Camus Productions present Stepping Out - The Musical!

Stepping Out is all about the trials and tribulations of the members of a north London tap dancing beginners class. There is enough interaction between the pupils to fill several soap operas as they confide in and bicker with each other. But each has their solo moment as they perform one of the many beautiful songs. Finally it all comes together in a rousing finale as the class display their newly acquired tap dancing skills at a charity gala.

Following sellout performances at Tristan Bates and the Tara Studion, One Mind Theatre Company present 'Eight' by Ella Hickson - Directed by Nick Ewans and Renu Arora.

A prostitute clinging to traditional values; a high flyer with his world blown apart; a trendy gallery owner with a suicidal lover; a single mum seeing a glimpse of middle class security; a teenager escaping to a world of secrets; a cheating and cheated lover; a traumatized soldier with unusual ‘friends’:  in monologues they reveal inner worlds.

Join the talented young performers from The Lowry Summer Schools as they present the exciting work they have created during their week-long residency.

Whether it’s painting, drawing and designing or acting and singing, there’s something for everyone.

Rising film star, Mitchell Green, is every girl's fantasy and soon to become a household name, thanks to his devilish agent Diane, who excels at navigating the choppy waters of Hollywood.

With Mitchell on the brink of superstardom, Diane encounters one teensy weensy obstacle - she can’t seem to stop her leading man from coming out of the closet. With Mitchell spending days and nights with his new 'friend' Alex, and Alex’s beautiful girlfriend Ellen (yes girlfriend!) causing a drama of her own, what lengths will Mitchell go to play the part? And will there be a Hollywood ending when the credits role?

Douglas Carter Beane's Tony award-nominated comedy, hilariously satirizes the superficial world of show-business and the game-playing of the movie industry.

Starring Tamsin Greig, Rupert Friend, Gemma Arterton and Harry Lloyd.

Not recommend for children under the age of 15yrs.

‘Tart, smart and on the money…TERRIFIC’
The Daily Telegraph ****


‘Tamsin Greig shines…DIABOLICALLY FUNNY’’ - The Guardian **** 


‘Terrific performances’ - Sunday Express ****


‘Tamsin Greig is magnificent’
Mail on Sunday ****

‘Very Funny’
Sunday Telegraph ****

‘Douglas Carter Beane’s ferociously funny play’
Sunday Express ****

Legendary singer and songwriter David Essex stars in the new Jon Conway (Boogie Nights) musical All The Fun Of The Fair,

featuring a mix of David Essex hits alongside brand new songs.

Set against the backdrop of a travelling funfair All the Fun of the Fair is the brand new action packed, rock ‘n’ roll musical with a heart warming story.

Inspired by David’s debut album All The Fun Of The Fair this musical features a helter-skelter of hits such as;

Winter’s Tale, Hold Me Close, Gonna Make You A Star, Me and My Girl Nightclubbing, Silver Dream Machine & Rock On.

BOOK BY JON CONWAY
MUSIC & LYRICS BY DAVID ESSEX
DIRECTED BY DAVID GILMORE

'We want the forest to be kept as it is, always. We want the sky to remain clear, the darkness to really fall and the stars to be seen.' Davi Kopenawa, Yanomami, Brazil.

Survival International is proud to announce ‘WE ARE ONE – a celebration of tribal peoples’, a fundraising evening in aid of Survival International created and directed by Mark Rylance.

The evening will be a performance of tribal prose and poetry from some of the UK and Hollywood’s leading actors and musicians including Mackenzie Crook, Sinead Cusack, Colin Firth, Emilia Fox, Michael Gambon, Sophie Okonedo, Mark Rylance, Danny Sapani, John Sessions, Kevin Spacey, Juliet Stevenson, Ken Stott, Zoe Wanamaker and James Wilby, and a special performance by Bruce Dickinson, Ian Paice and Jon Lord. *

This unique theatrical event is inspired by the words and images of tribal peoples featured in the recently published book ‘WE ARE ONE – a celebration of tribal peoples’, created and edited by Jo Eede and published by Quadrille Publishing, to mark the 40th anniversary of Survival International.

Survival International is a human rights organization that supports tribal peoples, helping them to protect their lives, lands and futures. Mark Rylance has been a supporter of Survival for many years. He said: ”As a child, I was enriched and inspired by the lives and stories of the world's tribal peoples. As an adult, I have also been inspired by the ceaseless work of the organization Survival International, and their movement to protect these tribes - from the rainforest of the Amazon to the icy reaches of the Arctic.

A new anthology called 'We are One' portrays tribal peoples today - their communities, art, humour, rituals, languages and wisdom, as well as their connections to their homelands and their struggle for recognition and survival - through a powerful collection of prose, poetry and photographs.

To celebrate 40 years of Survival's work and enjoy the beauty of the spoken word from such rich oral cultures, I am gathering my friends from the theatre on the set of Jerusalem for a wonderful spring afternoon of eloquent recitals and stunning images from 'We are One’.

To hear such moving words from our brothers and sisters who still live so intimately attached to their lands, is to be reminded that they have much to share with the world, and that we all have a deep need for a sense of belonging to each other, and to nature.”

(*cast subject to availability)

A brand new production of the classic musical, The Fantasticks is coming to London, opening in May 2010 at the Duchess Theatre.

Directed by Amon Miyamoto, a new production of this much-loved musical will invigorate and illuminate the show with fresh visual, emotional and musical energy. Designer Rumi Matsui joins Miyamoto on The Fantasticks following their previous collaboration on the Broadway production of Pacific Overtures for which Matsui’s work was Tony Award nominated. Lighting design will be provided by 2009 Tony Award winner Rick Fisher.

The Fantasticks tells an allegorical story, loosely based on the play The Romancers (Les Romanesques) by Edmond Rostand, concerning two neighboring fathers who put up a wall between their houses to ensure that their children fall in love, because they know children always do what their parents forbid. After the children do fall in love, they discover their fathers' plot and each go off and experience the world. Finally they return to each other and the love they had, having learned from the world to recognise their true feelings. Elements of the musical are drawn from the story of Pyramus and Thisbe, its story winding its way through Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night's Dream as well as Donizetti's L'Elisir d'Amore and Rostand's play. Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt’s classic score feature’s titles including Much More, I Can See It and the instantly familiar Try To Remember.

The Fantasticks first played in New York nearly fifty years ago and has since become the longest running show of any kind in the United States and the longest running musical in the world. It has played in over 2000 cities and towns in the States, in more than 10,000 productions. Internationally more than 700 productions have been staged in 67 countries.

Tickets to Big Shoe at the King's Head Theatre in Islington.

12 PERFORMANCES ONLY

MGM legend and star of Singing in the Rain, The Unsinkable Molly Brown, Thats Entertainment, The Bodyguard, and Will and Grace, Debbie Reynolds celebrates 50 years of show business in this award winning one woman show.

Winner of The American Comedy Award, Nominated for two Golden Globes and an Academy Award, Debbie Reynolds comes to the Apollo Theatre direct from America, where she has become a national institution.

A bundle of energy, charm and beauty, Debbie Reynolds is a genuine film star. This unique presentation features actual MGM film footage as she talks about her glittering career, her many husbands and her incredible life of song and dance.

Lesley Sharp, Iain Glen, Harry Treadaway, Jessica Raine and Malcolm Storry unite in Frank McGuinness’ version of Henrik Ibsen’s gripping, classic tale of hope in the face of infidelity and deceit.

Controversy and hidden pasts are suddenly and painfully exposed as wealthy widow Mrs Alving prepares to open a new orphanage in memory of her seemingly beloved husband. Her treasured son Oswald’s return from Paris and her relationship with old friend Pastor Manders are no longer the source of joy they once were, as secrets are turned into a frightening and desperate reality.

LIMITED SEASON 11 FEBRUARY TO 15 MAY

Noel Coward’s dazzling comic masterpiece provides a riotous show down between two of the screen’s most magnetic stars, Kim Cattrall and Matthew Macfadyen, when Private Lives opens in the West End February 2010.

Glamorous, rich and reckless, Elyot and Amanda have been divorced from each other for five years. Now both are honeymooning with their new spouses in the South of France. When by chance they meet again across adjoining hotel balconies, their insatiable feelings for each other are immediately rekindled. Without a care for scandal, new partners or memories of what drove them apart in the first place, they hurl themselves headlong into love and lust…

Kim Cattrall is the winner of a Golden Globe Award, an Emmy Award and a Screen Actor's Guild Award and has received worldwide acclaim for her role as femme-fatale Samantha Jones in Sex and the City. Her films include Porky’s, Police Academy, Star Trek VI, Mannequin and The Tiger’s Tail. Her West End credits include Whose Life Is It, Anyway? and The Cryptogram and she made her Broadway debut starring opposite Ian McKellen in Chekhov’s Wild Honey. Born in Liverpool, she was recently the subject of BBC’s Who Do You Think You Are?

Matthew Macfadyen is best-known for his role as Tom Quinn in the BBC series Spooks. Other television roles include the recent five part BBC drama Criminal Justice II , the 2008 BBC adaptation of Dickens’s Little Dorrit and he won the Best Actor award at the Royal Television Society 2007 Awards for Secret Life. Film credits include Mr Darcy in the 2005 film of Pride and Prejudice, and the Sheriff of Nottingham in Russell Crowe's forthcoming Robin Hood.

Director of the National Theatre from 1988-1997, Richard Eyre has won five Olivier Awards, four Evening Standard Awards, three Critics’ Circle Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Directors Guild. His numerous acclaimed theatre productions range from Guys and Dolls and Mary Poppins to works by Shakespeare, Tennessee Williams, David Hare and Alan Bennett. The BBC production Tumbledown won him the 1988 BAFTA Award for Best Director and his film work includes The Ploughman's Lunch, Iris, Stage Beauty and Notes on a Scandal.

Tickets to prog eclectitians Panic Room performing at The Met.

Panic Room features current and ex-members of Karnataka, Mostly Autumn and Fish's band. While the music has progressive elements it also appeals to a much broader audience with its melodic and powerful song-writing. Although primarily a rock band, folk, jazz and world music influences also ripple through the mix to produce a unique and individual sound. Inventively melodic guitar solos, interweaving keyboard lines and a subtly powerful rhythm section are topped off with the stunning voice of Anne-Marie Hedler, a very individual and emotional singer whose soaring melodies and inventive lyrics draw the listener into new worlds.

Panic Room are Paul Davies, Jonathan Edwards, Gavin John Griffiths, Anne-Marie Hedler and Alun Vaughan.

Singer-songwriter Garron Frith's country rock songs have gained him high praise. For this concert he is joined by Manchester acoustic folk artists John Herring and Roydan Styles.

Preston Reed is a New York visionary credited with reinventing the acoustic guitar. He fuses chord-based grooves, soaring melodic runs and polyrhythmic percussion with his breathtaking two-handed style.

Unlike many instrumentalists, the power and depth of Reed's original songwriting is as unique as the man's execution, as blues, rock, funk and jazz meet, embrace, interlock and attack to create a sonic brew quite unlike anything you've heard before.

A Monthly R & B Club event.

The hobopop collective adds to the distinctive and accomplished duo of kirsty mcgee & mat martin the skills of two of the country's most exciting emerging jazz musicians. the quirky and inspired double bass of nick blacka (aim, mrs columbo) and imaginative drumming of rob turner (neil yates' new origins, magic hat ensemble) add dimensions of jazz and rockabilly to mcgee's already exceptional rootsy songwriting and martin's sensitive banjo and guitar playing; shading and colouring the songs with grainy 'hobopop' style.

Scottish firebrands Breabach are one of the most talked about bands on the folk scene. Their innovative Celtic style shows flare, excitement and diversity rarely seen from such a young group. The band have received two nominations two years in a row from the Scottish Trad Music Awards for Best Scottish Folk Band.

Please note change to previously advertised date.

Departing on our Vintage Red Double Decker bus, enjoy a panoramic tour taking in the sights of Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye before enjoying a traditional British Fish & Chip supper inside a historic London pub.

After dinner take advantage of our shuttle service that travels through the West End and will drop you off within walking distance of most theatres. Our staff will be happy to assist you in making sure you get to your show on time.

Headsets will be provided. French, Spanish, Italian, German, Mandarin, Japanese and Hindi languages available.

Tour Info

Times: Daily except Sundays @ 4.45pm

Departs Grosvenor Victoria

Please call 0207 404 5100, 24 hours in advance to reconfirm your tour.

It’s love at first dance when young Romeo Montague tricks his way into the lavish masked ball of the Capulet family. The Capulets and Montagues are sworn enemies and the passion between Romeo and the beautiful Juliet Capulet is quickly forbidden. Boldly forgoing the approval of their families, the young lovers play by their own rules and soon their dangerous seduction is filled with secrets, as the star-crossed pair hatch a perilous plot. Can Romeo and Juliet play tricks with life and death? Or will death play a final trick on them?

With a sweeping score by Sergei Prokofiev and soaring choreography from the master of modern ballet, Kenneth MacMillan, Romeo and Juliet continues to be the all-time classic love story.

Music: Sergei Prokofiev
Choreography: Kenneth MacMillan
Designs: Paul Andrews
Lighting: John B Read

Production sponsored (1992) by The Friends of Covent Garden. 

**** The Independent, Financial Times, Birmingham Post

Presented by Birmingham Royal Ballet.

If you’ve ever believed in fairytales and looked out of the window for the brightest star in the night sky, then let your dreams take flight this Christmas and join us on a thrilling musical journey to Neverland for an unforgettable treat for all the family.

Based on J.M. Barrie’s beloved story that has enchanted children of all ages for nearly 100 years, the classic tale of a boy who never grows up is brought magically to life in this spectacular new production.

Stunning scenery, swashbuckling sword fights and breathtaking flying, accompanied by soaring music from a 14 piece orchestra, make this the North West’s must-see seasonal treat.

So with the help of Tinkerbell and a sprinkle of fairy dust, travel with Peter and Wendy on the greatest, most heart-warming, exciting adventure of all time, to a place far far away, where magic and dreams really do come true.

Peter Pan is the ultimate fantasy adventure for young and old alike and one not to be missed!

Singer, musician & songwriter Natalie Merchant was previously the lead singer in 10,000 Maniacs the early 80’s American alternative/college rock band whose hits include ‘Peace Train'.

Natalie left 10,000 Maniacs in 1993 to pursue a solo career & to date she has released four solo albums including 1995’s ‘Tigerlily’ which which included the top 10 American single ‘Carnival’. Her new album ‘Leave Your Sleep’ will be released on 12th April.  

“I suppose I am a survivor since I am still here recording an album,” says Marc Almond.

With Soft Cell, the first successful British electro-duo in partnership with Dave Ball, Marc achieved a string of international hits - biggest of all, their version of northern soul classic Tainted Love, while Memorabilia is cited as the first techno record ever.

10 million-plus worldwide record sales later, Soft Cell are a British icon, influencing several subsequent generations of musicians - from Pulp, The Pet Shop Boys and Suede, to Goldfrapp and onto Antony Hegarty of Antony & The Johnsons fame.

Stardom Road was the first album recorded since his near-fatal accident. With one exception, it’s an album of covers, chosen and sequenced to tell Almond’s story.

It resembles not just an album but a play, which clearly suits a man who comes alive on stage, whose songs have always resembled dramas, whether they are underpinned by fizzy synth-pop, 60s-inspired pop kitsch-arama, bare-naked acoustic ballads or orchestrated splendour.

World Première

Britain’s national contemporary dance company returns to its partner venue with a brand new programme of imaginative, ambitious and high quality dance.

This autumn, Rambert is delighted to première its exciting new work Awakenings. A collaboration between theatrical choreographer Aletta Collins and celebrated American composer Tobias Picker, this is the first dance interpretation of Oliver Sacks’ book of the same name, made famous by the 1990 Hollywood film starring Robin Williams and Robert De Niro. Awakenings is a beautiful piece of dance full of high emotion, energy and drama.

Christopher Bruce’s award-winning and uplifting Hush and Merce Cunningham’s RainForest complete the bill.

With 22 of the world’s finest dancers and incredible live music from the Rambert Orchestra, the company continues to be at the very heart of British dance.

‘Where contemporary dance is concerned, Rambert sets the standard for quality and diversity.’ - The Times

*Fri 24 September 1.30pm features an introduction by Mark Baldwin and performances of Hush and Awakenings only.

Having enjoyed sensational reviews, Bill Kenwright’s ‘Amazing’, ‘Superb’, ‘Wonderful’ and ‘Brilliant’ production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sparkling family musical continues to enjoy huge success across the country with standing ovations at every performance.

Retelling the biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colours, this magical musical is full of unforgettable songs including Any Dream Will Do, Close Every Door To Me and One More Angel.

‘Joseph returns in all its glory.’ - Daily Mail
‘A superb piece of entertainment. I was thrilled.’ - Daily Mirror

Mixing nightclub vibes with West End production values, Blaze is a high-energy theatrical show of non-stop dance from some of the world’s hottest DJs, B-Boys and street dancers.


Directed by top West End director and choreographer Anthony Van Laast (Mamma Mia!, Sister Act), Blaze features 16 of the best street dancers and breakers in the world, choreography from some of the hottest names in dance and stunning set designs by Es Devlin (set designer for Kanye West, Mika, Take That and Pet Shop Boys and the upcoming Lady Gaga tour).

Join The Hairy Bikers for an evening of cooking, chatting and laughs. The stars of six hugely successful series on BBC2; most recently their hugely acclaimed Hairy Bikers Tour of Britain was watched by 4 million viewers. Their successful year was rounded off when Dave won BBC’s Celebrity Mastermind, while Si took an admirable second place in BBC2’s The Weakest Link. Live cooking, much talk of motorbikes - and they’re clever too – not to be missed!

Following sell-out successes in the West End, Toronto and Miami, and based on the iconic seventies film that launched Jimmy Cliff onto the world stage, this exhilarating production tells the story of a country boy who makes for the bright lights of Kingston, Jamaica with high hopes of becoming a reggae star.


When the harsh reality of the music scene drives him into a fast and furious life as an outlaw, he would rather die than give up his dream!


All the songs that made the movie so unforgettable are here – You Can Get It If You Really Want, Many Rivers To Cross, Higher and Higher, Rivers of Babylon and The Harder They Come – all performed live by the hottest reggae band this side of the Atlantic.

‘The band is tight, the clothes are right – it’s a sure-fire smash hit.’ - Time Out
‘A superb production that faithfully captures not just the movie’s music and characters, but also its soul.’ - Evening Standard
‘An astonishment in every way; an exhilarating bleeding-at-the-edges slice of Jamaican life that feels as if life, music and dance are all one.’ - The Guardian
‘The coolest show in town by miles.’ - The Sunday Times

The Carpenters story is one that is filled with the joy of overwhelming success and the sadness of a life cut short.

With their light, airy melodies and meticulously crafted, clean arrangements, the Carpenters stood in direct contrast with the excessive, gaudy pop/rock of the '70s, yet they became one of the most popular artists of the decade.

Between 1970 and 1984, the Grammy Award-winning duo had 10 gold singles, nine gold albums, one multi-platinum album and 17 singles in the Billboard Top 20, 12 in the Top 10, three number 1 songs and six songs at number 2.

Tickets to Alan Bennett’s The Habit of Art at The Lyric Theatre, The Lowry, Manchester.

After a sell-out success in London, Alan Bennett’s latest play comes to The Lowry. The Habit of Art looks at the unsettling desires of two difficult men, in an imagined meeting between W H Auden and Benjamin Britten. It reflects on growing old, creativity and inspiration, and on persisting when all passion’s spent; ultimately on the habit of art.

‘Alan Bennett the maestro returns with a multi-layered masterpiece.’ ***** - The Independent
‘The glorious quality of writing, and Nicholas Hytner’s flawless production, carry you along on a wave of pleasure.’ ***** - Mail on Sunday
‘Another absolute cracker, often wonderfully and sometimes filthily funny, but also deeply and unexpectedly moving.’ ***** - The Daily Telegraph

Captioned Performance Fri 8 October 7.30pm. Captioned by Stagetext.
Audio Described Performance Sat 9 October 2pm. Touch Tour 1pm. Audio Described by Vocaleyes.

It’s a wolf eat duck world. But it’s a world where little boys can find extraordinary courage and catch the wolf!

Prokofiev’s story of the irreverent Peter has resonated deeply with generations of children enchanted by its power and sense of fun. Now BreakThru Films and Se-ma-for Studios, in collaboration with BAFTA-winning director Suzie Templeton, bring this mesmerising and enchanting classic to its humorous and exhilarating best for the big screen.

The film, which has no vocals, will be accompanied with live music from Manchester Camerata.

‘Peter’s adventures look wonderfully exciting and Prokofiev’s score helps, too, in a thrillingly beautiful animation.’ - The Sunday Times

The joy of this film is the care, sensitivity and imagination that  matches even Prokofiev’s work.’ - The Independent

The author of What The Dog Saw, Outliers, The Tipping Point and Blink.

Described by The Observer as ‘The most influential thinker of the iPod generation’, best-selling author Malcolm Gladwell returns to the UK with a new live show to mark the publication of his new book What The Dog Saw. This is a rare live opportunity to see Malcolm's brilliantly entertaining amalgam of storytelling and intuitive thinking, which has captivated UK audiences both in the West End and on tour.

Direct from the USA and embarking on her first tour of the UK, Lisa Williams is an internationally acclaimed, Medium and Clairvoyant. With a remarkable ability to communicate with loved ones and friends whom have passed over to the other side, Lisa works with spirit guides and loved ones of the audience. Sharing her gift through audience readings she helps to resolve past issues, informing them of situations that they may find themselves in and providing closure and healing.

Born in England, Lisa was discovered by Merv Griffin, the American television host and media mogul, and has her own hit show ‘Lisa Williams, Life Among the Dead’, on Lifetime Television in the US. As well as appearing on ‘Good Morning America’, ‘Oprah’ and ‘The Jimmy Kimmel Show’, Lisa’s book has also been now been published. Combining personal readings, Reiki and Crystal healing, experience the unique talents and phenomenon that is Lisa Williams.

“If it is a dream then you will never wake up. If it is reality then where is the door leading out of this world?”

Described as radical, progressive, non-traditional and stylish, blackSKYwhite's performances are always magical sights, impossible to classify and genuinely genre-defying.

Their spectacular performances incorporate human animation, a cacophony of electronic music and stunning lighting - creating the effect of something unreal which draws you into a world of great illusion.

A nightmare vision of an alternative reality.

Suitable for ages 12+.

Enter the flamboyant and magical flamenco world of Andalusian dance, song and guitar. On this tour Jaleo are joined by new dancers, including sensational new stars Mª José León and Adolfo Vega.

Fusing the essential elements of flamenco with their own inimitable and charismatic brand of Spanish passion and emotion, Jaleo unleash the raw energy and sensuous rhythms inherent within flamenco.  A potent cocktail of explosive footwork, haunting singing, virtuoso guitar playing and percussive handclapping from southern Spain, with some of flamenco’s finest award-winning artists.

Join the Inscape Summer Music Festival for a selection of music and songs performed by pupils and students from Special Educational Needs schools in Greater Manchester.

World Première

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Britain’s longest-running and most-watched soap opera, come to The Lowry and see the highlights of five decades of Coronation Street, performed live in under two hours.
With a script by Corrie’s own writing team covering over 7,000 episodes and more than 2,000 storylines, including 115 deaths, 37 births and 86 marriages, The Rovers Return suffers one lorry crash, two births, one condemnation, one fire and only two changes of wallpaper.

Catch Weatherfield’s finest and see all your much-loved characters including: Ena Sharples, Hilda Ogden, Percy Sugden, Alf Roberts, Ken and Deirdre Barlow, Curly Watts, Richard Hillman, Karen McDonald, Jack Duckworth, Bet Lynch and many many more.

Relive your favourite memories from the programme – see the viaduct collapse, the coach crash and the tram run over Alan. See Frank capture Valerie, Tracy kill Charlie, Todd kiss Nick, and Gail marry Brian, Martin, Richard and Joe! All this reduced to two hours of mind-boggling stage craft!

Presented by Phil McIntyre Entertainments and ITV.

Verve, the award-winning postgraduate performance company of the Northern School of Contemporary Dance, return to The Lowry with an invigorating mixed bill of new dance works created by leading international choreographers.

Expect an evening of energetic, thought-provoking contemporary dance performed by some of Europe’s most talented young dancers, fresh from intensive technical training at some of Europe’s leading conservatoires. The variety of choreographic styles and ideas will appeal to all, whilst the phenomenal strength and energy of the dancers will impress and inspire.

Once upon a time, in the depths of the ocean, a mermaid princess is singing, and a young prince is drowning… she saves him… he kisses her… I love you, you love me… the mermaid exchanges her tail and sublime voice for two legs, but the prince, alas, marries another!

Combining music, dance, physical performances and ravishing costumes, Kismet’s simply staged and brilliantly inventive style will transport you from a shipwreck in the depths of the ocean to a prince’s castle, from a sea witch’s cavern to a cloud of sea mist lifting to the skies.

From the company who brought us The Snow Queen last Easter, Teatro Kismet’s The Mermaid Princess is a rare and wonderful opportunity to experience world-class family theatre like no other. Don’t miss this chance for a truly extraordinary experience that promises to make a huge impression on all who encounter it.

