A round-up of events in Cheshire in December
THEATRE AND DANCE
3rd-8th (and then 17th-Jan 5th, 2014) Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Jonathan Wilkes teams up with Christian Patterson in this year’s family pantomime.
The Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, 0844 871 7649
5th-January 18th
That Day We Sang
A big hearted and nostalgic Manchester love story for all the family, written by Victoria Wood.
The Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, 0844 815 4873
5th-11th The Snow Queen
Theatre in the Quarter is back with a magical and inventive production of The Snow Queen.
St Mary’s Centre, Chester, 01244 500959
6th-14th Hindle Wakes
Powerful play by Stanley Houghton which celebrated its centenary last year presented by Nantwich Players.
Civic Hall, Nantwich, 01270 600727
7th-30th December
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Tip Top Productions presents its annual traditional pantomime.
The Forum Studio Theatre, Chester, 01244 341296
10th December-4th January
West Side Story
Based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and packed with unforgettable songs including Maria, Tonight, Somewhere, America and I Feel Pretty.
The Palace Theatre, Manchester, 0844 871 7660
11th-14th Glyndebourne 2013: L’Elisir D’Amore
Lavish production of L’ Elisir d’Amore, written by Italian-born composer Donizetti – a jocular drama in two acts with beautiful music.
The Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, 0844 871 7649
12th-5th January
Snow White
Comedian and TV star Crissy Rock, Paul Danan (Hollyoaks) and Liverpool’s own Amanda Harrington star in this family pantomime.
Epstein Theatre, Liverpool
13th December-Jan 12th, 2014
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
17th-21st Dreaming of a Barry White Christmas
The first ever Christmas show from renowned Liverpool playwright Dave Kirby, described as a ‘scouse Scrooge’ comedy play and crammed full of original classic hits from soul legend Barry White.
Echo Two, Echo Arena Liverpool, 0844 8000 400
17th-24th December
The Night Before Christmas
A mischievous elf is pretending to be hard at work in Santa’s workshop, but he is secretly hiding toys away for himself. When Father Christmas finds out he explains to the elf what Christmas is all about through song, poems and stories.
The Lowry, Salford, 0844 815 4873
19th. Winter Wonderland on Ice
Ice Glitz productions present their winter wonderland show, performed on synthetic ice. Prepare to be dazzled by lifts, tricks and spins as you warm your heart with the tale of Rusty, a toy dog that comes to life.
Parr Hall, Warrington
29th-30th The Lost Present…A Christmas Adventure
It’s Christmas Eve and having tumbled to earth through the night sky, Elva sets out on a journey to find her best friend – a little girl she hasn’t even met yet.
The Lowry, Salford, 0844 815 4873
Until January 5th
Dick Wittington
Pantomime telling the rags to riches tale of a man and his cat on an amazing quest for fame and fortune. This features all the traditional pantomime ingredients.
The Opera House, Manchester, 0844 871 7660
Until 11th January
Wanted! Robin Hood
Fun-filled magical musical adventure for everyone aged six upwards.
The Lowry, Salford Quays, Manchester, 0843 208 6010
MUSIC AND CONCERTS
4th Slade and Sweet
Two of the biggest bands of the 1970s present a night of glam rock.
The Palace Theatre, Manchester, 0844 871 7660
6th Spirit of Christmas
A truly magical evening of festive readings and music in aid of the Neuromuscular Centre hosted by Matthew Kelly.
Chester Cathedral, 01606 861733
7th Gospel@Clonter
The London Adventist Chorale perform their annual Christmas special.
Clonter Opera Theatre, Congleton, 01260 224514
12th Christmas Concert
Northern Chamber Orchestra and Choir perform a festive programme. Evening starts with a walk through the White Christmas mansion and a warming winter drink.
Tatton Park, Knutsford, 01625 374400
13th Christmas Brass Band Concert
Lions Youth Brass Band and the Go Gospel Choir present this Christmas concert.
St Paul’s Church, Macclesfield, 07515 167469
14th Stalybridge Old Band
The world’s oldest brass band, Stalybridge Old Band, return to Clonter Opera Theatre where they raised the roof several years ago.
Clonter Opera Theatre, Congleton, 01260 224514
14th Christmas Concert
Roberts Bakery Band perform a festive programme. The evening starts with a walk through the White Christmas mansion and a warming winter drink.
Tatton Park, Knutsford, 01625 374400
21st Carol Concert
Frodsham and District Choral Society and Vale Royal School’s Concert Band present this carol concert with Robert Woods accompanying.
Frodsham Community Centre, 01829 751867/ 01928 733247
22nd Family Christmas Carols
Join in the Christmas carol singing with the King Edward Musical Society Band and choir in the stableyard.
Tatton Park, Knutsford, 01625 374400
28th An Evening with James Bond
The Halle present this concert with conductor Stephen Bell and vocalists Mary Carewe and Matthew Ford.
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, 0844 907 9000
31st New Year’s Eve Gala Concert
The British Philharmonic Orchestra present a fantastic evening of vocal and orchestral favourites from opera to ballet, film, TV and musicals, rounded off at midnight with Auld Lang Syne, a touch of Vienna and a New Year sing-a-long for the whole audience.
Buxton Opera House, 0845 127 2190
FAIRS, FESTIVALS, DAYS OUT AND CHARITY EVENTS
6th-7th Santa Cruises
Take a boat trip on the canal with Santa before following him to his workshop to be told a tale and get a present.
National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port, 0151 373 4373
7th-8th December Yuletide Celebrations
Enjoy an atmospheric taste of a Tudor Christmas with decorations, music and storytelling for all ages.
Little Moreton Hall, Congleton, 01260 272018
8th Christmas
Art and Craft Fair
With more than 27 quality exhibitors, with exciting works to tempt buyers for that unique Christmas gift.
Doubletree Hilton, Chester
12th Lantern Parade
Enchanting lantern parade winding its way through the Queen’s Gardens to the town centre and back, with a spectacular lights and laser show finale that you can’t miss.
Pyramid and Parr Hall, Warrington
OUR FAB FIVE
1st
Christmas Carol Service
Mezzo soprano Danielle Thomas, will perform with West Kirkby Light Opera Society and St Francis Xavier’s College Chamber Choir at this concert organised by North West Cancer Research.
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, 0151 709 2919
5th-11th
The Snow Queen
Theatre in the Quarter is back with a magical and inventive production of The Snow Queen.
St Mary’s Centre, Chester, 01244 500959
7th
Snow White
Vienna Festival Ballet present this magical journey, based on the original Grimm Brothers tale.
Parr Hall, Warrington,
21st
Traditional Victorian Christmas
Visit the Victorian classroom for a themed Christmas lesson with Ma’am. Learn to write with a pen and ink and write your loved ones a traditional Victorian Christmas card. Also Christmas craft sessions (£6 per child) and meet Victorian Father Christmas.
Macclesfield Heritage Centre, 01625 613210
31st
New Year’s Eve Gala
Manchester Camerata present this programme of musical theatre favourites and a traditional Last Night of the Proms finale.
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, 0844 907 9000
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here