STARTING THIS WEEK
THE ACE OF CLUBS (Harlequin Theatre, Queen Street, Northwich, November 7-9)
VALE Royal Musical Theatre presents this classic work by Noel Coward. A light-hearted show set in a 1949 London nightclub with romance, gangsters, a lost diamond necklace and mixed up packages. Call 01606 553339.
CISSIE AND ADA - AN HYSTERICAL RECTOMY (Lyceum Theatre, Heath Street, Crewe, November 4)
CISSIE and Ada, the immortal comic characters created by the late, great Les Dawson, aided and abetted by Roy Barraclough, grace the theatre stage for the first time in this hilarious new play. Written by playwright Graham Warrener in collaboration with original Cissie and Ada scriptwriter Terry Ravenscroft, Cissie and Ada revisits the story and the culture behind the side-splitting sketches and that of BBC Light Entertainment in the 80s as well as bringing Dawson and Barraclough’s comedy genius back to life. Two former Coronation Street favourites Eric Potts (Diggory) and Steven Arnold (Ashley) join Steve Nallon (famous for his Mrs Thatcher impersonation live and on seminal satirical TV show Spitting Image) and actress Natasha Magigi are directed by John Jackson Almond. Call 01270 368242 or visit www.crewelyceum.co.uk.
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED) (The Brindley, High Street, Runcorn, November 7)
AN IRREVERENT, fast-paced romp through the Bard’s plays, the Reduced Shakespeare Company’s original show was London’s longest-running comedy having clocked a very palpable nine years in London’s West End at the Criterion Theatre! Now revised for 2013, join these madcap men in tights as they weave their wicked way through all of Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories and Tragedies in one wild ride that will leave you breathless and helpless with laughter. Written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield. Directed by Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor. Call 0151 907 8360 or visit www.thebrindley.org.uk.
COPENHAGEN (Emlyn Williams Theatre, Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold, October 31-November 23)
A TENSE thriller based on a real event at the height of the Second World War. The German physicist, Werner Heisenberg, is now working for the Nazi Government, so why should Niels Bohr, his close friend and colleague, trust him anymore? In 1941 these two great scientists meet for a brief moment in Copenhagen. Everything they say is fraught with great personal danger, but crucially has the capacity to change the course of the conflict that ravages Europe. They fail to understand guarded language or to trust one another's motives and part disastrously. Michael Frayn’s play reconstructs what went wrong at that meeting and its consequences for world history. Directed by Emma Lucia, following her successful productions of Educating Rita by Willy Russell and God of Carnage by Yasmina Reza at Clwyd Theatr Cymru. Call 0845 330 3565 or visit www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk.
80S MANIA (Lyceum Theatre, Heath Street, Crewe, November 1)
80S MANIA brings to the stage 25 chart-topping pop icons authentically recreated with a live band and awesome dancers. Hear more than 35 chart-topping smash hits from your favourite 80s bands including Duran Duran, The Human League, Culture Club, Madonna, Wham!, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Bananarama, Dead or Alive, Madness and many more! Call 01270 368242 or visit www.crewelyceum.co.uk.
ERIC AND LITTLE ERN (Anthony Hopkins Theatre, Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold, November 5-8)
THIS affectionate, moving and fantastically funny homage to the greatest comedy double act that Britain has ever seen vividly brings back warm memories of a bygone era. Recreating some of the finest moments of Eric and Ernie’s television and stage performances, cherished moments from the archives sit alongside new material created by the performers. Together they make a brilliant comedy that recreates the all-ages appeal of Morecambe and Wise in their heyday. Creators and performers Ian Ashpitel and Jonty Stephens are seasoned stage and TV actors with a wide range of credits from Shakespeare’s Globe to Lead Balloon, while director Owen Lewis most recently staged solo shows for Suggs, Mrs Moneypenny and Hardeep Singh Kohli; previous stage credits include the West End and international hit Pete and Dud: Come Again. Call 0845 330 3565 or visit www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk.
