What’s On - 17/9/09

Sep 15 2009 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

EVENTS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

LIVERPOOL: Davis Cup Tennis - Great Britain v Poland - with the British team led by Andy Murray at the Echo Arena. Tickets £32-£7. Ring 0844 8000 400 or visit www.echoarena.com.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

CHESTER: Chester Kite Festival featuring the Northern Kite Group including internationally acclaimed exhibition flying at the Racecourse, The Roodee, from 10am-5pm. Free admission. Ring 01244 320368.

LIVERPOOL: Davis Cup Tennis - Great Britain v Poland - with the British team led by Andy Murray at the Echo Arena. Tickets £32-£7. Ring 0844 8000 400 or visit www.echoarena.com.

TARPORLEY: Nearly new sale in aid of National Childbirth Trust in the community centre from 1-3pm. Admission £1. For details, ring 01829 730475.

WIRRAL: Birkenhead Festival of Transport - a two day festival celebrating historic vehicles and transport of all kinds at Birkenhead Park in Birkenhead. Ring 0151 652 5197 or visit www.visitwirral.com.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

CHESTER: Chester Kite Festival featuring the Northern Kite Group including internationally acclaimed exhibition flying at the Racecourse, The Roodee, from 10am-5pm. Free admission. Ring 01244 320368.

LIVERPOOL: Open day at the Philharmonic Hall in Hope Street from 11am-4pm. Ring 0151 709 3789 or visit www.liverpoolphil.com.

LIVERPOOL: Davis Cup Tennis - Great Britain v Poland - with the British team led by Andy Murray at the Echo Arena. Tickets £32-£7. Ring 0844 8000 400 or visit www.echoarena.com.

MACCLESFIELD: Plant fair at Gawsworth Hall in Gawsworth from 10am-4pm. Tickets £2.50 including entry to the gardens and grounds. Ring 01260 223456.

NESS: Harvest festival at Ness Gardens from 10am-5pm. Normal admission prices to gardens apply. Visit www.nessgardens.org.uk.

TALACRE: Not The Big Dee Day - help give Flintshire’s favourite beach a sprucing up on International Coastal Clean-Up Day. Starting 10am. Meet at Talacre Beach car park, end of Station Road. Free activity. Ring 01244 814931.

WIRRAL: Birkenhead Festival of Transport - a two day festival celebrating historic vehicles and transport of all kinds at Birkenhead Park in Birkenhead. Ring 0151 652 5197 or visit www.visitwirral.com.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

CHESTER: Society of Thirteen meeting with talk on Beyond the Gilded Stage: A Social and Cultural History of Opera by Daniel Snowman who presents a richly illustrated history of an art form that incorporates all the others from the birth of opera to Gilded Age America and the world wide spread of opera in the 20th Century, at the The Grosvenor Museum at 7.30pm.

CLWYD: Heather & Hillforts Challenge Week - a week of fun events and guided walks starts today, including the popular Long Distance Challenge, celebrating the Clwydian Range. Ring 01352 810586 for details.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

CHESTER: Dial House Lunch Club meal for £5.25 in the newly refurbished café. Need to pre-book a few days before. Cafe is open to all members of the public. For enquiries ring 01244 345655.

CHESTER: Everyday Miracles: Dutch Painting of the Golden Age - a fresh look at the artists of the Dutch Republic in this lecture by Adrian Sumner dealing with the works of, among others, Rembrandt, Jan Steen and Willem Kalf, at the Grosvenior Museum Lecture Theatre at 1.30pm. Admission £3.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

CHESTER: Exploring Boughton - Its Mysteries & Legends - glimpse the mysteries and legends that make up Boughton’s heritage on this walk led by a tour guide, starting and finishing at St Paul’s Church from 2-3.30pm. Cost £5, concessions £4. Book on 01244 402110.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

CHESTER: Chester Family History Group meeting with talk by Joan Irving, an expert on tracing female ancestors, at the County Sports Club, Plas Newton Lane, at 7.30pm. All members and visitors welcome . There will be a small charge for admission.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

MANCHESTER: Street Athletics Manchester Final, taking place on a special 60m sprint track in Albert Square. Visit www.streetathletics.co.uk.

NANTWICH: Nantwich Food and Drink Festival from 10am-6pm. Tickets £4. Ring 01270 537359.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

CHESTER: Chester Literature Festival presents Swap It - a chance to swap or buy a book from the Town Hall Square from 10.30am-3pm. Proceeds to Book Aid International. Ring 0845 241 7868 for details.

COED Y FELIN: The Big Nut Hunt - a chance to find out who has been eating the hazelnuts at Coed Y Felin Nature Reserve from 2-4pm. Free activity. Ring 01352 703263.

LIVERPOOL: Women’s Handball International match between Great Britain and Finland at the Echo Arena. Tickets £7.50-£3. Ring 0844 8000 400 or visit www.echoarena.com.

MANCHESTER: Street Athletics Grand Final, taking place on a special 60m sprint track in Albert Square, with guest appearances by Linford Christie and Darren Campbell. Visit www.streetathletics.co.uk.

