theatre

WRITTEN by Robert Noonan, the Irish sign writer and painter, The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists, has been an inspiration to generations of people.

Described as a faithful picture of working class life, Noonan wanted to expose the futility of measures taken to deal with poverty and unemployment and proposed what he believed to be the only real remedy, Socialism.

Homefront Production's adaptation of the book is on for one night only at Unity Theatre on Saturday, May 8. For tickets contact 0151 709 4988.

Selly Oak's most bitter man, rock musicologist and part time lecturer in media studies, Brian Appleton takes to the road with a new spoof lecture, The Very Best of The Doors (in my home).

Appleton will entertain audiences at Liverpool's Neptune Theatre, tomorrow, Friday. For tickets call the box office on 0151 709 7844.

CURTIS Lawson would rather live in his bedroom, designing fantasy girls on-line, than get a job or even a girlfriend. His father has other ideas.

He wants a proper son and a grandson too, and doesn't hide is frustration. He hires Joi from an online escort agency, but when Curtis and Joi fall in love, things start to fall apart.

Perfect is on at the Contact Theatre, Oxford Road, Manchester, until Saturday, May 15. Tickets are available from the box office on 0161 274 0600.

GUMBO is the name for the classic Cajun stew - where all available ingredients are thrown into the mix.

Gumbo Jumbo is the gogmagogs' signature show containing some of the tastiest morsels from their repertoire. Performed by seven young classically trained string players Gumbo Jumbo is a carnival of comedy, tragedy and poetry. It runs until Saturday, May 8, at Manchester's Library Theatre. For tickets call 0161 236 7110.

MUSICAL maestro Jools Holland returns to Parr Hall with his rhythm and blues orchestra after several sell out shows. Recognised as one of the most talented and entertaining musicians, it is an evening not to be missed. See preview left.

Tickets are available from the box office on 442345.

WHEN it comes to personal details, Dylan Moran is a bit of a man of mystery. He's Irish. He has dark hair. He's very funny.

In 1993 he won Channel 4's So You Think You're Funny award. His unique brand of dry humour and surreal situations bring the setting of an old book store to life in the most unexpexted ways.

Dylan Moran - Monster II is at Liverpool Philharmonic tomorrow, Friday. Tickets from 0151 709 3789.

SET in the two-room drab and run-down apartment in New York City on upper Broadway the comedy The Sunshine Boys follows the love/hate relationship between two old Vaudeville comedians.

Clark, in whose apartment the play is set, is trying to eek out a living doing voice-overs. But he is too unpredictable to be hired more than once.

It's at Altrincham Garrick Theatre until Saturday, May 15. Call the box office on 0161 928 1677.

MICHAEL Cristofer's 1977 play The Shadow Box won both the Pulitzer Prize and a Tony Award, but was only ever produced in the USA, until now.

The play is set in a hospice and focuses on inmates Joe, Brian and Felicity and their families, as they deal with the imminence of death.

It's at Chester Gateway Theatre tomorrow, Friday. Tickets are available from the box office on 01244 340392.