Curated Cumbria 05/11/2025
A new season, a reopening and an actor’s homecoming
Curated Cumbria is our free newsletter dedicated to the pick of the county’s arts and entertainment scene, brought to you by Intro in partnership with the Cumbria Arts & Culture Network.
Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake this week announced its packed line-up for 2026 - we have a preview. It’s also a week of returns - Kendal Museum reopens after a major refurbishment with an exhibition inspired by the natural world, while actor Harry Crooks is back in his hometown of Barrow to play a key figure from its wartime past.
NEW SEASON
Theatre by the Lake reveals its 2026 highlights
Theatre by the Lake in Keswick has announced its 2026 season, a programme of drama, comedy, music and family favourites including stage versions of such classics as Lark Rise to Candleford and Nell Gwynn.
At the heart of the programme are four Theatre by the Lake productions, created in collaboration with leading partners across the UK. The season opens with Lark Rise to Candleford (26 March-18 April), a co-production with The Watermill Theatre and Hammerpuzzle Theatre Company. This beloved classic by Flora Thompson blends storytelling and live folk music as it follows young Laura’s journey from her rural home to a wider world.
Summer brings Nell Gwynn (9 July-1 August), a co-production with Shakespeare North Playhouse and Storyhouse Theatre. This witty, feminist comedy celebrates one of history’s most charismatic actresses at the heart of London’s 17th-century theatre scene.
It’s followed by Calendar Girls The Musical (6 August-5 September), the uplifting true story of the Yorkshire WI women who posed for charity, transformed into a hit musical by Tim Firth and Gary Barlow.
Rounding off the year is a new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (13 November-2 January 2027).
Artistic Director Julia Samuels said the season was “joyful and full of spirit” adding: “These plays explore determination, wit and solidarity in the face of change, offering stories that are both moving and full of life.”
Tickets are now available at theatrebythelake.com or via the box office on 017687 74411.
EXHIBITION
Museum reopens with display of nature-inspired work
Kendal Museum reopens its doors tomorrow, Thursday 6 November, following a major refurbishment and renewal. One of the oldest museums in the country, dating back to the late 18th century, the much-loved institution has been busy behind the scenes preparing for visitors’ return — with several refreshed spaces and a glimpse of what’s to come.
The first phase of installation for the Lake District Natural History Gallery is now underway, marking an important step toward showcasing the region’s diverse wildlife and landscapes. Although the gallery is not yet open to the public, its development promises to bring the story of the Lake District’s natural heritage to life in the months ahead.
Visitors are being welcomed back with a new exhibition in the People’s Gallery, now relocated to the museum’s spacious foyer. Opening the space is Ex Natura (meaning ‘according to nature’) by Nicole Bishop, a collection of paintings, sculptures and drawings inspired by the museum’s own natural history specimens.
South African-born Nicole moved to Cumbria in 2019 to study fine art at the University of Cumbria in Carlisle. Combining art and science, her work reflects on environmental themes and the intricate beauty of the natural world.
Alongside this, Kendal Museum’s Archaeology and Natural History Galleries have been refreshed, and the shop has been given a brand-new look. For reopening week, the popular handling table also returns, offering visitors the chance to interact with real artefacts from the museum’s collection.
The team says they “can’t wait to welcome visitors back” to explore the updated galleries, discover Ex Natura, and rediscover the treasures of one of Kendal’s cultural landmarks.
See more information here and for Nicole’s work visit here.
THEATRE
Local boy Harry returns to play war hero
Barrow-born actor Harry Crooks returns home this weekend to play the lead role in 25 Words, Theatre Factory’s new wartime drama inspired by real-life events.
The 24-year-old actor, who left Barrow five years ago to study Actor Musicianship at Leeds Conservatoire, stars as Michael Lowden, a local soldier captured during the fall of Singapore in the Second World War. The Japanese allow his father, Charles, to write 25 words a month to his prisoner of war son.
Harry’s return marks a full-circle moment — his passion for performance began as a youngster at Theatre Factory’s Youth Theatre.
“I was part of Youth Theatre when I was a kid,” he said. “It was such a good time for me. So to come back now is really lovely. I feel like I’m honouring a seed that was planted way back then.”
After spending the summer touring the country with a professional theatre company, Harry said performing for a home audience will be a unique experience.
“While on tour you are performing to strangers. There’s a nice disconnect to that as you don’t really know the audience. That will completely change when I return home to play Michael in 25 Words.
“It will feel a little scary. But the predominant feeling is pride, to be playing a part in telling this important Barrow story.”
25 Words will be performed at Barrow Town Hall on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 November. Both performances are now sold out but you can join the waiting list here.
EVENT LISTINGS
Start making plans with a bit of help from our guide to what’s on in Cumbria and the Lake District.
**HIGHLIGHTS**
Kula Shaker: The Inner Circle Shows, Old Fire Station, Carlisle
Monday 1 December
As Kula Shaker returns to the stage for a series of rare, intimate performances in small rooms across the UK. Each night, the band will strip back the noise and the haste to reconnect with fans in a closer setting, playing favourites, new treats, deep cuts, strange anecdotes, and audience-chosen songs in a spontaneous “by request” section. Tickets on sale from 6 November.
Garth Marenghi: This Bursted Earth Book Tour, Brewery Arts, Kendal
Thursday 6 November
Horror author Nick Steen is having visions… A sinister Black Steeple; eerie lights in the sky that look like a Catherine wheel but are not remotely a Catherine wheel… Plus a giant skeleton with a moustache. Are they omens? Auguries? Portendings of things to come? (Spoiler – yes, they are).