NANTWICH: Nantwich Food and Drink Festival from 9am-6pm. Tickets £5. Ring 01270 537359.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

NANTWICH: Nantwich Food and Drink Festival from 10am-5pm. Tickets £5. Ring 01270 537359.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 5

CHESTER: Charles Darwin - 2009 is the 200th anniversary of Darwin’s birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of On The Origin of Species. This is a chance to hear a lecture on his life, travels and research at the Grosvenor Museum Lecture Theatre from 2-3pm. Free admission.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6

CHESTER: Chester Film Society presents a screening of the Oscar winning 2008 film The Reader starring Kate Winslet and directed by Stephen Daldry at the Little Theatre in Gloucester Street, Newtown, at 7.45pm. Tickets £3.50. Ring 01244 371750.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7

CHESTER: Chester & District branch of the Parkinson’s Disease Society autumn lunch. Ring 01244 678866 for details.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8

MALPAS: Malpas Horticultural Society meeting with talk on An historical journey into horticulture of the year 1000AD at the Jubilee Hall at 7.30pm. Ring 01948 860630.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13

CHESTER: Chester Film Society presents a screening of the 2003 Italian film Respiro (Grazia’s Island) at the Little Theatre in Gloucester Street, Newtown, at 7.45pm. Tickets £3.50. Ring 01244 371750.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21

CHESTER: Chester Flower Club AGM and lunch with talk by Lesley Cole on European Excursion at Christleton Village Hall at 1.30pm. Ring 01829 751140.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12

MALPAS: Malpas Horticultural Society meeting with quiz and social evening at the Jubilee Hall at 7.30pm. Ring 01948 860630.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18

CHESTER: Chester Flower Club meeting with talk by Lynda Stamp on Let’s Celebrate Christmas at Christleton Village Hall at 1.30pm. Ring 01829 751140.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4

CHESTER: Chester & District branch of the Parkinson’s Disease Society Christmas lunch. Ring 01244 678866 for details.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10

MALPAS: Malpas Horticultural Society annual general meeting at the Jubilee Hall at 7.30pm. Ring 01948 860630.

MUSIC

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

CHESTER: Simon Walker, Chester Cathedral's new organ scholar, plays music by Vierne, Karg-Elert and Willan, in his lunchtime organ recital in Chester Cathedral at 1.10pm. Retiring collection.

LIVERPOOL: Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Vasily Petrenko with soloist Alison Balsam (trumpet), perform works by Haydn and Beethoven at the Philharmonic Hall in Hope Street at 7.30pm. Tickets £34-£11. Ring 0151 709 3789 or visit www.liverpoolphil.com.

MANCHESTER: The Halle, conducted by Mark Elder with soloist Sergio Tempe (piano), perform works by Weber, Rachmaninov and Brahms at the Bridgewater Hall at 7.30pm. Tickets £36-£9.50. Ring 0161 907 9000 or visit www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

CHESTER: Hospice in Harmony - a concert in All Saints' Church, Hoole, at 7.45pm featuring The Chester Ladies' Choir and The Millhouse Green Male Voice Choir with soprano soloist Helen Strange. Admission £7, including refreshments. Proceeds to the Hospice of the Good Shepherd, Backford.

LIVERPOOL: Lunchtime concert featuring Ruth Davies (oboe) and Ian Buckle (piano) performing works by Satie, Marais and Poulenc at the Philharmonic Hall in Hope Street at 1pm. Tickets £6. Ring 0151 709 3789 or visit www.liverpoolphil.com.

LIVERPOOL: Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Vasily Petrenko with soloist Alison Balsam (trumpet), perform works by Haydn and Beethoven at the Philharmonic Hall in Hope Street at 7.30pm. Tickets £34-£11. Ring 0151 709 3789 or visit www.liverpoolphil.com.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

CHESTER: The Northop Silver Band perform in Hamilton Street Methodist Church, Hoole, at 7.30pm.

FARNDON: Millhouse Green Male Voice Choir in concert at St Chad's Church in aid of Church funds at 7.30 pm. They will be joined by guest soloist Joanne Smith of the Mastersingers.

LIVERPOOL: The Band of the Royal Marines Commando Training Centre in concert at the Philharmonic Hall in Hope Street at 7.30pm. Tickets £25-£15. Ring 0151 709 3789 or visit www.liverpoolphil.com.

LLANDUDNO: Prom Praise, present by the All Souls Orchestra, conducted by Noel Tredinnick, at Venue Cymru at 7.30pm. Tickets £12-£7. Ring 01492 872000 or visit www.venuecymru.co.uk.

MANCHESTER: Milapfest presents South Indian Vocals by Sikkil Gurucharan at the Bridgewater Hall at 2pm. Tickets £8, concessions £6. Ring 0161 907 9000 or visit www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk.

MANCHESTER: BBC Philharmonic, conducted by Ludovic Morlot with soloists Paul Watkins (cello) and Jonathan Scott (organ), perform works by Martinu, Elgar and Saint-Saens at the Bridgewater Hall at 7.30pm. Tickets £31-£9. Ring 0161 907 9000 or visit www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk.

