A round-up of events in Lancashire and the Lake District
THEATRE
2nd-7th
Things We Do For Love
Australian actress Natalie Imbruglia makes her stage debut in Alan Ayckbourn’s hilarious and ingenious exploration of the complexities of love.
The Lowry Theatre, Salford Quays, Manchester, 0844 815 4873
4th-7th
Allo Allo
Adaptation of the classic BBC sitcom, written by the original script writers, Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft, is a hilarious romp into Nazi held France in World War II.
Pendle Hippodrome Theatre, Colne, 01282 612402, www.phtheatre.co.uk
Until 7th
The Last Days of Troy
A reworking of Homer’s The IIiad by poet and author Simon Armitage. At a time when the nation is commemorating World War 1, it tells the story of an ancient battle, its legendary heroes and noble losers.
The Royal Exchange, Manchester, 0844 815 4873
9th-14th
The Two Worlds of Charlie F
The true stories of British servicemen and women brought unflinchingly to life. A soldier’s view of service, injury and recovery. From the war in Afghanistan, the play is a darkly comic, authentic and uplifting tale of survival.
The Opera House, Manchester, 0844 871 7660
10th-14th
An August Bank Holiday Lark
Deeply moving drama poised at the tipping point of war. Intensly nostalgic and emotionally rich, this is a story that will both entertain and tug at your heart strings.
The Coliseum Theatre, Oldham, 0161 624 2829
11th-14th
Last of the Red Hot Lovers
Luckless Barney Cashman is struck in the rut; with his marriage to his high school sweetheart no longer providing him with a sense of romantic passion and adventure he decides that a string of extra-marital activities is just what he needs to reignite his lust for life and put a spring in his step.
St Helens Theatre Royal, 01744 756000
11th-15th
Cirque Du Soleil – Dralion
A classic Cirque du Soleil production that has received international acclaim and astonished more than 8 million people worldwide since it premiered in Montreal in 1999, featuring an international cast of 50 performers, singers and musicians from 15 countries.
Manchester Phones 4u Arena, 0844 856 0202
12th-Nov 7th
Seeing the Lights
A brand new piece from Lancashire born playwright Brendan Murray. Terry lives at home caring for his elderly mum. Her 75th birthday is coming up and she’s set her heart on her favourite son Greg coming home for the party – but he lives in Australia. This comedy is funny and sad in equal measure, tackling topical and family issues with sympathy and humour.
Theatre by the Lake, Keswick, 017687 74411
13th
Penn & Teller
Penn and Teller’s classic magic tricks are performed amid their unique brand of humour and audience participation.
The Palace Theatre, Manchester, 0844 871 7660
Until 14th
Brassed Off
Based on a true story and the 1996 film, Brassed Off is a comedy drama that celebrates the power of music and the capacity of the human spirit to inspire a community to triumph against all the odds.
The Octagon Theatre, Bolton, 01204 520661
14th
Bullets and Daffodils
The musical bio about World War One soldier poet, Wilfred Owen.
The Arts Centre, Oswaldtwistle, 01254 398319
17th
In conversation with Lord Michael Heseltine
Lord Heseltine, was given the freedom of the City of Liverpool in 2012 for his work towards an economic revival after the Toxteth riots and continued support of the city since then.
St George’s Hall, Liverpool, www.littleatomproductions.com
19th
Memories of Test Match Special
Henry Blofield and Peter Baxter invite you to join them on a trip down memory lane to discover fascinating untold stories from the Test Match Special commentary box and beyond.
The Lowther Pavilion, Lytham, 01253 794221
19th-July 12th
Love Story
Two worlds collide when spirited Italian-American Jennifer Cavilleri and wealthy, priviledged Harvard Alumni Oliver Barrett IV fall in love. The pair whose backgrounds could not be more different, are united by love.
The Octagon Theatre, Bolton, 01204 520661
20th-July 12th
Close The Coalhouse Door
Using the rich seam of British mining and its turbulent history, this stirring story takes us through the strikes, victories and frustrations. The plot revolves around a Newcastle family looking back on 140 years of miners’ struggles and triumphs.
The Coliseum Theatre, Oldham, 0161 624 2829
26th
The Festival of the Spoken Nerd
Award-winning geek songstress Helen Arney, stand-up mathematician Matt Parker and BBC One science experiments guy Steve Mould team up for a quirky comedy evening for the sci-curious
UCLan 53 Degrees, Preston 01772 894288
CONCERTS
6th
The Lancashire Hotpots
With rousing anthems such as ‘Chippy Tea’, ‘He’s turned Emo’ and ‘I fear Ikea’ the Hotpots are a fun-filled rollercoaster of musical comedy singing the praises of ale, chips and having a great time.
The Grand Theatre, Blackpool, 01253 743338
6th-15th
Ulverston International Music Festival
Featuring a jaw dropping list of string talent and Nicola Benedetti and her Trio performing in the final concert with the Northern Chamber Orchestra. There will also be a series of lunchtime concerts featuring emerging artists, a special Baroque concerts and a jazz night.
