1. art and entertainment
2. theatre

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FICE
F
O
BOX
SUPPORTS NORWICH PLAYHOUSE
Rated top Specialist Arts, Design and Media
University in the UK National Student Survey 2013 and 2014
MAY TO SEPT 2015
THANK YOU!
Undergraduate Open Day
Friday 3 July
Postgraduate Open Days
Thursday 21 May
Thursday 23 July
Saturday 5 September
ALIENS LOVE UNDERPANTS
CHILDREN
11
NORWICH UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS
Supports Norwich Playhouse
www.nua.ac.uk
SRI KRISHNA LEELA
DANCE
24
The Playhouse is proud to be funded by
Norfolk County Council and Broadland
District Council. Both authorities are under
some financial restraints so we are extremely
grateful to have their support. We are also
indebted to Norwich Town Close Estate
Charity for contributing to our Education
programme which reaches out to thousands
of young people and, we are told, makes a big
difference. The Playhouse is also sponsored
by Adnams plc, which partnership has given
us the splendid new bar and terrace look.
Our other sponsor is our near neighbour
NUA, neatly bringing the visual arts into
a performance venue. All this gives us the
chance to better our programme, our facilities,
our education and community work, which
benefits our audiences and patrons.
However the great part of our income is
derived from you - the people who buy the
tickets and come to the shows. We are thrilled
that you fill our seats so thoroughly and we sell
out so many performances. Do let us know any
particular wishes for shows you’d
like to see here – we'll always try!
Caroline Richardson Director
EDMUND THE LEARNED PIG
FAMILY
EXHIBITIONS
MAY Wendy Brown-Hall
JUN Zoe Ford
JUL Joey Dean
AUG Nigel Woolston
SEP Claire Cansick
More details at: norwichplayhouse.
co.uk/whats-on/gallery
If you are an artist interested
in displaying your work, please
email Emily Buchan & Amy
Melling on
art@norwichplayhouse.co.uk
25
All details correct at time of going to press.
Norwich Playhouse reserves the right to alter the
published programme without notice.
Norwich Playhouse
42 - 58 St. George’s Street
Norwich
NR3 1AB
Tel: 01603 612580
Fax: 01603 617728
Technical: 01603 766928
info@norwichplayhouse.co.uk
norwichplayhouse.co.uk
Run by: The Theatre Royal (Norwich) Trust Ltd.
Reg. Charity No: 262259
VAT No. 104 7423 02
SUPPORTED BY
Cover Image: Ruby Wax - Page 9
03
NORFOLK & NORWICH FESTIVAL 2015
NORFOLK & NORWICH FESTIVAL 2015
MEKLIT HADERO
NEIL COWLEY TRIO
AT NORWICH PLAYHOUSE
04
CANZONIERE
STEFANO BOLLANI
SUN 10 MAY, 7:30PM
MON 18 MAY, 7:30PM
THU 21 MAY 7:30PM
FRI 22 MAY, 7:30PM
Folk and jazz serve as the foundation
for Ethiopian-born Meklit’s elegant
and soulful songwriting. First seen
in England as part of the Southbank
Centre’s Women of the World Festival,
she is passionate about challenging
preconceptions about women and her
African roots.
Come and join in this lively revival
of Italy’s Pizzica folk dance from the
country’s leading traditional music
ensemble as they bring the dance to
thousands of people across the world.
Canzoniere create stirring shows full
of energy, passion, rhythm and mystery.
Jazz pianist Cowley will be performing
with long-time partners Evan Jenkins
on drums and bassist Rex Horan to turn
the concept of the piano trio upsidedown. Rip-roaring riffs, hook-laden
tunes and heart-shattering musical
whisperings are the recipe for this
trio’s intoxicating sound.
His performance marks a rare opportunity
to hear a major figure in today’s European
jazz scene. Stefano Bollani’s ebullient
charm and musical sensitivity ensure
that he remains one of the leading jazz
performers of his generation.
