Our guide to the best events in and around Lancashire.
THEATRE AND DANCE
5th - 10th
Strangers on a Train
Based on the psychological drama by celebrated writer Patricia Highsmith and immortalised by Hitchcock’s film, this gripping thriller follows the fateful encounter between two men in the dining carriage of a train crossing America.
Opera House, Manchester, 0844 871 3018
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6th
Cinderella
Performed by The Russian State Ballet of Siberia and accompanied by the Orchestra of the Russian State Ballet. This is the world’s favourite rags to riches fairytale where dreams can come true, featuring a magical mix of Prokofiev’s energetic score, lively choreography and colourful costumes.
Liverpool Empire Theatre, 0844 871 3017
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6th
The Wind in the Willows
Pupils from Highfield Priory School join together to tell Kenneth Grahame’s classic story of friendship as Mole, Ratty, Badger and friends go on an adventure with the excitable Mr Toad.
Charter Theatre, Preston, www.prestonguildhall.co.uk
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6th - 7th
Private Lives
Strong passions and stronger personalities set the stage for a classic battle of the sexes in 1930s Deauville, France, where two newly-married couples occupy adjoining honeymoon suites in the same hotel.
Dukes Theatre and Cinema, Lancaster, 01524 598500
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Until 10th
Jane Eyre
Penniless and alone, Jane emerges from a bleak childhood to make her way in life as a governess. At Thornfield Hall she falls in love with her mysterious employer Mr Rochester, however he is hiding a terrible secret that could ruin everything.
Octagon, Bolton, 01204 520661
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12th - 17th
Flashdance
Strictly’s Joanne Clifton plays the role of Alex Owens in the smash hit UK tour Flashdance. It tells the inspiring story of an 18-year-old welder by day and ‘flashdancer’ by night, who dreams of going to the prestigious Shipley Dance Academy and becoming a professional dancer.
Palace Theatre, Manchester, 0844 871 3019
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16th
The Jungle Book
Immersion Theatre bring all their trademark energy to their wildest show yet, a brand new musical adaptation of this perennial family favourite.
Charter Theatre, Preston, www.prestonguildhall.co.uk
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21st
Madama Butterfly
One of the world’s most popular operas, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly tells the heart-breaking story of the beautiful young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval lieutenant.
Blackpool Grand, 01253 290190
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21st - 24th
Bronte
Preston Drama Club presents a play by Polly Teale. It delves into the real and imagined worlds of Charlotte, Emily, Anne and their enigmatic brother Branwell, as their fictional characters come to haunt the writers.
Preston Playhouse, 01772 744771
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22nd
NTL: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
Tennessee Williams’ 20th century masterpiece Cat on a Hot Tin Roof played a strictly limited season in London’s West End in 2017. This will be screened live.
Darwen Library Theatre, 01254 706006
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23rd
Anton and Erin: Broadway to Hollywood
This stunning new production of dance, music and song showcases the talent of the nation’s favourite ballroom couple. A stellar supporting cast includes a brilliant star vocalist, six world-class ensemble dancers and the 25-piece London Concert Orchestra.
Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, 0151 709 3789
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28th - March 1st
Flowers of Manhattan
Cardinal Newman College present a musical memoir of nostalgia and unanswered questions on the streets of New York.
Charter Theatre, Preston, www.prestonguildhall.co.uk
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MUSIC AND CONCERTS
3rd
Classic Rock Show 2018
An amazing new live production, celebrating the world’s greatest guitarists. Songs are performed with note-for-note precision, bringing the iconic and era defining recordings back to life on stage, with a sound and light show to match.
Winter Gardens, Blackpool, 0844 856 1111
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7th
Einar Johannesson and Alessandra Pompili
Clitheroe Concerts Society’s first concert for 2018 sees the international duo of Icelander clarinettist Einar Johannesson and Italian pianist Alessandra Pompili perform a mixture of duos and solos for both the clarinet and the piano.
Clitheroe Royal Grammar School Sixth Form Centre, www.clitheroeconcerts.org
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9th
Paul Young and China Crisis
Two stars of the 1980s come together on this special tour which sees them perform all of their well known hits.
Academy 2, Manchester, 0161 832 1111
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10th
Rebecca Fergueson
The runner up of the X Factor embarks on her latest tour featuring tracks from her fourth album, Superwoman.
Grand Hall, Preston, 01772 804444
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11th
Michael Bolton
The multiple Grammy award-winning singer and songwriter, who has sold more than 65 million records worldwide, performs in Manchester as part of his latest tour.
Opera House, Manchester, 0844 871 3018
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14th
Opera Lovers’ Night
This opera extravaganza features a wonderful collection of world-famous arias, duets and grand orchestral interludes. The perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, 0161 907 9000
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15th
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra: Boléro
Conductor Martin Yates presents an evening of songs including Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, Prokofiev and Ravel. There’s also soloist Zhang Zuo.
Grand Hall, Preston, 01772 804444
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16th
National Youth Jazz Orchestra Presents: Legends of Jazz
NYJO is a glittering showcase for the UK’s finest young professional jazz musicians, combining a hard-swinging rhythm section and a raft of hugely talented soloists.
Thwaites Empire Theatre, Blackburn, 01254 685500
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16th
The Christians
The popular band in the late 80s and 90s are currently touring the UK playing their back catalogue and songs selected from the album WE.
Burnley Mechanics Theatre, 01282 664400
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24th
Russell Watson: Canzoni d Amore
Having sold more than seven million albums worldwide ‘The People’s Tenor’ returns to the stage with his brand-new show.
Southport Theatre and Convention Centre, 0844 871 3021
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COUNTY DAYS OUT
1st - 3rd
Pendle Beer Festival
The ever popular Pendle Beer Festival returns with over 100 real ales, cider, perry and bottled beers.
The Muni Theatre, Colne, www.pendlebeerfestival.co.uk
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1st - 24th
Lancashire Monochrome Photography Exhibition 2018
A group of amateur photographers from around Lancashire who specialise in black and white photography.
The Old Grammar School, Leyland, 01772 422041
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5th
The History of Coniston Copper Mines
Warren Allison joins the Kendal Historical and Archaeological Society for a lecture on the history of Coniston Copper Mines
Shakespeare Centre, Kendal, www.khassite.wordpress.com
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9–11, 16–18, 23-25
Winter Interest Weekends
Make the most of this rare opportunity to see the Holker Gardens during late winter. Enjoy a gentle stroll and see the trails of delicate snowdrops and bulbs.
Holker Hall and Gardens, Grange-over-Sands, 015395 58328
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10th
An Illustrated Talk by Malcolm Tranter
Malcolm Tranter’s talk on From Port Sunlight to Rivington: The Life of William Lever, Lord Leverhulme.
South Ribble Museum and Exhibition Centre, Leyland, 01772 422041
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13th
An Evening with Colonel Chris Hadfield
The 21st century’s most famous astronaut returns with a short tour reflecting on his 35 year history as a military pilot and astronaut featuring rarely seen videos from his personal collection.
Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
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19th - 25th
Ladbrokes World Grand Prix
Snooker stars from around the globe gather for the Ladbrokes World Grand Prix.
Guild Hall, Preston, 01772 804444
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20th
The Love of Line: English Mediaeval Art & Architecture
South Lakeland Decorative and Fine Arts Society present a look at mediaeval English art and architecture from a different and unusual perspective.
Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal, 01229 468525
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