FILM
Manon
7 February
Storyhouse
Experience the passionate and tragic story of Kenneth MacMillan’s Manon live in cinemas in February 2024. Returning to the Royal Opera House Main Stage, this live cinema event will see the dramatic tale of love and loss broadcast to 976 cinemas in 21 countries across the world. Follow the story of the capricious Manon and experience the best of ballet up close through the stirring music by Jules Massenet and evocative designs by Nicholas Georgiadis that conjure up contrasting worlds both opulent and impoverished.
Femme
6 February
Curzon Knutsford
Jules’ (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett) life and career as a drag queen is destroyed by a homophobic attack. But after a chance encounter with his attacker, the deeply closeted Preston (George Mackay), he is presented with the opportunity to exact revenge. Unrecognisable out of his wig and make-up, Jules infiltrates Preston’s life and in doing so discovers the lines of seduction, revenge and power are blurred.
curzon.com
EXHIBITION
Visions of the Night Sky
Until 14 April
Jodrell Bank
Visions of the Night Sky is a new photographic exhibition which traverses the universe through the work of Dr Anthony Holloway, Jodrell Bank’s Head of Computing. Anthony brings his technical skill in photography and an eye for composition together with his professional understanding of astronomy. These qualities make him a superb astro-photographer and have resulted in the collection of breathtaking images in this exhibition.
OUTDOORS
Snowdrop Walks
3 February-2 March
Rode Hall Gardens
Experience one of the UK’s finest Snowdrop Walks at Rode Hall & Gardens in Scholar Green to mark the start of spring. A beautiful end-of-winter walk for all the family with a wonderfully diverse landscape and over 70 varieties of snowdrops. Walk along paths amidst carpets of white flowers on an enchanting mile-long route (with options for longer or shorter walks).
COMEDY
Connor Burns
24 February
Storyhouse
Hot on the heels of his totally sold-out Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2023 season, which saw him add 2,000 extra seats to what was only his second-ever Edinburgh Fringe, Scottish comedian Connor Burns is set to embark on a debut national tour with his critically acclaimed show Vertigo. Vertigo is a punchline-packed show featuring relationships, submarines, and the inevitable family drama. Hilarious, relatable and a bit rude in places, Connor’s quick wit entwined with his sharp material has seen him become one of Scotland’s fastest rising comedy stars.
MUSIC
The Beatles By Candlelight
2-3 February
Chester Cathedral
Featuring a cast of West End singers and epic live band, ‘Come Together’ for a ‘Magical Mystery Tour’, jam packed with over 40 Beatles hits as you have never heard them before. This incredible show features best loved songs including ‘Help!’, ‘Hey Jude’, ‘Let it Be’, ‘All You Need Is Love’, ‘Yesterday’ and many more, performed at the beautiful Chester Cathedral by Candlelight.
Three of the best
Our pick of the events at Tatton Park this month
Scarecrow Pop Star Festival
10-25 February
Don your wellies and prepare to visit the Tatton Park Gardens and Farm this half term for their annual Scarecrow Festival. ‘Abba’ great time and look out for your favourite pop stars, dressed up in the latest styles – how many will you find? Also meet Aunty Mary and the miller and hear them tell their tales at weekends down at the Farm.
Floating Art Sumi-E
14 February
This workshop series provides the opportunity to learn about a variety of Japanese art movements and create some beautiful pieces using high quality specialist materials, under expert guidance. On the day of the event, your ticket also includes entry to the award-winning gardens, so that you can take in the stunning Japanese Garden as inspiration for your work.
Family Smartphone Photography Workshop
21 February
This family phone photography workshop is perfect for family groups of young people aged 11+ and adults. Discover how to capture nature, people, landscapes and animals using just your smartphones, all while having fun and letting your creativity shine. It is led by Jane Burkinshaw, a professional photographer based near Knutsford, with more than 15 years of experience of teaching photography.
