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Squire Lane Theatrical presents:

Acclaimed National Theatre return to Hull New Theatre

Company brings Hedda Gabler to venue following sold-out run in London

Following a sold-out run at the National Theatre in London, the acclaimed company will bring a tour of its bold production of Hedda Gabler to Hull New Theatre next week.

Just married. Bored already. Hedda longs to be free…

Hedda and Tesman have just returned from their honeymoon and the relationship is already in trouble. Trapped but determined, Hedda tries to control those around her, only to see her own world unravel.

Adapted by Olivier Award-winning playwright Patrick Marber (Closer, Three Days in the Country) and directed by Olivier and Tony Award-winner Ivo van Hove (A View from the Bridge), who made his National Theatre debut with this bold and modern new production.

Lizzy Watts plays the title role of the free-spirited Hedda Gabler, one the greatest dramatic parts in theatre and regarded as the female Hamlet.

Marber said: “It has been a huge honour to work with the great Ivo van Hove on this version of Hedda Gabler at the National Theatre. I am thrilled that this tour will enable more people to see his incredible production.”

The visit by National Theatre follows their five-star reviewed production of Jane Eyre in September which was the first touring show to be performed at Hull New Theatre following its £16m refurbishment.

It continues the venue’s incredible autumn/winter season of world-class drama, dance and opera and unmissable musicals including the new production, Son of Preacher Man, and the West End and Broadway hit Beautiful, the Carole King Musical.

Tickets for Hedda Gabler at Hull New Theatre from Monday, November 13 to Saturday, November 18 are from £15 plus £1.50 per ticket booking fee with concessions available.

Book over the telephone by calling 01482 300 306 or online by visiting www.hulltheatres.co.uk or via this link. Tickets can also be booked in person at the Hull New Theatre or Hull City Hall box offices.

Deafinitely Theatre & New Diorama Theatre present

CONTRACTIONS

By Mike Bartlett

Director: Paula Garfield; Designer: Paul Burgess; Sound Designer: Chris Bartholomew

Cast: Fifi Garfield (The Manager), Abigail Poulton (Emma)

ND2 (New Diorama Theatre),

1-29 November 2017

Artistic Director of Deafinitely Theatre, Paula Garfield, today announces a new, site-specific production of Mike Bartlett’s play Contractions as the company marks its 15th anniversary. A co-production with New Diorama Theatre and staged on a disused trading floor at New Diorama’s ND2, it will be Deafinitely Theatre’s first site-specific show. Garfield directs Fifi Garfield and Abigail Poulton in the production which opens at New Diorama’s ND2 on 8 November, with previews from 1 November, and runs until 29 November.

Deafinitely Theatre is the UK’s only professional deaf-led theatre company, creating bilingual productions of classic and contemporary plays for deaf and hearing audiences that combine the visual storytelling of British Sign Language with the immediacy of spoken English.

‘It’s very important that you stay healthy.

That the environment you work in is safe.

That you feel comfortable, and secure.

That you feel balanced, safe, and in control.’

Are your employers concerned about your welfare? Do they have a duty of care? Emma thinks so, but when she begins a relationship with colleague Darren her Manager suggests she might be in breach of contract. A series of bizarre meetings follow, during which the consequences of Emma’s actions take on a disturbing quality… A dark comedy about faceless corporations, nameless management and the boundaries between work and play.

Deafinitely Theatre’s Contractions, is the first professional revival of the play in London since its debut at the Royal Court Theatre in 2008.

