A roundup of events in Lancashire and the Lake District

THEATRE

1st

Stars of Strictly Come Dancing

Pasha Kovalev and Katya Virshilas have partnered up to bring you a night of music, dance, costumes and sparkles.

The Muni, Colne, 01282 661234

2nd-6th

Favorite Disney moments come to life as Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy with dazzling skating and special effects.

Echo Arena, Liverpool. 0844 561 7672

1st-5th

Entertaining Mr Sloane

Kath and her elderly father, Kemp live in a house on the outskirts of a rubbish dump. Their drab existence is interrupted by the arrival of a new lodger, the enigmatic Mr Sloane. Sloane soon has both Kath and her brother competing for his favours, but all is not as it seems. Behind Sloane’s nonchalant demeanour lies a calculating psychopath with a dark and secretive past.

The Coliseum Theatre, Oldham, 0161 624 2829

2nd

La Boheme

Cited as one of the most tragic yet romantic stories ever written, La Boheme tells the story of a doomed love affair between consumptive seamstress Mimi and penniless poet Rodolfo.

The Grand Theatre, Blackpool, 01253 743339

Until 5th

This May Hurt A Bit

Nicholas is in and out of hospital thanks to his ageing mother and unruly prostate. Or is it the other way round? Lost medical notes, mysterious stains, bodily malfunctions, and a family descending en masse all get in the way of an unexpected - and quite delightful - blossoming romance.

The Octagon Theatre, Bolton, 01204 520661

9th-12th

A Murder is Announced

Preston Drama Club present this thriller by Agatha Christie. The ‘announcement’ is in the local paper, stating time and place of murder to occur in Miss Blacklock’s early Victorian house. However the victim is not one of the several occupants, temporary and permanent, but an unexpected and unknown visitor. What follows is a classic Christie puzzle of mixed motives, concealed indentities, a second death, a determined Inspector grimly following twists and turns with Miss Marple on hand to provide the final solution.

The Playhouse, Preston, 01772 744771

10th-13th

Scooby Doo the Musical

See the Warner Bros’ cartoon classic come to life as Scooby Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Velma and Daphne arrive in Egypt where they must solve the mystery of Pharaoh Hatchepsout’s Pyramid.

The Lowry Theatre, Salford Quays, Manchester, 0844 815 4873

10th-May 10th

Duet For One

World famous violinist Stephanie Abrahams has been diagnosed with MS and is now confined to a wheelchair. In a series of witty, intimate and frank conversations with a kind but uncompromising therapist she is able to face what her future might hold and come to terms with her loss.

The Octagon Theatre, Bolton, 01204 520661

11th-21st

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Regal Entertainments present this wickedly delightful treat – a feast of glitz, glamour, songs, dance, family fun, silly antics and slapstick comedy.

St Helen’s Theatre Royal, 01744 756000

15th-19th

Brassed Off

An inspiring story exploring how human endeavour and community spirit triumph in the face of adversity featuring live on-stage music by Haydock Brass Band.

The Grand Theatre, Blackpool, 01253 743339

15th-19th

The Perfect Murder

Have you ever wondered how you commit the perfect murder? Victor Smiley and his wife Joan have been married for a long time. But their marriage has reached crisis point and Victor has decided there is only one way to get Joan out of his life forever.

The Opera House, Manchester, 0844 871 7660

15th-20th

Robin Cousin’s Ice

Dazzling new production from Olympic champion Robin Cousins featuring hand-picked figure skating from around the globe.

The Lowry Theatre, Salford Quays, Manchester, 0844 815 4873

17th-May 10th

Hobson’s Choice

Early girl power is brought to the forefront in this hugely popular, gritty comedy by Harold Brighouse.

The Coliseum Theatre, Oldham, 0161 624 2829

Until 19th

Dancing at Lughnasa

A warm, funny, sad story of love, change and regret by Brian Friel.

Theatre By The Lake, Keswick, 017687 74411

19th-May 10th

The Life and Times of Mitchell & Kenyon

Premiere of a play celebrating the life and times of a Lancashire factory gate film-makers, Mitchell and Kenyon, full of songs, laughter and the original films themselves.

The Dukes Theatre, Lancaster, 01524 598500

22nd-26th

20th Century Boy the Musical

Brand new musical, inspired by the life of rock legend Marc Bolan, explodes onto the stage nearly four decades after the iconic star’s tragic death, featuring some of the greatest pop songs ever written.

The Opera House, Manchester, 0844 871 7660

26th-27th

My First Ballet – Coppelia

English National Ballet present Coppelia, telling the comic family tale of an eccentric toymaker and his mechanical doll in beautifully adapted version for young audiences.

The Palace Theatre, Manchester, 0844 871 7660

Until May 3rd

Much Ado About Nothing

One of Shakespeare’s greatest comedies featuring the impetuous Claudio and Hero, who meet and fall desperately in love and plan to get married in seven days time.

The Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester

CONCERTS

4th

The Halle Orchestra

The Halle assistant conductor Jamie Phillips makes his Blackburn debut with Tchaikovsky’s Pathetique Symphony, one of the greatest swansongs in musical history.

King George’s Hall, Blackburn, 0844 847 1664

5th

Thank You For The Music

All new sequin spangled spectacular celebrating ABBA’s Eurovision triumph with their first worldwide hit, Waterloo.

Lowther Pavilion Theatre, Lytham St Annes, 01253 794221

8th

Vintage Jazz

Occasional Jazz at The Latin Lounge presents an evening of vintage jazz with The Mike Pembroke Retro Jazz Quartet.

