Hot tickets!
1st November 2025
The Nutcracker © joenobilephotography.com
Diaries at the ready! Here’s our guide to some of the leading cultural events taking place in Norfolk this season
November
Now until 2 November: ‘Sea State’ an exhibition of new work by Maggi Hambling and Ro Robertson at Wolterton Hall
This 18th century Palladian hall is open to the public for the first time in a generation, with its inaugural Arts & Culture Programme. Expect a contemporary art exhibition – ‘Sea State’ – a site-specific show featuring the work of Maggi Hambling and Ro Robertson; an artist residency for Dutch artist collective De Onkruidenier in collaboration with the Sainsbury Centre, as part of the latter’s Can the Seas Survive Us? season. Wolterton is also hosting the Norwich-based Clay Research Group, a collective of artists, lecturers, potters, and researchers dedicated to exploring locally sourced ceramic materials. Both groups will create new artworks from materials found onsite. Alongside enjoy visiting the house (there’s a Breadsource café in the library) and grounds, plus workshops, musical and theatrical events over the summer. Read more about Wolterton here
Now until 18 December: THURSDAYS @3
The autumn programme of these weekly Thursday at 3pm concerts at Cley Church continues until 18 December, including ‘Gilbert & Sullivan: An Indulgence’ on 16 October and ‘Old & New: Music for bassoon and flute’ on 6 November. The concerts, performed by mainly local musicians and run by Friends of Cley Church, are free, but donations are requested. Email wejearp@gmail.com for more details.
www.glavenvalleychurches.org.uk
Monthly until February 2026: WINTER WARMERS
Thornham Village Hall’s new season of monthly Winter Warmers talks and suppers kicks off on 10 October with ‘Leading Change’ with sports leader Baroness Campbell at 7pm. The series – which runs until February 2026 – will also feature Charlie Bingham, author of The Life-Affirming Magic of Birds, on 14 November and China expert Professor Kerry Brown on 12 December.
Now until 1 March 2026: Watercolour Now
Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery is hosting this exhibition, bringing together recent work by eight contemporary artists who share a fascination with how watercolours can capture diverse and often fleeting relationships with light, colour, landscape and history. Works on display include abstract paintings and responses to the natural environment, including Simon Carter’s three watercolours which take fragments of colour and shape from the marshes and waterways of East Anglia as their starting point. Other participating artists include Christopher Le Brun, Melanie Russell and James Faure Walker.
www.norwichcastle.norfolk.gov.uk
Now until 30 May 2026: MAY THE TOYS BE WITH YOU
Lynn Museum has gone galactic with this showcase of one of the UK’s finest collections of vintage Star Wars toys and original cinema posters, from 1977 to 1985, owned by Matt Fox. The exhibition includes life-size storm troopers, so be on your best behaviour!
3 November: The Nutcracker
The Imperial Classical Ballet brings this delightfully traditional ballet to King’s Lynn Corn Exchange. Featuring a live orchestra, it tells of snow flurries, sweets, princes, magic and love and Tchaikovsky’s classic score includes the Waltz of the Flowers and the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. There’s very much an emphasis on technique, with the dancers known for their precision and attention to detail, and is a perfect treat for all ages.
www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk
3 to 16 November: Norwich Film Festival
This year brings the festival’s busiest edition yet, with 134 films from 19 countries scheduled, plus new and classic feature films and an expanded programme of talks and events for young and emerging film makers. Highlights include screenings of Phantom of the Opera (100th Anniversary) with live score by Minima at Norwich Playhouse on 3 November and Thelma & Louise (35mm screening) at Cinema City Norwich on 10 November. Founded in 2009, Norwich Film Festival is a BAFTA-qualifying and BIFA-recognised short film festival.
4 November: John Illsley: The Life and Times of Dire Straits
Founding member of Dire Straits John Illsley is bringing his UK tour to Norwich Playhouse where he’ll share rare insight, behind-the-scenes stories and live performances of hits like ‘Money for Nothing’ and ‘Brothers in Arms’, which turns 40 this year. Joined by co-mananger Paul Cummins and a band, the evening will blend music with conversation in a q&a format.
7 to 9 November: ART FAIR EAST
The region’s largest contemporary art fair returns to The Assembly House in Norwich. Expect more than 1000 artworks from local, national and international established and emerging artists, with artists and gallerists on hand to chat to visitors. There will be works for sale throughout, from affordable art to investment pieces, including North Norfolk artist Janna Cossettini.
