Cheshire Life’s guide to the best events in and around the county this month. Compiled by Rebekka O’Grady.

THEATRE & DANCE

1st

Dave Spikey

Looking back on his remarkable life and journey from scientist to comedian, Dave Spikey presents his 30th anniversary tour, contemplating that he might still be looking down his microscope today if it wasn’t for the juggler on the motorbike.

Crewe Lyceum, 01270 368242

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2nd - 17th

Circle Mirror Transformation,

Annie Baker’s production, directed by Bijan Sheibani. In a small town in Vermont, New England, five unlikely strangers come together in their community centre for a creative drama class for adults.

HOME, Manchester, 0161 200 1500

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3rd - 10th

Cornerstone Arts Festival

The annual multi-arts festival features performances from different disciplines such as film, music, theatre, contemporary dance and the visual arts in unusual and innovative ways.

Various venues at Liverpool Hope University, www.hope.ac.uk/cornerstonefestival

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5th - 10th

Cilla: The Musical

A new musical adaptation of the hit ITV series, Cilla, telling the story of the teenage girl from Liverpool whose dreams of stardom led to her becoming one of Britain’s best-loved entertainers. The score is the ultimate soundtrack to the 60s and includes Cilla’s greatest hits.

Storyhouse, Chester, 01244 409113

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6th - 10th

Opera North: Little Greats

The forthcoming Fatal Passions season at The Lowry includes critically acclaimed performances of Madama Butterfly (6th and 8th), Don Giovanni (7th and 9th) and Un ballo in maschera (10th).

The Lowry Theatre, Salford, 0843 208 600

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7th - 10th

Daisy Pulls it Off

The play is a comedy set in 1927 and a spoof of the boarding school novels of Angela Brazil and Enid Blyton. Daisy Meredith wins a scholarship to posh Grangewood School for Young Ladies where she is welcomed by some but despised and plotted against by others.

Alsager Civic, 01260 276165

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8th - 10th

She Bangs The Drum

This new show, presented by Contact Theatre’s Young People’s Company, marks the 100 years since the representation of the People Act (1918) was passed into law. Expect comedy, plenty of politics and Manc pride.

Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester, 0161 832 2244

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9th

Bill Bailey: Larks in Transit

This show is a compendium of travellers’ tales and the general shenanigans of over 20 years as a travelling comedian. Bill Bailey tackles politics, philosophy and the pursuit of happiness.

Parr Hall, Warrington, 01925 442345

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19th - 24th

Fat Friends: the Musical

Cricket star Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff plays Kevin Chadwick opposite Jodie Prenger as his fiancée, Kelly. Full of warmth, life and weight loss, this new stage show reunites the foodie friends from ITV’s hit show.

Manchester Opera House, 0844 871 3018

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19th until May 3rd

Spring Awakening

Hailed as ‘one of the great musicals of the last decade’ and the winner of eight Tony and four Olivier Awards, Spring Awakening is based on Frank Wedekind’s controversial play. The show follows a group of teenagers in late-19th-century Germany navigating the struggles and virtues of blossoming youth.

Hope Mill Theatre, Ancoats

www.hopemilltheatre.co.uk

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26th - 31st

Art

Starring Nigel Havers, Denis Lawson and Stephen Tompkinson, this is a new production of the award-winning comedy about three men and one white painting.

The Lowry Theatre, Salford, 0843 208 6000

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31st

Pasha Kovalev and Anya Garnis: Magic of Hollywood

Strictly star Pasha Kovalev returns with his new show packed with sequins, glitz and glamour as he and dance partner Anya Garnis take to the stage to perform routines set to a Hollywood theme.

Crewe Lyceum, 01270 368242

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MUSIC AND CONCERTS

3rd

BBC Philharmonic

Ben Gernon’s first Bridgewater Hall concert as the orchestra’s principal guest conductor is marked by a pair of firsts – the UK premiere of Anna Clyne’s intensely atmospheric nocturnal miniature, and Mahler’s debut symphony.

The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, 0161 237 7008

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6th

G4 LIVE

The UK’s No.1 classical vocal harmony quartet is back. Enjoy classic hits including Bohemian Rhapsody, My Way and Nessun Dorma alongside tracks from their latest album, G4 Love Songs.

Crewe Lyceum, 01270 368242

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10th

Faustus

An established trio on the English folk scene, Paul Sartin, Benji Kirkpatrick and Saul Rose embark on their latest tour.

Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, 0161 9075555

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11th

Elgar: the String Quartet

As part of the Serenades on Sundays series, enjoy Elgar’s quartet in E minor, Op. 83.

