AWFUL AUNTIE

(Crewe Lyceum, Aug 22-26)

When Stella sets off to visit London with her parents, Lord and Lady Saxby, she has no idea her life is in danger!

Waking up three months later, only her Aunt Alberta can tell Stella what has happened.

But not everything Alberta tells her turns out to be true and Stella quickly discovers she’s in for the fight of her life against her very own awful Auntie!

From the award-winning West End producers of Gangsta Granny comes the world premiere of David Walliams’ amazing tale of frights, fights and friendship, featuring a very large owl, a very small ghost and a very awful Auntie!

n Tickets cost from £10.50 and for more details, call 01270 368 242 or head to www.crewelyceum.co.uk

QUEENS OF THE COAL AGE

(New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Sep 7-29)

Written by huge star Maxine Peake, this show about women protesting against pit closures comes to the New Vic.

“WE ARE WOMEN AGAINST PIT CLOSURES AND WE’RE OCCUPYING THIS PIT”

Anne, Elaine, Dot and Lesley. Four ordinary women, facing the closure of their community. It’s 1993 and the Parkside Colliery pit may be winding down, but they’re not giving up.

Their bras stuffed with contraband, they take a tour of the pit and refuse to come up. Settling into the depths of the mine, making tissue roses and walking imaginary dogs, they face bribery and threats. But as they dig in, those up top start to realise these ladies are not for turning.

This powerful play full of Northern wit by Maxine Peake follows on from the critically-acclaimed Beryl, and tells the true story of four women taking a stand in the face of a changing world.

n Tickets are between £14.50-24 and for more details, head to www.newvictheatre.org.uk

DUET FOR ONE

(Theatre Clywd, Mold, Sep 3-8)

A BRILLIANT violinist is struck by an unforeseen tragedy and consults a psychiatrist as she faces a future without music.

This is being described as being gripping, poignantly funny and ultimately life-enhancing tribute to the human spirit.

Starring celebrated TV actor Belinda Lang and Jonathan Coy, the Financial Times gave Duet for One a four-star review and said 'no-one interested in the theatre can afford not to see this'.

n Tickets are from £10 in the Anthony Hopkins Theatre and there are two matinee performances on Thursday and Saturday. Call 01352 701 521 for more.