Fizzing with energy, their dynamic and
powerfully moving shows mark them as
one of Britain’s most exciting live bands.
His solo piano concerts are a
veritable tour-de-force, a combination
of improvisational virtuosity at the
very highest level and a contagious
lightness of spirit.
Her eclectic musical appetite ensures that
her sound is a blend of the soul favourites
she grew up on and the hip-hop and
art rock that she loves.
Their latest album was one of The
Guardian’s Top 5 Albums of the year
and their recent collaborations include
Ballake Sissoko and internationally
renowned trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf.
Performance runs c. 90 mins (no interval)
Performance runs c. 75 – 90 mins
(no interval)
Performance runs c. 75 – 90 mins
(no interval)
Performance runs c. 75 – 90 mins
(no interval)
Tickets: £16
Tickets: £16
Tickets: £16
Tickets: £16
nnfestival.org.uk 01603 766400
nnfestival.org.uk 01603 766400
05
NORFOLK & NORWICH FESTIVAL 2015
NORFOLK & NORWICH FESTIVAL 2015
THE CORN EXCHANGE PRESENTS
SMITH DANCETHEATRE
AT NORWICH PLAYHOUSE
A GIRL IS A
HALF-FORMED THING
UK PREMIERE
TUE 12 – SAT 16 MAY, 7:30PM
By Eimear McBride
Adapted for the stage and directed
by Annie Ryan
A Girl is a Half-formed Thing is brought
to the stage by celebrated Dublin theatre
company The Corn Exchange, whose
previous festival hits include; Man of
Valour, Freefall and Dublin by Lamplight.
Eimear McBride’s acclaimed debut novel
of the same name has won multiple
awards, including the BAILEYS Women’s
Prize for Fiction in 2014.
A Girl is a Half-formed Thing follows the
inner narrative of an Irish girl, played by
award-winning actress Aoife Duffin, from
the womb to twenty, amidst the crushing
Catholicism and deprivation
of her childhood.
A sell-out hit at the Dublin Theatre
Festival, A Girl is a Half-formed Thing
promises to be an unforgettable theatrical
experience here in Norwich.
Rebellious, unrelenting, and with biting
wit, Eimear McBride writes with an
urgency and honesty that remains totally
electric in Annie Ryan’s stage adaptation.
Post-show talk on Wednesday 15 May
David Collard (Literary Review), talks
to director and adaptor Annie Ryan,
novelist Eimear McBride and actress
Aoife Duffin.
Performance runs c. 80 mins (no interval)
AFTER THE FALL:
A LITTLE MORALITY PLAY
TUE 19 & WED 20 MAY, 7:30PM
SMITH dancetheatre presents a preview
of their newest work. Performed by an
intergenerational company of professional
and local amateur performers, this is
a modern day exploration of angels,
demons, outsiders and outcasts inspired
by the story of Lucifer’s banishment from
heaven.
SMITH dancetheatre’s distinctive style
of storytelling combines dance, theatre
and music in a show that asks questions
about right and wrong, and where we
stand in it all.
Tickets: £15
Supported by The Arts Council of Ireland,
Dublin City Council and Culture Island.
Performance runs c. 40 mins (no interval)
Tickets: £10
Produced by Turtle Key Arts, supported
by The Core at Corby Cube, Norfolk
& Norwich Festival, Norwich Arts Centre,
Norfolk County Council, Dance East and
Arts Council England.
06
nnfestival.org.uk 01603 766400
SARAH WATERS
AND SARAH PERRY
WRITING FAMILIES –
THE GOTHIC
IMAGINATION
FRI 8 MAY, 7:30PM
Join two celebrated writers whose
shared passion for the gothic will fuel
a conversation on creative inspiration,
influence, and the ‘families’ of writers that
help great art to flourish.
