What’s On in Cheshire during January
THEATRE AND DANCE
Until 5th
Dick Wittington
Pantomime telling the rags to riches tale of a man and his cat on an amazing quest for fame and fortune and featuring all the traditional pantomime ingredients.
The Opera House, Manchester, 0844 871 7660
7th-11th
Aladdin
Cheshire Youth Pantomime Society presents Aladdin with a cast and live band made up of some of the most talented 11 to 19 years olds in Cheshire.
The Woodford Centre, Woodford, 07910 187583
8th-18th
Ghost
Based on the 1990 romantic drama of the same name, Ghost features the story of Sam and Molly who are attacked on the way home to their apartment one night. When Sam dies he gets caught between this world and the next until his killer is revealed.
Regent Theatre, Stoke on Trent, 0844 871 7649
Until 11th
Wanted! Robin Hood
Fun-filled magical musical adventure for everyone aged six and upwards.
The Lowry, Salford Quays, Manchester, 0843 208 6010
Until 12th
Beauty and the Beast
Fun-filled family pantomime starring Amy Diamond from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s BBC talent show Over the Rainbow and Andy Moss from Hollyoaks.
The Brindley Theatre, Runcorn, 0151 907 8360
13th-14th
Swan Lake
The greatest romantic ballet of all time is brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s haunting and unforgettable score. From the impressive splendour of the palace ballroom to the moon lit lake where swans glide in perfect formation, this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all – exquisite ensemble pieces, memorable pas de deux and breathtaking solos.
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, 0844 907 9000
18th-17th
Wrong ‘Un
February 1918 and after several decades of protest and four years of bloody war Parliament is poised to grant what the suffragettes have demanded and fought for – votes for all women.
The Lowry Theatre, Salford, Manchester, 0844 815 4873
16th-25th
Sleeping Beauty
Knutsford Little Theatre present their family pantomime.
Knutsford Little Theatre, 01565 633000
20th-24th
The Pride
Philip, Oliver and Sylvia exist in a complex love triangle which spans over half a century, living and loving simultaneously in 1958 and the present against a background of changing attitudes towards homosexuality. Contains scenes of a sexual nature.
The Opera House, Manchester, 0844 871 7660
Until 25th
Beauty and the Beast
Beauty and the Beast – the rock ‘n’ roll panto is seasonal entertainment with all the trimmings – jokes, slapstick and lashings of audience participation.
Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold, 0845 330 3565
26th
5
Fun packed show featuring spectacular performances and celebrating Andrew Curphey Theatre Company’s fifth anniversary.
The Brindley, Runcorn, 0151 907 8360
27th
Vampires Rock
Steve Steinman once again plays the supremely evil Baron Von Rockula owner of the Live and Let Die Club in Vampires Rock.
The Palace Theatre, Manchester, 0844 871 7660
27th-Feb 1st
Thriller Live
Thriller Live continues to moonwalk around the world, taking you on a visual, audio and electrifying journey through the magic of Michael Jackson’s 30 year musical career.
The Opera House, Manchester, 0844 871 7660
28th
Ballroom to Broadway
Anton Du Beke stars in this trip of treats celebrating the golden sounds of musical through a star-spangled programme of dance and song.
Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, 0151 709 3789
MUSIC AND CONCERTS
4th
New Year in Vienna
The Halle present favourite arias, waltzes and polkas from the Strauss family, Lehar and others to celebrate the New Year.
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester,
5th
Johann Strauss Gala
This is a delectable fusion of music, dance and song in what has to be the ultimate Viennese party. Hosting the performance is showman, Rainer Hersch, who with his inimitable wit and panache he whisks the audience back to 19th century Vienna on a journey through a programme of the finest waltzes and polkas from the Strauss musical dynasty and other timeless dance music.
Liverpool Philharmonic, 0151 709 3789
8th
Chester Music Society Concert
Chester Music Society concert with Jonathan Dormand on cello and Marisa Gupta on piano performing a programme of music by Beethoven, Brahms, Poulenc and Popper.
St Mary’s Centre, Chester, 01244 381995
11th
Turkish and Other Delights
The Northern Chamber Orchestra present this concert of teenage talents with the former BBC Young Musician finalist and Chetham’s student, Callum Smart.
Heritage Centre, Macclesfield, 01625 378123
23rd-25th
Cirque Berserk
Cirque style skills and artistry meet the thrills and spills of the big top as Cirque Berserk comes to town.
The Lowry Theatre, Salford 0844 815 4873
31st
ICS: A concert for John Dowland’s 450th birthday
BBC Philharmonic present songs, galliards and other dances by the English Renaissance composer John Dowland.
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
FAIRS, FESTIVALS, DAYS OUT AND CHARITY EVENTS
17th-19th
Tatton Park Antiques and Fine Art Fair
A wide range of antiques, traditional and contemporary art, sculpture and decorative pieces will be on sale, including period furniture, Arts & Crafts and 20th century pieces, English watercolours, Persian rugs and carpets, Victorian and 20th century jewellery, fine silver, glass, enamels, prints, English clocks, decorative mirrors and much more.
Tatton Park, Knutsford, 01278 784912
13th-16th February
The Chester Antiques Show
Popular and prestigious fair featuring 19th and 20th century watercolours and oils, paintings from north west artists, early English pottery, collectable silver, period furniture. and more.
County Grandstand, Chester Racecourse, Chester, 01825 744074
16th
Chester Lecture Society
David Cummings takes us through the changing seasons and their effect on the Cheshire countryside and its inhabitants.
Lecture Theatre, Grosvenor Museum, Chester, 01244 972197
Until 31st
Open Art Exhibition
See a selection of work produced by local and national artists.
Macclesfield Silk Museum, 01625 612045
OUR FAB FIVE
5th
Licence to Thrill
Brendan Cole and a cast of 14 musicians and six world class dancers dazzle audiences with scintillating music and choreography in this two hour dance and big band extravamganza.
The Palace Theatre, Manchester, 0844 871 3019
7th
The Sleeping Beauty
Every child’s favourite fairytale, this is the classic story of love and innocence, mystery and magic set to Tchaikovsky’s sublime score. Stunning choreography, sumptuous costumers and wonderful sets from the fantasy world in which the Lilac Fairy struggles against the evil Carabosse.
Liverpool Empire Theatre, 0844 871 3017
13th
Re:play Festival
The seventh annual re:play festival which brings together the best productions seen in Manchester and Salford’s non theatre spaces over the previous 12 month, as well as presenting a range of developmental opportunities for new writers and new work commissioned especially for the festival.
www.librarytheatre.com
20th-25th
Tonight’s The Night
Smash hit musical comedy inspired by the songs of Rod Stewart and starring Jade Ewen from the Sugarbabes, launches a new tour.
The Palace Theatre, Manchester, 0844 871 3019
29th
Chester Young Musician of the Year Recital
Presented by Chester Music Society.
St Mary’s Centre, Chester, 01928 787496