Salutions Publications | Entertainment
WHAT’S ON Christmas brings out the best in theatres and venues, and this year is no exception: catch traditional panto at the Oldham Coliseum, Manchester Opera House or Stockport Plaza; experience West End hit musicals such as Billy Elliot at the Palace and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at The Lowry; try a new twist on the Christmas theme with Cinderella at Octagon Theatre Bolton; or get in the festive spirit with some yuletide screenings at HOME, The Bridgewater Hall and The Albert Halls. And don’t forget that event tickets make perfect last-minute gifts. By Catherine Reed
boy’s journey from boxing ring to ballet class, and his passionate fight to make his dreams come true. This wonderful production features a score by Elton John and is a really wonderful way to celebrate the Christmas season. Peter Pan Stockport Plaza
Fri 2 Dec – Sun 8 Jan
Billy Elliot
CHRISTMAS SHOWS Sleeping Beauty Oldham Coliseum
Until Sat 7 Jan
The Coliseum’s traditional panto has glitz, glamour, silliness and slapstick – everything you could want for some seasonal fun. Oh yes it has! Cinderella Octagon Theatre Bolton
Until Sat 14 Jan
This Cinderella may have all the traditional elements of a festive tale, but with one big difference – the rats are in charge! Join Whiskers, Tail, Teeth, Ears and Claws as they tell their story through music, dance and song, and squabble their way through to a hilarious fairy-tale ending. A show for all the family from award-winning writer Mike Kenny. Billy Elliot the Musical Palace Theatre
Tue 29 Nov – Sat 28 Jan
Billy Elliot the Musical is on its first UK tour. Set in a northern mining town during the miners’ strike of 1984/85, it’s the inspirational story of a young 108
December/January 2016/17 | salutions.co.uk
Stockport’s Christmas show stars John Altman (aka EastEnders’ ‘Nasty Nick’) as Captain Hook in a fabulous family panto featuring lots of interactive fun, super sets and a great supporting cast. Sweet Charity Royal Exchange Theatre
Sat 3 Dec – Sat 28 Jan
A Very 80s Christmas at HOME HOME
Fri 9 – Thu 22 Dec
A season designed to showcase some of the best films from the 80s – films that entertained and inspired a generation with some well-loved Christmas classics in there, such as Santa Claus: The Movie and Scrooged. HOME are also hosting a special Enchantment Under The Sea disco on 9th December, spinning classic 50s hits until 10.04pm (the exact time when the clock tower was hit in Back to the Future), when the music changes to the 80s, and there is even talk of a DeLorean making an appearance. Go to homemcr.org for full listings. Aladdin Opera House
Charity, a dancer in New York, has a habit of falling for the wrong man, until she meets shy tax accountant Oscar and it seems her luck has finally changed. The score is packed with big numbers including Big Spender, If My Friends Could See Me Now and Rhythm of Life, and features some fabulous dance routines.
Festive family fun is promised with Loose Women star Sherrie Hewson and Cold Feet’s John Thomson in this year’s fabulous panto at the Opera House. Eric Potts, one of the best dames in the business, stars as Widow Twankey.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang The Lowry
Wow! Said the Owl HOME
The fabulous Chitty Chitty Bang Bang flies into Salford this month, complete with a brilliant cast, including Jason Manford, Claire Sweeney and Phill Jupitus. This wonderful musical broke box office records in the West End, and reviews of the countrywide tour have been wonderful. Music and Lyrics, who produce the show, also brought The King & I and Fiddler on the Roof to the stage, so you can expect great sets and costumes, a little magic and, of course, Chitty herself. A super show for all the family this Christmas.
The acclaimed children’s book by Tim Hopgood is brought to life through a blend of storytelling, puppetry and music. This lovely show is suitable for children aged 2 to 5 years and their families.
Tue 6 Dec – Sun 15 Jan
Fri 9 Dec – Sun 8 Jan
Wed 14 – Fri 30 Dec
Elf Christmas House Party Albert Halls
Sat 17 Dec
A brilliant Elf-themed party featuring a screening of Christmas classic Elf, a beer festival, an elf circus and a live band. What’s not to love?