Known for her book Tipping the Velvet, Sarah
Waters is one of the UK’s most prominent
writers. Meanwhile rising star Sarah Perry’s
debut novel, After Me Comes the Flood, has
received much critical acclaim. Hear them
both read from their work, answer your
questions and embrace the gothic imagination.
City of Literature is presented in
association with Writers’ Centre
Norwich and celebrates our city’s status
as a UNESCO City of Literature.
Performance runs c. 100 mins (no interval)
Tickets: £12
nnfestival.org.uk 01603 766400
07
THE DEMON BARBERS PRESENT
THE DEMON BARBERS XL
AVENUE Q
THE 'DISCO AT THE
TAVERN' TOUR
TUE 26 - SAT 30 MAY 7:30PM
SAT 30 MAY 2:30PM
SAT 2 MAY 8:00PM
Winner of Tony Awards for Best Musical,
Score and Book, this laugh-out-loud
comedy follows the bizarre residents of
New York’s Avenue Q.
Renowned for their no holds barred
approach to live shows, The Demon
Barbers return to the concert stage with
a new repertoire, extra band members
and a modern twist to their multi-award
winning roadshow.
After winning Best Live Act at the BBC
Radio 2 Folk Awards - and performing
high profile shows at the Glastonbury
Festival and the Edinburgh Festival
Fringe - The Demon Barbers now bring
some of the UK’s most exciting young
clog, sword, hip hop and break dancers
onto the concert stage to create THE live
folk music and dance spectacular of the
year!
“Floor-shaking live music that alone
justifies the price of the ticket”
The Independent
Running Time: 90mins + interval
Tickets: £17.50 / £15 concessions /
£9.50 students
08
THRESHOLD THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS
Box Office: 01603 598598
Performed by humans, puppets (think
a post-watershed Sesame Street) and
the character of former child celebrity
Gary Coleman (!) - and with songs like
Everyone’s A Little Bit Racist, If You
Were Gay and The Internet Is For Porn how can you go wrong?
Multi-award winning Threshold Theatre
Company is back with a potty mouthed
and politically incorrect musical that’s not
for the easily offended. The funniest (and
definitely the furriest!) show you're ever
likely to see.
LAKIN McCARTHY PRESENTS
RUBY WAX
SANE NEW WORLD
THUR 4 & FRI 5 JUN 7:30PM
Based on Ruby's critically acclaimed
book Sane New World, this wonderful,
painfully funny and instructive show will
help you understand why we choose to
sabotage our sanity by our own thinking.
Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy
shows us how to rewire our thinking to
find calm in a frenetic world and how to
become the master, not the slave, of our
own minds. This show is your passport to
saner living.
The RSC actor, Absolutely Fabulous script
editor and Oxford University Master in
Ruby might not be sane herself but she
does a pretty good imitation!
Age: 14+
Running Time: 2hrs 45mins inc interval
Tickets: £17 / £14 concessions (Tue to Thur
only) / £14 all matinee tickets
Age: 14+
Running Time: 90mins + interval
Tickets: £22.50 / £20 concessions
thresholdtheatrecompany.co.uk
rubywax.net
“I love this book more than I love Ruby.
And that's saying quite a bit...in a loud,
funny voice” Stephen Fry
Book Online: norwichplayhouse.co.uk
09
PAUL DANIELS
INTIMATE
IN THE BATH: UNPLUGGED
SAT 6 JUN 8:00PM
FRI 12 JUN 8:00PM
TV superstars and king and queen of
magic Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee
return to the Playhouse with their brand
new show - Intimate.
On the 9th June 2005 East Anglian
comedian Tim FitzHigham became the
first - and only - person to row across the
English Channel in a bath tub. He raised
a load of cash for charity and made a
multi-award winning show about it.
Having consulted his legions of fans,
Paul has come up with a new concept
for the show that everyone was asking
for, eschewing large scale illusions and
engaing the audience with a much more
interactive and close-up kind of magic.
