Our exclusive guide helping you to plan your month in Lancashire and the Lakes
THEATRE
4thOne Night in ViennaRaymond Gubbay present a brand new show based on the very best of the Viennese tradition in music and dance.The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, 0844 907 9000
Until 5thTreasure IslandThe classic tale by Robert Louis Stevenson is given a modern twist as a young Morecambe girl seeks adventure on the high seas.The Dukes Theatre, Lancaster, 01524 598500
Until 5thWhite ChristmasThe fantastic stage musical based on the classic 1954 movie returns starring Ken Kercheval (JR’s rival in Dallas), Steven Houghton (Coronation street) and Claire Sweeney.The Lowry, Salford Quays, 0843 208 6005
5th-20thJack and the BeanstalkKatie McGlynn from BBC’s Waterloo Road stars in the annual family pantomime.Colne Muni, 01282 661234
Until 6thCinderellaPop princess Sonia, Brookside’s Philip Olivier and Big Brother star Nikki Grahame star in this family pantomime.The Epstein Theatre, Liverpool, 0844 888 4411
11thCoppeliaThe Russian State Ballet of Siberia present this charming comedy of errors, a witty combination of antics and abracadabra set in a doll maker’s workshop.The Grand Theatre, Blackpool, 01253 290190
12thThe NutcrackerThe Russian State Ballet of Siberia present the most famous of fantasy ballets for all the family.The Grand Theatre, Blackpool, 01253 290190
Until 12thPeter PanA new adaptation based on the book by JM Barrie.The Octagon Theatre, Bolton, 01204 520661
Until 12thCinderellaAward-winning family pantomime by Fine Time Fontayne and Kevin Shaw.The Coliseum, Oldham, 0161 624 2829
Until 12thRats’ TalesPoet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy collaborates with acclaimed theatre-maker Melly Still to create the world premiere of this enchanting new Christmas show, a dark and magical cycle of folk tales packed with thrills, laughs, loves and more than a bit of magic.The Royal Exchange, Manchester, 0161 833 9833
Until 12thArabian NightsThe Library Theatre Company present this richly imaginative, enthralling and funny delight that will keep children and adults alike spellbound.The Lowry Quays Theatre, 0843 208 6010
13thSwan LakeThe Russian State Theatre Ballet of Siberia present the greatest romantic ballet of all time, brought to life with Tchaikovsky’s haunting and unforgettable score.The Grand Theatre, Blackpool, 01253 290190
Until 13thCinderellaCorrie’s Nick Cochrane (Andy McDonald) stars as Buttons in this family favourite.St Helens Theatre Royal, 01744 756000
15th-17thSwan LakeMoscow City Balllet follows the fate of Prince Siegfried as he falls in love with the beautiful Swan Queen, Odette.The Opera House, Manchester, 0844 847 2295
16th-19thAbandonmentPreston Drama Club present this play about love, death, identity and evolution. A mix of social comedy and family drama, reminding us the past is not as far away as we think.The Playhouse, Preston, 01772 744771
Until 18thWar HorseThe powerful story of a young boy called Albert and his beloved horse, Joey, who has been requisitioned to fight for the English in World War I. This is the north west premiere of the show based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo.The Lowry, Salford Quays, 0843 2086005
24thRoll Out The BerylA rich menu of drama, pleasantry and humour are brought to the table celebrating the late great British comedy actress Beryl Reid. Her vivacious character is brought to life as she cooks and prepares a meal live on stage.The Coliseum, Oldham, 0161 624 2829
24th-26thDracula The PantomimeBroughton Drama Club present us with this pantomime where Dracula is seeking a new bride, with plenty of fun and fangs for all the family.Victory Hall, Broughton in Furness, 01229 716115
31stBrendan 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.The Lowry, Salford, 0843 208 6000
Until March 31stThe Lion KingThe first ever tour of Disney’s landmark musical The Lion King comes to Manchester.The Palace Theatre, Manchester, 0844 871 3004
CONCERTS
