Russian State Ballet and Opera House® present an exuberant new production of The Nutcracker, the timeless tale of a girl on a big adventure with the valiant Nutcracker as they battle with the Mouse King and meet a host of wonderful characters on the way. With a great cast and more than 30 musicians, the show is on tour across the UK. Catch it at the Newcastle Volvo Tyne on November 28 or visit www.ballet-tickets.com for other date, venues and productions.
Well done to the team from the Wise Words Festival in Canterbury who managed to secure Carol Ann Duffy for one of their events. Here’s to next year! To find out more visit www.wisewordsfestival.co.uk
B Sharp Voices is a series of four concerts featuring singers from West Dorset and East Devon. One event included 92 primary school children working with composer and music leader John K Miles, musician Adrianno Adewale and bassist Dave Mannington. The next stage of the project is for keen singers aged 11-19 who want to build experience and confidence. To join up contact franwilliams@bsharp.uk.com
Shakespeare in Love has taken London by storm and has produced an education pack. Sadly Ink Pellet missed the launch because of a hacking cough – see the next edition for details. If you fancy a bit of Shakespearean errr… fancy, book to see the musical at shakespeareinlove.com
The chairman of The Lowry, Sir Rod Aldridge, has made a £400,000 private donation with his wife, Carol, to support the organisation’s learning and engagement programme. Their support has previously helped to develop and deliver The Lowry’s ‘Inspired to Aspire’ work and skills programme and Youth Dance Programme. For details of events visit www.thelowry.com
And finally, for practitioners of the art of cramming, digital York Notes Plus for English Literature is now available online and on phones and tablets. The series contains all the elements and content of the print guides, including photographs, tables and graphics, as well as a range of interactive materials. Titles cost £4.99 via the York Notes Plus app while study yorknotes.com for more info. IP