OCTAGON THEATRE, Bolton. Ring Bolton 520661.

PALACE THEATRE, Manchester. Postman Pat takes to the stage in an all new show suitable for ages two to seven. Pat is joined by well loved characters including Jess the Cat, Peter Fogg, Mrs Goggins and Major Forbes. Runs from Thurs, Aug 10 to Sat, Aug 12. Ring 0161 242 2524.

OPERA HOUSE, Manchester. Runs until Saturday July 29, Rent, rock musical. Also, from Sat, Aug 19 to Sat, Nov 11, The Phantom of the Opera. Tel 0161 242 2524.

LIBRARY THEATRE, Manchester. Ring 0161 236 7110.

FORUM THEATRE, Wythenshawe. Ring 0161 445 3599.

ROYAL EXCHANGE THEATRE, St Ann's Square, Manchester. To August 12, William Shakespeare's As You Like It, a magical comedy about love and desire. Ring 0161 833 9833.

OLDHAM COLISEUM. Ring 0161 624 2829.

PRESTON GUILD HALL AND CHARTER THEATRE, Lancaster Road, Preston. Ring 01772 258858.

CAPITOL THEATRE, Oxford Road, Manchester. Ring 0161 232 7179.

BUXTON OPERA HOUSE, Water Street, Buxton. Ring 01298 721190.

THE MET ARTS CENTRE, Market Street, Bury. Wednesday August 2, Krazy Kat's Tales of Brer Rabbit, children's theatre for three to seven year olds. Uncle Remus' famous stories of Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox, Sister Frog-a-roo in a zany new version from Krazy Kat theatre company combining actors with puppets. Shows at 2pm and 4pm, Tickets £5, concessions £3.50 and family ticket (for four) £14. Ring 0161 761 2216.

THE ALBERT HALLS, Victoria Square, Bolton. Ring 334400.

LIBRARY THEATRE, St Peter's Square, Manchester. Ring 0161 236 7110.

BOLTON LITTLE THEATRE, Hanover Street, Bolton.

DARWEN LIBRARY THEATRE, Knott Street, Darwen. Ring 01254 706006.

CONTACT THEATRE, Oxford St, Manchester. Ring 0161 274 0600.

LIBRARY THEATRE, St Peter's Square, Mcr. Ring 0161 236 7110.

FARNWORTH LITTLE THEATRE, Cross Street, Farnworth. Ring Bolton 527092.

CHORLEY OLD ROAD METHODIST CHURCH, Bolton.

NORTH PIER THEATRE, Blackpool. Hale & Pace. Starts 8pm Wed to Fri and 7pm Saturday. Also, Roy Chubby Brown. Runs until September 10. Ring 01253 621452.

THE PAVILION THEATRE, Winter Gardens, Blackpool. Running for the season Palladium Nights with Danny La Rue and the Fabulous Tiller Girls. Starts 7.30pm.

ROCKET THEATRE COMPANY, presents open air productions of A Skulll in Connemara by Martin McDonagh at Arrowe Country Park, Ivy Farm, Arrowe Park Road, Wirral, Merseyside to Sat, July 29, ring 0151 709 4988; Heaton Park, Prestwich, from Tues, Aug 1 to Thurs August 3, ring 0161 236 7110; Fletcher Moss Park, Stenner Lane, Didsbury, Mcr, from Friday August 4 to Sun, August 6, tel 0161 236 7110. All performances start at 7.30pm, tkts £8, conc £5.

THE LOWRY, Salford Quays. The Lowry's Lyric Theatre, Thursday July 27 to Sunday July 30, Rosie and Jim with their popular show music Party. Live music and song, plenty of opportunities for children to join in the fun. Shows Thursday to Sunday at 11am and 2pm, and Saturday at 5pm. Tickets £6 to £8.50. Ring 0161 876 2000.

WINTER GARDENS AND OPERA HOUSE, Blackpool. To August 5. Annie the Musical. Starts Monday to Saturday 7.30pm with a matinee performance on Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm. Ring 01253 625252.

GRAND THEATRE, Blackpool. Comedy Bonanza 2000, runs until Saturday October 28. John Inman, Billy Pearce, The Nolans, The Bonanza Showgirls and special guest Jimmy Cricket. Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 8pm, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday at 6.15pm and 8.45pm. Tickets from £7. Ring 01253 290190.