Theatres - Starting This Week - December 8 onwards

Dec 3 2011 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

STARTING THIS WEEK

ALADDIN (Venue Cymru, Llandudno, December 10-31)

PANTOMIME at Venue Cymru in Llandudno will enter another dimension this year as international television personality Jason Gardiner from Dancing On Ice makes his pantomime debut, as the evil Abanazar. Joining Jason on stage will be panto funny man John Evans as he heads back to Llandudno for his fifth year as the loveable Wishee Washee. Call 01492 872000 or visit www.venuecymru.co.uk.

ALADDIN (Floral Pavilion, New Brighton, Wirral, December 10-January 2)

FAMILIAR faces are all set to line up for the panto season in Wirral. Kelsey-Beth Crossley, who is best known as Scarlett Nicholls in ITV’s Emmerdale, plays the title role alongside Andrew Agnew from Balamory as Wishee Washee and Brookside veteran Dean Sullivan as Abanazar. The show will have lavish scenery, spectacular dance routines as well as laughs for all the family headed up by a cast that will appeal to every generation. Call 0151 666 0000 or visit www.floralpavilion.com.

ALADDIN (Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, December 15-January 15)

TV STAR Joe Swash is the new leading man for the Regent’s panto this year. He shot to fame in 2003 playing the part of Mickey Miller in Eastenders and in 2008, he was crowned King of the Jungle when he won ITV's I'm a Celebrity? Get Me Out of Here! . Featuring the most recognisable characters in panto, including our hero Aladdin, the beautiful princess, the evil sorcerer, and the ultimate dame - Widow Twankey. Visit www.ambassadortickets.com or ring 0844 871 7649.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL (The Brindley, Runcorn, December 15)

FROM celebrated production company, Brother Wolf, and five-time award-winning actor/writer, James Hyland, comes a unique one-man show. Told from the perspective of Scrooge’s deceased business partner, this critically acclaimed theatrical adaptation promises thrills, chills and excitement aplenty for all age groups. Jacob Marley is dead and condemned to an eternity of carrying a heavy chain, forged in life; a life to which he can no longer return except to recount the tale of his miserly business partner, Ebenezer Scrooge, and the path that lead to his redemption. Through Marley’s words, we learn how three magical spirits opened Scrooge’s eyes and made him realise the true value of love and forgiveness. Call 0151 907 8360 or visit www.thebrindley.org.uk.

CINDERELLA (The Brindley, Runcorn, December 9-January 8)

BROOKSIDE stars Sarah White and Philip Oliver team up for The Brindley’s panto this season. Philip is Buttons and Sarah The Wicked Stepmother in this classic show full of the fun and games you would expect from panto. Call 0151 907 8360 or visit www.thebrindley.org.uk.

GOOD MOURNING MRS BROWN (Empire Theatre in Lime Street, Liverpool, December 12-17)

FOLLOWING the success of TV comedy series Mrs Brown’s Boys on BBC One, Brendan O’Carroll returns to the Liverpool stage. This is the second of the Mrs Brown Trilogy of plays (although there’s actually five) and is written by and stars Brendan O’Carroll as Mrs Agnes Brown. Call 0844 847 2525 or visit www.liverpoolempire.org.uk.

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK (Forum Studio Theatre, Hamitlon Place, Chester, December 10-30)

CHESTER'S number one traditional family pantomime is back as Tip Top Productions stage their most lavish panto yet with a multitude of silly jokes, custard pies, great song and dance routines, a comedy cow and not to mention Dame Trott displaying outrageous frock after frock and maybe even some audience participation as our hero Jack encounters the evil Fleshcreep and attempts to free the lovely Jill from the Giant's clutches! Visit www.chestertheatre.co.uk or call 01244 341296.

RED RIDING HOOD (Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester, December 14-31)

A GORGEOUSLY rendered re-telling of the classic girl-and-the-wolf tale. The story that everyone knows...or do they? In an abridged re-telling of the children's classic, Horse+Bamboo present an enchanting version of the timeless girl-meets-wolf tale. Exquisite visuals blend with pantomime-style silliness and spooky moments to create an enchanting piece of theatre for all ages over four. Ring 0161 833 9833 or visit www.royalexchange.co.uk.

SCROOGE (The Lowry, Salford Quays, December 12-January 7)

FAMILY favourite Tommy Steele will be taking up residence this Christmas 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 0843 208 6000 or visit www.thelowry.com.

SINDERFELLA (Dance House, Manchester, December 15-January 7)

A WICKED adult twist on the classic pantomime, Sinderfella mixes bawdy cross dressing and feel good party anthems to kick start Christmas with a bang. The actress scheduled to play Cinderella for the night hasn’t turned up so it’s left to Fairy Godmother Lillian (Shameless’s Alice Barry) to conjure up a plan. Call 0161 832 111 or visit www.thedancehouse.co.uk.

SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS (Pavilion Theatre, Rhyl, December 9-January 7)

FEW people in the world haven’t heard the tale of the charming young princess who is nearly killed by her evil stepmother – the Wicked Queen, but is helped by a group of seven lovable characters. This year’s pantomime stars Tupele Dorgu, best known for her role as Kelly Crabtree in Coronation Street , as the Wicked Queen, Channel 5’s Milkshake presenter Amy Thompson as Snow White and, back by popular demand, the hilarious Andy Jones star of our 2010 pantomime Peter Pan as Muddles. Call 01745 330000 or visit www.rhylpavilion.co.uk.