SUMMER NIGHTS

Jul 28-Aug 26: A Greasy Spoon Royal Court, Liverpool Quick-fire comedy about two women having the worst day of their lives will have you laughing all night long Get your order in now

Jul 28: Rhythm of the Dance Floral Pavilion, New Brighton The National Dance Company of Ireland

Jul 28: The ELO Experience. Opera House, Manchester Tribute show

Jul 29: Cirque – The Greatest Show Grand, Blackpool The smash-hit musical Also at The Lowry, Salford, Aug 3-4; here again, Aug 12-13; and Theatre Royal, St Helens, Sep 3

Jul 29: Encato in Concert Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool Disney’s film comes to life in a UK tour for the first time ever, featuring the entire feature-length film with a full orchestra performing the score

Jul 31-Aug 2: Rock for Heroes Grand, Blackpool

Aug 1-12: Shrek the Musical Opera House, Manchester Join the adventure as Shrek and Donkey endeavour to complete their new quest, finding unexpected friendships and surprising romance along the way

Aug 1-3: Time of our Lives Grand, Blackpool Classic soundtracks of the movies of the 80s

Aug 2: An Evening of Burlesque The Lowry, Salford

Aug 2: Joe Pasquale: The New Normal; 40 Years of Cack Lyceum, Crewe

Aug 3-4: Cirque: The Greatest Show. The Lowry, Salford

Aug 4: Magic of Motown Grand, Blackpool

Aug 5-6: They All Came Tumbling Down Valley Community Theatre, Liverpool The story of the notorious Netherley flats – and the dreams of working class families that turned sour Tel 07746 697263 Tickets: www valleytheatre co uk

Aug 5: Bridesmaids of Britain Regent, Stoke Will this wedding story have a happy ending, or will these best friends rip each other apart?

Aug 5: Queen by Candlelight Empire, Liverpool Tribute show

Aug 5: Hayley Ellis – Hayley’s Comic Royal Court, Liverpool

Aug 8-12: Blood Brothers Venue Cymru, Llandudno Willy Russell’s musical tale of twins separated at birth, who grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with tragic consequences Weekday matinees

Aug 8-12: Heathers the Musical Palace, Manchester The black comedy rock musical based on the 1988 film Westerberg High’s

Veronica Sawyer is just another nobody dreaming of a better day But when she joins the beautiful and impossibly cruel Heathers her dreams of popularity may finally come true

Aug 11: Magic of the Bee Gees. Grand, Blackpool

Aug 12-13: Cirque – The Greatest Show Grand, Blackpool

Aug 12: Gary Murphy presents Music and Laughter. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton Ricky Tomlinson and Sean Styles join the top guitarist

Aug 17-19: La Bamba! The Lowry, Salford

Musical

Aug 17: The Wizard of Oz Pavilion, Rhyl

Aug 18-20: Grease Theatre Royal, St Helens

Musical Youth production

Aug 18: The Upbeat Beatles Grand, Blackpool

Aug 18: Legally Blonde Empire, Liverpool

The Empire’s Youth Theatre are back with the smash-hit romantic musical

Aug 19: Thank You for the Music. Grand, Blackpool Abba tribute show

Aug 19: The Musicals in Concert Floral Pavilion, New Brighton Stars from the West End perform some of the best musical hits

Aug 20: Jurassic Earth. Lyceum, Crewe

Aug 20: Ireland the Show! Floral Pavilion, New Brighton A journey through the decades of dance, music and comedy

Aug 22-23: Jurassic Live Regent, Stoke

Aug 24: The Magic of Motown Venue Cymru, Llandudno

Aug 25: A Country Night in Nashville Venue Cymru, Llandudno

Aug 25: The Analogues. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool This is are anything but a typical Beatles’ tribute band Their mission: to play those iconic, never-performed Beatles’ albums live No wigs, no costumes, but an obsessive attention to authentic musical detail, using the same vintage instruments and sounds

Aug 26: The Diana Ross Story Theatre

Royal, St Helens

Aug 26: The Fab Four Philharmonic Hall, You can expect precise attention to detail and uncanny note-for-note live renditions of Beatles’ classics