Since then Tim has had his own Radio 4
series, made films with Clint Eastwood
and Matt Damon and sold out shows all
over the world.
With all the comedic flair and technical
brilliance you'd expect from the one of the
world's top magicians, this promises to be
a real party show will both baffle you and
make you laugh.
Now celebrate the 10th anniversary
of a glorious, great British eccentric
triumph in a hilarious evening that will
make you laugh, cheer and feel slightly
better about the world…
Running Time: 2hrs inc interval
Tickets: £18.50 / £16.50 concessions
Age: 14+
Running Time: 2hrs inc interval
Tickets: £14 / £12 concessions
“Within moments I am laughing with
delight at the cleverness and the verve
and the showmanship; these guys are
good. Better than good” The Telegraph
pauldaniels.co.uk
10
TIM FITZHIGHAM
Box Office: 01603 598598
“Tim FitzHigham is unhinged. He is
completely without hinges” Eddie Izzard
fitzhigham.com
BIG WOODEN HORSE & NICK BROOKE LTD PRESENT
ALIENS LOVE UNDERPANTS
Based on the book by Claire Freedman & Ben Cort, adapted & directed by Adam Bampton-Smith.
SAT 13 JUN 1.30PM & 3.30PM, SUN 14 JUN 11.00AM & 1:00PM
Aliens love underpants
In every shape and size
But there are no underpants in space
So here’s a big surprise!
This zany and hilarious tale based on
the best-selling children’s book by Claire
Freedman and Ben Cort is delightfully
brought to life on stage in a brilliantly
wacky, funny spectacular. With stunning
effects, madcap action, original music and
lots of aliens, this fantastically fresh and
funny production will delight the whole
family. You’ll laugh your PANTS off !
aliens love underpants
© claire freedman & ben cort 2007
Ages: 3+
Running Time: 50mins straight
Tickets: £11 / £8.50 groups of 10+
underpantslive.com
“An excellent show for the entire family”
Primary Times
“A close encounter of the most
entertaining kind!” METRO
Book Online: norwichplayhouse.co.uk
11
LAKIN McCARTHY PRESENTS
ROBIN INCE
PLUS SUPPORT
BLOOMING BUZZING
CONFUSION
SAT 13 JUN 8:00PM
In a fast follow up to In (and out of ) His
Mind, Ince continues to prod our brains
with a sharpened pencil - trying to work
out just how much of a freethinker anyone
is able to be.
Looking at Milgram, McLuhan and mind
experiments, Robin asks if we can arm
ourselves against mass media despots and
live life pragmatically or will we always
just be clumsy animals justifying each
mistake with a well-honed alibi? Basically,
another night of shouting, gesticulating,
gurning and enquiring. A curious mind
and id on the rampage. SWEENEY ENTERTAINMENTS PRESENTS
DREAMING OF KATE
What's On Stage
robinince.com
THE HORNE SECTION
BUG MUSIC VIDEOS PRESENTS
BUG #15
FRI 19 JUN 8:00PM
SAT 20 JUN 8:00PM
WED 24 & THUR 25 JUN 8:00PM
If you were one of the many fans who
failed to grab tickets for Kate Bush’s
recent live shows then fear not - a brilliant
show which spans the elusive performer's
entire career is heading your way...
Hot on the heels of their BBC Radio 4
series, four years of sell out shows in the
Edinburgh Festival Fringe and West End,
the 2014 Chortle Awards Best Musical
Act are rolling into town with their brand
new barnstorming show.
Adam Buxton returns with BUG, the
BFI’s long-running big-screen showcase
of music video creativity, for two nights
of awesome audio visuals and plenty
of laughs. Expect a delicious set of the
latest music video marvels from around
the world, some mouthwatering online
discoveries and the usual tasty selection of
YouTube comments.
Maaike Breijman's remarkable
resemblance to Kate, in mesmerising vocal
style as well as appearance, brings Bush's
music to theatrical life in a show with all
the attention to detail that the each song
so deserves.
