THE NUTCRACKER

(Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Nov 10)

Traditionally, Russian State Ballet and Opera House returns for their annual UK tour with a vibrant and enchanting ballet production.

Snow flurries, sweets, princes, magic and love are just some of the elements that will be brought together by this renowned Russian company. A highly accessible ballet, full of familiar music such as the Waltz of the Flowers and the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

The Nutcracker is an eternal seasonal favourite, directed and choreographed by the former award winning Bolshoi Ballet Soloist, Konstantin Uralsky.

This ballet continues to capture the hearts and imaginations of all generations across the world. It is a truly captivating piece of theatre, a wonderful introduction to ballet whilst retaining its appeal for anyone who is familiar with it.

There are two performances at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

n Tickets cost between £28.50-37.50, concessions two pound off and £22.50 for children.

For more information, call 01743 281 281 or email mail@theatresevern.co.uk

ROBERT NEWMAN – TOTAL ECLIPSE OF DESCARTES

(Crewe Lyceum, Nov 2)

In A world gone crazy, can philosophy help?

This sparklingly brilliant new show tries to give you the answer.

Rob Newman (stand up legend, best-selling novelist, Winner BBC Audio Drama Award 2017) attempts to piece together a philosophy for our troubled times by sifting through 3000 years of thought: from Pythagoras to Artificial Intelligence by way of Pavlov’s dogs, Jane Goodall’s chimpanzees and Frankie Howerd’s trousers.

n Tickets cost £18.50 and concessions are £15.50 – call 01270 368 2432 for tickets.

FUNNY GIRL – THE MUSICAL

(Theatr Clwyd, Mold, Oct 23-Nov 9)

Following the critically acclaimed West End run, this ‘utterly irresistible’ (The Sunday Times) new production of Funny Girl stars Olivier Award-winning Sheridan Smith as Fanny Brice.

Funny Girl brought global fame to Barbra Streisand 50 years ago, boasting some of the most iconic songs in film and theatre history, including People and Don’t

Rain On My Parade. Half a century later, this ‘exhilarating embrace of a production’ (The Independent) comes to cinema screens after wowing critics and audiences alike in London.

This tells the story of Fanny Brice, whose vocal talents and comedic ability see her rise from Brooklyn music hall singer to Broadway star.

n Tickets cost £15 – for more call 01352 701521.