MANCHESTER THEATRE
Queens of the Coal Age
Royal Exchange
June 28-July 28

Maxine Peake's new play sees Anne, Elaine, Dot and Lesley, four ordinary women, facing the closure of their community. It’s 1993 and the Parkside Colliery pit may be winding down, but they’re not giving up. Bras stuffed with contraband, they take a tour of the pit and refuse to come up.

Settling into the depths of the mine, making tissue roses and walking imaginary dogs, they face bribery and threats. But, as they dig in, those up top start to realise these ladies are not for turning.

Queens of the Coal Age is the heartwarming and funny true story of four women, stalwarts of Women Against Pit Closures, taking a stand in the face of a changing world. Must-see.

royalexchange.co.uk

LIVERPOOL EXHIBITION
Op Art in Focus
July 21-June 16 2019

Op art, optical art, emerged in the 1960s and its leading figures included Bridget Riley, Jesus Rafael Soto and Victor Vasarely.

Combining lines, geometric shapes and vivid colour to create artworks that fool the eye, their images could be subtle or disorientating, giving the illusion of movement.

Ranging beyond the typical period of op art, this exhibition includes works by more contemporary artists such as Angela Bulloch, along with a rare installation of Jim Lambie’s Zobop which floods the entire gallery floor with psychedelic patterning.

tate.org.uk

LONDON THEATRE
A Monster Calls
Old Vic Theatre
July 7-August 25

In Patrick Ness’s novel, 13-year-old Conor and his mum have managed just fine since his dad moved out. But now his mum’s very sick, his grandmother won’t stop interfering and the kids at school won’t look him in the eye.

Then, one night, he is woken by  a monster who's come to tell Conor tales from when it walked before and, when it’s finished, Conor must tell his own story and face his deepest fears.

Ness's novel, with its insight into love, loss and healing, has been highly acclaimed and this theatre adaptation, suitable for adults and children aged 10+, is much anticipated.

oldvictheatre.com

USK/TOURING EXHIBITION
Rhondda Rebel
Sessions House
June 23-24

This free digital installation from Welsh National Opera brings suffragette Margaret Haig Thomas, to life by blending augmented reality with performance and music to create a new stimulating experience. Sessions House is located next to the prison where Haig Thomas was incarcerated for blowing up a Newport post box with a home-made bomb and, following its premiere there, the  installation tours locations across Wales and England.

wno.org.uk