Fresh from his critically acclaimed turn in Ken Loach’s multi award winning film I, Daniel Blake, Newcastle comedian Dave Johns brings his hit one-man show I, FILLUM STAR to Newcastle Theatre Royal for one night only on Sunday 1 October 2017.   

It’s the stuff of fairytales – a stand-up comic is plucked from the circuit by a world famous film maker and cast in the title role of one of the most acclaimed British films in recent years.  For Dave Johns, the last two years has been a rollercoaster ride of red carpet surrealism. In his new stand-up show he supplies a gripping and down-to-earth account of how an affable Whitley Bay lad ended-up as the toast of the Cannes Film Festival, winning BAFTAS and rubbing shoulders with the likes of Woody Allen, Stephen Spielberg and Meryl  Streep.

Following a hit run at the Edinburgh Fringe, Dave brings his I, Fillum Star show to the city closest to his heart, where the film I, Daniel Blake is set and his own career began.

In 1989 Johns’ launched the Comedy Café on Westgate Road and invited  the emerging Jack Dee and Jo Brand to appear, but realising they needed an MC stepped-up and did it himself.  Finding he was rather good at it and pricing tickets at £3.75 including soup and a bun, the club became a city hot spot and Dave went on to host many more comedy stars including Eddie Izzard, Steve Coogan, Harry Hill and nervous 14 year old lad called Ross Noble who went on to do rather well for himself.

So Johns became a successful comedian, touring throughout the UK, a regular with the Comedy Store Players and appearing on much loved TV shows like Never Mind the Buzzcocks and 8 Out of Ten Cats. 

But just when he was thinking of giving-up comedy and running donkey rides on his beloved North East beaches he sent a speculative, jokey text to the casting director of I, Daniel Blake.  Twelve months later he was shocked to pull in multiple Best Actor awards as the film secured a plethora of international plaudits and the Cannes Festival’s Palme d’Or.

A must-not-miss opportunity to see a Newcastle legend telling his fairytale story in his hilarious own words for one night only.

Dave Johns appears at Newcastle Theatre Royal on Sunday 1 October 2017 at 7.30pm. Tickets £19.50.  Tickets can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (Calls cost 7ppm plus your phone company’s access charge) or book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk

Whatever Guise Productions presents
Gin For Breakfast
By Jess Moore

At Tristan Bates Theatre
World Premiere Run

After-show Guest Speakers including Stephen Fry and Frank Turner announced today

Whatever Guise Productions, producer of Gin For Breakfast at the Tristan Bates Theatre, has announced its line-up of after-show talks, including contributions from Stephen Fry, Frank Turner, Mat Horne, Hugo Rifkind and Oliver Kamm.

The talks will centre around mental health and are presented with support from CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably), which works to prevent male suicide by providing frontline services for men, promoting culture change and campaigning for better understanding of suicide and prevention. The play’s director, Ryan Gage, and writer, Jess Moore, will also be featured.

The talks will be held after selected performances of Gin For Breakfast, Jess Moore’s debut play, which will open at the Tristan Bates Theatre on Thursday 28th September for a strictly limited four-week run.

Frank Turner will attend on the 11th October and Stephen Fry on the 18th October. Dates for the other speakers will be announced soon.

The play follows childhood friends, Jen and Robbie, who are all grown-up now and galaxies away from where they imagined they would be. With their world-views set on a collision course, and their dreams imploding, Gin for Breakfast explores whether or not they can save themselves, and each other. And, when everything’s just star-stuff, does it matter?

Tristan Bates Theatre showcases new writing and contemporary writing and is establishing its reputation as one of London’s most prestigious fringe venues.

The play opens on Thursday 28th September and runs until Saturday 21st October, with previews on the evenings of Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th, and a matinee performance on 28th September. Tickets are on sale at https://www.tristanbatestheatre.co.uk/whats-on/gin-for-breakfast.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Tuesday 26 September – Saturday 21 October 
Standard Tickets: £18 / £16 Concessions.
Thursday Matinees: £10
Group Booking: £15 for 8+ tickets booked in a single transaction (bookable over the phone or in person).

Tristan Bates Theatre
1a Tower Street
London
WC2H 9NP

Box office: [email protected] // 020 3841 6611

Tickets are on sale here: https://www.tristanbatestheatre.co.uk/whats-on/gin-for-breakfast

ROBERT MACKINTOSH

IN ASSOCIATION WITH
THE OTHER PALACE

PRESENT
ALAIN BOUBLIL’S

IN THE STUDIO AT THE OTHER PALACE FROM

TUESDAY 10 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 21 OCTOBER 2017

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Robert Mackintosh in association with The Other Palace are delighted announce a ‘Work in Progress’ production of Alain Boublil’s MANHATTAN PARISIENNE. The show will have public sharings in The Studio at The Other Palace between Tuesday 10 and Saturday 21 October 2017. Schedule below.