“Teatro Kismet is a wonderful Italian company that constantly creates visually ravishing work for family audiences… The result is work that is full of wonder and doesn’t patronise the audience.” - Lyn Gardner, The Guardian

Ages: 8+
1hr 5mins

Tickets to legendary 60s group The Zombies live at the Quays Theatre, The Lowry, Manchester.

After reuniting in 2008 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the release of seminal album Odyssey Oracle, The Zombies return to touring in 2010, performing bonafide classics like She’s Not There and Time Of The Season.

Featuring original Zombie members Colin Blunstone and Rod Argent, this show will evoke the spirit of the swinging 60s, with classic song-writing and accomplished musicianship proving that The Zombies’ music is as enjoyable and relevant today as it was more than 40 years ago.

Sujata Mohapatra performs her latest repertoire of stories, dramatic interpretations and choreography. A compelling dancer, with a following across cultures, ages and countries, she has helped transform the popularity of Odissi, the ancient art form of Eastern India, with dazzling performances worldwide. With striking sculpturesque poses, a radiant presence and displays of intricate footwork, Sujata Mohapatra possesses a rare combination of intensity and spontaneity, and is renowned for her grace, depth of expression and technical perfection.

A stage adaption of Chaucer's classic work, The Canterbury Tales, at The Quays Theatre, The Lowry, Manchester.

At the Tabard Inn, London, some time in the 14th century, a motley group of individuals gather for their pilgrimage to Canterbury Cathedral. On the way, they regale each other with their colourful tales to pass the time of day, and thus unfolds one of the greatest collections of stories ever told.

The Canterbury Tales is human nature at its best and worst, and it’s wickedly entertaining. Experience theatrical riches including: love stories, rude stories and farce most lewd, chivalry, villainy, mirth and merriment, poetry and puppetry and a good dose of song and dance.

Mike Poulton’s deliciously witty adaptation, first toured by the RSC, reclaims The Canterbury Tales for contemporary audiences with a fresh script that simply begs to be performed.

Reworked again for Northern Broadsides, The Canterbury Tales is the perfect play for this charismatic company of multi-talented actors who constantly delight Lowry audiences with their infectious exuberance and enthusiasm.

‘(Northern Broadsides’) actors seize on the givens of their characters, breathe vigour and energy into the poetry and let the story take hold. The result is riveting, powerful theatre - a tornado of emotions.’  - The Stage

‘…the sheer dedication and drive of the company…takes your breath away, pushing you to your feet come curtain call.’  - The Daily Telegraph

Northern Broadsides in partnership with the New Vic Theatre.

By Geoffrey Chaucer. A new version by Mike Poulton. Directed by Conrad Nelson.

Tickets to Showstoppers at the Quays Theatre, The Lowry, Manchester.

A brand new musical is created from scratch at each performance of this award-winning production, which has played sell-out seasons in London’s West End and at the Edinburgh festival.

Audience suggestions help to create a show on the spot, as the all-singing, all-dancing cast improvises with unpredictable and frequently hilarious results. Packed with drama, dazzling dance routines and catchy melodies, Showstopper! leaves delighted audiences singing all the way home.

‘Having now seen Showstopper! twice, I can testify that not only is each performance achingly funny, it’s a genuinely new full-length musical every time. Worth seeing again and again.’ ***** - Time Out

Tickets to Samyoga: The Divine Union at the Quays Theatre, The Lowry, Manchester.

Bharatanatyam, a timeless form of Indian dance, takes audiences on a musical and dramatic journey while portraying a range of emotions and fascinating stories.

Shijith and Parvathy Nambiar are amongst India’s finest young stars of the dance form and widely tipped for international fame. They present a contemporary view of three episodes from the Indian literary epics: Tamil, Sanskrit and Telugu. The choreography and music expresses the beauty of Sringara (love) as told through the stories of Rama and Sita, Shiva and Parvathi and Krishna and Rukmini.

Former frontman of legendary 70s innovators Van Der Graaf Generator, Hamill continues to produce unique, cutting edge albums that number the likes of Graham Coxon, John Lydon, Mark E. Smith and Jello Biafra as fans.

Peter Hammill began his career with Van Der Graaf Generator, the chaotic and highly influential underground 70s group. His solo career has embraced over 20 albums of quirky and highly original music and he has written for ballet, film and TV. Peter’s work has always been independent and uncompromising, he believes that it is more important to apply literacy, intelligence and passion to the making of music than to chase after commercial success.

A unique and singular talent.

Tickets to MAPAS (Salford Music and Performing Arts Service) Summer Showcases at the Quays Theatre, The Lowry, Manchester.

Salford Primary School Showcase (Mon & Tue)
A celebration of the year’s work featuring ensembles from the schools involved in the Wider Opportunities project. There will be a wide range of ensembles performing including Wind Bands, Brass Bands, Samba Bands, Guitars and Steel Pans.

Choral Showcase (Wed & Thu)
Featuring massed choir performances of the satellite choirs run by MAPAS, the evening includes a performance of the BBC version of Macbeth performed by the Massed Choirs, Salford Youth Training Choir and Salford Senior Theatre Company.

Tap and chat with dance legend Lionel Blair at the Quays Theatre, The Lowry, Manchester.

Following a triumphant sell–out at the Edinburgh Fringe 2009, the legendary Lionel Blair appears at The Lowry for the first time. Amidst beautifully choreographed songs such as Me And My Shadow and They Can’t Take That Away From Me, Lionel captivates his audience with spellbinding anecdotes; from tea at Number 10 to personal engagements with Liza Minnelli and his legendary performances with Sammy Davis Jnr. Share in this gem which revisits one of the most colourful showbiz careers of all time.

Tickets to High Tease at the Quays Theatre, The Lowry, Manchester.

Celebrate the wonderful variety of the burlesque genre with this uproarious revue of razor-wit and frisky antics.

Reviving and re-imagining this multi-faceted theatrical craft in all its glorious forms, High Tease showcases the very best of true burlesque – a provocative blend of new variety, historical chic and contemporary cabaret. Dazzling and beguiling, expect to experience the daring antics of scantily attired showgirls, whimsical visual satirists, the sultriest of sirens, the edgiest musical-comedy masters, unexpected marvels and a feast of current puns.

‘Hilarious! A wonderful show – I loved it.’ - Ben Elton

During his enforced leave of absence from the BBC, the Scottish Sikh star of The One Show is indulging his fondness for cooking with this culinary-themed comedy show. The simple set-up has Kohli cooking a meal on stage, based on ingredients supplied on the night by members of the audience, while recounting a handful of personal anecdotes (he does mention his current suspension), telling a few jokes and liberally heckling the crowd. Once the meal’s cooked, the show ends with the chef inviting members of the audience up on stage to taste the dish.

It’s a recipe that worked well enough for another celebrity chef (The Galloping Gourmet aka Graham Kerr, the New Zealand-based Scottish star of 1970s afternoon TV), and Kohli’s pretty relaxed with it. Which is actually the main problem. Impressive enough as it is to watch Kohli cook tonight’s plum curry (?!) while blethering about his childhood, family, the Beeb, racism and homosexuality, the casual attitude doesn’t make for a particularly funny show. Still, his plums apparently tasted good.

Tickets to Comedy for Christies at the Quays Theatre, The Lowry, Manchester.

The very best of the Manchester comedy scene unite to bring you an amazing night of laughs to raise money for Christies. The line-up includes award-winning acts that have performed around the world along with a very special guest headliner.

Starring If.Comedy award-winner Sarah Milican, Jason Cook, City Life finalist Phil Buckley and Manchester’s premier comedy team Slaughterhouse Live.

This exciting new initiative gives schools and youth groups around the country the opportunity to stage their own productions of the award-winning show, Billy Elliot the Musical. Participating groups will perform a shorter version of the script and score, specially adapted for the Billy Elliot Youth Theatre. Selected schools will be invited to perform as part of a series of regional showcases culminating in the Billy Elliot Youth Theatre West End Gala at the Victoria Palace Theatre, Billy’s London home, in July 2010.

One of Ireland's most successful musical exports, Duke Special, returns with three unique new projects to be released simultaneously on March 8th 2010 in a box set under the title "The Stage, A Book & the Silver Screen".

After playing a set of stunning and intimate show in London, Belfast and Dublin last week, Duke Special has announced a string of dates across UK theatres in May.

Duke Special has also confirmed a new single "Wanda, Darling of the Jockey Club", taken from "The Silent World of Hector Mann" album to be released on May 17

“Just one more thing…”

Middle Ground Theatre Company presents Prescription Murder, featuring the legendary Dirk Benedict as Lieutenant Columbo in his first ever case.

Psychiatrist Roy Fleming and his wife are celebrating their anniversary when he is called to deal with a female patient.

On returning, he has to soothe his angry wife with the promise of a vacation. When Fleming’s wife is found dead, Columbo is brought in to investigate and seeds of doubt are planted in his mind… In this, Columbo’s first ever outing, we see the genius of the character made famous by Peter Falk as he pits his wits against a master criminal.

International star Dirk Benedict is known by millions for his roles as Templeton "Faceman" Peck in The A-Team and Lieutenant Starbuck in Battlestar Galactica. He is joined by Patrick Ryecart plus a full supporting cast.

The classic musical of two starry-eyed lovers - Billy Bigelow, an uncivilised but handsome carousel ride attendant, and Julie Jordan, a naive and innocent mill worker. Inevitably they get married but their relationship sours when Billy becomes increasingly violent. Featuring a memorable and celebrated score, including The Carousel Waltz, If I Loved You, June is Bustin' Out All Over and the show-stopping You'll Never Walk Alone.

Music by Richard Rodgers.

Book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein IIBased on the play Liliom by Ferenc Molnar as adapted by Benjamin F Glazer.

An amateur production by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Ltd.

Presented by Salford Music Theatre Company.

Twinkle was an 80s Bhangra Star with the world at his feet. Now he’s a washed-up has-been, unemployed and on the scrap heap. Will he ever find his magic and shine again or will fate make him change his tune?

Charting the rise of British Bhangra in the UK, from the fields of the Punjab to the sequin-clad headbands of the 80s through to the R&B fusion of the present day; Rifco Arts’ new musical promises a twinkling night of glitz, live music and song!

Shake your shoulders; tap your toes - Britain’s Got Bhangra! This show is guaranteed to lift you from the dhol drums!

Star of the BAFTA Award-winning Boogie Beebies, catch the much-loved Pete Hillier in his hit show Boogie Pete Live - featuring all your favourite songs and dances including Go, Go Mango and Hey Monkey!

Join Pete as he shows you some moves, some magic and some silliness in this fun-packed show for children of all ages.

Boogie Pete will be coming to meet, greet and sign autographs after the show!

Suitable for ages 2+.

Chekhov's final masterpiece The Cherry Orchard gets a compelling and unique overhaul in this fresh and powerful adaptation.

The first production premièred as part of Liverpool’s Capital of Culture 08, and was developed by the UK's award-winning Kolectiv Theatre Company in a ground-breaking collaborative project with Iran's Bazi Theatre Company and Knjazevsko Srpski Teatar, Serbia, the first presentation.

Volatile aristocrat Ranyevskaya returns after years of self-imposed exile to discover that her home and beloved cherry orchard is to be auctioned to pay off the family debt. Love clashes with ambition, and modernity with tradition in this fast-paced and emotional performance based on Chekhov's much loved play.

Presented by Kolectiv Theatre UK.

Presented by U Dance NW

Join us for an exciting programme of work over two evenings celebrating the wealth of dance talent in the North West.

Inspired by the words of former New York City Ballet principal dancer and choreographer, Jacques d’Amboise, the best of the region’s youth dance companies will showcase new choreography using a rich and diverse mix of dance styles.

Tickets to La La Luna at The Lyric Theatre, The Lowry, Manchester.

What if the light in the moon went out...and what if you were the one responsible for finding a replacement light bulb? This is just the beginning of one very strange night – a night called LaLaLuna.

Combing circus theatre with film, this surreal and whimsical tale follows the moon’s caretaker as he struggles to re-light the darkened moon.

Pocked a moonbeam and take a journey to a place where gravity isn’t always on its best behavious – an extraordinary theatrical journey for adults and children alike.

‘The show injects real joie de vivre.’ - The Stage

New production

The centrepiece of Donizetti’s historical opera is a clash that never took place, between Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots. Charting events leading to Mary’s execution, Donizetti courted controversy by treating such powerful material, and the opera was initially banned.

Maria Stuarda is one of Donizetti’s most dramatic and affecting works, and with soprano Antonia Cifrone (Lady Macbeth here in Spring 2008) and mezzo Sarah Connolly (Romeo in I Capuleti e i Montecchi last Autumn) battling it out as the rival queens, fireworks are forecast.

Sung in Italian with English titles
Lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes

Olivia Fuchs’s production of Rusalka reveals all the tragic beauty of Dvořák’s operatic masterpiece: as Anna Picard wrote in the Independent on Sunday, ‘fascinating, well-directed, expertly sung and acted . . . this is another unmissable production from Opera North’.

Suffused with music that is by turns earthy and ethereal, the opera relates the story of a water nymph who yearns to be part of the human world. The haunting score is famed for Rusalka’s poignant ‘Song to the Moon’, and this production is altogether a spell-binding experience.

Sung in English
Lasts approximately 3 hours 15 minutes

Join Playback Theatre Manchester for a special evening of improvisational storytelling. Through the unique combination of audience, actors and musicians, Playback will transform your real life experiences instantaneously into theatre. The dynamic improvisation skills and ensemble work can bring laughter, tears, enchantment and connections across the whole audience. Come and watch or take the opportunity to tell your story and experience the magic of Playback as it is played back to you.

Suitable for ages 10+.

This award-winning musical hit tells the story of seventeen Broadway dancers all auditioning for spots in a chorus line.

Set on the stage of a Broadway theatre during an audition for a musical, the audience is given a glimpse into the personalities of the performers and the choreographer as they describe the events that have shaped their lives and their decisions to become dancers.

Featuring a cast of nineteen plus fabulous show-stopping routines with amazing choreography, A Chorus Line is a must-see for anyone who loves the world of dance.

Featuring songs such as What I Did For Love, I Can Do That, Dance Ten Looks Three and the sensational finale with One, this show is sure to thrill and delight every age group. Don't miss this spectacular performance!

Tickets to a stage adapation of Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol at the Quays Theatre, The Lowry, Manchester.

Tickets to Adrian Edmondson and the Bad Shepherds live at the Quays Theatre, The Lowry, Manchester.

Adrian Edmondson was a teenager when punk arrived. The songs of The Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Jam and The Stranglers were the soundtrack to his life through the late 70’s and early 80’s, and like a lot of people of his generation he was fond of playing these songs to himself at home on his acoustic guitar.

Cut forward to 2007: after a boozy pre-Christmas lunch in Soho, Ade stumbled along to Denmark Street, home of many alluring musical instrument shops, and whilst inebriated, ‘accidentally’ bought a mandolin. Surprised to see it sitting there in his kitchen the following morning he nevertheless picked it up, worked out a few chords, and started playing the same songs with a mandolin accompaniment – it sounded really interesting.

He was touring with the Bonzos at the time and he brought his mandolin along, and with Neil Innes on acoustic guitar, they had a go at London Calling in the dressing room. It sounded good, but Neil said ‘What you need are some brilliant folk musicians.’

Ade got in touch with Troy and Maart and they were both immediately up for it. As soon as he explained the idea to Troy: ‘Punk songs with a Celtic feel.’ Troy replied ‘Why not The Model by Krafwerk as well? I’ve always wanted to play that on the pipes.’

They met for a couple of days to mess about with the idea. If it didn’t work they could all just walk away. But within the first hour they knew they were onto something. In the two days they drank numerous beers, ate 2 curries and arranged 8 songs - and the band was born.

The Bad Shepherds are TROY DONOCKLEY, ADRIAN EDMONDSON and ANDY DINAN.

Dress to impress for a divinely decadent evening as Manchester’s hugely successful monthly cabaret night returns with Lesbian Vampire Queen Rosie Lugosi playing host to a variety of mesmerising acts that are guaranteed to entertain.

So join us in the plush red setting of the Quays Theatre, which has been transformed with table seating so you can enjoy a drink whilst taking in the show, then stay on for some late night dancing to the smooth and sassy retro tunes from DJ Mikey Wong.

Presented by The Slippery Belle in collaboration with The Lowry.

Dress to impress for a divinely decadent evening as Manchester’s hugely successful monthly cabaret night returns with Lesbian Vampire Queen Rosie Lugosi playing host to a variety of mesmerising acts that are guaranteed to entertain.

So join us in the plush red setting of the Quays Theatre, which has been transformed with table seating so you can enjoy a drink whilst taking in the show, then stay on for some late night dancing to the smooth and sassy retro tunes from DJ Mikey Wong.

Presented by The Slippery Belle in collaboration with The Lowry.

Comedian and presenter, best known as host and civilising influence on the hugely influential “Mock the Week” on BBC2. He crops up regularly on TV and radio, and was recently one of the “Three Men in a Boat”. A consummate performer in his own right, Dara recently published “Tickling The English” – an hilarious collection of observations and anecdotes from an Irishman living among the English.

“If you don’t laugh at O’Briain check your pulse. You must be dead.” (The Evening Standard)

The show which sold out and wowed audiences on, Enigma  returns to The Lowry to stun and shock again.

Be prepared for a once-in-a-lifetime theatrical experience when the master of psychological illusion returns to the stage with Derren Brown: Enigma.

Derren will once again bewilder, baffle and bewitch and show why he is one of the country’s most revered live performers; a master of magic, mind control and psychological illusion.

Suitable for ages 12+.

'A spectacular night of entertainment. Derren Brown is, without a shadow of a doubt, this country’s greatest illusionist. His latest show sees him climb heights rarely, if ever, achieved by any other legend of the magical arts. Some of the illusions are beyond mind-boggling and do truly beggar belief. Derren Brown, you put Merlin to shame.'
Time Out

Tickets to country legend Glenn Campbell live at The Lowry in Manchester.

Glen Campbell is a bonafide living legend who’s career spans five decades and fans that cross Generational and International borders. This man has sold 45 million records, starred in True Grit with John Wayne, and played guitar for both Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley!


True pop music royalty, his hits include By The Time I Get To Phoenix, Gentle On My Mind, Galveston, Wichita Lineman and – of course – the seminal Rhinestone Cowboy. A superb musician and songwriter – and a fabulous raconteur.

Katy Brand is taking her Big Ass on tour. Join the British Comedy Award Winner and star of ITV2's Katy Brand's Big Ass Show, Have I Got News For You and Peep Show, for an evening of anarchic comedy, celebrity satire, music spoofs and much, much more. Following the success of her hit TV show, Katy is returning to her live roots with this silly, sassy and smart evening of comedy. Featuring old favourites and new material, there's something here for everyone.

Kevin’s recent Edinburgh Comedy Award nomination and his stand out performance on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow (BBC ONE, June/October 2009) have highlighted an exceptional 12 months for the young Glaswegian comic. With his hotly anticipated DVD on the way and a string of high profile television appearances including Live at the Apollo (BBC1), 2010 is destined to be his year.

Kevin’s delightfully well observed debut show reveals his inner-most thoughts on a variety of topics from his home-land of Scotland to the world beyond. His unique brand of social commentary, astute observations and sharp one-liners arguably make him the hottest act to come out of Scotland in the last ten years.

“... master of stand up at just 22. This is unmissable stuff ” The Mirror *****

“Observational comedy at its very best” Edinburgh Evening News *****

One fateful night in Paris in the 1950s the poet Rodolfo meets the beautiful seamstress Mimi.

They fall passionately in love, but Mimi is incurably ill and the unbearable pressure of this eventually causes their relationship to crumble.

Mimi, alone and near death, sends word that she wants to spend her last hours with Rodolfo, but can he reach her before it is too late?

Directed by Phyllida Lloyd, whose stage production and film of the hit musical Mamma Mia! have created a global phenomenon, this production of Puccini's masterpiece that is not to be missed. Get the tissues ready - you'll need them!

Sung in Italian with English titles.

Cameron Mackintosh is delighted to announce the exciting new 25th anniversary production of the World’s Longest Running Musical, Les Misérables will be coming to The Lowry in August 2010 for 2 weeks only.

Heading a magnificent new cast is Broadway and West End star John Owen Jones, hailed by the New York Post as the best Jean Valjean since Colm Wilkinson, and West End stars Earl Carpenter as Javert and Gareth Gates as Marius. The legendary score includes the songs, ‘I Dreamed a Dream’, ‘On My Own’, ‘Stars’, ‘Bring Him Home’, ‘Do You Hear the People Sing’, ‘One Day More’, ‘Empty Chairs at Empty Tables’, ‘Master of the House’ while the new sets feature spectacular designs inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo.

This is a strictly limited season so don’t miss your chance to experience this unforgettable show. Dream the dream and book now!

Orchestra Pit
Please note when booking your tickets that Rows A&B in the Stalls are removed as an orchestra pit, making Row C the front row.

More than three years after the gold-selling Fires, Nerina Pallot has shaken up her sound, shrugged off the spectre of singer/songwriter and produced an album of clever, classy pop, including the new single Real Late Starter.

It is taken from the brand new album The Graduate, aptly named owing to the fact Nerina recently graduated with a First in English literature.

Paul Merton, one of the country's funniest and best-loved performers, sets out in Spring 2010 on a brand new UK-wide tour with his world renowned Impro Chums.

Paul and his chums, Mike McShane, Lee Simpson, Richard Vranch and Suki Webster will create a new and unique comedy show every single night, based entirely on suggestions from the audience, their own finely honed improvisational skills and an almost manic compulsion to show off.

Reginald is one of the few performers to have been nominated for the Perrier Award in three consecutive years. He has performed around the world and has appeared in some of the UK’s most popular primetime TV programmes including 8 Out Of 10 Cats, Never Mind the Buzzcocks and QI. He is a frequent guest on Have I Got News For You.

Ruby had it all – career, dream house, husband, kids – but people soon realised something was wrong when she painted her house the same colour ‘beige’ for the 47th time. There was only one thing for it – send her to the Priory!

Told with wit, humour and a lot of heart, this is Ruby at her belting best – when she’s losing it!

“Ruby Wax is on razor sharp form. I laughed and I cried. Don’t miss it!” Adam Helliker, Sunday Express

Based on his best selling book The Hacienda - How Not To Run A Club, the bass slinging Manchester legend tells the story of the iconic club, New Order, Joy Division and the Madchester scene, from the haze of 80s acid house to the 90s gangs, drugs and corporate greed.

A funny and engaging raconteur, Hooky’s personal account of the people and the era is sadder, scarier and stranger than you could imagine.

Hear the stories that were not allowed in the book. A tale of fun, success, lost money; featuring multi media footage and a Q&A session.

Brandon Thomas' RAUCOUS and ROLLICKING farce

"I'm no ordinary woman..."

Charley's aunt is about to arrive and she holds the key to everything.  Charley's in love with Amy, but if they're to be engaged before she goes away he'll need his aunt's agreement.  Jack's in love with Kitty, but if they're to get together before she goes away with Amy, he'll need Charley's aunt to act as chaperone.
 
So when the aunt's arrival is delayed, Charley's and Jack decide there's only one thing for it.  An emergency aunt is called for, and in their desperation they think the eccentric Babberley just might save the day,  But whilst the-impostor-aunt starts to play fast and loose with his part, the-real-aunt is getting ever closer, and it isn't long before the misunderstandings and misdemeanours are spiralling out of control in Brandon Thomas' RAUCOUS and ROLLICKING farce.

Directed by Braham Murray
Designed By Johanna Bryant

Press Night Performance
Monday 28 June
 
After Show Discussion
Thursday 5 August
 
Audio Described Performance
Saturday 31 July at 4pm
 
BSL Interpreted Performance
Friday 6 August at 7.30pm
 
Suitable for ages 12+

Bernard Shaw's SPARKLING and BITING classic

"You have no idea how frightfully interesting it is to take a human being and change her into a quite different human being..."

When Henry Higgins makes a bet with Colonel Pickering that he can turn a cockney flower girl into a lady, he sets out to change Eliza Doolittle completely and equip her for life in high society - but he reckons without the spirit and strength of Eliza herself in Bernard Shaw's SPARKLING and BITING classic.

Directed by Greg Hersov
Designed By Ashley Martin-Davis
Lighting Designer Mark Jonathan

Press Night Performance
Monday 17 May
 
After Show Discussion
Thursday 10 June
 
Audio-Described Performance
Saturday 12 June at 4pm - preceded by a Touch Tour
 
BSL Interpreted Performance
Tuesday 15 June at 7.30pm
  
Theatre Lunch
Friday 11 June at 12 noon
 
Suitable for ages 12+

Shakespeare's ANARCHIC and MAGICAL comedy

"I see two husbands, or mine eyes deceive me..."

Many years ago, Egeon, his wife Aemilia, their twin sons and twin servants were shipwrecked.  Egeon, one son and one servant were separated from the rest and have travelled the world in search of their other halves ever since.  Now, with the most chaotic of consequences, fate is finally about to bring them all together - and with no-one sure who's who and what's what, confusion is sure to threaten the reunion in Shakespeare's ANARCHIC and MAGICAL comedy.

Press Night Performance
Tuesday 6 April
 
After Show Discussion
Thursday 6 May
 
Audio-Described Performance
Saturday 8 May at 4pm
 
BSL Interpreted Performance
Friday 7 May at 7.30pm
  
Suitable for ages 12+

WORLD PREMIERE of Matthew Dunster's sensual and sinister adaptation

War is Peace.  Freedom is Slavery.  Ignorance is Strength.

