A round up of local events taking place in March
17th Feb-4th March: Touched
World War II drama centred on the lives of working‑class Nottingham women. Starring BAFTA award-winning actress, Vicky McClure (This is England) and Aisling Loftus (War and Peace). Nottingham Playhouse, Box Office: 0115 941 9419
28th Feb-1st March: Ashbourne Royal Shrovetide Football
A much-loved and highly-popular local tradition, Ashbourne’s famous annual game is played over two eight-hour periods, with hundreds of players making up the two teams of the Up’ards and the Down’ards. Contact Ashbourne Visitor Information: 01335 343666
17th Feb-11th March: Educating Rita
Willy Russell’s award-winning comedy is a tale of self-discovery, exploring how the power of choice comes through education. Derby Theatre, Derby. Box Office: 01332 593939
2nd March: Cul de Sac
A circus show designed for adults, featuring world-class juggling, dance and acrobatics. Déda, Chapel St, Derby, 7.30pm. Tel: 01332 370911
2nd-4th March: The Same Sky
A musical of love, loss and reconciliation, set in the Nottinghamshire coalfield during WWI. Guildhall Theatre, Derby. Box Office: 01332 255800
2nd March: The Syd Lawrence Orchestra
A Golden Night of Swing marks 50 glorious years of the ‘finest big band’. Winding Wheel, Chesterfield. Box Office: 01246 345222
3rd March: The Take That Experience
Celebrating 25 years of the much-loved band. Winding Wheel, Chesterfield. Box Office: 01246 345222
3rd March: Savitri Grier & Richard Uttley
Violin and piano recital. Derby Chamber Music Society, Multi-Faith Centre, University of Derby, 7.30pm. Tel: 01332 830585
3rd March: Sinfonia Viva
Part of the ‘Twilights’ series. The highly-regarded orchestra presents ‘A Little Symphony in F’ – with works by classical music ‘giants’ Haydn, Strauss and Beethoven. Derby Cathedral, 7.30pm. Tel: 01332 255800
3rd March: Hansu-Tori
Pianist and composer David Austin Grey leads this talented quintet in performing original compositions. Derby Jazz, CUBE, Déda, Chapel St, Derby, 8pm. Tel: 01332 370911
4th March: The Take That Experience
The world-renowned band’s ‘ultimate tribute act’ celebrates a decade together with their best show yet. Buxton Opera House, Buxton. Box Office: 01298 72190
5th March: Les McKeown’s Bay City Rollers
‘The soundtrack of a generation’. Buxton Opera House, Buxton. Box Office: 01298 72190
7th-11th March: ‘Allo ‘Allo!
Derby Shakespeare Theatre Company brings the classic comedy to life in a hilarious play set in occupied France. Guildhall Theatre, Derby. Box Office: 01332 255800
7th-11th March: Babe
Meet the lovable Babe in a heart-warming tale of friendship, adventure and bravery. Featuring a West End cast of eight actor-musicians. Pomegranate Theatre, Chesterfield. Box Office: 01246 345222
8th March: The Brooznies
A Brit-folk supergroup whose names will draw fans from far and wide. Hollingwood Hub, Chesterfield, 7.30pm. Tel: 01246 477569
8th March: Madame Butterfly
Heritage Opera presents Puccini’s heart-breaking story of undying love and longing, beautifully accompanied by a full orchestra. Buxton Opera House, Buxton. Box Office: 01298 72190
9th March: Ladies’ Pamper & Shopping Evening
A fundraising evening in aid of Treetops Hospice Care with therapies including pedicures and massages, plus a host of stalls.
