COMIC writers who distilled the essence of Shakespeare's works and The Bible with hilarious results have found a new target - Tinseltown.

The Reduced Shakespeare Company will bring Completely Hollywood Abridged to The Lowry, Salford, from tomorrow, Thursday, to Saturday. The group dubbed America's 'bad boys of abridgement' take on their country's largest export in an epic edit of movie masterpieces.

For tickets, priced £16, call the box office on 0870 787 5780.

n A FAMILY friendly show about the value of having a good pair of shoes on your feet is coming to The Lowry, Salford, tomorrow, Thursday.

Shopping For Shoes, by Tim Crouch, is the heart-warming tale of two contrasting 13-year-olds, politically aware Siobhan and Shaun, who is passionate about his footwear.

Siobhan helps Shaun discover that a pair of shoes can do more than just help him to express himself. For tickets, priced £8, call the box office on 0870 787 5780.

n ONE of Shakespeare's depictions of a historic figure comes to life in a new show at Chester Gateway next month.

The Chester Gateway LIVE! Youth Theatre presents William Shakespeare's Hal (Henry IV & Henry V abridged), telling the young prince Hal's rise from rogue to ruler, using the Bard's original text.

It examines notions of patriotism, nationalism and youth culture in the 21st century.

William Shakespeare's Hal plays from July 20 to 22. Tickets, priced £6 and £4 for concessions, are available on 01244 340392 or see www.chestergateway.co.uk

n IMAGINATIVE, colourful stories are promised in a family friendly show at the Royal Exchange, Manchester, on Friday and Saturday.

The Girl Who Lost Her Smile is derived from a collection of Islamic tales and based on the book by Karim Alrawi.

When Jehan smiles by day, the sun shines brightly over Baghdad. When she smiles at night, the stars sparkle. But when she loses her smile, gloom falls over the city.

The Girl Who Lost Her Smile is a gentle story and suitable for children aged three years and over.

For ticket details, call the box office on 0161 833 9833.

n FORMER Hear'Say singer Suzanne Shaw and David Bedella, otherwise known as Holby City surgeon Carlos Fashola, star in The Rocky Horror Show at Manchester Opera House.

The Rocky Horror Show follows squeaky clean sweethearts Brad and Janet on an adventure with a difference and features the pelvic thrusting song Time Warp.

For tickets, priced £10 to £29.50, call 0870 160 2874.

n THE stage version of the 70s film phenomenon Saturday Night Fever comes to the Regent Theatre, Stoke, next week.

It features the Bee Gees' legendary soundtrack and winner of Channel 4's Musicality Rebecca Dent. Saturday Night Fever features 12 top 10 Bee Gees classics, including Stayin' Alive, Night Fever and How Deep is Your Love.

For tickets, priced £10.50 to £26, call the box office on 0870 060 6649.