Our exclusive guide helping you to plan your month in Lancashire and the Lakes. Compiled by Amanda Griffiths
THEATRE
1stBrendan Cole – Licence To ThrillEagerly awaited follow up tour by the Strictly Come Dancing star promising all the ballroom and latin favourites seen on the BBC show with a cast 14 musicians and six world class dancers.Blackpool Opera House, 0844 856 1111
Until 2ndInspector NorseLipService, pictured below, the duo who bought you Desperate to be Doris are back with this web of mystery that will leave your nerves jangling.The Coliseum Theatre, Oldham, 0161 624 2829
4th-6thThe Russian State BalletThe Russian State Ballet present the oldest ballet still regularly performed, La Fille Mal Gardee (4th), Coppelia (5th) and Swan Lake (6th).Liverpool Empire Theatre, 0844 871 3017
5th-9thBirdsongThe Original Theatre Company and Birdsong Productions present this mesmerising story of love, courage and sacrifice.The Grand Theatre, Blackpool, 01253 743338
6th-9thMurder in PlayThe Club Players present this murder spoof. Boris Smolensky’s budget repertory company’s current production is looking decidedly shaky and as first night looms a member if the cast is murdered causing chaos with the script.Broughton Club, Whittingham Lane, Broughton, Preston, 01772 774208
8th-9thChinese State Circus: Yin YangA remarkable display of human juggling, the amazing ‘bicycle act’, superb swinging poles, sensational contortionist and dynamic hoop divers with their amazing acrobatics.The Guild Hall, Preston, 0844 844 7710
8th-23rdDavid CopperfieldA fast-paced, innovative take on one of Charles Dickens’ best-loved novels, which faithfully captures the very essence of a young boy’s journey into manhood.The Coliseum Theatre, Oldham, 0161 624 2829
9th-23rdPriscilla Queen of the DesertFeel-good hit sensation straight from the West End and starring Jason Donovan.The Opera House, Manchester, 0844 871 7660
12thChinese New year CelebrationWelcome the year of the snake with an evening of Chinese music, opera and dance featuring the Schuan Song and Dance Troupe.The Charter Theatre, Preston, 0844 844 7710
15th-24thShowzamBlackpool’s festival of circus, magic and new variety seeing the town come alive with a myriad of world class performances .Various venues, Blackpool, 01253 478222
Until 16thOf Mice and MenSteinbeck’s stage version of this classic novel tells the story of fast-talking farm hand George and his innocent companion Lennie, who accompanies him in a life of casual labour in 1930s America.The Octagon Theatre, Bolton, 01204 520661
17thMadam ButterflyThe Grand Opera of Belarus brings this delightful opera classic to life with an impressive cast.King George’s Hall, Blackburn, www.operaandballet.co.uk
19th-23rdRutherford and SonNorthern Broadsides present this unflinching portrayal of an industrial Edwardian family starring Coronation Street’s Wendi Peters.The Duke Theatre, Lancaster, 01524 598500
20th-23rdCat’s CradleDetective Inspector Frost is about to retire; he only ever had one unsolved case, the kidnap and perhaps murder, of a six month old Matthew Fulton, 12 years ago. Now before he leaves the police he’s back where the events unfolded, determined to solve the crime.The Playhouse, Preston, 01772 744771
21st-March 9thMother Courage and her ChildrenRevival of Bertolt Brecht’s anti-war epic, a gripping story of war and business with a rich mixture of narrative, incident, music and dry humour.The Lowry Theatre, Salford Quays, Manchester, 0843 208 6010
21st-March 16thTullThe world premiere of this remarkable tale of World War One hero Walter Tull – a talented officer on the battlefield and only the second black footballer to play professionally for the Great Britain team.The Octagon Theatre, Bolton, 01204 520661
Until April 20thThe Lion KingThe first ever tour of Disney’s landmark musical The Lion King comes to Manchester.The Palace Theatre, Manchester, 0844 871 3004
CONCERTS
