Theatres - Still Showing - March 1 onwards

Feb 25 2012 Chester Chronicle

STILL SHOWING

AS YOU LIKE IT (Anthony Hopkins Theatre, Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold, February 9-March 10)

THE wonderful Hedydd Dylan - so memorable in The Taming of the Shrew at Clwyd last year - returns for another Shakespearean comedy directed by Terry Hands. When Rosalind is banished by Duke Frederick his daughter Celia runs away with her to the Forest of Arden, where Rosalind’s father, Duke Senior, is in hiding. Orlando also escapes there from his dangerous brother Oliver. Rosalind and Orlando are already in love but in the forest Rosalind is disguised as a man. Call 0845 330 3565 or visit www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk.

THE DAUGHTER-IN-LAW (The Lowry, Salford Quays, February 23-March 10)

MINER Luther Gascoigne and socially ambitious Minnie are newly wed. Luther’s mother disapproves - in her view, Minnie’s pretensions make her an unsuitable match. A shocking revelation from Luther’s past provokes a rich drama of sexual tension and class conflict set during the bitter 1912 miners’ strike, written by DH Lawrence and presented by the Library Theatre Company. Visit www.librarytheatre.com or call 0843 208 6005.

FAWLTY TOWERS (Forum Studio Theatre, Hamilton Place, Chester, February 23-March 3)

TIP Top Productions presents the stage version of one of Britain's best loved TV comedies which comprises three classic episodes from the iconic series - Communication Problems, The Hotel Inspector and The Germans. Join Basil, Sybil, Polly, Manuel and the Major plus a host of other memorable characters at Torquay's best known hotel. Visit www.chestertheatre.co.uk or call 01244 341296.

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (Venue Cymru, Llandudno, February 28-March 4)

HAVING enjoyed sensational reviews, Bill Kenwright’s production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sparkling family musical continues to enjoy huge success across the country with standing ovations at every performance. Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph, played here by Keith Jack, his 11 brothers and the coat of many colours, this magical musical is full of unforgettable songs including Any Dream Will Do, Close Ev’ry Door and One More Angel. Call 01492 872000 or visit www.venuecymru.co.uk.

MADAMA BUTTERFLY (The Lowry, Salford Quays, February 28-March 2)

ONE of the world’s best-loved operas, Madama Butterfly is the deeply touching story of a young woman whose innocent love is rewarded only with betrayal. Puccini’s masterpiece contains universally popular music, including One Fine Day. This exquisite production by Opera North sets one of opera’s most heartbreaking love stories in the context of the culture clash between East and West, and combines beauty with unflinching emotional honesty. Call 0843 208 6000 or visit www.thelowry.com.

MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT (Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, February 27-March 3)

JODIE Prenger and Todd Carty star in this touring production of the hysterically funny comedy based on the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail which tells the legendary tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and features a variety of songs including the classic Always Look On The Bright Side of Life. Visit www.ambassadortickets.com or ring 0844 871 7649.

NORMA (The Lowry, Salford Quays, February 29-March 3)

BELLINI’S work of genius tells the tragic love story of priestess Norma and Pollione, the father of her two children. Having kept their relationship a secret, Norma’s love turns into bitter hate when she learns that Pollione is betraying her. Determined to take revenge, she finds herself entrapped in a web of intrigues, obsessions, lies and religious obligation, with the ultimate sacrifice being the only escape. This new production by Opera North stars the amazing Dutch soprano Annemarie Kremer in the title role and is directed by Christopher Alden. Call 0843 208 6000 or visit www.thelowry.com.

OLIVER! (Palace Theatre, Oxford Street, Manchester, January 25-March 10)

THE classic stage musical by Lionel Bart based on the Charles Dickens novel makes a welcome return with a fabulous cast headed by Neil Morrissey as Fagin. The score includes Food Glorious Food and many more memorable songs. Ring 0844 372 7272 or visit www.manchesterpalace.org.uk.

SAVE THE LAST DANCE FOR ME (Opera House, Quay Street, Manchester, February 27-March 3)

SAVE The Last Dance For Me will take you back through the music and magic of the early 60s, a time when each passing week brought another classic rock ’n’ roll track. Featuring songs from the writing duo Pomus & Shuman. Ring 0844 372 7272 or visit www.manchesterpalace.org.uk.

SOUTH PACIFIC (Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, February 21-March 3)

THIS breathtaking and lavish Lincoln Center Theater production reinvented the classic Rodgers & Hammerstein show, swept the 2008 Tony Awards, played to sold-out houses on Broadway. The UK touring cast is headed by former EastEnders star Samantha Womack. Call 0844 847 2525 or visit www.liverpoolempire.org.uk.

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE (Playhouse Theatre, Williamson Square, Liverpool, February 17-March 10)

THE first Tennessee Williams produced by the Playhouse in more than 30 years features a stunning cast including Amanda Drew, Sam Troughton and Leanne Best. Blanche Dubois escapes to the heat and heart of New Orleans. But a dark past is hard to leave behind and when confronted for the first time with her brother-in-law Stanley Kowalski, the present soon turns ugly. Call 0151 709 4776 or visit www.everymanplayhouse.com.