Live at the Lyceum

The Bench: A Tale from Paradise Heights, 16th & 17th September A comedy of love, life and loss. 7.30pm, also Sunday 2.30pm. Tickets £20.

Irvine Welsh’s Porno, 6th October Fifteen years after Trainspotting, what has become of Renton, Sickboy, Begbie and Spud? Contains sexual language and drug/violence-related themes – as if you’d expect anything other! 8pm. Tickets £25.

Feel the fear…

…and do it anyway at Fright Night Firewalk on 26th October, in aid of Children’s Air Ambulance. The fundraiser at Vauxhall Motors Sports Club, Ellesmere Port promises spinetingling entertainment, bubbling potions, refreshments and a raffle. It’s £10 to sign up, with a minimum fundraising target. www.theairambulanceservice.org.uk

A living nightmare

At Hack Green’s Cold War Living History Weekend on 9th-10th

September you get to step back in time and experience life on either side of the Berlin Wall during the Cold War. Military camps across the site will give an insight into conditions for both Western and Eastern forces. The event will be patrolled and ‘checkpoints’ will have to be passed as visitors venture between the two sides. 10am-4pm. Normal admission applies. See www.hackgreen.co.uk/events

WHAT’S ON CHESHIRE

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 9TH-17TH

•9th-10th September, Chairman’s Cup and Plate, Cheshire Polo Club, Long Lane, Tarporley With semi-finals on Saturday and finals on Sunday, it’s an exciting weekend! Entry free (does not include access to members’ enclosures).

Fascinating Aïda – the 40th Anniversary Show, 28th October Britain’s sassiest cabaret trio mark this milestone with old favourites and some wickedly hilarious new songs. 7.30pm. Tickets £30.

Ross Noble – Jibber Jabber Jamboree, 29th October The supreme master of freewheeling stand-up returns. 8pm. Tickets £33.50. www.crewelyceum.co.uk

Rainbow run

Raise money for a great charity in the most colourful way! St Luke’s Hospice Colour Rush comes to Dorfold Hall, Nantwich on 24th September. You start the event wearing a white T-shirt (provided) and finish as a vibrant rainbow of colour. With music, dancing, food and drink, it’s a fun day out for all. Register at www.slhospice.co.uk, £20 (child £12, tutu £7).

Come on in

Visit elegant Lyme Park for free as part of Heritage Open Days on 16th & 17th September Explore the rose garden and orangery next to the lake where Mr Darcy met Miss Bennett in the BBC’s Pride and Prejudice. Roam the deer park, or let o steam in the refurbished play area. Park open 8am-8pm, house 11am-4pm (2pm on Sunday). www.heritageopendays.org.uk

•10th September, Exploring Creativity, Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse, Northwich Free entry as part of Heritage Open Days – and the kids can get creative with free craft activities too. 2-4pm.

•11th-16th September, The Cat’s Mother, MADS Theatre, Macclesfield

How far are you willing to go for your own family? A laugh-out-loud comedy by Erica Murray that’s as clever as it is funny. 7.45pm. From £10 via TicketSource

•15th-16th September, Northwich Beer Festival, Memorial Court, Northwich. Over 45 beers and ciders, plus a gin and prosecco bar.

Live music on Friday and Saturday nights. A weekend not to be missed… Fri & Sat 6-11pm, tickets £10. Sat noon-4pm £7.50.

•15th-17th September, Crewe Rail Ale Festival, Crewe Heritage Centre South Cheshire CAMRA serves up over 50 cask ales, real ciders and perrys, in a familyfriendly setting, with model railways, miniature steam train rides, signal box visits and a chance to sit on the original APT. Opens noon, closes 9.30pm Fri, 9pm Sat, 3pm Sun. Entry £3 (free Sunday) plus £2 glass hire and £5 beer token on door.

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

•16th September, The Rezillos, The Live Rooms, Chester Their album Can’t Stand the Rezillos is lauded as a punk classic. Since reforming in 2002, they’ve released Zero – described as ‘dark guitar grunge with layers of melodic quirkism’. 7pm. From £20.

•23rd-24th September, The Great British Food Festival, Arley Hall Bring family and friends and indulge your inner foodie! There’s plenty to keep the children amused too! Gates 10am. £17.50, (ages 5-17 £7.50, under-5s free).

•24th September, Danny McLoughlin, Alexander’s Live, Chester He’s played the Glee Club and the Comedy Store, and music festivals including Latitude and Leeds. Join one of the world’s most underrated comedians as he tries to finally get some recognition for how consistently good he’s been over the years! 7pm. £12.