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