Winston Smith rewrites history for the Ministry of Truth, but when he's handed a note that says simply 'I love you' by a woman he hardly knows, he decides to risk everything in a search for the real truth.  In a world where cheap entertainment keeps the proles ignorant but content, where a war without end is always fought and the government is always watching, can Winston possibly hold onto what he feels inside?  Or will he renounce everything, accept the Party's reality and learn to love Big Brother?  This is a world premiere of Matthew Dunster's SENSUAL and SINISTER adaptation of George Orwell's classic.

After Show Discussion
Thursday 18 March

Audio Described Performance
Saturday 13 March at 4pm - preceded by a Touch Tour

BSL Interpreted Performance
Tuesday 23 March at 7.30pm

Suitable for ages 15+

Running time
3 hours

Romiley Little Theatre presents the stage version of TV's 'Allo 'Allo!

'Allo 'Allo! follows the adventures of René, the hapless café owner in war-torn occupied France, as he and his wife, Edith, struggle to keep for themselves a priceless portrait stolen by the Nazis and endeavour to repatriate two British airmen with the help of the Resistance. The Führer is to visit the town. René will need all the wit he can muster to save his café and his life ...!

An amateur production.

Delving into the shadier corners of jazz, bluegrass, blues, cabaret and pop,  Taboo-Be-Do! offers a shamelessly cheerful celebration of the outrageous, the ill-considered and the downright inappropriate.

For this eye-opening, foot-tapping  journey through 100 years of politically incorrect music, Terence Blacker and Derek Hewitson of the guitar duo Something Happened are joined by the sensational Victoria Hart, recently described by the British Theatre Guide as “Monroe-esque in beauty and bursting with musical talent.”

‘Relaxed, funny and enjoyably provocative – I was delighted on all affronts.’ - Neil Innes
‘I enjoyed it hugely … This is a show whose time has come.’ - Libby Purves

“Impressive emotional power… The script is shrewd and funny and very eloquent about twentieth-century art”. - TIME OUT Critics’ Choice

Internationally-acclaimed American artist Julian Barker, whose fame ranks alongside that of Andy Warhol and Francis Bacon, has just months to live. Ravaged with pancreatic cancer, Julian retreats to his East Hampton beach house to prepare for artistic immortality. He is cared for by his younger partner Chad, who is set to inherit his multi-million dollar estate and his priceless iconic paintings. The peace is interrupted by Julian’s former lover Marcus, who is determined to stake his claim and further complicated by the arrival of Chad’s own younger boyfriend, a seemingly naïve 23-year old model. With Julian’s death imminent, each man jockeys for position and control.

“Reitz delights in the untidy dynamics between these four characters” - WHAT’S ON STAGE

“An engaging and truthful portrayal of the human condition” FRINGE REVIEW

“Superb new play from a writer who truly knows his art” MUSIC OMH

Boris Johnson and his Sodding Bicycle examines the rise of  Boris Johnson as scholar, journalist, , and TV celebrity to become England’s most popular and unpopular politician.

Set during the now infamous Olympic Games acceptance ‘wiff-waff’ speech, it charts his life and career from his birth in New York to London Mayor via Eton, Wolverhampton, and Clwyd South, calling at er…um…errr…Liverpool and erm….ummm…Portsmouth.
 
Written by Steve Haythorne & Ann Jeffs
Directed by Carole Copeland
Boris Johnson – Rob Laughlin

An Evening with Gervase Phinn will have you in stitches, as he shares his hilarious tales of life as a schools inspector in the Yorkshire Dales. Dubbed the James Herriot of schools this best selling author, Radio and TV personality is not to be missed!

One of Britain’s most popular writers and performers, Gervase is best known for his five autobiographical novels: The Other Side of the Dale, Over Hill and Dale, Head Over Heels in the Dales and Up and Down in the Dales, The Heart of the Dales. With his keen ear for the absurd and sharp eye for the ludicrous, Gervase Phinn has delighted audiences all over the UK with stories of his experiences as a school inspector.

Gervase embarks on his 9th national tour that takes in over 40 nights. His shows have received rave reviews all across the country.

“Gervase Phinn is one of the most accomplished public speakers of any kind. A natural storyteller, he combines the timing of the professional comedian with palpable warmth and the ability to deliver a message that is just more than a series of jokes”. The Times

Tamzin Outhwaite, who plays the title role of Charity Hope Valentine, will lead the cast in the West End transfer of the Tony Award-winning musical Sweet Charity, which comes to the Theatre Royal Haymarket from the 23rd April 2010 .
 
Sweet Charity follows the misadventures of love encountered by the gullible and guileless Charity Hope Valentine, a woman who always gives her heart and her dreams to the wrong man.  Cy Coleman's score features favourite hits such as Hey, Big Spender; If My Friends Could See Me Now and The Rhythm of Life.
 
With book by Neil Simon, music by Cy Coleman and lyrics by Dorothy Fields, Sweet Charity is directed by Matthew Wright, choreography is by Stephen Mear, set design by Tim Shortall, costume design by Matthew Wright, musical supervision and direction by Nigel Lilley, orchestrations by Chris Walker, lighting by David Howe and sound design by Gareth Owen.

Chris Wood & Andy Cutting performing at The Met.

Please note this show will be performed in Russian with NO translation.

Demarche of Enthusiasts is a combined story of the modern Russian classics. Popular actor Alexander Filippenko brings to life excerpts from Sergei Dovlatov, Vladimir Vyssotsky, Vasily Aksenov and Bulat Okudzhava, marshalling them under a single epigraph: “All of us hail from the 1960s. To be perfectly honest, we lived better then than now. Although the life itself is better now than it was then…” This comparison – however tragic, illogical and sad it may sound – is also irrepressibly funny, giving Filippenko ample opportunity to make his audience laugh and cry, almost at the same time.
 

For two performances only prior to the Absolut Gay Theatre Festival Dublin. From the team that produced the award winning Lord Arthur’s Bed....

NAKED HOMO written and performed by Martin Lewton
Staged by Andrew McKinnon

Ten scenes of naked gay life performed by one naked homo taken from -

Dark room * naturist * husband * dog * life model * escort * birth * gym * cheat * drag queen * bike ride* the match * death * sauna * webcam * bondage * pride * beach * street * cleaners * bed * stripper....

Lip Service - Best Bits, a celebration of the best work over 25 years of LipService lunacy.

Starring Mark Rylance, David Hyde Pierce and Joanna Lumley
 
By David Hirson
Directed by Matthew Warchus
 
American playwright David Hirson's rollicking 1991 play, La Bête, is a comic tour de force about Elomire (David Hyde Pierce), a high-minded classical dramatist who loves only the theatre, and Valere (Mark Rylance), a low-brow street clown who loves only himself. When the fickle princess (Joanna Lumley) decides she’s grown weary of Elomire's royal theatre troupe, he and Valere are left fighting for survival as art squares off with ego in a literary showdown for the ages.
 
La Bête will star Tony and Olivier Award winner Mark Rylance (Jerusalem, Boeing-Boeing), Tony and Emmy Award winner David Hyde Pierce (Dr Niles Crane in Frasier) and BAFTA Award winner Joanna Lumley (Patsy Stone in Absolutely Fabulous) and will be directed by the multi award-winning Matthew Warchus (The Norman Conquests, God of Carnage, Boeing-Boeing).

Amateur Transplants (aka deviant doctors Adam Kay and Suman Biswas) sing smutty songs at a piano.

They are "Superbly politically incorrect, gloriously funny" (Scotsman), "Very very funny indeed" (Radio 1) and "A cult hit" (Sunday Times). 6 million people downloaded the London Underground Song - you were potentially one of them.

Jazzgalore, the Performance Company of Northern Ballet School present "Crazy For Dance - A Musical Journey Through The Decades".

Crazy For Dance is a nostalgic trip through the classics of Broadway from the roaring twenties to the present day...

Directed and choreographed by David Needham this is a Dance Revue for all ages, brimming with energy and style and guaranteed to get your feet tapping!

A Taste of the West End in Manchester...

A new comedy from BAFTA Award-winner and author of Rising Damp Eric Chappell

In life, Dave Thursby was a hugely successful television comedian, loved by the public. In death, he leaves his wife, agent and close companions bereft. They are going to miss Dave terribly. Some of them may even be out of work. Unless, of course, the repeats, television specials, biographies and newspaper tell-alls can fill the vacuum. And who is best placed to exploit the legacy?

Crammed with great jokes, Tom Conti leads a fantastic cast of performers, in this hilarious and fast paced comedy from the author of such classic TV Series as Rising Damp, Duty Free, Only When I Laugh and Home to Roost. Eric Chappell's script reflects a lifetime of working with comedians and he understands the ego of comic genius better than most – exposed hilariously in Wife After Death.

World Premiere
 
A celebration of a great English heroine, Anne Boleyn dramatises the life and legacy of Henry VIII’s notorious second wife. Anne Boleyn is traditionally seen either as a pawn manipulated by an ambitious father and his friends into the King’s bed, or as a sexually licentious predator, even a witch.
 
But Brenton puts a very different Anne – and her ghost – on the Globe stage. Witty and confident in her sexuality, she takes on the vicious world of Tudor Court politics. She is in love with Henry but also in love with the most dangerous ideas of her day. Conspiring with the exiled William Tyndale, the great translator of the Bible who was to be burnt as a heretic, Anne plots to make England Protestant, forever.
 
Award-winning playwright Howard Brenton’s previous work includes In Extremis at Shakespeare's Globe (2006 and 2007).

World Premiere
 
What is madness? What is sanity? It is 18th-century London, noisy and chaotic. The city’s ancient hospital for the insane is under the supervision of the prejudiced Dr Sidney Carew and his imbecile son, whose interests lie in containing rather than curing their patients. But with the arrival of the lovely country girl, May, and the appointment of a more enlightened and sympathetic governor, this inhuman regime starts to crumble, along with the sanity of the asylum keepers themselves.
 
Employing a cast that includes doctors (some mad), patients (some sane), a homicidal painter and a hypochondriac poet, and set against an anarchic backdrop of binge drinkers, gin sellers and ballad singers, Bedlam combines dance and song with scenes of lust, violence, absurd comedy and unexpected romance.

A revival of the 2008 hit
 
’Christopher Luscombe’s production brims with humanity, ingenuity and irresistible charm… not just theatre but the capital at its very best.’ Sunday Telegraph
 
‘A wonderfully warming comedy, stuffed to bursting with belly laughs.’ The Times
 
’The feel-good hit of the summer.’ Daily Telegraph
 
Imagining that Mistress Ford and Mistress Page have each fallen for him, the fat knight Sir John Falstaff decides to seduce them both, as much for their husbands’ money as for their personal charms. Wise to the old rogue’s tricks, the women turn the tables on him with a series of humiliating assignations and a very damp, extremely smelly laundry basket.
 
Featuring many characters from Henry IV Parts 1 and 2, Shakespeare’s brilliantly constructed farce, which gave birth to a tradition that reaches down to the modern TV sitcom, returns to the Globe after delighting audiences in 2008.
 

Hotspur is dead and Prince Hal has proved his mettle on the battlefield, but Henry IV lies dying and the rebels, though scattered, show no sign of declaring their allegiance to the Crown. Even Falstaff is forced out of the taverns to raise a scratch militia in the country. But will his attachment to the rising Hal be rewarded with promotion and the life of ease he feels sure he deserves?
 
At least the equal of Part 1, Henry IV Part 2 includes some of the greatest moments in Shakespeare: the deathbed scene of the old King, when Hal contemplates the crown; the reunion of Falstaff with his old boon companion, Justice Shallow; and Hal's devastating rejection of Falstaff himself.
 
This production will employ Renaissance staging and costume.

Prince Hal, son of Henry IV, seems to be squandering his life among the whores, boozers and petty rogues of Eastcheap. And the greatest of these rogues is the fat knight, Sir John Falstaff, a liar, glutton, lecher, cheat, braggart, fool and sponger who also possesses wit, warmth, intelligence and a gigantic sense of fun. But beside these scenes of glorious misrule gathers a nationwide rebellion led by the Duke of Northumberland and his charismatic son, Hotspur.
The first instalment of Shakespeare's gripping account of the rise of Hal from idle barfly to monarch-in-waiting combines compelling power politics with the hilarious antics of Falstaff, Shakespeare's greatest comic creation.
This production will employ Renaissance staging and costume.

The Tudor Court is locked in a power struggle between its nobles and the Machiavellian Cardinal Wolsey, the King's first minister and the most conspicuous symbol of Catholic power in the land. Wolsey's ambition knows no bounds and when his chief ally, Queen Katherine, interferes in the King's romance with Ann Bullen, he brings gigantic ruin upon himself, the Queen and centuries of English obedience to Rome.
 
Famous in its own day as Shakespeare's most sumptuous and spectacular play, Henry VIII is a gorgeous pageant of masques and royal ceremony; a blaze of fireworks, cannonfire, red satin and cloth-of-gold. But within the passages of grandeur works the mind of the mature Shakespeare: psychological and political insight, language of great depth and power and, in the figures of Wolsey and Katherine, two of his most vivid and memorable characters.
 

When three witches tell the general Macbeth that he is destined to occupy the throne of Scotland, he and his wife choose to become the instruments of their fate and to kill the first man to stand in their path, the virtuous King Duncan. But to maintain his position, Macbeth must keep on killing - at first Banquo, his old comrade-in-arms; and later, as the atmosphere of guilt and paranoia thickens, anyone who seems a threat to the tyrant and his fear.
 
From its first moments to the last fulfilment of the witches' prophecy, Shakespeare's gripping account of the psychological experience of murder enthralls the imagination. In scenes of nightmarish vividness and language of haunting power, Macbeth represents the profoundest engagement with the forces of evil in all drama.

By Les 7 Doigts de la Main (The 7 Fingers)

Since taking the Edinburgh Festival by storm in 2007, followed by sell-out seasons in London’s West End, New York, Paris and Montreal, award-winning Traces tours the UK for the first time.

Traces is a high energy, dazzling display of urban acrobatics that combines traditional circus skills with basketball, skateboarding, a mix of street and contemporary dance, traditional theatre, humour and amazing audio visual effects.

Set to a soundtrack that includes hip-hop, rock 'n' roll, blues and classical music, this infectious funky pioneering new brand of circus is a thrill-a-minute that will leave you begging for more.

The five ultra talented performers reveal snippets of their own personal stories throughout the show, drawing the audience in until the dramatic climax leaves them on the edge of their seats willing them to pull off the seemingly impossible.

Improbable Fiction being performed at Rhona McGaw Theatre.

They're back – the legendary Original Tribute to the Blues Brothers comes back to the UK at last!!!

The show that started it all has been selling out all over Europe these past few years, but Jake and Elwood Blues know that home is where the heart is...  Last time they were here, they smashed, crashed and crooned their way through sell-out shows in the UK – no one does it like these brothers and they’re back to show you just why they are the best...

Featuring original members from that West End run, the (all new!!!) 'Original' show brings you all those amazing favourite moments and songs with a few new twists, a few new moves and a clean, freshly laundered suit...

The boys are joined by the sassy Bluettes, three amazing ladies with voices to knock you clean off your perch...  So don the sunglasses, dig out your best pork pie hat, and buff up those dancing shows, because the Blues Brothers cordially request your presence for a night of the best music, the best moves and the best comedy you’re likely to see this side of Chicago.  Just don’t tell the Police, OK...?!

All your favourite songs are here – of course!!!  Everybody, Shake Ya Tail Feather, Sweet Home Chicago, Think, Respect, Gimme Some Loving, and loads, loads more!!!

Evita, one of the worlds greatest musicals, returns to Londons West End after 21 years. Directed by the award winning Michael Grandage and featuring lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Evita tells the story of the iconic Eva Peron, the second wife of Argentine dictator Juan Peron. It chronicles her life as Argentinas most complex and powerful figure, against a backdrop of political unrest, until her tragic death of cancer in 1952.

Evita features many classic songs including Dont Cry for Me Argentina and Another Suitcase in Another Hall. This new production will also feature the Oscar winning You Must Love Me for the first time ever on stage. Written especially for Alan Parkers 1996 film adaptation starring Madonna and Antonio Banderas, it became a Top Ten single immediately on release that year.

Peppa is a playful little piggy who lives with her younger brother George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig. Through everyday adventures she plays games, makes new friends and enjoys her absolute favourite activity – jumping up and down in muddy puddles!

Today it’s a bright and sunny day. It’s also a very special day. It’s Peppa Pig's birthday. So, come and join the fun with Peppa and George, Suzy Sheep, Danny Dog and Emily Elephant. A charming, original and imaginative show, full of brand new songs, muddy puddles and oinks!

This BAFTA-Award-winning children's TV favourite is recreated live on stage with magical puppets for the first time from the producers of LazyTown Live! (The Lowry, 2009).

With Radiohead, Robert Wyatt and Damon Albarn amongst their fans, The Unthanks occupy a unique place in music.

Sisters Rachel and Becky Unthank are unsentimental storytellers outside of time, forging links between folk worlds old and new.

Formerly known as Rachel Unthank & The Winterset, they are the British counterpart to Sufjan Stevens, Tom Waits and Fleet Foxes. Their second album The Bairns was Mercury Music Prize nominated and their new album Here's The Tender Coming features in almost every UK poll for Albums of the Year.

‘Absolutely Exquisite.’ - Paul Morley

Luka Bloom performing at The Met, Main Theatre.

Soul diva Maggie Bell joins forces with Blues Band guitar wizard Dave Kelly and the mighty British Blues Quartet (Zoot Money, Colin Allen, Colin Hodgkinson and Miller Anderson) for an evening of soul and blues classics - with some thumping rock'n'roll thrown in.

One of the finest acoustic finger-style and slide guitar players in the world, twice-winner of Musician Of The Year BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and nominated for Musician of the Year 2009. Martin Simpson's interpretations of traditional songs are masterpieces of storytelling. His solo shows are intense, eclectic, spellbinding and deeply moving. His new album True Stories was released this year to great acclaim.

A story of friendship, fish pie and flick-to-kick football Andy Green's dad is good at Subbuteo; hopeless with spaghetti. So when Andy's mum dies, he does the decent thing - he takes a month off work and moves back home with his dad to teach him how to cook. Fighting memories, and occasionally each other, the pair boil pans and set grills on fire. Can their relationship survive? Or is this is one kitchen nightmare even Gordon Ramsay couldn't fix? A brand new bittersweet comedy from the writer of My Favourite Summer. This play may contain strong language.

The Met's community jazz orchestra, fronted by Munch Manship, presents a spring gig with the best of jazz, hot and cool... classics and new originals.

Paul Chowdhry has distinguished himself over the past few years as one of the most talented and popular comedians in the UK.

Constantly challenging and relentlessly inventive comedy fuels an eclectic set punctuated by impressive feats of mimicry and verbal dexterity. His highly charged dry observational humour taps into the diversity of contemporary Britain.

"One of the finest Asian comics around, he's laidback, very cool and always has a great take on multicultural Britain."
Time Out

Joining hands across the water are top American songwriter and instrumentalist Tim O'Brien with Scotland's talented Kris Drever.

Oink oink - it's Peppa Pig!

Peppa is a playful little piggy who lives with her younger brother George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig. Through everyday adventures she plays games, makes new friends and enjoys her absolute favourite activity – jumping up and down in muddy puddles!

Today it’s a bright and sunny day. It’s also a very special day. It’s Peppa Pig's birthday. So, come and join the fun with Peppa and George, Suzy Sheep, Danny Dog and Emily Elephant. A charming, original and imaginative show, full of brand new songs, muddy puddles and oinks!

This BAFTA-Award-winning children's TV favourite is recreated live on stage with magical puppets for the first time from the producers of LazyTown Live! (The Lowry, 2009).

Tickets to folk wünderkind Jon Boden and his band The Remnant Kings at The Met, Manchester.

Bradley Walsh has established himself as one of Britain's most versatile and popular entertainers. Arguably best known for playing Danny Baldwin in Coronation Street, for which he was won Best Dramatic Performance in the British Soap Awards, Bradley also won acclaim for his part in Law & Order UK and has also found time to host a number of TV quiz shows. For this fantastic show Bradley will be cutting loose with his own brand of stand-up comedy in which he will be casting a gaze on the ordinary and making it hilarious. Get your tickets early for an evening of laughter and fun you'll long remember.

Avenue Q continues the contagious, fun-filled, frolic-fueled adventure that has captured the hearts of theatre-goers everywhere. 
 
Join the residents of Avenue Q in their new home at the Wyndham's theatre on Charing Cross Road. Described as “Pant Wettingly Funny”, Avenue Q ingeniously combines a cast of humans and puppets who tackle subjects such as dating, racism, internet porn, being gay and finding your purpose in life. Avenue Q is very much the perfect musical for our time.
 
Don’t delay – book your tickets today!

Tickets to the classic rock sound of Cardiff's The Reasoning live at The Met, Manchester.

The Reasoning are a Cardiff-based seven-piece rock band, formed in 2005. The band features the song-writing talents of Matthew Cohen (bass), Dylan Thompson (lead guitar/lead vocals) and Rachel Cohen (lead vocals) - the latter having been voted Best Female Vocalist by the UK's Classic Rock Society for an unprecedented four consecutive years. Following the recruitment of guitarist Owain Roberts in 2008, a brand new line-up was established in 2009, featuring Jake Bradford-Sharp (drums), Maria Owen (acoustic guitar/vocals) and Tony Turrell (keyboards/vocals), who complete this outstanding group of experienced musicians.

With this recent recruitment, professional horizons for The Reasoning are very bright indeed, and it is with great excitement that the band embark upon this next stage of their increasingly successful musical journey.

Promoted by Comet Music and Cathedral Management

Support comes from Morpheus Rising.

Finbar Furey comes from a unique pedigree - an all Ireland Uillean Pipe Champion and whistle player, singer/songwriter as well as playing 5-string banjo, and guitar.

Finbar has been round the block, recording for Transatlantic records in the 60's and achieving fame as lead singer/ frontman of The Furey Brothers and Davey Arthur.

Now he works solo, which balancing his folk roots with songs such as Now and Forever and New York Girls, which was his handlebar moustache swinging contribution to Martin Scorsese's Gangs of New York...

Chickenshed's explosive dance theatre company turns its attention to the proliferation of knife crime amongst young people.

Using words, movement and projection alongside a contemporary score of hip-hop and dance music, Crime of the Century packs a frightening punch. The story is based on interviews with victims, perpetrators, families, surgeons, police officers and ex-offenders.

"Emotive and shocking, Chickenshed theatre company's Crime of the Century is a raw and brutal study of the social engineering that affects so many young people today." - Edinburgh Evening News

A tiny boat, a little lost man and the great wide ocean... How did he get there? How can he get home? And why does that fish keep biting him on the bottom?

Singing whales, acrobatic dolphins and a multitude of deep-sea creatures swim to the surface in this fantastic aquatic adventure.

This show features puppetry, animation, live-music, physical comedy and just the odd squirt of water. Suitable for all ages (5 and over). Prsented by Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company.

The brilliant Image Musical Theatre returns with A Little Princess, interactive sing a long fun for all the family.

This wonderful story of a parentless girl courageously resisting hunger and cruelty at the hands of her headmistress, Miss Minchin, is one of the most inspiring of all the children's classics.

You can be the star of the show with the opportunity for some children to take part as actors and the whole audience as the chorus singers - this is family theatre at its very best.

Karen Matheson has captivated audiences around the world and sold over a million records as the lead singer of the best-selling, internationally-renowned Celtic supergroup Capercaillie. Performing here as a solo artist, she has released three albums incorporating traditional and contemporary songs in English and Gaelic.

Shetland folk four-piece Filska have built their music on the islands' tradition of fiddle playing. Featuring acclaimed Shetland fiddler Jenna Reid, the band have a highly unique and innovative sound derived from their fresh and dynamic approach to Shetland traditional music.

Enjoy an intimate evening enjoying Fairport Convention's acoustic take on folk-rock music from the band renowned for inventing the British folk-rock scene in the 1960s. Fairport are winners of the coveted BBC Radio 2 Lifetime Achievement Award and their classic Liege and Lief has been voted most influential folk album of all time by Radio 2 listeners.

Chumbawamba take to the stage once more to celebrate the release of their new album ABCDEFG. Armed with acoustic guitars, accordion and trumpet, five-part harmonies, a bucketful of attitude, the new songs cover such diverse topics as the wearing of iPods in public places, censorship of music under repressive regimes, the power of the voice and Simon Cowell's come-uppance.

They are joined on the tour by fellow No Masters artists O'Hooley (Unthanks) and Tidow; dapper-suited gentlewomen with a wryly observant, melancholic and sometimes uncomfortable take on life. The pair create their very own brand of contemporary folk song, with stark and beautiful piano playing. They will be playing songs from their new album, Silent June.

Tickets to the pioneering American singer/songwriter live at The Lowry, Manchester.


In the early to mid-1980s, she emerged from the same Greenwich Village folk scene that had spawned Bob Dylan and Joan Baez twenty years previously.


Although her work borrowed much from folk's tradition of storytelling through song, her gentle yet powerfully political acoustic pop brought singles such as "Marlene on the wall', 'Luka' and the hugely successful 'Solitude Standing' album to a global audience. In 1990, her career received an extra boost when UK-based rap duo DNA released a remix of a cappella song 'Tom's Diner', which charted world-wide.


