy Russell, the legendary show tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with tragic consequences. The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True. The cast is headed by Niki Evans as Mrs Johnstone. Call 01745 330000 or visit www.rhylpavilion.co.uk.

CANDOCO DANCE COMPANY (The Lowry, Salford Quays, September 14)

CELEBRATE Candoco’s anniversary with three bold and unexpected commissions. From 1983, we have playful choreography and contagious music in the re-staging project, Set and Reset/ Reset by Trisha Brown Dance Company in collaboration with Candoco. Confronting us with the present is French choreographer Rachid Ouramdane, revealing private portraits of life in an atmospheric, visually striking work. Meanwhile Matthias Sperling’s lighthearted solo is an intimate encounter, showing us what the future might hold. Call 0843 208 6000 or visit www.thelowry.com.

CARMEN (New Vic Theatre, Etruria Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, September 7-10)

CHRIS Monks adapts and directs this new version of the most passionate of all operas featuring all of Georges Bizet’s music and a witty English libretto. In the world of a rundown shopping mall, shoplifting, fights and checking out the talent are ways for the workers to fend off boredom. And drop-dead gorgeous Carmen is right at the centre and not afraid to shake things up. Call 01782 717962 or visit www.newvictheatre.org.uk.

DAS RHEINGOLD (The Lowry, Salford Quays, September 10)

GODS, giants and dwarves quarrelling over riches, theft, unrequited love, revenge and the consequences of deceit – Das Rheingold creates a vivid world, from the opening vision of the Rhine’s rippling waters to the triumphant ascent to Valhalla, through a monumental musical experience. Conducted by acclaimed music director Richard Farnes, Opera North’s first Ring Cycle brings a wealth of international talent and prestige to the stage. Call 0843 208 6000 or visit www.thelowry.com.

HORRIBLE HISTORIES (Floral Pavilion, New Brighton, Wirral, September 13-17)

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 0151 666 0000 or visit www.floralpavilion.com.

MARLENE (New Vic Theatre, Etruria Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, September 15-22)

PARIS, the 1970s. Legendary screen and stage actress Marlene Dietrich, now in her 70s, is preparing for that evening’s solo performance. In the twilight years of her career and acutely aware of her celebrity status, Merlene is as fierce as ever. But backstage we glimpse the nerves, the pressue and the need for applause. Pam Gems’ play is a moving celebration of the woman behind the myth. Call 01782 717962 or visit www.newvictheatre.org.uk.

MURDER ON AIR (Anthony Hopkins Theatre, Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold, September 12-17)

THREE gripping original radio thrillers from the Queen of Crime Agatha Christie, starring Kate O’Mara and Roy Marsden and presented by the critically acclaimed Agatha Christie Theatre Company. The stories will be read in an authentic studio setting with live sound effects, in the style of their original BBC broadcasts. Call 0845 330 3565 or visit www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk.

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.

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. Call 0843 208 6000 or visit www.thelowry.com.