Alain Boublil said today “Robert Mackintosh invited me to visit the theatre one day last year. I was amazed to discover how perfect a setting The Studio was for Manhattan Parisienne. Exactly what I’d dreamed of. I mentioned to Robert how much I’d love to do the show there and gave him a copy of the play. He also gave a copy to Paul Taylor Mills, who liked it too. I am beyond thrilled that things have come together now so that Robert and The Other Palace, along with myself, can present a new development of the show”.

MANHATTAN PARISIENNE is a New York story of differences and attraction, of two struggling artists and an unlikely meeting of minds.  She is a French actress/singer.  He is a Manhattan musician who has a history with Paris.  Connected by music, they embark on a surreal journey through New York.  MANHATTAN PARISIENNE features excerpts of songs from the classic French and American songbooks by songwriters including Jacques Brel, George and Ira Gershwin, Michel Legrand, Cole Porter and Charles Aznavour.  The play, by Alain Boublil, made its debut at 59E59 theaters in New York. Marie Zamora, who played Eve, is to reprise the role here.

LISTINGS

MANHATTAN PARISIENNE

The Studio, The Other Palace

Tuesday 10 October 8pm

Wednesday 11 October 8pm

Thursday 12 October 3pm and 8pm

Friday 13 October 8pm

Saturday 14 October 3pm and 8pm

Monday 16 October 8pm

Tuesday 17 October 8pm

Wednesday 18 October 8pm

Thursday 19 October 3pm and 8pm

Friday 20 October 8pm

Saturday 21 October 3pm and 8pm

Tickets £20

Online: www.theotherpalace.co.uk

Phone: 020 7087 7900

In person:  Box Office is open from 10.00am-6.30pm on show days and 10.00am – 6.00pm on non-show days.  Sundays and Bank Holidays may vary.

Address: 12 Palace St, Westminster, London SW1E 5JA

THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR SHOW

Four stories from the wonderful world of Eric Carle

Back in the West End this Christmas

At the Ambassadors Theatre

From Wednesday 13 December 2017 to Sunday 7 January 2018

One of the most iconic characters in children’s literature will be wiggling his way back into the West End this Christmas, when The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show returns to the Ambassadors Theatre for a limited four-week run from Wednesday 13 December.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show features a menagerie of 75 enchanting puppets during a magical 60-minute show that faithfully adapts four of Eric Carle’s best loved books for the stage: The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse, Mister Seahorse, The Very Lonely Firefly and, of course, The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

“Bedazzling. This production will mesmerize audiences” New York Times

“A visual treat for children and parents alike” OK! Magazine

Eric Carle’s books have captivated generations of readers with their iconic hand-painted illustrations and distinctively simple stories, introducing millions of children to a bigger, brighter world, and to their first experience of reading itself. His best-known work, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, has nibbled its way into the hearts of millions of children all over the world. It has been translated into 62 languages and sold over 43 million copies, remaining one of the top ten bestselling children’s books of all time. Since it was first published in 1969, Eric Carle has illustrated more than seventy books, most of which he also wrote, and more than 138 million copies of his books have sold around the world.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show is adapted for the stage by director Jonathan Rockefeller, whose production sees four master puppeteers weave their way through Eric Carle’s stories, bringing to life 75 magical puppets that faithfully recreate the wonderfully colourful world of Carle’s illustrations.

Jonathan Rockefeller said: “Eric Carle has created a deceptively simple, yet sophisticated introduction to reading through the magic of his iconic collage illustrations and memorable stories. Our production takes audience on a truly memorable journey, bringing these stories to life through the magic of puppetry, movement and stagecraft. We have a menagerie of larger-than-life puppets, bursting with vibrant colour – it’s astonishing to compare the original illustrations to the puppets and how exact they are. When our puppets appear on stage the atmosphere is positively electric. We can’t wait to bring The Very Hungry Caterpillar back to London!”

Eric Carle added: “I am delighted my friends in the UK will once again be able to share the same enjoyment I felt when seeing my characters come to life in the beautiful and enchanting Broadway production of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show.”

