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