Aug 26: Barry Steele and Friends – The Roy Orbison Story Venue Cymru, Llandudno

Aug 26: The Diana Ross Story Theatre

Royal, St Helens

Aug 29-Sep 2: Darren Brown presents Unbelievable Palace, Manchester New show starring a multi-talented cast of seven who perform magic like you have never seen

Aug 30: Mrs Brown’s Boys – Mrs Brown Rides Again Opera House, Manchester After hearing a plot, by her children, to have her put into a home, Also at Empire, Liverpool, Sep 20-23

Aug 31-Sep 3: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Grand, Blackpool New production from Blackpool-based Ensemble Theatre

Aug 31: Rave On: The Rise of Rock and Roll Theatre Royal, St Helens

Sep 1: An Evening of Burlesque. Pavilion, Rhyl

Sep 1: ELO Again The Brindley, Runcorn Tribute show

Sep 1: Soul Train Theatre Royal, St Helens

Sep 1: Lost in Music. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton

Sep 2: The ELO Tribute Show Pavilion, Rhyl

Sep 2: An Audience with Rory Stewart The Lowry, Salford

Sep 2: Fastlove Lyceum, Crewe The music of George Michael

Sep 2: Pinked Floyd Floral Pavilion, New Brighton Tribute show

Sep 2: The Jerseys Floral Pavilion, New Brighton The timeless music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

Sep 2: A Tribute to the Carpenters Theatre Royal, St Helens

Sep 2: Killer Rhapsody: A Night of Queen

The Brindley, Runcorn Tribute show

Sep 2: Simply Dylan. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool The songs of Bob Dylan

Sep 2: The Serial Killer Next Door with Emma Kenny Empire, Liverpool

Sep 3: Loose Women Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool Kaye Adams, Nadia Sawalha, Denise Welch and Sunetra Sarker share their stories

Sep 3: Cirque – The Greatest Show Theatre

Royal, St Helens

Sep 4: 42nd Street. Empire, Liverpool It’s big, it’s bright and it’s a brand-new production of the original musical

Sep 5: Elkie Brooks Floral Pavilion, New Brighton

Sep 5: Luther – Luther Vandross

Celebration Opera House

Manchester

Sep 6: The Makings of Murder. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton

Continued Page 22 n Continued from Page 21

Sep 6: The Illegal Eagles Theatre Royal, St Helens

Sep 7: An Evening with the Dexys

Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool Dexys bring you their new record in full alongside a selection of classic hits

Sep 7: Learning to Fly Theatr Clwyd Bighearted, tender and hilarious tory of a lonely teenager, a scary old lady in living in a spooky house, and her last wish to get high before she dies

Sep 8-30: A View from the Bridge Octagon, Bolton Arthur Miller's timeless masterpiece Beatrice and Eddie Carbone have built an allAmerican life in Brooklyn where people are meant to look out for each other When wife and husband agree to take in their relations –two hard-working Sicilian immigrants – the family should pull together Instead, everything starts to unravel Eddie included

Sep 8: Northern Soul Pavilion, Rhyl

Sep 8: Fascinating Aida – The 40th Anniversary Show Storyhouse, Chester

Sep 8: I Like It! Theatre Royal, St Helens

Tribute to Gerry Marsden

Sep 8: The 80s Show Floral Pavilion, New Brighton

Sep 8: Loose Women Opera House

Manchester

Sep 8: Piece of Work Theatr Clwyd

When James receives a letter that explodes into his life, a search begins to save a life

Sep 9: Magic of the Dance. Pavilion, Rhyl Strictly’s Ian Waite and Vincent Simone

Sep 9: Rachel Fairburn Showgirl Opera House, Manchester

Sep 10: Cirque – The Greatest Show Floral Pavilion, New Brighton

Sep 10: Lipstick on your Collar The Brindley, Runcorn Music from the 50s and 60s

Sep 10: Some Guys Have All the Luck. Grand, Blackpool Rod Stewart story

Sep 10: Alexander O’Neal: Time to Say Goodbye Farewell Tour Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool Soul star O’Neal is hitting the road one final time with his exemplary 9-piece band

Sep 10: Calling Planet Earth Venue Cymru, Llandudno A New Romantic Symphony that goes on a musical journey through – the electrifying 80s

Sep 11-23: Jesus Christ Superstar. Palace, Manchester the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas

Sep 11: The Magic of the Dance Grand, Blackpool Strictly’s Ian Waite and Vincent Simone

Sep 11: Showbiz The Brindley, Runcorn

Sep 12-16: SIX the Musical Storyhouse, Chester

Sep 12-16: Faith Healer. Theatr Clwyd In a Welsh village the sick come in search of a cure They want a moment with Frank, the mercurial showman, who offers hope and salvation Matinees Sep 14 and 16

ARIES (March 21st-April 20th)

Spending time with family makes you feel treasured, secure and fulfilled It’s a good time for a reunion Taking a relaxing vacation is advised; if you keep working at the same rate, you’ll suffer from burnout An oppressive authority figure will try to crush your spirit Don’t give them the satisfaction Neither a lender nor a borrower be in August; the Full Moon makes mixing friendship with finance disastrous On the 16th, the New Moon warns against taking an emotional or financial risk It’s better to take a conservative approach Your diligence will pay off on the 25th Shift your attention to relationships on the 27th; you’re overdue for some cosy companionship

TAURUS (April 21st-May 21st)

Your earthy sense of humour makes a great impression Making friends with thoughtful people paves the way for a happier future The New Moon on the 17th inspires a great idea about rearranging your home As August arrives, an egotistical family member resents your star power; make it clear that you’re not trying to compete On the 16th, the New Moon makes you restless A loved one’s selfish behaviour could take your breath away on the 22nd; it’s time to reassess this relationship A past love reconnects with you on the 23rd, giving your self-esteem a much-needed boost

GEMINI (May 22nd-June 21st)

A big windfall could be on the way Use this money to pay off debts, then put the rest into savings On the 17th, the New Moon attracts another big financial opportunity You’ll enjoy working with the most talented experts in the field People will be much more receptive to your ideas August’s Full Moon on the 1st brings an end to an adventure that has brought you great joy Try not to be sad – there will be better days ahead On the 16th, the New Moon warns against only talking about yourself with a creative person You’ll learn something important by listening more than you speak Nostalgic thoughts prompt you to frame some favourite photos or look at beautiful mementoes on the 23rd

CANCER (Jun 22nd-Jul 23rd)

The 9th is perfect for taking a course in a subject you’ve always loved Don’t bother getting into a war of words with an authority figure; you have better things to do with your time An innovator is impressed with your star power; this is the beginning of a great collaboration The New Moon on the 17th inspires you to adopt an exciting role or change your look in some dramatic way Rein in your spending Don’t lend or borrow money on the 7th, or a close friendship could be seriously damaged You’ll receive a lavish gift on the 13th, making you sigh with happiness On the 16th, the New Moon attracts a moneymaking opportunity A second Full Moon on the 31st is perfect for claiming your power as a respected expert

LEO (July 24th-August 23rd)

Working behind the scenes boosts your reputation Money will go out as quickly as it comes on the 10th, but don’t let that bother you Getting your ideas across will be easy on the 11th On the 17th, the New Moon prompts you to take a much-needed rest Your charisma will be especially strong on the 23rd; use it to your advantage August’s Full Moon on the 1st brings significant changes to a close relationship Striking a healthier life-work balance is critical – take a relaxing vacation

Your allure will be especially powerful on the 13th Ignore a powerful urge to radically change your appearance; the New Moon is tempting you to assume a look that won’t suit you The second Full Moon on the 31st brings an end to a difficult situation

VIRGO (August 24th-September 23rd)

Friendship can turn to love; if you’ve developed tender feelings for someone in your social circle, it’s time to confess your crush Cancelled travel plans fill you with frustration, but you should know that a better plan for getting away is unfolding for you On the 17th, the New Moon finds you teaming up with a special person who fills you with confidence August’s Full Moon warns against overdoing it with an exercise routine The New Moon on the 16th makes you yearn for privacy, but an annoying pest keeps disturbing your peace Sneak off to a quiet place where nobody can find you Don’t pressure a dreamer into making a decision before they are ready

LIBRA (September 24th-October 23rd)

A creative project brings you fame and acclaim; it’s gratifying to be in demand Don’t let limiting beliefs keep you from pursuing your dream on the 10th The New Moon on the 17th brings good news Someone you knew from childhood or a former job will contact you on the 23rd A friend is about to ask for a loan, but you shouldn’t feel guilty about turning down this request You could find romance at a party on the 13th The New Moon on the 16th warns against scattering your energies far and wide A boost of energy on the 27th helps you realise a big dream You’ll turn the corner with a demanding health issue on the 31st, courtesy of the second Full Moon