Mike Bartlett’s plays for the theatre include: Wild (Hampstead Theatre); Game (Almeida), King Charles III (Almeida Theatre/Wyndham’s Theatre/Music Box Theatre, New York), An Intervention (Paines Plough/Watford), Bull (Sheffield Theatres/Off Broadway/Young Vic), Medea (Headlong/Glasgow Citizens/Watford/Warwick), Chariots of Fire (Hampstead Theatre/Gielgud Theatre), 13 (National Theatre), Decade (co-writer Headlong), Earthquakes in London (Headlong, National Theatre), Love,Love,Love (Paines Plough / Plymouth Theatre Royal/Royal Court/Roundabout Theatre Company, New York), Cock, Contractions, My Child (Royal Court Theatre), Artefacts (Bush Theatre/ Nabokov). Plays for the radio: King Charles III, Cock, Heart, The Core, Family Man, Love Contract (BBC Radio 4), The Steps, Not Talking (BBC Radio 3). As Director: Medea (Headlong /Glasgow Citizens/ Watford/Warwick), Honest (Theatre Royal Northampton). His television includes:

King Charles III (Drama Republic/BBC), Doctor Foster (Drama Republic/BBC), The Town (Big Talk Productions). At the 2015 Olivier Awards King Charles III won Best New Play and Bull won Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre. Love,Love,Love won Best New Play in the 2011 Theatre Awards UK and Cock won an Olivier Award in 2010 for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre.

Fifi Garfield plays The Manager. Her previous work with Deafinitely Theatre includes A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Shakespeare’s Globe). Her first professional role was in London Bubble directed by Adrian Jackson, which toured the UK. Since then she has appeared in over twenty productions on stage and screen, including presenting on See Hear and performing in Switch, both for the BBC. In addition to her acting career, she works freelance within creative media, translating from English to BSL (British Sign Language), directing, filming and editing.

Abigail Poulton plays Emma. Her first professional production was with the Walking Theatre Company in the site-specific piece When Twilight Falls, The Magic Begins. Her other previous credits include Peter Pan (Alban Arena) and Bel-Ami (Charing Cross Theatre).

Paula Garfield directs. For Deafinitely Theatre she has directed Two Chairs, Motherland, Children of a Greater God, Playing God, Double Sentence and Gold Dust. She also devised and directed The Boy and the Statue for Deafinitely at the Tricycle Theatre and on a London schools’ tour. Garfield has directed two productions at Shakespeare’s Globe – Love Labour’s Lost, for the Globe to Globe Festival as part of Deafinitely’s 10th anniversary, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Her other directing work includes Tanika’s Journey (Southwark Playhouse) Grounded (Park Theatre).

An actor, director, workshop leader and organiser, Garfield has worked on a variety of television, film and theatre projects over the past fifteen years. In 2002 she established Deafinitely Theatre with Steven Webb and Kate Furby after becoming frustrated at the barriers that deaf actors and directors face across the arts and media. She has produced and directed many plays and worked extensively in TV, including Channel Four’s Learn Sign Language, Four Fingers and a Thumb, BBC’s Hands Up and Casualty, plus appearances in every series of the BBC’s deaf drama, Switch.

New Diorama Theatre is a pioneering venue in the heart of London dedicated to providing a home for theatre ensembles, both emerging and established, from across the UK. Since opening in 2010, New Diorama has welcomed well over 120,000 audience members and has developed productions that have toured both nationally and internationally. Having received two prestigious Peter Brook Awards for their programme, New Diorama were also the recipients of the 2013/14 Les Enfants Terribles Prize and Artistic and Executive Director David Byrne was awarded the OffWestEnd Award for Best Artistic Director in 2014.

Supported by a strong community programme New Diorama were Mayor of Camden’s Official Charity in 2012/13 and are proud of their work with Access, being the only non-government funded studio theatres to offer access performances throughout their whole season. In 2017 New Diorama also opened what is thought to be Central London’s biggest affordable rehearsal space, ND2, in partnership with British Land. New Diorama Theatre was also the recipient of the prestigious Peter Brook ‘Empty Space’ Award in 2016 as a “vital creative hub for established and emerging theatre companies” and was named Best Fringe Theatre at the 2017 Stage Awards.

This production is made by possible by the generous support of:

Arts Council England, Autograph Sound Recording, Diorama Arts Centre, Edwardian Hotels London, Foyle Foundation, The London Community Foundation and Cockayne – Grants for the Arts, The Noël Coward Foundation, White Light Ltd, The Worshipful Company of Grocers. Marketing supported by JHI Marketing.

