A GOOD GIGGLE

May 23-27: Unexpected Twist Grand, Blackpool Re-telling of Charles Dickens’ Oliver

Twist

May 23: An Audience with Liverpool Legends. Lyceum, Crewe

May 24: The Scummy Mummies: Greatest Hits Lyceum, Crewe

May 24: Sounds of the 70s Live with Tony Blackburn Empire, Liverpool

May 25: Russell Howard. Empire, Liverpool

May 25: Frankie Boyle Opera House, Manchester

May 25: The Sensational 60s Experience Lyceum, Crewe

May 26: Calling Planet Earth Lyceum, Crewe

May 26: Roy “Chubby” Brown Pavilion, Rhyl

May 26: Simon Brodkin: Screwed Up Storyhouse, Chester

May 27: The Mersey Beatles Theatre Royal, St Helens

May 27: Peter Andre Lyceum, Crewe

May 27: Carrie Hope Fletcher: An Open Book Venue Cymru, Llandudno Liverpool Songs from her appearances in Heathers, Les Misérables, The Addams Family and many more, interspersed with chat about

May 28: Beach Boyz Octagon, Bolton

May 29: Midge Ure: The Voice & Vision Tour Venue Cymru, Llandudno

May 29-Jun 3: The Commitments Venue Cymru Fantastically feel good celebration of soul based on the BAFTA award-winning film classic Starring Nigel Pivaro (Coronation Street) as Da

May 30-Jun 3: The King and I Regent, Stoke

Musical

May 31- Jun 3: The Wizard of Oz. Grand, Blackpool Blackpool & Fylde Light Opera Company

Jun 1: Midnight Train to Georgia Pavilion, Rhyl

Jun 1: Ministry of Science Live. Lyceum, Crewe

Jun 1: Carrie Hope Fletcher Empire, Liverpool Songs from her appearances in Heathers, Les Misérables, The Addams Family and many more, interspersed with chat about Carrie’s fascinating life and career

Jun 2: A Fright in the Museum Pavilion, Rhyl Danny and Mick and their dad, Clive, have decided they don’t make enough money from their circus, so they get themselves part time jobs as night watchmen in the museum to make ends meet However, things do not go according to plan

Jun 2: Walk Right Back – The Everly Brothers Story Floral Pavilion, New Brighton

Jun 2: The Fleetwood Mac Legacy Theatre

Royal, St Helens Tribute show

Jun 3: Barry Steele and Friends – The Roy Orbison Stiory Floral Pavilion, New Brighton

Jun 3: Gary Delaney: Gary in Punderland Lyceum, Crewe

Jun 4: Seven Drunken Nights Grand, Blackpool The story of the Dubliners

Jun 5-10: Annie Empire, Liverpool Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage

Jun 5-10: The Commitments. Opera House, Manchester Get ready for a feel-good celebration of soul Based on the BAFTA awardwinning film classic, the ups and downs of an Irish soul band

Jun 5: In Conversation with Stacey Dooley –Are You Really OK? The Lowry, Salford Stacey opens up the conversation about mental health in young people to challenge the stigma and stereotypes around it

Jun 6: In Conversation with Stavey Dooley –

Are You Really OK? Understanding Britain’s Mental Health Emergency Storyhouse, Chester

Jun 7: An Audience with Manchester United

Legends Bryan Robson and Brian McClair with host, Jed Stone Lyceum, Crewe

Jun 8: Psychic Sally Grand, Blackpool

Jun 8: Northern Live Lyceum, Crewe

Jun 9-Jul 8: Vernons Girls Royal Court, Liverpool Join Vernons Pools worker 16-year-old Peggy in a show that celebrates the sheer joy of being a teenager in the exciting days of the 1950s Glamour, celebrities and great music all combine for the birth of a Liverpool rock and roll story to match any other

Jun 9-Jul 1: Blonde Bombshells of 1943. Octagon, Bolton Lavish new production with live music and stellar performances The Blonde Bombshells, the most glamorous all-girl swing band in the North, loses members every time they play a GI camp Now there’s an important BBC job in the offing and Betty needs to find new musicians fast Signed, captioned June 20; audio described, June 28

