Our guide to the best entertainment in and around Cheshire
THEATRE & DANCE
Until 3rd
Love Labour’s Lost & Much Ado About Nothing
The Royal Shakespeare Company’s hugely acclaimed pairing of these two plays comes to Manchester this winter. The action in Love’s Labour Lost and Love Labour’s Won (Much Ado About Nothing) takes place either side of World War One and both shows feature the same company of actors.
The Opera House, Manchester, 0844 871 3018
3rd-January 21st
Sweet Charity
The hustle and bustle of New York City comes to the Royal Exchange. Charity is a dancer. With a heart tattoed on her arm and always looking for love she has a habit of falling for the wrong man. When she meets shy tax accountant Oscar it seems as though her luck might have changed. Their romance sends them whirling and spinning through the dance halls, churches and streets of 1960s New York, but not everything’s a walk in the park and Charity soon faces a choice between Oscar and the wild existence she has tried to keep from him.
Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, 0161 833 9833
6th-15th January
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Audiences of all ages will be flying high with a mixture of madness, intrigue and exuberance. Starring Jason Manford as Caractacus Potts, Michelle Collins as Baroness Bomburst and Phill Jupitus as Lord Scrumptious/Baron Bomburst.
The Lowry Theatre, Salford Quays, 0843 208 6000
9th
Rich Hall
TV star and comedian Rich Hall shares his grouchy, deadpan style with the public on his latest tour.
Parr Hall, Warrington, 01925 442345
9th-17th
Breezeblock Park
Nantwich Players present one of Willy Russell’s first plays. Set on a Liverpool housing estate in the run up to Christmas, Breezeblock Park is a comedy about the ups and downs of family life.
Civic Theatre, Nantwich, 01270 600727
10th-17th
Kes
A deeply moving play based on the very successful 1969 film directed by Ken Loach about a community which fails its young. Billy Casper is neglected by his feckless mother, beaten up by his older brother and bullied by his PE teacher. His only solace is his kestrel, on which he lavishes all the tenderness he has never known.
Stockport Garrick Theatre, 0161 480 5866
13th
Christmas Gothic
Three seasonal tales of terror to scintillate the gooseflesh. Christmas; a time to remember the past, celebrate the present and look to the future; a time of feasts and festivities; of holly and mistletoe; a time of visits and visitations. A time for ghosts.
The Brindley Theatre, Runcorn, 0151 907 8360
Until 28th
Billy Elliott the Musical
Set in a northern mining town, against the background of the 1984/’85 miners’ strike, Billy Elliot is the inspirational story of a young boy’s struggle against the odds to make his dream come true.
The Palace Theatre, Manchester, 0844 871 3019
30th
Roy Chubby Brown
Britain’s lewdest, crudest and boldest comedian is set to entertain audiences with his 40th anniversary tour.
The Regent Theatre, Stoke on Trent, 0844 871 7649
MUSIC & CONCERTS
3rd
Winter Wonders
The Northern Chamber Orchestra with King’s School Foundation Choir and soprano Alison Langer present a concert with music including pieces from Britten, Delius, Finzi, Dvorak, Debussy, Gershwin and Shostakovich.
Heritage Centre, Macclesfield, 0161 247 2220
9th
Fleetwood Bac
The world’s first and best Fleetwood Mac tribute band, endorsed by Mick Fleetwood himself, will be featuring songs from the Peter Green days and Stevie Nicks’ solo career.
Live Rooms, Chester, 0871 220 0260
15th
Andre Rieu
Andre Rieu together with his 60-piece Johann Strauss Orchestra and many soloists will enthuse fans with his humorous and colourful new programme.
Echo Arena, Liverpool, 0844 8000 400
16th
Kate Rusby
One of the finest interpreters of traditional folk songs and one of our most emotive songwriters, will be performing tracks form her new album alongside some traditional songs and carols.
Parr Hall, Warrington, 01925 442345
24th
Sing-A-Long Frozen
A sing-a-long special on Christmas Eve for this hit, animated film. Fearless optimist Anna sets off on an epic journey – teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven.
Venue Cymru, 01492 577888
31st
A Night at the Oscars
Say goodbye to 2016 in style with Manchester Camerata orchestra and their evening of Hollywood glamour celebrating the best of the movies. The concert features music from Oscar-winning films including Star Wars, The Bodyguard, James Bond, Indiana Jones and Titanic and features the talents of West End stars Louise Dearman and Oliver Tompsett. Why not arrive early for entertainment in the foyer and a glass of champagne?
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, 0161 907 9000
OUR FAB FOUR
Until 3rd
The Nutcracker
English National Ballet present this acclaimed production of this seasonal classic ballet.
The Empire Theatre, Liverpool, 0844 871 3017
7th-17th
La Vie Parisienne
Glitz and glamour head to the Royal Northern College of Music as RNCM Opera present Offenbach’s La Vie Parisienne, directed by Stuart Barker and conducted by Andrew Greenwood and featuring talented students from the School of Vocal Studies and Opera.
RNCM, Manchester, 0161 907 5555
11th
Forever Jackson
Hit touring stage show, Forever Jackson will debut a combination of dining and dancing with award-winning theatre.
Tatton Park, Knutsford, 01625 374400
21st
Jason Donovan
Eighties heart-throb and star of the stage is touring with his Ten Good Reasons tour. His debut album of the same name remains a massive fan favourite and in this tour is performed in full for the first time.
Parr Hall, Warrington, 01925 442345