KICK off party season with one of these Christmas shows. There is plenty going on this weekend and next weekend which you can check out with our quick guide.

CHRISTMAS WITH THE HOUGHTON WEAVERS

FOLK stalwarts and live favourites the Houghton Weavers are performing in memory of singer Tony Berry on their Christmas tour.

The band will be playing at the Pyramid on Friday as they dust themselves off after a sad and difficult year.

Tony, one of the founding members of the Weavers, died in June following a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Band member Steve Millington, who grew up in Thelwall, said: “The passing of our dear Tony has been a great loss to the band. He was our musical brother for many years and we miss him very much.”

Tony’s brother Jim has stepped into the singer’s shoes to carry on the group’s legacy.

They have a vast catalogue of more than 30 albums recorded over more than four decades, including favourites like Blackpool Belle, Matchstalk Men and Wild Rover.

Steve, a former Lymm High School student, added: “We’re honoured to have Jim on board. He brings a new dimension of wit and musicality to the show while keeping up the Weavers’ long tradition of fun and music – hence our slogan ‘Keep folk smiling’.

“We’re really looking forward to entertaining our lovely audiences and to saying hello again to so many of our fans who have become friends.”

Call 442345 or visit pyramidparrhall.com.

THE ABBA REUNION CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

Warrington Guardian:

A GLITTERING show for Abba fans created by the director, producer and choreographer of the award-winning Abba Mania musical is coming to Warrington this weekend.

Dancing queens will be thanking Parr Hall for the music at The Abba Reunion Christmas Special Tribute Show on Friday.

Starring Vikki Holland-Bowyer, who played Frida in the West End, Abba Reunion gives Abba fans, old and new, the opportunity to get together and re-live the phenomenon that swept the airwaves and discos during the 70s and 80s.

A spokesman said: “From Mamma Mia to Dancing Queen, all of the greatest hits are performed with unrivalled authenticity from both an audio and visual perspective with an amazing jaw dropping finale recreation taking you back to where it all began in 1974.

“Superbly accurate vocals, harmonies, guitar, keyboards plus back line musicians combined with stunning iconic replica costumes, choreography and set produce the most authentic and requested Abba tribute show in the world today.”

Abba were one of the most commercially successful acts in the history of popular music, topping the charts worldwide from 1974 to 1982.

The Abba Reunion Christmas Special is at the Parr Hall on Friday. Visit parrhall.culturewarrington.org or call 442345.

CHRISTMAS GALA CONCERT

Warrington Guardian:

GEMINI Musical Theatre Company will be on song for Christmas with their annual concert on Saturday.

The group present a selection of concerts and shows in the Warrington area throughout the year, culminating in the Christmas Gala Concert at the Parr Hall.

It features carols and choral music to get you into the festive spirit.

Chairman Danny Shaw said: “We always look forward to performing the Gala Concert with the exciting mix of choral and orchestral music generating a fantastic atmosphere on the night. The concert is always well received by our audiences, who enjoy listening to the choir and soloists as well as singing some well-loved Christmas carols themselves.

“There is also the opportunity to listen to the wonderfully talented Manchester Opera Orchestra, who perform with us at the concert. We hope you will join us on this very special evening”

Steve Rayner is the society’s musical director.

He added: “This year, we have put together a programme of traditional festive music, some old favourites and a number of challenging pieces such as Worthy is the Lamb from ‘The Messiah.

Tickets are £12.50. Call 601773 or visit geminmusicaltheatre.com.

A CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR

Warrington Guardian:

A NEW performance group are busy rehearsing and making the finishing touches to their first festive production.

Birchwood Acts’ A Christmas Spectacular will be at Birchwood High School for one night only next Saturday, December 21, with singing, dancing and comedy sketches.

Mum-of-four Jacquie Sheridan set up the group in September after previously being a key member of Birchwood Players and Birchwood Amateur Dramatics Society.

Jacquie, whose son is West End rising star Oliver Ormson, said: “It’s been an amazing few months since our first meeting.

“It’s been surreal seeing all these members in one room who were strangers three months ago. We have built friendships based on a common interest – the theatre and not just acting but all aspects of putting on a show. Some of the members have never been on stage and performed before but you wouldn’t know that by the standard of their performances.

“There is a lot of singing and dancing in our show and I am so proud of what we have achieved in such a short space of time.

“We have also been given great support by businesses giving raffle prizes and advertising in our program and Birchwood Town Council.”

The festive evening will also see the wider community getting involved. Carols will be performed by Birchwood Brass Band and Birchwood Lions will be bringing Santa on his sleigh.

Jacquie added: “Everyone has pulled together to bring that Christmas magic for all. Hope to see you all at the show for a spectacular evening.”

n Standard tickets are £7 with concessions and family tickets available. Visit facebook.com/letsshowem.

CHRISTMAS VOICES, CHRISTMAS BRASS

Warrington Guardian:

TICKETS are selling fast for Warrington Male Voice Choir and Leyland Band’s annual Christmas Concerts.

The Parr Hall audience will be encouraged to sing along to traditional carols next Saturday, December 21 at Christmas Voices, Christmas Brass.

All formality is thrown out in honour of the festive season so concert-goers are also being encouraged to dress in their best Christmas jumpers and hats.

Warrington Male Voice Choir are also planning to show off the latest addition to their trophy cabinet. They were the winners in the Male Voice category at the recent North Wales Choral Festival.

Warrington’s choir of 90 voices, one of the UK’s oldest, have performed at venues across Great Britain, Ireland, Europe and North America.

They also made headlines following the IRA bomb attacks in Bridge Street in 1993 as they became involved in promoting peace and an end to violence in Northern Ireland.

Around 700 tickets have been sold for the event at Parr Hall. They cost £10 or £5 for under 16s. Visit pyramidparrhall.com or call the box office on 442345.