ManchesterOnline

Three Sisters @ Royal Exchange

THERE'S a notion in some quarters that classic Russian drama tends to be long, gloomy and, quite frankly, rather hard going.

Despite some committed work by the actors, Sarah Frankcom’s disappointing new production of this Chekhov classic at the Royal Exchange is unlikely to disabuse anyone of this idea.

Lord Arthur’s Bed @ The Lowry Studio

“A SELECTION of innovative and daring theatre” is promised for the Lowry Studio’s season of ten plays, which kicked off with a peculiar, not to say queer, confection in Lord Arthur’s Bed. With warnings of nudity, adult themes and strong language, common euphemisms these days for anything goes, Martin Lewton’s new play for Theatre North can lay some claim to being “daring”.

Thriller Live @ Opera House

THE show takes you back to 1969 when a youthful Michael began his career fronting Motown’s phenomenally successful family act, the Jackson 5.

13-year-old Mitchell Zhangazha belted out the classic ‘I Want You Back’ and ‘ABC’ effortlessly and gave a heartfelt rendition of ‘Ben’, which had the audience swooning.

Flashdance: The Musical @ Palace Theatre

THE iconic film was a box-office success in 1983 and the Academy Award-winning title track still conjures up memories of the Cinderella story of American Alex, a female welder by day and a flash-dancer by night, who aspires to join a prestigious ballet school.

Business Affairs @ Altrincham Garrick

YOU'LL be tickled pink by Altrincham Garrick’s first play of the season, Business Affairs.

Written by Jeremy Lloyd and John Chapman, who scripted Allo, Allo, its sparkling, witty dialogue and memorable one-liners are a pleasure for the cast to perform.

Brassed Off @ Oldham Coliseum

IF you enjoyed the film, which kick-started the careers of our own Pete Postlethwaite and Ewan McGregor, then you'll find Paul Allen's stage adaptation of Mark Herman's screenplay equally funny and poignant in turn.

In fact Paul Allen was in the audience along with several members of the Emmerdale cast supporting colleague Stuart Wade who played Biff Fowler.

Enjoy @ The Lowry

FOLLOWING the phenomenal success of The History Boys, Alan Bennett’s back catalogue is being systematically trawled and the latest of his stage plays to be resurrected is this quirky, surreal, northern comedy.

Nearly 30 years on since it got the thumbs down in its original London production, it now arrives at The Lowry trailing five star rave reviews and calls for an immediate West End transfer.

The Rose And The Ring @ The Dancehouse

GETTING a musical theatre piece up and running in only ten days is a challenge that would daunt many a long-established professional company.

When you’re a brand-new youth music theatre company, with a team of professionals, working with 13-23 year olds on a piece of musical theatre that – undeservedly – is simply not that well-known, that challenge is magnified many times over.

Glamorous Night @ Buxton Opera House

THIS is the show that saved the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in 1935. Ivor Novello dashed it off to help them out and it proved to be the first of his hugely popular lush romantic musicals.

There’s a strong if unlikely story of an English journalist who falls for a prima donna with political ambitions.

Tess of the D’Ubervilles @ Arley Hall

TESS of the D’Ubervilles, Thomas Hardy’s Victorian bodice ripper, seems even more passionate when presented by Theatreworks in the open air at Arley Hall.August can’t have been a good month weather-wise for this company.

But, on Thursday, there was no rain at all and it was warm enough to enjoy a picnic and glass of wine whilst concentrating on the complexities of Tess’ life.

Le Grande Cirque @ The Lowry

BROADLY speaking, I’m very much of the view that you just can’t have too much top-quality circus-type entertainment in town.

But it has to be said that, despite all the skill and showmanship it offers, Le Grand Cirque does suffer somewhat from arriving here quite so close on the heels of the brilliant Afrika! Afrika! and the remarkable Acrobatic Swan Lake.

Iolanthe @ Buxton Opera House

THE three-week long 15th International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival finished with a real flourish – a colourful new production of Iolanthe, both cheeky and charming.

No wonder the dotty old peers of the realm were bowled over by this chorus of dishy fairies.

Nicole et Martin @ Platt Fields Park

THERE has always been an element of fear in Grimm’s Fairy Tales which, I believe is the attraction for children who love to be scared.

Nicole et Martin from Switzerland certainly succeed with this objective.

Indeed as soon as they enter the first show, ‘Hansel and Gretel’, the children are told: “Sit on the front row if you aren’t afraid of the witch”.

The Speed Of Dating @ Taurus Bar

MOST people probably find it difficult to talk about matters sexual in front of their parents.

But actress Sarah Emmott performed this entire, very raunchy one-woman show, described by writer Sarah Evans as a “bizarre bisexual journey through love, lust and utter stupidity’, in front of an audience that included her mum, a revelation that elicited almost as much applause as the comedy play itself!

The Merry Wives of Windsor @ Tatton Park

SHAKESPEARE'S ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’ is one of his funniest and most politically incorrect comedies.

What could be more amusing than a fat, full of himself man ogling at two married women who can see through him and connive to give him his comeuppance.

Illyria’s al fresco version seems even more amusing after a picnic and a bottle of wine.