WREXHAM: Stiwt Anniversary Concert by Cantorian Colin Jones, one of Wales’ most prestigious male voice concert choirs, at Theatr Stiwt in Broad Street, Rhos, at 7.30pm. Adults £10, concessions £7.50. Ring 01978 841300 or visit www.stiwt.co.uk.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

CHESTER: Shrewsbury Concert Band performing at The Bandstand, The Groves, from 2-3.30pm and 4-6pm. Ring 01244 402446.

LLANDUDNO: Cor Meibion Maelgwn Male Voice Choir in concert at Venue Cymru at 7.30pm. Tickets £18, £16. Ring 01492 872000 or visit www.venuecymru.co.uk.

MANCHESTER: The Halle, conducted by Mark Elder with soloist Sergio Tempe (piano), perform works by Weber, Rachmaninov and Brahms at the Bridgewater Hall at 7.30pm. Tickets £36-£9.50. Ring 0161 907 9000 or visit www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

GRESFORD: The Chester & North-East Wales Organists' & Choirmasters' Association, as part of its musical outreach, presents a concert in St. Giles' Church, at 7.30pm., featuring Cantorion Rhos, Mervyn Cousins (director and solo organist) and Caroline Tate-Lovery (Saxophone). Admission £5.

ST ASAPH: Dazzling Pipes or Electronic Splendour, a programme of music played on two organs in St Asaph Cathedral by Alan McGuinness and John Hoskin at noon.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

ST ASAPH: Renowned concert organist Christopher Herrick, includes music by Purcell, Handel, Haydn and Mendelssohn, in his organ recital in St Asaph Cathedral at 7pm. This is part of the North Wales International Music Festival and admission is £12.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

MANCHESTER: Lunchtime concert featuring the Brodsky Quartet performing works by Haydn and Mendelssohn at the Bridgewater Hall at 1.10pm. Tickets £8, concessions £6. Ring 0161 907 9000 or visit www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk.

OXTON (WIRRAL): Battle of the Organs in St Saviour's Church, Oxton, at 7.30pm, featuring Carlo Curley and Prof. Ian Tracey. Admission £15 (concessions £12.50).

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

CHESTER: Birmingham organist Paul Carr, plays music by Hollins, Bach, Kiefer, Whitlock, Johnson, Rachmaninoff and Reger, in his lunchtime organ recital in Chester Cathedral at 1.10pm. Retiring collection.

MANCHESTER: The Halle, conducted by Mark Elder with soloist Richard Watkins (horn), perform works by Britten, Strauss and Shostakovich at the Bridgewater Hall at 7.30pm. Tickets £37-£9.50. Ring 0161 907 9000 or visit www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

CHESTER: BBC presenter and concert organist Nigel Ogden plays another of his easy listening light and classical music concerts on the much acclaimed three manual Binns/Sixsmith organ in St Werburgh's Church, Grosvenor Park Road, at 7.30pm. Admission £8 including refreshments. Further details from Ray Harper on 01244 372822.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

CHESTER: Llay Welfare Band performing at The Bandstand, The Groves, from 2-3.30pm and 4-6pm. Ring 01244 402446.

GREAT BUDWORTH: Flower of the Field - Vale Royal Singers and Chester Philharmonic Orchestra in concert performing music by Vaughan Williams and John Rutter at Great Budworth Parish Church at 7.30pm. Adults £10, children £5. Ring 01606 889037.

LIVERPOOL: Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Vasily Petrenko, and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir, perform works by Vaughan Williams, Gorecki, Respighi and Verdi at the Philharmonic Hall in Hope Street at 7.30pm. Tickets £25. Ring 0151 709 3789 or visit www.liverpoolphil.com.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

CHESTER: Chester Wind Band performing at The Bandstand, The Groves, from 2-3.30pm and 4-6pm. Ring 01244 402446.

CHESTER: St John’s Festival Orchestra, conducted by Alan Lees with soloist Simon Watterton (piano), perform works by Verdi, Rachmaninov and Dvorak at St John’s Church in Vicars Lane at 7.30pm. Tickets £9, concessions £7. Ring 01244 880210.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

CHESTER: Lunchtime concert featuring Colin Blaney and Helen Bywater (clarinets) and Russell Lomas (piano) at 12.45pm. Tickets £2.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1

MANCHESTER: Organist Wayne Marshall performs works by Vierne, Franck, Saint-Saens, Hakim and Messiaen at the Bridgewater Hall at 7.30pm. Tickets £12.50. Ring 0161 907 9000 or visit www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2

STOKE-ON-TRENT: Stoke-on-Trent Festival presents the BBC Philharmonic, conducted by Gianandrea Noseda with soloist Sunwook Kim (piano), perform works by Mozart, Beethoven and Wagner at the Victoria Hall at 8pm. Tickets £27.50-£12. Ring 0844 871 7649 or visit www.ambassadortickets.com/stoke.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3

MANCHESTER: BBC Philharmonic, conducted by Gianandrea Noseda with soloist Leonidas Kavakos (violin), perform works by Beethoven and Wagner at the Bridgewater Hall at 7.30pm. Tickets £31-£9. Ring 0161 907 9000 or visit www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4

LIVERPOOL: After Eight series presents Scottish folk music trio Lau in the Rodewald Suite at the Philharmonic Hall in Hope Street at 8.30pm. Tickets £13. Ring 0151 709 3789 or visit www.liverpoolphil.com.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6

CHESTER: Lunchtime concert featuring pianist Kamilla Arku at 12.45pm. Tickets £2.