The Latin Lounge, Southport, tickets from 01704 539498

11th-13th

Bowness Bay Blues

Top quality music on offer all weekend ranging from sizzling electric to mellow acoustic blues and foot-tapping R n B.

Bowness on Windermere, www.bownessbayblues.co.uk

12th

Brahams’ Requiem

Wigan Choral Society perform Ein Deutsches Requiem by Brahms, sung in German and conducted by Paul Chamberlain and accompanied by Carol Wareing and Richard Lea, organist at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral.

Trinity United Reformed Church, Wigan, 01257 247021

19th

Heart Variations for String Quartet

Brand new compositions created by listening and recording the sounds of people’s hearts, connecting them into melodies and creating music for string quartet.

St Helen’s Town Hall, 0843 208 1842

COUNTY DAYS OUT

1st-30th

Dragon Hunt

Find and count dragons and enter a competition to be the lucky winner of a goody bag filled with toys and souvenirs.

Clitheroe Castle Museum, 01200 424568

5th-21st

Easter at Greenlands Farm Village

Decorate your own chocolate egg in Wellies Café and take it home in a Jabberwocky pottery egg cup.

Greenlands, Tewitfield, Carnforth, 01524 784184

6th

Craft Fair

Canalside quilters exhibition and craft fair with exhibition, stalls for crafts and homemade gifts, cakes, cards, cushion tombola and refreshments.

The Gallery, Saddleworth Museum, Uppermill

6th

Hoghton Tower Motorcycle Sprint

The annual motorcycle racing competition for different categories of bikes. They race in, turn up the main driveway one at a time from a standing start. An award ceremony takes place at the end of the day.

Hoghton Tower, near Preston, www.hoghtontower.co.uk

12th-13th

The Meccano and Model Builder Exhibition

A whole weekend for the north west’s leading model builders to display their skill with working scale models of traction engines, boats, planes, construction equipment, fairground rides and more.

British Commercial Vehicle Museum, Leyland, 01772 451011

16th

Great Peter Rabbit Egg Hunt

Fabulous family fun day searching for beautiful hand-crafted ceramic eggs hidden around the beautiful Lake District with fantastic prizes to be won.

The World of Beatrix Potter, Bowness on Windermere, www.hop-skip-jump.com

17th-27th

Easter Fair

The Easter fun fair is back with rides and attractions for all the family to enjoy.

Witton Country Park, Blackburn, 01254 688040

18th-21st

Easter Egg Trail

Follow the clues around the gardens on the Easter egg trail and find an Easter treat. Have a go designing your own Egg Head in the national competition in this great family day out.

Sizergh Castle and Gardens, Kendal, 015395 60951

18th-21st

Easter Family Fun

Easter trail around the mill with prizes, plus create an Easter craft during your visit to take home.

Queen Street Mill, Burnley, 01282 412555

20th

Easter Family Fun Day

Easter egg trails and animals and lots of fun!

Lytham Hall, 01253 736652

20th-21st

Easter Egg Trails

Easter egg hunt around the grounds of Gawthorpe Hall.

Gawthorpe Hall, Burnley, 01282 771004

26th-27th

Stonyhurst Spring Country Fair

Featuring an assortment of products ranging from fashion and textiles and food and drink to arts and crafts, gifts and accessories, soft furnishings and garden crafts plus a programme of events throughout the two day event.

Stonyhurst College, Hurst Green, 01254 827014

EXHIBITIONS

April 8th-27th

Lytham In Bloom and Other Delights

A colourful solo exhibition by a local artist Ken Roberts.

The Heritage Centre, Lytham

17th-19th

Spring Exhibition

Ulverston Society of Artists present their spring exhibition with good quality paintings, drawings and craftwork for sale by members.

Coronation Hall, Ulverston, 01229 820954

Until 27th

Vital Beauty: The Art of Thomas Matthews Rooke 1842-1942

Exhibition of watercolours by Thomas Matthew Rooke.

The Blue Gallery, Coniston, 015394 41396

Until June 21st

Picasso and Co: Sherwin Ceramics

This small exhibition will showcase Dr Jeffery Sherwin’s stunning decorative arts collection. A wonderfully inventive pot by Pablo Picasso, bright, bold dish designs by Jean Cocteau and Desmond Morris and a teapot by surrealist painter Samuel Haile are among the many varied delights this show has to offer.

Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House

OUR FAVOURITE FIVE

2nd-5th

Lord of the Flies

Matthew Bourne unites New Adventures dancers with remarkable young North West talent in this extraordinary adaptation of William Golding’s classic novel.

The Lowry Theatre, Salford Quays, Manchester, 0844 815 4873

4th-5th

Frank Skinner: Man in a Suit

Frank Skinner, the host of BBC One’s Room 101 and the Sony award-winning Absolute Radio Show returns on tour.

The Guild Hall, Preston, 0844 844 7710

12th

Damson Day

County fair aimed at all the family. Come and see the orchards in blossom and try the variety of food and drink made from damson fruit.

Low Farm, Crosthwaite, Kendal, www.lythdamsons.org.uk

21st

Easter Farmers’ Market

Special Easter farmers; market and much more with house open for guided tours including family friendly tours (admission applies), tea room and gift shop open.

Hoghton Tower, near Preston, www.hoghtontower.co.uk

24th

In conversation with Jaimie Carragher

Liverpool Football Club player turned Sky pundit, Jamie Carragher will take to the stage to be interviewed with their five favourite pieces of music performed by five separate live acts.

St George’s Hall, Liverpool, www.littleatomproductions.com