AND SO MUCH MORE AND SO MUCH MORE

Mar 22-Apr 1: My Fair Lady Palace, Manchester Lavish production of Lerner & Loewe’s world-famous musical

Mar 22-25: Little Women Theatr Clwyd One actress One musician One enchanting new adaptation Holed up in the attic of her Massachusetts home just after the American Civil War, Jo struggles with writer ’s block, until the arrival of an old friend helps her to unlock a lifetime of memories

Mar 23-25: Showstopper! Theatr

Clwyd A brand new musical comedy is created from scratch at each performance of this award-winning show as audience suggestions are transformed on the spot into all-singing, all dancing productions with hilarious results

Mar 23-24: The Addams Family

Venue Cymru

Mar 23: Silver & Gold Lyceum, Crewe

Mar 23: One Night of Billy Joel Theatre

Royal, St Helens Tribute show

Mar 24-25: Mind Mangler The Lowry, Salford

Join the “Mind Mangler” as he returns to the stage following a reasonably good two-night run at the Luton Holiday Inn conference centre, suite 2b His new solo spectacular is predicted to spiral into chaos as he attempts to read your mind

Mar 24: Luther Theatre Royal, St Helens

Luther Vandross celebration

Mar 28-Apr 1: Cake: The Marie Antoinette

Playlist The Lowry, Salford New musical that combines rap and RnB with 18th century France to retell a story that sparked a revolution

Mar 24-25: Peter Pan Storyhouse, Chester

Mar 24: Simon Bodkin – Screwed Up

Lyceum, Crewe

Mar 25: The Who UK – Live Floral Pavilion, New Brighton Tribute show

Mar 25: Tom Houghton: Absolute Shambles

Storyhouse, Chester

Mar 25: The Rolling Stones Story Lyceum, Crewe Tribute show

Mar 26: That’ll Be The Day. Lyceum, Crewe

Mar 26: Ellen Kent’s La Boheme Regent, Stoke

Mar 26: Blackpool Symphony Orchestra

Grand, Blackpool

Mar 27: Irish Annie’s. Grand, Blackpool New musical comedy set in an Irish bar

Mar 28: Queenz – The Show with Balls

Grand, Blackpool Tribute show

Mar 28-Apr 1: Heathers The Musical Theatr Clwyd Wickedly funny based on one of the greatest cult-teen films of all-time Audio described / touch tours Mar 29; Captioned Apr 1

Mar 29-31: The Magic Flute Venue Cymru

Mar 29-30: Tales from Acorn Wood Grand, Blackpool Packed full of toe-tapping songs and puppetry

Mar 29: Queenz Lyceum, Crewe Tribute show

Mar 30-31: Miss Nobodies Grand, Blackpool

A century of women’s stories brough to life by Black Liver

Mar 30: Menopause The Musical 2 Lyceum, Crewe

Mar 30: Beethoven’s Eroica

Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool

Mar 30: Demon Dentist Regent, Stoke

Mar 30: The Last Days of Disco Theatre

Royal, St Helens

Mar 31: Paul Young – Behind the Lens Theatre Royal, St Helens

Mar 31: On Tour with Elvis – Michael King Floral Pavilion, New Brighton Tribute show

Mar 31: English Touring Opera: Lucrezia Borgia Storyhouse, Chester Known as one of history’s most famous poisoners, Lucrezia is a complex woman in a dangerous situation

Mar 31: The Mersey Beatles Theatr Clwyd

Mar 31: Dave Gorman: Powerpoint To The People Lyceum, Crewe

Apr 6: Watson: The Final Problem. Theatr Clwyd 1894 Watson is alone His beloved wife Mary and the great Sherlock Holmes are both gone But London seethes with false reports and rumour It is time to set the record straight