8 November, 730pm: ILYA KONDRATIEV RECITAL
This critically acclaimed pianist will perform at St Botolph’s Church, Trunch, with the programme including sonatas by Liszt and Bach-Basoni Chaconne. Ilya performs extensively as a soloist and chamber music player at venues such as the Palace of Arts in Budapest.
8 November to 23 December: Thursford Christmas Spectacular
More than 120 singers, dancers, speciality acts and musicians, complete with a 32-piece live orchestra. A 130-foot stage, nonstop singing, dancing, comedy and more. Yes, it’s the dazzling Thursford Christmas Spectacular, back for its 48th year production.This West End quality show welcomes more than 50 coaches each day – audiences travel from across the UK and overseas. In fact, Thursford won Best Christmas Experience for the second consecutive year at the Group Leisure & Travel Awards 2025.
‘We never rest on our laurels and this year’s show is no exception. It is set to be our most magical year yet,’ says George Cushing, Associate Producer. ‘We can’t wait to show our audiences what we’ve been working on.’
9 November, 7.30pm: MALTA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
On their first visit to Norwich, this orchestra will perform classical favourites at the Theatre Royal. Enjoy Mozart’s Magic Flute Overture, Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No.2, for which they’ll be joined by soloist Freddy Kempf, and Tchaikovsky’s magnificent Fifth Symphony.
12 to 15 November: TITANIC – THE MUSICAL
The King’s Lynn Players will bring their latest show to King’s Lynn Corn Exchange from 12 to 15 November (nightly at 7.30pm, plus a Saturday matinee). An amateur production of this Tony Award-winning musical, it tells the stories of passengers and crew.
www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk
14, 15, 20, 21 and 22 November: Teachers
John Godber’s fast-moving comedy is coming to Westacre Theatre, directed by Matt Grist. Year 11 students Gail, Hobby and Salty create a play within in play, capturing the triumphs and trials of their schooldays. Westacre Theatre Director Sadie Grist says: ‘This show is massively nostalgic for Matt and I, it’s not our first production of it but it may well be the finest! Watching these brilliant women who first found their feet in our bursary programme, bring Godber’s sharp, energetic and hilarious piece to life, is an absolute joy…’
14 November to 3 January: Norfolk Lights Express
Steam into Christmas on the North Norfolk Railway’s Norfolk Lights Express, with its new ‘Golden Journey’ theme celebrating 50 years of this heritage line. Hauled by an historic steam locomotive with the outside of each carriage decorated with thousands of lights, you’ll see trackside scenery transformed by a series of changing colours, and illuminated installations brought to life by on-board narration and music.
15 November, 11am to 1pm: A SANDRINGHAM MYSTERY
By the Book is hosting the launch of local author Andrew Ogden’s novel Wrong Body: A Sandringham Mystery on 15 November at their Write around the Corner premises in Hunstanton. Enjoy a meet and greet with the author who’ll also be signing copies.
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15 November, 4pm: BEETHOVEN & BACH
Sheringham & Cromer Choral Society will perform Beethoven’s Mass in C and Bach’s cantata Wachet Auf BWV 140 directed by David Ballard, with a chamber orchestra and four soloists at St Peter’s Church, Sheringham. Tickets from www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com
www.sheringhamandcromerchoral.org.uk
15 November, 7.30pm: THE AFRICAN CHOIR OF NORFOLK
Directed by Anna Mudeka, this choir will celebrate its 5th anniversary with a gala performance at Norwich Playhouse featuring music, storytelling and new compositions. It’s a highlight of The Autumn Festival of Norfolk (which is celebrating its 15th anniversary year; www.autumnfestivalofnorfolk.org).
15, 16, 22 and 23 November: JAMES MCCALLUM: RECENT PAINTINGS
Local wildlife artist James McCallum’s annual exhibition will be held at West Barn Gallery, Great Walsingham Barns, featuring more that 60 original paintings, prints and books. James’ watercolours are all made en plein air on location in North Norfolk, with the weather regularly leaving its mark on the paintings in the form of rain speckles or even ice crystals. Birds in their habitats will predominate, including pink-footed and brent geese, and some of the region’s specialist winter birds like Holkham’s shore larks, but other wildlife such as hares will also feature.
