LIVERPOOL THEATRE

The Haunting of Hill House

Everyman Theatre

Hope Street

December 17-January 16

Seasonal fare for those with stronger stomachs, The Haunting of Hill House is a terrifying psychological thriller adapted by Anthony Neilson from Shirley Jackson’s novel, and tells the story of three strangers invited to join the mysterious Dr Montague at the eerie house on the hill, where not even their darkest dreams could have prepared them for what awaits. As their stay unfolds, they are plagued by a series of inexplicable events that propel them to the very edge of their existence.

everymanplayhouse.com

 

LONDON CINEMA

Argentinian Film Festival

Various venues

November 26-29

Argentina is home to a thriving film industry and this festival showcases some of its outstanding documentaries and features, including the classic road movie Bombon el Perro which, if you missed it first time around, comes hugely recommended. Patagonia features large, with Separado following Super Furry Animals’ front man Gruff Rhys as he goes in search of his roots there and Intimate Stories following a group of people in search of adventure in its vast landscape. The gritty The Fire tells the tale of a young couple’s relationship put to the test, while in La Artefacta (pictured) haute couture meets taxidermy as the daughter of a surgeon and fashion designer reveals her passion for sewing fabric — and skin.

argentinefilmfestival.co.uk

 

MANCHESTER MUSIC

Hope For Christmas II: 

Hatfield to Heatongrad

Manchester Academy 2

Oxford Road

For the second year in a row, the great Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott not only have a top five album, they’re also doing this Hope for Christmas gig which is backed by the GMB union. Proceeds go to charities and organisations and groups who are standing together in the face of adversity like the Hatfield Brigade, miners from the colliery in south Yorkshire who are campaigning to preserve the mine’s headgear in the face of a campaign to tear down their history, community and pride. Marvellous music in a class-conscious concert guaranteed. Sure to be rammed — book now.

manchesteracademy.net

 

NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE EXHIBITION

Ken Currie: New Etchings 

and Mono-types

University Gallery

Northumbria University

Sandyford Road

Until December 4

Ken Currie rose to prominence with his paintings of industrial Glasgow and later his magnificent memorial marking the 200th anniversary of the Calton weavers’ massacre. His focus is very much on the human condition and his work, as this exhibition shows, is both highly crafted and disturbing. Free. 

gn.northumbria.ac.uk