Apr 6: Joss Arnott Dance: The Tin Man Storyhouse, Chester

Apr 7: Chris McCausland: Speaky Blindre Storyhouse, Chester

Apr 8-9: Tales from Acorn Wood. Storyhouse, Chester

Apr 8-9: Rumours of Fleetwood Mac Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool

Apr 8: Shania – 25 Live Come on Over Lyceum, Crewe Tribute show

Apr 8: Showaddywaddy – The 50th Anniversary Concert Tour Venue Cymru

Apr 10: Rock Icons Grand Blackpool Tribute show

Apr 11: Tin Man Grand, Blackpool Joss

Arnott Dance presents a magical new retelling of a classic story, seen through the rusty eyes of the Tin Man and their journey to finding their heart and happiness

Apr 11-15: Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) Storyhouse, Chester Unique and audacious retelling of Jane Austen’s most iconic lov story

Apr 11-15: Heathers The Musical Regent, Stoke

Apr 12-22: The Time Machine Octagon

Bolton Riotous re-telling of the classic H G Wells novel , zipping from the present to a Victorian parlour in 1895

Apr 12: Menopause the Musical 2 Grand, Black

Continued Page 22 n Continued from Page 21

Apr 13: ELO Again. Venue Cymru Tribute show

Apr 14: ELO Again Grand Blackpool Tribute show

Apr 15: DIVAS Pavilion, Rhyl Tribute show

Apr 15: An Evening of Burlesque. Lyceum, Crewe

Apr 16: Wind in the Willows Octagon, Bolton

Apr 17-23: The Commitments Empire, Liverpool Smash hit musical

Apr 18-22: The Beekeeper of Aleppo. The Lowry, Salford Audio described / touch tour

Apr 19; signed Apr 22

Apr 19: The Official RuPaul’s Drag Race UK

Season Four Tour Opera House, Manchester

Apr 20-22: Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story.

Opera House, Manchester

Apr 21-May 27: A Thong for Europe

Royal Court, Liverpool

Apr 21: The Illegal Eagles Pavilion, Rhyl Tribute show

Apr 22: The Magic of Motown William Aston Hall, Wrexham

Apr 22: The Great American Songbook

Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool

Apr 23: Johannes Radebe: Freedom

Unleashed Empire, Liverpool

Apr 24-29: Titanic The Musical. Regent, Stoke

Apr 24: Mike and the Mechanics Philharmonic

Hall Liverpool

Apr 24: The Official RuPaul’s Drag Race UK

Season Four Tour Empire, Liverpool

Apr 25-May 6: Quality Street.

Octagon, Bolton Comedy stirring a good helping of Yorkshire wit from the retired workers of the Halifax factory where Quality Street chocolates have been proudly made since 1936

Apr 25-29: Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead The Lowry, Salford Story set in the depths of winter in a small community on a remote Polish mountainside Audio described / touch tour Apr 26; captioned (English and Polish) Apr 29

Apr 25-29: Macbeth (imitating the dog)

Playhouse, Liverpool

Apr 25: Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story

Grand, Blackpool

Apr 26: The Legends of American Country

Floral Pavilion, New Brighton

Apr 26: Johannes Radebe: Freedom

Unleashed Opera House,

Apr 27-May 13: Truth Theatr Clwyd Five teasing plays Audio described May 6, 12; signed May 5, 10; Captioned – all shows.

Apr 27-29: Demon Dentist Empire, Liverpool

Apr 27: Beyond the Barricade Lyceum

Crewe

Apr 27: Steve Steinman’s Anything for Love –

The Meat Loaf Story. Opera House, Manchester

Apr 27: An Evening of Burlesque Theatre

Royal, St Helens

Apr 28: Money for Nothing Lyceum, Crewe

Trubute show

Apr 29: Mother Goose – Adult Panto Theatre

Royal, St Helens

Apr 30: That’ll Be the Day Venue Cymru

Apr 30: Big Girls Don’t Cry Grand, Blackpool

Celebrating the iconic sounds of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

ARIES (March 21st-April 20th)

