Theatres - November 18 onwards

Sep 26 2011 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

STARTING THIS WEEK

ALL THE WAY HOME (The Lowry, Salford Quays, September 29-October 15)

MANCHESTER’S Library Theatre Company, in association with The Lowry, Salford Quays, presents the world premiere of Salford-born Ayub Khan-Din’s new work. The East is East writer has produced a gritty, modern-day tale about a disparate group of warring siblings who gather at their former family home, under the shadow of impending loss. Visit www.librarytheatre.com or call 0843 208 6005.

GODSPELL (Palace Theatre, Oxford Street, Manchester, September 29-October 8)

CELEBRATING 40 years since its Broadway debut, West End and Broadway singing sensation Kerry Ellis stars in this iconic concert of the smash-hit musical. Ring 0844 372 7272 or visit www.manchesterpalace.org.uk.

THE GOLDEN DRAGON (Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester, October 4-8)

AWARD-WINNING theatre company ATC returns to present this British premiere of Germany’s most lauded new play. The Golden Dragon is a typical local Asian restaurant creating a world where everyone is connected to everyone else. Roland Schimmelpfenning’s theatrical and funny fable reveals what really goes into that bowl of spicy soup. Ring 0161 833 9833 or visit www.royalexchange.co.uk.

GREASE (Palace Theatre, Oxford Street, Manchester, September 29-October 8)

DUST off your jackets, pull on your bobby socks and get ready for the most fun-filled, high-octane rock ’n’ roll party of the year, packed with famous songs such as Summer Nights, Greased Lightning and You’re The One That I Want. Ring 0844 372 7272 or visit www.manchesterpalace.org.uk.

HER BENNY (Pavilion Theatre, Rhyl, October 4-8)

DENBIGHSHIRE brother and sister Dewi and Erin Wykes have been cast as the production’s juvenile leads – coincidentally another brother and sister but this time Victorian street urchins Benny and Nell Bates. This is a rags-to-riches, feel-good family musical, following the fortunes of urchin Benny and his little sister Nell as they rely on courage and love to survive on the hard streets of Liverpool in the late 1800s. Call 01745 330000 or visit www.rhylpavilion.co.uk.

HUMBLE BOY (Forum Studio Theatre, Hamilton Place, Chester, October 5-7)

LIMELIGHT Productions present this moving play by Charlotte Jones. Felix Humble, bumbling Cambridge astrophysicist and cricket enthusiast, returns to the family home following the sudden death of his father. This touching comedy looks at broken vows, failed hopes and the joys of beekeeping. Call 01244 341296 or visit www.chestertheatre.co.uk.

JUST ONE DAY (The Lowry, Salford Quays, September 29-October 1)

HAPPY Collective Theatre present a play about sexual violence and the F-word. When Girl 29 is drug-raped, the friendship between Shona, Sheldon and Janet is stretched. This authentic and beautifully told account of female solidarity depicts women who refuse to be defined by victimhood and whose intelligence and wit are not decoration or bravado, but won through courage and love. Call 0843 208 6000 or visit www.thelowry.com.

NARCISSUS AND ECHO (The Lowry, Salford Quays, October 5-7)

THE classical Greek myth is transformed into an enchanting new chamber opera. The lonely and lovely Echo falls for Narcissus who has eyes only for his own reflection and their tragic love story is overseen by a chorus of wicked and witty nymphs. The production features music that draws on the baroque sounds of Purcell and Monteverdi. Call 0843 208 6000 or visit www.thelowry.com.

THE RESISTIBLE RISE OF ARTURO UI (Playhouse Theatre, Williamson Square, Liverpool, September 30-October 22)

IT’S 1930s Chicago and as the Great Depression hits the city’s fortunes, small time boss Arturo strikes a deal and makes a killing. Soon his shadow looms from the markets to the docks. But whether you’re with him or against him, you can’t ignore the resistible rise of Arturo Ui. Liverpool playwright Stephen Sharkey has produced a potent new translation of Bertolt Brecht’s shocking 1941 satire. Visit www.everymanplayhouse.com or call 0151 709 4776.

SISTER ACT (Opera House, Quay Street, Manchester, September 29-October 15)

FROM producers Whoopi Goldberg and Stage Entertainment (Hairspray, High School Musical) the smash hit musical comedy based on the classic film comes to the Opera House direct from its record-breaking run at the London Palladium. Ring 0844 372 7272 or visit www.manchesterpalace.org.uk.

SUNNY RHYL (Forum Studio Theatre, Hamilton Place, Chester, October 1)

AFTER playing to packed houses in March, this light comedy by local writer Paul Kelly returns to the Forum prior to a tour of venues in North Wales and the North West. Call 01244 341296 or visit www.chestertheatre.co.uk.