CHESTER: Big band concert featuring the Bryan Jones Big band at Cheshire View, Plough Lane, Christleton. at 8.30pm. Admission £6. Ring 01244 677842.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7

CHESTER: Chester Music Society Club holding a Young Musicians Evening, presented by Lisa Hallett and featuring the Chester Schools String Orchestra with music director Adrian Rushforth, performing music by Bach, Massenet and others at St Mary’s Centre at 7.30pm. Club members free, non-members £4. Ring 0151 339 5219.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8

WREXHAM: Welsh Chamber Orchestra in concert at 7.30pm in the William Aston Hall, Glyndwr University. Tickets £10, concessions £8. Ring 01978 292015 or visit www.glyndwr.ac.uk/events.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10

MANCHESTER: BBC Philharmonic, conducted by Yukata Sado with soloist Ian Bostridge (tenor), perform works by Takemitsu, Britten and Sibelius at the Bridgewater Hall at 7.30pm. Tickets £31-£9. Ring 0161 907 9000 or visit www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14

CHESTER: Chester Music Society Celebrity Concert featuring pianist Martin Roscoe performing works by Schubert, Beethoven, Debussy and Liszt at St Mary’s Centre at 7.30pm. Tickets £12. Ring 0151 339 7326.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20

MANCHESTER: Pianist Freddy Kempf performs works by Rachmaninov, Chopin, Liszt and Wagner at the Bridgewater Hall at 7.30pm. Tickets £26-£10. Ring 0161 907 9000 or visit www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24

MANCHESTER: BBC Philharmonic, conducted by Pablo Heras-Casado with soloist Alban Gerhardt (cello), perform works by Mendelssohn, Dvorak and Beethoven at the Bridgewater Hall at 7.30pm. Tickets £31-£9. Ring 0161 907 9000 or visit www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28

CHESTER: Chester Music Society Club holding An Evening of Music for clarinet, tenor and piano featuring Stewart Armstrong (tenor), John Gough (piano) and Karen Slack (clarinet) at St Mary’s Centre at 7.30pm. Club members free, non-members £4. Ring 0151 339 5219.

MANCHESTER: Violinist Nicola Benedetti with the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Jacub Hrusa, perform works by Martinu, Tchaikovsky and Dvorak at the Bridgewater Hall at 7.30pm. Tickets £36-£10. Ring 0161 907 9000 or visit www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6

STOKE-ON-TRENT: Stoke-on-Trent Festival presents the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Ilan Volkov with soloist Janine Jansen (violin), perform works by Mendelssohn, Sibelius and Brahms at the Victoria Hall at 8pm. Tickets £27.50-£12. Ring 0844 871 7649 or visit www.ambassadortickets.com/stoke.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11

STOKE-ON-TRENT: Stoke-on-Trent Festival presents the BBC Philharmonic, conducted by Gianandrea Noseda with soloist Tasmin Little (violin), perform works by Puccini, Mendelssohn and Tchaikovsky at the Victoria Hall at 8pm. Tickets £27.50-£12. Ring 0844 871 7649 or visit www.ambassadortickets.com/stoke.

SHOWS

CHESTER: September 27 - Hot Mama Productions present Another Night at the Musicals, in support of Cancer Research, at the Forum Studio Theatre in Hamilton Place at 3pm and 7.30pm. Tickets £10, concessions £8. Ring 01244 341296 or visit www.tiptopproductions.co.uk.

CHESTER: September 19 - Comedy Club featuring Cole Parker, Mike Wilkinson and Sam Harland at Alexander’s, Rufus Court. Doors 8pm. Tickets £10. Ring 01244 340005.

CHESTER: September 26 - Comedy Club featuring Carl Donnelly, Amadeus Martin and Jay Ryan at Alexander’s, Rufus Court. Doors 8pm. Tickets £10. Ring 01244 340005.

CHESTER: October 5 - Chester Literature Festival presents Carol Ann Duffy, poet laureate, in the Molloy Lecture Theatre, University of Chester, at 7.30pm. Tickets £7.50. Ring 0845 241 7868 or visit www.chesterfestivals.co.uk.

CHESTER: October 11 - Chester Literature Festival presents The Testament of Youth, a one-woman show by Rohan McCullough based on Vera Brittain’s haunting autobiography at the Forum Studio Theatre in Hamilton Place at 7.30pm. Tickets £10, concessions £5. Ring 01244 341296 or visit www.tiptopproductions.co.uk.

CREWE: September 19 - Opera Box present A Night of Romantic Opera featuring music by Puccini, Verdi, Bizet and Mozart plus many more at the Lyceum Theatre in Heath Street at 7.30pm. Tickets £18, £17.50. Ring 01270 537333.

CREWE: September 29-October 3 - Acton Amateur Operatic Society presents Scrooge The Musical at the Lyceum Theatre in Heath Street at 7.15pm. Ring 01270 537333.

