The Nutcracker is the original Toy Story narrative, bringing toys to life on Christmas Eve as their younger owner, Clara journeys through a winter wonderland of two acts. Displaying challenging choreography, an iconic score and the stunning costumes of its multiple fairies and their foes, the show has the ability to bring childlike wonderment through the magic of Tchaikovsky's music. The Nutcracker is a simple, pure and sweet ballet classic that has been a staple in companies

The tried and tested plot from playwright Fredrick Knott is a sinister, preplanned crime thriller served by pensive performers and heightened by its suspenseful dialogue. Psychological games run wild on the Lowry stage as a love triangle between friends Mark and Margot threatens to be revealed through a scandalous letter to her husband Tony. Unknown to the lovers, Tony has been sitting on this information for over a year but after growing financially dependent on his wealthy

West Side Story composer Leonard Bernstein turns his Broadway panache to a short 50-minute gen of an opera that packs a powerful punch. Playing with your expectations of what an opera should be, Bernstein blends musical theatre, movie magic and jazz for a vibrantly crafted depiction of a broken American Dream. The story of married couple Sam and Dinah unfurl alongside three absurdly happy crooners who open the opera with honey vocals and longing lyrics about love and marriage

The cards are in your favour as Carmen waltzes into the Lowry theatre for Opera North’s new, sensual production. The French treasure, written by Georges Bizet in 1875 is infused with a Spanish flair and blends it extensive, lavish love story with a compelling score. We follow gypsy girl Carmen (Chrystal E. Williams) who falls in love with runaway soldier Don José (Erin Caves). After escaping a small-town scuffle, José flees, leaving his mother and joining the army as an undis