Theatres - Starting This Week - December 2 onwards

Nov 29 2010 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

STARTING THIS WEEK

ALICE (LIPA, Paul McCartney Auditorium, Mount Street, Liverpool, December 2-4)

USING Lewis Carroll’s novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland as their inspiration, dance, music and design students collaborate to present an engaging and creative take on the much-loved story. The production, which also draws from the Looking Glass sequel, sets out to capture the same subtly dark surrealism that has enchanted readers since 1865. Performed by final year dance and music students. Ring 0844 873 2888 or visit www.lipa.ac.uk.

ALADDIN (Lyceum Theatre, Heath Street, Crewe, December 1-January 2)

IMAGINE Theatre present this year’s traditional family panto at the Lyceum with an all-star cast that includes Tachia Newall from Waterloo Road as the Genie of the Lamp, Ayesha Gwiltt, also from Waterloo Road, as the Spirit of the Ring and Katie Sheridan of Genie in the House fame as Princess Baldroubador. The production also features Leon Craig as Widow Twankey. Ring 01270 537333 or visit www.lyceumtheatre.net.

ALADDIN (William Aston Hall, Glyndwr University, Wrexham, December 9-January 2)

FORMER Blue Peter presenter Tim Vincent tops the bill of Wrexham’s traditional family panto which also stars Hayley Clarke, a finalist from ITV’s Grease is the Word. The story follows the fortunes of Aladdin, a poor boy who battles the wicked Abanazar to thwart his plot to rule the world. Visit www.glyndwr.ac.uk/events or ring 01978 293293.

BURNT (The Brindley, High Street, Runcorn, December 3)

THE limits of love and friendship are tested during a reunion at a beautiful and remote location in Conor McKee’s play. Tensions erupt that force a group of friends to re-examine who they are and what they mean to each other. Games are played, pasts are unlocked and bonds could be destroyed in this brooding comic drama about the secret bargain at the heart of every relationship. This new drama features an original score, which will be performed live by international composer Michael Cretu. Stay around for the music and to meet the writer and actors in an intimate Question and Answer session. This haunting and provocative take on contemporary life is brimming with razor sharp dialogue and keen observation. Ring 0151 907 8360 or visit www.thebrindley.org.uk.

A CHILD’S CHRISTMAS IN WALES (Emlyn Williams Theatre, Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold, December 9-January 8)

CLASSIC Christmas story from Dylan Thomas which has become a favourite festive tradition. Outside, in the snow, there are adventures with friends - Jim, Dan and Jack, postmen with presents, a fire at Mrs Prothero’s and all the seasonal rituals of the town. Dylan Thomas’ poignant evocation of distant Christmases in the seaside town of his youth captures the essence of enchantment of the most magical time of the year. Visit www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk or ring 0845 330 3565.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Library Theatre at The Lowry, Salford Quays, December 3-January 8)

THE Library Theatre’s Christmas presentation at The Lowry during its temporary stay at the Salford Quays venue while a new home is built for the company in Manchester is David Holman’s adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic. The timeless story of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is directed by Rachel O’Riordan who directed Grimm Tales at The Library last Christmas. Visit www.librarytheatre.com or ring 0843 208 6010.

GISELLE (The Brindley, High Street, Runcorn, December 3)

AWARD winning company Independent Ballet Wales present a breathtaking version of one of the most famous ballets of all time. Featuring the original stunning score by Adolphe Adam, atmospheric costumes and sets, and the remarkable dancers of the company. Ring 0151 907 8360 or visit www.thebrindley.org.uk.

NO WISE MEN (Playhouse Theatre, Williamson Square, Liverpool, December 2-January 15)

WHAT would you do for the perfect Christmas? Reality and the ridiculous collide in an enchanting festive adventure whisking you between Marrakech and Liverpool, Victorian England and the present day, as presented by Peepolykus. This is the extraordinary tale of a reckless man who risks everything one Christmas Eve after accepting an irresistible offer from a sparkly eyed stranger. Suitable for ages 8+. Visit www.everymanplayhouse.com or ring 0151 709 4776.

PETER PAN (The Lowry, Salford Quays, December 8-January 1)

LET your dreams take flight with a thrilling musical journey to Neverland as JM Barrie’s classic tale is magically brought to life in this spectacular re-staging of the Tony Award winning Broadway musical. The all-star cast will have audiences hooked this Christmas as Thomas Law (EastEnders) makes his stage début as Peter Pan; Brian Capron (Coronation Street) stars as Captain Hook and Manchester-born TV favourite John Henshaw plays Smee. Stunning scenery, show stopping performances, swashbuckling sword fights and breathtaking flying, all accompanied by soaring music played by a 13-piece live band, make this the North West’s must-see seasonal family treat. Visit www.thelowry.com or ring 0843 208 6000.

ROBINSON CRUSOE & THE CARIBBEAN PIRATES (Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, December 9-January 9)

JONATHAN Wilkes and Jennifer Ellison star in this spectacular swashbuckling pantomime adventure. Robinson Crusoe finds himself marooned on a paradise island. Will the evil Captain Cutlass and his gang of pirates beat him to the treasure? Will Dame Dolly Dumpling and her beautiful daughter Polly survive the storm that shipwrecks them? Visit www.ambassadortickets.com or ring 0844 871 7649.

SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS (Opera House, Quay Street, Manchester, December 3-January 2)

STARRING Coronation Street's Tina O'Brien and Emmerdale's Andy Devine. Mirror, mirror on the wall – which is the most spectacular panto of them all? Brought to you by the same producers as the smash-hit Aladdin, Snow White will feature a fantastic cast, an hilarious script, sparkling sets, lavish costumes, romance, comedy and bags of audience participation. Ring 0844 372 7272 or visit www.manchesterpalace.org.uk.

WE WILL ROCK YOU (Palace Theatre, Oxford Street, Manchester, December 3-January 15)

THE smash hit Queen and Ben Elton musical is heading back to Manchester with a cast featuring Noel Sullivan, Ian Reddington and Leon Lopez. Writer Ben Elton has fashioned a hilarious futurist comedy around more than 24 of Queen’s biggest hit songs delivered in a show that boasts the scale and spectacle that marked Queen’s live performances. Ring 0844 372 7272 or visit www.manchesterpalace.org.uk.