This sober new multi-media production tells the stories of Leigh and Nelson, two characters in a crisis on a Salford housing estate. It is written by Kevin Fegan and directed by Noreen Kershaw of Shameless fame. 0870 787 5788
ACCIDENTAL DEATH OF AN ANARCHIST (Newcastle New Vic until Nov 15)
Northern Broadsides presents a new adaptation by actress Deborah McAndrew of Dario Fo’s classic satire. A man has `fallen’ to his death from a window while in police custody - but did he jump or was he pushed? A brilliant expose of police corruption rooted in real events in 1960s Italy. 01782 717962
CAROUSEL (Manchester Opera House until Nov 15)
Soprano star Lesley Garrett tops the bill of this Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, joined by Jeremiah James of the group Teatro and Alexandra Silber. The score features songs like If I Loved You, June Is Busting Out All Over and You’ll Never Walk Alone. 0844 847 2484
GLYNDEBOURNE ON TOUR (Stoke Regent until Nov 15)
One of the world’s finest opera companies returns with three productions: Mozart’s The Magic Flute on Tuesday and Friday; Bizet’s Carmen on Wednesday and Saturday and Humperdinck’s Hansel & Gretel on Thursday. 0870 060 6649
HORRID HENRY (Liverpool Playhouse until Nov 15)
First stage play based on the much-loved books by Francesca Simon, illustrated by Tony Ross, adapted for the stage by John Godber of Bouncers fame. 0151 709 4776
MURDER WITH LOVE (Crewe Lyceum until Nov 15)
Leslie Grantham heads the cast of this Francis Durbridge thriller. Many people dislike Larry Campbell, but none with more reason than David Ryder who pursues his vendetta by obtaining a key to Campbell’s flat with the intent to exact his revenge - but his plans do not go as expected. 01270 537333.
ROMEO & JULIET (The Lowry, Salford Quays until Nov 15)
There’s always a danger of familiarity breeding contempt with this oft-performed Shakespeare classic but this remains the Bard at his most exhilarating with the well-known story unfolding courtesy of some of the greatest lines ever written. What’s more, this is the RSC returning to The Lowry after their wonderful Comedy of Errors production last year.
0870 787 5788
THREE MEN IN A BOW TIE (Shrewsbury Music Hall, Nov 16)
It is 15 years since Shropshire’s infamous satirical singing trio gave their first concert. Since then they have performed to 40,000 people in over 300 village halls, as well as TV appearances and stints at the Edinburgh Festival. The current six-strong line-up includes Shropshire’s own agricultural starlet, Freda the Female Farmer. Expect a riotous, irreverent evening of greatest hits and more recent numbers. 01743 281281
MANON (Manchester Palace until Nov 16)
English National Ballet present the tale of a beautiful young girl persuaded into life as a courtesan by her devious brother and the temptation of riches in down and out 18th century Paris. 0844 847 2484
ANTIGONE (Manchester Royal Exchange until Nov 18)
Sophocles’ classic tells the story of Antigone’s defiance – fighting for all she believes and refusing to bow to her ruler and prospective father-in-law when her brother is denied the dignity of a burial. Powerful and shattering, the play brims with modern parallels and takes its audience on a hugely dramatic and emotional journey. 0161 833 9833
NICO ICON PLAY (The Lowry, Salford Quays until Nov 22)
Multi-media show exploring the life of Christa Paffgen, model, actress and singer with the Velvet Underground. Starring Stella Grundy of 90s group Intastella and featuring a special guest appearance by Arthur Brown. 0870 787 5788
OUR BENNY (Liverpool Empire until Nov 22)
Based on the Silas Hocking novel, Anne Dalton’s Our Benny is an emotive tale of a young orphan boy’s struggle to survive on the harsh streets of Liverpool during the intense poverty of the Victorian era. A classic rags to riches tale, the show tells the life story of Benny Bates as he claws his way up from humble street urchin to eventual gentleman. 0844 847 2525
INDEPENDENT MEANS (Manchester Library until Nov 22)
As a tribute to the centenary of Annie Horniman’s company at the Gaiety Theatre on Peter Street, the Library presents a comedic gem from Stanley Houghton, one of the leading members of the Manchester School of famous playwrights of the 20th century. Edgar Forsyth, public school educated son of a respected northern gent, returns early from his honeymoon with wife Sidney. His father’s business is not providing the income it once did - which gives Sidney the chance to become the family breadwinner - a ground-breaking concept when it was first created in 1909. 0161 236 7110
KING LEAR (Liverpool Everyman until Nov 29)
Undoubtedly one of the theatrical highlights of the year is the prospect of seeing award-winning actor Pete Postlethwaite take on one of the truly great Shakespearean roles in the intimate and intense environment of the Everyman. Directed by Rupert Goold, this production sees Postlethwaite return to the theatre where he enjoyed his first major breakthrough. 0151 7094776
THE DRAWER BOY (Emlyn Williams Theatre, Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold until Nov 29)
A young actor arrives at a small farm where he meets two middle-aged farmers with a moving story. When he decides to incorporate that story into a play, all their lives are transformed as buried secrets of love and tragedy emerge. Michael Healey’s play was first performed in Toronto in 1999. 0845 330 3565