2ndHenrik Freischlader BandSolid Ents present the Henrik Freschlader Band in concert with support from Albany Down.Darwen Library Theatre, 01254 706006
6thChristopher Guild Clitheroe Concerts Societypresent Christopher Guild on piano playing a programme including two Schubert Impromptus, Bach, Janeck and Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition.CRGS Sixth Form Centre, Clitheroe, www.clitheroeconcerts.org
8thThe ELO ExperienceThe ELO experience perform as part of a nationwide tour reprising the bands greatest hits from the 1980s.The Albert Halls, Bolton, 01204 334400
8thNigel Ogden – The Organist EntertainsThe leading UK organist of light music direct from his weekly BBC radio programme in concert with The Haslingden Choir.Christ Church, Chatburn, 01204 441624
12thOccasional JazzOccasional Jazz at The Latin Lounge presents an evening of classic music from the 1920s and 1930s, performed with considerable style and fun with The Jazz Hounds.The Latin Lounge, Southport, 01704 53949 or 01704 229179
COUNTY DAYS OUT
January 31-February 2ndPendle Beer FestivalThe second festival with the theme ‘the great outdoors’ and more than 100 real ales, live music and entertainment.Colne Muni, 01282 661234
24thColin Cayhill Antiques FairVintage and retro classics, ceramics, silver, postcards, clothing, jewelley and furniture.The Rheged Centre, Penrith, 01768 868000
26thKendal Farmers’ MarketThe very best in local foods.Kendal, www.madeincumbria.co.uk
Until April 12thLytham Hall Snowdrop WalksThis annual favourite is back in the stunning grounds of one of our grandest old houses. Admission fee applies.Lytham Hall, 01253 736652
EXHIBITIONS
February-JunePreston People PanoramaExhibition featuring 100 panoramic photographs of Preston groups, communities and organisations as a social and artistic record of Preston celebrating Guild year, 2012.The Museum of Lancashire, Preston, www.lancashire.gov.uk/museumoflancashire
Until 7thCreation: a celebration exhibitionAn exciting exhibition of embroidery, painting and calligraphy, celebrating the beauty and bounty of God’s creation.Blackburn Cathedral, 01254 503090
Until 13th AprilShirley Baker – Looking OutwardsExhibition of Shirley Baker’s powerful photographs of northern life in the 1960s. Occasionally offbeat and always thought provoking, the photographs record every day incidents in a recognisable style.Gallery Oldham, 0161 770 4653
Until 28th AprilNovel PaintingsExhibition of celebrated novelist Beryl Bainbridge’s art, a unique collection of 15 paintings displayed for the first time in her home town.Museum of Liverpool, 0151 207 0001
HAVING A BALL
23rd FebruaryCharity BallIn aid of the Juvenille Diabetics Research Foundation.Mytton Fold Hotel, Langho. Tickets from Andy Moorby on 07766 132262
FAVOURITE FIVE
1stHansel and GretelFor one night only the Co-Opera Co return to Blackpool with their critically acclaimed production of Hansel and Gretel. An exciting opera experience not to be missed.The Grand Theatre, Blackpool, 01253 743339
2ndJerry SadowitzNot for the easily offended and strictly for adults only, the outspoken star will perform in the self titled show, Jerry Sadowitz – Comedian, Magician, Bawbag.The Albert Halls, Bolton, 01204 334400
11th-23rdHairsprayMusical comedy Hairspray starring Mark Benton, best known as Chalky in BBC’s Waterloo Road, will have you dancing in the aisles.The Lowry Theatre, Salford Quays, Manchester, 0843 208 6005
Until 16thThe Accrington PalsPowerful and poignant drama based on the real life story of a group of young men from a Lancashire mill town who left their homes and lovers for the trenches of the Somme.Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, 0161 833 9833
Until 23rdPierrepoint – The Hangman’s TaleThe fascinating story of a Lancashire pub landlord and England’s most famous hangman, Albert Pierrepoint, brings charm and humour as well as a unique perspective on the use of capital punishment.The Dukes Theatre, Lancaster, 01524 598500