Jun 9: Roy Chubby Brown Lyceum, Crewe

Jun 9: Psychic Sally Pavilion, Rhyl

Jun 9: Francis Rossie – Tunes & Chat Floral Pavilion, New Brighton

Jun 9: Hits out of Hell: The Legend of Meat Loaf Theatre Royal, St Helens Trubute show

Jun 10: A Night at the Musicals Theatre

Royal, St Helens

Jun 10: Whitney – Queen of the Night Floral Pavilion, New Brighton Tribute show

Jun 10: Bye Bye Baby Lyceum, Crewe Tribute show

Jun 10: Breakin’ Convention. Grand, Blackpool Ground-breaking festival of hip hop dance theatre

Jun 11: Lipstick on your Collar Grand, Blackpool Musical Step back in time to the golden era of music where your feet didn’t touch the floor

Jun 11: Rumours of Fleetwood Mac Lyceum, Crewe

Jun 14: The Simon & Garfunkel Story Lyceum, Crewe

Jun 15-Aug 27: The Great Gatsby Dolphin Pub, Mold Here’s your invitation to the best roaring 1920s party ever! Theatr Clwyd’s hit show returns and this is going to be the afterparty of the century Cocktails are flowing in an era of bootleg liquor and red hot jazz 1920s dress code encouraged, dancing shoes recommended! Audio described / touch tours Jul 5, 28, Aug 25; Signed Jun 28, Jul 22,

Aug 23

Jun 16: Phil Wang – Wang in There, Baby! Lyceum, Crewe

Jun 16: The Merseybeats Floral Pavilion, New Brighton

Jun 16: YES Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool

Progressive legends return to Liverpool

Jun 17: The Searchers. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool

Jun 18: Ministry of Science Grand Blackpool

The UK’s favourite science team Ministry of Science are back and more explosive than ever! Join our presenters as they dive deep into the world of science

Jun 19-24: The Mousetrap Grand, Blackpool

The genre-defining murder mystery from the best-selling novelist of all time

Jun 18: The Very Best of Tommy Cooper. Theatre Royal, St Helens

Jun 20-24: RSC:

Julius Caesar

The Lowry, Salford n Continued from Page 21

Jun 23: The McCartney Songbook Floral Pavilion, New Brighton

Jun 23: Tom Davis – Work in Progress

Storyhouse, Chester

Jun 23: Anything For Love. Lyceum, Crewe

Tribute show

Jun 24: Roy Lambert presents Perfectly George Pavilion, Rhyl George Michael tribute show

Jun 24-25: Russell Howard Opera House, Manchester

Jun 25: Sun Records The Concert – 70th Anniversary Lyceum, Crewe

June 25: This is Elvis Grand, Blackpool Ben Portsmouth’s tribute show

Jun 26-Jul 1: Strictly Ballroom The Lowry, Salford

Jun 27-Jul 1: Quality Street Grand, Blackpool

Jun 27-Jul 1: Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story Regent, Stoke

Jun 27: Frankie Boyle Empire, Liverpool

Jun 28: Forbidden Nights. Lyceum, Crewe

Jun 29: The Diana Ross Story Lyceum, Crewe

Jun 30: Bronwen Lewis 2023 – More from The Living Room Pavilion, Rhyl

Jul 1: The Rocket Man – A Tribute to Elton John Empire, Liverpool

Jul 4-8: Heathers The Musical Empire, Liverpool Westerberg High’s Veronica Sawyer is just another nobody dreaming of a better day

But when she joins the beautiful and impossibly cruel Heathers and her dreams of popularity may finally come true, mysterious teen rebel JD teaches her that it might kill to be a nobody, but it is murder being a somebody

Jul 2: Elton John Show Grand, Blackpool

Tribute show

Jul 4-8: Titanic the Musical. The Lowry, Salford In the final hours of 14th April 1912 the RMS Titanic, on her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York, collided with an iceberg The “unsinkable ship” slowly sank

Jul 4-30: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Musical. Palace, Manchester Escape to a world of pure imagination with Roald Dahl’s Charlie and The Chocolate Factory – The Musical

