DREAMING THE NIGHT FIELD/BREUDDWYDIO CAE’R NOS

(Theatr Clwyd, Mold, June 7-8)

HONOUR, justice, magic and transformation collide in this spellbinding new storytelling and music performance which evokes the ancient Welsh legend of The Mabinogion.

Powerful, poetic, and funny with live music and both bilingual and Welsh performances. Gwydion, nephew to the King, a magician and storyteller, provokes a war between North and South Wales and unleashes a chaos of consequences.

Blodeuwedd, a woman conjured from flowers, is torn between duty and desire, with fateful results.

Experience a world that’s bristling with life, filled with animals, people and constellations caught in stories of making and undoing. Join us for an intoxicating performance that makes ancient voices and landscapes come alive.

Brought to you by Adverse Camber productions and the creative team behind Hunting the Giant’s Daughter.

This performance contains themes of an adult nature which some may find upsetting. For more information please contact www.adversecamber.org/n For tickets go to www.theatrclwyd.com

THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY (Crewe Lyceum Theatre, May14-18)

IN A society obsessed with youth and beauty, Dorian Gray is given the chance to keep his looks forever. But at what cost…? “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?”

This bold new production based on the classic novel celebrates Oscar Wilde’s wonderful language and will appeal to audiences old and new.

Starring Jonathon Wrather as Lord Henry Wotton, most recently known to audiences for playing Pierce Harris in Emmerdale and Joe Carter in Coronation Street. Gavin Fowler takes on the title role of Dorian Gray – recent credits include Troilus and Cressida for the RSC. EDUCATING RITA

(Theatr Clwyd, Mold, May 20-June 1)

WHEN married hairdresser Rita enrols on a university course to expand her horizons, little does she realise where the journey will take her. Her tutor Frank is a frustrated poet, brilliant academic and dedicated drinker, who’s less than enthusiastic about taking Rita on, but the two soon realise how much they have to teach each other.

This heart-warming comedy by Willy Russell has won an Olivier award and was adapted into the award-winning film which starred Julie Walters and Michael Caine.

Starring Stephen Tompkinson as Frank and Jessica Johnson as Rita.

n For details go to www.theatrclwyd.com THE FAVOURITE (15)

(Talbot Theatre, Whitchurch, May 22)

EARLY 18th century. England is at war with the French. Nevertheless, duck racing and pineapple eating are thriving. Queen Anne occupies the throne but is frail, so Lady Sarah governs the country in her stead while tending to Anne’s ill health and mercurial temper.

While Sarah is caught up in the politics of war, new servant Abigail fills in as the Queen’s companion. Their friendship gives Abigail a chance to fulfil her ambition of returning to her aristocratic roots. Starring Olivia Colman, Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz.

n For details go to www.artsalive.co.uk LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

(Storyhouse, Chester, until June 2)

THE cult-favourite sci-fi musical has devoured the hearts of audiences for more than 30 years.

It follows the story of floral assistant Seymour, who stumbles across a new breed of carnivorous plant that promises to grant him fame, fortune and all his desires – as long as the blood keeps flowing!

Featuring the creative talent of Olivier award-winning director and choreographer Stephen Mear.

n For details go to www.storyhouse.com