The Coronation Hall, Ulverston, www.ulverstonmusicfestival.co.uk
8th
Thea Gilmore
Thea Gilmore is on tour with her acclaimed UK Top 40 new album, Regardless – her 14th album and biggest of her career.
Epstein Theatre, Liverpool, 0151 709 4044
14th
Sing with the Halle
The public can join forces with the Halle, soloists from the Royal Academy of Music and singers from the Halle choir, rehearsing and performing one of the most celebrated pieces in the choral repertoire, Mozart’s Requiem Mass.
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
29th
Once Upon A Time…
An enchanting Sunday afternoon concert featuring music from Hansel and Gretel and Mother Goose. The Halle, Halle Children’s Choir and more than 200 young singers will also perform the world premiere of a specially commissioned new piece by Lin Marsh, The Wild Swans.
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
COUNTY DAYS OUT
Until 1st
The Holker Garden Festival
A combination of gardening, countryside, food and crafts in this three day summer show, hosted by Lord and Lady Cavendish with a show-stopping line up including horticulturist and The One Show’s resident gardening experts, Christine Walkden.
Holker Hall, Cark in Cartmell, 015395 58838
Until 1st
War of the Roses Weekend
For the whole weekend, see the Tower transformed with living history displays of craftsmen, soldiers and everyday life from the era of Elizabeth Woodville (the White Queen) and Richard III.
Hoghton Tower, near Preston, 01254 852986
Until 1st
Country Fest
Another weekend of wide-rfanging activities for all ages.
County Showground, Milnthorpe
5th-11th
Appleby Horse Fair
Traditional, informal gathering of gypsies and travellers with a lively atmosphere with plenty to see including horses being washed in the river and raced down the streets.
Appleby in Westmorland
5th
Bleasdale Challenge
Sporting clay pigeon shoot for The Prince’s Trust at Bleasdale Tower. To take part contact Suzana Edwards at suzanaedwards@aol.com or call 07730 922 935
7th-8th
Slaidburn Steam and Vintage Vehicle Display
Annual event, firmly established on the Steam Rally calendar with vintage steam engines and vehicles on display.
Hark to Bounty, Slaidburn, 01200 446605
11th
Antiques Evening
Whitechapel and Inglewhite WI present this antiques evening with Eric Knowles, well known in antiques circle and a familiar face on The Antique Roadshow. He will select items brought along by members of the audience.
Tickets cost £15 and include refreshments.
Whitechapel Village Hall, 01995 643499
14th
Scarecrow Day
Make and dress a scarecrow as well as learn about the vegetables grown here and take home your own small vegetable patch.
Sizergh Castel, Kendal, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sizergh
18th
Annual Golf Day
Enter a four man team for the 18 hole golf competition in aid of Rossendale Hospice. Entry is £250 per person, with prizes for the winners, nearest the pin and longest drive.
Rossendale Golf Club, to enter call 0161 761 4611 or email Stacey.mccann@whnsolicitors.co.uk
22nd
Lancashire Festival
Fantastic day for all the family, hosting the best of Lancashire food, arts, crafts, entertainment and more.
Guys Thatched Hamlet, Bilsborrow, Preston, 01253 361713
22nd
Totally Transport
Promenade vehicle show with up to 200 classic road vehicles from cars to double decker buses, model tram layouts and other presentations and family entertainment.
New South Promenade & The Solaris Centre, Blackpool, 01253 623338
27th-28th
Woolfest
The original British wool festival, celebrating nature’s finest fibres with more than 170 producers and craftspeople.
Mitchell’s Lakeland Livestock Centre, Cockermouth
EXHIBITIONS
3rd-September 21st
‘The mirror’s magic sights’: John Ruskin and the Daguerreotype
When the earliest photographs or Daguerreotypes – appeared Ruskin declared them ‘the most marvellous invention of the century.’ He was an early adopter of the technology and assembled a large and important collection of images of European landscape and architecture which he variously commissioned or purchased, including some of the earliest photographs of the high Alps ever taken.
Blue Gallery, Brantwood, Coniston, 015394 41396
10th-29th
Near and Far
Exhibition of paintings by Eileen Tupling and Brian Spooner.
Lytham Heritage Centre, 01253 730787
14th-15th
LSA Art in Ashton Gardens
Open air exhibition at the St George’s Road gate, weather permitting.
Ashton Gardens, St Annes on Sea, 01253 721189
Until 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 and a bright, bold dish designs by Jean Cocteau are among the many varied delights this show has to offer.
Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House
Until 22nd
Nature…and man
Exhibition of paintings, drawings and prints by Alan Stones. His pictures depict people and they also depict nature.
Severn Studio, Brantwood, Coniston, 015394 41396
27th-29th
Silverdale and Arnside Art and Craft Trail
Visit artists studios and exhibitions to view or purchase the artists work and participate in a number of expertly-run workshops.
For more information visit, wwww.silverdalearttrail.co.uk