Jul 7: Steve Steinman’s Anything for Love

Grand, Blackpool The Meat Loaf story

Jul 10-15: The Rocky Horror Show. Lyceum, Crewe

Jul 13-14: Seussical JR Regent, Stoke

Jul 14: Simon & Garfunkel – Through the Years Octagon, Bolton Tribute show

Jul 15: Don’t Stop Queen Now Octagon, Bolton Tribute show Jul 15: Anton & Giovanni

– Him and Me Regent, Stoke

Jul 23: Fanny Galore’s Big Bingo Party

Lyceum, Crewe

Jul 23: The Very Best of Tommy Cooper Grand, Blackpool

Jul 27: Tim Vine –Breeeep! Lyceum, Crewe

ARIES (March 21st-April 20th)

More money will pour in, giving you the resources to purchase beautiful luxuries The New Moon on the 19th is perfect for going to a job interview or audition Your charisma will soar on the 20th; use it to lure an attractive person into your web of intrigue Domestic activities are a profound source of pleasure during June; take this opportunity to connect with your nearest and dearest Your charisma gets a big boost, possibly triggering a friend’s jealousy Emerging from a self-imposed period of solitude makes the 17th a happy day for you It’s nice to resume your busy social life The New Moon on the 18th warns against blurting out a friend’s secrets; do your best to maintain their privacy

TAURUS (April 21st-May 21st)

Taking a pleasure trip is worth your time and money; you’ll get an energy boost from the beautiful surroundings You’ll be looking your best on the 19th, courtesy of a supportive New Moon Launching a home improvement project is favoured for the 20th Your charming way with words attracts an artistic admirer in June This is the beginning of a beautiful relationship The Full Moon on the 4th brings an end to a period of intense spending, allowing you to build up savings again An original idea for a business is worth developing on this magical day Your home life is a source of tremendous happiness, but beware of a relative who will try to take advantage of your generosity

GEMINI (May 22nd-June 21st)

The Lunar Eclipse brings an end to an exhausting time that wreaked havoc with your schedule Try devoting more time to solitary and spiritual pursuits The Full Moon on the 4th brings exciting news from a business or romantic partner The New Moon on the 19th is perfect for taking a relaxing break, preferably to a place that’s famous for its natural beauty June’s Full Moon on the 4th brings exciting news from a business or romantic partner Trust your instincts on the 11th, as they will lead you to a lucrative opportunuty that brings financial stability It’s best to listen more than you speak on the 15th – you will learn a lot

CANCER (June 22nd-July 23rd)

It’s time to change your priorities Your natural good looks and charisma will soar Give yourself permission to go after a cherished dream On the 16th, you’ll rub elbows with some innovative and enthusiastic people These new friends will help you cultivate your natural leadership ability Trust your intuition about an emotional or financial opportunity on the 21st June’s Full Moon helps you achieve a fitness goal Give yourself a handsome reward for all your hard work A romantic attraction is too powerful to resist on the 11th; be guided by your heart instead of your head Plans to travel or take a course could be cancelled on the 17th; try not to be disappointed

LEO (July 24th-August 23rd)

A relationship that has undergone dramatic changes will begin to stabilise and the Lunar Eclipse marks the end of a painful domestic situation Feel free to move forward with a stalled project on the 15th, when obstacles will vanish into thin air Don’t be surprised if you’re offered a dream opportunity on the 19th, courtesy of the New Moon You could meet someone special on the 21st through a mutual friend June’s Full Moon on the 4th brings about an exciting change in your life Your star power is tremendous on the 5th On the 18th, the New Moon can stir up problems in your social life It’s possible a friend won’t pay back a loan, causing you to reconsider your relationship

VIRGO (August 24th-September 23rd)

A health matter that needs your attention will cause you to slow down Trust your body’s signals, especially when you feel tired or anxious Your romantic life will undergo a beautiful transformation on the 16th, whether you’re single or attached The New Moon on the 19th is perfect for taking a vacation or indulging in a passionate rendezvous June’s Full Moon urges you to move on to bigger and better things It may be impossible to resist the allure of a magnetic romantic interest on the 11th Be open to embarking on a relationship with someone who has an earthy sense of humour The strain on a close partnership will weaken on the 17th; meeting with the one you love will be easier

LIBRA (September 24th-October 23rd)