LIVERPOOL: September 23 - Actor, stand-up comedian and impressionist Michael Winslow, best known for his role as Larvelle Jones in the Police Academy film series, live on stage at the Philharmonic Hall in Hope Street at 7.30pm. Tickets £20-£15. Ring 0151 709 3789 or visit www.liverpoolphil.com.

LIVERPOOL: September 27 - Abandon Normal Devices Festival of cinema and digital culture at the Philharmonic Hall in Hope Street. Ring 0151 709 3789 or visit www.andfestival.org.uk.

LIVERPOOL: September 27 - An Audience with Sally Morgan, psychic to the stars, at the Empire Theatre, Lime Street, at 7.30pm. Tickets £19.50. Visit www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk or ring 0844 847 2525.

LIVERPOOL: October 1 - Comedian Rob Brydon at the Philharmonic Hall in Hope Street at 7.30pm. Tickets £18.50, £23.50. Ring 0151 709 3789 or visit www.liverpoolphil.com.

LIVERPOOL: October 2 - Last Night of the Poms featuring Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson at the Echo Arena. Tickets £60-£35. Ring 0844 8000 400 or visit www.accliverpool.com.

LIVERPOOL: October 18 - American Superslam Wrestling featuring top American stars at the Empire Theatre, Lime Street, at 3pm. Tickets £12. Visit www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk or ring 0844 847 2525.

LLANDUDNO: September 17 - Waterloo - ultimate Abba tribute show featuring stunning costumes, six piece band and award winning lighting design at Venue Cymru at 7.30pm. Tickets £19.50, £17.50. Ring 01492 872000 or visit www.venuecymru.co.uk.

LLANDUDNO: September 18 - In Dreams- featuring the music of Roy orbison, The Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly at Venue Cymru at 7.30pm. Tickets £13. Ring 01492 872000 or visit www.venuecymru.co.uk.

LLANDUDNO: September 24 - The DSensational Sixties Experience- featuring The Tremeloes, The Marmalade and The Dreamers at Venue Cymru at 7.30pm. Tickets £20-£18. Ring 01492 872000 or visit www.venuecymru.co.uk.

LLANDUDNO: September 29 - The National Dance Company of Wales present a triple bill of international choreography at Venue Cymru at 8pm. Tickets £20-£10. Ring 01492 872000 or visit www.venuecymru.co.uk.

MANCHESTER: September 17 - Comedian Rob Brydon at the Opera House in Quay Street. Ring 0844 847 2484 or visit www.palaceandoperahouse.org.uk.

MANCHESTER: September 18-20 - Platform 4 Piccadilly - a festival of outdoor performance that will transform Piccadilly Gardens into an outdoor venue for music, dance, circus and theatre from British and international artists. Visit www.xtrax.org.uk for details.

MANCHESTER: September 18 - Gotta Sing Gotta Dance - a magical night at the musicals at the Palace Theatre in Oxford Street at 7.30pm. Tickets £20-£18. Ring 0844 847 2484 or visit www.palaceandoperahouse.org.uk.

MANCHESTER: September 18 - An evening with Tony Benn at the Bridgewater Hall at 7.30pm. Tickets £17, students £12. Ring 0161 907 9000 or visit www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk.

MANCHESTER: September 18 - I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue at the Opera House in Quay Street. Ring 0844 847 2484 or visit www.palaceandoperahouse.org.uk.

MANCHESTER: September 19 - Abba Mania at the Palace Theatre in Oxford Street. Ring 0844 847 2484 or visit www.palaceandoperahouse.org.uk.

MANCHESTER: September 23-24 - Comedian Jason Manford at the Apollo Theatre, Ardwick Green. Doors 7pm. Tickets £15. Ring 0161 242 2560.

MANCHESTER: October 1-3 - Dancing in the Streets at the Palace Theatre in Oxford Street. Ring 0844 847 2484 or visit www.palaceandoperahouse.org.uk.

MANCHESTER: October 12 - Manchester Literature Festival 09 presents Literature and Sex featuring Martin Amis and Will Self at the Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama, Cosmo Rodewald Hall, at 6.30pm. Tickets £5, concessions £3. Ring 0843 208 0500 or visit www.quaytickets.com.

MANCHESTER: October 15 - Manchester Literature Festival 09 presents Football Detective - Tom Palmer is the author of Puffin’s Football Detective and Football Academy series and invites school football teams to combine football, sleuthing and literary knowledge in this fun event at Borders Manchester Fort at 10.30am and 1.30pm. Book on 0161 833 0208.

RHYL: September 17 - Katy Setterfield and her musicians present the ultimate tribute show to female artists including Dusty Springfield, Annie Lennox, Cher and Tina Turner at the Pavilion Theatre at 7.30pm. Tickets £14.50, concessions £1.50 off. Ring 01745 330000 or visit www.rhylpavilion.co.uk.

RHYL: September 23 - A Timeless Collection - a breathtaking journey from the good old days of Music Hall through the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s at the Pavilion Theatre at 7.30pm. Tickets £10. Ring 01745 330000 or visit www.rhylpavilion.co.uk.

RHYL: September 24 - An evening with psychic medium Tony Stockwell at the Pavilion Theatre at 7.30pm. Tickets £17.50. Ring 01745 330000 or visit www.rhylpavilion.co.uk.

