Compiled by Amanda Griffiths
THEATRE
Until 5th
An Inspector Calls
While investigating the tragic suicide of a young woman the mysterious inspector in this gripping story also delves into the heart of a family, revealing uncomfortable truths and the hypocrisy that is entrenched in Edwardian family values.
Bolton Octagon Theatre, 01200 520661
10th-November 2nd
Long Day’s Journey Into Night
American drama classic by Eugene O’Neill. There’s shattering revelations as the Tyrone family hurl accusations and allegations at each other over the course of a single day.
Bolton Octagon Theatre, 01200 520661
Until 12th
No Fats Juliets
A plus sized love story set in the Lake District, focussing on Beth, an actress who’s never landed her dream role but finds a dream lover.
The Dukes Theatre, Lancaster, 01524 598500
Until 12th
Chicago
Murder, mayhem and music in this musical about Roxie Hart and Velma, banged up on Death Row in Cook County Jail for murder.
The Coliseum, Oldham, 0844 815 4873
Until 12th
Educating Rita
Newly updated by the author, this modern classic tells the story of Rita, a down-to-earth straight-talking hairdresser who forces Frank, a jaded university lecturer to question where his life has been and where he’s going.
The Lowry, 0843 208 6010
15th-26th
No Fats Juliets
A plus sized love story set in the Lake District, focussing on Beth, an actress who’s never landed her dream role but finds a dream lover. A Dukes, Lancaster and Oldham Coliseum co-production.
Oldham Coliseum, 0161 624 2829
20th
The Sleeping Beauty
Moscow Ballet La Classique present Tchaikovsky’s sumptuous music filling the air and wondrous characters coming to life before your very eyes.
Charter Theatre, Preston,
Until 26th
All My Sons
Searing investigation of honesty, guilt and corrupting power of greed by Arthur Miller.
Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, 0844 815 4873
31st
Murder at St George’s Hall
Guests will be treated to a three course meal and spine chilling experience featuring Liverpool’s most notorious murders of the Victorian era.
St George’s Hall, Liverpool, 0844 800 0410
Until November 9th
Vincent in Brixton
This ‘what if’ play explores the hidden history of Vincent Van Gogh’s early years in London, spent lodging in the house of Ursula Loyer and her daughter Eugenie.
Theatre By The Lake, Keswick, 017687 74411
Until November 16th
Wicked Manchester
The global musical phenomenon that tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz begins a major tour in Manchester.
The Palace Theatre, Manchester, 0844 871 3038
CONCERTS
2nd
Clitheroe Concerts Society Concert
Featuring Prince Bishop Brass, five talented brass players playing a selection of music including Fanfare Le Peri by Dukas, Fugue in G Minor by Bach to three Gershwin pieces to Four Episodes from West Side Story.
Sixth Form Centre, CRGS, Clitheroe, 01200 423474, www.clitheroeconcerts.org
6th
Simply Gershwin
A celebration of acclaimed works by George Gershwin, including classic orchestral compositions alongside a selection of show-stopping numbers he wrote in collaboration with his lyricist brother Ira.
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, 0844 907 9000
12th
Paul Weller
The legendary singer has personally put together this tour, featuring venues he particularly enjoys performing in.
The Guild Hall, Preston, 0844 844 7710
13th
The South
Timeless tunes made famous by The Beautiful South performed in the covered amphitheatre by ex members Dave Hemigway and Alison Wheeler.
Manchester Academy 3, 0161 832 1111
17th
The Upbeat Beatles
50th anniversary tour, taking you on a magical history your of The Beatles through their songs and their humour. Playing live music from the iconic band’s ten year canon, The Upbeat Beatles aim to have you dancing in the aisles.
Southport Theatre, 0844 871 7627
25th
Rat Pack Vegas Spectacular
Wonderful memories of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Junior in this fabulous live production.
The Thwaites Empire Theatre, Blackburn, 01254 685500
26th
Big Country
‘The Journey’ tour with work harking back to the Scottish roots of this band and lays down a marker for what the future holds for the group.
53 Degrees, Preston, www.bigcountry.co.uk
COUNTY DAYS OUT
6th
Bowland Apple Day
Organised and run by the Friends of Beacon Fell and the Friends of Bowland, this event is a celebration of locally grown apples and pears with opportunities to taste and buy fruit and related produce. Children can follow an apple trail round the woods and there’s also arts, crafts and local produce stalls.
