Our pick of the top events during November

THEATRE AND DANCE

Until 3rd Cirque Du Soleil

Alegria is a classic Cirque du Soleil production featuring gravity-defying acrobatics which will dazzle and astound audiences of all ages.

Echo Arena, Liverpool,

6th-8th A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Shakespeare’s witty words and some mesmerising music come together in this colourful and vibrant production.

The Lowry Theatre, Salford, 0844 815 4873

9th-30th Singin’ In The Rain

Starring stage and screen leading man Maxwell Caulfield as studio boss R.F Simpson, pop legend Faye Tozer as starlet Lina Lamont and Stephanie Anelli as Cosmo Brown.

The Opera House, Manchester, 0844 0871 3018

12th Essence of Ireland

International smash hit show featuring original choreography and music together with Irish classics such as Galway Girl, Irish Rover, Song for Ireland and Danny Boy. Inspired by true events, this tells the story of love, joy, happiness and heartache endured by Cora McGowan and Sean Dempsey as they are separated by emigration from each other and their beloved Ireland.

Venue Cymru, Llandudno, 01492 872000

12th-16th West Side Story

Based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and packed with unforgettable songs including Maria, Tonight, Somewhere, America and I Feel Pretty.

The Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, 0844 871 7649

12th-16th Annie

Centenary Theatre Company present this family favourite which needs no introduction, with hits like Tomorrow, Maybe and Little Girls.

The Brindley Theatre, Runcorn, 0151 907 8360

14th-16th (and 22nd-23rd) Bouncers

Four actors take on around 20 roles in Jon Godber’s hilarious commentary on 80s nightlife.

The Forum Studio Theatre, Chester, 01244 341296

Until 16th Wicked Manchester

The global musical phenomenon that tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz begins a major tour in Manchester.

The Palace Theatre, Manchester, 0844 871 3038

21st The Circus of Horrors

A fusion between daredevil and bizarre circus acts performed by a cast of 26, with live rock music played by Dr Haze.

The Plaza Theatre, Stockport, 0844 815 4873

27th The Sensational 60s Experience

Brand new production with an explosive line up from the 60s delivering hits from stars like The Marmalade, Herman’s Hermits, Chris Farlowe and Steve Ellis’ Love Affair.

Venue Cymru, Llandudno, www.venuecymru.co.uk

27th-30th Improbable Fiction

Alsager Community Theatre group present one of Alan Ayckbourn’s funniest and most imaginative plays. A group of would-be authors meet on a winter’s evening to discuss their work. Among them are writers of historical romances and children’s stories who are finding it difficult to start writing and, a crime writer who can’t stop. The affable chairman, Arnold, attempts to get the creative juices flowing by suggesting they all collaborate on a piece of writing with an hilarious, zany, surprising and literally out-of-this-world outcome.

Alsager Civic Centre, 01260 276165

MUSIC AND CONCERTS

8th Marillion

One of the UK music scene’s best kept secrets, Marillion are purveyors of soulful, powerful and often deeply moving music, with a long-standing reputation for blistering live shows.

Manchester Academy, www.seetickets.com/event/marillion/manchester-academy

9th Hallelujah!

Frodsham and District Choral Society are in baroque mood with this concert including the red priest, Vivaldi’s Kyrie and Credo and Coronation athems including the much loved Zadok the Priest by Handel and Bach’s Jauchzet Gott in Allen Landen with soprano Laurie Ashworth and trumpet soloist Mark Powell.

St Lawrence’s Church, Frodsham, 01829 751867/01928 733247

15th Benjamin Britten Centenary Concert

Pieces of music by Purcell and Britten performed by The Sixteen, with conductor Harry Christophers.

The Bridgewater Hall, 0844 907 9000

21st Heidi Talbot

Irish sensation Heidi Talbot in her RNCM debut with her new album Angels Without Wings, featuring a selection of modern and original songs inspired by the world of traditional music.

Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester 0161 907 5369

21st Spirit and Adventure

A programme of classical and lighter music including works by Mozart, Robert Steadman and Jim Parker (composer for Midsomer Murders and Ground Force) by Manchester Camerata Brass Ensemble.

St Wilfrid’s Church, Grappenhall, 01925 263183

30th Classical Extravaganza

The Halle present this concert of all your classical favourites including Rossini’s William Tell Overture and music from The Nutcracker.

The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, 0844 907 9000

FAIRS, FESTIVALS, DAYS OUT AND CHARITY EVENTS

2nd Middlewich Town Bonfire

Traditional family firework display hosted by Middlewich Cricket Club.

Middlewich Cricket Club

5th Annual Bonfire and Firework Display

Escape the winter gloom and bring the whole family along to join in all the fun at this esteemed bonfire and firework display.

Tytherington Golf and Country Club, Macclesfield, 01625 506000

9th-10th Christmas Gift Fair

An early chance to look for those special gifts for all the family and find ideas for Christmas presents not usually available in high street shops.

Tatton Park, Knutsford, 01625 374400

12th-16th Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake

Thrilling, audacious and totally original, Matthew Bourne’s modern day classic makes a welcome return.

The Lowry, Salford, 0844 815 4873

22nd-24th Antiques and Fine Art Fair

With 50 leading antiques and fine arts dealers from across the UK, Tatton Park’s antiques and fine arts fair has a wide range of antiques, traditional and contemporary art, sculpture and decorative pieces on sale with prices ranging from less than £25 to more than £25,000.

Tatton Park, Knutsford, 01625 374400

23rd Homemade Heaven and Vintage Style Fair

Vintage and homemade fair with live entertainment and pop up vintage tea room.

St Peter’s Assembly Rooms, Hale, near Altrincham 07887 76778

16th-24th Animal Earth

The fifth annual exhibition and sale of animal art.

Willington Hall, Tarporley