A round-up of events in Lancashire and the Lake District

THEATRE

3rd-4th

Old Herbaceous

Among the seeds, weeds and the potting plants lies a ramshackle greenhouse, a greenhouse which belongs to the legendary head gardener of Gloucestershire Manor House, Herbert Pinnegar. ‘Old Herbaceous’ brought to you by Spot On, Lancashire’s rural touring network of theatre.

St Michael’s on Wyre Village Hall (3rd), Scorton Village Hall (4th) 01254 660360

5th-10th

Fame the Musical

Experience the dizzy heights and crashing lows as a star-struck wannabes embark on their quest for the ultimate accolade – fame.

The Lowry Theatre, Salford Quays, Manchester, 0844 815 4873

6th-10th

Dial M For Murder

Frederick Knott’s intense and darkly gripping thriller stars Christopher Timothy on stage as Inspector Hubbard.

The Opera House, Manchester, 0844 871 7660

Until 10th

Duet For One

World famous violinist Stephanie Abrahams has been diagnosed with MS and is now confined to a wheelchair. In a series of witty, intimate and frank conversations with a kind but uncompromising therapist she is able to face what her future might hold and come to terms with her loss.

The Octagon Theatre, Bolton, 01204 520661

Until 10th

Hobson’s Choice

Early girl power is brought to the forefront in this hugely popular, gritty comedy by Harold Brighouse.

The Coliseum Theatre, Oldham, 0161 624 2829

10th

Jason Manford

The popular Salford comic, television presenter and actor has a new show which promises to feature a wealth of anecdotes, comic misunderstandings and chirpy audience banter delivered with Manford’s trademark charm and intelligent wit.

The Grand Theatre, Blackpool, 01253 743339

13th-14th

Rites of War

Six aerialists and dancers combine their rich visual language with music, film and news commentary to reveal the ugly truths and unexpected beauty of living and loving through conflicts.

The Lowry Theatre, Salford Quays, 0844 815 4873

15th-31st

The Life and Times of Mitchell & Kenyon

New play celebrating the life and times of the Lancashire factory-gate filmmakers, Mitchell and Kenyon. Full of songs, laughter and the original films themselves.

The Coliseum Theatre, Oldham, 0161 624 2829

15th-June 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

18th

Seven Ages

Comedy theatre show about the seven stages of life, from infancy through love and wisdom, to growing old disgracefully. Along the way it seeks to explore two of the most important questions in life: Why am I here? And what’s important in my life? All this while simultaneously making audiences think and laugh.

Arnside Educational Institute, 01524 762254

21st-24th

Family Planning

Preston Drama Club present this comedy by Frank Vickery. When Tracy discovers that she is pregnant she doesn’t know how to tell her parents or her boyfriend. Gran, who is permanently ensconced in bed and knows all and sees all, helps to pave the way for her announcement. Unfortunately her hyperchondriac dad overhears a conversation between Tracy and her mum and jumps to the wrong conclusion, believing he has little time to live.

The Playhouse, Preston, 01772 744771

27th-31st

Catch-22

Set in the closing months of World War II, a bombardier named Yossarian is trapped in an inescapable war. Frantic and furious as thousands of people he has never met try to kill him, Yossarian is stalked and thwarted by the merciless Catch-22.

Liverpool Playhouse, 0151 709 4776

27th-31st

Avenue Q

A laugh out loud musical that tells the story of a recent college graduate named Princeton who moves into a shabby New York apartment on Avenue Q. There he meets Kate (the girl next door), Rod (the Republican), Trekkie (internet sexpert), Lucy the slut and other colourful types.

The Palace Theatre, Manchester, 0844 871 7660

CONCERTS

8th

Brass Band Concert

The world famous Leyland Band present this concert in aid of the Leyland branch of the RNLI.

St Mary’s Church, Leyland, 01772 433450

10th

Songs from the Shows

Ramsbottom Choral Society and Orchestra present a concert of music with conductor Barry Sugden.

Bolton Road Methodist Church, 0161 761 2985

10th

Wigan Music Society Concert

Wigan Music Society present this concert with the Dulcian Wind Quintet.

Trinity United Reformed Church, Wigan, 01942 238520

16th

Gospel to Gershwin

A feast of Gospel songs, Dixieland Jaa, Ragtime Piano and Modern Jazz with the Eric Ainsworth Trio, Pendle Jazzmen and The Three Valleys Gospel Choir. Proceeds to the Church Development Fund.

Christ Church, Chatburn, 01254 384893

17th

May concert

Bury Choral Society present Durufle’s Requiem and Faure’s Requiem.

Stand Parish Church, Whitefield, bcstickets@hotmail.co.uk

31st

Thea Gilmore

Thea Gilmore is on tour with her acclaimed new album, Regardless.

The Grand, Clitheroe, www.theagilmore.net

COUNTY DAYS OUT

1st

Investigate Leighton Hall on Sherlock’s Anniversary

In 1984, ITV transformed Leighton Hall into ‘Ridling Thorpe Manor’ for ‘The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. Now, the hall has its own mysteries to reveal and secrets to divulge. Every Tuesday to Friday from May to September, visitors will discover why there is still a lock of James II’s hair in the drawing room, how one former owner found himself in prison and what is meant by ‘tickling the moose’.

Leighton Hall, Carnforth, www.leightonhall.co.uk

3rd

Rivington Spring Festival

Enjoy the village green fete with Rivington and Adlington Brass Band, morris dancers, stalls and games for all the family followed by the Wabash Jazz Band in the evening at Rivington Parish Church.

