Theatres - Still Showing - November 3 onwards

Oct 29 2011 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

STILL SHOWING

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Don Giovanni by Mozart on November 4. Call 01492 872000 or visit www.venuecymru.co.uk.