She has inspired a whole new generation of musicians - Beth Orton and Alanis Morrisette spring to mind - and tonight is another chance to hear those beautiful songs and Suzanne's hauntingly fragile vocals. Wonderful.

Tickets to mod-folk darling Laura Marling live at The Lowry in Manchester. Simply unmissable.

Compared to the young Joni Mitchell, Laura Marling is a hugely talented singer-songwriter. Her debut album Alas I Cannot Swim was nominated for the 2008 Mercury Prizeand this date will coincide with the release of her second record. 

Formerly a member of cult indie outfit Noah and The Whale, Laura's reputation continues to grow following a host of guest appearances with a wide range of other artistes ranging from The Rakes to Jamie T, and a hugely successful appearance on Later with Jools Holland.

Tickets to Salford Community Dance at The Quays Theatre, The Lowry, Manchester.

Suzy Bogguss perforing at The Met.

Blue Moon, you saw me standing alone…

Following the 5-star success of A Song for the Lovers, Monkeywood Theatre returns to The Lowry.

Already a hit at Manchester’s 2009 24:7 Theatre Festival, Maine Road is a Manchester story about football, family, bricks and mortar.

Leo loves football; loves City. Saturdays mean car-minding and listening to the match from the backyard. That is, until his world is bulldozed around him…

Following the success of The Hollow, The Unexpected Guest, And Then There Were None and Spider’s Web, the Agatha Christie Theatre Company is proud to present the next instalment in the highly acclaimed series, Christie's undisputed masterpiece: Witness for the Prosecution.

After huge stage success the play was filmed by Billy Wilder in 1957, starring Tyrone Power (in his last completed film role), Marlene Dietrich and Charles Laughton. It won many awards, including nominations for seven Oscars and was the year's Number One Box Office hit worldwide. Several remakes have followed, most recently starring Diana Rigg, Ralph Richardson and Beau Bridges.

Emily French, an elderly woman who recently left her considerable estate to the charming young Leonard, is found dead. Murdered.  Though he protests his innocence, Leonard quickly becomes the prime suspect. His plea hinges on his wife’s testimony, until the sudden appearance of a mysterious young woman, bearing an unexpected clue. Will the truth be revealed in time or will Leonard be declared guilty at the hands of the Witness for the Prosecution? In a world where everyone seems to be harbouring a dark secret, this gripping courtroom drama will keep you guessing until the final fatal moment.

Critically acclaimed BAFTA-winning comedian Lee Mack returns to the live stage with a hotly anticipated new show.  Lee will be bringing his trademark brand of high energy banter, well crafted gags and sharp one-liners to venues across the country on his biggest ever live stand-up tour.

Television audiences will know Lee from the RTS and Rose d’Or award-winning Not Going Out (BBC ONE) with Tim Vine and Would I Lie To You? (BBC ONE) where he is a resident team captain.

Lee was a key performer in the BAFTA winning The Sketch Show (ITV1), which ran for two series; he then worked alongside Kelsey Grammer in an American version of The Sketch Show; he wrote and starred in two series of the Sony Radio Award nominated, The Lee Mack Show (BBC Radio 2); hosted They Think It's All Over (BBC ONE); and headlined on Jack Dee Live at the Apollo (BBC ONE).

Lee is also an acclaimed live performer. In 2005 Lee won the Best Stand-Up award at the Loaded LAFTAS. He has also previously received a nomination for the Perrier Award, and won a Time Out Best Live Comedy Award. His first stand up DVD - LEE MACK LIVE recorded at the Bloomsbury Theatre at the end of his 2006 sell-out tour will be released on 26th November.

This brand new tour for 2009/2010 is bound to be a sell-out, so don't delay, get your tickets now!

Des McLean is a member of Clyde 1’s award winning ‘Bowie at Breakfast’ team as well as hosting his own popular Sunday lunchtime spot.

He is back this year with a hilarious new show - The Big Chap - featuring a brand new ‘Billy Connolly’s Bulls**t Tour of...’ and lots more of McLean’s comedy gold!

Adults Only.
Not Suitable for Children.

Part of Magners Glasgow International Comedy Festival.

Bill Burr is an American comedian who first gained notoriety for his recurring role on the second season of 'Chappelle’s Show', Burr developed a comedic style of uninformed logic that has made him a regular performer on the 'Late Show with David Letterman'. In the future Bill hopes to get married and have some kids. But until then, he will continue to spend most of his mid-afternoons sitting in his sweatpants learning AC/DC songs on his SG. Bill is against organized religion and believes we should go back to the gold standard for our currency.  None of his opinions are based on any sort of reliable information.  He tends to go with his first thought, because reading makes him sleepy.

Tickets to The Nutcracker at The Churchill Theatre, Bromley.

Less tribute and more homage to jazz-influenced best sellers Steely Dan, Nearly Dan is saviour to the legions of Dan fans. The band's approach is faithful, though not reverential, and relaxed but as tight as their namesakes, a testament to hours of rehearsal and a great deal of talent. They return to the Met following a sell out show last year.

Oink oink - it's Peppa Pig!

Peppa is a playful little piggy who lives with her younger brother George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig. Through everyday adventures she plays games, makes new friends and enjoys her absolute favourite activity – jumping up and down in muddy puddles!
 
Today it’s a bright and sunny day. It’s a very special day. It’s Peppa Pig's birthday. Come and join the fun with Peppa and George, Suzy Sheep, Danny Dog and Emily Elephant. A charming, original and imaginative show, full of brand new songs, muddy puddles, and oinks!

This BAFTA award-winning children's TV show is recreated live on stage featuring beautifully true-to-life puppets, for first time, from the producers of LazyTown Live! and Roald Dahl’s The BFG.

The multi-award winning comedian and star of Live At The Apollo, Michael McIntyre's Roadshow, Skins, Mock The Week and 8 Out of 10 Cats, performs his brand new show.

'Bishop has funny bones' The Times

'Frankly hilarious' The Telegraph

'I can't help falling in love with this open, optimistic show' Guardian

'A gloriously gifted storyteller' Evening Standard

Direct from the West End comes the Kenneth Williams’ extravaganza, Stop Messing About.

From the team that brought you the hugely successful Round The Horne….Revisited (The Lowry, 2005) comes a guaranteed laugh-a-minute evening, as Kenneth Williams’ waspish wit takes centre stage this spring.

Stop Messing About is set during a live recording, packed with outrageously funny sketches, parodies and songs, which reunited Kenneth Williams with his Carry On co-star Joan Sims and Hugh Paddick transporting you back to a time when comedy meant being funny, with scarcely a swear word in sight.

This wonderfully entertaining show comes from the pens of comedy writing legends Johnnie Mortimer and Brian Cooke who were responsible for some of Britain’s best-loved sitcoms including; Man About The House, Robin’s Nest, Father Dear Father and George and Mildred.

Renowned for exciting and inspiring their audiences, Candoco make us rethink what dance is and who can dance.

For this visit, they bring three new works from international choreographers which show the richness, beauty and diversity of contemporary dance. Acclaimed dance and theatre artist Wendy Houstoun combines movement with text and meaning with humour. The award-winning Emanuel Gat delights with his attention to detail to create beautiful, fluid movement. Whilst Manchester-born Sarah Michelson, known across the Atlantic for her quirky take on our time, rounds off the bill.


‘Candoco is the company for which choreographers reserve their wildest and often most inventive work.’ The Observer

Ballet Central is proud to bring their 25th anniversary tour to The Lowry, offering a varied programme of ballet, contemporary and jazz from some of the world’s leading choreographers.

The 2010 repertoire features David Nixon’s Song to St Andrew, Christopher Bruce’s Shift and excerpts from Peter Wright’s Giselle and Michael Pink’s Dracula. Kit Holder, Louise Bennett and past graduate Christopher Marney are creating new pieces for this tour, and the School’s Director Sara Matthews will be reviving Dances from a Knot Garden. Michael Pink’s dramatic narrative piece I Don’t Want To Set The World On Fire and Phillip Aiden’s Let Yourself Go complete this exciting programme.* Philip Feeney, Musical Director, will provide live accompaniment during the tour.

Ballet Central has been the performing company of Central School of Ballet since 1984. It is comprised of the School’s final year graduate students offering them a unique opportunity to experience ‘life on the road’ of a touring company.

* The company reserves the right to alter the programme, and the final repertoire will be confirmed on the day of the performance.

Britain’s top female comedy trio are 25 years old. Well, actually, they’re older than that, but have decided their Silver Jubilee can be celebrated for a few more years!

Dillie, Adele and Liza look forward to entertaining you with some new songs. Thrill to the beauty of the harmonies, marvel at the intricate rhymes and, if you’re one of their older fans, remember to switch your hearing aid to the theatre’s loop system to avoid unpleasant whistling.

‘Happy Birthday Fascinating Aida. Hilarious, funny and filthy rude.’ The Daily Telegraph

Join The Hairy Bikers for an evening of cooking, chatting and laughs. The stars of six hugely successful series on BBC2; most recently their hugely acclaimed Hairy Bikers Tour of Britain was watched by 4 million viewers. Their successful year was rounded off when Dave won BBC’s Celebrity Mastermind, while Si took an admirable second place in BBC2’s The Weakest Link. Live cooking, much talk of motorbikes - and they’re clever too – not to be missed!

The minute Jo Caulfield hits the stage you know you’re in for a good time.

She is one of the most successful and instantly recognisable female comedians in the country.

Star of Radio 4’s critically acclaimed It’s That Jo Caulfield Again and regularly seen on Mock The Week, Have I Got News For You, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Argumental, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow and Best of The Comedy Store.

‘Sharp-witted, urban comedy that goes down a treat. Like a sociology textbook, but with jokes.’ The Times

Lucy Porter’s latest solo show is a witty romp through the history of gold. In these times of recession, gold is prized more highly than ever. What’s so special about gold, and why is it that human beings have long been obsessed with the yellow, shiny stuff?

The show will feature live alchemy, a tribute to Mr T. and a very valuable, big gold thing with security guards and everything! Lucy Porter is a gilt edged national treasure.

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.

Alone, betrayed by a husband she sacrificed everything for, Medea unleashes a horrific vengeance on her enemies, making both assassins and victims of her own children.

Featuring one of the most powerful female roles in the history of drama, Medea is an intense story fuelled by passion, hatred and blistering rage. Heroic yet deadly, sympathetic yet appalling, Medea’s barbaric actions will stir your emotions as you find yourself irresistibly drawn into the nightmare world of this spectacularly vengeful woman.

Northern Broadsides are internationally celebrated for their highly charged performance style and charismatic cast of actors, winning them the loyal following of the public and critics alike. Their vitality, directness and energy will ignite the dramatic voltage of Tom Paulin’s gripping new version.

‘This is acting so immediate, so alarmingly intimate…it becomes difficult to believe that anyone could only be pretending.’ The Guardian on Antigone (The Lowry, xxxx)

***** The Guardian on Tom Paulin’s The Riot Act

NQR* is an irreverent inquiry into the idea of ‘normality’. It examines our irrepressible eccentricities that defy attempts to fit into the mold. NQR is a chance to look at and think differently about difference.

This work is a three way collaboration co-directed by SDT Artistic Director, Janet Smith, SDT's Dance Agent for Change, Caroline Bowditch and Marc Brew, Associate Director Fellow.

*Not Quite Right - Acronym formally used in medical records to describe unexplained difference.

SDT will also perform work by choreographer Ben Duke – 'a very bright new voice in dance theatre' (Time Out).

“I keep feeling my real life will begin any day now.”

Friends since college, Carl and Alex are struggling to deal with the harsh realities of adulthood as they enter their thirties. Disillusioned by work and struggling to keep their marriages alive, they’re desperately trying to make sense of it all.

Following successful visits with Be Near Me and The Man Who Had All The Luck, the Donmar Warehouse returns to The Lowry with Lanford Wilson’s timeless portrait of two suburban American couples, exploring the destruction of dreams and the loss of passion and purpose.

NK Theatre Arts presents “The Accrington Pals” by Peter Whelan.

This touching tale of the trials and tribulations of a group of young people from Accrington who 'do the right thing' and sign up for service in world war one. It is a play about relationships, between a group of young men, between the men and the women they leave behind, and about one mans relationship with God. We see the struggle of a single working class woman surviving in a man's world, fighting to put her stamp on her own live. We learn about the loss of childhood and dignity in the trenches and the devastating impact the war had on the close knit working class communities in Britain. The result of the war leads the soldiers to the ultimate sacrifice, the loss of their lives and the questioning of their faith in God in the hour of death. A great play, moving, funny and shocking.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS AN AMATEUR YOUTH PRODUCTION

2008 - City slickers Donald and Jim are celebrating their civil partnership. 

1868 - Wealthy young cross-dressers Ernest (Stella) and Fred (Fanny) are celebrating Stella's 'marriage' to Lord Arthur Clinton MP.    

LORD ARTHUR'S BED weaves these two stories together, dramatizing the farcical trial that gripped the  nation 25 years before the downfall of Oscar Wilde. In Fanny and Stella's extraordinary, comical and true story that led them to a sensational trial before the Lord Chief Justice of England in 1870, two modern men find a hidden history and some uncomfortable truths that threaten to wreck their new life together.

Opening at the Brighton Festival in May 2008, the play ,  which contains nudity and scenes of gay sex,  was denounced in the Brighton Argus for being performed in a church.  Their reviewer later described it as “a raw play that tackles homosexual issues head on.”

The cast includes Spencer Charles Noll who won the Michael MacLiammoir award for best actor for LORD ARTHUR'S BED at the 2009 Absolut Dublin Gay Theatre Festival.

**** Reviews
“An evening of gay delight” Manchester Evening News
“A raw play that tackles homosexual issues head on” Brighton Argus
 

Sarah Millican, star of Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week and if.comedy Best Newcomer, announces her debut UK tour. The sweet and filthy Geordie’s stand-up show promises jokes about life, love and what to do when your boyfriend puts a sock on your boob during sex.

Great Comedians Come in Cycles.

As seen on 'Mock The Week', 'Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow' and '8 Out Of 10 Cats'.

"A brilliant comic brain...this stand-up cracks some of the best one liners I've ever heard". Guardian

"One of the funniest comedian's in the world". The Late Late Show

By Roald Dahl
Adapted by David Wood

We present Roald Dahl’s amazing story about a young boy who makes a marvellous new medicine to cure his grandmother of her terrifying temper.

But when his grandmother drinks his special new potion, the most incredible things start to happen. And George’s adventure has just begun!

The Birmingham Stage Company is back on tour with a brand new adaptation of one of Roald Dahl’s funniest and most exciting stories. It follows the company’s acclaimed productions of Horrible Histories, Why The Whales Came and Danny The Champion Of The World. If you’re looking for fizztickling fun and wizzpopping magic for all the family, then don't miss George And His Marvellous Medicine!

Little Howard and the Magic Pencil of Life and Death
 
As seen on the Royal Varity Performance 2009
 
Little Howard, the world’s first six-year-old, animated, interactive, "standing up comedian" is the brilliant creation of the award winning Howard Read.  Together they are the comedy duo everyone's talking about - Big Howard, Little Howard.

'This has to be one of the most magical double acts on the circuit' ***** Stage

'Incredibly achingly funny' Daily Mail

AGE RESTRICTION: 6 years +

Manchester Show Choir, the regions newest and most prestigious choir, run weekly rehearsals lead by industry professionals. Members of MSC have regular opportunities to perform alongside celebrity vocalists at major venues across the UK. Since September MSC have already performed at The Trafford Centre, The Printworks, at the Manchester Christmas lights switch on in front of 20,000 people and alongside Alexandra Burke, and in their own concert 'Christmas for Christies' at the RNCM. On boxing day MSC performed on the pitch at the City of Manchester Stadium in front of 47,500 fans during half time at the Man City football match. From football stadiums to touring theatres, as a member of MSC you will have many opportunities to shine.
Performing songs from all genres including pop, gospel and musical theatre, MSC have a diverse repertoire to be enjoyed by all.

Set in South America, the play portrays the lives of a daughter and her mother. Disputes over land and family loyalty become entwined in their daily struggle to scrape a living, while the mother tries to ensure a better future for her child. How hard will she fight back when she finds out how her daughter is threatened?

“Moving, thought-provoking”
“A humorous, morally coherent play”

The Parade & Sleeping Beauty at The Parade & Sleeping Beauty

Songtime Theatre Arts is proud to present a youth theatre adaptation of this best-loved musical, set against the miners' strike of 1984.

To celebrate Billy Elliot The Musical's five glorious years in the West End, for the first time the producers are offering schools and youth groups an opportunity to stage the show themselves, with a version of the West End script specially written for children of all ages. Songtime Theatre Arts is thrilled to be part of 'Billy Youth Theatre 2010', competing with other youth theatre producctions with the chance to follow in Billy’s footsteps and perform in London’s West End!

The heart-warming story of the boy whose love of dancing threatened to tear not only his family but whole communities apart started life on the big screen in 2000 and hit the West End stage in 2005. Since then it has captured the hearts of millions worldwide, winning 10 Tony Awards, including the prestigious 'Best Musical', for the team of writer Lee Hall, composer Sir Elton John and director Stephen Daldry.

Brassed Off at Regent Theatre.

We invite you to embark upon this thought-provoking journey to European islands. Explore themes of borders, images of utopia, marginality and confinement through a series of highly personal and interwoven stories. With an evocative musical score and state-of-the-art video, Islands promises a truly new theatre adventure.

Performed in English, Spanish, German and Greek with surtitles.

Suitable for ages 16+.

In collaboration with Teatro Tamaska (Canary Islands), Theater Wahlverwandte (Germany) and Persona Theatre Company (Cyprus).

Mrs Warren's Profession lays bare the rampant hypocrisy and constrained morals of Victorian society.
 
Mrs Warren's daughter, Vivie, has never really known much about her mother. A prim young woman, Vivie has enjoyed a comfortable upbringing, a Cambridge education, a generous monthly allowance and now has ambitions to go into the law. Is it conceivable that all this privilege and respectability has been financed from the proceeds of the oldest profession? How will Vivie react when she finds out the awful truth about her mother's ill-gotten gains?
 
Shaw's provocative play was written in 1894 but banned from public performance by the Lord Chamberlain until the 1920s.
 
Mrs Waren's Profession stars Felicity Kendal in the title role. One of the UK's best loved actresses since her television hey day in The Good Life, Kendal has performed frequently on stage in productions including The Last Cigarette, The Vortex, Amy's View and Happy Days.

Tom Stoppard's The Real Thing is directed by Anna Mackmin.

Henry is a successful and talented playwright married to Charlotte, an actress playing the lead in his current play about adultery. Her co-star and friend Max, is married to Annie, also an actor. Henry and Annie have fallen in love but is it any more real than the subjects in Henry’s play? As the story unravels, Henry discovers that love - ‘the real thing’ - can be unpredictable and painful.

Starring Ruby Wax and Judith Owen

Ruby Wax and acclaimed musician Judith Owen combine their talents in a new show for one night only, prior to the West End.

Ruby had it all – career, dream house, husband, kids - but people soon realised something was wrong when she painted her house the same colour ‘beige’ for the 47th time.  There was only one thing for it – send her to the Priory! 

Told with wit, humour and a lot of heart, this is Ruby at her belting best – when she’s losing it!

'Ruby Wax is on razor sharp form. I laughed and I cried.  Don’t miss it!' Adam Helliker, Sunday Express

Join Ruby and Judith for 20 Minute Q & A session after each show.

Founded in 1988 by former Bolshoi soloist and choreographer Victor Smirnov-Golovanov, Moscow City Ballet has become one of Russia’s most successful touring companies. We are delighted to welcome them back to Richmond with two major productions from the Russian classical repertoire.

The Sleeping Beauty is one of the world’s favourite ballets and, with its delightful Rose Adagio and exquisite pas de deux, the supreme test of every ballerina. The Princess Aurora, cursed at birth by a wicked fairy, sleeps for a hundred years until she is awakened by a kiss – and dances happily ever after.

If you only see one comedy show this year... what’s the matter with you? Get out more. A ‘rapier’ is the long sword of a gentleman. ‘Rapier wit’ is defined as clever, quick, intelligent humour. Please note, Jimmy Carr doesn’t have ‘the long sword of a gentleman’ and even if you like him, ‘clever, quick and intelligent’ is a bit of a stretch.

Pam Ayres brings her current show to Glasgow 35 year after she first appeared on the 'Britain’s Got Talent’ TV show of its day, Opportunity Knocks.

Her current show includes material from her best-selling books, Surgically Enhanced, With These Hands, and The Works, along with new poems and stories.

Take one huge hit sitcom from BBC TV. Place on a stage in a World Premiere national tour starring Andrew Dunn (Tony) and Sue Devaney (Jane) from the cast of the TV series

Blend in Victoria Wood’s writing, undoubtedly some of the funniest on television, and whip into a play based on the second TV series, following the reluctant love story of Bren and Tony, egged on by Dolly, Jean, Twinkle and Anita.

Mix in caretaker Stan’s words of wisdom and coat with regular appearances by Phillippa from Human Resources and Petula, Bren’s dreadful mother, and you have a recipe for madness, mirth and twelve rounds of toast!

Be prepared for a once-in-a-lifetime theatrical experience when the master of psychological illusion returns to the stage with Derren Brown: Enigma. Derren will once again bewilder, baffle and bewitch and show why he is one of the country’s most revered live performers; a master of magic, mind control and psychological illusion. 

'Like previous shows, I will absolutely push myself to the limit. The challenge is to create new material that shocks, surprises and defies explanation. The audience will be taken for a theatrical roller-coaster ride, and I hope it’s an experience that they will never forget.' - Derren Brown

The performance is not suitable for children under 12 years.

Following the resounding success of BBC One’s BAFTA-nominated Armstrong & Miller Show, Ben Miller (Moving Wallpaper) and Alexander Armstrong (Mutual Friends) will be hitting the road in Autumn 2010 and touring a brand new live show around the UK’s major venues. 

With their usual mix of the beautifully observed and the utterly barmy, Ben and Xander will be performing a parade of characters from their extensive dressing-up box and wig-store including; The street-talking WWII chav pilots; Brabbins and Fyffe, the filthy alter-egos of Flanders and Swann; Jilted Jim, dumped at the altar but still on his honeymoon; Terry Devlin, the royal correspondent who really knows the royals; Dennis Lincoln-Park, the accident-prone culture buff; the Frank Dad; and so many more…

Ben and Xander comment: 'We are cock-a-hoop to be stepping out on tour in Autumn 2010. Expect all your favourite Armstrong and Miller characters and sketches in a market-fresh brand spanking new show.'

Be prepared for a once-in-a-lifetime theatrical experience when the master of psychological illusion returns to the stage with Derren Brown: Enigma. Derren will once again bewilder, baffle and bewitch and show why he is one of the country’s most revered live performers; a master of magic, mind control and psychological illusion. 

'Like previous shows, I will absolutely push myself to the limit. The challenge is to create new material that shocks, surprises and defies explanation. The audience will be taken for a theatrical roller-coaster ride, and I hope it’s an experience that they will never forget.'
Derren Brown

The performance is not suitable for children under 12 years.

A variety show with a modern twist!

Presented by Princess Alice Hospice

Join Christopher Biggins* for an evening of music, comedy and dance as he brings 'Variety' back to Richmond Theatre, with Leanne Jones, star of Hairspray the Musical, and other special guests from the worlds of West End, television and light entertainment. All proceeds will benefit Princess Alice Hospice.

*subject to availability

Starring Brenda Blethyn, Niall Buggy and Beth Cooke

Haunted is a tale of obsession. A middle-aged man is captivated by a young woman who calls at the house, and his desperate attempts to engineer her return arouse his wife’s suspicions.

A common story of foolish mid-life folly, perhaps – but is it real? Dreams and desire, passion and poetry mingle as these seemingly ordinary characters are brought poignantly to life. And as you’d expect from the legendary Edna O’Brien, there’s a heady dash of that old Irish magic she weaves so well.

Niall Buggy and the multi-award-winning Brenda Blethyn star in this beguiling new play by one of Irish literature’s shining stars.

Starring Brian Conley

The West End's favourite musical comedy, Hairspray, is coming to Milton Keynes Theatre for three weeks only and starring stage and screen’s much loved Brian Conley as Edna Turnblad.

Hairspray tells the story of Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart as she sets out to follow her extraordinary dreams, inspire her mum and win the boy she loves.
 
Hairspray is the musical with everything - the ultimate feel-good show which has played to sold out houses in London, on Broadway and theatres around the globe.
 
Big Hair, Big Heart, Big Hit - Book Now!

From the producers of smash hit rock 'n' roll musicals including Dreamboats and Petticoats, The Roy Orbison Story and Elvis The Musical, comes Laughter In The Rain, a brand new show based on the rise, fall and rise again of pop music’s ultimate survivor... Neil Sedaka.

With a career spanning six decades and including nine smash hit singles (three which became Number One), Neil Sedaka has been inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, had a street named after him in his hometown of Brooklyn, and was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. From the innocent Fifties to the cynical Seventies and beyond, he has written and performed some of the world’s most beloved pop songs including Oh, Carol, Breaking Up Is Hard To Do, Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen, Solitaire, Calendar Girl, Amarillo, Laughter in the Rain and many more.