Beacon Fell Visitor Centre, 01772 784692
6th
Great Northern Cheese Festival
Meet artisan producers, purchase beautiful cheese and cheese related produce, enjoy food demonstrations from suppliers and local chefs, including Peter Sidwell, or even sample cheese ice cream.
The Rheged Centre, Penrith, 01768 868000
11th-13th
Lancaster Music Festival
Fifth annual festival with a huge variety of performances from local, regional, national and international acts ranging from classical to punk, electronica to blue grass, pop, indie, funk, rock and world.
Various venues around Lancaster, www.lancastermusicfestival.com
12th
Wasdale Head Show and Shepherds Meet
A real Cumbrian family day out with something for everyone.
Wasdale Head, 01946 725623
18th-20th
The Lakes International Comic Art Festival
From cartoon strips to superhero comics, manga to graphic novels, this festival features an exciting line-up of more than 70 writers and artists including some of the biggest names in comic art from the US, Europe, South America and the UK.
Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal, 01539 725133
25th-27th
Rochdale Literature and Ideas Festival
Five venues, hosting over 40 live events during this celebration of literature, drama, dance, music, theatre, film and visual arts.
Rochdale, www.rochdaleliteraturefestival.co.uk
26th-27th
The Autumn Gift Fair
New autumn gift fair in anticipation of the Christmas shopping season with a variety of products on display inside the historic college and a programme of events taking place throughout the weekend including live cookery demonstrations, mini master classes and children’s entertainment.
Stonyhurst College, Hurst Green, 01254 827014
26th-27th
Keswick Gift and Craft Fair
Fabulous luxury gifts and handmade crafts, with a wide variety of craftspeople and artists from around Cumbria.
Skiddaw Hotel, Keswick, 0800 840 1243
27th
Pendle Witch Country Tours
For Halloween join one of two, three hours tours of Pendle Witch Country, stopping for sightseeing and photographs. Tickets must be booked in advance.
Pendle Village Mill, Brierfield, 01282 458759
27th
Turton Tower Farmers Market
An excellent range of Great British food as well as individual and exotic foods and goods as well as craft stalls, gift shop and guided tours of the tower.
Turton Tower, Turton, 01204 852203
EXHIBITIONS
Until 13th October
Different Kinds of Weather
Exhibition by Daniel Cooper, a response to the atmospheric transitions throughout the seasons, inspired from hot summer sunlight to sweeping strom clouds.
The Ruskin Museum, Coniston, 015394 41164
Until 20th October
Under the Skin
A moving image installation by Patricia Townsend working with video, photography and installation.
Brantwood, Coniston, 015394 41396
OUR FAVOURITE FIVE
2nd-5th
Blood Brothers
Blackburn Drama Club presents this epic tale of the Johnstone twins, separated at birth who reunite.
The Thwaites Empire Theatre, Blackburn, 01254 685500
10th-13th
Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair
Three day event presenting an unrivalled opportunity to buy direct from 150 makers selected for their excellence in textiles, jewellery, ceramics, wood and furniture, lighting, metal and glass.
Hardman Boulevard, Spinningfields, Manchester, www.greatnorthernevents.co.uk
25th
Carry on Screaming
Murder mystery dinner with performance by After Dark Entertainments.
Shaw Hill Golf and Country Club, 01257 269221
30th-November 3rd
Cirque Du Soleil
Alegria is a classic Cirque du Soleil production that features gravity-defying acrobatics which will dazzle and astound audiences of all ages.
Echo Arena, Liverpool,
31st-November 2nd
Life of Riley
Grange Drama present this amateur production of Alan Ayckbourn’s play.
Victoria Hall, Grange-over-Sands, 015395 36762
Reader Recommedations
26th-27th
Blackpool Indoor Classic Car and Bike Show
The Blackpool Indoor Classic Car and Bike Show is back for its second year, and promises to be even bigger and better than its launch event in 2012.
An outstanding array of classic cars, bikes and scooters will be available to view throughout the weekend, and with a wide range of entertainment taking place alongside the exhibits, the event is something the whole family will enjoy.
The Blackpool Indoor Classic Car and Bike Show takes place on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th October, 10.00am – 5.00pm. Entry is £6 per person, £5 for concessions and accompanied under 12s go free. For further information, or to find out how you can exhibit, contact Hoyles Promotions on 01253 782828 or email classicshow@mail.com
