NTLIVE: ANTONY & CLEOPATRA

(Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Dec 6)

Broadcast live from the National Theatre, Ralph Fiennes and Sophie Okonedo play Shakespeare's famous fated couple in his great tragedy of politics, passion and power.

Caesar and his assassins are dead.

General Mark Antony now rules alongside his fellow defenders of Rome.

But at the fringes of a war-torn empire the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra and Mark Antony have fallen fiercely in love. In a tragic fight between devotion and duty, obsession becomes a catalyst for war.

n The screening starts at 7pm and tickets cost £14.50. Call 01743 281 281 or email mail@theatresevern.co.uk

THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS

(New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Nov 17-Jan 26)

This year, join Rat, Mole, Badger and Mr Toad for an adventure on the River Bank, as they navigate boat trips, intriguing new places and a succession of motor cars that will take them hurtling down winding country lanes.

Performed by a large cast, featuring live music and filled with cunning, courage and friendship, The Wind In The Willows is an enchanting story that will capture the imaginations – and the hearts – of the whole family this Christmas!

When Mole emerges from her spring clean, she is thoroughly bored. Setting off in search of something to cheer her up, she gets more than she bargained for when she meets some new friends.

As they each get to know each other, their misadventures take them to unexpected places and when Mr Toad’s obsession for fast motor cars lead him astray, they find themselves far from home.

But the group will stop at nothing to save their eccentric friend. Even if that means taking on the mysterious characters of the dark, Wild Wood.

n Tickets £11.50-24.50 – call 01782 717 962 for more details.

POLAR EXPRESS

(Theatr Clywd, Mold, Dec 8)

When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows wonders of life never fades for those who believe.

On the night of Christmas Eve, a boy is growing bitterly skeptical of the existence of Santa Claus.

He is roused by the arrival of a steam locomotive on the street outside his home, and dons his robe to investigate. Outside, the train's conductor (Tom Hanks) introduces the train as the Polar Express, bound for the North Pole.

n Tickets cost £3 and for more details, call 01352 701521