Rivington, 01204 694913

3rd and 17th

Early Morning Bird Walk

Join in the adventure with the Lancashire Wildlife Trust.

Hoghton Tower, near Preston, 01254 852986

3rd-5th

Scorton Bikes & Barrows Festival

Quirky, annual festival in it’s fourth year, raising vital funds for village groups and community projects. The main feature is the decorated bicycles and wheelbarrows displayed throughout the village. Some are themed, some relate to current affairs and some are just plain wacky. The festival weekend kicks off with a mass bike ride round the village. St Peter’s Church will be transformed into a crafts hub and will also host a special World War One in Scorton exhibition, children’s storytelling, brass band concert featuring Slaidburn Band and a special Songs of Praise.

Scorton village, www.bikesandbarrows.co.uk

4th-5th

Lancaster Food and Drink Festival

This third annual event features more producers, growers, artisans, bars and respected food retailers, giving visitors chance to sample a fantastic array of culinary delights, more hot street food and more specialist produce.

Lancaster Leisure Park, 01524 68444

4th-5th and 25th - 26th

May Bank Holiday Steamings

Take a look at 27 stationary steam engines – some of which once drove textile mills in the north of England.

Bolton Steam Museum, 01204 846490

16th-17th

Clitheroe Beer Festival

Choose from over 65 real ales and ciders. This year’s theme, natural beauty, marks the Forest of Bowland’s 50th anniversary as an AONB. Live music.

St Mary’s Centre, Clitheroe, 01254 697273

18th

Walk 4 Your Charity

The Rotary Club of Church and Oswaldtwistle have organised a walk encouraging people to raise money charity. Choose from a 5km or 10km walk starting and finishing at Junction 7 Business Estate, Clayton-Le-Moors.

www.rotarycharitywalk.org.uk

25th

Bretherton Open Gardens

Explore five lovely contrasting gardens spaced across this pretty conservation village in aid of the National Gardens Scheme and St Catherine’s Hospice. Entertainment includes a sculpture demonstration at 2pm at Hazelwood Garden, live music at Glynwood and Hazlewood and homemade teas at the Congregational Church.

Bretherton, 01772 600896

25th-26th

Crafty Vintage Weekender

Two fabulous days of vintage, handmade goods, artisan food and retro music.

Hoghton Tower, near Preston, 01254 852986

30th-June 1st

The Holker Garden Festival

The very best of gardening, countryside, food and crafts in this three day summer extravaganza, hosted by Lord and Lady Cavendish. There is a fantastic line-up including horticulturist and The One Show’s resident gardening experts, Christine Walkden. A must visit event.

Holker Hall, Cark in Cartmell, 015395 58838

31st-June 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

EXHIBITIONS

1st-17th

Spring Exhibition, Lytham

Lytham St Annes Art Society exhibition in the Fylde Gallery, Booths, Lytham. Open 10am-6pm daily, 4pm on Sunday.

01253 794509.

15th-27th

Spring Exhibition, Keswick

Keswick Society of Art Spring Exhibition of work.

Congregational Hall, Keswick, www.KeswickSocietyOfArt.co.uk

Until 27th

Lytham In Bloom and Other Delights

Art exhibition oil paintings by Ken Roberts.

The Heritage Centre, Lytham, 01253 730787

17th-22nd

Nature…and man

Exhibition of paintings, drawings and prints by Alan Stones. His pictures depict people and nature and how nature is effected by man.

Severn Studio, Brantwood, Coniston, 015394 41396

Until June 21st

Picasso and Co: Sherwin Ceramics

This small exhibition will showcase Dr Jeffery Sherwin’s stunning decorative arts collection, which includes a wonderfully inventive pot by Pablo Picasso.

Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-on-Windwermere, 015394 46139

10th - June 28th

Beastly Machines

A new collection of sculptures by Johnny White. His interactive and humorous work is influenced by current affairs, media stories and plays on words all portrayed as animals and mythical creatures.

Chapel Gallery, Ormskirk, 01695 571328

EVENTS

31st

Swing Commanders

Dance the night away to the Swing Commanders organised by The Rotary Club of Lancaster Tickets £15 call 07836 274397

Winter Gardens, Morecambe

OUR FAVOURITE FIVE

2nd

The South

Ex members of The Beautiful South, Dave Hemingway and Alison Wheeler sing many of their hits from their back catalogue with a nine piece band also performing several songs from their debut album as The South.

53 Degrees, Preston, 0871 220 0260

5th-10th

Rock of Ages

Ben Richard stars as rock god Stacee Jaxx with Noel Sullivan as Drew Boley in this ultimate rock mix-tape musical – a hilarious story of dreams, love and rock.

The Palace Theatre, Manchester, 0844 871 3018

23rd-31st

Rookery Nook

A hilarious tale featuring a rogues gallery of comic creations, including the formidable busybody pairing of Gertrude Twine and housekeeper Mrs Leverett.

Theatre By The Lake, Keswick,

24th-26th

Chipping Steam Fair

The 15th annual steam fair with fairground and arena entertainment as well as hundreds of classic cars and bikes, steam engines and rollers, classic tractors, commercial and military vehicles. Entertainment includes a dog show plus live music and much, much more.

Green Lane, Chipping, 01995 61866, www.chippingsteamfair.co.uk

31st

Swing Commanders Charity Concert

The Rotary Clubs of Carnforth, Lancaster, Lancaster Loyne and Lunesdale have joined forces with Unique Kidz and Co to host this charity concert performed by the Swing Commanders.

Morecambe Winter Gardens, www.carnforthrotary1190.org/tickets