Theatres - Starting This Week - October 27 onwards

Oct 22 2011 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

STARTING THIS WEEK

ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR (Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, November 1-5)

DAVID Essex, fresh from his acting success in EastEnders, returns to the stage and this hit musical based on his 70s album of the same name. The story of a fun fair owner and his rebellious teenage son is set against the backdrop of a vast array of Essex hits including Gonna Make You A Star, Hold Me Close and Rock On. Call 0844 372 7272 or visit www.manchesterpalace.org.uk.

DREAMBOATS AND PETTICOATS (The Lowry, Salford Quays, October 31-November 5)

THE million-selling album is now a West End smash hit musical. Relive the greatest time of your life with this rockin’ rollin’ musical inspired by the hit albums. In 1961 emotions run high as young musicians Norman and Bobby compete to win the hearts of their adoring female fans, especially the gorgeous Sue. Featuring a host of hit songs, including Let’s Dance, Only Sixteen, Three Steps To Heaven and Runaround Sue. Call 0843 208 6000 or visit www.thelowry.com.

FULL HOUSE (The Lowry, Salford Quays, November 3-5)

JOHN and Cherie have moved from the city high life to a country manor in deepest Shropshire but the dream has gone decidedly sour for Cherie, who wants to sell up and move on. The arrival of a hunky gardener brightens things up – but why is he really there? And why is the doddery aristocrat who sold them the house still living in the east wing? Mike Heath’s play is a blacker than black comedy about greed, hedge-fund managers and murder. Call 0843 208 6000 or visit www.thelowry.com.

GIRLS’ NIGHT IN (Lyceum Theatre, Heath Street, Crewe, October 27-29)

AFTER the success of Girls’ Night Out comes this fast-paced, farce-like comedy drama by Dave Simpson. Fiona is organising an Ann Summers party in her house on behalf of her friend Jan. Next door, Fiona’s long-suffering husband Robin has been coerced by the mums from the Ann Summers party into babysitting and organising a kids party. The evening ends in mayhem, chaos and broken relationships. Call 01270 537333 or visit www.lyceumtheatre.net.

HORRIBLE HISTORIES (Opera House, Quay Street, Manchester, November 1-5)

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 0844 372 7272 or visit www.manchesterpalace.org.uk.

THE LADYKILLERS (Playhouse Theatre, Liverpool, November 3-19)

A TRULY all-star cast has been assembled for this stage version of the classic 1955 Ealing comedy. Peter Capaldi, James Fleet and Ben Miller lead the way in this story of the eccentric little old lady Mrs Wilberforce, who lives alone with her parrots in a strange lopsided house in Kings Cross. Her life is turned upside down by the arrival of Professor Marcus and his four friends, who between them make up the most unlikely group of criminals. Call 0151 709 4776 or visit www.everymanplayhouse.com.

OF MICE AND MEN (Forum Studio Theatre, Hamilton Place, Chester, November 2-5)

STAGEWORKS present John Steinbeck’s mythic story of two opposities - the clever wiry George Milton and the lumbering, powerful Lennie Small. Steinbeck explores mysterious and haunting themes, largely piviting on the search for comfort, decency and comapnionship in a lonely, cruel world. Call 01244 341296 or visit www.chestertheatre.co.uk.

ROOTS (Emlyn Williams Theatre, Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold, October 27-November 19)

ARNOLD Wesker’s groundbreaking trilogy (which also includes Chicken Soup With Barley and I’m Talking About Jerusalem) were written on the cusp of the 60s and introduced a new radical voice on to the British stage. Beatle Bryant is home from London for a holiday, bursting with ideas, full of love and admiration for her bright Jewish boyfriend Ronnie and frustrated by her stolid, bickering farming family. This new production, directed by Kate Wasserberg, has been relocated to the Welsh Valleys. Call 0845 330 3565 or visit www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk.

WELSH NATIONAL OPERA (Venue Cymru, Llandudno, November 1-5)

THE WNO return with a production of The Barber of Seville by Rossini on November 3 and 5, Don Giovanni by Mozart on November 1 and 4 and Katya Kabanova by Janacek on November 2. Call 01492 872000 or visit www.venuecymru.co.uk.