Laughter In The Rain - a remarkable story of triumph against the odds.

The Milton Keynes Theatre pantomime for the 2010/11 season. Full details and casting later in 2010.

'All children, except one, grow up…'

Fly to Neverland with Peter Pan and Northern Ballet Theatre in this magical ballet for the whole family. Follow Peter, John, Michael, Wendy and Tinkerbell as they soar high in the sky to an enchanted world where wicked Pirates prey on Lost Boys and an adventure lurks around every corner.

JM Barrie’s Peter Pan has delighted children and adults for over a hundred years and NBT’s popular production brings all the charm of this famous story to life. With music by Oscar-winning composer Stephen Warbeck (Shakespeare in Love), magical puppets, fairies and death-defying feats of flying, this is a perfect treat for young and old.

Starring: Lynda Bellingham, Gemma Atkinson, Judith Barker, Debbie Chazen, Letitia Dean & Jan Harvey

Calendar Girls has been the fastest selling tour ever and has triumphed in the West End. Now on tour starring Lynda Bellingham with Gemma Atkinson, Judith Barker, Debbie Chazen, Letitia Dean and Jan Harvey.

A group of ordinary women do something extraordinary and spark a global phenomenon when they persuade one another to pose for a charity calendar with a difference! Based on an inspiring true story, Calendar Girls is quirky, poignant and hilarious. Calendar Girls has sold-out in every Theatre it's visited before opening. Don’t miss out and book today for the show the Daily Mail called 'a marvellous, uplifting night at the theatre.'

Following the success of The Hollow, The Unexpected Guest, And Then There Were None and Spider’s Web, the Agatha Christie Theatre Company is proud to present the next instalment in the highly acclaimed series, Christie's undisputed masterpiece: Witness for the Prosecution.

After huge stage success the play was filmed by Billy Wilder in 1957, starring Tyrone Power (in his last completed film role), Marlene Dietrich and Charles Laughton. It won many awards, including nominations for seven Oscars and was the year's Number One Box Office hit worldwide. Several remakes have followed, most recently starring Diana Rigg, Ralph Richardson and Beau Bridges.

Emily French, an elderly woman who recently left her considerable estate to the charming young Leonard, is found dead. Murdered.  Though he protests his innocence, Leonard quickly becomes the prime suspect. His plea hinges on his wife’s testimony, until the sudden appearance of a mysterious young woman, bearing an unexpected clue. Will the truth be revealed in time or will Leonard be declared guilty at the hands of the Witness for the Prosecution? In a world where everyone seems to be harbouring a dark secret, this gripping courtroom drama will keep you guessing until the final fatal moment.

Opera della Luna’s brand new production of Gilbert and Sullivan's first success moves the story from its quaint Victorian setting to sleepy rural Britain in the 1970s.

John Wellington Wells, the celebrated dealer in 'magic and spells', spreads chaos and havoc in an unsuspecting country village when he places a powerful aphrodisiac in the village hall teapot. The resulting revelations are indeed 'marvelous illusion, a terrible surprise!'.

Opera della Luna have earned themselves a matchless reputation, now celebrating 15 years of acclaimed productions of Gilbert and Sullivan, Offenbach and Johann Strauss touring to theatres all over the UK. Their recent production of Die Fledermaus played to sell-out houses and gained rave reviews.

Fun, funky and full of frolics, don’t miss this fresh production of what is probably the most rarely performed of all Gilbert and Sullivan’s operettas.

Paul Nicholas stars in this lively rendition of one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most popular comic operas supported by full cast and orchestra.

Orphaned pirates, flat-footed policemen and a bevy of blushing beauties (the daughters of Major General Stanley) are the perfect ingredients for a fabulous feast of Gilbert and Sullivan. Elegantly recreating the original period settings and costumes, this acclaimed production combines Sullivan’s ever-popular and sparkling score with what has to be the most topsy-turvy of all Gilbert’s plots.

Venture with us into the swashbuckling world of Frederic the pirate apprentice, who – born on February 29th in a leap year – won’t 'come of age' until he is 84!

Enjoy the sights, sounds and excitement of the best-selling fantasy novel ever written, in this fresh, spectacular live theatre production with sparkling new magical effects perfect for Hobbit fans both young and old.

Bilbo Baggins, a quiet and contented Hobbit, has his life turned upside down when he is chosen by Gandalf the Sorcerer to join Thorin Oakenshield, exiled king of the Dwarves, on his quest to reclaim their kingdom and treasure.

A frightening but magical journey - a journey from which they may never return. The adventurers battle through the Misty Mountains, wind, rain, hail and thunderstorms, narrowly escaping Trolls, Goblins, Wolves and Giant Spiders. Finally Bilbo alone must face the guardian of the treasure, the most feared dragon in all Middle Earth - Smaug... Join us as we travel 'here and back again'.

WWOS (West Wickham Operatic Society) return to the Churchill following their critically acclaimed productions of The Producers and The Witches Of Eastwick, to present this most daring of all musicals!

Released in 1997, The Full Monty stormed the UK Box Office becoming the most successful British screen comedy ever. As a film, The Full Monty won the Evening Standard Award for Best Film.

This adaptation won the Evening Standard Award for Best Musical and received nominations for a staggering nine Tony Awards.

All the characters, laughter and tenderness of the film that the whole world fell in love with are brought vividly to life in this triumphant stage musical.

This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberg Ltd on behalf of Music Theatre International of New York.

The world famous Russian Ice Stars will take you on a magical journey to the heart of the best loved fairy tale of all time, Snow White, on ice.

The original story of an enchanted mirror, a beautiful girl, the ultimate Prince Charming and a shiny red apple comes to life on ice, with ballet, gymnastics and aerial aerobatics to create a breathtaking and mesmerising experience.

This spell-binding show promises to be lavish and spectacular, dazzling the whole family with its sheer beauty and elegance.

Following the success of The Hollow, The Unexpected Guest, And Then There Were None and Spider’s Web, the Agatha Christie Theatre Company is proud to present the next instalment in the highly acclaimed series, Christie's undisputed masterpiece: Witness for the Prosecution.

After huge stage success the play was filmed by Billy Wilder in 1957, starring Tyrone Power (in his last completed film role), Marlene Dietrich and Charles Laughton. It won many awards, including nominations for seven Oscars and was the year's Number One Box Office hit worldwide. Several remakes have followed, most recently starring Diana Rigg, Ralph Richardson and Beau Bridges.

Emily French, an elderly woman who recently left her considerable estate to the charming young Leonard, is found dead. Murdered.  Though he protests his innocence, Leonard quickly becomes the prime suspect. His plea hinges on his wife’s testimony, until the sudden appearance of a mysterious young woman, bearing an unexpected clue. Will the truth be revealed in time or will Leonard be declared guilty at the hands of the Witness for the Prosecution? In a world where everyone seems to be harbouring a dark secret, this gripping courtroom drama will keep you guessing until the final fatal moment.

Presented with new choreography Men Y Men

Giselle is the ultimate Romantic ballet, a tale of innocence, betrayal and the redemptive power of true love. English National Ballet’s traditional staging of this 1841 masterpiece moves from the sunny optimism of Giselle’s idyllic village life to a ghostly, moonlit world of mystery and menace.

 
Giselle is presented with the prelude Men Y Men, a new choreography by Wayne Eagling. Men Y Men is designed to challenge the men of the Company in a daring and thrilling new piece set to music by Rachmaninov.

Choreographed for eight of the Company's brightest male talents Men Y Men sees men partnering men in an exploitation of the most exciting characteristics of a male ballet dancer; turning, jumping and lifting...

Seen by over 25 million people and nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, this record-breaking theatrical phenomenon has left audiences gasping wherever it has played.

Now Lyric, one of the UK's top musical theatre companies, brings the show to the Glasgow amateur stage for the very first time. But there will be nothing amateur about this production.

Spectacular scenery, sumptuous costumes, magical effects, topclass performers and a 19 piece live orchestra will combine to bring you a truly wonderful piece of theatre you will simply love.

Tickets are likely to sell fast so make sure you get in early and book your seats for a spectacle yet unrivalled on the Glasgow amateur stage and certainly in Lyric's long and proud history. Enchanting and emotive, hilarious and heart-warming, Disney's Beauty and the Beast is a show you won't want to miss.

Starring G4’s Jonathan Ansell

This critically acclaimed production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jim Steinman’s Whistle Down the Wind is set to thrill audiences once again as it returns to Milton Keynes Theatre for one week only.

An extraordinary and uplifting tale about the transforming power of love, Whistle Down the Wind is based on the beloved sixties film starring Hayley Mills, and features numerous multi-award-winning songs, including Boyzone’s international hit, No Matter What.

The bright-eyed and youthful Swallow discovers a mysterious man hiding in her family’s barn. When she asks for his identity the first words he utters are, 'Jesus Christ'. While the rest of the townspeople are searching for a fugitive escaped from jail, Swallow gathers the town’s children who make a pact to protect their new found saviour from the cruelties of the outside world.

Truly inspiring, Whistle Down the Wind shows how powerful love can be when the innocence of childhood collides with the cynicism of the adult world.

Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics by Jim Steinman
Directed by Bill Kenwright

Oink oink - it's Peppa Pig!

Peppa is a playful little piggy who lives with her younger brother George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig. Through everyday adventures she plays games, makes new friends and enjoys her absolute favourite activity – jumping up and down in muddy puddles!
 
Today it’s a bright and sunny day. It’s a very special day. It’s Peppa Pig's birthday. Come and join the fun with Peppa and George, Suzy Sheep, Danny Dog and Emily Elephant. A charming, original and imaginative show, full of brand new songs, muddy puddles, and oinks!

This BAFTA award-winning children's TV show is recreated live on stage featuring beautifully true-to-life puppets, for first time, from the producers of LazyTown Live! and Roald Dahl’s The BFG.

After the success of their 2009 production of Chess, Paisley Musical and Operatic Society are proud to be staging the Glasgow amateur premiere of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical The Producers.

Max Bialystock, a failed Broadway producer, together with his rather meek accountant, Leo Bloom, decide to stage a Broadway flop. They have come to the conclusion that they can make more money with a failure than they can with a success. So Max and Leo search New York for the worst script they can find. Their foolproof scheme gets complicated when their crass and totally tasteless production turns out to be a huge hit with the public.
 
Adapted from Mel Brooks' 1968 film by the man himself, this hilarious musical comedy opened on Broadway in 2001 where it won 12 Tony Awards. Featuring new music specially written by Mel Brooks for the Broadway stage, with songs including Springtime for Hitler and When You Got It, Flaunt It, he has created a laugh-a-minute musical comedy which is not to be missed.

From the producers of smash hit rock 'n' roll musicals including Dreamboats and Petticoats, The Roy Orbison Story and Elvis The Musical, comes Laughter In The Rain, a brand new show based on the rise, fall and rise again of pop music’s ultimate survivor... Neil Sedaka.

With a career spanning six decades and including nine smash hit singles (three which became Number One), Neil Sedaka has been inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, had a street named after him in his hometown of Brooklyn, and was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. From the innocent Fifties to the cynical Seventies and beyond, he has written and performed some of the world’s most beloved pop songs including Oh, Carol, Breaking Up Is Hard To Do, Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen, Solitaire, Calendar Girl, Amarillo, Laughter in the Rain and many more.

Laughter In The Rain - a remarkable story of triumph against the odds.

Katy Brand is taking her Big Ass on tour.

Join the British Comedy Award Winner and star of ITV2’s Katy Brand’s Big Ass Show, Have I Got News For You and Peep Show, for an evening of anarchic comedy, celebrity satire, music spoofs and much, much more.

Following the success of her hit TV show, Katy is returning to her live roots with this silly, sassy and smart evening of comedy. Featuring old favourites and new material, there’s something here for everyone.

'A canny ability to dismantle the silliness of celebrity' - The Guardian

Recommended for ages 14+

A magical evening of music and laughter, starring Britain’s best-loved diva, international recording artiste and television star, Jane McDonald, together with her fabulous musicians and singers, in this sensational, smash hit concert.

Definitely an evening not to be missed.

By Roald Dahl
Adapted by David Wood

We present Roald Dahl’s amazing story about a young boy who makes a marvellous new medicine to cure his grandmother of her terrifying temper.

But when his grandmother drinks his special new potion, the most incredible things start to happen. And George’s adventure has just begun!

The Birmingham Stage Company is back on tour with a brand new adaptation of one of Roald Dahl’s funniest and most exciting stories. It follows the company’s acclaimed productions of Horrible Histories, Why The Whales Came and Danny The Champion Of The World. If you’re looking for fizztickling fun and wizzpopping magic for all the family, then don't miss George And His Marvellous Medicine!

DAVID ESSEX
In
ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR
DIRECTED BY
DAVID GILMORE

Like Father like Son... They’ll take you for a ride! David Essex stars in the new musical ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR Featuring a mix of David Essex hits alongside brand new songs. With crafty cons and candy floss - dodgems and death-defying feats - fairground horses and fights - romance and rock n’roll - you’re sure to go on a rollercoaster of a ride.

Inspired by David’s best selling album... ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR features a helter skelter of hits such as;

WINTER’S TALE
HOLD ME CLOSE
GONNA MAKE YOU A STAR
ME AND MY GIRL NIGHTCLUBBING
SILVER DREAM MACHINE
ROCK ON

Essex, who wrote All The Fun Of The Fair with Boogie Nights creator Jon Conway, is best known as a pop star, but has musical theatre credits including Godspell, Evita, Mutiny! and Footloose The Musical.

Beverley Knight is a critically acclaimed British soul singer, songwriter and record producer who released her debut album in 1995. Heavily influenced by soul greats such as Sam Cooke and Aretha Franklin, Knight has released five studio albums and one compilation collection to date. Widely labelled as one of Britain’s greatest soul singers, Knight is best known for her hit singles “Greatest Day”, “Shoulda Woulda Coulda” and “Come As You Are” and “Made It Back”. After a decade in the industry, she was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Urban Music Awards in 2004.

Presented by Ravensbourne Light Operatic Society

There’s just no stopping the music!

Ravensbourne Light Operatic Society returns to the Churchill Theatre with this Broadway and West End smash hit. Footloose The Musical tells the story of city boy Ren who moves to small town America where dancing is banned.

The show is packed full of electrifying dancing and classic eighties hits including: Holding Out For A Hero, Almost Paradise, Let’s Hear It For The Boy and the title track Footloose.

Pulsating with energy this fast paced musical gets audiences on their feet.

This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberg Ltd on behalf of R&H Theatricals.

With more than 20 major awards to its credit including the Olivier Award for Best New Musical and featuring one of the most coveted roles in musical theatre this powerful and compelling production is simply not to be missed.

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's masterpiece - Features some of the most famous and inspiring music ever written, including Don’t Cry For Me Argentina, On This Night of a Thousand Stars and Buenos Aires, Evita brings to life the incredible true story of the dynamic, larger-than-life persona of Eva Peron, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Peron.

Beginning with the young ambitious Eva the production follows her rise to sainthood - telling the story of the enormous wealth and power she gained, to become the beloved Evita.

'There has never been a musical as dramatically exciting as Evita' - Time Out

'A tremendous piece of musical theatre' - Metro

From the heat of Cuba, comes the heart of dance.
'Some of the best dancers I have ever danced with' Carlos Acosta

Cuba today produces some of the world's finest contemporary and ballet dancers. Leading the field is the unique and exciting Danza Contemporanea de Cuba who this year celebrate an outstanding 50 years of excellence with their first ever major UK tour.
 
World famous, but rarely seen outside of Cuba, this breath-taking company of 21 dancers bring the heat and passion of Cuba to the stage with an eclectic mix of contemporary dance fused with Afro-Caribbean and Spanish styles. Working with the very best choreographers of the moment, including dance superstar Rafael Bonachela (co-choreographer of Kylie’s Showgirl World Tour), these extraordinary dancers move seamlessly from classical to contemporary to Cuban.

Danza Contemporanea de Cuba is not just about performing technically difficult steps, it’s about the Cuban way of life – sensual, mystical, emotional - and comes from the heart. This is a rare chance to catch this passionate, visually stunning and beautiful company on tour. 

The Churchill's pantomime for 2010/2011 season.

Iain Glen will make his directorial debut with a new production of Ibsen’s “GHOSTS”. This new version by Frank McGuinness of “GHOSTS” will open at the Duchess Theatre in the West End on Tuesday 23 February 2010. Previews will commence on 11 February. “GHOSTS” will play a limited run until 15 May.

Apart from directing, Iain Glen will play ‘Pastor Manders’ and Lesley Sharp will play opposite as ‘Mrs Alving’. Both award-winning actors, Iain Glen and Lesley Sharp are equally well known for their film and television work as for their highly-praised stage work. Harry Treadaway, upcoming young star of British film and television (including “Afterlife”, alongside Lesley Sharp, and Anthony DeEmmony’s “Recovery”, opposite David Tennant), will play ‘Oswald’. Jessica Raine, newly graduated from RADA and seen in “Gethsemane” at the National Theatre, will play ‘Regine’. Malcolm Storry, a veteran of the West End and recently ‘Gandolf’ in “The Lord Of The Rings” at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane and ‘Basilio’ in “Life Is A Dream” at the Donmar, will play ‘Engstrand’.

“GHOSTS” will be designed by Stephen Brimson Lewis, with lighting by Oliver Fenwick, and sound & music by Richard Hammarton. With associate direction by Amelia Sears, Iain Glen will direct.

“GHOSTS” will be co-presented in the West End by Thelma Holt and Nica Burns.

See? All we need is… a map and… some kind of plan.

Following the successes of Russian epics Burnt by the Sun and Philistines, the National stages Andrew Upton’s vigorous new version of Mikhail Bulgakov’s rarely performed masterpiece, unrivalled in its depiction of the near-farcical mayhem of civil war across a vast and vivid canvas.

This overcoat is neutral darling, neither Bolshevik nor Menshevik. Just essence of Prole.
 

Jack & The Beanstalk, the 2010 pantomime at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking.

The world famous Russian Ice Stars will take you on a magical journey to the heart of the best loved fairy tale of all time, Snow White, on ice.

The original story of an enchanted mirror, a beautiful girl, the ultimate Prince Charming and a shiny red apple comes to life on ice, with ballet, gymnastics and aerial aerobatics to create a breathtaking and mesmerising experience.

This spell-binding show promises to be lavish and spectacular, dazzling the whole family with its sheer beauty and elegance.

Starring Lesley Joseph, Sam Kane, Hilary O’Neil, Anne Smith and Ruth Keeling

Meet Myra, Sylvia, Helen and Jessica in this outrageous new musical! Share in the friendships, the secrets, the laughs, the tears and the ups and downs of four ordinary women and one man living extraordinary lives. Packed with fabulous new songs and big laughs, Hot Flush! is more fun than joining a gym, cheaper than botox, and might even leave you feeling 34½ again! So forget the credit crunch blues and get your girlfriends together for a hilarious evening of entertainment…or bring your man along...he'll have the biggest laugh he's ever had!

Wimbledon Light Opera Society, celebrating 80 years of top quality performance presents Lerner & Loewe's spectacular musical My Fair Lady.

One of the finest of all American musicals yet quintessentially English and an unforgettable theatrical experience. It tells an enduring story with some of the world’s most famous songs - I Could Have Danced All Night; On the Street Where You Live and I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face. Eliza Doolittle, her dustman father, and the man who dreams of changing Eliza’s accent and her life, Professor Henry Higgins - are possibly the best known characters ever to appear on stage. By arrangement with Musicscope and Stage Musicals Limited of New York.

Lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Spamalot is a new musical directed by Mike Nichols, with a book by Eric Idle and an entirely new score created by Eric Idle and John Du Prez.

Telling the legendary tale of King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table, and featuring a bevy of beuatiful show girls, not to mention cows, killer rabbits and french people, Monty Python's Spamalot 'raises silliness to an art form' The Sunday Times and has been hailed as 'a no-holds-barred smash hit' The New Yorker.

Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jnr and Dean Martin...names that have been immortalised on the silver screen and in the wider sphere of popular music. Simply put, they are legends of the 20th Century and icons of American history, who with their inexhaustible energy and sheer talent, are still a force to be reckoned with.

The Rat Pack - Live From Las Vegas celebrates these amazing talents in a unique night of entertainment. The show has wowed London and can rightly lay claim to be the coolest party in town!!

This spectacular festive production celebrates the incredible singing talent of three world famous entertainers and performers and some of the finest music and song that has ever been recorded. Drift back to a glamorous era where the famous rubbed shoulders with the politicians and partied hard, Frank, Sammy & Dean, all singing, all dancing, all round entertainers, injected not only their songs into the 50s and 60s, but a lifestyle that everyone wanted.

Legends of the 20th Century, idols of the music industry, superstars of the movies, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jnr and Dean Martin are above all renowned worldwide for their talented voices. Their unique contribution to 20th Century popular music is second to none. Frank, Sammy & Dean all received critical acclaim quite late in their careers and it wasn’t until the late 50s and early 60s that they stormed the world and stayed at the top. And their recordings still constantly chart high throughout the world.

With a talented cast and 15-piece orchestra, take a trip back to the glamorous, hot, glitzy nights of Las Vegas. Experience Frank, Sammy & Dean’s world famous classic recordings and more in this sensationally staged production that brings the music and lives of these legendary characters together again.

Tap Dance Fever takes the audience on a whistle stop tour of the greatest tap dance moments in show business history. Packed full of high energy, adrenalin driven tap dance styles that have entertained generations including highlights from 42nd Street, Singing in the Rain, A Chrous Line, Tap Dogs, Stomp and many more.

Enjoy the sights, sounds and excitement of the best-selling fantasy novel ever written, in this fresh, spectacular live theatre production with sparkling new magical effectsperfect for Hobbit fans both young and old.

Bilbo Baggins, a quiet and contented Hobbit, has his life turned upside down when he is chosen by Gandalf the Sorcerer to join Thorin Oakenshield, exiled king of the Dwarves, on his quest to reclaim their kingdom and treasure.

A frightening but magical journey - a journey from which they may never return. The adventurers battle through the Misty Mountains, wind, rain, hail and thunderstorms, narrowly escaping Trolls, Goblins, Wolves and Giant Spiders. Finally Bilbo alone must face the guardian of the treasure, the most feared dragon in all Middle Earth - Smaug... Join us as we travel 'here and back again'.

With this exclusive packaged hotel deal you receive a ticket for "HAIR" and choose your from our selection of top London hotels.

Welcome to the curly, shaggy, gleaming, streaming, wonderful world of HAIR.

For the first time in West End history, an entire original Broadway cast transfers to the London stage!

Don't miss this Tony Award winning company currently wowing audiences and critics alike in New York.

A celebration of life, love and freedom, and a passionate cry for hope and change, HAIR features some of the greatest songs ever written for the stage, including Let The Sun Shine In, I Got Life, Hair and Aquarius.

Welcome to the curly, shaggy, gleaming, streaming, wonderful world of HAIR.

For the first time in West End history, an entire original Broadway cast transfers to the London stage!

Don't miss this Tony Award winning company currently wowing audiences and critics alike in New York.

A celebration of life, love and freedom, and a passionate cry for hope and change, HAIR features some of the greatest songs ever written for the stage, including Let The Sun Shine In, I Got Life, Hair and Aquarius.

Björn Again is no longer labelled a tribute band after rapidly achieving worldwide cult status, and playing over 4,000 performances in 60 countries in 20 years.

Recently endorsed by ABBA’s Agnetha Fältskog, join in all the fun on their 20th anniversary tour, featuring the legendary voice of Radio DJ Tony Blackburn.

‘Fans had better make the most out of Björn Again because that’s the closest they are going to get to seeing ABBA. ABBA will never reform!’
Benny Andersson, ABBA

Charles Ross, creator of the hugely successful One Man Star Wars Trilogy, returns with his equally hilarious follow-up – One Man Lord of the Rings – in which he recreates the enchanting world of Middle-earth, armed with nothing more than a pair of elbow pads and his outrageous imagination. No props or costumes are required as Ross hurtles through the Tolkien trilogy – The Fellowship Of The Ring, The Two Towers and The Return Of The King – in just 3,600 seconds of unbelievable kinetic entertainment. If you’ve seen the films, read the books and named your first-born Frodo, don’t miss Ross’ zany take on the ever-popular epic saga.

The Lord of the Rings and the characters, items, events and places therein are trademarks or registered trademarks of The Saul Zaentz Company d/b/a Tolkien Enterprises. All rights reserved.

With Rupert Goold at the helm as artistic director, and the runaway successes of recent productions Enron and 6 Characters in Search of an Author, Headlong has confirmed its reputation as one of the most exhilarating and provocative touring theatre companies around.

The savage power of ancient myth collides with twentieth century decadence in Oscar Wilde’s unforgettable verse tragedy when, in return for performing the dance of the seven veils Salome, step-daughter of King Herod, demands the head of John the Baptist. Jamie Lloyd (Three Days of Rain, Piaf - West End) directs a vivid contemporary production of this rarely-seen masterpiece, rendered in exquisite poetry and astonishing theatrical images.

Songtime Theatre Arts is proud to present a youth theatre adaptation of this best-loved musical, set against the miners' strike of 1984.

To celebrate Billy Elliot The Musical's five glorious years in the West End, for the first time the producers are offering schools and youth groups an opportunity to stage the show themselves, with a version of the West End script specially written for children of all ages. Songtime Theatre Arts is thrilled to be part of 'Billy Youth Theatre 2010', competing with other youth theatre producctions with the chance to follow in Billy’s footsteps and perform in London’s West End!

