Looking after pets, a last-minute panto, theatre and classical music in January
29 January Living with Dogs
If you have a dog, you probably think you already know to behave around them; but for a few extra tips, with the focus very much on the dog’s perspective, Wood Green is running a Living With Dogs workshop on 29 January that’s suitable for five year olds and up.
It’s perfect for those that live with dogs, visit family or friends who have dogs or anyone interested in rehoming a dog.
A separate adult workshop covers dog mood management, reading dog body language, flashpoints for aggression, dog bite prevention and how to safely manage babies and children living happily with dogs. Children enjoy their own workshop and learn to speak dog body language, know when to leave their dog alone for some free time and discover how to make feeding time fun.
The 10am to 12pm workshop at Wood Green, Godmanchester, is free but booking is essential. Call 0300 303 9333.
18-21 January Annie
A combination of unforgettable songs, dance routines and a Depression-era tale of rags to possible riches that pulls on the heartstrings of even a US president make Annie the popular family musical that’s been entertaining generations since the 70s.
Cambridge Operatic Society follow up their award-winning production of Sister Act to return to Cambridge Arts Theatre from 18 to 21 January with the New York-based tale that begins in Miss Hannigan’s orphanage.
There young Annie lives a life of drudgery and chores alongside the other girls in the orphanage, while dreaming of finding her parents.
By luck she’s picked to spend Christmas with billionaire Oliver Warbucks at his grand residence. Slowly the business magnate, unused to children, is charmed by Annie and her search for her parents, but Miss Hannigan hatches a plan to spoil the pursuit, by arranging for fake parents to claim Annie – and a $50,000 reward!
Warbucks ultimately isn’t fooled and he has friends in high places, including President Roosevelt, who’s so taken by Annie’s story that he decides to introduce new policies to end the Depression for good.
Classic songs Tomorrow, Hard Knock Life and You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile are just some of the familiar, toe-tapping wonders that make Annie a hit.
With its multiple Tony award-winning score, this new production is sure to be a success.
Tickets are £18-£33, and there are matinee performances on the 19th and 21st.
Until 8 January Dick Whittington
There’s still time to catch the laughs, look behind yous and plenty of pantomime fun at the Arts Theatre’s seasonal treat, Dick Whittington.
Performances run until 8 January and feature a fab cast headed up by Paul Nicholas (EastEnders) as King Rat and Matt Crosby, returning as Sarah the Cook.
Hearing that the streets are paved with gold, Dick sets off to London in search of fame, fortune and true love. But quickly the streets become overrun with rats and it’s up to Dick and his friends to save the day.
Tickets are £16.50-£39 for performances up to 8 January (no performances on 1 and 3 January) for shows at 10.30am, 1pm, 2pm, 5pm and 7pm, depending on the day.
21 January Cambridge Philharmonic
“What does a conductor do anyway?” sounds like the latest reality/celebrity programme, but it’s actually the question behind this family concert, which is performed as two separate matinees by Cambridge Philharmonic on 21 January.
Let the orchestra take you on a whistle-stop tour of conducting through history. You’ll find out how a conductor can change the sound without saying a word, or you might get the chance to conduct the orchestra yourself.
Amazing music from Mendelssohn, Mahler, Bernstein and Berlioz will feature in concerts at 2pm and 4pm. Tickets are £12.
