1. See soulful, blues-based rock band Xander and the Peace Pirates play a gig in Bromley Cross on Friday night. The group – which plays a weekly slot at Liverpool’s The Cavern Club and has supported stadium rockers Bon Jovi – will be at the Railway Venue.

The Bolton News: Xander and the Peace Pirates

2. Get down to the Octagon Theatre for the opening weekend of one of Arthur Miller’s most powerful productions. A View from the Bridge – described as powerful, gripping, witty and profoundly moving – will be staged on Saturday and until February 14.

The Bolton News: Colin Connor who is playing Eddie Carbone in  A View from the Bridge at the Octagon Theatre

3. Support talented local performers and enjoy a play being staged by Farnworth Little Theatre. Gentle satirical comedy The Secret Lives Of Henry And Alice sees domestic quibbling given a rigorous once-over and is on from Saturday.

 The Bolton News: Robin Thompson and Joyce Smith will appear in comic two-hander The Secret Lives of Henry and Alice


4. Catch a record-breaking king of a musical as it roars back into Manchester. The Lion King will be brought to dazzling life at the Palace Theatre using masks, puppets and striking costumes, from Saturday.

The Bolton News: The Lion King _ Simba _ Nicholas Nkuna and the Original UK touring company.JPG

5. A family pantomime is being staged in Bolton – oh yes it is! With bags of fun and audience participation, Victoria Hall ADS will perform Jack and the Beanstalk on Friday, Saturday and subsequent dates. 

The Bolton News: Cast members of Victoria Hall ADS are to perform Jack and the Beanstalk in January as their latest pantomime