Derbyhire Life’s guide to the best events in and around the county this month.
MUSIC, DRAMA & CONCERTS
1st Josh
Arnott Dance
A highly-charged, visually stunning and musically-led Triple Bill of dance. Déda, Chapel Street, Derby, 7.30pm. Tel: 01332 370911
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2nd
Vivaldi: Gloria
The Sixteen choir and orchestra presents an evening of song, culminating in one of sacred music’s most uplifting choral works. Derby Cathedral, 7.30pm. To book: 020 7936 3420
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3rd
Come and Sing
Join the Sitwell Singers in practicing and performing Duruflé’s ‘Requiem’. Strutts Community Centre, Derby Road, Belper, 10.30am-5pm. Tel: 01332 662519
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9th
Alke String Quartet
The dynamic young quartet is ‘one of the most exciting chamber music ensembles’. Derby Chamber Music Society, Multi-Faith Centre, University of Derby, Kedleston Rd, Derby, 7.30pm. Tel: 01332 830585
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9th
Viva Brass Quintet
A musical spectacular featuring some of Sinfonia Viva’s most virtuosic and skilful brass players. Derby Cathedral, 6pm. Tel: 01332 255800
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17th
The Jazzaholics
An evening of toe-tapping music. Dove Jazz Club, Dove Holes, nr Buxton, 8pm. Tel: 01298 814722
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20th-24th
Kiss me, Kate
Central Musical Theatre Company presents the sizzling musical inspired by Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. Robert Ludlam Theatre, Duffield Road, Derby, 7.30pm (2.30pm Sat mat). Tel: 01332 737034
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24th
Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman
Twice winners of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Best Duo, Kathryn and Sean are regarded as one of the UK folk scene’s most enduring partnerships. Alstonefield Village Hall, Beresford Lane, Alstonefield, 7.30pm. Tel: 01335 310322
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24th
Matt McGuinness & the MLC
An evening of ‘balladeering indie rock ‘n’ roll with a hint of Motown’. Derby Cathedral, 8pm. Tel: 01332 255800
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24th
Merry Hell
The popular eight-piece folk rock band. Matlock Town Football Club, Matlock, 8pm. Tel: 01246 862681
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EVENTS
1st
Challenge Derbyshire Charity Ball
In aid of Blythe House Hospice, Ashgate Hospice care and Helen’s Trust, with a four-course dinner, entertainment, live band and DJ.
Devonshire Dome, Buxton. For details contact 01298 72021
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10th-14th
A Romantic Affair at Kedleston
Enjoy cello playing and a fire-lit meal in Caesars’ Hall before journeying through the house to witness the drama of the first meeting between Byron and Shelley. Kedleston Hall (National Trust), near Quarndon. Tel: 01332 255800
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13th-14th
Royal Shrovetide FootBall
Ashbourne’s famous annual game features hundreds of players and goals that are three miles apart.
Contact Ashbourne Visitor Information on 01335 343666
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19th-23rd
Medieval Mayhem
Step back in time for medieval fun and take part in games to test your skill and courage.
