Performed by two guides within an exhibition, England travels the trade routes of art and human beings. It’s a tour through space and across borders from an art gallery to a jam factory, from Salford to Osaka, from a hospital bed to a hotel room. 0870 787 5793

BLOOD WEDDING (Liverpool Playhouse until Nov 29)

A classic masterpiece by Federico Garcia Lorca that tells the true story of a bride who must decide between the lover she desires and the one society requires. One of the most innovative and powerful plays of the 20th century is brought to Liverpool by Cut to The Chase Productions. 0151 709 4776

TOSCA/LA BOHEME/CARMEN (Manchester Opera House until Nov 29)

Ellen Kent presents the Chisinau National Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus in three traditional productions,

performed in an amphitheatre setting. Puccini’s Tosca can be seen on November 26, Puccini’s La Boheme on November 27-28 and Bizet’s Carmen on November 29. 0870 606 3536

FLASHDANCE (Stoke Regent until Nov 29)

The 80s movie is transformed into a stage musical featuring choreography by Arlene Phillips and a cast headed by Victoria Hamilton-Barritt, Bernie Nolan and Bruno Langley. The score includes Maniac, Manhunt, Gloria, I Love Rock and Roll and the Academy Award winning title track Flashdance – What a Feeling. 0870 060 6649

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (Manchester Palace until Nov 29)

Craig Chalmers, a finalist in BBC 1’s Any Dream Will Do, gets to play Joseph after all in Bill Kenwright’s production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s hit musical based on the Biblical tale. 0870 606 3536

WELSH NATIONAL OPERA (Venue Cymru, Llandudno until Nov 29)

Join WNO’s world class chorus and orchestra and a powerful cast of soloists in two productions: Verdi’s Otello (Nov 27-28) and The Barber of Seville by Rossini (Nov 27-29). 01492 872000

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

FIREFLIES (The Lowry, Salford Quays until Nov 29)

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. It 0870 787 5788

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

THE SLEEPING BEAUTY (Liverpool Empire until Nov 30)

English National Ballet return to Liverpool with MacMillan’s classic production with its full company of 67 international dancers. The full orchestra of English National Ballet will also perform under the direction of newly appointed music director Gavin Sutherland. 0844 847 2525

A TASTE OF HONEY (Manchester Royal Exchange until Dec 6)

50th anniversary production of Shelagh Delaney’s iconic northern drama, starring Sally Lindsay of Coronation Street fame. The play chronicles the life of adolescent Jo and her relationships with those about her. These include irresponsible, roving mother Helen and her newly acquired drunken husband, the black sailor who leaves her pregnant and Geoff, the homosexual art student who moves in to help with the baby. 0161 833 9833

ARABIAN NIGHTS (Newcastle New Vic until Jan 17)

A clever young bride turns to the art of storytelling to save her life as the New Vic presents its festive show. The classic Arabian Nights will be brought to life on stage in a production directed by Paul Warwick and choreographed by Shobna Gulati, better known as Sunita in Coronation Street. 01782 717962

CINDERELLA – THE PANTO WITH SOUL (Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold until Jan 24)

It’s that time of the year again when the Mold venue’s ever popular rock ‘n’ roll panto takes to the stage. Peter Rowe and Alan Ellis promise another fun-filed extravaganza to match their past hits like Jack and The Beanstalk and Beauty and the Beast. A multi-talented cast of 10 mix panto traditions with sensational rock ‘n’ roll classics such as Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow, It’s Raining Men and Try A Little Tenderness. 0845 330 3565.