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show first premiered in Australia in 2015 before opening in New York at the Acorn Theatre in January 2016, where it was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Experience. The New York production broke box office records and attracted celebrities with families including Chelsea Clinton, Emily Blunt, Neil Patrick Harris and Diane Sawyer. The production received its West End premiere at the Ambassadors Theatre in December 2016, prior to a major UK Tour in 2017.

www.HungryCaterpillarShow.com

Facebook.com/HungryCaterpillarShow

LISTINGS

Wednesday 13 December 2017 – Sunday 7 January 2018

THE AMBASSADORS THEATRE

West Street, London WC2H 9ND

Press Performance: Thursday 14 December, 11.00am

Performances:         11.00am and 2.00pm (13/15/19/22/29 Dec, 2/3/5 Jan)

10.15am and 11.45am (16/17/20/21/23/27/28/30/31 Dec, 4/6/7 Jan)

Tickets:                  From £15.00

Box Office:             0207 395 5405 | www.hungrycaterpillarshow.com

Running time:          60 minutes

• NEW CHILDREN’S CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY’S MATILDA THE MUSICAL
• LILY-MAE EVANS, KITTY PETERKIN AND SAVANNAH READ JOIN EMMA MOORE IN THE TITLE ROLE OF MATILDA FROM 12 SEPTEMBER 2017
• CURRENTLY IN ITS SIXTH YEAR IN THE WEST END AND BOOKING UNTIL 27 MAY 2018, THE MULTI AWARD-WINNING SHOW WILL ALSO BE EMBARKING ON A UK AND IRELAND TOUR IN 2018/19

The Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda The Musical has announced that Lily-Mae Evans, Kitty Peterkin and Savannah Read will join Emma Moore in the title role of Matilda from 12 September 2017. The multi award-winning production is about to enter its seventh year in the West End and is booking at the Cambridge Theatre until 27 May 2018.

To mark the arrival of the new children’s cast, a video has been released today of the four young actresses as they take to the floor at Pineapple Studios, under the tutelage of Rebecca Thornhill, who plays Matilda’s mum and bi-annual international amateur Salsa and Ballroom Dancing Championship competitor Mrs Wormwood.

The show’s forthcoming cast change will see Lily-Mae, Kitty, Savannah and Emma join the recently announced new adult company, which includes David Shannon as Miss Trunchbull, Gina Beck as Miss Honey, and Tom Edden and Marianne Benedict as Mr and Mrs Wormwood.

The other young performers announced today join the London company in the three teams who play the roles of Bruce, Lavender, Amanda and the rest of the pupils at Crunchem Hall and are as follows:Bill Bekele, Joe Butler-Smith, Omar Cain-Francis, Halle Cassell, Lucy Cheesman, Liberty Greig, Lauren Henson, Callum Hudson, Vaidile Jonikas, Mia McLoughlin, Miller Morris, Palmer Newson, Rocco Peacock, Lottie Refet, Finn Richards, Martin Soosaipillai, Will Tarpey and Alex Wenham.

Jessica Chalmers, Hari Coles, Archie Durrant, Sebastian Harry, Tori Louise Ryan, Tilda Marriage Massey and Kacy O’Sullivan will continue in the roles of Bruce, Lavender, Amanda and the pupils at Crunchem Hall.

The full adult cast includes Keisha Amponsa Banson, Richard Astbury, David Birch, Maria Graciano, Karina Hind, Peter Houston, Katie Lee, Vicki Lee Taylor, Kris Manuel, Bryan Mottram, Tom Muggeridge, Emma Robotham-Hunt, Simon Shorten, Biancha Szynal,Callum Train and Robert Tregoning.

Seen by over 7 million people across more than 60 cities and playing more than 5300 performances worldwide, Matilda The Musical is now preparing for its first UK and Ireland tour, beginning in March 2018, and running alongside the continuing West End production. Winner of 86 major international awards, including 16 for Best Musical, the hit show is now the longest running production to play at the Cambridge Theatre.

Inspired by Roald Dahl’s beloved book, Matilda The Musical was commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company and premiered at the RSC’s Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in November 2010, before transferring to London’s West End in October 2011, where it opened to rave reviews.

Having swept the board at the 2012 Olivier Awards, winning a record-breaking seven awards, the New York production of Matilda The Musical opened in April 2013 at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre and was celebrated on 10 “Top Ten” lists for 2013, including TIME Magazine’s #1 Show of the Year. The show also won four Tony Awards and a Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theater for the four girls sharing the title role on Broadway.

In July 2016, the Australian production broke further records by winning all thirteen Helpmann Awards for which it was nominated. Having also won a Sydney Theatre Award for Best Musical in 2015, the Australian production has also played sold-out seasons in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. The production premiered at the Civic Theatre in Auckland on 24 August where it is now playing until 22 October.