RHYL: September 25 - The Best of British Variety Tour 2009 starring Roger De Courcey & Nookie Bear, Bucks Fizz, Cannon & Ball, Faith Brown, Tom O’Connor and Norman Collier at the Pavilion Theatre at 7.30pm. Tickets £26.50, £25. Ring 01745 330000 or visit www.rhylpavilion.co.uk.

RHYL: September 26 - Musicals in Motion, musical stars Jem Brett and Rachel Slatern seamlessly interact with their huge supporting cast of more than 80 virtual singers and dancers, projected on to a big screen, at the Pavilion Theatre at 7.30pm. Tickets £15. Ring 01745 330000 or visit www.rhylpavilion.co.uk.

RUNCORN: September 26 - Beyond Extreme - A lifetime’s adventure with Mark Dann, founder and chief flying instructor of Beyond Extreme, taking an exciting look climbing and paragliding around the globe, at The Brindley in High Street at 7.30pm. Tickets £10. Ring 0151 907 8360 or visit www.thebrindley.org.uk.

SALFORD: September 20 - Tango Fire - direct from Buenos Aires comes Argentina’s hottest dance show featuring 10 sensational dancers accompanied by Quatrotango, a quartet of musicians and singers, at The Lowry, Salford Quays, at 7.30pm. Tickets £24-£18. Ring 0870 111 2000 or visit www.thelowry.com.

SALFORD: September 20 - Comedian Sean Hughes brings his What I meant To Say Was... tour to The Lowry, Salford Quays, at 8pm. Tickets £16. Ring 0870 111 2000 or visit www.thelowry.com.

SALFORD: September 27 - What A Wonderful World - take a journey through the space before time in this highly interactive showwhere you can get your hands on the stuff of creation at The Lowry, Salford Quays, at noon and 2pm. Tickets £8.50. Ring 0870 111 2000 or visit www.thelowry.com.

STOKE-ON-TRENT: October 10 - Charity gala concert starring Jonathan Ansell and Faryl Smith at Victoria Hall at 7.30pm. Tickets £30, £25. Ring 0844 871 7649 or ring www.ambassadortickets.com/stoke.

WARRINGTON: September 20 - The Rat Pack Vegas Spectacular at the Parr Hall in Palmyra Square at 7.30pm. Tickets £18, £16. Ring 01925 442345 or visit www.pyramidparrhall.com.

WARRINGTON: September 23 - Tony Stockwell presents an evening of mediumship at the Parr Hall in Palmyra Square at 7.30pm. Tickets £19.50. Ring 01925 442345 or visit www.pyramidparrhall.com.

WARRINGTON: September 27 - Room On The Broom - songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged three and up at The Pyramid in Palmyra Square at 1pm and 3.30pm. Tickets £6, family ticket £22. Ring 01925 442345 or visit www.pyramidparrhall.com.

WIRRAL: September 17 - Hand in Hand Theatre Productions present rhe award-winning one act play Remembrance Day and two parts of a new play based on an idea by John Gorman The George Harrison Suitcase at the Gladstone Theatre in Port Sunlight at 7.30pm. Tickets £6. Ring 0151 643 8757 or visit www.gladstonetheatre.org.uk.

WIRRAL: September 18 - Rave On featuring Marc Robinson and his Counterfeit Crickets performing Buddy Holly classics, supported by Michael King as Billy Fury and The Fortt Brothers as The Everly Brothers at the Gladstone Theatre in Port Sunlight at 7.30pm. Tickets £14, concessions £13. Ring 0151 643 8757 or visit www.gladstonetheatre.org.uk.

WIRRAL: September 19 - Comedian Phil Cool at the Gladstone Theatre in Port Sunlight at 7.30pm. Tickets £14, concessions £12. Ring 0151 643 8757 or visit www.gladstonetheatre.org.uk.

WIRRAL: September 22 - Over The Rainbow - The Life Story of Eva Cassidy at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton at 7.30pm. Tickets £22, concessions £20. Ring 0151 666 0000 or visit www.floralpavilion.com.

WIRRAL: September 23 - The Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton at 7.30pm. Tickets £15, concessions £10. Ring 0151 666 0000 or visit www.floralpavilion.com.

WIRRAL: September 25 - Mid Wales Opera presents The Marriage of Figaro by Mozart at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton at 7.30pm. Tickets £18, concessions £16. Ring 0151 666 0000 or visit www.floralpavilion.com.

WIRRAL: October 8-10 - The Port Sunlight Players present The House of Frankenstein at the Gladstone Theatre in Port Sunlight at 7.30pm. Tickets £6, concessions £5. Ring 0151 643 8757 or visit www.gladstonetheatre.org.uk.

WREXHAM: September 17 - An Evening with Blowers - The Loves and Laughs of Henry Blofeld - Henry takes his audience on a humorous journey from his eccentric childhood in Norfolk to his successful career as an international cricket writer and much-loved broadcaster at 7.30pm in the Catrin Finch Centre, Glyndwr University. Tickets £16. Ring 01978 292015 or visit www.glyndwr.ac.uk/events.

