A round-up of events in Lancashire and the Lake District during September
THEATRE & DANCE
Until 3rd
Sister Act
Broadway and West End smash hit musical comedy Sister Act returns to the UK with a brand new production directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood.
The Palace Theatre, Manchester, 0844 871 3018
5th-6th
Raffles: The Mystery of the Murdered Thief
A sparkling whodunnit based on the thrilling classics by E W Hornung. Harry ‘Bunny’ Manders is convinced that his erstwhile partner in crime, the gentleman cracksman A J Raffles, drowned while escaping a daring theft abroad a transatlantic liner. But a chance reply to a newspaper advertisement reveals an entirely different scenario and at once Bunny is embroiled again in his old life of burglary, mayhem, adventure and murder.
The Charter Theatre, Preston, 01772 804440
6th-9th
Lennon: Through A Glass Onion
Smash hit show which celebrates the genius, music and phenomenon of John Lennon.
The Epstein Theatre, Liverpool, 0844 888 4411
6th-10th
Jekyll and Hyde
A brand new staging of Robert Louis Stevenson’s gothic tale of split personalities. Blood-curdling screams, haunted faces and creepy apparitions set a tense atmosphere for a thrilling night.
The Grand Theatre, Blackpool, 01253 290190
7th-October 1st
Brassed Off
Featuring the musical talents of four Oldham-based brass bands during the run, Brassed Off is based on a true story – a tale of community spirit and triumph in the face of adversity.
The Coliseum Theatre, Oldham, 0161 624 2829
8th-October 15th
To Kill A Mockingbird
Following the struggle of lawyer Atticus Finch as he strives to defend a wrongly accused black man in 1930s Deep South and told through the innocent eyes of his fiery daughter, Scout, we witness how her small town is ravaged by racial prejudice.
The Octagon Theatre, Bolton, 01204 520661
8th-October 15th
A Street Car Named Desire
Maxine Peake takes on the role of fragile heroine Blanche DuBois in Tennessee Williams prize-winning play. Blanche, battling a gripping addiction, looks for relief in the claustrophobic home of her sister Stella and her hot-blooded husband Stanley.
The Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, 0161 833 9833
10th
One Act Play Festival
Part of the Lytham St Annes Festival of Performing Arts, the festival will involve several amateur dramatic societies performing their one act plays for an audience and professional adjudicator.
St Bede’s Catholic High School, Talbot Road, Lytham St Annes lsa-festival-of-performing-arts.org.uk
12th-16th
Absent
A unique, site-specific experience created by internationally acclaimed theatre-makers dreamthinspeak, led by Tristan Sharps. Take a magical, mysterious journey through the hidden spaces of the Winter Gardens into a modern hotel development to explore the splendour of a glorious bygone past.
The Winter Gardens, Blackpool, 01253 743344
14th-17th
Guys and Dolls
Preston Musical Comedy Society presents this sizzling New York tale of gamblers, gangsters and nightclub singers, with choreography by NODOA award-winning Lorna Cookson, stunning musical direction by the NODA nominated Helen Harrison and direction from award-winning director, Neil Townsend.
The Charter Theatre, Preston, 01772 804440
18th
Carmen
The Russian State Opera returns with a mix of fierce passion and gorgeous melodies. Feel the thrill and passion of love, jealousy and violence of 19th century Seville in one of Bizet’s most popular pieces.
The Grand Theatre, Blackpool, 01253 290190
20th
Mockingbird High
A highly acclaimed drama written and performed by local professional theatre company, Certain Curtain Theatre is set to take the stage in Longridge Civic Hall for one night only in September
Longridge Civic Hall cctheatre.yapsody.com
20th (&27th)
Mind’s A Labyrinth
Likened to Sarah Kane, Martin McDonagh and Eastenders at its darkest, this play is a unique experience which doesn’t follow usual theatrical conventions. It stands out from the rest, not only in story and taboo subject matters, but also in terms of directorial style and authorial voice. It is a hard-hitting exploration into the mind of one boarderline personality sufferer and her traumatic family.
Gullivers (Ballroom), NQ, Manchester, www.newlinetheatre.co.uk
21st-24th
Diamonds and Pearls
Pendle Hippodrome Theatre Company present a theatrical revue.
Hippodrome Theatre, Colne, 01282 856186
27th-October 1st
Giselle
English National Ballet presents the world premiere of Akram Khan’s Giselle – one of the greatest romantic ballets of all time.
The Palace Theatre, Manchester, 0844 871 3019
28th
Only Fools and Boycie. An Evening with John Challis
TV star John Challis reveals the secrets of what goes on behind the scenes when he hits the road with Only Fools And Boycie. Fans can look forward to an intimate evening at Lowther Pavilion, Lytham St Anne’s, on September 28, during which Mr Challis will talk about his relationships with Only Fools stars David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst.
Lowther Pavilion, Lytham St Anne’s
30th-October 22
The Ockerbys on Ice
A funny, heart-warming play about an ordinary couple, Viv and Dennis Ockerby, who win a shot at immortality thanks to cryonic freezing.
The Dukes Theatre, Lancaster, 01524 598500
Until November 5th
Watch It, Sailor
Rollicking northern comedy that follows on from Sailor, Beware, it is the perfect introduction to the loveable, eccentric and thoroughly hilarious characters that make up the Hornett family as they battle to get to church for a wedding on time.
Theatre by the Lake, Keswick, 017687 74411
MUSIC & CONCERTS
4th
David Bowie Reimagined
A special tribute – No.6 composer in residence, Joe Duddell works with Manchester Camarata to specially commission this performance. This exclusive work will feature arrangements of iconic songs from Bowie’s career, with very special guests on each song.
