Theatres - Still Showing - September 22 onwards

Sep 16 2011 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

STILL SHOWING

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 HISTORY BOYS (Forum Studio Theatre, Hamilton Place, Chester, September 15-24)

AN UNRULY bunch of bright, funny sixth form boys pursue sex, sport and a place at university in Alan Bennett’s glorious comedy where staffroom rivalry exists alongside the anarchy of adolescence. Call 01244 341296 or visit www.chestertheatre.co.uk.

LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL (Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, September 20-October 1)

THE award-winning Broadway sensation created by a top-of-the-class creative team. This all-singing, all-dancing, feel-good musical comedy, based on the hit film starring Reese Witherspoon, will be the highlight of your year. This touring productions features West End star Dave Willetts as Callaghan, Neil Ring from Hollyoaks as Warner and newcomer Faye Brooks as Elle. Call 0844 871 7649.

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.

RAMBERT DANCE COMPANY (The Lowry, Salford Quays, September 21-23)

IN 2011, THE award-winning Rambert Dance Company celebrates 85 years at the heart of British dance, and returns to its partner theatre, The Lowry, with a new programme. This includes the world première of artistic director Mark Baldwin’s Seven for a secret, never to be told, inspired by the music of Ravel. The programme also features Siobhan Davies’ award-winning The Art of Touch plus the return of Itzik Galili’s multi-coloured samba-inspired A Linha Curva. All three works feature music played live music by the Rambert Orchestra. Call 0843 208 6000 or visit www.thelowry.com.

SEASON’S GREETINGS (Anthony Hopkins Theatre, Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold, September 19-24)

BILL Kenwright presents a new production of Alan Ayckbourn’s hilarious hit comedy. It’s Christmas at Belinda and Neville’s house, a time for family and friends to come together. Take one frustrated wife, add a seductive stranger, two eccentric uncles and a mechanical monkey and watch the hilarity unfold. A cast full of fam,iliar TV faces includes Christopher Timothy, Glynis Barber, Ricky Groves and Denis Lill. Call 0845 330 3565 or visit www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk.

WE ARE THREE SISTERS (The Lowry, Salford Quays, September 20-24)

AGAINST the backdrop of a dark, remote northern town, three remarkable young women live their lives brightly. Haworth 1840s, in a gloomy parsonage where there are neither curtains nor comforts, Charlotte, Anne and Emily Brontë light up their world with outspoken wit, aspirations, dreams and ideas. Anyone who has read a Brontë novel cannot fail to be stirred by their overwhelming humanity, charged emotion and brooding and prescient unease with the status quo. With exquisitely drawn characterisations, a nod to Chekhov and a touch of poetic license, this pearl of a play - written by Blake Morrison and presented by Northern Broadsides - evokes with piercing clarity the life and distinct personalities of these three spirited individuals. Call 0843 208 6000 or visit www.thelowry.com.

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.