THE DEVIL’S VIOLIN

(Talbot Theatre, Whitchurch, Jan 18)

Arts Alive welcomes 2019 with the ever-popular company, The Devil’s Violin, in Stolen. Top storyteller Daniel Morden transports his audience to the Land of No Return, his storytelling served by the hypnotic string accompaniment of Sarah Moody and Oliver Wilson-Dickson.

The Devil’s Violin will take the audience on an epic journey, through a dreamlike land where they will encounter a king turned to stone, an old woman living in the claw of a giant cockerel and a glass man filled with wasps.

The essence of all cinema, theatre and literature is a gripping tale well told. By weaving traditional stories into an epic narrative The Devil’s Violin returns us to that essence. This is a tale of lost loves, bravery, and above all else, hope.

Arts Alive’s director Sian Kerry said: “This is the company’s fifth show to tour with Arts Alive.

“Powerful storytelling from Daniel Morden with live music on cello, guitar and violin, with musicians including Oli Wilson Dixon who plays with Alaw and Mabon, makes this an engrossing and entertaining combination.”

n Tickets are from £5-10 and can be bought at 01948 660660/07506 724572.

MICHAEL PORTILLO – LIFE: A GAME OF TWO HALVES

(Crewe Lyceum, Jan 21)

It TOOK Michael Portillo little more than 10 years to get a seat in the Commons and then rise in power and esteem to a point where he was a favoured leader of his party and possible future PM.

Although his political career then came to a humiliating end, losing his seat in May 1997, Michael has since reinvented and endeared himself to many with his respect for the solid workmanship found in the great railways of the world, the effect of the railways on the history of countries and the daily lives of their people.

Listen to his story, told with a ‘parliamentary standup’ wit, and then feel free to question him about it.

Followed by a book signing.

n Tickets are £19.50 with concessions costing £17.50. There is a show and dine option for £39.50.

For more details, call 01270 368242.

THE GREATEST SHOWMAN: SING-ALONG

(Theatr Clywd, Mold, Jan 12)

Hugh Jackman’s visionary PT Barnum decides to go into showbusiness after losing his office job. Sing-Along to this year’s musical sensation, including the Oscar nominated This Is Me.

n Tickets are £3 – call 01352 701521 for more details.