Our guide to the best events in February and around Lancashire
THEATRE & DANCE
1st
Swan Lake
The greatest romantic ballet of all time is brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s haunting and unforgettable score. From the impressive splendour of the Palace ballroom to the moon-lit lake where swans glide in perfect formation, this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all.
The Empire Theatre, Liverpool, 0844 871 3017
3rd-4th Feb
Snow White and the Seven Dwarves
The Hall Players present their bi-annual pantomime. It is Princess Snow White’s 18th birthday and all at the castle, including her nurse, Dame Doitall and her friend Handy Andy, are celebrating with a party. All that is except the evil Queen Malevelent who is in a rage because the spirit of her magic mirror has pronounced Snow White the fairest in the land. Handsome Prince Rupert arrives at court and is instantly attracted to Snow White, and the Queen, determined to make sure there is no-one to rival her beauty, plots to get rid of her…
The Parish Hall, Broadway, Fulwood, Preston, 01772 863801
8th
The Chef Show
The Chef Show is an innovative comedy and cookery demonstration, with just two actors playing all the characters you would find in a busy Indian Restaurant - staff and a whole range of customers (there’s even a one-man Hen Party!)
Guest Chef from The Moghul Premiere, St.Annes on Sea
Lowther Pavilion, Lytham St.Annes 01253 794221
11th
Letting Off Steam
Arnside Highlights host Emerging Music with this show of entertaining rhythms, rhyming and ranting from three of the North’s top female wordsmiths. Kate Fox will stir you with moving verse abd then have you laughing at the daftness of life. Supported by Union Jill’s soaring songs, Kate’s stand-up poetry is delivered with wit, passion and energy. Letting off Steam will poke fun at the things that are tricky in life and celebrate the things that make it all better.
Arnside Educational Institute, 01524 762254
Until 11th
Educating Rita
A Northern comedy classic. Rita, a 29-year-old hairdresser, has decided to earn herself an education and walks into the life of Frank, a drunk academic who has given up on his dream to be a poet. Willy Russell’s award-winning play is an uplifting tale of self-discovery where we witness how the power of choice comes through education.
The Octagon Theatre, Bolton, 01204 520661
13th
Puccini La Boheme
Award-winning opera producer Ellen Kent brings one of the most romantic operas ever written to the stage, traditionally staged featuring beautiful sets and costumes. The set reflects the Bohemian art of the period and will include a brass band, snow effects and Musetta’s dog will also make an entrance.
The Grand Theatre, Blackpool, 01253 743339
17th-20th
Blithe Spirit
Preston Drama Club present this comic play by Noel Coward. Suave novelist Charles Condomime has re-married but is haunted by the ghost of his first wife Elvira. As worldly and unworldly personalities clash, Charles’ present wife Ruth, falls victim to an accident meant for him, passes over and teams up with Elvira, allowing the two blithe spirits to haunt the hapless Charles into perpetuity.
Preston Playhouse, 01772 744771
17th-April 29th
Bat Out Of Hell
Spectacular new musical – a romantic adventure about rebellious youth and passionate love, set against the backdrop of a post-cataclysmic city adrift from the mainland.
The Opera House, Manchester, www.batoutofhellmusical.com
18th
Brendan Cole: All Night Long
Star of Strictly Come Dancing, Brendan Cole is on tour with another high energy show with scintillating guest dancers and a scorching 14-piece band and singers, superb choreography, stunning lighting and amazing special effects.
The Guild Hall, Preston, 0844 844 7710
20th-25th
Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story
Buddy tells the enduring tale of the musical icon’s meteoric rise to fame and his final legendary performance at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, before his tragic and untimely death at the age of 22.
The Grand Theatre, Blackpool, 01253 743339
20th-25th
Funny Girl
Iconic, legendary, laugh-out-loud musical telling the story of Fanny Brice, whose vocal talents and comedic ability see her rise from Brooklyn music hall singer to Broadway star.
The Palace Theatre, Manchester, 0844 871 3019
23rd-March 11th
Ashes
Through dark humour and stark realism, Ashes, follows the story of Anne and Colin who desperately want a child, and try everything to achieve this dream.
The Octagon Theatre, Bolton, 01204 520661
25th
Anton & Erin… Swing Time
Anton Du Beke and Erin Boag embark on a major new tour of the UK with Swing Time, a show which promises a wonderful performance of music, song and dance delivered with aplomb by the nation’s favourite ballroom couple and a fantastic supporting cast including brilliant star vocalist Lance Ellington, six world-class Ensemble Dancers and the 25-piece London Concert Orchestra conducted by Richard Balcombe.
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, 0161 907 9000
MUSIC & CONCERTS
1st
Pomegranate Piano Trio
Clitheroe Concerts Society presents, Fenella Barton on violin, Rebecca Hepplwhite on cello and Andrew West on piano perform a programme of Haydn, Beethoven and Smetana.
Clitheroe Royal Grammar School Sixth Form Centre, www.clitheroeconcerts.org
3rd
The Voodoo Room - A night of Hendrix and Cream
Voodoo Room deliver a full-on show that features all of your favourite Hendrix and Cream tunes, performed with an energy and virtuosity that transcends tribute band status.
