IT’S been another busy year of events at the Forum in Barrow.
The Mail have had a look back at the talented acts, hilarious comedians and fabulous theatre productions who performed throughout 2023.
January
Steve Steinman’s Vampire Rock – Ghost Train was one of the main events on show in January.
Singers, dancers and musicians performed over 25 of the greatest classic rock anthems of all time including from AC/DC, Queen, Guns N’ Roses and Meat Loaf for one night only on January 22.
Earlier in the month Silverscreen performed The Last Bus - a heart-warming tale of a pensioner who travels Britain’s most Northerly point to the most Southerly Point using his free bus pass.
On the weekend of January 7 – 8, Deemon Academy performed Chicago & The Sound of Music and the following weekend Kreativ Dance performed ‘The Future’s Bright’.
To finish the month, the international hit show ‘The Simon & Garfunkel Story’ came to town on January 28.
The international hit show featured a live band performing hits including ‘Mrs Robinson’, ‘Cecila’, ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’, ‘Homeward Bound’ and many more.
February
The Legends of American Country Show performed on February 1, which was followed by Strictly Come Dancing’s Robin Windsor starring in ‘Come What May’ on February 4.
Manchester United legends Andy Cole, David May Gary Pallister shared funny stories and anecdotes from their careers to an audience of Red Devil fans on the evening of February 15, which was followed by comedian British actor and standup comedian Chris McCausland on February 17.
Tap Factory – a group who merge percussion, acrobatics, hip hop music, urban tap dance and comedy then delighted the crowds on February 22, before The Circus of Horrors – Haunted Fairground production saw out the end of the month on February 27.
March
In what was an extremely busy month for musical performances, The Forum hosted a charity concert, The Best of Queen tribute band, Northern Live – Do I love you, South Lakes Rock School – Highway to Heaven, The West End With Love, St Paddy’s Irish Night and Steve Steinman’s Anything For Love show.
April
Children’s jaws dropped as they witnessed Fireman Sam Live on April 5.
The Ballet Theatre UK then performed a passionate portrayal of one of the world’s greatest love stories, Romeo and Juliet on April 13, which was followed one week later by Northern Ballet retelling the famous Hans Christian Andersen fairytale, the Ugly Duckling.
Other musical performances in the month came from The Illegal Eales, Rock Icons, The Last Days of Disco, Kate Rusby, Hue & Cry and The Greatest Hits of Motown.
May
The Barrow Operatic and Drama Society presented The Wizard of Oz on May 9 and May 13 before Furness Youth Theatre paid a tribute to Tina Turner in their latest production ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It on May 18 – 20.
Other shows included Elite Dance and Fitness Studios presenting their ‘Stars of the Future dance contest, with dancers showcasing their talents in hip-hop, cheer dance, contemporary, tap, Latin-American and Acrobatic dance.
June
At the halfway point of the year, 10CCLO performed the greatest hits from 10CC and ELO and children enjoyed Dinosaur World Live, which was followed by Steve Harley performing.
Theatre productions of the School of Rock and Deemon were also enjoyed by many.
July
Limitless Dance presented its summer show ‘Let’s Raise The Roof’ between July 14 – 15 before English comedian and actor Tim Vine headlined the month on July 18 with his stand-up show Breeeep!
Other performances came from Abbey Musical Society, Kreativ, Silverscreen, the Instep School of Dance and the Festival of European Youth Theatre.
August
In what was the quietest month of the year, the Walney Musical Theatre performed between August 1 – 5.
The Summer Panto then took place between August 15 – 17 before Sarah and Duck’s Big Top Birthday was performed live on stage between August 26 – 27.
September
Fans of cycling enjoyed an evening with 3x Olympic gold medallist Sir Bradley Wiggins on September 6.
Whitney Houston hits were then enjoyed by many as the West End production of Whitney – Queen of the Night came to Barrow on September 8.
Other highlights included the spellbinding show of The Fleetwood Mac Legacy – Go Your Own Way on September 9, eighties band Hue and Cry on September 21 and Paul Young – Behind the Lens on September 29.
October
Pop band Scouting For Girls headlined the month as they performed a sold out show on October 7.
Scottish singer Marti Pellow then sold out the arena on October 10 with the most intimate show he’s ever done; Pellow Talk, The Lost Chapter.
Other shows included The Magic of Motown, The Bootleg Beatles, Hansel and Gretel, Crown Ballet – Swan Lake and Toploader.
November
Sarah Millican sold out the arena with her stand-up show ‘Late Bloomer’ on November 21.
Earlier in the month, LiveWire brought fans of AC/DC a two-hour set through the best-selling albums of the 1970s rock band, and Walney Musical Theatre performed the beloved Christas film Elf – only this time as a musical.
Other highlights included Calling Planet Earth – a romantic symphony of the electrifying 80s featuring Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, Depeche Mode and more.
December
To round off another incredible year, Jack and the Beanstalk was performed as the annual family pantomime between December 12 – 30.
At the beginning of the month, a Take That and Robbie Williams Tribute Show came to town, which was followed by Lost in Music – One Night at the Disco.
Other events came from the Imperial School of Dance and Silver Screen – Meet Me in St Louis.
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