Matilda The Musical is produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company with André Ptaszynski and Denise Wood as Executive Producers. The production was developed with the support of Jeanie O’Hare and the RSC Literary Department.

Matilda The Musical is written by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, and direction by Matthew Warchus. The production is designed by Rob Howell, with choreography by Peter Darling, orchestrations, additional music and musical supervision by Christopher Nightingale, lighting by Hugh Vanstone, sound by Simon Baker and the special effects and illusions are by Paul Kieve.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

MATILDA THE MUSICAL
Cambridge Theatre,
Earlham Street,
London WC2H 9HU

Booking until 27 May 2018
Tuesdays 7pm
Wednesday – Saturday 7:30pm
Wednesday & Saturday 2:30pm
Sundays 3pm

Box Office: Cambridge Theatre* 0844 412 4652 / RSC Ticket Hotline 01789 403493
No booking fee. *Calls cost 7p per min plus your telephone company’s network access charge.

Twitter: @MatildaMusical
Facebook: Matilda The Musical
Instagram: @MatildaTheMusical

Rehearsal images for the UK Tour of Tim Firth’s New British Musical, THE BAND, featuring the music of Take That. The show begins previews this Friday 8 September at Manchester Opera House before opening officially on 26 September. It will then embark on a major UK tour until July 2018.

THE BAND stars AJ Bentley, Nick Carsberg, Curtis T Johns, Yazdan Qafouri and Sario Solomon, collectively known as Five To Five, winners of BBC’s Let It Shine, who will play The Band. It also stars Rachel Lumberg, Alison Fitzjohn, Emily Joyce, Jayne McKenna, Faye Christall, Katy Clayton, Rachelle Diedericks, Sarah Kate Howarth, Lauren Jacobs, Martin Miller and Andy Williams.

THE BAND is a musical about what it’s like to grow up with a boyband. For five 16 year-old friends in 1992, ‘the band’ is everything. 25 years on, we are reunited with the group of friends, now 40-something women, as they try once more to fulfil their dream of meeting their heroes. 

Alfred Uhry’s acclaimed comedy drama Driving Miss Daisy is visiting Newcastle Theatre Royal on its 30th anniversary tour with a top cast at the wheel Mon 2 – Sat 7 Oct 2017.

This brand new production by Pulitzer Prize, Academy and Tony Award-winning playwright Uhry stars icon of British Theatre Dame Siân Philips as elderly widow Daisy Werthan and one of TV’s best known faces Derek Griffiths as chauffeur Hoke.

When Miss Daisy crashes her car one day in 1948, her son hires her a chauffeur, an African-American named Hoke Colburn. Daisy and Hoke’s relationship gets off to a rocky start, but as times change across a 25-year backdrop of prejudice, inequality and civil unrest, a profound and life-altering friendship blossoms in this acclaimed comedy drama.

From its landmark off-Broadway production in 1987 to the remarkable success of the 1989 film version, which was the winner of four Academy Awards including Best Picture, Driving Miss Daisy has touched the hearts of millions worldwide.

Dame Siân Phillips has enjoyed a dazzling career which spans more than seven decades – from her multi award-wining performance in I, Claudius to the epic film Dune, from a Tony nominated performance of Marlene on Broadway to Cabaret in the West End.

RSC actor and legendary presenter, Derek Griffiths’ numerous West End credits include the original production of Beauty and the Beast in which he originated the role of Lumière and the Child Catcher in the West End run of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the London Palladium.

Alfred Uhry is one of the few writers to have earned Academy, Tony and Pulitzer Prize awards as a playwright and screenwriter. Having based the story of Driving Miss Daisy on his own family history, the play won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1988. His adaptation of the screenplay went on to win an Oscar in 1989.

The show is directed by Richard Beecham and designed by Simon Kenny.  It has lighting design by Natasha Chivers and sound design by Jon Nicholls. Driving Miss Daisy is produced by Theatre Royal Bath Productions.

Driving Miss Daisy is at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Mon 2 until Sat 7 October 2017, playing evenings at 7.30pm, matinees on Thu 2pm and Sat 2.30pm. Tickets from £14.50.  Tickets can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (Calls cost 7ppm plus your phone company’s access charge) or book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk

WINTER SEASON 2017/18 AT CHICHESTER FESTIVAL THEATRE

Chichester Festival Theatre’s Winter season 2017/18 is crammed full of touring dramas, comedies and family friendly shows from some of the best producers in the country, offering entertainment for all tastes and ages.