Add a fantastic live band of major
international musicians, amazing costume
changes and inspired dance routines and
you have a dazzling tribute to a truly great
artist.
Age: 16+
Running Time: 2hrs inc interval
Tickets: £14 / £12
“Ince switches from dolphins on LSD and
bees on cocaine to Gogglebox”
AVALON PROMOTIONS PRESENTS
Expect a heady mix of spontaneous
stand-up, spectacular performance and
outlandish musical talent led by the
brilliant comedian Alex Horne. Gathering together the UK's finest
musicians and throwing them together
on stage with the world’s most exciting
comics, The Horne Section brings you its
indomitable fanfare of musical mash-up
and mirth.
Age: 16+
Running Time: 2 hrs inc interval
Tickets: £18.50 / £16.50 concessions
Running Time: 2hrs inc interval
Tickets: £19.50
“Close your eyes and pretend you're at
Hammersmith” Evening Standard
“A riotous splicing of live music and
comedy” The Observer
thehornesection.com
This latest edition of BUG (just for the
Playhouse!) is an assortment of some
favourite videos from the recent BFI
shows, served up with other treats hot
from the hallowed Buxton laptop. Don’t
miss it!
Age: 18+
Running Time: 2hrs straight
Tickets: £16.50 / £12 concessions
“Real laugh-til-you-cry moments”
The List
adam-buxton.co.uk
bugvideos.co.uk
dreamingofkate.com
12
Box Office: 01603 598598
Book Online: norwichplayhouse.co.uk
13
DOTDOTDOT DANCE COMPANY PRESENTS
THE ORCHESTRA OF
NORWICH SCHOOL
NO FRILLS
A MUSICAL FOLK TALE
DOTDOTDOT DANCE
FRI 26 JUN 7:30PM
SUN 28 JUN 2:00PM & 5:00PM
SAT 4 JUL 8:00PM
Featuring Norwich School’s Gateway
Players, this concert includes works
for both soloists and orchestra and will
feature some of the school’s senior and
most talented performers. Two of the
soloists are winners of the Norfolk Young
Musician Competition, Ragnhild Rivertz
(2014) and Alex Little (2015).
A cast of young people from Norwich
team up with Mahogany Opera Group
for a brand new production of Brundibár.
The opera tells the affecting and uplifting
story of two poor siblings' fight against
adversity in the shape of evil organgrinder Brundibár.
Three dancers, one voice, one guitar and
one percussion box - No Frills is flamenco
stripped down to its bare essence. A
celebration of the raw and yet nuanced
energy that flamenco awakens not only in
the dancer but in the spectator too.
The programme will include a variety
of pieces including Bach, Mozart and
Vaughan Williams.
The Orchestra Of
Norwich School is
presented by the
Young Norfolk Arts
Festival.
Brundibár is produced
by Mahogany Opera Group in association
with Jubilee Opera and Watford Palace
Theatre and presented in Norwich by the
Young Norfolk Arts Festival and the Norfolk
County Music Education Hub.
Running Time: 90mins + interval
Tickets: £8 / £5 concessions
norwich-school.org.uk
14
BRUNDIBÁR
Box Office: 01603 598598
Jewish Czech composer Hans Krása's
playful score, performed by the children of
Theresienstadt concentration camp during
the Second World War, leaps between
folk tunes, lively marches, polkas and
waltzes.
Brundibár will be preceded by a selection
of Polish and Czech folk songs sung by
local children and
Polish bass Piotr
Lempa.
ynaf.org.uk
THE MIKADO
FRI 10 & SAT 11 JUL 7:30PM
This energetic production of Gilbert and
Sullivan’s comic masterpiece promises
a riotous feast for the senses. With its
traditional setting, wonderful costumes,
glorious singing and, of course, the
company’s inimitable humour.
Through an exploration of a number of its
traditional styles in their most evocative
form, this show goes in search of pure
expression.
