Cheshire Life’s guide to the best events in and around the county this month. Compiled by Rebekka O’grady
THEATRE & DANCE
7th-11th
Things I Know To Be True
Things I Know To Be True tells the story of a family and marriage through the eyes of four grown siblings struggling to define themselves beyond their parents’ love and expectations. Storyhouse, Chester, 01244 409 113
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11th
Paul Foot
Surreal comedian Paul Foot makes his first trip to Warrington, bringing his alter ego and sidekick pig with him. In his first new show in two years, he will tackle the big issues like terrorism, Ant and Dec, immigration, The X-Factor and breakfast.
Pyramid, Warrington, 01925 442345
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14th-17th
Yes, Prime Minister
European leaders are panicking as the world descends into the biggest financial crisis for 80 years, until oil rich Kumranistan comes to the rescue with a ten trillion dollar loan. Can Sir Humphrey and the Prime Minister save the day?
St Mary’s Church, Alsager, www.alsagercommunitytheatre.org.uk
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15th
Gok Wan: Naked & Baring All
From his humble beginnings on a Leicester council estate, to becoming one of the country’s most recognised faces, this show will see Gok candidly unravel his life to reveal everything he has not yet dared to bare.
Epstein Theatre, Liverpool, 0844 888 4411
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15th-December 2nd
War Horse
The record-breaking production, which has been seen by over seven million people worldwide, is an adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s remarkable story of courage, loyalty and friendship, during the First World War.
Liverpool Empire, 0844 871 3017
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20th-25th
Love Letters
Hollywood legends Ali MacGraw and Ryan O’Neal star in A.R. Gurney’s enduring romance about first loves and second chances. It comes to the UK following a critically-acclaimed Broadway run and sell-out US tour.
Opera House, Manchester, 0844 871 3018
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21st
A Christmas Carol
Charles Dickens’ classic ghost story is brought alive in this production by Chapterhouse. Complete with beautiful period costume, song, dance and a magnificent musical score, it’s the perfect way to start the festive season.
Waterside Arts Centre, Sale, 0161 912 5616
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21st-25th
Cilla: The Musical
A new musical adaptation of the 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 includes Cilla’s greatest hits.
Palace Theatre, Manchester, 0844 871 3019
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24th - 25th Illuminate Company Chameleon are set to take over Manchester Central ) with Illuminate, a site-specific production of new dance, music and light art. Inspired by classic story-telling and the seven themes that have underpinned literature since the beginning of time, Illuminate will bring to life the hundreds of stories and characters which live in the Library’s catalogue of literature, through a captivating mix of live performance. Manchester Central Library FREE tickets for Illuminate are available now via www.librarylive.co.uk
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28th-December 9th
The Band
This new musical, produced by Take That, follows five 16-year-old friends in 1992, and then 25 years on, the now 40-something women, as they try once more to fulfil their dream of meeting their heroes.
The Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, 0844 871 7649
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29th-December 3rd
Nativity: The Musical
At St Bernadette’s School they’re attempting to mount a musical nativity but teacher Mr Maddens has promised that a Hollywood producer is coming to see the show to turn it into a film.
Palace Theatre, Manchester, 0844 871 3019
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MUSIC AND CONCERTS
7th
Alexander O’Neal
The legendary soul singer will perform popular tracks including Fake, Criticize, If You Were Here Tonight, Saturday Love, Never Knew Love like This, Sunshine and Secret Lovers.
Parr Hall, Warrington, 01925 442345
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11th
Clonter Opera Gala
For this year’s gala, Clonter welcomes: Bianca Andrew (mezzo-soprano), Thomas Humphreys (baritone), Eduard Mas Bacardit (tenor), Lorena Paz Nieto (soprano) and the return of Mirjam Mesak (soprano). Directed by Lissa Lorenzo, and accompanied by Robin Humphreys on piano.
Clonter Opera Theatre, Congleton, 01260 224 514
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11th
The Undertones
After their comeback tour last year, fans can expect to hear the back catalogue which includes their hit single Teenage Kicks.
Parr Hall, Warrington, 01925 442345
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11th
Stockport Symphony Orchestra: Elgar and Schumann
Continuing the orchestra’s 40th anniversary season, this concert features the winner of the 2017 Stockport International Young Musicians competition, German cellist Konstantin Bruns.
Stockport Town Hall, 07947 474574
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15th-18th
The Little Greats
The Little Greats festival from Opera North features six short operas bursting with passion, including Pagliacci, Cavalleria Rusticana, L’enfant et les sortilèges, Osud, Trouble in Tahiti and Trial by Jury.
The Lowry, Manchester, 0843 208 6000
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16th
The Gildas Quartet
Praised for their refreshing approach and exciting precision, the Gildas Quartet is rapidly emerging as one of the must hear new string quartets.
St. Wilfrid’s Church, Grappenhall, 01925 263183
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19th
Karl Jenkins
One of the world’s most popular and widely performed living composers, Karl Jenkins will conduct a superb programme of some of his finest works at this Manchester concert.
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, 0161 907 9000
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26th
The Pat McCarthy Quartet
A melodic repertoire of jazz standards and original songs in a modern way, featuring singer Shannon Reilly alongside Pat McCarthy, Warren Jolly and Thom Whitworth.