Martin Kemp, Belinda Lang and Siân Phillips are among the stars appearing in plays and musicals ranging from Million Dollar Quartet to Driving Miss Daisy and the West End hits The Play That Goes Wrong and The Wipers Times. Rattigan’s masterpiece The Winslow Boy sits alongside modern classics Duet for One and The Weir. Favourites such as the Christmas Concerts, Moscow City Ballet and BBC Concert Orchestra return, and there’s a wide range of music and performances from a sparkling line-up including Sir Michael Parkinson, Stacey Kent, Omid Djalili and Patricia Routledge.

There’s also plenty of entertainment for families and youngsters from toddlers to teenagers, including Chichester Festival Youth Theatre’s Beauty and the Beast for Christmas; a new musical adaptation of The Jungle Book; and an acclaimed production of The Little Matchgirl.

Drama, musicals and family shows

Martin Kemp in MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET                

Festival Theatre, 7 – 11 November

A sell-out success in the West End and on Broadway, this worldwide smash hit musical is inspired by the famous recording session that brought together rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time.

On December 4, 1956, these four star musicians gathered at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions ever. MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET brings that legendary night to life, featuring a score of rock hits including Blue Suede Shoes, Fever, That’s All Right, Great Balls of Fire, Walk the Line and Hound Dog.

Martin Kemp, of Spandau Ballet fame, leads the cast in the role of record producer Sam Phillips – the man who brought the four stars together to create musical history.

Belinda Lang & Oliver Cotton in DUET FOR ONE          

Festival Theatre, 13 – 18 November

In Tom Kempinski’s multi award-winning play, a brilliant concert violinist, who seemingly has it all, is forced to re-evaluate her life when struck down by an unforeseen tragedy. She consults a psychiatrist and, through a series of highly charged encounters, is led to examine her deepest emotions and finally to consider a future without music.

Based on the life of the world renowned cellist Jacqueline du Pré, DUET FOR ONE has enjoyed huge success in the West End and on Broadway since its premiere in 1980. Belinda Lang (2 Point 4 Children, Inspector Alleyn Mysteries, Single Spies) and Oliver Cotton (The Borgias, many plays for the National Theatre & RSC) star in this new production, directed by Robin Lefevre with designs by Chichester’s Design Associate, Lez Brotherston.

THE WIPERS TIMES                                                            

Festival Theatre, 21 – 25 November

Coming to Chichester direct from the West End, Ian Hislop and Nick Newman’s play THE WIPERS TIMES tells the true and extraordinary story of the satirical newspaper created in the mud and mayhem of the Somme.

During the First World War in the Belgian town of Ypres (mis-pronounced Wipers by British soldiers), two officers discover a printing press and create a resolutely cheerful, subversive and very funny newspaper designed to lift the spirits of the troops on the front line.

Defying enemy bombardment, gas attacks and the disapproval of the Top Brass, The Wipers Times rolled off the press for two years and was an extraordinary tribute to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Siân Phillips & Derek Griffiths in DRIVING MISS DAISY           

Festival Theatre, 28 November – 2 December

When elderly widow Daisy Werthan crashes her car one day in 1948, her son hires African-American Hoke Colburn as her chauffeur. Daisy and Hoke’s relationship gets off to a rocky start, but across a 25 year backdrop of prejudice, inequality and civil unrest, a profound and life-altering friendship blossoms.

This acclaimed comedy drama by Alfred Uhrypremiered off-Broadway in 1987 and became an Oscar-winning film. Siân Phillips’ dazzling career spans more than seven decades. Her multi award-winning performances range from I, Claudius to Dune, and Marlene on Broadway to Cabaret in the West End. RSC actor Derek Griffiths’ numerous West End credits include Beauty and the Beast and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

CHRISTMAS CONCERTS                                                   

Festival Theatre, 5 – 9 December

The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Portsmouth and Chichester Cathedral Choir lead a celebration of the festive season with traditional carols, seasonal sing-alongs and the inevitable Christmas cracker jokes. From Jingle Bells to Silent Night, and the extraordinary Corps of Drums, this is a stocking full of Chrismas spirit. Once again there’s a chance to vote for your favourite Christmas song, with the audience favourite performed en masse.

Chichester Festival Youth Theatre presents

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST 

For ages 7+

Festival Theatre, 16 – 31 December

Relaxed performance: 31 December at 11am

A cursed prince sits alone in an enchanted castle, destined to remain in monstrous form until he can learn to love and be loved in return. But who could ever love a Beast?

