THEATRE
1st-5th
Psychic Sybill
A delicious dose of hilarious hauntings and spooky silliness, bound to tickle your funny bone.
St Helen’s Theatre Royal, 01744 756000
1st-June 1st
A Dolls House
Nora, a young wife and mother is married to Torvold, a recently promoted bank manager. Life seems content and settled until their marriage is threatened by a terrible secret from her past.
The Royal Exchange, Manchester, 0844 815 4873
Until 4th
Hello Dolly
Walmsley Church Amateur Operatic and Drama Society present this classic musical.
The Parish Hall Theatre, Egerton, Bolton, 01204 305812
7th
Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers
Full concert of thundering rhythms on huge taiko drums, mysterious masked choreography with inventive lighting, muscular synchronism timed to perfection, post apocalyptic imagery and infectious belly laugh humour, all in a display of pure energy and sheer athleticism.
The Albert Halls, Bolton, 01204 334400
7th-11th
The Yeoman of the Guard
The Three Town’s Operatic Society present this show by Gilbert and Sullivan, set in the Tower of London in the 16th century. It’s a tale of ill-fated love, intrigue and escape in Tudor England.
St Joseph’s Hall, Leigh, 01942 883722
7th- 11th
I Was A Rat
Philip Pullman’s classic children’s novel is brought to life for the first time in the UK. Full of music, comedy and fantastic physical performances it will surprise, delight and move audiences of all ages.
The Lowry, Salford Quays, Manchester, 0843 503333
7th-11th
Two Gentleman of Verona
Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory present William Shekspeare’s Two Gentleman of Verona.
The Dukes Theatre, Lancaster, 01524 598500
10th-25th
Ladies Day
Swapping their hairnets for fascinators, four Yorkshire heroines head to Royal Ascot as it comes to York for the first and last time, in this racy comedy by Amanda Whittington.
The Coliseum Theatre, Oldham, 0161 624 2829
Until 18th
Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay!
A play that has been entertaining audiences around the world for decades. It is a witty and fun filled romp that is politically as relevant today as when it first appeared on stage in 1974.
The Octagon Theatre, Bolton, 01204 520661
18th
Rumplestiltskin
Hiccup Theatre present this brand new version of this classic fairytale, following the troubled Miller’s daughter as she tries to outwit the greatest trickster of them all.
The Atkinson, Southport, 01704 533333
20th-25th
Carnaby Street
Set in London’s West End in the 60s, with the background of iconic clubs, fashion and characters this is the real musical story of a generation.
The Opera House, Manchester, 0844 871 7660
21st-June 15th
Dirty Dancing
The classic story of Baby and Johnny, two independent young spirits from different worlds who come together in the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives.
The Palace Theatre, Manchester, 0844 871 7660
22nd-26th
Walking with Dinosaurs
This stunning theatrical event is back with 20 life size dinosaurs. You’ll be amazed as you witness these creatures walk the earth once more.
Echo Arena, Liverpool, www.echoarena.com
22nd-25th
Oh Clarence
Preston Drama Club present this hilarious comedy based on one of P.G Woodhouse’s most famous characters, Lord Emsworth, the dreamy peer of Blandings Castle.
Preston Playhouse, 01772 744771
24th-November
See How They Run
Classic farce, sees an actress, a bishop, German soldiers and a stampede of vicars crashing through Merton-cum-Middlewick in World War II.
Theatre by the Lake, Keswick
29th- June 1st
The Sound of Music
Blackpool and Fylde Light Opera Company present this much-loved musical.
The Grand Theatre, Blackpool, 01253 743339
CONCERTS
5th
Angela Hewitt in concert
One of the world’s leading pianists performs with a vast repertoire ranging from Couperin to the contemporary. This is set to be an evening of note-perfect entertainment.
The Atkinson, Southport, 01704 533333
10th-12th
Southport Annual Jazz Festival
The 13th annual jazz festival is back with a host of internationally-acclaimed artists including James Morton’s Pork Chop, James Morrison with the Swingshift Big Band and more.
The Atkinson, Southport, 01704 533333
11th
The White Rosettes
Renowned 67-strong Ladies Barbershop Choir, 13 times winners of the Ladies Barbershop Championships perform a wide range of music.
