SHEFFIELD THEATRES ANNOUNCE NEW SEASON IN THE LYCEUM FOR 2021-2022
Sheffield Theatres is looking ahead to 2021 with the launch of a brand new season of shows in the Lyceum theatre.
To welcome as many people back as possible, the programme of touring productions is designed to cater for everyone: from Jurassic encounters with Dinosaur World to stand-up comedy from Al Murray, unnerving illusions with Derren Brown to gospel-singing nuns in Sister Act, the Lyceum’s new season will be bringing performance of all genres back on stage.
Chief Executive of Sheffield Theatres, Dan Bates, said:
‘It is so exciting to be looking ahead to a new season of shows in the Lyceum, which has been unable to host performances for over eight months. It was heart-breaking to see so many brilliant productions cancelled or postponed, but we are incredibly grateful for the support and patience of our audiences. We’re delighted to finally be able to reschedule shows from the original line-up, and to welcome some new productions to the season too.’
The new season opens with the chilling mystery Looking Good Dead from 19 April 2021. From number one best-selling author Peter James and adapted by award-winning writer Shaun McKenna, Looking Good Dead follows train passenger Tom Bryce – played by EastEnders’ Adam Woodyatt – who, after finding a mysterious USB stick left in his carriage, inadvertently becomes witness to a brutal murder. Danger follows as the case unfurls and Bryce fights to protect his family’s lives in this gripping new play.
Over in the Crucible, we welcome back The World Seniors Snooker Championship for their return from the 6 – 9 May. Defending champion Jimmy White will head up a 16-strong field who will battle for the title, which will feature many former world champions and legends of the game. For snooker fans, it promises to be an exciting opportunity to see some of the legends of the game do battle.
In May, the stage will be taken over by the prehistoric with Dinosaur World: Live from Thu 13 – Fri 14. In its return to the Lyceum, this treacherous tale of Triceratops and T-rexes makes for a spectacular theatre experience, perfect for kids eager for some live-on-stage action.
On 15 May, Al Murray takes to the stage with his stand-up show Landlord of Hope and Glory. As sharp, charming and belittling as ever, the nation’s favourite pub landlord gives a performance straight from the rambunctious atmosphere of your local pub: something we have all been missing this year.
On 25 May, the kids are alright with Mischief Theatre’s latest rollick Groan Ups. A ‘brand-new comedy for anyone who ever went to school’, this production from the creators of The Play That Goes Wrong follows a class of unruly six-year-olds on their journey to anarchic high school teenagers and beyond.
Leading into June is the classic musical Chicago, as it embarks on its international tour. From 22 June, lose yourself in the bright lights of 1920s New York with classic songs and dazzling dance routines. Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer, murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her and discovers the blurred lines between celebrity and criminal.
Alfred Hitchcock’s classic whodunit Dial M for Murder arrives from 13 July. Starring Strictly’s Tom Chambers and EastEnders’ star Samantha Womack, this masterclass of suspense will have audiences hanging on until the very end when ex-tennis pro Tony Wendice seeks revenge on his unfaithful wife and delves deep into the pursuit of the perfect crime.
On the theme of mystery and intrigue, Derren Brown returns to the Lyceum for another infamously inexplicable live show from 20 July. Showman, his first new theatre show in six years, promises to astonish and amaze audiences. Although the content of the show remains a closely-guarded secret, if you’ve seen him before, you know you are in for a mind-boggling performance.
Next, the romantic musical comedy Waitress will be on stage from 28 September. Waitress Jenna dreams of finding happiness, so when an attractive new doctor arrives in town, life suddenly gets complicated for the expert pie-maker. With its score created by seven-time Grammy® nominee Sara Bareilles (Love Song, Brave), Waitress is a heart-warming musical that’s sweet enough to eat.
From 12 October is Sister Act: the divine musical comedy about a disco diva who winds up under protective custody in a convent after she witnesses a murder. Featuring original music by Tony® and eight-time Oscar® winner Alan Menken (Disney’s Aladdin, Enchanted) and songs inspired by Motown, soul and disco, this joyous and hilarious musical is one nostalgia-filled trip you will never forget.
My Best Friend’s Wedding follows from 9 November, starring Alexandra Burke (The Bodyguard, Chicago, Sister Act) as fiery Julianne Potter, a food critic who always turned her nose up at romance, until her closest friend and long-term sweetheart Michael announces he’s engaged – to someone else. Chaos unfurls in this wickedly funny musical based on the well-loved 1997 film.
Moving into 2022, The Commitments runs from 17 October. A young working-class music fan shapes an unlikely bunch of amateur musicians into the finest soul band Dublin has ever produced in this feel-good celebration the world’s biggest soul hits, based on the BAFTA award-winning film.
Finally, audiences can then enjoy to the sunshine of Greece with Mamma Mia! from 25 October 2022, as the all-singing, all-dancing musical featuring the timeless hits of ABBA returns to Sheffield. With music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, Judy Craymer’s ingenious staging tells the entertaining and emotional tale of a mother, a daughter and three possible dads.
Shows for the new season begin from 19 April 2021. Tickets go on sale to Centre Stage Members on Monday 14 December and then on general sale Monday 21 December 2020. Tickets can be booked online at sheffieldtheatres.co.uk.