Theatres - Still Showing - September 8 onwards

Sep 2 2011 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

STILL SHOWING

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.

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.

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.