Our guide to the best events in and around Lancashire

THEATRE & DANCE

1st

The Hound of the Baskervilles

Follow Sherlock Holmes and his incomparable sidekick Dr. Jane Watson on their journey from the streets of London to the Devonshire Moors as they attempt to solve this mystery.

The Epstein Theatre, Liverpool, 0844 888 4411

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2nd

Forget Me Not: The Alzheimers Whodunnit

This is a comedic, murder mystery set on a dementia ward and performed using comedy theatre and poetry. Jim’s wife has died from what appears to be natural causes, but retired police detective smells a rat.

Crosby Ravensworth Village Hall, Penrith, 07584 251352

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7th - 11th

Cabaret

Rufus Norris’ multi-award winning production of Cabaret will see musician and presenter Louise Redknapp make her stage debut as Sally Bowles. She will be joined by singer Will Young as Emcee.

The Lowry, Salford, 0843 208 6000

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7th - 11th

Godot Is Well Worth The Wait

First performed in 1953, this classic centres on a tetchy friendship between two vagrants who meet in the same place day after day in the hope of getting something from a landowner called Mr Godot.

The Dukes, Lancaster, 01524 598500

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9th - 11th

The History Boys

The Hall Players present The History Boys. An unorthodox teacher and his colleagues at a British grammar school try to prepare gifted young charges for the upcoming Oxford and Cambridge entrance exams.

St Martin’s Parish Hall, Fullwood, www.hallplayers.org.uk

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13th

The Nutcracker

Be enchanted by the Russian State Ballet’s production of this classic Christmas ballet. Set to Tchaikovsky’s sumptuous score, it tells the story of Marie who recieves a nutcracker doll as a present and the magic that follows.

Charter Hall, Preston, 01772 804444

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13th

I’ve Got A Story To Tell

This is part of the Dukes autumn programme of events for people with dementia. Inspired by photographs and using your imagination, a group story is created bringing interesting characters and stories to life.

The Dukes, Lancaster, 01524 598500

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November 17th - January 13th

A Christmas Carol

Directed by Ben Occhipinti, Charles Dickens’ cherished festive tale is brought to life in this enchanting stage adaptation full of song, joy, and magic.

Octagon Theatre, Bolton, 01204 520661

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21st - 25th

The Salon

Experience an average day at this St Helens hair and beauty salon with shouting, crying and singing, and the odd beauty treatment thrown in for good measure. Carol, Sheila and Tia are trying to deal with customers while as well as their own lives.

Theatre Royal, St Helens, 01744 756 000

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21st – 25th

Cilla: The Musical

This is a new musical adaptation of the critically acclaimed hit ITV television series, Cilla, telling the extraordinary story of the teenage girl from Liverpool whose dreams of stardom lead to her becoming one of Britain’s best-loved entertainers.

Palace Theatre, Manchester, 0844 871 3019

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November 24th - December 2nd

The Haunting

While sheltering from winds in a desolate moorland, two men stumble across a dark and terrifying secret that will change their lives forever in an ancient, crumbling mansion.

Little Theatre, Southport, 01704 530460

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24th - 25th Illuminate Company Chameleon are set to take over Manchester Central ) with Illuminate, a site-specific production of new dance, music and light art. Inspired by classic story-telling and the seven themes that have underpinned literature since the beginning of time, Illuminate will bring to life the hundreds of stories and characters which live in the Library’s catalogue of literature, through a captivating mix of live performance. Manchester Central Library FREE tickets for Illuminate are available now via www.librarylive.co.uk

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25th

52 Skidoo: The Joint is Jumpin’

The show is set in 1920s Harlem and consists of live music from the era carefully woven into a story that encompasses engaging characters, comedy, dance and poetry.

People’s Hall, Sedbergh, 015396 20125

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29th November - December 2nd

Caught on the Hop

When Phil tells his friend George that he is leaving his wife to move in with a girl he met on the top deck of a bus, he is appalled. However, George is persuaded to give a helping hand and this sets in motion plenty of confusion.

The Ace Centre Nelson, 01282 661080

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MUSIC & CONCERTS

3rd

Northern Chamber Orchestra with Craig Odgen

Australian guitarist, Craig Ogden, performas two guitar concertos: The Rodrigo Concierto de Aranjuez and the world premiere of Andy Scott’s concerto written specifically for Craig.

The Stoller Hall, Manchester, 0333 130 0967

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8th

Retorica Plus

Virtuoso violinists, Philippa Mo and Harriet MacKenzie will be joined by guitarist Martin Fogel to perform classic songs including tracks from Bach and Shostakovich.

Clitheroe Royal Grammar School Sixth Form Centre, www.clitheroeconcerts.org

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11th

Royal Northern Sinfonia

The Brandenburg Concertos by Bach (nos 2-6), with their often radical combinations of soloists, are interspersed with music by Polish composer Henryk Gorecki. His Harpsichord Concerto and ‘Three Pieces in Olden Style’ are much inspired by Bach and will provide an intriguing 20th century take on the baroque style. There is a free talk with the musicians before the concert at 6.30pm.

Kendal Leisure Centre, Kendal LA9 7HX www.lakelandsinfonia.org.uk

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12th

Greater Love: A Musical Reflection for Remembrance Sunday

Oldham Choral Society present the regional première of the melodic Requiem for the Living and, exactly 100 years after it was premièred, The Spirit of England (Elgar’s War Requiem).

