Things to do this week: See the Russian State Ballet, Try Simon Wood's tasty food and more
KICK off 2018 with a trip to the Russian State Ballet, a Pinter play, a slice of MasterChef magic or a cocktail at a unique bar.
The Russian State Ballet & Orchestra brings The Nutcracker and four other ballets to life
See
Dance into 2018 with the Russian State Ballet & Orchestra of Siberia’s magical UK tour that sees more than 40 dancers and 30 musicians bring five magical ballets to life.
Curtains open on Swan Lake on Tuesday at The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester.
Take your pick from a range of breathtaking ballets, including Cinderella, Romeo & Juliet, The Snow Maiden and The Nutcracker, until April. For further information and tickets, see raymondgubbay.co.uk.
2015 MasterChef champion Simon Wood has opened a city centre eaterie called Wood for high-end dining
Try
MasterChef champion Simon Wood has brought a touch of his magic to Manchester.
The 2015 winner, who impressed the TV judges with his octopus and squab pigeon, has opened a city centre eaterie called Wood, which is attracting the crowds for high-end dining.
Menu highlights include a delicious pigeon starter with figs and endive and an incredible duck main course with plums, Sauternes, hazelnuts and chard. Ice-cream fans will love the rum and raisin dessert.
To book, call 0161 236 5211 or visit woodmanchester.com.
Try a drink with a difference at London's Mandrake Hotel’s zany Waeska bar
Visit
Try a drink with a difference in London’s Fitzrovia, home to the Mandrake Hotel’s zany Waeska bar, named after an ancient medicinal brew, where the cocktail menu is as unusual as they come.
Choose from 10 cocktails with rare and exotic ingredients from small distillers.
And don’t miss the eye-popping decor – like the gazelle skeleton dressed in peacock feathers.
See themandrake.com.
HARRY PINTER: Toby Jones and Zoë Wanamaker head the cast at London
Book
Harold Pinter’s classic The Birthday Party debuted 60 years ago, so it’s about time it had a revival. On Stanley Webber’s birthday, two strangers seek him out and ruin his very dull celebrations.
Toby Jones and Zoë Wanamaker head the cast at London’s Harold Pinter Theatre from January 9 until Saturday April 14.
Tickets are from £10. See thebirthdayparty.london