ESSENCE OF IRELAND (Lyceum Theatre, Heath Street, Crewe, November 6)
SET against the backdrop of Ireland, England and America in the 20th century and inspired by true events, Essence of Ireland tells a story of love, joy, happiness and heartache endured by Cora McGowan and Sean Dempsey as they are separated by emigration from each other and their beloved Ireland. This moving story told through music, song and dance is a celebration of all things Irish and will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions giving audiences a unique Irish experience. St Patrick’s Day is celebrated once a year throughout the world, but in Essence of Ireland it is celebrated every show! Featuring original choreography and music, together with Irish classics such as Galway Girl, Irish Rover, Song for Ireland, Danny Boy, Carrickfergus and Ireland’s Call. Call 01270 368242 or visit www.crewelyceum.co.uk.
MAKE (Axis Dance, Axis Arts Centre, MMU Cheshire, Crewe Green Road, Crewe, November 7)
WITH an extensive training in dance and a background in painting, Florence Peake’s performance practice uses drawing, painting and sculpture materials combined with found, appropriated and fabricated objects placed in relationship to the moving body. Site and audience, live and recorded text, wit and humour are key to her work. Make takes an irreverent look at how sculpture is created, displayed and maintained. playing with the traditional reverence towards and god-like status of the artist/sculptor as author. A task force of female performers build and then dismantle a monolithic structure through a series of choreographed actions that ritualise, parody and unveil the often hidden labour of art-making. Call 0161 247 5302 or visit www.axisartscentre.org.uk.
NUMBER 1, THE PLAZA (Axis Theatre, Axis Arts Centre, MMU Cheshire, Crewe Green Road, Crewe, November 5)
A COSY, sprawling duplex with some classic features, mainly unspoilt. Extremely spacious lounge (with music) - plenty of room to swing a cat. Gorgeous floor coverings, immaculate apart from one huge stain. Beautiful rear facing aspect. Secure locks. In their new theatre piece, acclaimed performance company Getinthebackofthevan are clawing their way back to a time they’ve heard was fresher than now. They’ve spent all day cleaning, they’ve taken the phone off the hook and the trash out to the garden to dump next to the broken glass. This follows the company’s huge success with Big Hits in 2012. Call 0161 247 5302 or visit www.axisartscentre.org.uk.
THE NUTCRACKER (Lyceum Theatre, Heath Street, Crewe, November 2)
AFTER last year’s success the Russian Ballett and Opera House are back with a classic ballet for the whole family. Join us for an unforgettable journey in the run up to Christmas and be part as the magic unfolds. Call 01270 368242 or visit www.crewelyceum.co.uk.
ONE NIGHT OF ELVIS (The Brindley, High Street, Runcorn, November 1)
THERE are Elvis Presley tribute artists and then there’s Lee Memphis King. In this new show for 2013, Europe’s most successful Elvis Presley tribute artist celebrates the entire career of the musical legend. This spectacular show begins with an authentic recreation of the 1950s rock’n’roll years, progressing through the movie years to Elvis’s return to performing in his ’68 comeback special. The second half culminates in a rousing expo of Elvis’s years performing in Vegas. He is accompanied throughout by his world class band and backing. The show also features large screen projection, making it the biggest Elvis show to tour UK theatres. Call 0151 907 8360 or visit www.thebrindley.org.uk.
POSTMAN PAT - LIVE (Lyceum Theatre, Heath Street, Crewe, November 3)
IT’S the day of the reendale karaoke talent show and a top talent scout will be on the lookout for a rising star. Postman Pat has a new karaoke machine to deliver for the show – but when the machine breaks down it looks as if the talent show might be in jeopardy. Can Pat save the day? Which of your favourite characters will take part? And who has a ‘golden’ voice. Come and find out! With songs, laughs and audience participation, together with brand-new scenery and costumes, Postman Pat Live is the must see show for 3-6 year olds this year. Call 01270 368242 or visit www.crewelyceum.co.uk.
REMEMBER REMEMBER (The Brindley, High Street, Runcorn, November 2)
A RED hood, a glass slipper, two little elves and a big bad wolf. In a world of forbidden stories and forgotten fairytales. Can you help put the pieces back together and perhaps discover a story of your own? A magical, interactive experience, combining original music, animation and play. Enter the world under the watchful eye of the Grand Master Timekeeper and play your part in this exciting adventure. Suitable for 4-7-year-olds. Call 0151 907 8360 or visit www.thebrindley.org.uk.
