Theatres - Still Showing - November 17 onwards

Nov 12 2011 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

STILL SHOWING

BEAUTIFUL THING (Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester, November 9-December 3)

STE needs a refuge from his own factured family, so Sandra next door encourages him to ‘top-and-tail' with her own son Jamie. Together they both find comedy, warmth and the music of Mama Cass. At turns tough and tender, the play combines fantasy and reality to truly capture what it is to be 16, in the first flush of love and full of optimism. This is a major revival of Jonathan Harvey's seminal play, directed by Sarah Frankcom. Ring 0161 833 9833 or visit www.royalexchange.co.uk.

DEATH BY FATAL MURDER (Lyceum Theatre, Heath Street, Crewe, 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 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.

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.

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.

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.