What's on around Wakefield in the next week

1 Magic of the Musicals

The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford, Friday, July 13 and Saturday 14

Northern Dance Centre celebrates its 70th Anniversary with a new dance, drama and musical theatre show featuring the school’s 400 pupils, aged 2 upwards. See some of the very best of dance movies and musical theatre including Aladdin, The Tales of Beatrix Potter, Beauty and the Beast, Chorus Line, Copacabana, Despicable Me, Fame, 42nd Street, Guys and Dolls, Hairspray, Mamma Mia, Matilda, Snoopy and Wicked! Pupils will demonstrate their talents in classical ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, hip hop, drama, streetdance, acrobatics, singing and musical theatre.

www.bradford-theatres.co.uk

2 Kevin And Karen Dance - The Live Tour 2018

The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford, Thursday, July 19

Following their sell-out debut tour last year, Kevin and Karen Clifton are back with a brand new show. Featuring music that has inspired them to dance - Roxanne, Smooth Criminal, Respect, Jail House Rock and many more - it’s a hip-swinging journey with heart-pounding choreography filled with cha cha, salsa, tango and Paso Doble. Backed by a supporting cast of sensational dancers, vocalists and a live 12-piece show band, expect edge-of-your-seat routines.

www.bradford-theatres.co.uk

3 Mind the Gap Presents Survival Kit

The Studio, Bradford, Thursday, July 19

A new piece of devised work by artists from England’s largest learning disability theatre company Mind the Gap. Celebrating 30 years as a leader in their field, Mind the Gap Academy is pleased to present an exciting piece of contemporary theatre about endurance and existence. Share life experiences, and question what it means to survive.

www.bradford-theatres.co.uk

4 Kes

Theatre Royal Wakefield, Friday, July 13 and Saturday 14

Fifteen-year-old Billy Casper doesn’t have much going for him, he is trapped in a mundane life with an equally mundane future to look forward to. Perpetually ignored and berated by his mother and brother, school offers him little respite and so his soul is in trouble.

That is until the day he finds himself at a local farm, peering into a nest, he discovers ‘Kes’ and a talent and purpose he never knew he had. He nurtures and rears the bird with a care and attention he has never known. Before long, boy and bird are ready to soar above their hometown. But Billy makes a decision with devastating consequences.

This adaptation of Barry Hines’ much loved novel speaks to generation after generation who know what it is like to seek that something special that lifts them out of their ordinary existence. In On The Act, Theatre Royal Wakefield’s young company for aspiring theatre-makers once again bring to the stage their talent for ensemble and physical storytelling for this timeless classic. Contains occasional swearing and challenging subject matter.

www.theatreroyalwakefield.co.uk

5 Chris Packham’s 2018 Bioblitz

RSPB Fairburn Ings, Thursday, July 19

TV presenter and naturalist Chris Packham hosts Fairburn Ings BioBlitz, as part of the first independent audit of its kind in the UK involving Citizen Science. His goal is to highlight the extent to which the nation’s species are under threat. He’ll be coming to Fairburn Ings, one of 48 sites across the country he’ll be stopping off as part of his UK BioBlitz – nature reserves are not enough! Campaign. The results of the 2018 audit will be recorded to create a benchmark to help measure the rise and fall in numbers of different species on these sites in the future. From 10am to 4pm.

Visit www.chrispackham.co.uk to follow the BioBlitz and join the Facebook event www.facebook.com/events/221259578624823

rspb.org.uk/fairburnings

6 What the heck are ‘Archives’?

West Yorkshire History Centre, Wakefield, Friday, July 13

This workshop is for those who are new to archives. An absolute beginner’s introduction to historic archive collections, what they are, what they can tell us and how you can use them. 2pm to 4pm. £12, booking required.

wyas.eventbrite.com

7 Much Ado About Nothing

Wakefield Cathedral, Saturday, July 19

This summer, award-winning theatre company Antic Disposition will present Shakespeare’s much-loved comedy Much Ado About Nothing in seven of England’s most beautiful cathedrals. Set in a sun-drenched French village celebrating the new peace of 1945, Antic Disposition’s Much Ado About Nothing draws its inspiration from the beloved films of French comic genius Jacques Tati. Combining the verbal fireworks of Shakespeare’s wittiest play with sharp physical comedy, this production is set to a score of live music and songs of the period. Audiences are introduced to a cast of vibrant and eccentric characters as the peaceful village square of Messina becomes the battlefield for the ‘merry war’ between Beatrice and Benedick.

www.much-ado.co.uk

8 Family fun

Wakefield Museum, Saturday, July 14

Pay a visit to Wakefield Museum every Saturday from 11am to 3pm and take part in a fun activity session for all of the family to enjoy. Activities include handling museum objects and crafts. There’s a different activity every week. A free drop-in session.

www.experiencewakefield.co.uk

9 Lunchtime concerts with Louise Alp

Wakefield Cathedral, Tuesday, July 17

Head over to Wakefield Cathedral every Tuesday to enjoy a free lunchtime concert. Different performers each week from 1pm.

www.wakefieldcathedral.org.uk

10 Nostell Nights

National Trust Nostell, Friday, July 13

This event will launch the Interior Worlds experience and contemporary art by Giles Round, in collaboration with The Hepworth Wakefield. Observe and take part in the work of ‘Obelisk Marbling’, a company that produces marbled masterpieces. Relax with a craft beer from Wakefield Beer Exchange and street food from Mor Mor whilst soaking up the tunes from Long Division. Meet artist James Bywood to see him create Chippendale inspired screen prints.