The heart-warming story of the boy whose love of dancing threatened to tear not only his family but whole communities apart started life on the big screen in 2000 and hit the West End stage in 2005. Since then it has captured the hearts of millions worldwide, winning 10 Tony Awards, including the prestigious 'Best Musical', for the team of writer Lee Hall, composer Sir Elton John and director Stephen Daldry.

Written by Willy Russell, author of Educating Rita and Shirley Valentine, the legendary Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to be re-united by a twist of fate and a mother’s haunting secret . The incredible score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.

Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multi award-winning Blood Brothers. Scooping up no less than four awards for Best Musical in London, seven Tony nominations on Broadway, and receiving a standing ovation at every performance, discover why Blood Brothers was voted the Most Popular British Musical Of All Time by New York Times readers.

No wonder Blood Brothers is now ‘The musical for all time’.

Starring Lyn Paul, one of the original members of the chart topping New Seekers. Considered by many Blood Brothers fans as the quintessential Mrs Johnstone, Lyn first joined the West End production of Blood Brothers in 1997, starring in the lead role for the next three years, including during the show’s 10th anniversary year. She has also played the role repeatedly on tour.

By Theatre Workshop, Charles Chilton, Gerry Raffles and Members of the Original Cast
Title suggested by Ted Allan

A show that combines the emotional punch of Birdsong, the satire of Blackadder and the edgy squaddies' humour of Black Watch - that’s Oh What a Lovely War.

Created in 1963 by Joan Littlewood and her revolutionary Theatre Workshop, this tragi-comic version of WW1 changed the way we think about war forever. Now, with Iraq and Afghanistan in view, Northern Stage's new production introduces this landmark work to a new generation.

A motley collection of musicians, dancers, singers and clowns come armed with sketches, songs and stories for your entertainment, including poignant songs like Pack Up Your Troubles, Keep The
Home Fires Burning and It's A Long Way To Tipperary.

Co-directed by Erica Whyman (Our Friends in the North, A Doll’s House, Look Back in Anger), and Sam Kenyon (Sweeney Todd, Merrily We Roll Along, Sunset Boulevard), this is musical comedy with a tough, dark heart.
Recommended 12+

In a dusty church hall, ex-professional dancer Mavis Turner holds her weekly tap class. Every Thursday, in stumbles her well-intentioned but not overly talented troupe – the awkward but hugely enthusiastic Lynne, snooty Vera, streetwise Maxine and the rest of the group – all brought together to dance as if no one is watching, and hopefully no-one ever will!

That’s until they’re invited to perform at a charity gala. As disbelief is replaced by sheer terror, can this bunch of amateurs pull together and put on the performance of a lifetime?

We present Roald Dahl’s amazing story about a young boy who makes a marvellous new medicine to cure his grandmother of her terrifying temper.

But when his grandmother drinks his special new potion, the most incredible things start to happen. And George’s adventure has just begun!

The Birmingham Stage Company is back on tour with a brand new adaptation of one of Roald Dahl’s funniest and most exciting stories. It follows the company’s acclaimed productions of Horrible Histories, Why The Whales Came and Danny The Champion Of The World. If you’re looking for fizztickling fun and wizzpopping magic for all the family, then don't miss George And His Marvellous Medicine!

Starring Rosamund Pike and Tim McInnerny

Thrilling, enigmatic, destructive, Hedda Gabler is one of theatre’s most provoking characters, a heroine years ahead of her time.

Returning from honeymoon and already bored with her marriage, headstrong Hedda finds herself caught between the brilliant but dissolute Eilert Loevborg and the clutches of the predatory Judge Brack. We can only watch as she embarks on a path of folly that can have only one outcome…

Rosamund Pike's screen roles range from Bond villainess Miranda Frost in Die Another Day to Jane Bennet in Pride and Prejudice. Most recently she played the title role in Madame De Sade at the Donmar, and dazzles in the new film An Education. Tim McInnerny will always be Blackadder’s Lord Percy and Captain Darling but his many other screen credits include Spooks and Inspector George Gently, while stage roles range from Frank 'n' Furter in The Rocky Horror Show to Hamlet and Iago at the Globe.

Featuring the legendary Motown classics I Heard It Through The Grapevine, My Girl, Dancing in the Streets, I’ll Be There, Stop In the Name of Love, Tears of a Clown, Tracks of My Tears.

Experience the energy, emotion and electricity of Motown with Dancing in the Streets, a spectacular celebration of the music that came from the heart of Detroit!

After wowing audiences for three years in the West End, Ivor Novello award-winning director Keith Strachan now takes this hit show on tour!

Made famous by such legendary artists as The Four Tops, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, The Commodores, Lionel Richie, The Supremes and Smokey Robinson, Motown broke down barriers around the world whilst producing some of the most influential and enduring songs of the 20th Century. With a full supporting company of singers, dancers and an amazing live band, Dancing in the Streets re-creates the energy, style and music of all your favourite Motown stars!

Debbie Reynolds, MGM legend and star of 'Singing in the Rain', 'The Unsinkable Molly Brown' and 'That's Entertainment!', is celebrating more than 50 years in show business by bringing her award-winning one-woman show, Debbie Reynolds Alive and Fabulous to the West End for a 10-date season at the Apollo Theatre.

Dreamboats and Petticoats, the rock ‘n’ roll musical based around the Fifties and Sixties hits from the two recently released compilation albums of the same name, will transfer to the West End’s Savoy Theatre next month, running for a limited season from 29 July to 12 September 2009 (previews from 22 July).

The musical, which has been touring the UK extensively, fills the gap at the Savoy between the closure of Carousel, which finishes this Saturday 20 June (See News, 9 Jun 2009), and the UK premiere of Broadway screen-to-stage musical Legally Blonde, which starts previews on 5 December (See News, 21 Apr 2009).

The first Dreamboats and Petticoats became one of the biggest-selling albums of the decade after its release in 2007, amassing sales of more than 600,000, with the second album, Dreamboats and Petticoats Two, climbing to number two in the charts within the first week of its release. The albums feature well-known rock ‘n’ roll classics from the likes of Roy Orbison, The Shadows, Eddie Cochran and Billy Fury.

Around such hits, book writers Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran, best known for TV sitcoms Birds of a Feather and Shine on Harvey Moon, have fashioned an original story. In 1961, emotions run high as talented young musicians Norman and Bobby compete to win the hearts of their adoring female fans – and more importantly, the gorgeous Sue. But when shy Laura shows that she’s no slouch on the piano, rock ‘n’ roll fame beckons.

Amongst the songs included in the show are: “Let’s Dance”, “To Know Him Is to Love Him”, “Shaking All Over”, “Bobby’s Girl”, “Three Steps to Heaven”, “Little Town Flirt”, “Only Sixteen”, “Runaround Sue”, “Happy Birthday Sweet 16”, “Let It Be Me”, “Great Pretender”, “C’mon Everybody” and “Let’s Twist Again”.

Dreamboats and Petticoats is directed by Bob Tomson and designed by Sean Cavanagh, with choreography by Carole Todd, lighting by Mark Howett, sound by Ben Harrison and musical supervision by Keith Strachan. It’s produced by Bill Kenwright and Laurie Mansfield in association with the record label Universal Music. Casting for the West End season has not yet been announced.

A brand new production of the classic musical, The Fantasticks is coming to London, opening in May 2010 at the Duchess Theatre.

Directed by Amon Miyamoto, a new production of this much-loved musical will invigorate and illuminate the show with fresh visual, emotional and musical energy. Designer Rumi Matsui joins Miyamoto on The Fantasticks following their previous collaboration on the Broadway production of Pacific Overtures for which Matsui’s work was Tony Award nominated. Lighting design will be provided by 2009 Tony Award winner Rick Fisher.

The Fantasticks tells an allegorical story, loosely based on the play The Romancers (Les Romanesques) by Edmond Rostand, concerning two neighboring fathers who put up a wall between their houses to ensure that their children fall in love, because they know children always do what their parents forbid. After the children do fall in love, they discover their fathers' plot and each goes off and experience the world. Finally they return to each other and the love they had, having learned from the world to recognize their true feelings. Elements of the musical are drawn from the story of Pyramus and Thisbe, its story winding its way through Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night's Dream as well as Donizetti's L'Elisir d'Amore and Rostand's play. Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt’s classic score features titles including Much More, I Can See It and the instantly familiar Try To Remember.

The Fantasticks first played in New York nearly fifty years ago and has since become the longest running show of any kind in the United States and the longest running musical in the world. It has played in over 2000 cities and towns in the States, and internationally, it has been staged in 67 countries.

The timeless classic musical, Rodgers & Hammerstein's The King and I, has captured the hearts and minds of millions with its charming story of the British governess brought into the court of Siam to tutor the King's many children.

Stage Productions brings this spectacular new production created by the award-winning professional director John Cumberlidge, for one week only. The unique love story is told with one of the most glorious and unforgettable scores ever written. The much-loved songs and sweeping melodies from the show include: The March of the Siamese Children, Shall We Dance, I Whistle a Happy Tune, Hello Young Lovers and the unforgettable Getting to Know You.

Having enjoyed sensational reviews, Bill Kenwright’s ‘Amazing’, ‘Superb’, ‘Wonderful’ and ‘Brilliant’ production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sparkling family musical continues to enjoy huge success across the country with standing ovations at every performance.

Craig Chalmers, the most popular finalist in the hit BBC series Any Dream Will Do, takes the title role, having delighted theatre audiences on tour across the country week after week with his vocal talents.

Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colours, this magical musical is full of unforgettable songs including Any Dream Will Do, Close Ev’ry Door To Me and One More Angel.

A truly global phenomenon, Joseph has been thrilling audiences worldwide for over 40 years - book your tickets now and be part of the magic!

Please note that Craig Chalmers will not perform Wednesday matinees and Saturday early shows

From the producers of Vampires Rock and Bat The Symphony comes the award-winning musical Bad Boy Johnny and the Prophets of Doom.
 
Sex, Religion, Satire, Comedy and Rock'n'Roll, all delivered by an incredible cast, this show is not to be missed!
 
Johnny is a boy from the wrong side of the tracks. Dreaming of a better life, he starts up a band, unaware of the rollercoaster ride this venture will take him on!
 
Steve Steinman takes on the role of the evil Father Maclean, a role coveted by Russell Crowe, who played Johnny in the original Australian production.
 

Angela Beardmore's School of Dance & Performing Arts has teamed up with Studio #1 to create a new musical and dance spectacular. Dynamics features hundreds of local children and adults performing on The Regent stage. A whole host of classic movie themes will form a dramatic backdrop to the thrilling routines. Songs from Annie, Beauty and the Beast, Blues Brothers, and Mamma Mia all feature with a truly magical tribute to Disney from the younger performers. Plus, don't miss an energetic tribute to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

Angela Beardmore’s School of Dance & Performing Arts has an outstanding record of students training to embark upon professional careers within performing arts with many already achieving successful careers. Studio #1 is an acclaimed street dance academy with many students holding world titles.

We present Roald Dahl’s amazing story about a young boy who makes a marvellous new medicine to cure his grandmother of her terrifying temper.

But when his grandmother drinks his special new potion, the most incredible things start to happen. And George’s adventure has just begun!

The Birmingham Stage Company is back on tour with a brand new adaptation of one of Roald Dahl’s funniest and most exciting stories. It follows the company’s acclaimed productions of Horrible Histories, Why The Whales Came and Danny The Champion Of The World. If you’re looking for fizztickling fun and wizzpopping magic for all the family, then don't miss George And His Marvellous Medicine!

Join us for the international touring stage show celebrating the music of Stoke-on-Trent born superstar Robbie Williams.

All of the hits performed by a company of magnificent musicians, singers and JK – recognised as the world’s No.1 Robbie impersonator. Having performed around the world in front of more than 1.5 million people he sings and entertains like the man himself.

All the greatest hits and many more, from Rock DJ and Feel to the swing songs such as My Way and Mr Bojangles which Robbie performed at the Royal Albert Hall, combined with brand new stage sets, spectacular special effects and that hint of Robbie magic.

Funny Thing Happened at the Rhoda McGaw Theatre.

Buy tickets to see Forbidden Planet at the Rhoda McGaw Theatre. AmbassadorTickets brings you the best seats for Forbidden Planet. For information on ticketing, groups rates and the Rhoda McGaw Theatre select the Information tab above.

ALL MY SONS - the first great success of Arthur Miller's supremely influential career - is a compelling story of love, guilt and the corrupting power of greed. Joe Keller (David Suchet) is alleged to have supplied World War II fighter planes with defective engines, leading to the deaths of innocent pilots - a crime for which his business partner took the fall. One of Keller's sons, himself a pilot, is thought to have been killed in action. But his mother (Zoe Wanamaker) can't accept his death and equally, can't accept that her dead son's fiancée has transferred her affections to her other son. The confrontations that ensue lead to the uncovering of a shameful family secret...

Tap Dance Fever takes the audience on a whistle stop tour of the greatest tap dance moments in show business history. Packed full of high energy, adrenalin driven tap dance styles that have entertained generations including highlights from 42nd Street, Singing in the Rain, A Chrous Line, Tap Dogs, Stomp and many more

Puss in Boots at the Arts Theatre.

KASJOG presents HMS Pinafore:  this is the fourth Gilbert and Sullivan operetta, and was their first big hit running for 571 performances. 

With a hilarious plot and many familiar and unforgettable songs this show offers splendid entertainment.

Following the success of The Hollow, The Unexpected Guest, And Then There Were None and Spider’s Web, the Agatha Christie Theatre Company is proud to present the next instalment in the highly acclaimed series, Christie's undisputed masterpiece: Witness for the Prosecution.

After huge stage success the play was filmed by Billy Wilder in 1957, starring Tyrone Power (in his last completed film role), Marlene Dietrich and Charles Laughton. It won many awards, including nominations for seven Oscars and was the year's Number One Box Office hit worldwide. Several remakes have followed, most recently starring Diana Rigg, Ralph Richardson and Beau Bridges.

Emily French, an elderly woman who recently left her considerable estate to the charming young Leonard, is found dead. Murdered.  Though he protests his innocence, Leonard quickly becomes the prime suspect. His plea hinges on his wife’s testimony, until the sudden appearance of a mysterious young woman, bearing an unexpected clue. Will the truth be revealed in time or will Leonard be declared guilty at the hands of the Witness for the Prosecution? In a world where everyone seems to be harbouring a dark secret, this gripping courtroom drama will keep you guessing until the final fatal moment.

An evening of exhilarating performances from the dancers of one of the leading performing arts school in the UK.  These remarkable young dancers will show ballet, jazz and contemporary dance in specially choreographed dances showing their unique blend of skills with strong technique combined with artistry, and incredible versatility.  This evening will be an inspiring glimpse at tomorrow's young dance stars.be there.  Tring Park School for the Performing Arts offers a unique opportunity for gifted young people to specialise in Dance, Drama, Musical Theatre or Music, whilst gaining an excellent academic education to GCSE, BTEC and 'A' level.
 
 

 At the outbreak of World War One, Joey, young Albert's beloved horse, is sold to the cavalry and shipped to France. he's soon caught up in enemy fire, and fate takes him on an extraordinary odyssey, serving on both sides before finding himself alone in no man's land. But Albert cannot forget Joey and, still not old enough to enlist, he embarks on a treacherous mission to find him and bring him home.

Please note
This show is suitable for children 10 and above.
Latecomers will not be admitted until a suitable break.

ALL MY SONS - the first great success of Arthur Miller's supremely influential career - is a compelling story of love, guilt and the corrupting power of greed.

Joe Keller (David Suchet) is alleged to have supplied World War II fighter planes with defective engines, leading to the deaths of innocent pilots - a crime for which his business partner took the fall. One of Keller's sons, himself a pilot, is thought to have been killed in action. But his mother (Zoe Wanamaker) can't accept his death and equally, can't accept that her dead son's fiancée has transferred her affections to her other son.

The confrontations that ensue lead to the uncovering of a shameful family secret...

Katy Brand is taking her Big Ass on tour.
Join the British Comedy Award Winner and star of ITV2’s Katy Brand’s Big Ass Show, Have I Got News For You and Peep Show, for an evening of anarchic comedy, celebrity satire, music spoofs and much, much more.
Following the success of her hit TV show, Katy is returning to her live roots with this silly, sassy and smart evening of comedy. Featuring old favourites and new material, there’s something here for everyone.
'A canny ability to dismantle the silliness of celebrity' The Guardian
Recommended for ages 14+

Cenerentola at the Reget Theatre.

L’incoronazione di Poppea is Claudio Monteverdi’s (1567-1643) last opera. It was premiered at Teatro di Giovanni e Paolo in Venice in 1642 and was given its first professional production at Glyndebourne in 1962.  
The plot, by librettist Busenello, is suggested in the prologue with the apparent triumph of Love over Virtue and Fortune. Love, reflected through Nerone’s blind infatuation for the amoral and relentlessly ambitious Poppea, is powerfully illustrated in one of the most beautiful love duets ever written at the conclusion of this masterpiece.

Don Giovanni by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

A new production for the 2010 Festival supported by Handel and Yvonne Evans

Sung in Italian with English supertitles

Mozart’s second collaboration with the mercurial librettist Lorenzo da Ponte is among the very blackest of black comedies.

For its first new production of the opera in 10 years, Glyndebourne is pleased to welcome back the winning team of director Jonathan Kent and designer Paul Brown, while the conducting is shared between Festival Music Director, Vladimir Jurowski, and the new Music Director of Glyndebourne on Tour, Jakub Hruša.

In the title role we also welcome back the great bass-baritone Gerald Finley, who has appeared in many Glyndebourne productions since joining the Chorus in 1986 – not least in the title role of Le nozze di Figaro at the opening of the new house in 1994. He has sung Don Giovanni to worldwide acclaim in New York, London, Paris, Vienna, Rome, Budapest and Prague. He is joined by Luca Pisaroni (Guglielmo in the 2006 Festival’s Così fan tutte) as Leporello, Kate Royal (the Governess in Jonathan Kent’s 2006 staging of The Turn of the Screw) as Donna Elvira, and the young Russian soprano Anna Samuil making her UK opera debut as Donna Anna.

The world famous Russian Ice Stars will take you on a magical journey to the heart of the best loved fairy tale of all time, Snow White, on ice.

The original story of an enchanted mirror, a beautiful girl, the ultimate Prince Charming and a shiny red apple comes to life on ice, with ballet, gymnastics and aerial aerobatics to create a breathtaking and mesmerising experience.

This spell-binding show promises to be lavish and spectacular, dazzling the whole family with its sheer beauty and elegance.

Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jnr and Dean Martin...names that have been immortalised on the silver screen and in the wider sphere of popular music. Simply put, they are legends of the 20th Century and icons of American history, who with their inexhaustible energy and sheer talent, are still a force to be reckoned with.

The Rat Pack - Live From Las Vegas celebrates these amazing talents in a unique night of entertainment. The show has wowed London and can rightly lay claim to be the coolest party in town!!

This spectacular festive production celebrates the incredible singing talent of three world famous entertainers and performers and some of the finest music and song that has ever been recorded. Drift back to a glamorous era where the famous rubbed shoulders with the politicians and partied hard, Frank, Sammy & Dean, all singing, all dancing, all round entertainers, injected not only their songs into the 50s and 60s, but a lifestyle that everyone wanted.

Legends of the 20th Century, idols of the music industry, superstars of the movies, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jnr and Dean Martin are above all renowned worldwide for their talented voices. Their unique contribution to 20th Century popular music is second to none. Frank, Sammy & Dean all received critical acclaim quite late in their careers and it wasn’t until the late 50s and early 60s that they stormed the world and stayed at the top. And their recordings still constantly chart high throughout the world.

With a talented cast and 15-piece orchestra, take a trip back to the glamorous, hot, glitzy nights of Las Vegas. Experience Frank, Sammy & Dean’s world famous classic recordings and more in this sensationally staged production that brings the music and lives of these legendary characters together again.

One of the great plays of the decade, The History Boys is set in a school in the North of England where a boisterous bunch of bright, funny sixth-form boys are attempting to gain entrance to Oxford and Cambridge whilst fending off the distractions of sportand sex.

In Alan Bennett’s much-loved play, staffroom battles and the anarchy of adolescence provide a rich vein of comedy. The History Boys opened in May 2004 at the National Theatre to rave reviews and a sell-out run and went on to become one of their biggest ever hits, winning no less than 30 major awards including both Olivier and Tony Awards for Best New Play. In 2005, a film was made with the entire original cast, manyof whom have subsequently become household names.

This will be the first major revival of the play since the original National Theatre production. Alan Bennett is one of the most distinctive voices in British theatre. Wry and tender, his impeccably-observed plays include Talking Heads, Single Spies, Forty Years On, Habeas Corpus, The Madness of George III and The Lady in the Van.

Noël Coward’s dazzling comic masterpiece provides a riotous show down between two of the screen’s most magnetic stars, Kim Cattrall and Matthew Macfadyen.

Glamorous, rich and reckless, Elyot and Amanda have been divorced from each other for five years. Now both are honeymooning with their new spouses in the South of France. When by chance they meet again across adjoining hotel balconies, their insatiable feelings for each other are immediately rekindled. Without a care for scandal, new partners or memories of what drove them apart in the first place, they hurl themselves headlong into love and lust…

Kim Cattrall is the winner of a Golden Globe Award, an Emmy Award and a Screen Actor's Guild Award and has received worldwide acclaim for her role as femme-fatale Samantha Jones in Sex and the City. Her films include Porky’s, Police Academy, Star Trek VI, Mannequin and The Tiger’s Tail. Her West End credits include Whose Life Is It, Anyway? and The Cryptogram and she made her Broadway debut starring opposite Ian McKellen in Chekhov’s Wild Honey. Born in Liverpool, she was recently the subject of BBC’s Who Do You Think You Are?

Matthew Macfadyen is best-known for his role as Tom Quinn in the BBC series Spooks. Other television roles include the recent five part BBC drama Criminal Justice II , the 2008 BBC adaptation of Dickens’s Little Dorrit and he won the Best Actor award at the Royal Television Society 2007 Awards for Secret Life. Film credits include Mr Darcy in the 2005 film of Pride and Prejudice, and the Sheriff of Nottingham in Russell Crowe's forthcoming Robin Hood.

Director of the National Theatre from 1988-1997, Richard Eyre has won five Olivier Awards, four Evening Standard Awards, three Critics’ Circle Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Directors Guild. His numerous acclaimed theatre productions range from Guys and Dolls and Mary Poppins to works by Shakespeare, Tennessee Williams, David Hare and Alan Bennett. The BBC production Tumbledown won him the 1988 BAFTA Award for Best Director and his film work includes The Ploughman's Lunch, Iris, Stage Beauty and Notes on a Scandal.

Written around 1600 and set in two contrasting communities; city and forest. Rosalind and Celia have been banished from Court. In fear of their lives, they disguise themselves and seek sanctuary in the Forest of Arden. Amongst the magical and ancient boughs, Rosalind discovers her exiled father, uncovers various truths about herself and others...and falls helplessly in love. But in this earthly paradise nothing is quite what it seems: men do not always act like men, and women can be anything at all...Uplifting, awe-inspiring and immense fun, Shakespeare's wondrous comedy is a joyous celebration of the liberating power of love and the redeeming spirit of nature. Public Booking opens Autumn 2009. The Bridge Project 2010 Dates and further information to be confirmed.. Play

Prospero, Duke of Milan, his dukedom usurped by his brother Antonio, is put to sea with his daughter Miranda and some magical books smuggled in by his loyal councillor Gonzalo. The sea casts them up on an island where Prospero, exercising his magical powers, makes a home for himself and Miranda. One day a great storm, which Prospero has conjured, breaks up a passing ship and delivers to him the members of his usurping court. Treacherous brother, fellow conspirators and old friend alike come under Prospero's spell. Shakespeare's last play. Public Booking opens Autumn 2009. The Bridge Project 2010 Dates and further information to be confirmed.

Rossini’s comedy La Cenerentola, vividly brought to life in Sir Peter Hall’s acclaimed production for Glyndebourne, is a retelling of Perrault’s classic fairy tale, Cinderella.

L’incoronazione di Poppea is Claudio Monteverdi’s (1567-1643) last opera. It was premiered at Teatro di Giovanni e Paolo in Venice in 1642 and was given its first professional production at Glyndebourne in 1962.  

The plot, by librettist Busenello, is suggested in the prologue with the apparent triumph of Love over Virtue and Fortune. Love, reflected through Nerone’s blind infatuation for the amoral and relentlessly ambitious Poppea, is powerfully illustrated in one of the most beautiful love duets ever written at the conclusion of this masterpiece.

Don Giovanni by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

A new production for the 2010 Festival supported by Handel and Yvonne Evans

Sung in Italian with English supertitles

Mozart’s second collaboration with the mercurial librettist Lorenzo da Ponte is among the very blackest of black comedies.

For its first new production of the opera in 10 years, Glyndebourne is pleased to welcome back the winning team of director Jonathan Kent and designer Paul Brown, while the conducting is shared between Festival Music Director, Vladimir Jurowski, and the new Music Director of Glyndebourne on Tour, Jakub Hruša.