Website: www.deafinitelytheatre.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/deafinitelytheatre

Twitter: www.twitter.com/DeafinitelyT

LISTINGS 

CONTRACTIONS

1-29 November 2017

ND2 (New Diorama Theatre)

1 Triton Square

Regent’s Place

NW1 3HG

Box office: 0207 383 9034

www.newdiorama.com

Performances:

Tues – Sat 8pm

Saturday matinees 4pm

Tickets:

£14.50 (£12.50 conc)

All preview tickets: £12.50

 

The Courtyard Theatre  – until 18 November.  Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

JN Maskelyne’s conviction that the spiritualists and mediums that were so popular in the Victorian era were fakes and fraudsters led to his becoming one of the most famous stage magicians of all time (and inventor of the pay toilet).

Writer Jarek Adams takes us from the very beginning of his career through to his death in a magical and entertaining production. We first see JN (Andrew Thorn) railing against the tricks of the Davenport brothers in their spiritualist demonstrations. JN convinces his friend George Cooke (Dave Short) to join him in demonstrating that everything the Davenports create can be done without any help from the spirits, using only stage magic. Their act is a success and soon Maskelyne is answering challenges and fighting court cases to debunk the spiritualist’s methods. Throughout all this, the shadow of family legend and rumours hovers over JN, with tales of a mysterious gentleman in black and a deal to obtain supernatural powers for the family complicating his claims of the non-existence of the supernatural. Adams personifies this myth with the mysterious gentleman constantly on stage watching JN. After Cook’s death, JN’s convictions seem to waver, with him constantly talking to George as his son Nevil (Josh Harper) proves to be sadly lacking in stage craft and JN becomes reliant on fellow magician David Devant for the success of his company.

The relationship between JN and George is beautifully written, with Short excelling in the frustrated but compliant friend struggling to keep JN’s ego in check. In the second act, Harper’s quiet and intense Nevil makes JN seem much more of a caricature without George’s influence, and Thorn’s reactions to Nevil reading the insults thrown at him are a joy to watch. As JN ages and events come to a head, his true feelings about the spirit world become more and more confused, and Adams makes no attempt to clear this up, which feels right as approaching death can make the strongest person search for any way out.

It is the relationships that make this play enchanting, showing the flawed Maskelyne at his best and worst with those he loved. The numerous magic tricks thrown in between scenes or carried out during long monologues are simple and pure – the lack of pyrotechnics making some of them even more mind-boggling than modern tricks. This is a magical gem of a show.

Leicester Square Theatre – until 7 January.  Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Stick Man is brought to life in seriously silly style by Scamp Theatre. This is the production’s seventh Christmas in the West End, a mark of true quality.

As with all of Donaldson’s wonderful picture books, the story is simple with a repetitive refrain. Stick Man and his Lady Love live happily with their three children in their family tree. One morning Stick Man goes for a jog and his troubles begin. He meets a dog who wants to play fetch, a karate kicking girl who wants to play Poohsticks, a swan who wants to build a nest, people who use him as a bat and a flagpole, and eventually ends up as firewood. Luckily a Christmas visitor arrives to help Stick Man get home.

The cast of three is energetic with fantastic physical comedy skills. Sam Heron is Stick Man, Lara Cowin plays most of the other characters from the story, and musician Alex Tosh plays the remaining characters.

The jaunty music and songs are repetitive, in keeping with the source material, and there’s even a scene where the audience is asked to recap the story (which they did with gusto). There is plenty of visual comedy for the very youngest children, and lots of asides that go straight over the children’s heads to keep the adults chuckling as well. At one point, there is a free for all with a giant beach ball being thrown around the theatre by screaming children, but the cast reined it back in brilliantly, bringing the audience back to the story with consummate skill. The jeopardy when Stick Man was collected for the fire was greeted with oohs and ahhs from most of the audience, but a few younger children buried their heads in their parents’ chests and needed a little reassurance. Of course, the appearance of Santa soon made them forget all about their worries.

This is a charming, inventive and slick production – Stick Man is fantastic festive fun for all the family.