12 DEGREES NORTH DANCE COMPANY AND GUESTS (Pyramid, Palmyra Square, Warrington, November 7)
12 DEGREES North, the fresh and dynamic North West graduate dance company, premieres a new work by talented and award winning choreographer James Wilton. His dance is daring, spectacularly physical. Emma Lansley presents her trio Talking to Mia and Butch, a quirky dance theatre piece with a light twist, focussing on the complex lives of three socially awkward individuals. With music by Kate Bush and a hint of lemons, this is humorous and heart-warming dance. A dazzling display of super-physical dance theatre from North West artists. Company Boom (Warrington Collegiate) present Potion (Stage 1) a work in progress that explores separate and individual compositional methods that merge together generating birth to new opportunities. Call 01925 442345 or visit www.pyramidparrhall.com.
STILL SHOWING
AGATHA CHRISTIE’S GO BACK FOR MURDER (Floral Pavilion, New Brighton, Wirral, October 28-November 2)
NOW in its eighth year, the Agatha Christie Theatre Company presents a thrilling production of the Queen of crime’s classic. Carla Le Marchant learns a disturbing family secret; her mother, Caroline Crale, died in prison after being convicted for poisoning her father. Caroline leaves an intriguing legacy in the form of a letter professing her innocence and, believing this to be true, Carla is determined to clear her mother’s name. Enlisting the help of Justin Fogg; the son of her mother’s defence lawyer, Carla searches out all the players from her tragic history and brings them back to the scene of the crime to uncover the truth. Suspects, secrets, and red herrings abound in this thrilling new production. A classic ‘whodunit’ packed with intrigue, murder and suspense from the pen of the great Dame Agatha Christie. Call 0151 666 0000 or visit www.floralpavilion.com.
SEASON’S GREETINGS (Anthony Hopkins Theatre, Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold, October 3-November 2)
IT'S Christmas Eve in the Bunker household. Neville and Belinda are hosting the festivities and family and friends are gathering to eat, drink and make merry. Grouchy Uncle Harvey is settled in front of the TV. Bernard is more concerned with his amateur puppet show while his wife Phyllis causes mayhem in the kitchen as she prepares dinner. Season's Greetings is an uncompromising portrait of a traditional family Christmas in which culinary disasters, drunkenness, neglected wives, infidelity under the tree and an amorous Santa create a sparking bittersweet comedy and a riotously funny take on the festive season. Alan Ayckbourn is one of our greatest dramatists. His plays include Taking Steps and A Small Family Business which were recent hit productions at Clwyd Theatr Cymru. Directed by award-winning director Tim Baker whose successful productions at Clwyd Theatr Cymru include Rape of the Fair Country, To Kill A Mockingbird and his own adaptation of the children's novel Sky Hawk. Call 0845 330 3565 or visit www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk.
WICKED (Palace Theatre, Oxford Street, Manchester, September 12-November 16)
THE global musical phenomenon that has been casting its spell over audiences across the world for nearly a decade, flies into Manchester for a strictly limited run. Wicked tells the incredible story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two girls who first meet as sorcery students. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfil their destinies as Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West. Former West End cast members Nikki Davis-Jones, Emily Tierney and George Ure will all join the cast as Elphaba, Glinda and Boq respectively. Call 0844 372 7272 or visit www.manchesterpalace.org.uk.
COMING SOON
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Anthony Hopkins Theatre, Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold, November 29-January 25)
THE Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto is seasonal entertainment with all the trimmings – jokes, slapstick and lashings of audience participation – spiced with classic hit songs, all played by our multi-talented cast of actor/musicians. Prince Promising is crowned the country’s largest King. But the festivities are interrupted when a Wicked Witch, turns our handsome hero into a horrible Beast. To reverse his fate the Beast must win the heart of Beauty and take her hand in marriage. But can she ever really love him? Will a magic mirror help to break the curse? Or must the handsome Prince remain a Beast forever? Meanwhile, back in Wales, is the hapless Peacock Beauregarde about to succumb to the charms of Dame Bronwen Bigbreaths? Call 0845 330 3565 or visit www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk.
