THE first thing I have to say about this play, the emotional equivalent of being hit by a train, is don’t be fooled by its cosy sounding title, with images of suburban cosiness. It couldn’t be further from the truth in Jane Upton’s remarkable piece of writing that’s both funny and painfully evocative. Joanne and Lisa, who had an almost sisterly bond until they separated, ache for a better life even though the spectre of sexual exxploitation lurks in the background and threatens to crush their dreams. Amy, described as being like a baby by the formidable and feisty Joanne is simply looking for ..read more

The Kite Runner. THE Kite Runner will captivate audiences all over again when it comes to The Lowry from May 7-11. Anyone interested in booking tickets or finding out more should call the theatre box office on 0343 208 6000 or you can visit www.thelowry.com. Having seen the film, a tale of deep seated friendship across the cultural divide, I feel I can say with some authority audiences are in for a theatrical treat ..read more

Kiss Marry Kill THERE are some stories that instantly capture the imagination - here is one of them. From the critically acclaimed Dante or Dir comes Kiss Marry Kill. It’s the story of Jay and Paul who are serving life sentences for murder and end up falling in love. The production, classed as suitable for theatregoers aged 16 and over, will be performed in the deconsecrated grade II listed Halle St Peter’s Church from May 10-12 at 7.30pm. Anyone interested in booking tickets should call The Lowry box office on 0343 208 6000 or visit www.thelowry.com ..read more

All aboard for adventure - Treasure Island - photo by Martin Ogden. ANYONE who knows me will tell you my sea legs are terrible. But this nautical adventure is a trip well worth making as it takes place on dry land, perfect for a land lubber like me. Also it was really pleasing to see so many children in the audience as I imagine far too many kids think live theatre begins and ends with pantomime. I know I did. This rollicking good adventure sees Jim Hawkins -Lauren Brown - and the legendary baddie Long John Silver Michael Gallagher - -on the hunt for buried treasure in a far flung destination ..read more

Expect the unexpected - Rambert dance company. FOLLOWING on from the success of their last production, Peaky Blinders: The Ballad of Thomas Shelby, Rambert return to The Lowry with a double bill of dance from April 18-20. Death Trap features Goat and Cerebrus and the performance has been classed as suitable for those aged 12 and over. Having seen this company several times the words exciting and accessible spring to mind when describing their work. For tickets and performance details contact The Lowry box office on 0343 208 6000 or book online at www.thelowry.com ..read more

The Royal Exchange Theatre. THE Royal Exchange presents Sweat by Lynn Nottage from April 26 to May 25 at 7.30pm, with a cast that includes Carla Henry of Queer as Folk fame. The run also includes matinees and anyone interested in booking tickets should call 0161 833 9833. You can also book online at www.royalexchange.co.uk ..read more

A Taste of Honey - photo by Johan Persson. EVEN the weather seemed to be entering into the spirit of things, as grey clouds loomed over overhead as I made my way to the theatre. It seemed very fitting that this northern masterpiece, set against the backdrop of Salford’s long gone terraced streets, was about to be performed in a setting all too familiar to people in this area. The world of A Taste of Honey is one of unrelenting gloom, a world in which every day is a battle for survival in which only the strong survive. A world in which the son never shines. Or so it seems. It’s hard to believ ..read more

The Adams Family SALE and Altrincham Musical Theatre’s youth group presents The Adams Family at Altrincham Little Theatre until March 23 at 7.30pm. The run also includes a Saturday matinee and anyone interested in booking tickets should visit samtheatre.co.uk ..read more

Festive fun - The Stick Man TRANSLATED into 23 languages and based on the book by Julia Donaldson, The Stick Man is set to delight audiences at The Lowry from December 10 to January 5. Anyone interested in booking tickets for this global best seller should call the theatre box office on 0343 208 6000 or visit www.thelowry.com ..read more

THE sense of affection for this classic sitcom was so strong in the Garrick auditorium I felt I could reach out and touch it during a production that was a joy from start to finish, offering us audience members a brief and much needed escape from these miserable times. When the original TV version was shown for the first time it felt like a breath of fresh air as the central character, a female vicar, was a far cry from the clergy I’d come across previously in the genre. But not once during Peter Brassington’s production was I tempted to compare this version with the one millions of us took ..read more