The Bread & Roses Theatre – until 18 November.  Reviewed by Claire Roderick

3***

To mark their third anniversary, The Bread & Roses Theatre present the winner of their playwriting award 2017, The Black Eye Club by Phil Charles. This is Charles’ first stage play, having written for TV and film.

Set in a women’s refuge, the three hander is about Zoe, who comes to the refuge regularly to temporarily escape from her husband, who allows Dave, a gay man who’s left his abusive partner, to stay in her room overnight. Security guard Sharon is suspicious of the noise she hears and constantly interrupts the pair as they gradually open up and share the stories of their troubled relationships.

Dave (Christopher Sherwood) is a stereotypical posh repressed bloke, leaving Sherwood little room for anything other than stiff but endearing awkwardness to play with, while Rebecca Pryle as Zoe does her usual fine job of portraying the damage beneath a lairy and flippant exterior. Cathryn Sherman as Sharon just has to look forbidding and inept, but gets to let rip in great style in the final scene.

Billed as a black comedy, The Black Eye Club has some great lines, but many fall flat. The trouble is, it’s not THAT dark. Phil Charles uses Zoe to voice cliched and ignorant responses about gay relationships that are sadly still widely used. Tackling the issue of domestic abuse in a same sex relationship, there is a touching scene where Dave tells Zoe about the police officer’s facetious response to his complaints about his partner, and the lack of help for men in need of beds is also touched upon. That’s my main issue with the play – Charles could have taken things further, exploring Dave’s situation in more depth rather than following the “Odd Couple” route. Don’t get me wrong – the story satisfies as a feel-good story about domestic abuse with an upbeat ending (the gay couple sitting with me thought it was “lovely”) – but with some further work, could possibly become a truly black comedy with an important message.

Grand Opera House York – 2 November 2017. Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

4****

Steve Steinman, writer, director and main character, has revamped this rock musical which played in York this week and is touring the UK right into next year.

This is the first time that I had been to see Vampires Rock but I had heard great things about it. Earlier this year I did go and see Iconic, another one of his shows, and unfortunately, I was disappointed. I was so hoping I would not feel the same about this show, but didn’t hold out much hope. I am so glad to say that my fears were unfounded, this show was fab.

Vampires Rock tells the tale of Baron von Rockula and his vampires taking refuge in an old fairground’s Ghost Train. He is after a new virginial wife after the death of his Pandora and orders his faithful sidekick Bosley (John Evans) to find him one, enter Roxy Honeybox (Hayley Russell). We see her being seduced by the Baron and his band of sexy vampires, whilst being pursued by Van Halensing (nod to the vampire hunter and the famous rockband rolled into one).

The excellent band, The Lost Boys, take us through tracks from Queen, AC/DC, Meat Loaf, Journey, Guns n Roses, Van Halen of course, plus many more. They are on stage the whole time, at different levels, rocking the whole theatre with such skill. When Steinman sings his first Meat Loaf cheers can be heard from the audience, obviously they’ve been here before. Steinman first foray into the entertainment business was as Meat Loaf in Stars in their Eyes, more than 25 years ago.

Both Hayley Russell and Penny Jones give strong vocal performances, including Holding out for a Hero, and Don’t Stop Believin’.

Evans is a perfect sidekick to Steinman, their banter provides such comedy, and it is sure a sight to behold when he strips off to reveal zebra print leggings with blue pvc pants on top.

The plot is a bit pants to be honest, but that is not what this show is all about. It’s about a rock concert, a vampire pantomime rock concert to be more exact. It is full of really cheesy, corny jokes and great interaction with the audience, a lot of it’s behind you, and oh no it isn’t can be heard. By the end of show the whole audience were up singing and dancing, you couldn’t help not to.

A fun, exciting show with a great atmosphere that you can get involved with. As long as you don’t go expecting to see a play, or musical theatre, and love a cheesy, fun rock concert, that doesn’t take itself too seriously you will not be disappointed. I loved it and can’t wait to go again next year.

