CityLife's guide to festive family shows 2009
IN times of depression, instigated by war or recession – or in our case both – as a nation we tend to turn to entertainment to escape our troubles – and who can blame us?
This certainly seems to be the case this year with bookings up on the traditional festive fare.
There’s a plethora of pantomimes and an exciting mixture of musicals, so here are our recommendations for the best, the rest and those which give real value for money.
MUSICALS
THE SOUND OF MUSIC at the PALACE THEATRE
from December 15 until January 16, 2010
If this touring version is half as good as the West End production I saw starring Connie Fisher you’re in for a treat.
Connie is one of the best Marias I’ve seen. She’s joined by Michael (Robin Hood) Praed as Captain Von Trapp and if you don’t come out singing at least one of the songs from this uplifting musical, I’ll be very surprised.
Evenings at 7.30pm, matinees at 2.30pm on Wed, Thurs and Sat. Tickets from £12.50 to a whopping £42.50 for the posh seats. Ticketmaster 0844 847 2484.
WHITE CHRISTMAS at THE LOWRY
until January 9, 2010
Starring Bury born Suzanne Shaw (Hear’Say and Dancing On Ice winner) as well as Aled Jones (Songs of Praise) Adam Cooper and Louise Plowright.
This is a musical spectacular on a grand scale. If, like me, you’ve been lucky enough to see the movie with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye, then you’ll already know that you’re in for a musical treat from the pen of composer Irving Berlin. The Lowry has kept to its promise to give us a memorable White Christmas.
Evenings at 7,30pm, matinees at 2.30pm on certain days. But you’ll have to pay for the star names. Ticket prices start from £22.50-£37.50 with the usual concessions. Tel 0870 787 5790.
OLIVER TWIST at the BOLTON OCTAGON
until January 23, 2010
Girl power rules okay in this jolly, action-packed version of Dickens’ classic tale. Energetically directed by Olivier award nominee Josette Bushell-Mingo (The Lion King) it’s been adapted from the original by Deborah McAndrew (Coronation Street) and has a fantastic Victorian London set designed by Dawn Allsopp. Suitable for children over 9.
Evening performances start at 7.15pm, matinees at 2.15pm most days and some morning performances at 10.15am. Adult tickets £13.95, children £8.75 and usual concessions. Tickets 01204 520661.
GRIMM TALES at the LIBRARY THEATRE
from December 5 until January 23
Adapted by the Poet Laureate, Carol Ann Duffy, from the original tales by the Brothers Grimm, this entertainment sounds interesting but, as yet, is an unknown quantity. Good to know that some locally based actors are in the show. Remembering my own childhood nightmares after reading the originals, perhaps the recommended age of six plus should be raised to nine plus.
Evening performances at 7.30pm with varied morning and matinees times. Adult tickets £16, children £8 with the usual concessions – apart from Sat evening. Tel 0161 236 7110.
COMEDY
BLITHE SPIRIT at the ROYAL EXCHANGE
from December 9 until January 23, 2010
Ex-Corrie star Suranne Jones stars in Noel Coward’s hilarious comedy about the disastrous consequences when a seance goes wrong. Surprisingly she plays the second wife Ruth, instead of the showier role of first wife Elvira.
Directed by award-winning Sarah Francome, it’ll be interesting to see if this comedy works in the round.
Evening performances at 7.30pm, Sat at 8pm. No performance on 28th Dec. Matinees at various times and dates with the usual concessions.
Do take note of the Happy Mondays offer of tickets for £4 for under 25 year olds. Tel 0161 833 9833. Suitable for 12 plus.
PANTOMIMES
MOTHER GOOSE at the OLDHAM COLISEUM
until January 9, 2010
It’s the top of my list so far and, traditionally, it’s the first and often the best in the panto league table. This little gem of a theatre which, like the city-based Library Theatre, is facing a potential move. It never fails to provide a top quality, traditional family pantomime. Fine Time Fontayne makes a great Dame guaranteed to put a smile on your face – and so will the ticket prices! Tickets start from £6.50 – £11 with the usual concession seats at £8. Box office 0161 624 2829.
ALADDIN at the OPERA HOUSE
until January 3, 2010
THIS promises to be a lavish, spectacular panto with an additional element. If you’re a fan of Corrie bad boy Tony Gordon then here’s your chance to get up close and personal with actor Gray O’Brien as he swaps one baddie for another in his role as the wicked Abanazer. Chris Fountain ( Hollyoaks and Dancing on Ice) plays the title role while our own bubbly Sue Devaney (Corrie and Dinnerladies) is the Genie of the Lamp.
Performances from 7pm. Matinees on various days and times, including Sundays, so do check. Tickets from £9.50 to £24.50. Ticketmaster 0844 847 2295.
SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS at THE PLAZA, STOCKPORT
from December 14 until January 10, 2010
There’s the double excitement of seeing the new renovations to this wonderful old building, which was instigated by devoted Friends of The Plaza, as well as the enjoyment of what is usually a traditional family pantomime. This time beautiful Claire King (Bad Girls, Emmerdale and Strictly Come Dancing) plays the Wicked Queen and looks every inch the part.
Get there early to sing along to the Christmas carols played on the theatre organ which rises a few inches from the floor!
Adult tickets £14.50, children £10 with the usual concessions. Check performance times with the box-office. Tel 0161 477 7779.
CINDERELLA, ALBERT HALLS, BOLTON
until January 3, 2010
‘Ooh I could crush a grape!’ The catch- phrase of comedian Stu Francis may have been coined before many of the youngsters in the audience were even born.
Nevertheless, so infectious is his sense of humour, that within minutes of his appearance on stage we are all singing it along with him.
More care needs to be taken with the script and opening set but both Cinderella and her Prince are in good voice.
For timings of evening performances, matinees and morning performances contact the Box-office. Tel 01204 334400.
Published: Wed, 23 December, 2009
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