Winter Wonders: November
THEATRE
ConstellationsThis tale of physics, bees and parallel universes (yes, really), is a surprisingly heartwarming love story.
Where Duke of York’s, London WC2: 020-7492 0813, www.londonboxoffice.co.uk
When Until 5 January
Damned By Despair
A swashbuckling tale of saints and sinners, evil, faith and redemption. A masterpiece.
Where National Theatre, London SE1: 020-7452 3000, www.nationaltheatre.org.uk
When Until 17 December
An all-female production of Shakespeare’s unforgiving Roman tragedy.
Where Donmar Warehouse, London WC2: 020-7240 4882, www.donmarwarehouse.com
When 29 November to 9 February
Kiss Me, Kate
Trevor Nunn gives Cole Porter’s stage classic a touch of magic – some stunning choreography.
Where Old Vic, London SE1: 020-7928 2651, www.oldvictheatre.com
When 20 November to 2 March
NS FW
Acclaimed young writer Lucy Kirkwood’s comedy is set on a downmarket men’s magazine.
Where Royal Court, London SW1: 020-7565 5000, www.royalcourttheatre.com
When Until 24 November
UNCLE VANYA
Chekhov’s dramatic masterpiece, reworked by Christopher Hampton. An outstanding cast.
Where Vaudeville, London WC2: 0844-412 4663, www.unclevanyatheplay.com
When Until 16 February
EXHIBITION
SEDUCED BY ART: PHOTOGRAPHY PAST AND PRESENTThe National Gallery’s first major photography exhibition features 90 photographs alongside historical paintings to explore how classic art still influences the way we picture the world today.
Where National Gallery, London WC2: 020-7747 2885, www.nationalgallery.org.uk
When Until 20 January
MUSIC
LONDON JAZZ FESTIVALWith performances by Macy Gray and Herbie Hancock, this is one of the UK’s largest annual celebrations of jazz.
Where South Bank Centre and various venues around London: www.londonjazzfestival.org.uk
When Until 18 November
FOOD
BBC GOOD FOOD SHOWAppliances and books galore, plus appearances by celebrity chefs. There will also be a MasterChef live theatre show. Where Olympia, London W14: 0844-338 0338, www.bbcgoodfoodshow.com
When 9 to 11 November
CAKE INTERNATIONAL: The Sugarcraft, Cake Decorating & Baking Show
Mad about The Great British Bake Off? Learn the latest techniques in sugar craft and cake decoration at the many workshops and demonstrations.
Where The NEC, Birmingham: 01425-272711, www.ichf.co.uk/cake
When 9 to 11 November
WINE
THE WINE SHOWPart of BBC’s Good Food Show, this is the capital’s premier wine event, showcasing wines from around the world.
Where Grand Hall, Olympia, London W14: 0844-338 0338, www.wineshow.co.uk
When 9 to 11 November
OUTDOORS
AGRISCOTSeek out products, services and advice for your farming business.
Where Royal Highland Centre, Newbridge: 0131-333 0969, www.agriscot.co.uk
When 21 November
Enjoy a day of six highquality races, 70 trade stands and entertainment.
Where Cheltenham Racecourse: 0844-579 3003, www.cheltenham.co.uk
When 16 November
YOUR HORSE LIVE
Largest equine event in the UK. There will also be performances, competitions and celebrity appearances.
Where Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire: 0844-581 0770, www.yourhorse.co.uk/your-horse-live-2012
When 10 and 11 November
ARTS & CRAFTS
CRAFTS FOR CHRISTMASA celebration of British crafts and products, such as leather goods, ceramics, clothes, candles, aromatherapy, dried flowers, cheeses and wines.
Where Loseley House, Guildford: 01428-682292, www.ruralcraftsassociation.co.uk
When 15 to 18 November
HANDMADE IN BRITAIN
This contemporary crafts and design fair features interiors, textiles, glass, jewellery, woodwork, metalwork, sculpture, ceramics and furniture.
Where: Chelsea Old Town Hall, London SW3: 020- 7729 5704, www.handmadeinbritain.co.uk
When: 16 to 18 November
NATIONAL GLASS FAIR
More than 100 exhibitors from across the UK and Europe come together for this specialist antiques and collectable glass fair.
Where The National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull: 01675-443311, www.glassfairs.co.uk
When 11 November
ANTIQUES
KINVER ANTIQUES AND COLLECTORS FAIR
Ceramics, paintings, glassware, decorative items and furniture.
Where The Leisure Centre, Kinver: 07774-147197, edinburghantiquesfair.co.uk/kinver.html
When 11 November
Textiles, oak and country furniture, glass, silver, porcelain, and pottery.
Where: Powderham Castle, Exeter: 01278-784912, www.cooperevents.com
When: 16 to 18 November
WOODGREEN ANIMAL SHELTER ANTIQUE & COLLECTORS FAIR
More than 250 stands packed with ceramics, glass, jewellery and more.
Where Woodgreen Animal Shelter, Huntingdon: 01702- 549622, www.aztecevents.co.uk
When 17 and 18 November
TOYS
KENSINGTON DOLLHOUSE FESTIVALThe best doll’s house and miniatures show in Europe. More than 170 of the top manufacturers attending.
Where Kensington Town Hall, London W8: 020-7812 9892, www.dollshousefestival.com
When November 24
TAUNTON TOY AND TRAIN COLLECTORS FAIR
Showcasing products including Dinky cars, Corgi cars, Hornby models, dolls and teddies.