 

KINKY BOOTS, LONDON’S SMASH HIT AND THE WINNER OF EVERY
MAJOR BEST MUSICAL AWARD, TO TOUR THE UK FROM SEPTEMBER
2018

Kinky Boots, the winner of every major Best Musical award, is pleased to announce that it will embark on a UK tour from autumn 2018. The tour will open at Royal & Derngate in Northampton on 19 September 2018, returning to the home of this heart-warming British story, whilst the West End production continues at the Adelphi Theatre.

Royal & Derngate, Northampton (19 September – 6 October 2018) – Public booking opens 2 November 2017
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre (16 – 27 October 2018) – Public booking opens 6 November 2017
Newcastle Theatre Royal (29 October – 10 November 2018) – Public booking opens 10 November 2017
Manchester Opera House (12 November – 1 December 2018) – Public booking opens 10 November 2017
Edinburgh Playhouse (10 December 2018 – 5 January 2019) – Public booking opens 10 November 2017
Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury (14– 26 January 2019) – Public booking opens 27 November 2017
Regent Theatre, Stoke-on Trent (28 January – 9 February 2019) – Public booking opens 10 November 2017
Bristol Hippodrome (25 February – 9 March 2019) – Public booking opens 10 November 2017

Further cities and dates will be announced at a later date.

Kinky Boots at the Adelphi Theatre has become a favourite with UK theatregoers having won three Olivier Awards for Best New Musical, Best Costume Design and Best Actor in a Musical for Matt Henry who played Lola. Kinky Boots also won the London Evening Standard BBC Radio 2 Audience Award for Best Musical as well as three WhatsOnStage Awards for Best New Musical, Best Actor in a Musical and Best Choreography.

With a book by Broadway legend and four-time Tony® Award-winner Harvey Fierstein (La Cage aux Folles), and songs by Grammy® and Tony® winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper, this joyous musical celebration is about the friendships we discover, and the belief that you can change the world when you change your mind.

Inspired by true events, Kinky Boots takes you from a gentlemen’s shoe factory in Northampton to the glamorous catwalks of Milan. Charlie Price is struggling to live up to his father’s expectations and continue the family business of Price & Son. With the factory’s future hanging in the balance, help arrives in the unlikely but spectacular form of Lola, a fabulous performer in need of some sturdy new stilettos.

With direction and choreography by two-time Tony® Award-winner Jerry Mitchell (Legally Blonde, Hairspray), Kinky Boots is the winner of every major Best Musical award including three Olivier Awards, three WhatsOnStage Awards as well as six Broadway Tony® Awards.

Composer and Lyricist, Cyndi Lauper said: “It has been a wonderful adventure and a privilege for me, to play a part in creating Kinky Boots. Everyone can relate to this universal story, and I am overwhelmed that people in the UK
have embraced it with open arms. I am thrilled that this fabulous show will be touring the country!”

Book writer, Harvey Fierstein said: “The inspiring story of Kinky Boots will soon complete its full circle journey from Northampton to the silver screen to Broadway and London and now, at last, back home to Northampton as it embarks on a national UK tour. How often does that happen? It’s been an absolute thrill to witness the giant heart of our show raise audiences up out of their seats in clamorous joy night after night in the West End and I am now so glad to experience its homecoming.”

Director and Choreographer, Jerry Mitchell said: “I am delighted to see this big-spirited musical going on tour. Kinky Boots is very close to my heart, and I am really looking forward to taking this British musical all over the UK .”

Kinky Boots is produced by Daryl Roth and Hal Luftig, James L. Nederlander, Terry Allen Kramer, Playful Productions, CJ E&M, Jayne Baron Sherman, Just for Laughs Theatricals/Judith Ann Abrams, Yasuhiro Kawana, Jane Bergère, Allan S. Gordon & Adam S. Gordon, Ken Davenport, Hunter Arnold, Lucy and Phil Suarez, Bryan Bantry, Ron Fierstein & Dorsey Regal, Independent Presenters Network, Jim Kierstead/Gregory Rae, BB Group/Christina Papagjika, Brian Smith/Tom & Connie Walsh, Warren Trepp, and Jujamcyn Theaters, in association with Cameron Mackintosh.