Lowther Pavilion, Lytham St.Annes 01253 794221
11th
Sausage, Pie and Beer Festival
A festival for lovers of sausages, pies and beer with demonstrations, tastings, workshops and food stalls. live music, amateur pie competition and sausage making.
Whittington Village Hall www.facebook.com/events/215538168906532
16th
Classical Concert
Chetham’s Chamber Orchestra perform this classical concert.
Great Hall, Lancaster University, www.lancasterarts.org
18th
Russell Watson
Russell Watson performs a thrilling concert of his favourite music and songs, including hits from his latest album True Stories, including If I Loved You, With A Song In My Heart and Aprile and classic Russell tracks such as Nessun Dorma and Can’t Help Falling In Love.
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, 0161 907 9000
24th
Fleetwood Bac
The world’s first and best Fleetwood Mac tribute band, endorsed by Mick Fleetwood himself, faithfully re-create the legendary band’s Rumours line-up in this two hour live show.
The Grand, Clitheroe, 01200 421599
COUNTY DAYS OUT
2nd-4th
Pendle Beer Festival
Running over three days, the event is sure quench your thirst for real ale, pulling in the very best breweries from Lancashire, Yorkshire and beyond. The specialist team from East Lancashire CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) will be sourcing a wide selection of over 100 cask ales, ciders and bottled beers.
Colne Muni, 01282 661234
4th
The International Festival of Working and Assistance Dogs
An incredible celebration of man’s best friend showcasing the fantastic abilities of working and assistance dogs in making a difference to our lives.
Norbreck Castle Exhibition Centre, Blackpool, 01253 732572
Until 5th
Obsession 2017
Recognised as one of Europe’s premier gastronomic events, Obsession is celebrating its 17th year with 23 outstanding guest chefs with 16 Michelin stars between them. Travelling from across the world to luxury, Lancashire-based hotel, Northcote, these chefs will cook their unique Obsession Menus during the 17 night event.
Northcote Manor, Langho, Blackburn, 0333 999 7762
17th
Ghost Tour
Silent tourchbearers take you on a tour through the darkened halls of the Tower, where you will encounter spectres from the past who regale you with ghostly happenings from across the centuries.
Hoghton Tower, near Preston 01772 852986
17th-19th and 24th-26th
Snowdrop weekends at Holker
Usually closed throughout the winter months, this is the first time the gardens at Holker Hall will be open to the public. Make the most of this rare opportunity to see the garden during the winter, enjoy a gentle stroll and see trails of delicate snowdrops.
Holker Hall and Gardens, Cark-in-Cartmel, 015395 58328
18th-19th
Build It Live
Build it Live is back in Manchester this February and packed to the rafters with inspiration, ideas, solutions and expert advice, giving you all the foundations needed to make you dream home happen.
www.builditlive.co.uk
23rd
An Afternoon Tea with Fashion and Fizz
Afternoon Tea, Fashion Show by: Love Jewellery & Fashion, Shopping and Raffle in aid of St Catherine’s Hospice
Huntley’s Country Store 01772 877774
EXHIBITIONS
14th-April 9th
Tom Mellor Exhibition
Exhibition including a selection of photographs and perspectives of the buildings Tom Mellor designed, such as his home, Churchwood in Lytham, the Senate Building, Liverpool University, halls of residence in other universities and St Bernadette’s Church in Lancaster. There will be a room with examples of his furniture and fabrics plus a selection of his paintings and murals from 1936 to 1985.
Lytham Heritage Centre
21st-March 1st
Lost & Found
A major exhibition of abstract and semi-abstract work by seven artists from Green Door Studios. Using painting, printmaking, photography and sculpture, they search for that which is just out of sight, unclear or imperfectly remembered.
Storey Gallery, Lancaster, 01524 582394
Until March 19th
Cecile B. Evans
Solo exhibition of artist Cecile B. Evans with a new muti-dimensional work featuring two humanoid robots and a robot dog performing in the gallery.
Tate Liverpool, 0151 702 7400
Until April 29th
Contemplating a Legacy - Works in Print by Julia M. Swarbrick
This free exhibition by artist Julia M. Swarbrick showcases work produced during her seven month Residency at Blackburn Museum funded by Art Council England.
Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery, 01254 667130
OUR TOP THREE
5th
The Elvis Years
Outstanding musical production which brings to the stage the incredible and compelling story of the ‘king of rock ‘n’ roll, with a top line up of actor-musician, multiple costume changes and nostalgic film footage.
The Grand Theatre, Blackpool, 01253 743339
9th
Classical Concert
Francesca Dego on violin and Francesca Leonardi on piano present a programme of Beethoven, Respighi and Castelnuovo-Tedesco.
Great Hall, Lancaster University, www.lancasterarts.org
17th-19th
SuperBooty
Brand new musical comedy packed with non-stop knockabout naughtiness and nine nutty ninjas, SuperBooty is a fun-filled show for all the family which tells the story of a brand new superhero we can all relate to – an ordinary girl with an extraordinary gift.
The Epstein Theatre, Liverpool, 0844 888 4411