Risley Hall Hotel & Spa, Derby Rd, Risley, 6pm. Tel: 0115 949 1264
10th March: The Sorcerer
Expect an evening of ‘delicious humour and exciting music’ with Derby Gilbert & Sullivan Company. Buxton Opera House, Buxton. Box Office: 01298 72190
10th March: The Lion in Winter
The critically-acclaimed Addhock Theatre Company returns with its tour of James Goldman’s witty, fast-paced drama. The Assembly Room Theatre, Bakewell, 7.30pm. Tel: 01629 810152
11th March: Lindisfarne
The legendary folk-rock pioneers return to form with a six-piece line-up of long-time members, fronted by Rod Clements. Buxton Opera House, Buxton. Box Office: 01298 72190
11th March: The Mikado
With Gilbert poking fun at the British establishment, this play remains as potent as it has ever been. Presented by Derby Gilbert & Sullivan Company. Buxton Opera House, Buxton. Box Office: 01298 72190
11th March: Doc Houlind Revival All Stars
A band of both young and experienced musicians, with a passion for ‘real New Orleans-style’ jazz. Dove Jazz Club, Village Hall, Dove Holes, 8pm. Tel: 01298 814722
11th March: ‘I Wish Her Well’ by Panta Rei Danseteater
A chance to see the contemporary Norwegian dance-theatre company in a rural venue. Four female dancers deliver powerful performances to an evocative Scandi-noir soundtrack. Live and Local, Crich Glebe Field Centre, Crich, 7.30pm. Tel: 01773 853260
12th March: Giselle
A stunning performance by Ballet Theatre UK. Pomegranate Theatre, Chesterfield. Box Office: 01246 345222
12th March: Tina May: Divas
The popular Jazz vocalist celebrates the centenary of Ella Fitzgerald. Guildhall Theatre, Derby. Box Office: 01332 255800
12th March: Levison Wood
An evening with best-selling author, photographer and TV presenter. Winding Wheel, Chesterfield. Box Office: 01246 345222
13th-18th March: A Judgement in Stone
A new adaptation of Ruth Rendell’s best-selling novel. When Eunice joins a wealthy family as their housekeeper, the reason behind her awkwardness leads to a terrible tale of murder. Buxton Opera House, Buxton. Box Office: 01298 72190
14th-15th March: Chekhov’s Shorts
Originally performed in Russian vaudeville theatres, these bittersweet plays are Chekhov at his comic best. Guildhall Theatre, Derby. Box Office: 01332 255800
15th-19th March: St Petersburg Classic Ballet
Two magical Tchaikovsky productions set to delight theatre-goers of all ages: Swan Lake on 15th & 16th; The Nutcracker on 17th, 18th and 19th. Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham. Box Office: 0115 989 5555
16th March: Africarmen
Through a combination of contemporary and African dance and ballet, Bawren Tavaziva presents a striking interpretation of the ‘Carmen’ story. Déda, Chapel St, Derby, 7.30pm. Tel: 01332 370911
16th March: Academy Brass
An evening of entertainment with trumpeter Mark David and students from the Royal Academy of Music. Abbotsholme School, near Rocester, 8pm. Tel: 01543 263304
17th Mar-1st April: Betrayal
A bitter dark comedy and gripping story of infidelity. As time peels backwards charting a seven-year love affair, an intricate web of lies and deceit is revealed, making the audience question who is betraying whom. Derby Theatre, Derby. Box Office: 01332 593939
17th March: Broadway & Beyond
An uplifting celebration of the best of musical theatre – performed by eight versatile West End professionals. Pomegranate Theatre, Chesterfield. Box Office: 01246 345222
18th March: British Beach Boys
With shimmering harmonies and engaging performances that recreate the music of their American icons. Winding Wheel, Chesterfield. Box Office: 01246 345222
18th March: Derby Concert Orchestra
Performing work from Messiaen, Mahler and Vaughan Williams. Derby Cathedral, Iron Gate, 7pm. Tel: 01332 763594
18th March: Kimber’s Men
This rousing Yorkshire male-voice shanty group will perform sea songs, nautical ballads and spirited broadsides, celebrating the spirit of the sea. Brailsford & Ednaston Village Institute, Brailsford, Ashbourne, 7.30pm. Tel: 01335 360387
18th March: Betfred Midlands Grand National
A highlight of the local racing calendar. Eight races in total plus entertainment including live music and the Parade of the Hounds.
