THE railway crossing closures continue this week and we are ending our shows in time for staff and patrons to get across the river before the crossing closes.

The switch-on of the Christmas lights will be in a month’s time, which just goes to show that the festive period is rushing upon us.

The Milton Rooms, in Malton, hosts An Evening with Michael Portillo on Friday. Michael is perhaps now best known for five series of “Great British Railway Journeys” and two series of “Great Continental Railway Journeys” on BBC 2.

Before broadcasting, his career was in politics as a Conservative MP for the best part of 20 years, including 11 years as a minister. He held three cabinet posts, including Secretary of State for Defence. Sounds an interesting evening out.

Slightly further ahead, there is an evening with The Hut People – an English Instrumental Duo on Friday, November 14.

This very popular duo perform a hugely engaging, entertaining and truly unique blend of “world-folk” music, led by a driving accordion and a dazzling array of exotic percussion.

Films this week

Love, Rosie (15) will be carrying on for another week, as will The Judge (15), Book of Life (U), Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (PG) and Serena (15) Looking further ahead The time is marching on towards Christmas and we have some fun family films around then with the Penguins of Madagascar, Paddington, Get Santa and, the much awaited The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies.

Live stage productions

NT Live: JOHN (18) – DV8 Physical Theatre is bringing its powerful new production to the National Theatre.

The company’s new production, JOHN, authentically depicts real-life stories, combining movement and spoken word to create an intense and moving theatrical experience.

DV8’s artistic director interviewed more than 50 men asking them frank questions, initially about love and sex, one of those men was John.

What emerged was a story that is both extraordinary and touching. John is certificate 18 for cinema audiences and plays on Tuesday, December 9, at 7.45pm, and contains a great amount of nudity. Great seats in all parts at the time of writing.

ROH Live Ballet: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (12A). At a garden party on a sunny afternoon, Alice is surprised to see her parents’ friend Lewis Carroll transform into a white rabbit. When she follows him down a rabbit hole things get curiouser and curiouser. On her journeys through Wonderland Alice encounters countless strange creatures. She’s swept off her feet by the charming Knave of Hearts, on the run for stealing the tarts. Confusion piles upon confusion until Alice wakes with a start. Was it all a daydream?

ROH Live Ballet: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is on Tuesday, December 16, at 7pm. There are seats in all parts at the time of writing.