As tuneful and witty as when it was
first performed at the Savoy Theatre in
1885, the plot of this far Eastern odyssey
delights at every comic misfortune that
befalls the Mikado's love-struck son.
Put aside any pre-conceptions of what
flamenco might be and delight in this
unique insight into the rhythms and
power of one of the world's most exotic,
erotic and exhilarating art forms.
An unmissable evening of high-class
entertainment, which will tickle both
Gilbert and Sullivan enthusiasts and those
experiencing the sparkle and verve of this
ingenious operetta for the first time.
Running Time: circa 3hrs inc interval
Tickets: £11 / £9 concs / £7 under 16s
Running Time: circa 60mins + interval
Tickets: £10 / £6 concessions
“A beguiling score of melodic freshness
that tugs at the heartstrings and sets feet
tapping” The Telegraph
LIVE WIRE OPERA COMPANY PRESENTS
tickets can only be purchased through the
livewire box office on the following numbers:
Running Time: 60mins straight
Tickets: £15 / £12 concessions
Box Office Day: 01953 851734
Box Office Eve: 01953 851543
dotdotdotflamenco.com
livewireoperacompany.co.uk
Book Online: norwichplayhouse.co.uk
15
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
16
p08
Fri 4
Ronnie Scott's All Stars
7:30pm
MUSIC
SOLD OUT
Colin Cloud
7:30pm
p23
Sat 5
MAGIC
Sri Krishna Leela
7:30pm
p23
Sat 12
DANCE
Mon 14
Edmund The Learned Pig
7:30pm
p24
p08
FAMILY
Thur 17
Sean Hughes
8:00pm
p25
p08
COMEDY
Stacey Kent
7:30pm
p24
Fri 18
MUSIC
Tubular Bells For Two
8:00pm
p26
Sat 19
MUSIC
An Evening Of Jazz & Cabaret
7:00pm
p26
Sun 20
CABARET
Floral Curiosity
7:30pm
p27
Mon 21
TALK
Henning Wehn
8:00pm
p27
Thur 24 - Sat 26
COMEDY
Pocket Merchant
7:30pm
p28
Wed 30
DRAMA
p28
Thur 1
Pocket Merchant
7:30pm
DRAMA
p28
Fri 2 & Sat 3
Festival Of The Spoken Nerd
8:00pm
COMEDY
p29
Mon 5 - Wed 7
Dave Gorman
8:00pm
COMEDY
p29
Sat 2
Demon Barber XL
8:00pm
MUSIC
Tue 5 & Wed 6
Tim Vine
8:00pm
COMEDY
Fri 8 - Sat 23
Norfolk & Norwich Festival
VARIOUS
FESTIVAL
p04
Tue 26 - Sat 30
Avenue Q
7:30pm
MUSICAL
Sat 30
Avenue Q
2:30pm
MUSICAL
Thur 4 & Fri 5
Ruby Wax
7:30pm
COMEDY
p09
Sat 6
Paul Daniels
8:00pm
MAGIC
p10
Fri 12
Tim Fitzhigham
8:00pm
COMEDY
p10
Sat 13 & Sun 14
Aliens Love Underpants
VARIOUS
CHILDREN
p11
Sat 13
Robin Ince
8:00pm
COMEDY
p12
Fri 19
Dreaming Of Kate
8:00pm
MUSIC
p12
Sat 20
The Horne Section
8:00pm
COMEDY/MUSIC
p13
Wed 24 & Thur 25 Bug #15
8:00pm
MUSIC VIDEO
p13
Fri 26
The Orchestra Of Norwich School
7:30pm
MUSIC
p14
Sun 28
Brundibár
2:00pm & 5:00pm
OPERA
p14
Tue 30
Notre Dame Preparatory School
7:00pm
SCHOOLS
-
Fri 3
Hethersett Academy
7:30pm
SCHOOLS
-
Sat 4
No Frills
8:00pm
DANCE
p15
Fri 10 & Sat 11
The Mikado
7:30pm