A fantastic opportunity to expand your finances arrives; you could greatly profit from venturing into unfamiliar territory Tempers will be running high on the 11th, especially with neighbours and family members The New Moon on the 21st is ideal for investing in your appearance Splurge on new clothes, a salon visit, or both Significant changes are marked for your social life on the 23rd April’s full moon on the 6th prompts you to make a difficult relationship decision Separating from a romantic or business partner will be sad, but that’s better than always feeling angry Take this opportunity to restore your emotional health A fantastic opportunity to raise your profile arrives

TAURUS (April 21st-May 21st)

A lovely opportunity to rest, relax, and enjoy the finer things in life arrives; indulge your sensual side Resist the temptation to contradict an influential expert on the 16th; stay in their good graces On the 21st the New Moon beckons you to recharge your spiritual batteries with solitary pleasures As April arrives so will people become more receptive to your ideas; it’s a good time to make a presentation or request Don’t argue with a powerful individual, even if you know you are right and they are wrong Your earning power becomes much stronger on the 11th; treat yourself to some luxuries that were previously out of reach

GEMINI (May 22nd-June 21st)

Avoid being aggressive with a kind authority figure It’s better to listen more than you speak; err on the side of silence The New Moon on the 21st is perfect for going to a party or joining a club You’ll enjoy expanding your social circle Your belief system will undergo a significant change on the 23rd A money-making opportunity is worth pursuing on the 25th Dwelling on negative thoughts during April will keep you from venturing into unknown territory When you assume everything will work out to your advantage, obstacles will disappear from your path You turn heads wherever you go on the 11th; someone with an exotic background will be especially attentive

CANCER (June 22nd-July 23rd)

Don’t make work a bigger priority than a close relationship on the 16th; your loved one really needs your support on this challenging day On the 21st, the New Moon paves the way for an exciting opportunity Your sex appeal will soar on the 23rd; all eyes will be on you on this magical day April’s Full Moon on the 6th encourages you to embrace your independence and establish a home life that brings you joy A fabulous opportunity falls into your lap on the 11th Don’t give in to your fears, especially regarding travel It’s important to expand your horizons Doing something out of character will be lots of fun on the 29th

LEO (July 24th-August 23rd)

A financial windfall gives you more freedom to pursue your hobbies If you’re single, you’ll start looking for a serious relationship Your charisma turns heads on the 15th; you’ll have your choice of admirers on this magical day It’s also an excellent time to make money from artistic ventures Use the New Moon on the 21st to explore greener pastures April’s Full Moon on the 6th exposes rifts in a friendship It may be time to move away from toxic people who mock your natural enthusiasm The 11th is one of the happiest days of the year for you The Solar Eclipse on the 20th finds you expanding your horizons

Spring 2023

April This is one of those times when your stubborn nature does more harm than good Strive to be a little more flexible The chance to make a special purchase falls into your lap on the 11th Take the plunge; you won’t regret it

SAGITTARIUS

(November 23rd-December 21st)

A romantic encounter makes you feel like you’re walking on air If you’re single, your chances of meeting someone special are very high, especially if you venture out to a place you’ve never been before On the 21st, the New Moon inspires you to take a creative, emotional risk Talking to a respected teacher gives you a new lease on life April’s full Moon on the 6th warns against spreading yourself too thin on the social front It’s better to spend quality time with true friends than accept every party invitation Your love life improves by leaps and bounds on the 11th If you’re looking for love, you’ll find it with a witty flirt On the 20th, the Solar Eclipse inspires a creative project or love affair Trust your heart over your head

CAPRICORN

Grant

VIRGO (August 24th-September 23rd)

You’ll find a brilliant solution to a stubborn problem An authority figure will pressure you to accept an unpleasant assignment on the 17th; protect your interests The 18th is good for discussing a sensitive topic with someone who is close to your heart Be brutally honest The New Moon on the 21st brings an opportunity to earn some easy income Travel plans could be delayed during April It may be best to stay put for the sake of your health On the 14th, your business or romantic partner will express jealousy over all the time you spend at work