Trinity Methodist Church, Clitheroe, 01200 423235
11th
Saturday Night is Music Night
Chorley Choral Society and guest singers Victoria Ward and Ivan Sharpe present an evening of music from the musicals, film and television.
Chorley Town Hall, 01772 455185
13th
Spiers & Boden
Described by The Guardian as ‘the finest instrumental duo on the traditional scene, Spiers and Boden are on tour with The Backyard Songs Tour.
The WI Village Hall, Arnside, 01524 762460
14th
Enigma Variations
The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Alexander Shelley with Mari Samuelsen on violin and Hakon Samuelsen on cello present this evening of fine music.
The Guild Hall, Preston, 0844 844 7710
15th
Jason Manford
Comedian Jason Manford brings his new show which promises a wealth of comedy anecdotes, comic misunderstandings and audience banter to Lancaster.
The Dukes Theatre, Lancaster, 01524 598500
17th
40s Night
With music by Glenn Miller by Sounds 18 Big Band and vocals by Lyn Fairbanks and Joe McCarthy. Stage Two drama group will also perform sketches recreating life during the war and there will be a Vera Lynn style sing-a-long. British period attire is encouraged and proceeds will go to the church facilities development fund.
Christ Church, Chatburn, 01254 384893
29th
Summer concert
Clitheroe Concert Society present their summer concert with Anna Croad on violin and Alex Barnes on cello.
Ribble Valley Borough Council Chamber, Clitheroe.
30th
We’ll Meet Again: 60th Anniversary Coronation Tribute
Celebratory concert bringing together much-loved music that has played a part in all our lives over the last 60 years since the Coronation of the Queen. The concert includes a special tribute to the coronation with classic music including ‘Rule Britannia’ and ‘Land of Hope and Glory’.
Liverpool Philharmonic, 0151 709 3789
COUNTY DAYS OUT
4th-5th
Rivington Spring Festival
Family friendly weekend starting with the village green fete on Saturday from 1.30pm. Entertainment includes Rivington and Adlington Brass Band, morris dancers, stalls and games for all the family. The fun continues Saturday evening in the parish church with a concert by The Lekker Quintet and finishes Sunday with a Festival service with music.
For more information or tickets for Saturday’s concert call 01257 427556
5th-6th
Lancaster Food and Drink Festival
A bustling foodie heaven with top quality artisan producers, regional celebrated chefs, demonstrations (including those by Lancashire Life’s food editor Philippa James), live music and hot street food at the second food and drink festival in Lancaster.
Lancaster Leisure Park, 01524 590430
5th-6th
Bolton Steaming Days
Come and see 27 old stationary steams engines that have been rescued and restored, most running in steam during this weekend.
Bolton Steam Museum, 01204 846490, www.nmes.org
6th
Samlesbury Hall Fun Dog Show
Enjoy a family day out with your best friend and enter the fun classes including waggiest tail, nicest eyes, fancy dress and best in show. Free entry to event and grounds, normal admission to the house applies.
Samlesbury Hall, near Preston, www.samlesburyhall.com
19th
Morecambe Bay Sponsored Walk
In aid of Rossendale Hospice, registration fee is £20 and includes coach to Morecambe for the walk led by the Queen’s Guide Cedric Robinson across Morecambe Bay to Kent Bank.
For more details call 01706 253633 option 3 or visit the website, www.rossendalehospice.org
25th
Straight from the Wood
Tutor Peter Wright shows you how to use ‘green’ wood rather than sawn timber, with materials harvested from the Brantwood estate. From coppice management and cutting, through the process of splitting shaping and forming, you will use traditional hand tools and equipment to create unique articles.
Brantwood, Coniston, 015394 41396
31st-2nd June
The Holker Garden Festival
The 21st anniversary of the Holker Garden Festival welcome world renowned, historical food expert Ivan Day as part of this year’s programme which also showcases the very best gardening, countryside, food and crafts, making it one of the most popular events in the summer calendar.
Holker Hall and Gardens, Cark-in-Cartmel, 015395 58838, www.holkerfestival.co.uk
EXHIBITIONS
2nd-18th
Spring Exhibition
The Lytham St Annes Art Society present their spring exhibition, with artwork for sale.
The Fylde Gallery, Booths, Lytham.
10th-21st
Spring Exhibition
Keswick Society of Art present their annual spring exhibition featuring works by local artists.