WREXHAM: September 18 - Waterloo – the music of Abba - a sensational night out with stunning costumes, a six piece band, live vocals, award-winning lighting at 7.30pm in the William Aston Hall, Glyndwr University. Tickets £16.50, £15. Ring 01978 292015 or visit www.glyndwr.ac.uk/events.

WREXHAM: September 24 - It’s D’Lovely - the music of Rodgers & Hammerstein, Irving Berlin, George Gershwin and Cole Porter at 2.30pm in the William Aston Hall, Glyndwr University. Tickets £12, concessions £10. Ring 01978 292015 or visit www.glyndwr.ac.uk/events.

WREXHAM: September 25 - Wrestling featuring British Heavyweight Champion The Don Jon Ritchie, David Deville and Michael Mendoza at The Stiwt in Broad Street, Rhos, at 7.30pm. Adults £10, concessions £8, family ticket £30. Ring 01978 841300 or visit www.stiwt.co.uk.

WREXHAM: October 1 - Mid Wales Opera presents The Marriage of Figaro at The Stiwt in Broad Street, Rhos, at 7.30pm. Adults £13.50, concessions £11.50 concessions. Ring 01978 841300 or visit www.stiwt.co.uk.

WREXHAM: October 1 - Mad About The Musicals 2009 at 7.30pm in the William Aston Hall, Glyndwr University. Tickets £16.50, concessions £14.50. Ring 01978 292015 or visit www.glyndwr.ac.uk/events.

WREXHAM: October 3 - Elvis Rocks at 7.30pm in the William Aston Hall, Glyndwr University. Tickets £15, concessions £14. Ring 01978 292015 or visit www.glyndwr.ac.uk/events.

WREXHAM: November 3 - Vienna Festival Ballet presents The Nutcracker at 7.30pm in the William Aston Hall, Glyndwr University. Tickets £16, concessions £11. Ring 01978 292015 or visit www.glyndwr.ac.uk/events.

WREXHAM: November 5 - Comedian Stewart Lee at 8pm in the William Aston Hall, Glyndwr University. Tickets £15, concessions £13. Ring 01978 292015 or visit www.glyndwr.ac.uk/events.

WREXHAM: December 2 - Chekhov’s Short Plays in the Carin Finch Centre, Glyndwr University, at 7.30pm. Tickets £14, concessions £12. Ring 01978 292015 or visit www.glyndwr.ac.uk/events.

WREXHAM: December 12 - Bink and the Hairy Fairy, a family musical, at 2pm and 6.30pm in the William Aston Hall, Glyndwr University. Tickets £7 adults, £5 children, £22 family ticket. Ring 01978 292015 or visit www.glyndwr.ac.uk/events.

WREXHAM: February 25 - Comedian Rhod Gilbert in the William Aston Hall, Glyndwr University at 8pm. Tickets £16.50. Ring 01978 292015 or visit www.glyndwr.ac.uk/events.

EXHIBITIONS

BODELWYDDAN: Until October – Bodelwyddan Castle will be showcasing an inspirational collection of images, from North Wales photographers as it displays the 19th annual exhibition of the North Wales Photographic Society. The exhibition is open every day during August and every day except Friday during September and October from 10.30am–5pm.

CHESTER: September 26-Novemner 22 - My Favourite Outfit - an exhibition bringing the contents of your wardrobes centre stage and providing people with the chance to make public the stories behind them, at the Grosvenor Museum Exhibition Gallery One. Ring 01244 402029 for details.

CHESTER: September 12-Novemner 15 - Wild Britain - Wildlife photographs by Cheshire’s Ben Hall, who honed his skills on the wild moors of the Peak District and the woodland glades of the Cheshire plain, at the Grosvenor Museum Exhibition Gallery Two.

CHESTER: August 22-February 21 - Curious Clothing: Playful Fashions - a small exhibition examining how the design of clothes can take us unawares, at the Grosvenor Museum Costume Gallery, First Floor Period House.

CHESTER: Until October 1 – A Bit of a Do – photographic exhibition looking at the various events people put together and attended over the years from a party in the parish hall to a formal dance in a posh hotel, at Chester History and Heritage in St Michael’s Church.

CHESTER: Until September 30 – Paintings by Rembrandt’s Workshop and Stubbs, lent by the Duke of Westminster to the Grosvenor Museum Art Gallery.

LIVERPOOL: October 2-January 10 - Joyous Machines: Michael Landy and Jean Tinguely - renowned British artist Landy has co-curated this exhibition of work by Jean Tinguely, one of the most redical, inventive and subversive sculptors of the mid-20th century at Tate Liverpool, Albert Dock. Ring 0151 702 7400 or visit www.tate.org.uk/liverpool.

LIVERPOOL: Until September 20 – New Radicals – From Sickert to Freud, features a selection of stunning paintings spanning the late-19th to mid-20th centuries at the Walker Art Gallery. For more information, ring information 0151 478 4199.

LIVERPOOL: Until December 31 – White Feather: The Spirit of Lennon – exhibition featuring memorabilia belonging to Beatles’ legend, John Lennon, charting his life with former wife Cynthia and son Julian at The Beatles Story, Pier Head, Georges Parade. Ring 0151 709 1963.