Book: Harvey Fierstein
Composer & Lyricist: Cyndi Lauper
Director & Choreographer: Jerry Mitchell
Musical Supervision,
Arranger & Orchestrator: Stephen Oremus
Scenic Design: David Rockwell
Costume Design: Gregg Barnes
Lighting Design: Kenneth Posner
Sound Design: John Shivers
Hair Design: Josh Marquette
Make-up Design: Randy Houston Mercer
Casting for the tour will be announced in due course.

Official UK Tour Website: www.kinkybootsthemusical.co.uk/uk-tour
Official Facebook: www.facebook.com/KinkyBootsUK
Official Twitter: www.twitter.com/KinkyBootsUK

TOUR DETAILS
Royal & Derngate, Northampton
19 September – 6 October 2018
Website: www.royalandderngate.co.uk
Box Office: 01604 624 811

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
16 – 27 October 2018
Website: www.grandtheatre.co.uk
Box Office: 01902 429 212

Newcastle Theatre Royal
29 October – 10 November 2018
Website: www.theatreroyal.co.uk
Box Office: 08448 11 21 21

Manchester Opera House
12 November – 1 December 2018
Website: www.atgtickets.com/venues/opera-house-manchester
Box Office: 0844 871 7627

Edinburgh Playhouse
10 December 2018 – 5 January 2019
Website: www.atgtickets.com/venues/edinburgh-playhouse
Box Office: 0844 871 3014

Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury
14 – 26 January 2019
Website: www.marlowetheatre.com
Box Office: 01227 787 787

Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent
28 January – 9 February 2019
Website: www.atgtickets.com/venues/regent-theatre
Box Office: 0844 871 7649

Bristol Hippodrome
25 February – 9 March 2019
Website: www.atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-hippodrome
Box Office: 0844 871 3012

LID IS LIFTED ON THEATRE ROYAL NEW SEASON

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

Ballet British Columbia 13-14 March ‘18

Sherlock Holmes 8-12 May ‘18

Dusty the Musical 17-21 July ‘18

Kinky Boots 29 Oct–10 Nov ‘18

Newcastle Theatre Royal truly is the cultural epicentre of the region, as highlighted by the launch of its Spring/Summer ’18 season today – a theatrical treasure chest of riches featuring breath-taking dance, thought-provoking drama, feel-good musicals and family shows aplenty.

 

The Grade 1 listed Theatre will be bursting at the seams next year as it welcomes no less than five big musicals, including  Evita (22-26 May), Hairspray (25-30 June), Dusty the Musical (17-21 July),Calendar Girls (18-29 Sep) and Kinky Boots (29 Oct – 10 Nov).

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s hit show Evita returns to Newcastle in May, starring Madalena Alberto (Les Misérables) and Gian Marco Schiaretti (Tarzan). Telling the story of Eva Peron – wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Peron – Evita follows Eva’s journey from humble beginnings through to extraordinary iconic status and features some of the most famous songs in musical theatre.

Returning for one week only after a sell-out visit in Spring 2016, West End and Broadway hit Hairspray lands 25-30 June. Set in 1962, Hairspray tells the story of Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, who’s on a mission to follow her dreams and dance her way onto national TV. This is a feel-good show with the ultimate dance-in-your-seat and singalong soundtrack.

 

Dusty the Musical (17-21 July) is a landmark new show based on the authorised biography of Dusty Springfield, featuring many of her blazingly soulful pop hits, including I Only Want

to Be with You, Son of a Preacher Man and You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me. With a fiercely funny and emotionally charged script from BAFTA and Olivier nominated writer

Jonathan Harvey, Dusty celebrates the extraordinary and vivacious woman with the iconic voice.

Calendar Girls the Musical (18-29 Sep), by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth, is the award winning musical comedy based on the true story of a group of ordinary ladies who achieved something extraordinary. Straight from the West End, this is a glorious new production with an all-star cast.