Bickerton Village Hall, Malpas, 01244 972837
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29th
The South
Former members of The Beautiful South, will play songs made famous by the original band.
The Brindley, Runcorn, 0151 907 8360
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COUNTY DAYS OUT & CHARITY EVENTS
1st-2nd
The Wirral Bazaar
One of the county’s biggest Christmas Fairs will bring festive cheer and raise money for North West Cancer Research.
Thornton Manor, Wirral, www.wirralbazaar.com
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3rd
An Evening with John Sergeant
Enjoy an evening with one of television’s great raconteurs reflecting on his 35 years in the media spotlight in the company of key business people and representatives of the media.
St David’s Park Hotel, Flintshire Email info@spencerdavid.co.uk for details
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2nd-5th
Gin Festival
Enjoy over 100 gins – many that you won’t see anywhere else. There will also be gin masterclasses, a gin cocktail bar, live music and food.
Victoria Baths, Manchester, www.ginfestival.com
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Winsford Town Firework Display
Organised by the Rotary Club of Winsford and Middlewich, gates open at 6pm for pre-display entertainment. Price: adults £6, children £3 and family ticket £15.
Barton Stadium, Winsford
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7th-8th
The Arley Hall Shopping Spectacular
Sponsored by Boodles, this annual Christmas shopping event is in aid of The Joshua Tree, a charity supporting families affected by childhood cancer. Piccolinos will serve festive bubbles on the 7th.
Arley Hall, Northwich, www.arleyhallshoppingspectacular.co.uk
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10th-12th
Louder Than Words Festival
This festival of music and writing is the only festival that interrogates the love affair between music and the written word.
The Principal Hotel, Manchester, www.louderthanwordsfest.com
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11th
North Wales Print Fair
A great opportunity to meet 40 printmakers from all over the UK and buy affordable art. There will also be print workshops and demonstrations and fab print related prizes to be won.
Mostyn Gallery, Llandudno, 01492 879201
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12th-19th
Chester Literature Festival
A programme of inclusive, exciting, high quality events to entertain, inform and provoke. Get close to your favourite writers and experience poetry, history, fiction, music, politics and even a pub crawl.
Storyhouse, Chester, 01244 409 113
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16th November - 20th December
Chester Christmas Market
Enjoy a mulled wine or a hot chocolate as you browse over 70 wooden chalets offering festive treats and gifts.
Chester town centre, www.christmasinchester.com
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17th - 19th
Foodies Festival: Tatton Park
A fun three-day festive feast showcasing the best of Cheshire restaurants, chefs, street food and leading food and drink producers.
Tatton Park, Knutsford, 0844 995 1111
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17th – 19th
Deepbridge Chester Arts Fair
The sixth consecutive Deepbridge Chester Arts Fair will have plenty in store for everyone with arrival of British and international artists over 2,000 pieces of art on display to purchase, including paintings, sculpture, ceramics, photography and mixed media artwork.
Chester Racecourse www.chesterartsfair.co.uk
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18th -19th
Fizz Festival
The UK’s only wine festival dedicated to Champagne and sparkling wine returns to Altrincham Town hall With fantastic suppliers of fizz from all around the world, including Champagne, Cava, Prosecco and English sparkling wine. This is your chance to meet the producers, learn more about your favourite tipple, try and buy
Altrincham Town Hall, thefizzfestival.com/altrincham
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24th-26th
Christmas at Capesthorne
While walking around the house you will be entertained by local musicians and school choirs. A large craft and gift marquee will be outside and festive treats will be on sale in the Butler’s Pantry.
Capesthorne Hall, Siddington, www.capesthorne.com
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25th November - 23rd December
Santa’s Charity Grotto
Over the launch weekend (25th-26th), Santa will be joined by panto characters providing exciting entertainment. Dapper Donkeys will also be in-store offering petting and rides. Grotto is then open until December 23rd. 100% of every £6.50 ticket sold goes to Hospice of The Good Shepherd.
Gordale Garden Centre, Burton, 0151 336 2116
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FAB FOUR
8th-12th
The Snowman
Based on the classic book by Raymond Briggs, this stage show features a dazzling array of colourful characters including dancing penguins, magical reindeer, a beautiful Snow Princess, her wicked beau Jack Frost and Father Christmas himself.
Opera House, Manchester, 0844 871 3018
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23rd
Shakespeare for Schools Festival
The world’s largest youth drama festival presents an exhilarating evening of theatre where you will see Shakespeare’s stories brought to life like never before by various schools. Details of the schools performing at the Lyceum Theatre can be found on SSF’s website.
Crewe Lyceum Theatre, 01270 368 242
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25th
A Brief History of Christmas
GreenMatthews and Jude Rees will entertain with music, songs and carols, beginning in the Middle Ages and ending in the 20th century. It’s a whistle-stop tour of the origins of our festivities, featuring musicians, unusual instruments and humour. The event is followed by a festive tea, provided by the Friends of Macclesfield Silk Heritage.
The Old Sunday School, Macclesfield, 01625 613210
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Until February 17
Animation City
Waterside Arts Centre is the new home of the Cosgrove Hall Films Archive, creators of much-loved children’s animated characters including Danger Mouse and Count Duckula. The exhibition explores the studio’s creative process, with original models, puppets and hand-drawn animation on display.
Waterside Arts Centre, Sale, 0161 912 5616