Bolsover Castle (English Heritage), nr Chesterfield. Tel: 0370 333 1181
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21st-24th
Derby Camra Winter Beer Festival
Local and nationally-brewed ales, ciders and perries, a variety of continental beers and live music. The Roundhouse, Pride Park, Derby. Visit derbycamra.org.uk
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THEATRE HIGHLIGHTS
Buxton Opera House, 01298 72190
3rd
King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys
The band’s all-action approach to the American rhythm and blues, jump, jive and swing has earned them a reputation as ‘The Kings of Swing’
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4th
La Traviata
With international soloists, a highly-praised chorus and full orchestra
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7th
Tangomotion
A journey into the heart of Tango Argentino, from displays of traditional tango dance to the sounds of 1930s’ and 40s’ Buenos Aires
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8th
The ELO Experience Celebrating the great music of Jeff Lynn and The Electric Light Orchestra
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9th
Dr John Cooper Clarke
An evening with the poet, movie star, rock star, presenter, comedian and social and cultural commentator
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11th
Jimmy Osmond: Moon River and Me
A new show full of award-winning music, nostalgic footage and special memories of Andy Williams
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14th
Suggs
A night of entertainment and stories from the Madness frontman
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17th
Fisherman’s Friends
The Cornish band widely-regarded for their shanty-style singing
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Pomegranate Theatre, Chesterfield, 01246 345222
10th
Dance to the Music
Kristina Rihanoff, Robin Windsor and Oksana Platero are joined by a full cast of dancers plus singers Christopher Maloney and Beth Sherburn
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11th
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Join Ballet Theatre UK on a trip to a fantastical world of dazzling dance, music and enchantment
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20th-22nd
Sister Act
Chesterfield Studios presents the feel-good musical comedy based on the hit 1992 film
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26th Feb-3rd March
The Case of the Frightened Lady When Inspector Tanner is called in to investigate a murder, he quickly discovers that nothing is quite as it seems. Starring Gray O’Brien, Rula Lenska and Denis Lill
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Winding Wheel, Chesterfield, 01246 345222
15th
Back to Bacharach
West End singers celebrate the music of the legendary composer with the Magic Moments Orchestra
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17th
The ELO Experience Recreating the great music of Jeff Lynn and The Electric Light Orchestra
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22nd
Ant Middleton The survival expert, TV presenter and ex elite forces soldier shares his exploits as a modern day explorer
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23rd
Twist and Shout An all-star West End cast presents a musical journey from the late sixties to Brit Pop, and everything in-between
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28th
Derek Acorah An experience to remember with one of the foremost names in the world of psychic phenomena
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Derby Theatre, 01332 593939
8th-10th
The Wedding
Internationally-acclaimed Gecko’s new show presents a brutal and thrilling depiction of a dystopian world where everyone is a bride, wedded to society
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18th
Pam Ayres
The acclaimed poet, comedian, songwriter and presenter
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20th
Some People v Reginald D. Hunter
Reginald’s searingly honest comedy material has earned him a fanbase that spans the generations
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23rd
Dave Spikey
Dave celebrates the 30th anniversary of his career by looking back on his journey from biomedical scientist to comedy performer and writer
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Guildhall Theatre, Derby, 01332 255800
30th Jan-3rd Feb
The Wizard of Oz
The brilliant Oddsocks Productions brings the classic adventure to life with a hearty dollop of their trademark comedy, new songs and laughs aplenty
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5th-6th
The Simon & Garfunkel Story
Using projection photos and original film footage, this 50th anniversary celebration features a full live band
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7th
Tea with the Old Queen
A funny, witty and poignant play revealing the eccentricities of our monarchy as recorded in the fictitious ‘secret’ diaries of William Tallon
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24th
Andy Kirkpatrick
The top British mountaineer and winter expedition specialist looks back at forty years of adventures
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Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham 0115 989 5555
7th-10th
Moscow City Ballet
Magical performances of Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet on 7th and 8th; and Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty on 9th and 10th
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16th
Jason Manford
‘Muddle Class’ features hilarious new material about Jason growing up ‘working class’ then finding, over the years, that part of him has become ‘middle class’
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17th
Paul Carrack
The legendary Sheffield-born singer-songwriter
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19th
Seal
The British soul legend combines his unique voice with some of the greatest jazz songs and swing classics ever written
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Theatre Royal, Nottingham 0115 989 5555
3rd
Grimethorpe Colliery Band
An entertaining show from ‘the finest jewel in the world of brass bands’
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5th-10th
Hedda Gabler
Just married. Bored already. Hedda longs to be free... a modern production of Ibsen’s masterpiece
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13th-24th
Hairspray
The smash-hit musical comedy guaranteed to have you dancing the night away!
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27th Feb-1st Mar
Rambert
Britain’s national dance company presents a show full of energy, music and spectacular dancing
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Nottingham Playhouse 0115 941 9419
1st-3rd
The Wedding
Gecko’s new show depicts a dark yet thrilling depiction of a dystopian world
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9th-24th
Wonderland
Drama written by the daughter of a Nottingham miner. Expect dark humour and tension in this gripping 360° look at the events leading up to and during the 1984-85 miners’ strike
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28th
Ed Byrne
Expect hilarious anecdotes and perfectly-timed jokes from the acclaimed stand-up and star of Mock the Week
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Though care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of dates and times, it is always advisable to verify the details