Heswall United Reformed Church, 0151 342 8522

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16th

52 Skidoo: The Joint is Jumpin’

An evening of music and comedy themed around the 1920s. Enjoy a trip back in time with this unlikely collection of drunks, gamblers, misfits and outlaws performing Harlem Swing.

Macclesfield Library, 01625 374000

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16th

Warrington Music Live

The popular WAM website is celebrating its fifth anniversary with a special night of live music headlined by Slydigs. Special guests will be funk-rock/soul collective The Winachi Tribe, psychedelic rockers Psyblings and fuzz-pop four-piece The K’s.

Parr Hall, Warrington, 01925 442345

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25th

Hallé Youth Ensembles

Join the joyously gifted members of the Hallé’s Youth Ensembles as they present an afternoon of storytelling, showcasing famous extracts from some of our most popular operas.

The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, 0161 237 7008

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27th

Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham

The duo have toured together since 1986 to packed concert halls all over the World. They recorded their first album The Pearl in 1994, followed by many highly acclaimed albums and won the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards ‘Best Duo’ Award.

The Brindley Theatre, Runcorn, 0151 907 8360

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30th

Back to Bacharach

One of the most accomplished popular composers of the 20th century, this exciting production recreates Burt Bacharach’s timeless hits. Songs are performed by three West End singers accompanied by a live 10 piece band.

Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, 0844 871 7627

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COUNTY DAYS OUT & CHARITY EVENTS

1st - 4th

Manchester Film Festival

The fourth edition of the festival, it will showcase world and UK premieres of the best independent films from all over the world.

Odeon Great Northern, Manchester, www.maniff.com

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9th until April 29th

Ruth Barker & Hannah Leighton-Boyce

As part of Manchester’s Wonder Women Festival, this exhibition will include new work by Ruth Barker and Hannah Leighton-Boyce.

Castlefield Gallery, Manchester, 0161 832 8034

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10th

Wet Felt Making: Fun with Fibre

Learn the process of wet-felting, including techniques such as blending fibres and decorating a fibre base. To book contact Wilmslow Guild.

The Silk Museum, Macclesfield, 01625 523903

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10th

Costume Ball

Hosted by The Lowry Hotel in association with Maggie’s Cancer Support Centre this is based on a ball in 1828 where philanthropists raised money for charity.

The Lowry Hotel, Manchester, 0161 827 4000

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15th

At Home With Jane Austen

TV historian Dr Lucy Worsley takes listeners on a journey into the life of one of the greats of English literature, Jane Austen. Storyhouse, Chester, 01244 409113

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17th

Agatha Christie & Art Deco

Presented by History Wardrobe, the event celebrates the life of the Queen of Crime, including dazzling Deco fashions to intrigue and inspire.

The Old Sunday School, Macclesfield, 01625 613210

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22nd

Gordale Spring Open Evening

Gordale’s annual Spring Open Evening is dedicated to welcoming the start of spring, and this year will be more popular than ever as it has a new family-friendly element, ideal for both children and adults. The event is free to attend and everyone is welcome.

Chester High Road, Burton, South Wirral 0151 336 2116

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25th

Plant Hunters’ Fair

The Popular event returns with top class nurseries offering a variety of plants. Entry to the plant fair is £1.00 which is redeemable when paying for optional entry to the garden.

Ness Botanic Gardens, www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk

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OUR FAB FOUR

9th until April 14th

Frankenstein

This new adaptation of Mary Shelley’s novel, published 200 years ago, by playwright April De Angelis. Director Matthew Xia explores the complex issues of identity, society, responsibility, superiority and ambition in his fast-paced version of this unsettling gothic spectacular.

Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester, 0161 833 9833

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14th

Mayor’s Civic Variety Night

A celebration with the Mayor and Mayoress of Halton to showcase some of the finest talent Halton has to offer in a variety show. In aid of the Mayor’s charities Halton Speak Out and H.E.A.R.T.S.Theatre Group.

The Brindley Theatre, Runcorn, 0151 907 8360

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17th - 25th

Cheshire Residents’ Festival

To mark English Tourism Week and celebrate all the county has to offer, residents of Cheshire can explore what’s on their doorstop for free for one week only. Several attractions, from Capesthorne Hall to the Anderton Boat Lift will be offering free and discounted entry, free tours and other exciting opportunities for local residents.

Various locations www.marketingcheshire.co.uk

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18th

Charity Concert

This charity concert features music by South Cheshire Concert Band and Singing Sensations (Sandbach) Choir. There will be well known music from shows and films together with other favourites. Money is in aid of Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity.

Nantwich Civic Hall, 01270 610901

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