IT has not got off to a great start so far with another lockdown and school closures but we are all looking at 2021 with cautious hope.

When the vaccine is rolled out to society's vulnerable, restrictions could lift a little later in the year and among those anxiously waiting for that are the Parr Hall team.

The Palmyra Square venue – run by charity Culture Warrington – has not been open since March 2020.

For 125 years, is has been home to top events but now the stage is behind locked doors for the first time in decades. With a nine-month absence of live events, the closures have taken their toll on the Warrington-based charity.

But the team are determined to bounce back stronger in 2021 so we have listed the events that we are most looking forward to when things get back to normal.

We have avoided events in the first quarter of the year as there is a good chance they could be called off but, fingers crossed, events in months to come will still take place.

Chris Persoglio, venue and events manager, said: “Without a doubt, this year has brought about unprecedented challenges, but we’re continuing to monitor government advice, explore new opportunities to engage with the public, and develop a fantastic programme for when we’re able to reopen. We’re excited to welcome back top comedians such as Jimmy Carr, Jason Manford, and Sarah Millican, in addition to some amazing bands, such as Scouting for Girls, Slow Readers Club, The Stranglers, and more.

“Whether you’re into drama, dance, celebrity talk shows, music, or comedy, there’s so much to enjoy and we can’t wait to welcome you all back as soon as we’re able.”

SHAUN RYDER

May 6

Warrington Guardian:

Imagine the tales he could tell about Madchester era and The Haçienda days.

But what will also be inspiring to hear is how Shaun survived those hedonistic 80s and 90s to become the healthier, cleaner living musician and dad he is today who says he loves performing The Happy Mondays and Black Grape more than ever.

JOHN BISHOP

September 5

Warrington Guardian:

The Liverpool comic describes his Parr Hall show as a warm up for his arena tour.

And some warm up it will be after not being on a stage for some while. A chance to see John in a much more intimate setting.

The show will perhaps be a little rough around the edges due to the lockdown hiatus but he will no doubt have plenty to say about what we all went through in 2020.

JIMMY CARR

September 17

Warrington Guardian:

Jimmy Carr is such a staple at Parr Hall that the pandemic period is probably the only year he has been away from Warrington in some time.

Expect quick fire and quick witted jokes that test – and probably break – the boundaries of political correctness. After all, ‘having political correctness at a comedy show is like having health and safety at a rodeo’ – says the veteran comedian.

JASON MANFORD

September 29

Warrington Guardian:

It must have been a logistical nightmare for Jason Manford’s team who had to delay his 99-date 2021 tour. Jason’s Parr Hall visit has now moved from March to September and will tackle the social media age.

Given the comic has also reinvented himself as a musical theatre star – appearing in the likes of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Producers and Curtains – he will no doubt have plenty to say about the pandemic’s impact on live entertainment too.

JOHN LYDON

October 6

Warrington Guardian:

Sex Pistols’ John Lydon will be sharing stories about how his band sparked a cultural revolution and brought ‘anarchy’ to the UK.

It is the first time the musician – more commonly known as Johnny Rotten – has given an account of his life and the punk era on stage like this so it should be an incredible and eye-opening night for any fan.

MICHAEL PARKINSON

October 18

Warrington Guardian:

Billy Connolly, Muhammad Ali, David Attenborough, Michael Caine, Madonna.

He has quizzed them all and thousands more.

Now the tables have turned for Michael Parkinson because the 85-year-old will be talking about his own life.

ROB BRYDON

November 8

Warrington Guardian:

Did you enjoy Rob’s dulcet tones as The King in Zog and the Flying Doctors?

The endlessly cheerful Welshman will be bringing it up a notch with his next visit to Parr Hall with an eight-piece band to accompany his songs and showbiz stories.

KATHERINE RYAN

December 2

Warrington Guardian:

The creator and star of Netflix smash hit The Duchess will be talking about life, love and ‘accidentally’ marrying her first love.

Earlier this year, Katherine made waves by calling out ‘cancel culture’ – the practice of attempting to shun high-profile figures over perceived wrongs – saying it left no room for progress or conversation.

SARAH MILLICAN

December 3 and 4

Warrington Guardian:

After spending lockdown life ‘writing jokes and growing her backside’, Sarah Millican will be returning to the stage for her sixth tour.

The comic’s new ‘weird and wonderful’ show is called Bobby Dazzler and will tackle everything from trying to lose weight and smear tests to floatation tanks and what to do when your mouth seals shut.