Congregational Hall, Keswick, www.keswicksocietyofart.co.uk
Until June 24th
Ice-Cloud Mirror
Exhibition of film by Professor Rose and Dr Neil Boynton and watercolours by John Ruskin on the theme of mountain landscape and well-being.
Blue Gallery, Brantwood, Coniston, 015394 41396
Until June
Preston People Panorama
Exhibition featuring 100 panoramic photographs of Preston groups, communities and organisations as a social and artistic record of Preston celebrating Guild year, 2012.
The Museum of Lancashire, Preston, www.lancashire.gov.uk/museumoflancashire
FUNDRAISING EVENTS
18th May
A Wild West Night
In aid of Abbey Village Primary School PTA with live music from Abi Bridgeman a contemporary country singer who will be wowing audience at the Nashville Country Music awards this summer.
Cunliffe Hall, Chorley, 01254 830489
OUR FAVOURITE FIVE
3rd-6th
Ribble Valley Jazz Festival
Festival of fine jazz with confirmed artists including the Liane Carroll Trio, Neil Yates Quartet, The Giddy Gringos and Tanz.
Clitheroe, www.rvjazzandblues.co.uk
10th-12th
Celebrities on Ice Tour
Hosted by Christopher Biggins this touring show stars celebrity skaters including former England rugby captain Kyran Bracken, Chic, Eastenders’ Matt Lapinskas, Welsh rugby star Gareth Thomas and Olympic bronze medallist Beth Tweedie.
The Sands Centre, Carlisle, 01228 633766
18th-19th
My First Cinderella
English National Ballet present this show where children aged three and above can get their first taste of classical ballet.
The Opera House, Manchester, 0844 871 3018, www.ballet.org.uk
23rd
Piaf
French singer and cultural icon Edith Piaf is celebrated in this powerful musical drama following her rise from the streets of Paris to the international stage.
The Octagon Theatre, Bolton, 01204 520661
25th
Chris Ramsey: Feeling Lucky
Top comedian and star of BBC hit sitcom Hebburn, Chris Ramsey brings his new live stand up show, his biggest ever live tour, to Blackpool.
North Pier, Blackpool, 01253 623304
Reader recommendations
Vilage Fair in Holmes Chapel
“Holmes Chapel Village Fair, Sunday May 5th 1200-1700, BBMF Flight...RAF Hurricane, Grand Draw, £100 voucher 1st prize, Fairground Rides and Stalls, Gymnastics DisplayTombola’s, Magic Show, Bric a Brac, Punch & Judy, Street Dancers, Zumba Display, Trampolines, School Choir, Ice Cream, Animals, BBQ, Licensed Bar and much more, Admission is Free, Fair opens 1200 noon till 5.0pm”
Contact information Alison Dale 01477 532955 or John Scarrott 07885870919
Songs from the Shows
Saturday, 11 May 2013 at 7:30pm
All Saints Church, Brandlesholme, BL8 1ED
Music to suit all tastes with selections from Merrie England, Show Boat, Gilbert & Sullivan and well known popular music.
Ticket Price: £6
Further details from Barry Sugden: 0161 761 2985
Bury Metro Tourist Office, Moss Street: 0161 253 5111
www.ramsbottomchoralsociety.com
Hugs for Noah Gala Dinner
Armathwaite Hall Country House Hotel & Spa
Join us in the Broadwater Suite from 7.30pm and enjoy fabulouslive entertainment from Brian
James & “Them Beatles”, gourmet 4 course dinner and spectacular “Silent” Auction
Tickets £45 available from Spa Reception now! Tables of 10 £400
Dress Code: Black Tie
Snow Fun - Kids Go Free, Chill Factore
May Half Term - 25th May – 2nd June
The fantastic Kids Go Free offer is available on exhilarating snow activities from Luging to Tubing. Throw on your snow boots and experience some school holiday thrills for much less – as a junior goes free with every paying adult!
Snow Carver, Extreme Sledging, Ski and Snowboard Taster Lessons, Snowscoot, Airboarding, Luge Ice Slide, Tubing, Sledging, Snowplay, Snow Zipper, Climbing Taster,
For bookings and more information on activities and offers available at Chill Factore, visit www.chillfactore.com or call 0161 749 2222. Advance booking is strongly recommended on all activities.