Offered a gift by her father, a kind and beautiful young girl asks only for a rose while her brothers and sisters demand jewels and fashionable clothes. But the fulfilment of Beauty’s simple wish puts her in the Beast’s power. He offers her luxury and riches in return for her hand; but can she bring herself to accept his proposals of marriage?

Prejudice, jealousy, compassion and love are woven through this magical story, studded with enchanting and deliciously scary characters.

The award-winning Chichester Festival Youth Theatre present a brand new adaptation by Anna Ledwich from the original fairy tale, with music and lyrics by Richard Taylor, suitable for ages 7+.

Dale Rooks, whose work with CFYT includes Grimm Tales, Running Wild and Peter Pan, directs a visually spectacular show featuring newly composed songs, with set design by Simon Higlett and wonderfully inventive costumes by Ryan Dawson Laight.

MOSCOW CITY BALLET: SWAN LAKE & THE SLEEPING BEAUTY              

Festival Theatre, 3 – 7 January

Moscow City Ballet provides an unmissable climax to the festive season with two stunning productions, each presented in classic Russian style with full orchestra.

Swan Lake, set to Tchaikovsky’s haunting score, is the world’s most romantic ballet: the heart-breaking tale of Siegfried and his love for Odette, the Queen of the Swans.

The Sleeping Beauty inspired some of Tchaikovsky’s most glorious music. Princess Aurora, her gallant prince, wicked Carabosse, the Lilac Fairy and a host of fairy-tale characters adorn a truly magical production.

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG              

For ages 8+

Festival Theatre, 10 – 14 January

Fawlty Towers meets Noises Off in this multi award-winning comedy, now playing on Broadway and enjoying its fourth sell-out year in the West End where it won the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy.

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.

THE JUNGLE BOOK                                               

For ages 6+

Festival Theatre, 25 January – 3 February

An exciting new adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s family classic, this colourful, wild and fun show is packed with memorable characters, new songs and brilliant storytelling.

Mowgli the man cub battles for survival in this coming-of-age story about a boy raised by wolves in the jungle. With the help of his animal friends, including Bagheera the panther, Baloo the bear and Kaa the python, Mowgli outwits the cruel and powerful tiger Shere Khan, and learns the law of the jungle.

This unforgettable adventure is adapted by the Olivier Award-winning Jessica Swale (Nell Gwynn), directed by Max Webster (The Lorax) with music by Joe Stilgoe.

THE WEIR                                                     

For ages 12+

Minerva Theatre, 30 January – 3 February

Winner of the 1997 Olivier Award for Best New Play, Conor McPherson’s chilling modern classic THE WEIR embarks on a UK tour to mark its 20^th anniversary year.

In a small Irish town, the locals exchange stories round the crackling fire of Brendan’s pub to while away the hours one stormy night. As the beer and whiskey flows, the arrival of a young stranger, haunted by a secret from her past, turns the tales of folklore into something more unsettling. One story, however, is more chilling and more real than any of them could have ever imagined.

A shadowy tale delving into the dark corners of human lives, THE WEIR is directed by Adele Thomas and is a co-production between English Touring Theatre and Mercury Theatre Colchester.

THE LITTLE MATCHGIRL and Other Happier Tales

For ages 9+                                                   

Minerva Theatre, 6 – 10 February

Inspired by the beautiful and devastatingly sad Hans Christian Andersen tale The Little Matchgirl, and combining Andersen’s other tales The Princess and the Pea, The Emperor’s New Clothes and Thumbelina,THE LITTLE MATCHGIRL and Other Happier Talesreveals a spellbinding world of magic and mystery. As our destitute heroine struggles to survive, she strikes her matches to keep warm. Each match will conjure a new story, a new vision, and we will tumble down the rabbit hole with her.

This exquisite production comes to Chichester following its critically acclaimed premiere at Shakespeare’s Globe; it is written and co-adapted by Joel Horwood, and directed and co-adapted by Emma Rice. For adults and brave children alike, expect music, puppetry, dark magic… and perhaps some modern truths that we would rather remain hidden.

THE WINSLOW BOY

Festival Theatre, 8 – 17 February

A major new revival of Terence Rattigan’s best-loved play, set in 1910 Edwardian London,  directed by Olivier-nominated Rachel Kavanaugh (Half A Sixpence).

Having been expelled from the Royal Naval College for stealing a five-shilling postal order, young cadet Ronnie Winslow’s entire family are pulled apart by the repercussions as they fight to clear his name or face social ostracism, as the case becomes a national scandal.

Based on a real-life event, this gripping masterpiece is a highly-charged moral drama; a courageous and often delicately humorous window into the class and political hypocrisy of the time.