RNCM Concert Hall, Manchester, www.rncm.ac.uk

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13th - 18th

Thriller Live

This concert celebrates the career of the world’s greatest entertaines, Michael Jackson. It will take you on a two hour visual, audio and electrifying journey through 45 years of musical history.

Blackpool Grand, www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk

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15th – 18th

The Little Greats

This festival features six short operas that are bursting with passion, including Pagliacci, Cavalleria rusticana, L’enfant et les sortilèges, Osud, Trouble in Tahiti and Trial by Jury.

The Lowry, Salford, 0843 208 6000

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17th

Elvis World Tour: Shawn Klush

The world’s most successful Elvis tribute artist of all time. The show features original Elvis band members, The Sweet Inspirations, who performed with the King from 1969 to 1977.

Preston Guild Hall, 01772804444

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18th

Shalamar

The group embark on their Friends 35th Anniversary tour. Be transported back to the 70s and 80s with the band’s catchy feel-good dance music and enjoy hits such as I Can Make You Feel Good and A Night To Remember.

Charter Theatre, Preston, 01772 804444

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18th

Carly Paoli and Collabro

Classical singer Carly Paoli will be supporting Collabro on their 2017 tour. In addition to performing a selection of songs with them, Carly will be singing songs from her debut album, Singing My Dreams.

Blackpool Opera House, 0844 856 1111

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19th

Allegri

Allegri offer a programme of unaccompanied works from across Europe. They begin in Spain with Lobo, followed by German composer Brahms and Austria’s Anton Bruckner. The

second half see songs by English master, Thomas Tallis, France’s Maurice Duruflé and Irish composer, Charles Stanford.

St John’s Church, Silverdale, 01539 621261

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25th

Hacienda Classical

Dance heritage collides with the world of classical music at this concert. FAC 51’s original DJ partnership Graeme Park and Mike Pickering reinterpret the seminal dance classics which shaped the original club scene.

O2 Apollo, Manchester, 08444 777 677

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28th

Happy Mondays

Manchester’s legendary band perform in Preston as part of their 25 date tour. Fans can expect to hear all the classic songs from Shaun Ryder and dancing from Bez.

Preston Guild Hall, 01772 80 4444

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COUNTY DAYS OUT

4th

Dalton Litfest

The first Dalton Litfest, the town welcomes a multitude of writers in fiction, non-fiction and poetry as well as presenting a range of free ‘Fringe’ activities around the town and working in local schools. .

Dalton-in-Furness, Cumbria, www.daltonlitfest.org

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4th - 5th

Holker Winter Market

The perfect Christmas shopping opportunity to stock up on local produce and artisan gifts at 70 stalls showcasing the best food, drink, craft and homewares. There will also be street entertainers, live music, the Holker Food Hall and Courtyard Café with winter BBQ.

Holker Hall, Grange-over-Sands, 015395 58328

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5th

Huntleys Bonfire and Firework Display

Celebrate the 5th of November with a spectacular fireworks display and bonfire. Timings: 4pm gates open, 5pm bonfire lit, fireworks 6pm. Tickets in advance £5.

Huntley’s Farm, Samlesbury, www.huntleys.co.uk

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9th – 11th

Festive Flower and Food Show

A festive feast of flowers and food will tempt visitors, as well as a floral catwalk show and special Black and White Ball. Entries from local Lancashire school children for the NAFAS Christmas Card competition will also be displayed.

Winter Gardens, Blackpool, 0844 856 1111

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November 10th - December 21st

Manchester Christmas Markets

Shop at over 300 stalls and chalets across the city centre. From international food and drinks to gifts, crafts, jewellery, clothes and toys, you’ll find the perfect Christmas gifts.

Albert Square, Manchester, www.manchester.gov.uk

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14th

Gods, Goddesses, Heaven & Hell

South Lakeland Decorative and Fine Arts Society (SLDFAS) present their November lecture, Gods, Goddesses, Heaven & Hell, by Kevin Karney MA, JP. Entry fee is £10.

Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal, 01229 468525

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16th

Derian House fashion show

Students from the University of Central Lancashire have transformed second hand finds into ready-to-wear fashion which will be showcased at this fundraising fashion show. There will also be a pop-up shop of crafts and accessories. Tickets start at £15 and include a welcome drink and goody bag.

Barton Grange Hotel, Preston, 01257 271 271

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16th - 19th

Kendal Mountain Literature Festival

This new literature programme will form part of the main Kendal Mountain Festival. There is a packed schedule of more than 20 author talks and discussions covering poetry, fiction, non-fiction, biographies, essays and spoken word.

Various Kendal venues, www.mountainfest.co.uk

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18th - 26th

29th Arts, Crafts and Gifts Fair

Entrance is £1 and enables free admission all week. There will be over 95 exhibitors selling thousands of gifts, perfect for finding that special Christmas gift or simply just a treat for yourself.

Pendle Hippodrome Theatre, Colne, www.phtheatre.co.uk

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19th

Kendal Christmas Lights Switch on

There will be festive music in Abbot Hall, a parade, Father Christmas and his reindeer-pulled sleigh and festive talent on the Lakeland Radio stage. A local hero will be nominated by the community to do the light switch on.

Kendal town centre, www.facebook.com/kendalchristmaslights

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26th - 27th

Ulverston Dickensian Festival

Explore the shops, pubs and cafes, as well as enjoying free entertainment, costume competitions, horse drawn carriages, music and a Christmas market with unusual gifts and festive food.

www.dickensianfestival.co.uk