Our guide to the best events in and around Cheshire

THEATRE & DANCE

4th-5th

Tosca

English Touring Opera present Tosca. The firebrand revolutionary Cavaradossi, Tosca is faced with an impossible choice, submitting to the desires of the sadistic chief of police or letting her lover be executed.

Buxton Opera House, 01298 72190

5th-13th

Bold Girls

Written in 1991 this play reflects the dramas of every day life in Belfast – burning buses, road blocks, gunfire. But these are off-stage events in this stirring play about the lives of three women whose men have been killed or imprisoned for their political activism but where bread must still be bought between explosions.

Nantwich Civic Theatre, 01270 600727

9th

Pasha Kovalev

The Strictly Come Dancing dancer and his dancers are back with a brand new show. Expect all your favourite dances, stunning costumes, great music, chat and fun for all the family.

The Brindley Theatre, Runcorn, 0151 907 8360

14th

Cinderella

Vienna Festival Ballet is proud to present this classic tale, one of the best-known rags-to-riches fairytales of all time.

Parr Hall, Warrington, 01925 442345

15th-20th

The Wedding Singer

It’s 1985. Rock-star wannabe Robbie Hart is New Jersey’s favourite wedding singer. When his own fiancée dumps him at the altar, a seriously bummed out Robbie makes every wedding as disastrous as his own. Only Grandma Rosie seems to be able to see that Robbie and Julia are the couple that are meant to be.

The Opera House, Manchester, 0844 871 3019

16th-20th

Guys and Dolls

The sizzling New York tale of gamblers, gangsters and nightclub singers featuring some of Broadway’s greatest show-stopping tunes.

The Brindley Theatre, Runcorn, 0151 907 8360

16th-20th

Our Day Out

Tip Top Productions present this sad, funny and true to life play by Willy Russell telling the story of a bunch of underprivileged, remedial school children who are taken on a day’s outing by their teachers.

Theatr Clwyd, 01244 341296

17th

Taking Myself Home

Leading poet, writer and broadcaster Ian McMillan, known as ‘The Bard of Barnsley’ talks in this free event.

University of Chester, www.chester.ac.uk/departments/english/prof-glyn-turton-lecture

17th-18th

Room on the Broom

Join the witch and her cat on their mission to defeat the dragon in Tall Stories’ musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Fun for children aged three and their families.

Lyceum Theatre, Crewe, 01270 368242

17th-20th

Insignificance

Marilyn Monroe, Joseph McCarthy, Joe Di Maggio and Enstein meet in an hotel room… the play illustrates that no-one, not even the famous, is exempt from the consequences of their actions.

Stockport Garrick Theatre, 0161 480 5866

Until 20th

Twelfth Night

An intoxicating comedy with gender, identity and love at its centre, directed by the award-winning Jo Davies with live music from acclaimed folk musician Kate Young and lap-tap guitarist Joe Gravil.

Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, 0161 833 9833

22nd-27th

Thoroughly Modern Millie

Strictly Come Dancing’s Joanne Clifton stars in this new tour of this classic Broadway musical. From explosive tap numbers to a Fred and Ginger-style routine on a window ledge and featuring hit songs, this is an entertaining show for all the family.

The Palace Theatre, Manchester, 0844 871 3019

22nd-27th

Grease

The original high school musical featuring everyone’s favourite characters and all the unforgettable songs from the hit movie.

The Regent Theatre, Stoke on Trent, 0844 871 7649

25th

Reginald D Hunter

Known for his appearances on comedy panellist shows as well as his popular BBC2 series, Reginald returns to the UK with this highly anticipated brand new show.

The Lyceum Theatre, Crewe, 01270 368242

26th-27th

The Little Mermaid

Journey under the sea with Ariel and her aquatic friends in Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR, adapted from the Broadway production and presented by Buxton Opera House Young Company.

Pavilion Arts Centre, Buxton, 01298 72190

MUSIC & CONCERTS

4th

Bruckner’s Ninth Symphony

The Halle Orchestra present this oncert dedicated to Stanislaw Skrowaczewski, one of Anton Bruckner’s greatest champions.

The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, 0161 907 9000

7th

The Freddie Garner Jazz Quartet

Pianist Freddie Garner will be presenting his mix of jazz standards and originals, from swingers through Latin and ballads, specialising in the straight ahead jazz of the post-bob era.

Pavilion Arts Centre, Buxton, 01298 72190

12th

The Sound of Musicals

Concert celebrating the world’s best loved shows, promising a set list packed with all the glamour and excitement of musical theatre. Taking to the stage will be four star soloists from the West End: Samantha Barks, Tim Howar, Oliver Tompsett and Hannah Waddingham accompanied by a live concert orchestra.