Uttoxeter Racecourse. Call 01889 562561 or visit www.uttoxeter-racecourse.co.uk
18th March: Julian Siegel Jazz Orchestra
A rousing evening with his new 19-piece jazz orchestra. Guildhall Theatre, Derby. Box Office: 01332 255800
19th March: Cilla & The Shades of the 60s
An elegant review of the life of Cilla Black, featuring hit songs and starring Victoria Jones (BBC’s The One & Only). Pomegranate Theatre, Chesterfield. Box Office: 01246 345222
19th March: Calke Abbey Fine Food Fair
Cookery demonstrations and stalls selling produce grown, baked or raised within a 30-mile radius of Calke. Riding School, Calke Abbey (National Trust), Ticknall, Derby. Tel: 01332 863822
19th March: Patsy Cline: The Concert She Never Gave
An evening of song, laughter and stories remembering the country music star. Buxton Opera House, Buxton. Box Office: 01298 72190
19th March: Fabulous Places Spring Market
Over 100 hand-selected food, drink and gift stallholders, plus a tea room and a Prosecco bar – all in a Grade II listed railway heritage venue. The Roundhouse, Derby, derbyshirespringmarket.co.uk
20th-25th March: The Hound of the Baskervilles
An innovative, nail-biting four-man show about literature’s most brilliant detective. Pomegranate Theatre, Chesterfield. Box Office: 01246 345222
21st March: William Shakespeare’s Long Lost First Play (abridged)
In celebration of the Bard’s 400th anniversary, the renowned Reduced Shakespeare Theatre Company presents this hilarious ‘new play by the man himself’. Buxton Opera House, Buxton. Box Office: 01298 72190
21st-25th March: The Gondoliers
Gilbert and Sullivan’s tale of mistaken identity and political intrigue. Guildhall Theatre, Derby. Box Office: 01332 255800
22nd March: Noel & Gertie A warm and witty musical comedy based on the legendary 54-year friendship of Noël Coward and Gertrude Lawrence. Buxton Opera House, Buxton. Box Office: 01298 72190
23rd March: An Evening of Dirty Dancing A five-star homage to ‘the greatest movie soundtrack of all time’. Buxton Opera House, Buxton. Box Office: 01298 72190
24th March-23rd April: Format International Photography Festival The UK’s leading festival in contemporary photography and related media – with events held in some of Derby’s most iconic buildings. Visit www.formatfestival.com
25th March: The Music of John Tavener
Presented by the Sitwell Singers and Derby Chamber Music. St Nicholas’ Church Hall, Allestree Lane, Derby, 7.30pm. Tel: 01332 662519
25th March: Rolleston Choral Society
‘Songs for Mary: Feast of the Annunciation’. St Mary and Modwen Church, Guild St, Burton upon Trent, 7.30pm. Tel: 01283 813377
25th March: Tim Kliphuis Trio
One of the world’s top string groups, the trio has a varied repertoire from classic music to gypsy jazz. Music at Duffield, Main Hall, Ecclesbourne School, Duffield, 7.30pm. Tel: 01332 841503
25th March: The Halle Film Music Concert
Great Sci-Fi Movies – journey beyond the final frontier in this spectacular musical journey through time and space. Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham. Box Office: 0115 989 5555
26th March: La Boheme An Ellen Kent production by Opera & Ballet International, telling the tragic tale of the doomed, consumptive Mimi and her love for a penniless writer. Buxton Opera House, Buxton. Box Office: 01298 72190
27th Mar-1st April: Dreamboats & Petticoats
The West End sensation featuring some of the greatest hit songs of the rock ‘n’ roll era. Winding Wheel, Chesterfield. Box Office: 01246 345222
30th March: Imbalance
Combining acrobatic skills and athletic dance, this energetic, thought-provoking performance explores our dependence on technology. Déda, Chapel St, Derby, 7.30pm. Tel: 01332 370911
30th March: Jack the Ripper: The Real Truth
Trevor Marriott has concluded his in-depth cold case investigation with startling new evidence and facts. Guildhall Theatre, Derby. Box Office: 01332 255800
31st March: Alexei Grynyuk
The world-renowned, award-winning Ukrainian classical pianist has an impressive list of performance credits and has been described as a ‘master of transparent and sovereign touch’. Derby Chamber Music Society, Multi-Faith Centre, University of Derby, 7.30pm. Tel: 01332 830585
31st March: Chamber Series
Featuring the work of Mozart, Moeran and Dohnanyi, with members of the famous Hallé Orchestra. Assembly Room Theatre, Bakewell Town Hall, 7.30pm. Tel: 01629 810152
31st March-2nd April: British Superbike Championship
The opening round of the world’s leading domestic motorcycle racing series. Donington Park, Castle Donington, donington-park.co.uk
31st March: Rob Beckett
Mouth of the South is a brand new show from the best-selling comedian. Pomegranate Theatre, Chesterfield. Box Office: 01246 345222
