Our guide to the best events in and around Cheshire
THEATRE & DANCE
3rd-4th
The Nutcracker
The Russian State Ballet of Siberia, accompanied by the Orchestra of the Russian State Ballet present the most famous of fantasy ballets for all the family. As snowflakes fall outside, the warm glow of the open fire sends flickering shadows across the boughs of the Christmas trees. When midnight strikes, we are swept away to a fairytale world where nothing is quite as it seems and we travel through the Land of Snow to an enchanted place where the magic really begins.
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, 0161 907 9000
Until 6th
Jack and the Beanstalk
Follow hero Jack and his mission to defeat the giant who lives at the top of the beanstalk. Boo and hiss the baddies, cheer the heroes and laugh along the way with the corny jokes.
The Forum Studio Theatre, Chester, 01244 341296
6th-15th
Aladdin
The classic tale of Arabian nights, a genie in a lamp and a beautiful princess.
Parr Hall, Warrington, 01925 442345
Until 8th
Cinderella
Jonathan Wilkes and Christian Patterson star in Cinderella, the most famous pantomime of them all. Dust off your magic wands, grab your invitation to the ball and get ready to cheer as the pantomime Fairy Godmother spreads some magic.
The Regent Theatre, Stoke on Trent, 0844 871 7649
11th-14th
Copenhagen
This profound play centres on the historic 1941 meeting between the German atomic physicist, Werner Heisenberg and his Danish counterpart, Niels Bohr. In the 1920s they had revolutionised nuclear physics together but now they find themselves on opposites sides in a world war.
Stockport Garrick Theatre, 0161 480 5866
Until 15th
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
16th-21st
Gaslight
The classic Victorian thriller, set in the terrfying darkness of the late afternoon. The zero hour, as it were, before the feeble dawn of gaslight and tea.
The Altrincham Garrick Playhouse, 0161 928 1677
Until 21st
Sweet Charity
The hustle and bustle of New York City comes to the Royal Exchange. Charity is a dancer and 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
Until 28th
Billy Elliot 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
29th
Ken Dodd Happiness Show
The nation’s favourite comedian Ken Dodd has been entertaining audiences for more than 60 fun-filled years. Enjoy the happiness with this evening of laughter and songs.
Parr Hall, Warrington, 01925 442345
30th
Giselle
The most poignant of all classical ballets is filled with dramatic passion in a chilling and heart-rending tale of love, treachery and forgiveness from beyond the grave.
Empire Theatre, Liverpool, 0844 871 3017
MUSIC & CONCERTS
7th
A Viennese Celebration
The Hallé’s annual New Year celebration features the most romantic waltzes, thrilling polkas and exciting marches. Some beautiful Viennese songs performed by the magnificent Joshua Ellicott guarantee delightful memories to treasure for the rest of the year.
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, 0161 907 9000
13th
Back to Bacharach
Celebrating the magical music of Burt Bacharach, this exciting production is performed by three of the finest West End singers accompanied by a 10-piece band recreating Burt Bacharach’s timeless hits.
The Plaza Theatre, Stockport, 0161 477 7779
14th
Showcase
The Northern Chamber Orchestra with Matthew Trusler on violin presents this programme of Stravinsky, Bruch, Dvorak and Schubert.
Heritage Centre, Macclesfield, 0161 247 2220
15th-16th
The History of The Cavern: Celebrating 60 Years of the Greatest Club in the World
A special show is being staged to start a year of celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of the world’s most famous club – The Cavern Club, featuring The Overture, the UK’s premier 60s tribute band who will be joined by special guests.
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, 0151 709 3789
15th
Johann Strauss Gala
The Johann Strauss Orchestra pays homage to the Strauss musical dynsty with performances of classic works including Overture and Laughing Song from Die Fledermaus, Tales from the Vienna Woods, Roses from the South Waltz, Blue Danube Waltz and more. The Johann Strass Dancers, in gorgeous costumes of the period, capture the experience of the occasion in choreographed routines, dancing to some of the most romantic waltzes and liveliest polkas composed.
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, 0161 907 9000
28th
80s Mania
Prepare to experience Europe’s ultimate 80s concert show, featuring 25 chart topping pop icons authentically recreated with a live band and awesome dancers.
Buxton Opera House, 01298 72190
COUNTY DAYS OUT & CHARITY EVENTS
Until 2nd
Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show
Showjumpers from across the globe will compete for a total £160,000 prize fund. Showjumping action will be interspersed with performances that hold a wide family appeal, including music from ABBA tribute band Revival, the Shetland Pony Grand National, carriage driving with teams competing in a speed challenge, the Black Fire Girls and much more.
Echo Arena, Liverpool, www.liverpoolhorseshow.com
Until 15th
Modern Drawings: Vision and Temperment
Selected by Dr Tom McGuirk, senior lecturer in fine art at the University of Chester, the drawings in the exhibition provide insights into the vision of artists and, by extension, into how we all see.
Grosvenor Museum, Chester, 01244 972134
19th-22nd
The Caravan & Motorhome Show
The north’s largest outdoor leisure show for caravan and motorhome owners, campers and lovers of the great outdoors, with entertainment including a celebrity speaker and expert advice from manufacturers. Guests can also visit a range of attractions such as the Food and Travel Stage, the KidZone and Motorhome Manoeuvring.
EventCity, Manchester, www.caravanshows.com
OUR FAB FOUR
5th-6th
Swan Lake
The Russian State Ballet of Siberia, accompanied by the Orchestra of the Russian State Ballet present the greatest romantic ballet of all time, brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score.
Buxton Opera House, 01298 72190
14th-21st
Dick Whittington
The annual production from Congleton Pantomime who also offer special sign language performances of its 2017 show to cater for deaf and hard of hearing theatregoers (15th and 18th).
Daneside Theatre, Congleton, www.ticketsource.co.uk/congletonpanto
21st
Musical Mayhem
A dazzling new production honouring and celebrating the very best of West End and Broadway’s musical theatre.
The Brindley Theatre, Runcorn, 0151 907 8360
30th
Brendan Cole: All Night Long
Star of Strictly Come Dancing Brendan Cole is on tour with another high energy show with scintillating guest dancers and great music from a scorching 14-piece band and singers, superb choreography, stunning lighting and amazing special effects.
Venue Cymru, Llandudno, 01492 872000