Our guide to the best events in April in and around Cheshire.
THEATRE & DANCE
Until 8th
The Commitments
Coronation Street legend Kevin Kennedy stars as Jimmy Da in this show, packed with more than 20 classic soul songs performed live on stage and which tells the tale of Jimmy Rabbitte, a young, working class music fan who shapes an unlikely bunch of amateur musicians into an amazing live act.
The Palace Theatre, Manchester, 0844 971 3019
Until 8th
Yank!
A new musical – a World War II love story which tells the story of Stu, a scared mid-western youngster who is called up in 1943. He becomes a photographer for Yank magazine, the journal ‘for and by the serviceman. The musical explores what it is to be a man and what it is to fall in love and struggle.
Hope Mill Theatre, Ancoats, www.hopemilltheatre.co.uk
12th-13th
Easter Bunny’s Eggs-ellent Adventure
The most chocolatey Easter show ever, particularly suitable for 2-7 year olds and followed by a meet, greet and treat with the Easter Bunny himself.
The Brindley, Runcorn, 0151 907 8360
12th-16th
Gangsta Granny
Birmingham Stage Company present the world premiere of David Walliam’s amazing story.
Buxton Opera House, 01298 72190
13th
Mark Radcliffe
Radio and TV presenter, musician and writer, Mark Radcliffe tells tales of a colourful life. Expect stories and songs of middle-aged angst and ennui along with tales of ineptitude and encounters with some of music’s most famous names, who Mark has on speed dial, even if his calls are blocked at the other end.
Pyramid & Parr Hall, Warrington, 01925 442345
17th
The Wizard of Oz
Follow the Yellow Brick Road in this all-new Easter pantomime version of The Wizard of Oz, starring Britain’s Got Talent winners Ashleigh and Pudsey as Dorothy and Toto and comedy legend Bobby Davro as the Scarecrow.
The Lyceum Theatre, Crewe, 01270 368242
18th-29th
Mamma Mia!
ABBA’s timeless songs are set with this enchanting tale of family and friendship unfolding on a Greek island paradise.
The Regent Theatre, Stoke on Trent, 0844 871 7649
20th-22nd
Our Man in Havana
Cuba 1958. A hapless vacuum cleaner salesman gets sucked in to a dirty world of espionage and double agents when the chance of helping out MI6 with a job or two proves too good an offer to resist.
Pavilion Arts Centre, Buxton, 01298 72190
22nd-29th
Bette and Joan
In adjoining dressing rooms on the film set of the 1962 black comedy Whatever Happened to Baby Jane, Bette Davis and Joan Crawford enact their bitter rivalries and, in doing so, lay bare the emotional scars of their lives with incredible honesty and humour. Venomous barbs are exchanged as the deadly shafts of delightful wit are delivered with relish, just where it will hurt most.
The Garrick Theatre, Stockport, 0161 480 5866
24th-29th
Wonderland
Enchanting musical adaptation of Lewis Caroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through The Looking Glass, with a medley of magic and a lot of wonder. It is an adventurous exploration of who we are, who we want to be and the power of everyday magic in our lives.
The Palace Theatre, Manchester, 0844 871 3019
24th-May 13th
How My Light Is Spent
Set in a small town in Wales, this play explores the relationship between Jimmy and Kitty and the joy of finding someone who might just really ‘see’ you.
The Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, 0161 833 9833
25th-29th
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
One of the Bard’s funniest and most popular plays has been adapted by Helen Jeffery and this timeless comedy promises to dazzle audiences with an unforgettable tale of love and adventure.
The Epstein Theatre, Liverpool, 0844 888 4411
26th
An Evening with Pam Ayres
Pam Ayres has been making the nation laugh for more than 40 years. Her work is funny and approachable. Her hair-trigger timing, her eye for the detail of everyday life and for the absurdity therin, makes for an art that hides art.
The Brindley Theatre, Runcorn, 0151 907 8360
26th
Noel & Gertie
Warm and witty musical comedy based on the legendary friendship and professional collaboration of actor, playwright and songwriter Noel Coward and the alluring and charismatic actress Gertrude Lawrence.
Waterside Arts Centre, Sale, 0161 912 5616
Until April 29th
Bat Out Of Hell
Spectacular new musical – a romantic adventure about rebellious youth and passionate love, set against the backdrop of a post-cataclysmic city adrift from the mainland.
The Opera House, Manchester, www.batoutofhellmusical.com
MUSIC & CONCERTS
2nd
The Bootleg Beatles
One of the world’s most famous Beatles tribute bands, continue to draw critical acclaim from across the globe with their stunning recreation of the greatest songbook of all time.
Buxton Opera House, 01298 72190
7th
An Audience with Lesley Garrett
A delightful evening of song, reminiscences and chat from this beloved soprano from a career that has spanned over 30 years.