16 November, 3.30pm: FAIRYTALES
Step into a world of enchantment at the opening concert of Norfolk Symphony Orchestra’s 50th anniversary season at King’s Lynn Corn Exchange. From Hisaishi’s Merry-Go-Round of Life and Cave of Mind from Howl’s animated film Moving Castle to Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite and Josef Suk’s Pohádka, the concert will be conducted by NSO’s new musical director, Tadeusz Kaznowski. Tickets from www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk
21 November, 7.30pm: DISCOVERING NORFOLK’S PILGRIM ROUTES
Andy Bull will discuss his recent book Norfolk’s Pilgrim Routes: A History of Paths, Places and People at Binham Memorial Hall. Tickets for the talk, organised by Friends of Binham Priory (which was on the pilgrim route to Walsingham), will be available from 24 October.
22 November, 7.30pm: The Penguin Lessons (12A)
Syderstone Village Cinema’s November screening at the Village Hall stars Steve Coogan (and some penguins). Disillusioned teacher Tom Michell gets a job teaching English and Rugby in a school for rich kids in Buenos Aires. It’s 1976 and Argentina is controlled by a military dictatorship, but Tom is more interested in spending time on the beach than in either his pupils or the political situation. During a weekend trip to Uruguay, he rescues an orphaned penguin and smuggles it back into the school, little suspecting that this is the beginning of a personal and political awakening. £4, pay at the door.
Bookings can be made by email to: syderstonecinema_arvh@outlook.com
28 November to 30 December: Holkham Hall by Candlelight
Step into the magical, festive world that is Holkham Hall by Candlelight – one of the NNL team’s Christmas highlights. The State Rooms, Chapel, Old Kitchen and Marble Hall are transformed by Lady Leicester and her talented team of creatives – think fairytale snowy forests, a starlit Night Before Christmas suite, light and sound installations, a 14-foot Christmas tree and more! Opt for a guided tour (select dates) or self-led visit and new for 2025 is the family day on 20 December – a special version of the candlelight tour for children, with jingle elves and Father and Mother Christmas!
Holkham will also be hosting a series of craft workshops, from calligraphy to silver-smithing; Carols in the Courtyard (11 December), a free-to-attend festive singalong with Your Choir, raising funds for charity; a canine carol service in aid of Break Charity (22 December); their Christmas market with more than 60 local producers showcasing artisan food, drink and hand-crafted gifts (12 to 14 December).
December
6 December to 4 January 2026: Aladdin
Wishing for some panto fun? Join Aladdin, Widow Twankey, Wishee Washee and the crew at the Princess Theatre in Hunstanton for a magical pantomime. Expect amazing dance routines, special effects, musical numbers, fun audience participation, and lots of laughs!
6 December to 4 January 2026: Cinderella
This year’s panto at Norwich Theatre Royal is Cinderella and promises all your favourite ingredients from a baddie to boo and hiss at to those naughty ugly sisters. It’s perfect all round family fun. Georgia May Foote will star as Cinderella with Hannah-Jane Fox as her Fairy Godmother. Wicked Sisters, Anderella and Binderella, will be played by Norfolk’s Nimmo Twin, Owen Evans, and Norwich’s Kenny Moore from drag act The Squirrels, alongside Joe Tracini as Buttons. There will be a range of accessible performances, including captioned, audio described, BSL interpreted, relaxed, sensory adapted, and an over-15s performance.
12 December to 4 January 2026: Jack and the Beanstalk
You’ll be transported to a world of magic beans, a castle in the clouds and a bad tempered giant in this year’s panto at King’s Lynn Corn Exchange. Join Jack, Dame Trott and Clarabelle the cow for some fe-fi-fo-fun! There will be a range of accessible performances too, including signed, captioned and relaxed – check the website for details.
www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk
13 December to 4 January 2026: The Wizard of Oz
We’re off to see the wizard… Norfolk actor Megan Brice is making her panto lead debut as Dorothy at Sheringham Little Theatre. She says: ‘I watched the Wizard of Oz on repeat when I was a kid and cannot wait to do the show. I’m really looking forward to playing Dorothy. I love a fun female lead who knows her own mind! Dorothy is a daydreamer with a good heart who cares deeply for her friends, and I see a lot of myself in her.’
Expect toe-tapping tunes, dance routines, cheeky munchkins, immersive entertainment and fun for all the family.
www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com
19 to 24 December: A Christmas Carol
Step into a world of candlelight and carols in this reimagining of Dickens’ classic Christmas tale at Westacre Theatre. Adapted by Neil Bartlett and directed by Sadie Grist and Becky Owen-Fisher, follow scrooge as he is guided through the past, present and future, with a few surprise visitors along the way.
Please check websites for full details, prices and all up to date information.
