THE classic fairy tale Beauty & the Beast is brought thrillingly to life in a stage adaptation by playwright Laurence Boswell. When Beauty's father hears that his long-lost ship packed with pearls has landed safely in harbour, he sets out on an arduous journey to claim his fortune, stumbling across a world of great riches, beguiling magic and a fearsome beast. But when he picks a rose as a present for his lovely daughter, little does he realise what he's unleashed. Last few chances to see this enchanting Christmas Show playing at Theatre by the Lake until Saturday (December 12).

Box office 017687-74411.

Tickets from £10.

Photo: Robert Day

SHOW-STOPPING, fun and laughter ranks high on the school agenda as the thigh-slapping tale of Dick Whittington is told by the talented Lakes Players from Wednesday (January 23) to January 27 (7pm). Saturday matinee (1pm). The laugh-out-loud script is written by Eric Potts, best-known as eccentric baker Diggory Compton in Coronation Street and LP director Stewart Hart has been working alongside him to give a modern spin on the tale and add a local twist.

This year, the production team has gone to town ensuring there’s a fresher, brighter set and more authentic and colourful costumes, all courtesy of Coventry-based Imagine Theatre. The Lakes Players’ productions are always highly regarded and very popular so book your tickets early from www.ticketsource.co.uk/lakesplayers or from Aqua Salon, Bowness, or Barbara Blackwell Clothing Alterations, Ambleside.

ULVERSTON International Music Festival presents The Magic of Vienna, featuring The Adam Summerhayes Orchestra and international soprano Ana Maria Rincon. What better way is than to celebrate the New Year with an uplifting evening of fizzing musical entertainment. The spectacular playing of violinist Adam Summerhayes, along with the magical voice of Ana Maria, will regale you with the charm and elegance of the Viennese ballroom. As well as captivating waltzes, such as The Blue Danube, The Skater’s Waltz and Waltz of the Flowers, there will be lively numbers by Brahms – his Hungarian Dance and Strauss’ Radetzky March.

The concert takes place on Sunday (January 13, 7.30pm) at the Coronation Hall.

Box office 01229-587140

Tickets £15-£25; concessions £5.

NOW in its 15th year and back in the UK by popular demand, with a sparkling new anniversary production is A Viennese Strauss Gala. Recreating the romance of the Viennese Festive season, the show features highlights from some of the great Operattas of the Strauss family, Kalman and Lehar; including Die Fledermaus, The Merry Widow and many more. This wonderful production is cleverly staged and choreographed, and authentically costumed. The gala is on stage at The Sands Centre, Carlisle, on Sunday (January 13, 7.30pm).

Box office 01228-633766.

Tickets £23; £21.

THE Rosehill Players return to the stage following a three year break to perform One Day I’ll Fly Away, a comedy drama by playwright Janet Shaw.

Set in a respite home, this funny and poignant story follows the ups and downs of two women, Nora and Kylie, as mutual dislike and mistrust turns into an unusual and heart-warming friendship. Also featuring missing false teeth, a cleaner who is addicted to gossip and two nurses who are in denial of their feelings for each other, the play is full of humour, pathos and sentimentality. Playing from Wednesday (January 16) to January 19 (7.30pm).

Box office 01946-692422

Tickets £10; concessions £4.

THE Orchid Weekend – Saturday & Sunday (January 12 & 13) takes place at Beetham Nurseries. An early event which the nurseries hope to brighten up a dreary January. There will be stunning displays and a vast selection of rare and unusual orchids for sale.

Just turn up.