CABARET NOIR (Little Theatre, Gloucester Street, Newtown, Chester, November 30)
CABARET Noir invites you to an evening in the Weimar Republic. A 1930s inspired selection of cabaret songs, comedy sketches, satire and burlesque. Featuring songs from the show Cabaret, plus others from Kurt Weill and Brecht, Marlene Dietrich, and the satirical songs of Tom Leherer among others. Get dressed up and come along for a night of Weimar glamour and quirkiness. Visit www.ticketsource.co.uk or call 07764 318416.
THE CRUCIBLE (University of Chester Church of England Academy, Whitby Road, Ellesmere Port, November 8-9)
ELLESMERE Port community based drama group Stage Fright is staging this production of the classic Arthur Miller play, based on the true events that took place in 1692 in Salem, Massachusetts, in America. Many innocent people were hung as a result of false accusations of witchcraft, and this production will depict the untruth, fear, and growing panic caused by the girls of Salem. From the staunch beliefs of Judge Danforth, who is called upon to bring truth and order, to the end of the play which surrounds John and Elizabeth Proctor as they struggle to forgive each other for their human weaknesses. Call www.seetickets.com.
MAC//BETH (Emlyn Williams Theatre, Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold, December 3-4)
THIS is a production for those who yearn for something a bit different - something which hails from the European tradition of dance/theatre. Shakespeare’s play is cut to the core. Mererid Hopwood’s new Welsh translation weaves in and out of Shakespeare’s text; Polish and Hebrew pepper the mix. Set against a haunting new score for string quartet and performed by a virile ensemble who bring an exhilarating physical power to these familiar characters, Shakespeare’s words inspire dance, and dance illuminates the text : Lord and Lady Macbeth dance with the devil and plummet from grace. Call 0845 330 3565 or visit www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk.
MANSFIELD PARK (Anthony Hopkins Theatre, Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold, November 12-16)
CATCH this spellbinding adaptation of Jane Austen’s captivating novel. Written by Tim Luscombe, whose other acclaimed Austen adaptations include Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, and directed by Colin Blumenau, Mansfield Park is a must-see for lovers of Jane Austen, and indeed all classic drama, from the country’s last remaining Regency Theatre. Call 0845 330 3565 or visit www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk.
PARTICLE VELOCITY (Anthony Hopkins Theatre, Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold, November 9)
FOLLOWING the success of 2012’s Crossing Points, Phoenix Dance Theatre return to Clwyd Theatr Cymru with a bill that is alive with music and sound. Set to a specially commissioned score, Phoenix artistic director Sharon Watson’s Repetition of Change uses movement to unravel our genetic code, taking the audience on a volatile journey through the fascinating world of DNA. Specialising in explosive, powerful dance, Douglas Thorpe’s Tender Crazy Love is a blistering duet that features his trademark raw, visceral choreography. Ki by Jose Agudo is a ferocious solo inspired by the fearsome Mongol warlord Genghis Khan that fills the stage with physical dance. Completing the bill is All Alight, celebrated choreographer Richard Alston’s first work for Phoenix. Featuring the full company, this elegant piece is danced to Ravel’s moving Sonata for Violin and Cello. The score for Repetition of Change, Forms Entangled, Shapes Collided by Kenneth Hesketh, was commissioned with funding from the RPS Drummond Fund for Phoenix and Psappha. Call 0845 330 3565 or visit www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk.
A REGULAR LITTLE HOUDINI (Anthony Hopkins Theatre, Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold, November 26-27)
HOUDINI toured Britain twice. Both times, he had run in’s with the police in Newport. An unusual young boy, obsessed with Houdini, growing up in Newport’s booming docklands, seeks to emulate Houdini’s commitment to his art and takes us through eight years of Britain’s biggest industrial growth, in the pursuit of amazement! World premiere of a new one-man show written and performed by Clwyd Theatr Cymru regular, Daniel Llewelyn-Williams. Directed by Joshua Richards (fringe first winner and winner of best of the festival award for Playing Burton and Rosebud). Call 0845 330 3565 or visit www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk.
