Compiled by Amanda Griffiths
THEATRE AND DANCE
2nd-7th Blood Brothers
The captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences.
The Lowry, Salford Quays, 0844 815 4873
6th Steve Hughes
Brand new show ‘While It’s Still Legal’ featuring more thoughtful, outspoken social commentary courtesy of this masterful, erudite and provocative performer.
The Lowry, Salford Quays, 0843 208 6010
6th-14th Rough Justice
Nantwich Players present this gripping courtroom drama by Terence Frisby.
Civic Hall, Nantwich, 01270 600727
11th-14th A Piece of Cake
Bridget Jones meets Nigella Lawson in this delicious romantic comedy. London city girl Penelope is suddenly made redundant and seizes the chance to follow her life long dream of opening a cake shop, helped by bumbling estate agent David, not so bright assistant Lizzie and a handsome carpenter named Peter.
Knutsford Little Theatre, 01565 633000
12th-21st Witness for the Prosecution
Tip Top Productions present this thriller with an uncanny triple flip ending.
The Forum Studio Theatre, Chester, 01244 341296
13th Private Lives
Consensus Touring Theatre present this Noel Coward classic featuring a divorced couple who go on their honeymoon with their new spouses only to find, to their horror, that their former partners are staying in the same hotel – in the next bedroom!
The Brindley, Runcorn, 0151 907 8360
14th Jimmy Carr
Brand new show ‘Gagging Order’ packed with one liners, stories and jokes – some clever, some rude and a few totally unacceptable. Be prepared!
Parr Hall, Warrington
17th-18th Three Phantoms
Three Phantoms from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s eponymous musical are set to haunt, host and perform in a unique event where musical theatre meets the Rat Pack.
The Opera House, Manchester, 0844 871 7660
18th-21st The Mikado
Set in the zany flashy world of modern fashion houses, this energetic production promises a riot of gorgeous and bizarre creations.
The Lowry, Salford Quays, 0844 815 4873
25th-October 26th
All My Sons
Searing investigation of honesty, guilt and the corrupting power of greed by Arthur Miller.
Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, 0844 815 4873
MUSIC AND CONCERTS
Until September 8th
Tickle the Ivories
Liverpool ONE will be alive with the sound of music as the popular and award-winning Tickle the Ivories festival returns to its streets for the third year. The pianos which are scattered throughout Liverpool ONE for ten weeks will host a range of pianists from professionals to members of the public.
Liverpool ONE, www.liverpool-one.com
11th Superstars of Soul
Two true superstars of soul, Ben E King and Jimmy James, join forces to present a stunning show, accompanied by The Vagabonds.
Parr Hall, Warrington,
15th Beethoven: The Complete Piano Sonatas Recital 1
Features John Lill CBE on piano performing Beethoven’s Op.10 No.3 in D, Op.22 in B flat, Op.54 in F, Op.57 in F minor ‘Appassionata’.
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester,
19th Alison Farr
Winner of the BBC’s Young Musician competition in 1998, pianist Alison Farr performs a programme including works by Bach, Brahms, Mozart, Chopin and Mendelssohn.
St Wilfrid’s Church, Grappenhall, 01925 263183
21st Kate Rusby
Folk superstar Kate Rusby will entertain with a selection of much-loved classics from her back catalogue, stretching over two decades of music making.
The Plaza, Stockport, 0161 4777779
22nd Miyuki Kato
Shackleford Pianos presents a tantalising performance by Japenese pianist Miyuki Kato featuring works by Chopin, Mozart and Respighi.
Shackleford Pianos, Macclesfield, 01625 615033
FAIRS, FESTIVALS, DAYS OUT AND CHARITY EVENTS
1st -30th Handbag Amnesty
The Handbag Amnesty allows customers to bring in any brand of unwanted handbag – new or used - and in turn, receive 20% off a new OSPREY LONDON handbag.