LLANDUDNO: September 1-October 31 - Photographic exhibition of black and white images by Jonathan Patrick Smith who spent two years documenting Llandudno Pier and surrounding coastline, at Venue Cymru. Ring 01492 872000 or visit www.venuecymru.co.uk.

MANCHESTER: October 3-29 - Manchester Astronomical Society: Four Centuries of Astronomy in the North West - a scientific journey of discovery spanning more than 100 years to celebrate the International Year of Astronomy and the manchester Science Festival, at the Portico Library & Gallery in Mosley Street. Ring 0161 236 6785 or visit www.theportico.org.uk.

MANCHESTER: September 3-29 - Anne Frank + You - multi-media exhibition showing the relevance of the concerns raised by teenager Anne Frank in her celebrated diary to young people in the 21st century at Manchester Cathedral. Visit www.manchestercathedral.org for details.

MANCHESTER: September 2-25 - Colour Impressions by Louise Naimian - new collection of abstract watercolours inspired by the Peak District at the Portico Library & Gallery in Mosley Street. Ring 0161 236 6785 or visit www.theportico.org.uk.

MANCHESTER: September 26-January 10 - Angels of Anarchy - Women Artists and Surrealism - a fascinating insight into the crucial role that women artists played in the Surrealist art movement featuring work by Frida Kahlo, Lee Miller, Meret Oppenheim and others at the Manchester Art Gallery. Visit www.manchestergalleries.org or ring 0161 235 8888.

MANCHESTER: From August 15-Summer 2010 – The Manchester Indian - Thomas Wardle and India - a celebration of the centenary of the death of Sir Thomas Wardle, best known for his collaborations with William Morris, but here the focus is on his efforts to reinvigorate the silk industry in India as well as the impact India had on his work, at the Whitworth Art Gallery, University of Manchester, in Oxford Road. Ring 0161 275 7450 or visit www.manchester.ac.uk/whitworth.

MANCHESTER: From August 1-Summer 2010 – The Complete Roberta Breitmore by Lynn Hershman Leeson – in San Francisco in the mid-70s, Leeson created Roberta Breitmore and performed this persona as a work of art for four years, documenting it through artefacts, photography, film and sound which is being shown for the first time in its entirety at the Whitworth Art Gallery, University of Manchester, in Oxford Road. Ring 0161 275 7450 or visit www.manchester.ac.uk/whitworth.

MANCHESTER: August 1-May 2010 – Deep Rooted – How Trees Shape Our Lives – drawing from the Whitworth collection’s internationally important collection of watercolours and drawings, this exhibition explores how trees and woodland have shaped our lives, both physically and emotionally, at the Whitworth Art Gallery, University of Manchester, in Oxford Road. Ring 0161 275 7450 or visit www.manchester.ac.uk/whitworth.

MANCHESTER: Until November 29 – A Natural Selection: The Life and Literature of Charles Darwin – an exploration of Darwin’s life and published works looking at his theories of evolution and natural selection at John Rylands Library, University of Manchester, Deansgate. Ring 0161 306 0555 or visit www.manchester.ac.uk/library.

MANCHESTER: Until January 17 – Mapping Manchester: Cartographic Stories of the City – exploring the growth of the city, road networks and public transport at John Rylands Library, University of Manchester, Deansgate. Ring 0161 306 0555 or visit www.manchester.ac.uk/library.

MANCHESTER: Until October 2009 – Putting On The Glitz – wallpapers and wallcoverings with that extra something at the Whitworth Art Gallery at the University of Manchester in Oxford Road. Ring 0161 275 7450 or visit www.manchester.ac.uk/whitworth.

MOLD: September 7-26 - Paintings and prints by Flintshire artist Derek

Couturier entitled The Power of Poesie at the Community Gallery at Clwyd Theatr Cymru. Visit www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk or ring 0845 330 3565.

MOLD: August 29-October 10 - Flintshire artist Tim Pugh is involved in the creation of ephemeral artworks that have been made from a wide variety of locally found, site-specific materials and site in contrasting sympathetic locations such as woodland and beaches, as seen in this exhibition of large framed photographic prints in the Oriel Gallery at Clwyd Theatr Cymru. Visit www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk or ring 0845 330 3565.

RUNCORN: September 19-October 24 - Creative Minds - Paintings by Stanley Lench and artwork by Weaver Creative Arts at The Brindley, High Street. Ring 0151 907 8360 or visit www.thebrindley.org.uk.

SALFORD: October 17-January 31 - The Sea: LS Lowry and Maggi Hambling - Hambling, one of Britain’s most distinguished contemporary artists, shows her latest powerful images of the North Sea alongside LS Lowry’s own deceptively calm seascapes at The Lowry. Ring 0870 787 5788 or visit www.thelowry.com.

WIRRAL: Until September 20 – The Gentle Art of Making Etchings – featuring about 50 exquisite works drawn by American artist James McNeill Whistler from the University of Glasgow’s world famous collection at Lady Lever Art Gallery, Port Sunlight. Ring 0151 478 4136 or visit www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk.

WREXHAM: Until September 19 – Exhibitions by glass artist Cait Walker, ceramic artist Louise Farrell and jewellery designer Nicola Becci at the Oriel Wrecsam in Rhossdu Road. Ring 01978 292093.