A powerful attraction will release its hold on your heart, allowing you to turn your attention to other areas of life Landing a long-term work assignment on the 13th is a distinct possibility The New Moon on the 19th is perfect for indulging your sensual side, either with a romantic partner or a spa treatment A surprise windfall comes your way on the 26th June’s Full Moon on the 4th brings a close to an incredibly busy period for you, giving you a chance for a much-needed rest Beware of steering a friendship into romantic waters on the 5th; it’s probably best to keep things platonic Prepare for some drama at home

SCORPIO (October 24th-November 22nd)

Big changes on the home front will slow down, giving you a chance to adjust to all the shifts that have recently happened The Lunar Eclipse forces you to abandon some attitudes that have been undermining a solid bond On the 16th, your personal life will become a source of profound joy when someone admits their love and admiration for you June’s Full Moon marks the end of a source of earned income Once this assignment ends Don’t let a pushy relative discourage you from pursuing a new goal; you need to remember that your words have power Make it your mission to only speak positive words, especially about yourself

SAGITTARIUS

November 23rd-December 21st

Confusing feelings could create problems in a close relationship Resist the urge to compare yourself to someone you admire You have unique talents and abilities that will put you on a different but rewarding path The New Moon on the 19th drops a wonderful offer in your lap Friendship could easily turn to romance on the 21st Adopting a new lifestyle allows you to travel more freely in June The 11th helps you find a source of passive income; it will be so much fun to get paid for doing a bare minimum of work Pressure at home will ease on the 17th, deepening your enjoyment of domestic activities The New Moon on the 18th warns against getting involved in an intense partnership It’s better to take things slow so you two can develop trust

CAPRICORN

(December 22nd-January 20th)

Your financial situation will stabilise The Lunar Eclipse causes a rift between you and a flighty friend who demands constant attention On the 16th, you’ll notice a dramatic improvement in your love life If you’ve been looking for a partner, you could meet someone with a wonderfully earthy sense of humour The New Moon on the 19th is perfect for taking a financial or emotional risk The Full Moon in June brings an end to a period of isolation for you At long last, you can devote time to a close relationship that brings you joy On the 11th, you’ll resume a high-profile role that allows you to exercise your leadership ability You’ll enjoy using this position to make order out of chaos

AQUARIUS (January 21st-February 19th)

Your determination to move mountains could diminish, allowing you to adopt a slower pace toward goals Starting a home-based business can restore your high spirits and optimism Pay attention to a powerful desire to relocate to a bigger, better home on the 16th You could stumble across the perfect place to live on the 19th, courtesy of the New Moon As June arrives, try not to scare off someone special with your intense personality; you can be quite intimidating without knowing it Returning to a spiritual matter will be soothing on the 11th; it’s important to escape the pressures of the material world from time to time Financial constraints ease on the 17th

PISCES (February 20th-March 20th)

Don’t let your family spoil your enthusiasm Your ability to stay calm under pressure will cause someone to give you a great creative opportunity Fabulous ideas will come fast and furious, and your guardian angels will be working overtime on your behalf June 2nd is one of the most romantic days of the year for you If you’re single, you could meet someone special On the 4th, the Full Moon brings a spectacular career opportunity into your orbit; accept this offer with an open and grateful heart Work commitments prevent you from attending a social event on the 5th; try not to be bitter Fortunately, your professional commitments will easeon the 17th, giving you more time for the people and activities you love

How Plants Got Their Names

DAHLIAS started life as a range of species in Central America, always with woody, hollow stems and often very tall

Aztecs used them as water pipes for irrigation, and their word for the plant has been translated as “water pipe flower ”

They also grew dahlia tubers as a food crop

Following the Spanish Conquest, attempts were made to introduce it as food crop in Europe but without success

Tubers found their way to the Royal Gardens of Madrid, where the director, Abbe Antonio Jose Cavanilles, a 16th-century priest and botanist, collected and named

POPULAR: Dahlias, large and small, add colour to gardens at least 100 kinds of plant.

He named the dahlia after Anders Dahl, a Swedish scholar and botanist who not only travelled abroad in his search for plants but

. . . DAHLIAS CHECKLIST

became curator of a major botanical garden where he catalogued a vast range of plants and then a professor at a Helsinki university.