The donated bags will be sold to raises funds for the Hospice of the Good Shepherd
Osprey London - Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet
6th-8th Nantwich Food and Drink Festival
The historic town is transformed into a paradise for foodies with a vast array of regionally produced gourmet foods, beer and wine tastings with more than 2,000 products to sample.
Nantwich town centre, 01270 842680
7th Middlewich Annual Show
One of the surviving traditional Cheshire shows with flowers, fruit and vegetables, photography, arts and crafts, cookery and special classes for children and beginners.
Town Hall, Middlewich
11th Winsford Salt Fair
The second Winsford Salt Fair will be held in and around the Winsford Cross Shopping centre with a full programme of events across four days.
Winsford town centre www.winsfordsaltfair.com
12th-14th Creative Stitches and Hobbycrafts
150 exhibitors with the latest products, ideas and innovations from the crafting world. Exhibits include the costumes from Simon Callow’s version of the Broadway musical, ‘My Fair Lady’ and the world’s first life sized knitted garden!
EventCity, Manchester, www.ichf.co.uk
14th Homemade Heaven and Vintage Style Fair
With 50 stalls, live entertainment from Heather-Marie and ‘pop up’ vintage tea room.
The Freemasons Hall, Manchester, 07887 767778
21st-22nd Autumn Craft and Food Fair
Celebrate autumn with terrific local food, inspirational gifts in stunning gardens.
Lyme Park, 01663 762023
21st Moore Finance ‘All That Glitters’ Annual Fundraising Ball
Raising Funds for The Moore Foundation and Claire House Children’s Charities
Tickets can be booked by calling 0845 094 0373 or emailing events@moorefinance.com
The Mere Golf Resort & Spa, Chester Road, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6JL
22nd Harvest Festival at the Farm
See the steam engine running, have a go at scarecrow making, spinning, making your own corn doll, sheep racing and woodturning demos.
Tatton Park, Knutsford, 01625 374400
27-29th Buy Art Fair & The Manchester Contemporary
Buy Art Fair and The Manchester Contemporary, the largest art fair in the North of England will return to Manchester bringing the original work of more than 500 artists to the city. There will be plenty for art lovers and collectors to choose from with the chance to find something unique from a wide range of contemporary art.
Hardman Boulevard, Spinningfields, Manchester
Free tickets available online at www.buyartfair.co.uk
28th-29th Autumn Fair
A weekend of activities for all the family including the chance to celebrate autumn with local food and crafts.
Quarry Bank Mill, 01625 527468
28th-29th The Tudor Mop Fair
Michaelmas was traditionally the time for hiring servants and labour for the year ahead. Find out more at this traditional fair.
Little Moreton Hall, 01260 272018
30th Go Ape Charity Climb in aid of Help for Heroes and Cancer Research UK
Instructors at the Go Ape course in Delamere Forest will be embarking on a challenge to turn the idea of Go Ape on its head.
Ascending the exact distance from the bottom of the ocean to the top of Mount Everest by pulling themselves up a zip line, the team will be ‘climbing’ a total distance of an impressive 19,772 metres.
Donations can be made on the Go Ape Just Giving and BMyCharity Pages:
www.justgiving.com/go-apedelamere
www.bmycharity.com/goapedelamere
OUR FAB FIVE
1st-30th
Sculpture Exhibition
Visitors can wind their way around the ten acre gardens discovering the spectacular sculpture displays.
Mount Pleasand Gardens, Tarporley, 01829 751592
12th-November 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
14th-15th
Battle of Norton Priory
The thunder of canon and musket will sound again with this dramatic civil war re-enactment of the siege of Norton Priory.
Norton Priory Museum and Gardens, 01928 569895
21st-22nd
Cheshire Food Festival
Chef demos, live music throughout the day, a cake-off, men vs food challenges and vintage and craft stalls.
Arley Hall and Gardens, Northwich
28th
The Northern Chamber Orchestra
The Northern Chamber Orchestra present Mozart’s Overturn inspired by the legendary, rakish nobleman, Don Juam, his Symphony no 39 and Dvorak’s towering Concerto.
Heritage Centre, Macclesfield, 0161 247 2220
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here