Words, Music and Comedy

STACEY KENT         Festival Theatre, 3 November

Internationally acclaimed vocalist Stacey Kent returns to Chichester to perform music from her latest album I Know I Dream. The collection of songs includes American Standards, Bossa Nova classics, Chansons and reprises of some of Stacey’s most-loved repertoire, including songs from her Grammy-nominated album Breakfast on the Morning Tram.

AN EVENING WITH SIR MICHAEL PARKINSON             Festival Theatre, 4 November

Celebrate the life and career of a man who interviewed over 2,000 of the 20^th and 21^st centuries’ most important cultural figures. In conversation with his son Mike and showing highlights from the Parkinson archive, this is an intimate and entertaining look at Sir Michael’s remarkable journey from a pit village in Yorkshire to the top of those famous stairs, whilst reliving the best moments from a show that for many defined their Saturday night.

THE GARDEN                                   Steven Pimlott Building, 13 November

Participatory arts company Spare Tyre return withTHE GARDEN, an immersive performance for people with dementia and their carers. Bringing the outdoors in, it takes audiences on a multi-sensory journey through the seasons.

JIMMY CARR: The Best of, Ultimate, Gold, Greatest Hits Tour

For ages 16+                                      Festival Theatre, 20 November

Jimmy Carr has been on the stand-up scene for a decade and a half, performing nine sell-out tours to over 2 million people. Now all that experience is being put to good use, with all the greatest material from his extraordinary career in one show – this is the very best of Jimmy Carr.

BBC CONCERT ORCHESTRA Classical Impressions   Festival Theatre, 3 December

A fairy-tale evening to remember, as the BBC Concert Orchestra perform pieces including Paul Patterson’sLittle Red Riding Hood. Actor, comic and impressionist Alistair McGowan joins the Orchestra and conductor Martin Yates for a wickedly inspired retelling of the story adapted from Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes.

ADMISSION: ONE SHILLING          Minerva Theatre, 16 December

Patricia Routledge and international concert pianist Piers Lane tell the extraordinary story of Myra Hess and her famous wartime National Gallery concerts. Recounted in Dame Myra’s own words compiled by her great nephew, composer Nigel Hess, with music by Bach, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms, Schumann and Chopin, we hear how the 1,600 lunchtime concerts began and continued while bombs rained down on London.

A PORTRAIT OF SPACE                

The Life and Loves of Roland Penrose      Minerva Theatre, 12 January

In this drama by Antony Penrose, Surrealist artist Roland Penrose and his wives, Valentine Boué and Lee Miller, tell their story in their own words, accompanied by a stream of images. Man Ray, Leonora Carrington, Edward James and Pablo Picasso also feature in this collaboration between Farleys House, the former home of Penrose and Miller, and the Edward James collection and archive at West Dean College.

THE BILLY JOEL SONGBOOK                  Minerva Theatre, 13 January

Elio Pace and his band celebrate the phenomenal music of Billy Joel, following his highly acclaimed reunion concerts in the USA with Joel’s original touring band. Featuring Uptown Girl, Just The Way You Areand My Life, as well as fan favourites such as Piano Man, performed by the dynamic singer/songwriter and his six-piece band.

JOE STILGOE AND HIS BIG BAND           Festival Theatre, 17 January

Internationally acclaimed singer Joe Stilgoe and his Big Band will play classics from the likes of Cole Porter and Louis Prima, plus hits from his five critically lauded, Jazz Chart-topping albums. Expect a mixture of virtuosic musicianship, breathtaking theatricality and interaction with the audience, combining on the spot improvisation and the quickest of wits.

BBC CONCERT ORCHESTRA Friday Night is Music Night      Festival Theatre, 19 January

The world’s longest running orchestral music show returns for an evening of musical magic, broadcast live on BBC Radio 2 and presented by Ken Bruce with special guests.

OMID DJALILI: Schmuck For A Night      

For ages 16+                                                  Festival Theatre, 20 January

Following his critically-acclaimed performance inFiddler on the Roof, award-winning comedian Omid Djalili returns with his intelligent, sometimes provocative and always entertaining stand-up: a hugely energetic and captivating comedy masterclass.

SOWETO KINCH                                          Minerva Theatre, 26 January

A saxophonist, MC and composer specialising in a trademark style of Jazz, Rap and Spoken Word, Soweto Kinch is revered among musicians and rappers alike. With an array of accolades including two MOBO awards, BBC Rising Star Award, Montreux Jazz Festival Award and a Mercury Award nomination, as well as his own weekly BBC radio show, Soweto brings his trio of saxophone/vocals, drums and bass to Chichester.