OPERA
p15
Tue 14 - Sun 19
The Tiger Who Came To Tea
VARIOUS
CHILDREN
p18
Sat 1 & Sun 2
The Amazing Bubble Man
11:30am
CHILDREN
p19
Fri 7
Digby Fairweather
8:00pm
MUSIC
p20
Sat 8
The Floyd Effect
8:00pm
MUSIC
p20
Sat 22
The Simon & Garfunkel Story
8:00pm
MUSIC
p21
Tue 25 - Sat 29
Grease
7:30pm
MUSICAL
p22
Sat 29
Grease
2:30pm
MUSICAL
p22
Box Office: 01603 598598
SEP
OCT
Join our e-mailing list and keep updated with our regular email newsletters,
plus get the chance to buy tickets for new shows before anyone else! Drop us
a line with your contact details to info@norwichplayhouse.co.uk
PLAYHOUSE STEWARDS SPRING 2015
Andy Clarke, Angela Edgar, Anne
McCrudden, Annette Edwards, Anthony
& Linda Landamore, Beckie Abrams, Bob
Brown, Bod Webster, Diana Twitchett, Eileen
Websdale, Gay and Russ Abbott, Gloria
Pollini, James Kinsley, Jane Mickleburgh,
Jane Parsons, Janet Roper, Janey
Bevington, Joan Rix, Julie Wyatt, June
Simpson, Liz Gibson, Lynda Clarke, Maggie
Stickney, Marney Meakin, Mary Brister, Meryl
Taylor, Miriam Barnett, Richard Sumser,
Richard Wells, Robert Cooper, Roger &
Anne Loy, Sally Evison, Sandi George,
Sandra Meek, Sarah Long, Sheil Ouzerdine,
Steph Tilson, Teresa McInally, Tim Mead, Val
Keel, Valerie Mortimer, Yvonne Gowers.
Founder:
President:
Chair:
Board:
Henry Burke
Timothy West CBE
Roger Cortis
David Howe
Caroline Richardson
Staff:
Exhibitions Organiser
Doors Box Office
Duty House Manager
Technician
Duty House Manager
Education Manager
Technician
Technician
Duty House Manager
Technician
Exhibitions Organiser
Marketing Designer
Front of House Manager
Duty House Manager
Director
Marketing Manager
Doors Box Office
Duty House Manager
Technical Manager
Patrons:
Sir Timothy Colman KG
Stephen Fry
Sir Jeremy Isaacs
Richard Jordan
Sir Jonathan Miller CBE
Viscount Norwich CVO
Prunella Scales CBE
Sir Arnold Wesker
Emily Buchan
Matthew Crisp
Gill Dean
Ben Giller
Laura Hammett
Roberta Hamond
Dhugal Harrison
Lauren Hichisson
Dot Howard
Emma Maxwell
Amy Melling
Sam Moreno
Vikki Nelson
Andrew Ramsbottom
Caroline Richardson
Caz Slota
Jay Tacon
Thomas Vowles
Peter Wright
Book Online: norwichplayhouse.co.uk
17
SALLY HUMPHREYS PRODUCTIONS LTD PRESENTS
TIGER'S TEA PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS
THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA
A musical play adapted and directed by DAVID WOOD, based on the book by JUDITH KERR
TUES 14 JUL 1:00PM, WED 15 - FRI 17 JUL 10:30AM & 1:00PM
SAT 18 & SUN 19 JUL 11:00AM & 1:30PM
The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her
mummy are sitting down to tea. Who
could it possibly be? What they certainly
don’t expect to see at the door is a big,
stripy tiger!
