Theatres - Still Showing - September 29 onwards

Sep 26 2011 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

STILL SHOWING

DREAMBOATS & PETTICOATS (Empire Theatre in Lime Street, Liverpool, September 26-October 1)

INSPIRED by the albums Dreamboats and Petticoats, this musical will give you the greatest time of your life taking you back to a time when each passing week brought another classic track. Featuring songs from Roy Orbison, The Shadows, Eddie Cochran, Billy Fury, Chuck Berry and many more. In 1961 emotions run high as talented young musicians Norman and Bobby compete to win the hearts of their adoring female fans and more importantly, the gorgeous Laura. But when Laura shows that she’s no slouch with the guitar, rock ‘n’ roll fame beckons. Call 0844 847 2525 or visit www.liverpoolempire.org.uk.

EDWARD II (Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester, September 7-October 8)

ON ASCENSION to the English throne, Edward II calls back his beloved ally Piers Gaveston. But when their close relationship throws the court and Edward’s marriage into disarray, it threatens to destabilise an entire country. The inventive creative team behind last year’s production of Doctor Faustus, led by director Toby Frow, reunite for this fast-paced thriller by Christopher Marlowe, which will have your allegiances shifting in a night of gripping theatre. Ring 0161 833 9833 or visit www.royalexchange.co.uk.

LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL (Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, September 20-October 1)

THE award-winning Broadway sensation created by a top-of-the-class creative team. This all-singing, all-dancing, feel-good musical comedy, based on the hit film starring Reese Witherspoon, will be the highlight of your year. This touring productions features West End star Dave Willetts as Callaghan, Neil Ring from Hollyoaks as Warner and newcomer Faye Brooks as Elle. Call 0844 871 7649.

THE PITMEN PAINTERS (Anthony Hopkins Theatre, Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold, September 26-October 1)

BILL Kenwright presents Billy Elliott creator Lee Hall’s award-winning play. In 1934, a group of Ashington miners hired a professor to teach an art appreciation evening class. Rapidly abandoning theory in favour of practice, the pitmen began to paint. Within a few years, the most avant-garde artists became their friends and their work was acquired by prestigious collections. But every day they continued to work down the mine. Call 0845 330 3565 or visit www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk.

TAKING STEPS (Emlyn Williams Theatre, Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold, September 22-October 15)

HARD-drinking bucket tycoon Roland Crabbe is about to buy a house - a reputedly haunted former brothel - from devious builder Leslie Bainbridge. But with his wife Elizabeth planning to walk out on him, his brother’s fiancee hiding in the attic and befuddled solicitor Tristram getting into all the wrong beds, mayhem reigns. Set on three floors of a draughty manor house over the course of a frantic 24 hours, this is a riotous comedy from one of the UK’s finest writers, Alan Ayckbourn. Call 0845 330 3565 or visit www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk.

THRASHER (Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester, September 28-October 1)

ONCE lost, can faith, friendship and love ever be recovered? A beautifully sharp drama about betrayal and lost innocence. A gripping story laced with genuine warmth and vicious comedy. Six people spiral toward destruction over one night in Manchester. Written by acclaimed new playwright Conor McKee. Ring 0161 833 9833 or visit www.royalexchange.co.uk.

TOP HAT (The Lowry, Salford Quays, September 27-October 8)

TOM Chambers and Summer Strallen star in Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers’ legendary 1930s Hollywood hit, which comes to the stage for the first time. Chambers (Strictly Come Dancing, Holby City) plays Jerry Travers, the famous American tap dancer who arrives in London to appear in his first West End show. Travers meets the irresistible Dale Tremont, played by Summer Strallen (Love Never Dies, The Sound of Music, Hollyoaks), and follows her across Europe in an attempt to win her heart with his wonderful song and dance routines. With beautiful sets, lavish costumes, sensational dancing and such classics as Cheek to Cheek, Let’s Face The Music And Dance and Top Hat, this stunning new musical comedy is sure to sweep you off your feet. Call 0843 208 6000 or visit www.thelowry.com.