OLA ONABULÉ                                            Minerva Theatre, 27 January

Ola Onabulé has established a reputation throughout the world with his songs of love, loss and the human condition, performing at renowned jazz festivals including Montreal, Istanbul and Edmonton. He now presents his new album It’s the Peace That Deafens: 12 songs evoking identity, reconcilation and nostalgia.

POP-UP OPERA Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel       Minerva Theatre, 16 February

Pop-Up Opera return with a wintry delight: Hansel and Gretel, sung in German with English captions. Humperdinck’s music magically evokes the contrasting worlds of the story; brother and sister Hansel and Gretel are drawn into the idyllic yet dangerous world of the forest where they encounter the Sandman, the Dew Fairy and the Witch.

STEWART LEE: Content Provider             Festival Theatre, 18 February

For ages 16+

Following a sell-out visit in 2016, and after four years writing and performing his TV show Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle, Stewart Lee returns to the Festival Theatre with Content Provider – his first brand new full-length show since the award-winning Carpet Remnant World.

LIFE IS FOR LIVING

Conversations with Coward                       Minerva Theatre, 18 February

Following an award-winning New York season, Simon Green and David Shrubsole bring their unique theatrical conversation with Noël Coward to Chichester. Coward’s own inimitable words and music are woven with gems from Ivor Novello, Irving Berlin and George Gershwin, the wisdom of Maya Angelou and original musical settings of Coward verse.

For families

Join us before these shows in our pop-up Play Café, with free crafts, colouring in and a reading zone, while adults treat themselves to a coffee and cake.

COMEDY CLUB 4 KIDS!                              Minerva Theatre,  13 February

For ages 6+                                                    2pm

A welcome return for the popular swear-free comedy hour for children and their families with the circuit’s best stand-ups and sketch acts.

PENGUIN                                                       Minerva Theatre, 14 February

For ages 2 – 8                                                11am & 2pm

Based on the award-winning book by Polly Dunbar,Long Nose Puppets present an exciting show with lively songs by Tom Gray of Gomez. Ben is delighted when he rips open his present to find a penguin – but Penguin says nothing. It isn’t until a passing lion intervenes that Penguin finally speaks.

TALES FROM THE SHED                            Minerva Theatre, 15 February

For ages 0 – 6                                                11am & 2pm

Presented by Chickenshed Theatre, these are informal, lively and engaging shows with plenty of colourful puppets and live songs. Young children are encouraged to make a lot of noise and help make the story happen.

Community Groups

The Festival Theatre also hosts four community groups:

Chichester Musical Projects present their new production of the rock musical RENT (Minerva Theatre, 20 – 23 December).

Southern Pro Musica presents a CHILDREN’S CONCERT for ages 5 – 11, a perfect introduction to live music played by a full professional orchestra (Festival Theatre, 16 January).

West Sussex Music and the Chichester Locality of Schools present UNITED VOICES (Festival Theatre, 18 January), a selection of contemporary, upbeat songs performed by their massed choir.

Young local choirs and musicians perform popular and original songs in THE OVATION ROCK SHOW(Minerva Theatre, 19 & 20 January).

Events

Throughout the Winter season, a wide range of entertaining activities, workshops and talks for all ages are on offer, from making monster masks to story-telling, jungle-style movement sessions and pre- and post-show talks. See cft.org.uk/LEAP for more details.

FUN PALACES                                             7 & 8 October, FREE

Fun Palaces is a free, nationwide festival celebrating creativity in the local community – a chance to see or do something different at Chichester Festival Theatre over one extraordinary weekend. Tour CFT’s listed building, take part in workshops or demonstrations, or in family friendly events both indoor and outdoors.

FESTIVALL                                                    Minerva Theatre, 16 & 17 March, FREE

Two performances celebrating local young people with a range of different talents and abilities. FestivALL will be presented in partnership with Stopgap Dance Company and Theatre Inc.

BOOKING INFORMATION

Priority booking for Friends of Chichester Festival Theatre opens:

Saturday 9 September (online and by booking form only)

Tuesday 12 September (phone and in person)

Groups & Schools booking opens:

Thursday 14 September

Public booking opens:

Saturday 16 September (online only)

Tuesday 19 September (phone and in person)

Box Office 01243 781312; online cft.org.uk

PROLOGUE: £5 tickets for 16 – 25s

An allocation of tickets priced at just £5 is available for 16 to 25 year olds for many productions throughout the Winter season. Sign up free at cft.org.uk/prologue.

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