Where Blackbrook Pavilion Leisure Centre, Taunton: 01373-452857, www.bulldogfairs.com
When 18 November
FILM
UNDERWIRE FESTIVALCelebrates the best work of female directors, cinematographers, screenwriters and editors.
Where Various venues around London: www.underwirefestival.com
When 20 to 24 November
LITERATURE
SEFTON CELEBRATES WRITINGA week of literary fun, with Pulitzer Prize-winner Paul Schultz.
Where Sefton, Bootle: 0151-928 1919, www.seftonarts.co.uk
When Until 11 November
MUSIC
FESTIVAL OF ST CECILIAA Thanksgiving service, celebrating the feast day of the patron saint of music.
Where Westminster Cathedral, London SW1: 020-7239 9114, www.mbf.org.uk
When 21 November
CHRISTMAS MARKET
BATH CHRISTMAS MARKET More than 140 traditional wooden chalets will be selling handmade gifts, food and festive decorations.Where Bath Abbey, Bath: 01225-396417, www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk
When 22 November to 9 December
CAT SHOW
SUPREME CAT SHOWThis cat show is the feline equivalent of Crufts.
Where The NEC, Birmingham: 01628-634784, www.supremecatshow.org
When 24 November
ANYONE FOR ICE SKATING?
- Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland, Wales 22 November to 6 January: www.cardiff.gov.uk
- Eden Project, Cornwall 20 October to 3 March: www.edenproject.com
- Edinburgh’s Ice Rink, Scotland 29 November to 6 January: www.edinburghsicerink.com
- Somerset House Ice Rink, London 16 November to 6 January: www.somersethouse.org
- Spinning Fields, Manchester 22 November to 6 January: www.spinningfieldsicerink.com
- The Ice Factor – Winter Wonderland, York 24 November to 6 January: www.theicefactor.co.uk
- Winchester Cathedral, Hampshire 22 November to 6 January: www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/christmas/ice-rink
- Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, London 23 November to 6 January: www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
Christmas lights switch-on
As Christmas approaches, here’s where and when to see the best illuminationsBLACKPOOL St John’s Square: 01253-478222, www.visitblackpool.com
When 17 November
BOURNEMOUTH Bournemouth Square: 0845-051 1700, www.bournemouth.co.uk
When 25 November
BRISTOL Cabot Circus: 0117-946 2205, www.visitbristol.co.uk
When 9 November
CAMBRIDGE Market Square: 01227-862000, www.cambridge.gov.uk
When 18 November
CANTERBURY St George’s Street: 01227-9789 9300, www.canterbury.gov.uk
When 15 November
EDINBURGH Princes Street Gardens: 0131-529 3180, www.eventsedinburgh.org.uk
When 29 November
GLASGOW George Square: 0141-287 8985, www.glasgowloveschristmas.com
When 15 November
HULL Queen Victoria Square: 01482-300300, www.hullcc.gov.uk
When 22 November
LEICESTER City Centre: 0116-252 7000, www.leicester.gov.uk
When 18 November
LINCOLN High Street: 01522-881188, www.lincoln.gov.uk
When 22 November
LONDON Trafalgar Square: 020-7983 4000, www.london.gov.uk
When 6 December
MANCHESTER Albert Square: 0161-234 5000 www.manchester.gov.uk
When 9 November
NEWCASTLE Grey Street: 0191-440 5720, www.newcastlegateshead.com
When 22 November
NOTTINGHAM Old Market Square: 0115-915 5555, www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk
When 21 November
SHEFFIELD Barker’s Pool, city centre: 01142-735538, www.sheffield.gov.uk/christmas
When 18 November
Michael Moran’s winter TV picks
We’re scarcely through bonfire night, but already the spirit of Christmas is sprinkling every TV advertisement with a dusting of fake snow. And where the adverts lead, the shows will follow. Here are a few highlights to set your recorders for over the coming season…
THE REGULARS There are Christmas specials for both Call The Midwife (BBC One) and Downton Abbey (ITV1), quite possibly scheduled against one another in a festive face-off. Time to do some tactical video recording or of course, just pick a side and rely on the inevitable repeat early in the New Year.
THE OLD FAVOURITES The BBC has a Royle Family special up its sleeve, which was held over from last Christmas. Caroline Aherne missed her deadline for the traditional Christmas Day slot last year, but production is going full steam ahead for what is still one of the most likeable and well-observed comedies on British TV.
THE SPECIALS The BBC has two Hitchcockthemed dramas: The Girl (in which Toby Jones plays the director and Sienna Miller gives us her Tippi Hedren), and The Lady Vanishes, a new adaptation of the classic. The Beeb also has a film based on William Boyd’s bestseller Restless, featuring Hayley Atwell.
THE FILMS The BBC’s big Christmas Day movies this year are both animations that one might easily overlook as being aimed at the very young. That would be a mistake. Tangled is a splendid, upliftingly sassy revision of the Rapunzel fairy story and Pixar’s Up boasts the most powerfully affecting opening of any fi lm of recent years. Don’t miss it. But have a tissue handy, just in case.
THE ESSENTIALS It falls to Sky Arts to deliver that blend of reverence and nostalgia that makes Christmas special. Carols By Candlelight Live From The Royal Albert Hall on 23 December promises to be an exquisite concert of carols and seasonal classics performed by the Mozart Festival Orchestra in full period costume. Perfect for a little last-minute giftwrapping, with maybe a few cold drinks to add to the seasonal atmosphere.