Theatres - Still Showing - September 15 onwards

Sep 11 2011 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

STILL SHOWING

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.