Diva of the Decades, The Beggar’s Theatre, Millom
Saturday 8 November
Embark on a sensational journey through the ages as we celebrate the powerhouse voices and iconic performances of the biggest Divas in music history. This enchanting stage show is brought to life by the undeniable talent of Shelley-Davina, along with other remarkable singers and captivating dancers.
Caravaggio: Exhibition on Screen, Brewery Arts, Kendal
Thursday 11 November
Mystery, intrigue, beauty, passion, murder… Join us as we unravel the story of one of history’s most brilliant, complex and controversial figures. Shine a new light on Caravaggio in this dramatic biography. Five years in production, this is the most extensive film ever made about one of the greatest artists of all time – Caravaggio.
Small and Beautiful, Gallery North West, Brampton
Saturday 22 November - Saturday 17 January
A new exciting exhibition to kick off the Christmas season at Gallery Northwest by celebrating small yet beautiful 2D works from a wide variety of mark-making genres.
**MORE LISTINGS**
Wormrot, The Brickyard, Carlisle
Friday 7 November
Rolling Stones Magazine described Wormrot’s latest release ”HISS” (2022) as one of the best metal releases of the year. To understand this Singaporean band’s most unlikely journey to arrive on a list comprising the likes of Megadeth and Ozzy Osbourne, one must look back to the start where an equally unlikely signing started it all.
One Night In Nashville, Brewery Arts, Kendal
Friday 7 November
One Night In Nashville is the UK’s first downtown Nashville honkytonk live experience. An incredible live show fronted by singer-songwriter Maria Jordan. Following a songwriting trip to Nashville, Maria Jordan & Dave Heyes (JTC Records) witnessed the buzzing live music scene, honkytonks and songwriter rounds, and wanted to bring a slice of Nashville and the music that inspired Maria’s songs to UK audiences.
Bat Out of Hell: The Musical, Brewery Arts, Kendal
Thursday 12 November & Sunday 16 November
Get ready for the ultimate rock experience as Bat Out of Hell roars onto the big screen this Halloween! The cast of the West End production will bring Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf’s iconic anthems to life, including I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That), Paradise By The Dashboard Light and more.
Lethra and The Warehouse of Thieves, Tithe Barn, Carlisle
Friday 14 November
Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30 start, with all proceeds going to St. Cuthbert’s church. There will be a licensed bar and the £10 a head tickets are available on the door.
Wolfgang Flür, The Brickyard, Carlisle
Saturday 15 November
Wolfgang Flür, iconic member of Kraftwerk’s classic lineup from 1974’s Autobahn to 1986’s Electric Café, appears with his highly anticipated new album, TIMES.
Adam Amor, The Yellow Earl, Whitehaven
Saturday 15 November
Enjoy an evening of live music with Cumbrian acoustic musician Adam Amor at The Yellow Earl.
The Singing Bones, St. Bees Village Hall
Saturday 15 November
In the midst of a biodiversity crisis, Borrowdale’s ancient yew trees are singing a special song just for you, so step into the sacred grove and let the breath sigh out of you. JP Worsfold and Anne-Marie Sanderson are two Cumbrian musicians whose haunting lyrics and shimmering harmonies weave visions of the wildlife that the Borrowdale Yews have witnessed being pushed to the brink of extinction.
Beans on Toast, The Brickyard, Carlisle
Wednesday 19 November
Folk legend Beans on Toast is coming to town. A travelling troubadour for the ages, Beans is an entertainer, singer, songwriter, storyteller – and a master of his art. Expect crowd favourites from years gone by, alongside fresh new songs about the state of the world.
Landscape, Shipping Brow Gallery, Maryport
Wednesday 19 November - Sunday 21 December
A group show curated by resident artist Jim Osborne, bringing together ten visual artists working in Cumbria today. Exhibiting artists include Wendy Kirwood, Simon Wallace, Richard Fitton, Alannah Harton, Sara Alexander, Charlotte Stephenson, Jack Fawdry-Tatham, Roy Simmons and Celia Burbush.
Benefits + THE DSM IV + LAM, The Brickyard, Carlisle
Thursday 20 November
Forming in 2019 and consisting of Kingsley Hall on vocals and Robbie Major on synths, beats and noise, Benefits quickly evolved into a group that aims to merge noise, house, hip hop, industrial rock, electronica, and an angry social media feed to get it’s point across.
Rachmaninov’s Vespers, Austin Friars School, Carlisle
Saturday 22 November
Cumbrian chamber choir The Wordsworth Singers perform this masterpiece in the glorious acoustic of the chapel at Austin Friars School in Carlisle. The concert will last about an hour, in this atmospheric setting, as dusk falls.
The Fifth Step, Rosehill Theatre, Whitehaven
Thursday 27 November
Olivier Award-winner Jack Lowden (Slow Horses, Dunkirk) is joined by Emmy and BAFTA-winner Martin Freeman (The Hobbit, The Responder) in the critically acclaimed and subversively funny new play by David Ireland.
Royal Ballet & Opera: Cinderella, Rosehill Theatre, Whitehaven
Sunday 30 November
This enchanting ballet by The Royal Ballet’s Founding Choreographer Frederick Ashton is a theatrical experience and will transport you into an ethereal world where a sprinkling of fairy dust makes dreams come true.
Meryl Streek, The Brickyard, Carlisle
Friday 30 January
Debuting in 2022, Irish artist Meryl Streek was unaware of the impact his clash of experimental electronica and explosive punk would have on the music scene around him. Armed with just a microphone and a laptop, in less than a year the Dublin based producer went from playing in local squats to performing live in London, supporting post-punk legends Public Image Ltd.
Utah Saints, The Brickyard, Carlisle
Friday 13 February
Utah Saints are Tim and Jez and together they have been making music, DJing and playing gigs around the globe since the birth of house music.
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See our full list of November events by clicking the link below.