Try to strike a healthier balance between your personal and professional lives

LIBRA (September 24th-October 23rd)

You experience some exciting growth on the romantic front in early March This is a great time to start a relationship, get engaged, or exchange vows Resist the temptation to fill your days with more work; you need to strike a better balance between your personal and professional lives Don’t let your family have too much influence over your love life on the 16th Although their concern is touching, you know what’s best for you regarding romance Your desire to have fun is stronger than a need to be financially responsible in April The 11th finds you embarking on a grand adventure; studying a subject that you love makes you glow with happiness

SCORPIO (October 24th-November 22nd)

A serious talk with a relative will be productive; be honest but fair Spending more time on creative pursuits will be rewarding The New Moon on the 21st is perfect for beginning a fitness regimen Changes to your domestic life are inevitable on the 23rd when you become determined to find a home that supports your emotional and physical needs Prepare for your personal philosophy to change A passionate argument with your best friend, business partner, or amour will make things tricky in

(December 22nd-January 20th)

Happy news about your family is cause for celebration Obey the impulse to give a relative a generous financial gift; they’ll greatly appreciate it Moving forward, your priority will be making better use of your time Resist the urge to make a relative feel guilty for their choices on the 16th Emotional manipulation will undermine your relationship and cause resentment During early April resist the temptation to manipulate someone If they want to exercise their independence, let them Beware of overindulging in food and drink on the 14th, as this can cloud your thinking On the 20th, the Solar Eclipse brings a lovely opportunity to make some home improvements or buy a big piece of property

Aquarius

(January 21st-February 19th)

Sticking to your principles will be advantageous, and spending more quality time at home will be pleasurable On the 21st, the New Moon inspires you to take a short trip or class for the sake of mental stimulation The 23rd brings a rare opportunity to overhaul your image It’s a great time for change A heart-toheart talk with a relative will take you by surprise on the 30th A forbidding attitude toward a relative causes tension at home Stop imposing your beliefs on this family member; the two of you have very different needs April’s Full Moon brings disappointing news about travel or educational opportunity Always remember that when one door closes, a window always opens

PISCES (February 20th-March 20th)

Your financial situation dramatically is about to improve Brilliant ideas for making more money will abound on the 21st; jot down these brainstorms before they’re forgotten An intense period of spiritual growth begins on the 23rd Be ready to abandon beliefs that no longer serve you You’ll be filled with lots of energy for hobbies, romance, and sports on the 25th A desire to travel will surge as April arrives, but you may be hesitant to make reservations The 7th is perfect for indulging your love of music, film, and art Working on a creative project of your own will also be rewarding A moneymaking opportunity beyond your wildest dreams will arrive; say yes to this exciting adventure

Spring 2023

HOW PLANTS GOT THEIR NAMES . . . . . . Banksia

JOSEPH BANKS started life, in 1743, with many advantages – and made the most of them

He went to Harrow, Eton and Oxford, inherited the family estate in Lincolnshire and became a baronet

His passion for finding new plants drove him around the world, from Iceland to South America, then to South Africa and Australia on Captain James Cook’s legendary first voyage from 1768-71

He returned home to immediate fame, bringing 30,000 plant specimens with him, including agapanthus, mimosa, eucalyptus, acacia and the protea genus named after him, Banksia, with astonishing cone-shaped flower heads, sometimes on 100-foot plants

Around 80 species bear his name, among them a pale pink hydrangea, Grevillea banksii, Astelia banksii and the jack pine, Pinus banksiana Rosa banksiae is named after his wife

Sir Joseph Banks died in 1820, after making the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew the world’s leading botanical garden, holding the presidency of the Royal Society for 41 years, and writing his 34-volume Florilegium

VIVID: Berries of the female

RIGHT: