Theatres - Still Showing - November 24 onwards

Nov 18 2011 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

STILL SHOWING

ALICE IN WONDERLAND (New Vic Theatre, Etruria Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, November 19-January 21)

A MAGICAL new production of the classic Lewis Carroll story from the team that created Peter Pan last year. Join Alice as she journeys through a strange and enchanted world. Meet the White Rabbit, take tea with the Mad Hatter, search for the Cheshire Cat and hide from a very bad-tempered Queen. Call 01782 717962 or visit www.newvictheatre.org.uk.

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.

CALENDAR GIRLS (Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, November 21-26)

AWARD-WINNING producers David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers have announced that 2011 will be the final tour of Tim Firth’s play before the amateur rights are released in 2012. The cast features Lynda Bellingham, Debbie Chazen, Camilla Dallerup, Jennifer Ellison, Jan Harvey, Rula Lenska, June Watson and Ruth Madoc, with Bruno Langley as Lawrence the photographer and Joe McGann as John. Call 0844 847 2525 or visit www.liverpoolempire.org.uk.

DIRTY DANCING (Palace Theatre, Oxford Street, Manchester, November 22-January 7)

AN UNPRECEDENTED live experience, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance and sensationally sexy dancing. Don’t miss your chance to see this truly spectacular musical theatre event based on the hit movie starring Patrick Swayze. Ring 0844 372 7272 or visit www.manchesterpalace.org.uk.

MATTHEW BOURNE’S NUTCRACKER (Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, November 22-26)

THIS delicious theatrical feast has family sized helpings of Matthew Bourne’s trademark wit, pathos and magical fantasy. It follows Clara’s bittersweet journey from a hilariously bleak Christmas Eve at Dr. Dross’ Orphanage for waifs and strays, through a shimmering, ice-skating, winter wonderland to the scrumptious candy kingdom of Sweetieland. Tchaikovsky’s glorious score and Olivier award winning designer Anthony Ward’s unforgettable sets and costumes combine with sizzling choreography to create a fresh, hip and charmingly irreverent interpretation. Visit www.ambassadortickets.com or ring 0844 871 7649.

THE NUTCRACKER (Opera House, Quay Street, Manchester, November 22-26)

NORTHERN Ballet Theatre presents The Nutcracker, which brings to life everyone’s favourite Christmas story with their unique magic scattered throughout. Performed to Tchaikovsky’s enduring score. Ring 0844 372 7272 or visit www.manchesterpalace.org.uk.

THE SNOWMAN (The Lowry, Salford Quays, November 22-26)

WHEN a young boy’s snowman comes to life on Christmas Eve, the two set off on a nighttime adventure full of dancing penguins and reindeer. But will the Snowman escape the clutches of Jack Frost? Back after a sell-out run in 2008 and featuring the classic song Walking In The Air, Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s hugely popular production of The Snowman has thrilled audiences since 1993. Call 0843 208 6000 or visit www.thelowry.com.

SPEECHLESS (The Lowry, Salford Quays, November 22-26)

WINNER of a 2010 Fringe First Award, Shared Experience presents the astonishing story of identical twins, June and Jennifer Gibbons. Refusing to speak to adults, the twins communicate in a private language, their only relationship being the intense and turbulent bond with each other. Speechless is a powerful portrayal of the twins’ secret world and their struggle to find a voice against all odds. Speechless is directed and co-written by Shared Experience’s co-artistic director, Polly Teale. Call 0843 208 6000 or visit www.thelowry.com.