GH’S hot tickets
BACK TO THE FUTURE THE MUSICAL
Six years in the making, the musical adaptation of the hit 1980s film is touching down at Manchester Opera House next year. The film’s creator, Bob Gale, has penned the story, with rising stage star Olly Dobson stepping into the shoes of music-loving teenager Marty Mcfly, famously played by Michael J Fox. Relive all the magic of the film as he’s accidentally sent back in time to make sure his school-aged parents fall in love.
20 February to 17 May 2020; backtothefuturemusical.com BFI LONDON FILM FESTIVAL
The red carpet is being rolled out for the annual film festival. The action kicks off with the premiere of The Personal History Of David Copperfield, a fresh take on the Charles Dickens novel, starring Dev Patel, Tilda Swinton and Hugh Laurie. Plus, there will be Q&A sessions and masterclasses with filmmakers, as well as short films, talks and workshops. 2 to 13 October (public booking opens at 10am on 12 September); bfi.org.uk
CHELTENHAM LITERATURE FESTIVAL
The venerable literature festival is celebrating its 70th anniversary. Catering to all tastes, highlights include music legend Debbie Harry discussing her first memoir, Face It, and Julian Fellowes reflecting on Downton Abbey. Plus there’ll be political insight from this month’s cover star, Emily Maitlis, and Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain will be sharing stories from her most personal book yet, Finding My Voice.
4 to 13 October; cheltenhamfestivals.com/ literature ORPHEUS SERIES AT THE ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA
Four new productions will present different versions of the Orpheus myth, interpreted by four directors from different theatrical disciplines – including internationally renowned choreographer and director Wayne Mcgregor, who makes his ENO debut with Orpheus And Eurydice. Productions of Orpheus And Eurydice, Orpheus In The Underworld, The Mask Of Orpheus and Orphée will light up the Coliseum from early October.
1 October to 29 November; eno.org CIRCUS 1903
The puppeteers from War Horse turn their hands to life-sized elephants in this special treat, which tours the UK after an acclaimed run in London last year. Acrobats, contortionists and high-wire tricks will take you back to the golden age of the circus. The troupe will travel to Birmingham, Salford and Dublin before a residency at London’s Royal Festival Hall in December.
25 October to 5 January 2020; circus1903.com