4thGary BarlowPerforming songs spanning the entirety of his incredible music career, Gary Barlow comes to Blackpool.The Opera House, Winter Gardens, Blackpool, 0844 856 1111
15thLa BohemeTraditional opera at it’s best.Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal, 01539 725133
25thShowaddywaddy‘The greatest Rock n roll band in the owrld’ perform with a new, dynamic and uplifting live show.The Albert Halls, Bolton, 01204 334400
28thPost Christmas Blues NightBeat the January blues with entertainment from The Hustle Blues Bands, the ultimate rhythm and blues eight piece party band with guitar led grooves and fat brass lines, guaranteed to raise the roof.The Midland Hotel, Morecambe, 01524 428370
COUNTY DAYS OUT
1stNew Year’s Day StrollJoin the Wyre Rangers for a refreshing walk to bring in the New Year.Wyre Estuary Country Park, 01995 602125
Until January 6thBolton Ice RinkStep into a winter wonderland in Bolton this Christmas as a 200 metre ice rink opens in Victoria Square with Santa’s Grotto, speciality market, the return of real reindeer and a huge Christmas lights switch on party.Bolton town centre, www.boltontowncentre.co.uk
21st-30Obsession Thirteen Festival of Food and WineAnnual gastronomic celebration where over 10 nights some of the world’s best chefs will take over the kitchens to serve incredible cuisine.Northcote, Langho, 01254 240555
25thKendal Farmers’ MarketMade in Cumbria farmers market offering the very best in local foods.Market Place, Kendal, www.madeincumbria.co.uk
29th-April 12thLytham Hall Snowdrop WalksAnnual snowdrops walk is back in the stunning grounds of one of our favourite stately homes. Admission fee applies.Lytham Hall, 01253 736652
EXHIBITIONS
Until 5thThomas Henshaw: One Man’s VisionExhibition celebrating the 175th anniversary of Henshaws, its history and the history of visual impairment.Gallery Oldham, www.onemansvision.org.uk
7th-February 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 January 12thKathleen Major: Songs Born of SilenceExhibition celebrating this artist who created an extraordinary body of work late in life after a stroke took away her ability to speak and drawing became her main method of communicating with her family and the outside world.Gallery Oldham
Until January 13thThe Materials of MountainsExhibition of photographs by David and Angela Unsworth. Each photograph is a work of art, breathing new life into the photographic record of one of the most intensely visualised landscapes on earth, the Lake District.Brantwood, Coniston, 015394 41396
Until 27thA Right to PlayExhibition containing paintings from the Lytham St Annes Art Collection which feature children to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the founding of UNICEF.Fylde Gallery, Booths, Lytham St Annes, 01253 725610
Until 28th AprilNovel PaintingsExhibition of celebrated novelist Beryl Bainbridge’s art, a unique collection of 15 paintings displayed together for the first time in her home town.Museum of Liverpool,
HAVING A BALL
23rd FebruaryCharity BallIn aid of the Juvenille Diabetics Research Foundation.Mytton Fold Hotel, Langho. Tickets from Andy Moorby on 07766 132262
MY FAVOURITE FIVE
2nd-3rdThe NutcrackerThe Russian State Ballet of Siberia present the most famous of fantasy ballets for all the family.The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, 0844 907 9000
18th-20thMother Goose(also 25th-26th) The Hall Players present their bi-annual pantomime, packed full of fun for all the family.The Parish Hall,Broadway, Fulwood, 01772 863801
Until 19thThe Railway ChildrenThis popular children’s book about childhood, families and growing up, is adapted for the stage.Theatre By The Lake, Keswick, 007687 72282
22ndAnton and Erin Go to HollywoodThe king and queen of ballroom, Anton du Beke and Erin Boag take to the road in this sensational new show paying tribute to the Golden years of the film musicals, with sassy tunes, sensational choreography and sparkling costumes.The Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, 0151 709 3789
24th-February 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