But perhaps the most anticipated of the season is Kinky Boots (29 Oct – 10 Nov), winner of every major Best Musical award, including the 2016 Olivier Award for Best New Musical.  Featuring songs by Grammy and Tony winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper and a book by Broadway legend Harvey Fierstein this dazzling show is a joyous story of Brit grit, taking audiences from the factory floor of Northampton to the catwalks of Milan!

 

Dance fans will delight in three big names this season, starting with the breathtaking Ballet British Columbia (13-14 Mar).  Making its Theatre Royal debut, Canada’s leading national dance company present an exhilarating evening of dance by three internationally celebrated female choreographers. Recognised for their fresh creativity, this 18-strong company of dancers will astound UK audiences with their unique blend of cool, classical elegance, contemporary flair and extraordinary skill.

Returning in May due to phenomenal demand is international Irish dance sensation Spirit of the Dance (16-19) on its record-breaking 20 year anniversary tour. One of the world’s most successful dance shows, Spirit of the Dance showcases the heart-pounding rhythms of Irish dance as well as sensual Flamenco and red hot salsa.  Not one dancer steps out of line as their thunderous feet perform in this thrilling and explosive production.

Another big name to return this season is Stomp (13-18 Aug), the unstoppable smash-hit but fresher, faster and funnier than ever! Combining dance, comedy and music into a theatrical experience like no other Stomp takes familiar objects like newspapers, bins, plastics bags and even the kitchen sink and uses them to create a universal language of rhythm and movement that’s playful, thrilling and exploding with energy.

For drama lovers we are proud to present one riveting new show and one old favourite.   Sherlock Holmes – The Final Curtain (8-12 May) is a gripping new stage show with an all-star cast including Robert Powell and Liza Goddard in celebration of the world’s greatest detective. Holmes lives in retirement on the South Coast and is concerned in his advancing years he may be an easy target for his enemies. So when a new case presents itself Holmes is determined to kill two birds with one stone – solve the mystery and confront his own demons.

Following its sell-out success in January, the multi award-winning West End smash hit comedy drama The Play that Goes Wrong returns 2-7 July.  The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society are putting on a 1920s murder mystery, but as the title suggests, everything that can go wrong…does! As the accident prone thesps battle on against all the odds to reach their final curtain call, hilarious results ensue!  Now playing on Broadway and enjoying its 4th year in the West End, the show has secured rave reviews and won a host of celebrity endorsements along the way.

Another comedy treat, back once again to warm the hearts of their loyal fans are the incorrigibly Grumpy Old Women (20 May).  Fed up with flogging their guts out and always having to be in charge, the GOW have put their knobbly old feet up in glorious retirement.  Free at last to practise their extreme colouring-in, ukulele orchestra and novelty fudge-making!  But, with the world in a bigger mess than ever before, they will need to unleash their superpowers as only three old Grumpies know how!  Stars Jenny Eclair, Dillie Keane and Lizzie Roper.

Also sure to be a sell-out is the official world premiere of ITV’s smash hit comedy Benidorm (7-15 Sep), which opens at Newcastle Theatre Royal prior to a major national tour.  Produced by iconic Newcastle born West End producer Michael Harrison (The Bodyguard; Young Frankenstein) the show features everyone’s favourite stars from the Solana Hotel live on stage for the very first time.

Two great new shows for our smaller customers complete the new season – a brand new live stage show from the Youtube sensation Little Baby Bum (10-11 July) invites pre-schoolers to step into the magical and colourful world of Nursery Rhymes, while August sees the return of everyone’s favourite piggy in Peppa Pig’s Adventure (22-23 Aug) where we welcome back Peppa and friends as they embark on a camping trip full of games, laughter and live music!

Tickets for all new shows in the Spring / Summer ‘18 season go on sale to the general public at 9am on Fri 10 November 2017 and can be purchased online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge).

Friends of the Theatre Royal can book new season shows online and through the box office from Mon 6 November 2017 and receive discounted tickets as well as other benefits – visitwww.theatreroyal.co.uk/support/become-a-friend for more information.