SCORPIO

(October 24th-November 22nd)

A close relationship is a source of profound excitement Listen to your best friend or romantic partner ’s advice and take a bold risk On the 17th, the New Moon inspires you to travel to a place that has always had an air of mystery for you Getting into an argument will be cause for regret; you don’t want to make an enemy of this person A tense domestic situation ends in August, thanks to the Full Moon Your best friend or business partner ’s erratic behaviour affects your morale; it’s time to set some firm boundaries On the 16th, the New Moon warns against going public with information An intense connection on the 25th will prompt you to pursue a lifelong dream A partnership will become more secure starting on the 29th

Sagittarius

(November 23rd-December 21st)

Your personal magnetism is strong and will lead to an exciting offer Beware of engaging in negative self-talk; replace every critical thought with praise The New Moon on the 17th finds you forming a close alliance with someone who brings emotional and financial stability You’ll become more efficient about managing your time on the 28th The August Full Moon on the 1st makes you reconsider the way you talk to a wild-eyed optimist The 10th is perfect for signing a contract that draws on your expert knowledge On the 16th, the New Moon tempts you to venture into unfamiliar territory, but be careful

Capricorn

(December 22nd-January 20th)

Beware of imposing your limiting beliefs on your best friend or amour What seems like a common-sense safety precaution for you is claustrophobic for your loved one Be open to trying a wild suggestion, even if you’re dealing with someone who has a lot less experience than you August’s Full Moon brings a cheque that is less than expected Stick to your guns

The New Moon on the 16th warns against letting down your guard with someone you don’t know very well The 23rd brings an opportunity to work with a respected expert you’ve always admired An old love interest comes back into your life on the 29th

AQUARIUS (January 21st-February

19th)

Don’t let a hot-headed relative criticise your romantic partner; it’s important to set healthy boundaries Making money from a passion project fills you with joy on the 9th, while the New Moon on the 17th prompts you to launch a health regimen Beware of lending money to a pushy friend or colleague A former romantic partner will make their way back into your life on the 23rd The Full Moon on the 1st marks the end of a role you’ve held for a long time, and on the 9th, your family disapproves of choices you make in your personal life Setting a healthy boundary is best for everyone involved The New Moon on the 16th tempts you to embark on a romance, but be careful

PISCES

(February

20th-March 20th)

You should be proud of the progress you’ve made Your air of mystery draws an admirer into your web of intrigue on the 9th On the 17th, the New Moon inspires an empowering art project A business or romantic partner will encourage you to take a risk on the 20th; do it It’s time to break out a bit in August Beware of discouraging your business or romantic partner from developing a bright idea on the 2nd; the more outrageous the notion, the more promising it will be The New Moon on the 16th warns against launching an extreme fitness regimen Your best friend will deliver some harsh truths on the 22nd; prepare for a shock

HOW PLANTS GOT THEIR NAMES . . . . . . TRADESCANTIA

THE influence of John Tradescant the Elder on our gardens is huge

He was not a designer but introduced numerous plants to Britain and effectively founded the tradition of great British plant-hunters. Yet little is known of his early life.

He was born around 1570, became a gardener and was ultimately appointed keeper of Charles I’s garden in Surrey. In between, he made seven adventurous journeys as far as Turkey and North Africa, fighting off pirates on the way

He was as keen on exotic fruits as flowers and brought back such delights as apricot, cranberry and unusual vines

Tradescant died in 1638 and is buried in the churchyard at St Mary-atLambeth, across the Thames from the Houses of Parliament – the church is now the Museum of Garden History

Among his huge range of introductions were daffodils, crocus, gladiolus, jasmine, lavender and

Michaelmas daisies – but not tradescantia, best known in Britain as a trailing houseplant with three-petalled flowers and often with colourful striped leaves, which was collected by his son, John Tradescant the Younger (16081662)

The Tradescant collection, which became even more extensive when added to by Tradescant the Younger, was later given to Oxford University and combined with an older collection to become the famous Ashmolean Museum, which opened in 1683