theatre

WILLY Russell's smash hit musical Blood Brothers returns to Stoke's Regent Theatre from Monday, April 26.

Starring Linda Nolan, Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving story of twin boys separated at birth, only to be reunited by a twist of fate and a mother's haunting secret.

The memorable score includes A Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It's Not True.

For ticket information, call the box office on 01782 213800.

CONTINUING its partnership with the South Asian Arts Festival, Milapfest, The Lowry brings you two new dances, Vyuha and Red.

In Vyuha Kathak soloist Gauri Sharma Tripathi presents an evening of classical dance, bringing Kathak from its traditional roots to the present day. The evening captures unusual elements of the vibrant dance through live musical accompaniment.

Through dance, design and evocative music, Red explores the cultural and philosophical significance of this potent and resonant colour. Continuing dance maker Sonia Sabri's quest to present Kathak in a new light, Red retains the purity and integrity of this classical North Indian style, while integrating it with current ideas.

Vyuha is on Saturday, April 24, and Red is on Sunday, April 25. For tickets call the box office on 0870 787 5793.

IF a trip to the theatre isn't enough to get you excited Chester Gateway hopes its latest offering Sing-a-Long-a Abba will do it for you.

Dress up in lycra, blonde wigs, glitter and false beards and sing your way through the fun-packed night.

The show has all the elements of a sing-a-long-a spectacular you have come to love.

The ultimate Abba experience will be at the Chester Gateway on Tuesday, April 27, and Wednesday, April 28. And with so much nylon in the house the atmosphere is guaranteed to be electric!

IT'S an Irish extravaganza at The Parr Hall this weekend starting with ageing folksters Mick Foster and Tony Allen tonight, Thursday. The Irish duo's careers have spanned more than two decades with album sales in excess of 18 million. The popular pair will be performing an evening of songs from days gone by as well as some jewels from their new album.

But if you fancy a livelier night out, the famous Irish supergroup The Saw Doctors showcase their fluent song writing talents tomorrow, Friday.

Fresh from their successful US tour, they will be rocking the Par Hall with their classic jig rock. Tickets for both events are available from the Parr Hall box office on 442345.

TRAVEL into your imagination at Liverpool's Empire Theatre with Barry Potty and his smarter brother Paul in The Chamber of Horrors.

Featuring The Chuckle Brothers and a full supporting cast, Paul and Barry enter a world of mystery, ghosts and laughter with their new show. It guarantees fun, laughter, mayhem and madness for all the family - particularly boys and ghouls. Tickets are available from the box office on 0870 6063536.

THE Royal Exchange Theatre presents the world premiere of playwright Linda Brogan's moving play about love, death and memory.

Funny, savage and tender Basil and Beattie is a play about where you belong, who you belong to and who belongs to you. Basil came from Jamaica and Beattie came from Ireland. They've been together in Moss Side, Manchester, for 40 years but Basil is haunted by the ghosts of his homeland.

It runs until May 8 and tickets are available from the box office on 0161 833 9833.