St George’s Hall, Liverpool, 0844 800 0410
8th
Masterworks
The Northern Chamber Orchestra present this concert featuring Mozart’s Oboe Quartet, Brahms’ Sextet in G Opus 36 and Beethoven’s String Quartet in C Opus 29.
Heritage Centre, Macclesfield, 0161 247 2220
20th
Centenary Theatre Company Concert
This local theatre group, based at the Brindley Theatre in Runcorn was formed more than 100 years ago and continues to present high class shows and plays. In this concert they will be singing a selection of entertaining songs from the shows together with Gilbert and Sullivan favourites.
St Wilfrid’s Church, Grappenhall, 01925 263183
22nd
Giants of Jazz
Pianist James Pearson, artistic director of Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London, joins the Halle and conductor Roderick Dunk for a tribute to 100 years of jazz piano greats. Hear the famous James Pearson Trio, resident at Ronnie Scott’s as they swing with the Halle in this exciting collaboration.
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, 0161 907 900
22nd
That Manchester Night
The best tribute acts to some of the biggest bands of all time, headlined by the number one Stone Roses tribute the Clone Roses. Also feature Oasish and The Smiths Ltd with Clint Boon, aka Mr Manchester as DJ and host.
Parr Hall, Warrington, 01925 442345
22nd
Fleetwood Bac
The world’s first and best Fleetwod Mac tribute band, endorsed by Mick Fleetwood himself, faithfully recreate the band’s Rumours line-up.
Waterside Arts Centre, Sale, 0161 912 5616
26th, 27th & 30th
Opus One Concerts: Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony
Conductor Sir Mark Elder conducts this work featuring a recurrent fate motif and is a passage from despondency to joy.
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, 0161 907 900
28th
From The Jam
Having gained a reputation for the kind of incendiary live performances that sealed the reputation of The Jam, hear classic The Jam hits from From The Jam.
Parr Hall, Warrington, 01925 442345
COUNTY DAYS OUT & CHARITY EVENTS
3rd-17th
Make a Quasar
Quasars are mysterious objects that can often be found swirling around supermassive black holes at the centres of distant galaxies. Join the friendly science explainers as you take part in this drop-in craft activity, where you can learn more about quasars and have a go at modelling your own.
Jodrell Bank, Macclesfield, (weekdays only, inclusive of Good Friday and Easter Monday), www.jodrellbank.net
7th
Cheeky Chilli VIP Launch Party
Cheeky Chilli is hosting this fabulous party to kick the 2017 Polo season off in style, there’s fantastic entertainment from Six 15 Events including Dax on Sax and a wide selection of award winning food and complimentary cocktails on arrival.
Cheshire Polo Club, Budworth vannessa@cheekychillievents.co.uk
8th-17th
Lambing Week
Visitors to the farm can expect to see woolly new arrivals. There will be regular farm fact talks as visitors ‘meet the sheep’. There are also shire horses, pigs, donkeys, cows and more for children to view.
Tatton Park, Knutsford, www.tattonpark.org.uk
21st
Charity Ball
In aid of The Lullaby Trust who support families affected by SIDS and fund research into why more than 200 babies and toddlers die each year with no knowing reason. Entertainment includes a charity auction, band and Clint Boon DJing.
The Mere Golf and Country Club, Knutsford, www.louislullabyladies.com
23rd
Arley Spring Plant Fair
Browse the specialist nurseries selling unusual plants, shrubs and bulbs and gather ideas for your garden for the coming season. The Arley gardeners will be on hand to give advice and answer any questions you may have about the best type of plants for your garden.
Arley Hall & Gardens, Northwich, 01565 777353
FAB FOUR
1st
Pasha Kovalev
The Strictly Come Dancing dancer and his dancers are back with a brand new show. Expect all your favourite dances, stunning costumes, great music and fun.
The Lyceum Theatre, Crewe, 01270 368242
3rd-17th
The Black Holes Science Show
Black holes are some of the weirdest objects in the universe. Find out all about them, including what would happen if you fell into one. Full of fun experiments and demonstrations, this science show is perfect for all ages.
Jodrell Bank, Macclesfield, (weekdays only), www.jodrellbank.net
8th-9th
The Little Mermaid plus Divertissements
A children’s ballet of Hans Christian Anderson’s classic. It tells the story of a mermaid who falls in love with a handsome prince. By using magic she exchanges her beautiful voice for legs.
The Brindley, Runcorn, 0151 907 8360
14th
Chester City Passion
Chester Mystery Plays, Churches Together, Theatre in the Quarter and Link Up take to the streets for this moving production. It starts at Eastgate Clock with Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem and then process to the Cross for the Temple scene and the Last Supper. It will move to Town Hall Square, finishing at the Cathedral’s west door with the Crucifixion.
www.chestermysteryplays.com