The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, 0161 907 9000

17th, 18th and 21st

Opus One Concerts: Dvorak’s Sixth Symphony

The Halle present this attractive Slavic-themed programme with a programme of music by Smetana, Chopin and Dvorak.

The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, 0161 907 9000

20th

Chetham’s School of Music

Annual chance to hear young professional musicians of the future from the internationally renowned music school in Manchester.

St Wilfrid’s Church, Grappenhall, 01925 263183

24th

A Night at the Opera

A brand new programme featuring stars from the major companies including Covent Garden, English National Opera and Glyndebourne with celebrated arias and ensembles from Mozart, Rossini, Verdi, Bizet and Puccini to appeal to opera connoisseurs and newcomers alike.

The Brindley Theatre, Runcorn, 0151 907 8360

26th

KT Tunstall

The Brit award-winning singer is on tour to showcase her new album Kin.

Parr Hall, Warrington, 01925 442345

28th

Ron Sexsmith & Band

Ron Sexsmith’s status as one of greatest songwriters of his generation has never been in doubt and now he is on tour with his 13th solo album, The Last Rider.

The Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, 0161 907 5555

COUNTY DAYS OUT & CHARITY EVENTS

7th

Plant Hunters’ Fair

This popular plant fair is set against the backdrop of the historic hall and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland. As well as the chance to find something special for your garden, take a free guided tour of the gardens.

Adlington Hall, Macclesfield, www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk

7th

Bluebell Walk

Experience one of finest Bluebell Walks, with a new route thanks to the discovery and restoration of an old path through the Old Wood.

Rode Hall & Gardens, www.rodehall.co.uk

7th

Antiques Fair

A fantastic day out and the ideal opportunity for you to find something perfect for your home, collection or wardrobe.

Capesthorne Hall, Macclesfield, www.capesthorne.com

13th

Born Survivor

A physical endurance challenge designed by Elite British Royal Marines Commandos. Your chancwe to experience a 10km or marathon obstacle course adventure based on military fitness training operations from around the globe.

Capesthorne Hall, Macclesfield, www.born-survivor.com

14th

Knutsford Races Point to Point

This meeting includes the Lord Daresbury feature race for which the best north west horses will have qualified. This year’s races will also support the North West Air Ambulance and the Injured Jockeys Fund.

Tabley, Knutsford, www.knutsfordraces.co.uk

18th

Opening evening

Attend the opening of a new weddings and events venue, Pryors Hayes, dressed for a dazzling wedding showcase full of bridal ideas and inspiration.

Pryors Hayes, Tarvin, 01829 741250

19th-29th

The British Art Portfolio Exhibition

Now in its sixth year, this exhibition raises money for charity as well as being a showcase for true artistic talent. Supporting Tarporley War Memorial Hospital and Hope for Justice.

The Sicily Oak Gallery, Cholmondeley, Malpas, 07815 199702

www.britishartportfolio.co.uk

21st

Cheshire Artists Network Conference

With artists David Machra who works in wood and John Renshaw, Emeritus Professor of Fine Art at the University of Chester.

The Lion Saltworks, Northwich, 07889 353741

23rd-30th

The 31st GWYL BEAUMARIS FESTIVAL

This event offers a mix of homegrown, national and international talent. ‘At home’, Welsh harpist/composer Mared Emlyn joins the Welsh Chamber Orchestra to première her new concerto for Harp and Strings – one of two concerts by the WCO featuring music from Mozart to Morfydd Owen. The Gerdd William Mathias School of Music returns to the Festival to once again showcase the best of local, young musical talent plus so much more.

Box Office, Canolfan Beaumaris 01248 811200. For full details visit www.beaumarisfestival.org.

OUR FAB FOUR

2nd-13th

Shrek the Musical

Based on the story and characters from William Steig’s book and the Oscar-winning animated film, join our unlikely hero Shrek and his loyal steed Donkey as they embark on a quest to rescue the beautiful Princess Fiona from a fire-breathing, lovesick dragon.

The Regent Theatre, Stoke on Trent, 0844 871 7649

13th

Summer Night

The Northern Chamber Orchestra with Lara Melds on piano presents a programme of music by Sibelius, Mozart, Beethoven, Greig, Delius and Vaughan Williams.

Heritage Centre, Macclesfield, 0161 247 2220

20th-21st

Simply Cheshire Spring Fair

With 80+ carefully selected exhibitors exclusively from Cheshire, this home, food and gift fair is set to be an outstanding showcase of the county’s independent makers, designers and producers.

Arley Hall & Gardens, Northwich, www.simplycheshire.co.uk

27th-29th

New Brighton Seaside Festival

A new festival of fun, seaside-themed entertainment and a showcase of homegrown seasonal fayre, featuring local producers, live music, and children’s activities.

New Brighton, www.seaside-festival.co.uk