In the title role we also welcome back the great bass-baritone Gerald Finley, who has appeared in many Glyndebourne productions since joining the Chorus in 1986 – not least in the title role of Le nozze di Figaro at the opening of the new house in 1994. He has sung Don Giovanni to worldwide acclaim in New York, London, Paris, Vienna, Rome, Budapest and Prague. He is joined by Luca Pisaroni (Guglielmo in the 2006 Festival’s Così fan tutte) as Leporello, Kate Royal (the Governess in Jonathan Kent’s 2006 staging of The Turn of the Screw) as Donna Elvira, and the young Russian soprano Anna Samuil making her UK opera debut as Donna Anna.

The world’s best-loved musical, The Sound of Music, is coming direct from the London Palladium. This lavish and critically acclaimed production tells the uplifting true story of the Von Trapp family’s flight across the mountains and works its magic once again, for young and old alike.

With its unforgettable score The Sound of Music touches the hearts of all ages and brims over with some of the most memorable songs ever performed on the musical stage including My Favorite Things, Do-Re-Mi, Climb Ev’ry Mountain, The Lonely Goatherd, Sixteen Going on Seventeen and of course the glorious title song The Sound of Music.

It’s the perfect family treat!

Set outside the town of Claremore in 1906, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! tells the story of cowboy Curly McLain and his romance with farmer girl Laurey Williams, but their love is challenged by Laurey’s threatening farmhand, Jud Fry.

Follow a conman, a flirty young girl and her boyfriend whilst enjoying Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’, People will say we’re in Love, The Surrey with the Fringe on Top, I Cain’t say No! and of course the title song to end all title songs, Oklahoma.

Presented by this long-established group of amateurs with the professional touch, Oklahoma! will send you home with a happy heart. So sit back, relax and imagine clear blue skies and wide open spaces…

Based on the book ‘Green grow the Lilacs’ by Lynn Riggs. By arrangement with Josef Weinberger Limited on behalf of R & H Theatricals.

From the producers of smash hit rock 'n' roll musicals including Dreamboats and Petticoats, The Roy Orbison Story and Elvis The Musical, comes Laughter In The Rain, a brand new show based on the rise, fall and rise again of pop music’s ultimate survivor... Neil Sedaka.

With a career spanning six decades and including nine smash hit singles (three which became Number One), Neil Sedaka has been inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, had a street named after him in his hometown of Brooklyn, and was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. From the innocent Fifties to the cynical Seventies and beyond, he has written and performed some of the world’s most beloved pop songs including Oh, Carol, Breaking Up Is Hard To Do, Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen, Solitaire, Calendar Girl, Amarillo, Laughter in the Rain and many more.

Laughter In The Rain - a remarkable story of triumph against the odds.

One of the great plays of the decade, The History Boys is set in a school in the North of England where a boisterous bunch of bright, funny sixth-form boys are attempting to gain entrance to Oxford and Cambridge whilst fending off the distractions of sportand sex.

In Alan Bennett’s much-loved play, staffroom battles and the anarchy of adolescence provide a rich vein of comedy. The History Boys opened in May 2004 at the National Theatre to rave reviews and a sell-out run and went on to become one of their biggest ever hits, winning no less than 30 major awards including both Olivier and Tony Awards for Best New Play. In 2005, a film was made with the entire original cast, manyof whom have subsequently become household names.

This will be the first major revival of the play since the original National Theatre production. Alan Bennett is one of the most distinctive voices in British theatre. Wry and tender, his impeccably-observed plays include Talking Heads, Single Spies, Forty Years On, Habeas Corpus, The Madness of George III and The Lady in the Van.

Come along and enjoy the atmosphere while the Orchestra re-creates those wonderful original arrangements from their American music library with classics such as In The Mood, Moonlight Serenade, String of Pearls, Little Brown Jug, Pennsylvania 65000, Tuxedo Junction, American Patrol and many, many more.

AND - a special delight for us all - the legendary Dennis Lotis joins the Orchestra for this special evening of nostalgia, reminding you of his days with the Ted Heath Orchestra.

The show also sees UK's leading Big Band musical director, Ray McVay, leading the Moonlight Serenaders, the wonderful vocal group and the Uptown Hall Gang, featuring the finest jazz musicians from the band, many of whom have performed with the greatest swing bands in the world. Jan Messeder is our female vocalist, complimented by Colin Anthony on male vocals.

Come along and swing to the greatest band in the World!

Tap Dance Fever takes the audience on a whistle stop tour of the greatest tap dance moments in show business history. Packed full of high energy, adrenalin driven tap dance styles that have entertained generations including highlights from 42nd Street, Singing in the Rain, A Chrous Line, Tap Dogs, Stomp and many more.

Following its sell-out success in the West End, The Gruffalo is back on a UK tour!

Join Mouse on an adventurous journey through the deep dark wood in this magical, musical adaptation of the award winning picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3 to 300!

Spike Milligan’s celebrated war memoirs take to the road once more in this gloriously absurd and exuberant hit comedy which has had both audiences and critics in stitches.

High comedy and tragedy collide as we follow Gunner Milligan and his jazz quartet, adrift on the tide of great historic events. Using Milligan’s own words, the show joyously fuses comedy, song and dance; showing how humour, music and comradeship enabled a hapless bunch of young men to prevail against the might of the Nazi War machine. Songs include the jazz greats Chattanooga Choo Choo, Ain’t Misbehavin’, In the Mood, Honeysuckle Rose and many more. 

“Entertainingly off-beat… warmhearted” ***** The Daily Telegraph

‘Fond and faithfully barmy’ . **** The Sunday Times

‘Gunfire and giggles…funny and enjoyably chaotic.’ **** Time Out

‘Delightful…lovably chaotic.’ **** Evening Standard

‘A joyously funny, gloriously ramshackle evening.’ **** The Guardian

Based on the British film of the same name, this American take follows six out-of-work steel workers who decide to bear all in an effort to make money and find some meaning in their lives.

Follow the guys from their first thoughts of stripping off, as well as their first doubts, to the climax where the thongs will fly! As well as the comedy and hilarious script, the show explores friendship and the lack of self-confidence and esteem caused through unemployment.

Following the sell-out success of his last appearance in 2008, Mr. Chris Addison is back! Star of the Bafta Award-winning comedy The Thick of It, In The Loop, Skins and Lab Rats, he returns with a brand new show of his critically acclaimed stand-up. Daftness! Whimsy! Jokes! Lies! Smartarsery! Flapping about! All present and correct.

‘The best stand-up I’ve seen.’ The Observer

‘He’s brilliant. No question’ The Times

‘Downright hilarious. His stories reduced a packed crowd to tears of helpless laughter.’ The Sunday Times

This stunning new note-for-note production brings one of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s greatest landmark albums back to life in truly breathtaking fashion.

Featuring musicians from the Fab Four’s own home town of Liverpool, and backed by a spellbinding new light show, it's a must for Beatles fans old and new!

Sgt Pepper in its entirety will be followed by an hour of Beatles classics live – simply sensational.

ince taking the Edinburgh Festival by storm in 2007, followed by sell-out seasons in London’s West End, New York, Paris and Montreal, the award-winning Traces arrives at The Lowry.

Traces is a high-energy, dazzling display of urban acrobatics, which combines traditional circus skills with basketball, skateboarding, a mix of street and contemporary dance, traditional theatre, humour and amazing audio visual effects. Set to a soundtrack that includes Hip Hop, rock ‘n’ roll, blues and classical music, this infectious, funky, pioneering brand of circus is a thrill-a-minute that will leave you begging for more.

The five ultra-talented performers reveal snippets of their own personal stories throughout the show, drawing the audience in until the dramatic climax leaves them on the edge of their seats, willing them to pull off the seemingly impossible.

‘So thrilling, it will surely make an entire generation run away and join the circus.’ The Guardian

‘A spectacular delight that will rob you of your breath.’ The Sunday Times

Join us to celebrate the greatest folk band to ever come from Ireland as The Dubliners return to The Lowry. A combination of The Dubliners playing all their hits live including Black Velvet Band, Dirty Old Town, Whiskey In The Jar with some great audio and video footage plus photos from their entire career. The Dubliners, A Time To Remember, should not be missed!

Following the sell-out success of his last visit in 2007, Sean Lock returns to The Lowry with his unique mix of hyperactive imagination, surreal imagery and insightful observations on the human condition.

A regular on 8 Out of 10 Cats, Q.I. and Argumental, he has been described by Ricky Gervais as ‘one of the most influential British stand ups of the past 10 years’ and has won the coveted British Comedy Award for Best Live Performer.

Elkie Brooks returns to The Lowry to perform some of her classic hits, blues, jazz and material from her forthcoming album. Elkie is quite simply one of the most successful and popular singers the UK has ever produced. Now celebrating her 50th year in music, she is still proving to be one of the most powerful and versatile vocal talents of our generation. With numerous hit singles, million selling albums and awards, her annual tours are treat for fans old and new.

‘Still one of the Great British voices.’ The Guardian

DENNIS LOCORRIERE, one of the last great undimmed American heroes, has still one of the finest voices around. Lead singer on all the great Dr Hook hits, Dennis’ voice is instantly recognised the world over. He sang on all the Hook classics (‘Sylivia’s Mother, ‘A Little Bit More’, ‘When You’re In Love With A Beautiful Woman’ etc) notching up over 60 gold and platinum albums along the way.

Dennis’ own songs have been covered by such artists as Bob Dylan, Southside Johnny, Crystal Gayle, Olivia Newton John, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson Helen Reddy, Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynne.

Dennis now has a very successful contemporary solo career with numerous solo releases, several international tours and major appearances at various festivals, including both Glastonbury and Cropredy, to his credit. This tour coincides with the release of his latest CD “Post Cool”.

ANDY FAIRWEATHER LOW’S pedigree is the stuff rock dreams are made of. As lead singer with Amen Corner, Andy enjoyed hit after hit including 'Bend Me Shape Me' and ‘( If Paradise is ) Half As Nice'. A fantastic guitar player, his subsequent highly successful solo career included such international hits as ‘Reggae Tune’, ‘La Booga Rooga’ and ‘Wide Eyed And Legless’. Andy has played with more major stars than most people can even dream of. Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Roger Waters, Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings and Elton John to name just a few. In 2006 Andy returned to solo work and he now tours regularly with his own band The Low Riders.

AN INSPIRED PAIRING FOR A CELEBRATION OF THE BEST IN MUSIC

A MUST SEE CONCERT

Los Vivancos are 7 spanish brothers who perform flamenco but they also perform a variety of dance and musical disciplines, including some of the more graceful movements of martial arts, break-dance, ballet, theater and acrobatics.

They also play musical instruments...

The Lowry is delighted to welcome Ballet Nacional de Cuba, one of the world’s most prestigious dance companies, to its stage for the first time. They will be joined by Carlos Acosta for a special appearance in the performance on Thu 15 April at 7.30pm.

Renowned for its unparalleled technique and impeccable style, taking classic Western ballets and invigorating them with passion and Latin-American drama, the company has created more than 600 works and performed in more than 60 countries worldwide. Founded by ballet legend Alicia Alonso, the company has spawned and exported some of the world’s greatest male dancers, including the wonderful Carlos Acosta, Principal Guest Artist at The Royal Ballet.

Magia de la Danza (Wed 14 & Thu 15 April) is a spectacular showcase which brings together extracts from Alonso’s versions of seven of the company’s most famous classical ballets including the Nutcracker, Coppelia and Swan Lake. Carlos Acosta will be performing Grand Pas de Deux from Act III of Don Quixote.

Please note that Ballet Nacional de Cuba be performing to a pre-recorded orchestral soundtrack.

With her debut album Worrisome Heart, Melody Gardot displayed her instinctive gift for transforming the traditions of jazz and blues with ``her personal kiss of life. But even her most ardent admirers will be amazed at the giant creative leap forward she has taken with the follow-up, ‘My One And Only Thrill’. Mixing latin rhythms, finger-snapping blues and deep, smouldering torch songs, it’s an album that seems to have been shaped from several lifetimes of love, loss and longing. Though she’s still only in her early twenties, the rapturous reception accorded to Worrisome Heart by fans and critics meant that she suddenly found her life moving at triple speed, as Melody and her band bounced between gigs, hotels and airports as demand blossomed across several continents.

“We were touring for nine months, though sometimes I’d have a week off if I was lucky,” she explains, in between bites of sushi. “But in reality, I never really had time ‘off’ because I was making the new record in between touring. That process was daunting, but beautiful too because it gave me the opportunity to work and think, and work and think again, so I could reflect back rather than having to make constant snap decisions. It was an interesting way to approach making a record…”

The Lowry is delighted to welcome Ballet Nacional de Cuba, one of the world’s most prestigious dance companies, to its stage for the first time.

Renowned for its unparalleled technique and impeccable style, taking classic Western ballets and invigorating them with passion and Latin-American drama, the company has created more than 600 works and performed in more than 60 countries worldwide. Founded by ballet legend Alicia Alonso, the company has spawned and exported some of the world’s greatest male dancers, including the wonderful Carlos Acosta, Principal Guest Artist at The Royal Ballet.

For this visit, the company bring two programmes, Magia de la Danza and Swan Lake, both accompanied by a live orchestra.

Swan Lake (Fri 16 & Sat 17 April) is arguably the most famous of ballets in the traditional repertoire. Set to Tchaikovsky’s immortal music and choreographed by Alicia Alonso, based on the original choreography by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, this version is a simple story of remarkable transformations, magic spells and terrible curses; a story in which the power of love ultimately triumphs over evil.

‘The audience’s ovations were fully deserved.’ The Daily Telegraph

Please note that Ballet Nacional de Cuba be performing to a pre-recorded orchestral soundtrack.

Boy George is an English singer-songwriter who was part of the English New Romantic movement which emerged in the early 1980s. He helped give androgyny an international stage with the success of Culture Club during the 1980s. His music is often classified as blue-eyed soul, which is influenced by rhythm and blues and reggae. His 1990s and 2000s-era solo music has glam influences such as David Bowie and Iggy Pop. He also founded and was lead singer of Jesus Loves You during the period 1989–1992. Being involved in many activities (among them songwriting, DJing, writing books, designing clothes and photography), he has released fewer music recordings in the last decade.

Following its sell-out success in the West End, The Gruffalo returns to The Lowry with songs, laughs and scary fun!

Join Mouse on an adventurous journey through the deep, dark wood in this magical, musical adaptation of the award-winning picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler which has been described by The Observer as ‘a modern classic’.

Mouse scares hungry animals away with tall stories of the terrifying Gruffalo, but what happens when he comes face to face with the very creature he imagined? Meet a wheeler-dealer Fox, an eccentric old Owl, a maraca-shaking, party-mad Snake… and, of course, the Gruffalo!

Since its première in 2006, this smash hit production has delighted thousands of youngsters worldwide; touring across England, Scotland and Wales - to as far as Poland, North America and beyond!

Suitable for ages 3+.

‘Monstrous fun!’ Daily Mail

‘Irresistibly charming.’ The Times

Join the original line-up of The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain as they celebrate their 25th anniversary. You may never think about music in the same way once you've been exposed to the Ukes' depraved musicology.

Expect to be taken on an unforgettable musical voyage of discovery using instruments that were bought with loose change. Great comedy and superb musicians – hear favourite songs as you’ve never previously imagined them. The Ukes always sell out so make sure you book early to avoid disappointment!

A brand new stand-up show for 2009/2010!

Critically acclaimed BAFTA-winning comedian Lee Mack returns to the live stage with a hotly anticipated new show.  Lee will be bringing his trademark brand of high energy banter, well crafted gags and sharp one-liners to venues across the country on his biggest ever live stand-up tour.   

Lee is best known to BBC One viewers as the star of multi-award winning Not Going Out and as team captain on Would I Lie To You?

With this exclusive packaged hotel deal you receive a ticket for "Love Never Dies" and choose your from our selection of top London hotels.

This is the brand new Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, the sequel to the award winning original theatre production of Phantom of the Opera. Since The Phantom first graced the West End in 1986 there has not been another show that has warmed the hearts more of theatre goers worldwide. Keith Prowse is proud to be an official supplier of Love Never Dies tickets.

The principal characters of The Phantom of the Opera continue their stories in Andrew Lloyd Webber's LOVE NEVER DIES.

Ten years after the mysterious disappearance of The Phantom from the Paris Opera House, Christine Daaé accepts an offer to come to America and perform at New York's fabulous new playground of the world - Coney Island.

Christine arrives in New York with her husband Raoul and their son Gustave. She soon discovers the identity of the anonymous impresario who has lured her from France to sing.

LOVE NEVER DIES is a rollercoaster ride of obsession and intrigue. in which music and memory can play cruel tricks. and The Phantom sets out to prove that, indeed, LOVE NEVER DIES

Presented with new choreography Men Y Men

Giselle is the ultimate Romantic ballet, a tale of innocence, betrayal and the redemptive power of true love. English National Ballet’s traditional staging of this 1841 masterpiece moves from the sunny optimism of Giselle’s idyllic village life to a ghostly, moonlit world of mystery and menace.
 
Giselle is presented with the prelude Men Y Men, a new choreography by Wayne Eagling. Men Y Men is designed to challenge the men of the Company in a daring and thrilling new piece set to music by Rachmaninov.

Choreographed for eight of the Company's brightest male talents Men Y Men sees men partnering men in an exploitation of the most exciting characteristics of a male ballet dancer; turning, jumping and lifting...

The principal characters of The Phantom of the Opera continue their stories in Andrew Lloyd Webber's LOVE NEVER DIES.   Ten years after the mysterious disappearance of The Phantom from the Paris Opera House, Christine Daaé accepts an offer to come to America and perform at New York's fabulous new playground of the world - Coney Island.   Christine arrives in New York with her husband Raoul and their son Gustave.  She soon discovers the identity of the anonymous impresario who has lured her from France to sing.   LOVE NEVER DIES is a rollercoaster ride of obsession and intrigue. in which music and memory can play cruel tricks. and The Phantom sets out to prove that, indeed, LOVE NEVER DIES

Be prepared for a once-in-a-lifetime theatrical experience when the master of psychological illusion returns to the stage with Derren Brown: Enigma. Derren will once again bewilder, baffle and bewitch and show why he is one of the country’s most revered live performers; a master of magic, mind control and psychological illusion. 

'Like previous shows, I will absolutely push myself to the limit. The challenge is to create new material that shocks, surprises and defies explanation. The audience will be taken for a theatrical roller-coaster ride, and I hope it’s an experience that they will never forget.'
Derren Brown

The performance is not suitable for children under 12 years.

Tickets to the final of the local talent contest open to people of all ages and talents across the whole of Sussex, including schools, groups, choirs and bands.

Applications forms will be available from October 1st and must be returned by December 11th 2009.
 
Auditions will start in January.
 
For an Application Pack when they are available email: whohastalent@reformsolutions.co.uk

'All children, except one, grow up…'

Fly to Neverland with Peter Pan and Northern Ballet Theatre in this magical ballet for the whole family. Follow Peter, John, Michael, Wendy and Tinkerbell as they soar high in the sky to an enchanted world where wicked Pirates prey on Lost Boys and an adventure lurks around every corner.

JM Barrie’s Peter Pan has delighted children and adults for over a hundred years and NBT’s popular production brings all the charm of this famous story to life. With music by Oscar-winning composer Ste
phen Warbeck (Shakespeare in Love), magical puppets, fairies and death-defying feats of flying, this is a perfect treat for young and old.

Following the resounding success of BBC One’s BAFTA-nominated Armstrong & Miller Show, Ben Miller (Moving Wallpaper) and Alexander Armstrong (Mutual Friends) will be hitting the road in Autumn 2010 and touring a brand new live show around the UK’s major venues. 

With their usual mix of the beautifully observed and the utterly barmy, Ben and Xander will be performing a parade of characters from their extensive dressing-up box and wig-store including; The street-talking WWII chav pilots; Brabbins and Fyffe, the filthy alter-egos of Flanders and Swann; Jilted Jim, dumped at the altar but still on his honeymoon; Terry Devlin, the royal correspondent who really KNOWS the royals; Dennis Lincoln-Park, the accident-prone culture buff; the Frank Dad; and so many more…

Ben and Xander comment: 'We are cock-a-hoop to be stepping out on tour in Autumn 2010. Expect all your favourite Armstrong and Miller characters and sketches in a market-fresh brand spanking new show.'

Whether he’s singing an ode to an ailing grandfather (and the inheritance that his death will bring), breaking up with a girlfriend because of her racial make-up (she’s just “too white”), or opening the door to his mind to let the voices inside his head sing out, Lynch is a self-proclaimed "musician trapped in the body of a comedian."
His unique blend of musical based comedy has earned him fiercely loyal fans around the world eager to experience his sold-out live shows, three best-selling CDs and DVDs, and his top-rated Comedy Central Specials.
His Broadway debut in the title role of The Wedding Singer earned him nominations for the highest honors in American Theatre as well as a nomination for the highly coveted Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical.

First-class comedian with a string of accolades. He was a finalist in the Channel 4 'So You Think You're Funny' Competition 2002. He then graduated to being the winner of the Gift Of The Gag 2003 and BBC Comedy Awards 2003 competitions. In recent times he's been seen on TV's 'Mock The Week'. A surefire star of the future.

Following the resounding success of BBC One’s BAFTA-nominated Armstrong & Miller Show, Ben Miller (Moving Wallpaper) and Alexander Armstrong (Mutual Friends) will be hitting the road in Autumn 2010 and touring a brand new live show around the UK’s major venues. 

With their usual mix of the beautifully observed and the utterly barmy, Ben and Xander will be performing a parade of characters from their extensive dressing-up box and wig-store including; The street-talking WWII chav pilots; Brabbins and Fyffe, the filthy alter-egos of Flanders and Swann; Jilted Jim, dumped at the altar but still on his honeymoon; Terry Devlin, the royal correspondent who really KNOWS the royals; Dennis Lincoln-Park, the accident-prone culture buff; the Frank Dad; and so many more…

Ben and Xander comment: 'We are cock-a-hoop to be stepping out on tour in Autumn 2010. Expect all your favourite Armstrong and Miller characters and sketches in a market-fresh brand spanking new show.'

It’s Back!!!!  Based on the record breaking 1997 Academy Award nominated hit of the same name, THE FULL MONTY is the story of six unemployed steelworkers who get together to make some cash and help out a friend in trouble.  When a local male strip show – whose dancers venture down to their G-strings – is a hit with the local women, the cash-strapped factory workers figure they can cash in big time if they go the full Monty.
THE FULL MONTY has something for everyone, from the ear-catching pop score to the funny and heartfelt story.  This musical comedy, with great contemporary songs and a bucket full of laughs and audiences will have a heck of a good time along the way! THE FULL MONTY contains some adult language and mature themes. Parental guidance is advised.  And do the guys really go all the way?  Come and see for yourself!!

Inspired by real-life events and using music, dance and video, Enron explores one of the most infamous scandals in financial history, reviewing the tumultuous 1990s and casting a new light on the financial turmoil in which the world currently finds itself.

Directed by Headlong Theatre's Artistic Director Rupert Goold whose recent credits include the award-winning Macbeth and Six Characters in Search of an Author, King Lear, No Man's Land and Oliver!

Directed by Headlong Theatre's Artistic Director Rupert Goold whose recent credits include the award-winning Macbeth and Six Characters in Search of an Author, King Lear, No Man's Land and Olive

"The political theatre of the 21st century has arrived
The exhilarating answer to a $60bn question
The mother of all corporate fiascos."
The Times

"An exhilarating mix of political satire, modern morality and multimedia spectacle. A fantastic theatrical event."
The Guardian

Please note that this production includes copious amounts of swearing and drugs references. Not for the faint hearted. Recommended age is 15+.

’The Must-See Event’ – The Daily Telegraph

Acclaimed by critics and audiences alike, Jez Butterworth’s new play is a comic, contemporary vision of life in our green and pleasant land. Starring Mark Rylance and Mackenzie Crook, JERUSALEM transfers to the West End following a sell-out run at the Royal Court Theatre. The production previews from 28 January 2010 and will have a strictly limited 12-week run at the Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue.

On St George’s Day, the morning of the local county fair, Johnny Byron, local waster and modern day Pied Piper, is a wanted man. The council officials want to serve him an eviction notice, his son wants his dad to take him to the fair, Troy Whitworth wants to give him a serious kicking and a motley crew of mates want his ample supply of drugs and alcohol.

‘An instant, modern classic. Mark Rylance gives one of the greatest stage performances I have ever witnessed’
The Daily Telegraph

‘Jerusalem, beautifully directed by Rickson, proves to be even better than its ecstatic publicity suggests…. The cast are uniformly superb but Rylance is in a league of his own.’
The Independent

‘Refreshing, humane, touching and wickedly funny’
Evening Standard

‘A hilarious, enchanting, affecting evening. Rylance, the most exciting stage actor of his generation, playing one of the juiciest roles in living memory’
The Times

‘This play, this production, this performance are sensational’
Financial Times

‘A riveting hymn to England’
Daily Express

Following the resounding success of BBC One’s BAFTA-nominated Armstrong & Miller Show, Ben Miller (Moving Wallpaper) and Alexander Armstrong (Mutual Friends) will be hitting the road in Autumn 2010 and touring a brand new live show around the UK’s major venues. 

