Theatres - Starting This Week - December 15 onwards

Dec 11 2011 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

STARTING THIS WEEK

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.

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.

WHITE CHRISTMAS (Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, December 22-January 7)

SPECTACULAR stage musical, featuring the music of Irving Berlin, based on the classic 1954 movie. Singer, actor, radio and TV presenter Aled Jones will return to the role of Bob Wallace, a character he first played to great acclaim at The Lowry. The international dance star of stage and screen Adam Cooper (Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake, Billy Elliott as well as On Your Toes and Guys and Dolls in London’s West End) joins Aled in returning to the role of Phil Davis, the other half of the song and dance duo. Call 0844 847 2525 or visit www.liverpoolempire.org.uk.