Theatres - Starting This Week - November 10 onwards

Nov 6 2011 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

STARTING THIS WEEK

DEATH BY FATAL MURDER (Lyceum Theatre, Heath Street, Crwe, November 15-19)

FAMILIAR TV faces including Leslie Grantham from EastEnders, Michelle Hardwick from The Royal and former Doctor Who companion Katy Manning star in this comedy thriller by Peter Gordon. Call 01270 537333 or visit www.lyceumtheatre.net.

THE LONELY CLOUDS OF GUERNICA (The Lowry, Salford Quays, November 10-12)

THE final part of Come As You Arts Northwest's sell-out hit anti-war trilogy, this moving and funny love story ponders why Tony Blair and George W Bush wanted Pablo Picasso's haunting anti-war masterpiece, Guernica, covered at the UN when it was needed most. Call 0843 208 6000 or visit www.thelowry.com.

MADAMA BUTTERFLY (The Lowry, Salford Quays, November 16-19)

ONE of the world’s best-loved operas, Madama Butterfly is the deeply touching story of a young woman whose innocent love is rewarded only with betrayal. Puccini’s masterpiece contains universally popular music, including the Humming Chorus and One Fine Day. This exquisite production by Opera North sets one of opera’s most heartbreaking love stories in the context of the culture clash between East and West, and combines beauty with unflinching emotional honesty. Call 0843 208 6000 or visit www.thelowry.com.

RUDDIGORE (The Lowry, Salford Quays, November 15-17)

WHEN mild-mannered Robin Oakapple is revealed as the villainous Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd, inheritor of the curse of Ruddigore (he must commit a crime a day), his chances with the prim Rose Maybud look doomed. This marvellously entertaining take by Opera North on Gilbert & Sullivan’s topsy-turvy burlesque of Victorian melodrama was a smash hit in 2010 and is now back due to popular demand. Call 0843 208 6000 or visit www.thelowry.com.

SCROOGE (Venue Cymru, Llandudno, November 14-19)

FAMILY favourite Tommy Steele stars in Bill Kenwright’s record-breaking production of the famous festive musical by Lionel Bart. No holiday season would be complete without Ebenezer, Bob Cratchit, the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future, and of course Tiny Tim. This heartwarming family story has stunning sets and costumes, specially created illusions by magician Paul Kieve and a fantastic musical score which features the Oscar nominated hit Thank You Very Much. Call 01492 872000 or visit www.venuecymru.co.uk.

TURN OF THE SCREW (Little Theatre, Gloucester Street, Chester, November 12-19)

CHESTER Theatre Club presents this chilling ghost story from acclaimed writer Henry James. Miss Grey, a young governess, arrives at Bly to take charge of little Flora and her brother Miles, two orphaned children. Soon she begins to see strange figures - a man and a woman. They seem to be the former valet and governess but Miss Grey learns that both people are dead. Why have their spirits returned? Call 01244 322674 or visit www.chestertheatreclub.co.uk.