With their usual mix of the beautifully observed and the utterly barmy, Ben and Xander will be performing a parade of characters from their extensive dressing-up box and wig-store including; The street-talking WWII chav pilots; Brabbins and Fyffe, the filthy alter-egos of Flanders and Swann; Jilted Jim, dumped at the altar but still on his honeymoon; Terry Devlin, the royal correspondent who really knows the royals; Dennis Lincoln-Park, the accident-prone culture buff; the Frank Dad; and so many more…

Ben and Xander comment: 'We are cock-a-hoop to be stepping out on tour in Autumn 2010. Expect all your favourite Armstrong and Miller characters and sketches in a market-fresh brand spanking new show.'

Alexander Armstrong and Ben Miller take their hit BBC comedy sketch show on the road.

Not recommend for children under the age of 15yrs.

Rising film star Mitchell Green is every girl's fantasy and soon to become a household name, thanks to his devilishly determined agent Diane, who excels at navigating the choppy waters of Hollywood. With Mitchell on the brink of superstardom, Diane encounters one teensy-weensy obstacle - she can’t seem to keep her leading man in the closet. With Mitchell’s new 'friend' Alex on the
scene and Alex’s beautiful girlfriend Ellen (yes, he has a girlfriend) causing a drama of her own, what lengths will Mitchell go to play the part and will there be a Hollywood ending when the final credits roll?

Douglas Carter Beane's Tony Award-nominated comedy hilariously satirizes the superficial world of show business and the game playing of the movie industry.

‘Devastatingly funny, with dizzy, irresistible writing’
New York Times

Tamsin Greig is best known for her award-winning performances in cult television series Green Wing and Black Books, and was recently seen in the BBC’s adaptation of Emma. Her stage credits include God of Carnage and the RSC’s Much Ado About Nothing, for which she won the Olivier Award for Best Actress. Rupert Friend’s film credits include Pride and Prejudice, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, Young Victoria and Cheri. Gemma Arterton has starred in the St. Trinian’s films, A Quantum of Solace and, soon to be released, Prince of Persia and Clash of the Titans. She was the title role in Tess of the D’Urbervilles for the BBC and Elizabeth Bennet in ITV’s Lost in Austen. Harry Lloyd’s theatre credits include the critically acclaimed A View from the Bridge and Ibsen’s Ghosts. He has played Will Scarlett in the BBC’s Robin Hood and appeared in Doctor Who.

This UK premiere is directed by Donmar Associate Jamie Lloyd, whose recent productions include The Pride (winner of the Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement), Piaf at the Donmar and Vaudeville Theatre and Three Days of Rain with James McAvoy.

On her christening day Princess Aurora is cursed by the wicked fairy Carabosse: one day the Princess will prick her finger on a spindle and die. But the kind Lilac Fairy tempers the curse so the Princess will instead fall asleep for 100 years.

With a classical score by Tchaikovsky and original choreography by Marius Petipa, The Sleeping Beauty is considered one of the greatest ballets from Imperial Russia. This thrilling production is by Birmingham Royal Ballet’s former director Sir Peter Wright, creator of the Company's popular production of The Nutcracker. With its romantic finale packed with every fairytale character imaginable, The Sleeping Beauty is as engaging now as when she first fell asleep, over a hundred years ago.

'The Grandest Achievement, The Pinnacle Of Style, Amongst The Great Classics' - Sunday Times

'Every fairy story Sir Peter touches turns to gold' - Birmingham Post

In 2009, DAVE GORMAN set off on a unique national tour. The intention: to cycle over 1500 miles across Britain in 33 days… with a gig each night.

But demand for the show has been so high that he’s decided to keep performing it… but this time without cycling from venue to venue. He’s obviously getting lazy. So now only the last bit of the title makes sense. But look at it from his point of view. Same show, fewer blisters. What would you do? Of course from your point of view it doesn’t matter because it’s not a show about the journey.

Dave – whose hit Radio 4 series, GENIUS, started its BBC TWO incarnation on our TV screens in spring 2009 - may be widely acclaimed as the pioneer of documentary comedy but with this show he’s gone back to his roots as a straight up, one-man-and-a-mic stand-up whose material is “mercilessly sharp and original.” - The Times

“Gorman has seen his stock rise to such an extent that he’s poised, as never before, to make the leap from cult figure to mainstream phenomenon.” - Daily Telegraph

“The man is a true genius.” - The Mirror.

Based on a novel by Terry Pratchett
Adapted by Mark Ravenhill

A parallel world, 1860. Two teenagers thrown together by a tsunami that has destroyed Mau’s village and left Daphne shipwrecked on his South Pacific island, thousands of miles from home. One wears next to nothing, the other a long white dress; neither speaks the other’s language; somehow they must learn to survive. As starving refugees gather, Daphne delivers a baby, milks a pig, brews beer and does battle with a mutineer. Mau fights cannibal Raiders, discovers the world is round and questions the reality of his tribe’s fiercely patriarchal gods. Together they come of age, overseen by a foul-mouthed parrot, as they discard old doctrine to forge a new Nation.

Oh I think you think I want to eat you but – no no no – I am offering you afternoon tea – over there – in one hour. 

Following His Dark Materials, Coram Boy and War Horse, the National stages Mark Ravenhill’s exhilarating adaptation of Terry Pratchett’s latest witty and challenging adventure story.

There’s no demons, no gods. Just me. And the waves and the sun and birth and death. And there’s no reason for anything. I’m sorry: that’s just the way it seems to me.

Suitable for 10yrs+

By David Hare

A dramatist seeks to understand the financial crisis.
In retrospect is it fair to say that the idea that banks could manage risk was a total illusion?

On 15 September 2008, capitalism came to a grinding halt. As sub-prime mortgages and toxic securities continued to dominate the headlines, this spring the National Theatre asked David Hare to write an urgent and immediate work to be staged this autumn that sought to find out what had happened, and why.

Capitalism works when greed and fear are in the correct balance. This time they got out of balance. Too much greed, not enough fear.

Meeting with many of the key players from the financial world, David Hare, author of The Permanent Way and Stuff Happens, has created The Power of Yes: a compelling narrative, as enlightening as it is entertaining.

It’s like a ship which you’re being told is in apple-pie order, the decks are cleaned, the metal is burnished, the only thing nobody mentions: it’s being driven at full speed towards an iceberg.

Not so much a play as a jaw-dropping account of how, as the banks went bust, capitalism was replaced by a socialism that bailed out the rich alone.

By Les 7 Doigts de la Main (The 7 Fingers)

Since taking the Edinburgh Festival by storm in 2007, followed by sell-out seasons in London’s West End, New York, Paris and Montreal, award-winning Traces tours the UK for the first time.

Traces is a high energy, dazzling display of urban acrobatics that combines traditional circus skills with basketball, skateboarding, a mix of street and contemporary dance, traditional theatre, humour and amazing audio visual effects.

Set to a soundtrack that includes hip-hop, rock 'n' roll, blues and classical music, this infectious funky pioneering new brand of circus is a thrill-a-minute that will leave you begging for more.

The five ultra talented performers reveal snippets of their own personal stories throughout the show, drawing the audience in until the dramatic climax leaves them on the edge of their seats willing them to pull off the seemingly impossible.

Charles Ross, creator of the hugely successful One Man Star Wars Trilogy, returns with his equally hilarious follow-up – One Man Lord of the Rings – in which he recreates the enchanting world of Middle-earth, armed with nothing more than a pair of elbow pads and his outrageous imagination. No props or costumes are required as Ross hurtles through the Tolkien trilogy – The Fellowship Of The Ring, The Two Towers and The Return Of The King – in just 3,600 seconds of unbelievable kinetic entertainment. If you’ve seen the films, read the books and named your first-born Frodo, don’t miss Ross’ zany take on the ever-popular epic saga.

The Lord of the Rings and the characters, items, events and places therein are trademarks or registered trademarks of The Saul Zaentz Company d/b/a Tolkien Enterprises. All rights reserved.

One of the most popular and enchantingly romantic stories ever told comes to life in Disney’s multi-award winning musical Beauty and the Beast.

Already seen by over 25 million people, one of the biggest musicals of all time brings to life the beloved ‘tale as old as time’ with a burst of theatrical magic.

Nominated for nine Tony awards including Best Musical, this eye-popping show has been wowing audiences worldwide with record-breaking runs in New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Sydney, Tokyo and London’s West End.

Be our guest and bring someone you love to experience the enchantment of an unforgettable performance of Disney’s classic musical!

Jimmy Carr is not just a TV star. He’s won awards, released chart-topping DVDs (there’s a new one out this November), written a best-selling book and broken box office records by performing to over 500,000 people in the last three years.

He may be the hardest working man in comedy.

But perhaps he wouldn’t have to be if he had a little bit more talent.

This show is exactly the same as last year’s except every single word. It’s rude, crude and offensive but those aren’t the only reasons you’ll enjoy it.

Not to be missed, unless it’s not your kind of thing.

Conductor Hilary Davan Wetton

PROGRAMME
Sibelius, Finlandia
Shostakovich, Piano Concerto no.2
Dvorak, New World Symphony

Tickets to Milton Keynes City Orchestra: Glorious Spirit.

PROGRAMME TBC.

In 1960, the group known as The Four Lovers evolved into The Four Seasons, with Frankie Valli as the lead singer, Bob Gaudio (formerly of The Royal Teens) on keyboards and tenor vocals, Tommy DeVito on lead guitar and baritone vocals and Nick Massi on bass guitar and bass vocals.

‘This is an utterly wonderful show full of vitality, pace and power. The audience rose as one at the end of this true-life mega hit story of The Four Seasons.’ (Daily Express)

The critics are united in their praise hailing ‘The phenomenal Jersey Boys’ (D.Telegraph)

‘a triumph of style, substance, heart and soul – A definite must-see!’ (London Lite)

Featuring all the classic hits: SHERRY, BIG GIRLS DON’T CRY, CAN’T TAKE MY EYES OFF YOU, BYE BYE BABY (BABY, GOODBYE), WORKING MY WAY BACK TO YOU, WALK LIKE A MAN, DECEMBER 1963 (OH WHAT A NIGHT) and more.

PLEASE NOTE:This show is certified for children 12 and over, as it may contain strong language.

The hottest Brazilian dance company returns to the UK in 2010 with a completely new production, Cruel, that involves love, lovers and family bonds that bind and unbind.

Founded in Rio de Janeiro in 1994 Companhia de Dança Deborah Colker is famed for mixing classical and contemporary dance. Today this Olivier Award-winning group with 16 stunning dancers are one of Brazil’s most popular, with a reputation for excellence that stretches around the world.

The UK’s number one comedy company! Come along with your friends and enjoy two hours of top stand-up with the biggest and brightest stars on the comedy circuit.

Jongleurs, the comedy club which launched the careers of Jack Dee, Paul Merton, Rory Bremner and many other household names, continues its highly successful tour of UK theatres with some of its hottest and most popular comedians. Tickets for these nights go  like lightning, so book yours now and get ready for one of the funniest nights you'll have this year!

Line up subject to change. Suitable for over 18s only.

With this exclusive packaged hotel deal you receive ticket(s) to "Six Degrees of Separation " at the Old Vic Theatre and choose your duration at our selection of London hotels.

David Grindley directs John Guare’s adrenalin-fuelled, Olivier Award-winning play – a sharp, vivacious take on two worlds colliding.

David Grindley directs John Guare’s adrenalin-fuelled, Olivier Award-winning play – a sharp, vivacious take on two worlds colliding.

Please note that the age restriction for Six Degrees is now 12+ at the parents’ discretion. Younger children may attend but the parent/guardian must be warned there is full frontal nudity and strong language.

This iconic opera tells the story of the love affair between Mimi and the struggling writer Rodolfo. The welcome return of an audience favourite, Tony award-winning director Stewart Laing’s production presents a traditional tale in a meaningful contemporary context - the exciting modern art scene of 21st century New York.

Young artists, living and working in stark studio apartments, turn loft spaces into art galleries. When Rodolfo sees Mimi for the first time, they fall hopelessly in love - but the course of true love rarely runs smoothly. Encompassing dramatic passion and the pain of being young, poor and in love, Puccini’s whirling melodic score moves from revelry to romance as it carries the story toward its tragic conclusion.

Young Irish soprano Celine Byrne and French tenor Avi Klemberg, make their Scottish Opera débuts. Nadine Livingstone (who also takes the title role in this season’s Kátya Kabanová) sings Musetta. Scottish Opera Music Director Francesco Corti conducts.

Scottish Opera
La bohème
Giacomo Puccini

Sung in Italian with English supertitles
Revival of 2004 production

The Adventures of Mr Broucek is one of Janácek’s most vibrantly original works. Rarely presented in the UK, this is an exciting new collaboration with Opera North. The production is a first for Scottish Opera who, with Welsh National Opera, championed the composer’s work in the 1970s and 80s with an acclaimed Janácek Cycle.
 
The beer-fuelled Mr Broucek’s adventures take him through space and time: first to the moon and then to the middle of the revolution in 15th-century Prague. By turns funny, surreal, tender and thrilling, the opera is full of wonderful portraits and parodies - of artists, poets, soldiers, and the ordinary people of Janácek’s homeland.
 
The music is just as varied as Broucek’s adventures, from the extra-terrestrial sounds of the moon music, to the gorgeous orchestral interlude which transforms the action from the moon to Prague. Bagpipes and an organ add an edge to the stirringly patriotic Hussite hymns and celebrations, sung by a 40 strong chorus.
 
John Fulljames directs a superb cast including English tenor John Graham Hall and Scottish contralto Frances McCafferty, making her Scottish Opera débuts, alongside celebrated Scottish baritone Donald Maxwell.

Scottish Opera
The Adventures of Mr Broucek
Leoš Janácek

Production supported by The Alexander Gibson Circle
Sung in English with English supertitles
A new co-production with Opera North

College sweetheart and homecoming queen Elle Woods doesn’t take ‘no’ for an answer. So when her boyfriend dumps her for someone ‘serious’, Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and heads for Harvard Law!

Based on the hit movie, with Reese Witherspoon, Legally Blonde the Musical is the Broadway sensation created by a top-of-their-class creative team, led by Tony award-winning director and Olivier nominated choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Hairspray).

Legally Blonde the Musical will take you from the sorority house to the Halls of Justice with London’s brightest new heroine (and of course, her Chihuahua, Bruiser).

The verdict? This much fun shouldn’t be legal!

Please note cast holidays

Sheridan Smith (Elle Woods) will be on holiday for the following weeks:
The role of Elle Woods will be played by Amy Lennox

Wed 24th to Mon 29th March Wed 19th to Mon 24th May

DAVE GORMAN is going back on the road. And when he says "on the road" he really means it!

Five years after he last toured the UK he's embarking on a truly unique stand-up comedy tour.

A lot of acts will tell you they're covering the length and breadth of the country... but Dave's really doing it.

Dave Gorman:Sit Down, Pedal, Pedal, Stop And Stand Up will see the intrepid comedian covering the extremes of the British mainland as he travels from this land's southernmost point to its northernmost tip, taking in the most easterly and westerly points along the way. If nothing else he'll get to see four lighthouses.

Dave will be performing each and every night of the journey but as this is a tour that promises to reach parts of the country that other tours just don't reach, it goes without saying that the venues will sometimes be a little unconventional too. He'll play in 2000 seat theatres but also 30 seat village halls. He'll be performing in a barn, the odd hotel function room and - odder still - a railway dining car.

Oh, and did we mention he's going to do the whole thing on his push bike? The travelling, we mean. Not the gigs. That'd be silly. He'll be standing up for those. If he still can.

He's 38 and not especially fit. 1500 miles. 32 days in the saddle. 32 nights on the stage. His Mum's told him not to do it but he won't listen.

Not that you need to know all this... after all, it's not a show about the journey. Dave - whose hit Radio 4 series, GENIUS, started its new BBC TWO incarnation on our TV screens in spring 2009 - may be widely acclaimed as the pioneer of documentary comedy but with this show he's going back to his roots as a straight up, one-man-and-a-mic, stand-up whose "material is mercilessly sharp and original" (The Times) .

Apparently Dave wasn't expecting there to be so much demand for tickets (silly boy!) - and also wasn't expecting people to get so upset about the 2009 tour not coming near them ("Y'know," he say. "It's really not my fault that Sheffield doesn't fall on the route from S to E to W to N!").

So, in order to meet demand and reach parts of the country that aren't on the route of his bike ride, he's doing these dates in early 2010. It'll be the same show. Only the title won't make much sense anymore because he won't be cycling!

DAVE GORMAN is going back on the road. And when he says "on the road" he really means it!

Five years after he last toured the UK he's embarking on a truly unique stand-up comedy tour.

A lot of acts will tell you they're covering the length and breadth of the country... but Dave's really doing it.

Dave Gorman:Sit Down, Pedal, Pedal, Stop And Stand Up will see the intrepid comedian covering the extremes of the British mainland as he travels from this land's southernmost point to its northernmost tip, taking in the most easterly and westerly points along the way. If nothing else he'll get to see four lighthouses.

Dave will be performing each and every night of the journey but as this is a tour that promises to reach parts of the country that other tours just don't reach, it goes without saying that the venues will sometimes be a little unconventional too. He'll play in 2000 seat theatres but also 30 seat village halls. He'll be performing in a barn, the odd hotel function room and - odder still - a railway dining car.

Oh, and did we mention he's going to do the whole thing on his push bike? The travelling, we mean. Not the gigs. That'd be silly. He'll be standing up for those. If he still can.

He's 38 and not especially fit. 1500 miles. 32 days in the saddle. 32 nights on the stage. His Mum's told him not to do it but he won't listen.

Not that you need to know all this... after all, it's not a show about the journey. Dave - whose hit Radio 4 series, GENIUS, started its new BBC TWO incarnation on our TV screens in spring 2009 - may be widely acclaimed as the pioneer of documentary comedy but with this show he's going back to his roots as a straight up, one-man-and-a-mic, stand-up whose "material is mercilessly sharp and original" (The Times) .

Apparently Dave wasn't expecting there to be so much demand for tickets (silly boy!) - and also wasn't expecting people to get so upset about the 2009 tour not coming near them ("Y'know," he say. "It's really not my fault that Sheffield doesn't fall on the route from S to E to W to N!").

So, in order to meet demand and reach parts of the country that aren't on the route of his bike ride, he's doing these dates in early 2010. It'll be the same show. Only the title won't make much sense anymore because he won't be cycling!

With this exclusive packaged meal deal you will recieve a ticket to "Grease " at the Piccadilly Theatre and a meal voucher, valid for a 3 course meal at one of a selection of top London restaurants.

The smash-hit musical GREASE is now in its third great year at London's Piccadilly Theatre - the longest running show in the venue’s history!

NOEL SULLIVAN (Flashdance The Musical, Hear’say) stars as Danny Zuko and is joined at the end of January by a brand new Sandy, SIOBHAN DILLON (finalist in BBC’s How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?).

GREASE is the original high-school musical featuring all the unforgettable songs from the movie including You're The One That I Want, Grease Is The Word, Summer Nights, Hopelessly Devoted To You, Sandy and Greased Lightnin'.

Book now. Don't miss GREASE... IT'S ELECTRIFYING!

PLEASE NOTE:
Although the producers of Grease cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artist.

Under 5’s will not be admitted due to the content in Grease we recommend that it is only really suitable for children above the age of 5.

No-one is safe in the Rome of 1800. Under Baron Scarpia corruption and suspicion hang over the city, virtue and humanity are cruelly stamped out.

The world of opera singer Floria Tosca is about to be turned upside down. She is suspicious of her lover Mario’s fidelity. Little does she realize that he is at the centre of a struggle that will lead to tragedy. Soon she herself will become the object of Scarpia’s insatiable lust and she will be forced to ask what she has done to deserve this.

Once decried as a 'shabby little shocker', Tosca has become one of the best-loved of all operas. The combination of its fast paced plot, high tension and the poignancy of the great arias Vissi d’arte and E lucevan le stelle ensure that Tosca never fails to enthrall. Michael Blakemore’s period set production Welsh National Opera of this pulsating thriller promises to set your emotions on a knife-edge.

Cast includes Alwyn Mellor as Floria Tosca, Geraint Dodd as Cavaradossi, Robert Hayward as Scarpia.

Sung in Italian with surtitles in English.

Co-production with the State Opera of South Australia.

Belmonte’s lover Constanze is being held captive by Pasha Selim. If Belmonte is going to rescue Constanze he will have to get past the Pasha’s steward Osmin first. This may not necessarily sound like the premise of a comedy but The Abduction from the Seraglio is one of Mozart’s wittiest and most delightful creations.

The joyous overture suggests a boisterous sense of fun, which is carried right through to the final curtain with stratospheric arias and blissful ensembles along the way. BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Rosenblatt Recital Song Prize winner Andrew Kennedy performs the role of Belmonte.

James Robinson’s stylish production for Welsh National Opera is irresistibly entertaining, setting the opera on the Orient Express of the 1920s en route from Paris to Istanbul.

Cast includes Andrew Kennedy as Belmonte, Lisette Oropesa as Constanze, Petros Magoulas as Osmin, Claire Ormshaw as Blonde and Wynne Evans as Pedrillo.

Sung in German with surtitles in English.

A co-production of Houston Grand Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, Opera Colorado, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Minnesota Opera and Opera Pacific.

The most fantasmagorical stage musical in the history of everything, hits the road in top gear on the 4th year of its high-flying tour.

With a cast and crew of 100 (including ten dogs), sensational sets and stunning special effects, this action-packed adventure is the story of the magical car, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts, and his two children Jeremy and Jemima, alongside Truly Scrumptious and Grandpa Potts, all try and outwit the dastardly Baron and the famously evil Childcatcher.

Bursting with magical songs including Truly Scrumptious, Toot Sweets, Hushabye Mountain and the Oscar nominated title song, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the production has been nominated for three Olivier Awards, won Best Musical in the 2002 Variety Awards, been nominated for five Tony Awards on Broadway and won the coveted Manchester Evening News Theatre Award for Best Family Show in 2006.

This ravishing award-winning show is guaranteed to be the most exciting theatrical event of the year.

Don't let it take off without you!

The most fantasmagorical stage musical in the history of everything, hits the road in top gear on the 4th year of its high-flying tour.

With a cast and crew of 100 (including ten dogs), sensational sets and stunning special effects, this action-packed adventure is the story of the magical car, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts, and his two children Jeremy and Jemima, alongside Truly Scrumptious and Grandpa Potts, all try and outwit the dastardly Baron and the famously evil Childcatcher.

Bursting with magical songs including Truly Scrumptious, Toot Sweets, Hushabye Mountain and the Oscar nominated title song, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the production has been nominated for three Olivier Awards, won Best Musical in the 2002 Variety Awards, been nominated for five Tony Awards on Broadway and won the coveted Manchester Evening News Theatre Award for Best Family Show in 2006.

This ravishing award-winning show is guaranteed to be the most exciting theatrical event of the year.

Don't let it take off without you!

Shakespeare's Globe Exhibition is the world's largest exhibition devoted to Shakespeare and the London in which he lived and worked. Housed beneath the reconstructed Globe Theatre on London's Bankside, the exhibition explores the remarkable story of the Globe, and brings Shakespeare's world to life using a range of interactive displays and live demonstrations.

Visit the exciting and often dangerous world of Elizabethan London where in 1599, Bankside was the entertainment center of the capital packed with gambling dens, brothels, bear-baiting pits and theaters. Ordinary people flocked to see Shakespeare's plays and they laughed, cried, shouted abuse at the actors, ate and drank during the performances.

As a visitor to the Exhibition you'll discover how shows were produced in the theaters of Shakespeare's time, from writing and rehearsals to music, dance and performance. Learn about the traditional crafts and techniques used during the process of rebuilding the Globe and find out how special effects were produced in Shakespeare's time - from thunder and lightning to flying on stage and realistic blood and gore. Listen to recordings from some of the most Shakespearean performances ever or join the cast and add your own voice to a scene recorded by Globe actors. Create your own Shakespearean phrases in the word jungle, watch a sword-fighting display and browse the costume collection, where you can find out about the extraordinary methods used in creating clothes 400 years ago.

A visit to the Exhibition includes a guided tour of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre where storytellers take you on a fascinating half-hour tour of the auditorium. Journey through time to Elizabethan London with their colourful tales of the 1599 theater experience as well as the reconstruction process of the 1990's and how the wooden 'o' works today as an imaginative and experimental theatrical space.

Tour Info

From 23rd April until 10th October 2009

Exhibition

Open 9am 6pm

Globe Theatre Tours

Monday all day from 9am 5pm

Tuesday to Saturday 9am 12.30pm

Sunday 9am 11.30pm

Out of Theatre Season, from 11th October 2009

Exhibition

Open 10am - 6pm

Globe Theatre Tours

Every day, all day from 9am - 5pm

2009-2010 Schedule

Oct 09 - March 2010* - 10.00-17.00 - Globe tours run all day

* According to the 2010 Theatre Season dates. To be announced in November 2009

April 10-Sept 10*: 09.00 -17.00 - Mon-Tours run all day - Tues-Sat: Last tour at 12.30pm - Sunday: Last tour at 11.30am.

During our Theatre Season, Tours to the Globe Theatre will be restricted to the above schedule as matinees and evening performances take place inside the auditorium.

Visitors coming outside of these hours will be offered an alternative tour to the archaeological site of the Rose Theatre, built in 1587 on Bankside. It is the only Elizabethan Theatre that has been excavated on a large scale in 1989.

Important not