Theatres - Still Showing - October 27 onwards

Oct 22 2011 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

STILL SHOWING

ANIMAL FARM (Anthony Hopkins Theatre, Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold, October 13-November 5)

GEORGE Orwell’s famous story is one of the great 20th century novels. An allegory on the Russian Revolution and the Soviet government which followed, it remains a brilliant satire on political power and its abuse. The impact of the story is such that it is still banned in totalitarian regimes throughout the world, including China and North Korea. This vibrant stage adaptation by Peter Hall is directed by Tim Baker. Call 0845 330 3565 or visit www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk.

GOOD (Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester, October 12-November 5)

1930S GERMANY. Professor Halder is struggling with an elderly mother, a needy wife and the increasing tendency to hear beautiful music in unexpected places. A good man, he finds himself increasingly caught up in the Nazi propaganda machine. CP Taylor’s play is a shifting, moving exploration of how personal morality can be twisted, and drawn to a sinister and diabolical cause. Ring 0161 833 9833 or visit www.royalexchange.co.uk.

LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL (Opera House, Quay Street, Manchester, October 18-29)

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

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH (New Vic Theatre, Etruria Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, October 18-November 5)

ALAN Ayckbourn’s cautionary tale of the dangers of taking the law into your own hands is his 75th play. This is the world premiere production which will eventually have a New York run. Things are not right on The Bluebell Hill Development. Theft, petty crime, vandalism, all the ills of modern suburban existence are on the increase. Newcomers Martin and his sister Hilda are the crime wave’s latest victims and resolve to take action. Call 01782 717962 or visit www.newvictheatre.org.uk.

A PLAY, A PIE AND A PINT (Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester, October 19-November 5)

AFTER the success of Love, Love, Love and Come To Where I’m From, Paines Plough return to the Exchange with three world premieres by the UK’s hottest playwrights:

Dig by Katie Douglas (October 19-22); You Cannot Go Forward From Where You Are Right Now by David Watson (October 26-29); and Young Osama by Leo Butler (November 2-5). Each of these 45-minute plays have a side order of a tasty pie and refreshing pint thrown in. Ring 0161 833 9833 or visit www.royalexchange.co.uk.

SLAVA’S SNOWSHOW (The Lowry, Salford Quays, October 26-30)

A GLOBAL phenomenon, this award winning theatrical experience has wowed audiences across the world. Slava and his ensemble of clowns use water, cobwebs, bubbles and dry ice with dazzling effect, culminating in a blinding, heart-stopping snowstorm, engulfing the awestruck audience. Call 0843 208 6000 or visit www.thelowry.com.

SOUTH PACIFIC (Palace Theatre, Oxford Street, Manchester, October 25-November 5)

THIS breathtaking and lavish Lincoln Center Theater production reinvented the classic Rodgers & Hammerstein show, swept the 2008 Tony Awards, played to sold-out houses on Broadway and was televised across America. Ring 0844 372 7272 or visit www.manchesterpalace.org.uk.

THE SWALLOWING DARK (Playhouse Theatre, Williamson Square, Liverpool, October 20-29)

CANAAN and his son have come a long way to escape the horrors of Zimbabwe under Mugabe. But when Martha asks him to revisit his darkest memories, he’s forced to fight for their lives a second time. Performed in the intimacy of the reopened Playhouse Studio, this world premiere of Lizzie Nunnery’s psychological thriller combines devastating power with the telling of a good story. Visit www.everymanplayhouse.com or call 0151 709 4776.