Festival No.6, http://festivalbumber6,com/music
11th
Behind The Mask
Keswick Methodist Church’s Vision 21 Appeal presents a very special one-off gala performance with professional Cumbrian singers Clark Wilkinson, Katie Dalzell, Conor Neaves and Zoe McSorley, accompanied on stage by a live band.
Theatre by the Lake, Keswick, 017687 74411
16th
Last Night of the Chatburn Proms
The ever-popular event this year includes music from the musicals performed by Milnrow Band with guest soprano and building up to a flag-waving and rejoicing sing-a-long to all the prom favourites.
Christ Church, Chatburn, 01254 384893
17th
Nearly Dan
Celebrating four decades of Steely Dan. Less tribute and more homage, Nearly Dan is saviour to the growing legions of Dan fans desperate to hear the meticulously crafted grooves and allusive lyrical style of Donald Fagan and Walter Becker.
The Grand, Clitheroe, 01200 421599
21st
An Evening of Dirty Dancing: The Tribute Show
A five star homage to the greatest movie soundtrack of all time. Often imitated, but never bettered, this is the original concert celebration of the iconic music from the multi award-winning soundtrack to Dirty Dancing.
The Charter Theatre, Preston, 01772 804440
24th
From Haydn to Hendrix
Haydn and Mozart, the rockstars of their age, rub shoulders with 20th century rock icons. This eclectic programme from the Manchester Camarata, showcases the versatility of our musicians and spotlights two of our principal players Rachael Clegg, performing Vaughn Williams’ lyrical oboe concerto and Hannah Roberts, the soloist in Haydn’s spirited cello concerto in C.
RNCM Concert Hall, Manchester,
30th
King of Pop
Get ready to moonwalk in this incredible production starring the world’s leading MJ tribute artist, Navi, joined on stage by Jackson’s original lead guitarist, Jennifer Batten.
Bowlers Arena, Manchester, 0333 666 3366
30th
An Evening with The King’s Singers
Acclaimed world-wide for their virtuosity, this programme will see this world renowned ensemble perform a selection of traditional songs, pieces from The Great American Songbook collection and a collection of King’s Singers close harmony classics.
Bury Parish Church, 0161 763 7336
COUNTY DAYS OUT
3rd
create longridge
A day of great art in the Ribble Valley town as more than 40 painters compete to create the best pieces while working in public areas .
Find out more by visiting create.longridge.co.uk
3rd-4th
Parbold Street Festival of Arts and Music
Two-day festival for people to enjoy theatre, arts, music, street entertainers, a beer festival, hog roast and cider event, exhibitions, and much more.
Find out more by visiting Parbold Street Festival on Facebook
4th
Whitworth Rushcart
Leaving from North Street car park at 1pm and featuring numerous traditional morris dance troupes including the Britannia Coconutters and the Whitworth Morris Men. The rushcart procession travels north to Whitworth Civic Hall.
Whitworth, 01706 852018
8th
Westmorland County Show
One of the largest and most loved one day shows in the country.
County Showground, Crooklands, www.westmorlandshow.co.uk
10th-11th
Holker Chilli Fest
The third Chilli Fest will be a feast of fiery fun, with a wide selection of exhibitors and entertainment from across the country. There will be tasty food to try from Italian street food to delicious Spanish churros, meet well-known specialist producers.
Holker Hall & Gardens, Cark-in Cartmel, www.holker.co.uk
10th
Cylco-Cross Day at the Tower
Hoghton Tower offers an enchanting and unique destination for every occasion. Red Rose Olympic Cycling Club will be delivering probably the most spectacular friendly Cycle sport event you can attend.
Hoghton Tower, near Preston, 01254 852986
24th Over Kellet Autumn Gala
Craft fair, sideshows, children’s fancy dress, fun pet show, teddy bear parachuting from the church tower, Lancaster City Brass Band, Scottish country dancing, finishing with a Ceilidh and hog roast in the village hall.
Over Kellet, http://gala.overkellet.org
EXHIBITIONS
Until October 9th
Channelling Ruskin by Impress Artist Printmakers
Exhibition showcasing the Impress Artist Printmakers versatile range of approaches and imagery. The vibrant combination of abstract and representational forms will inspire the visitor to find new and exciting ways of experiencing the natural world.
Brantwood, Coniston, 015394 41396
Until October 15th
Winifred Nicholson in Cumberland
Exhibition exploring the creativity of Winifred Nicholson viewed through the paintings that she made in Cumbria where she lived for large parts of her adult life. The display includes about 45 paintings, many previously unseen from private collections as well as some of her best loved paintings.
Abbot Hall Art Gallery, Kendal, www.abbothall.org.uk
Until 16th October
The Ribble Valley Open Art Exhibition
This year, the theme for the Ribble Valley Open Exhibition is ‘Time’. Artists – both amateur and professional – from across the Ribble Valley and adjoining boroughs exhibit and sell work based on this theme.
Clitheroe Castle Museum, 01200 424568
Until October 16th
Liverpool Biennial
Established in 1999, Liverpool Biennial is the UK’s Biennial of Contemporary Art – and for this, the ninth edition, a curatorial team has been assembled to bring together different interests and expertise. Tate Liverpool, will once again be a key venue within an exhibition that crosses the city.
Tate Liverpool, www.tate.org.uk
Until October 30th
Vogue 100: A Century of Style
This exhibition celebrates 100 years of cutting-edge fashion and portrait photography by British Vogue. It showcases 280 modern and vintage prints as well as two of Josh Olins’ new photographic portraits of HRH the Duchess of Cambridge. The Manchester exhibition also features a Schiaparelli couture costume worn by Wallis Simpson (Duchess of Windsor) in a Cecil Beaton studio photograph.
Manchester Art Gallery, 0161 235 8888