Following a sell-out run at the Playhouse
in 2012, the tea-guzzling tiger is back on
Age: 3+
Running Time: 55mins
Tickets: £11.50 / £8.50 groups 10+
18
Box Office: 01603 598598
the road in this delightful family show;
packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long
songs and clumsy chaos! A stunning
stage adaptation - by David Wood,
undisputedly the country’s leading writer
and director of plays and musicals for
children - of the classic tale of teatime
mayhem... expect to be surprised!
“This Tiger is the cat’s meow” The Times
thetigerwhocametotealive.com
THE AMAZING BUBBLE MAN
SAT 1 & SUN 2 AUG 11:30AM
The fabulously entertaining, international
hit show with bubble art, magic, science
and LOTS of fun.
Louis Pearl is the world's leading
Bubbleologist and has been delighting
family audiences with his unique show
Age: 3+
Running Time: 60mins straight
Tickets: £11 / £8.50 groups 10+
amazingbubbleman.com
for nearly 30 years. With infectious
enthusiasm, The Amazing Bubble Man
explores the breath-taking dynamics of
bubbles, combining comedy and artistry
with audience participation and enough
spellbinding bubble tricks to keep
everyone mesmerized.
“Square bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles,
fog-filled bubbles, cute three year olds
inside bubbles, solar system bubbles,
edible bubbles. Oh, for heaven's sake, just
go" Three Weeks
Book Online: norwichplayhouse.co.uk
19
DIGBY FAIRWEATHER PRESENTS
DIGBY FAIRWEATHER'S
HALF DOZEN
THE SWING'S THE THING
FRI 7 AUG 8:00PM
To celebrate their twentieth anniversary
UK tour, Fairweather and the band bring
you their newest show - an unforgettable
evening of swinging sounds, favourite
songs (sung by the Four Fairweather
Friends), latin jazz, and gorgeous
selections from the Great American and
British Songbooks.
Led by the legendary Digby, the
Half Dozen (formed in l995) toured
and recorded for five years with the
incomparable George Melly before
joining Manfred Mann's singer Paul Jones
for the show Rocking In Rhythm. The
Half Dozen are nine-time award-winners
at the prestigious British Jazz Awards and
promise you an exceptional evening of
good music!
SANDARAC PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS
THE FLOYD EFFECT
SAT 8 AUG 8:00PM
Eight master musicians and singers
who brilliantly recreate the music and
emotions of a Pink Floyd concert. Every
note that you hear is played and sung by
the band, making each concert a genuine
live musical experience - powerful,
immersive and emotional. All set against
a moodily dramatic light show that
incorporates the iconic circular screen, two
sets of projections, smoke and lasers.
Let The Floyd Effect take you on a
musical journey through The Dark Side
Of The Moon to The Wall and all the way
to the latest, and possibly last, Floyd work
The Endless River.
ARTISTES INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT PRESENTS
THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY
SAT 22 AUG 8:00PM
Direct from London's West End, award
winning actor Dean Elliott - Buddy Holly
in Buddy The Musical - and a full cast of
performers tell the compelling story of the
greatest music duo of all time in this 50th
anniversary celebration.
Using huge projection photos and original
film footage, The Simon and Garfunkel
Story also features a full live band
performing all their hits including Mrs
Robinson, Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled
Water, Homeward Bound and many
more.
With every performance creating a
standing ovation, this is an evening not to
be missed!
Running Time: 2hrs inc interval
Tickets: £17.50 / £15 concessions
20
Michael Parkinson
“The best new jazz show I've seen”
Running Time: 2hrs 30mins + interval
Tickets: £18.50
Running Time: 2hrs + interval
Tickets: £17.50 / £15 concessions
digbyfairweather.com
thefloydeffect.com
“Authentic and Exciting” The Stage
Box Office: 01603 598598
thesimonandgarfunkelstory.com
Book Online: norwichplayhouse.co.uk
21
THE JOHN BODDY AGENCY LLP PRESENTS
THE RONNIE SCOTT'S
ALL STARS QUINTET
GREASE
TUE 25 – SAT 29 AUG 7:30PM, SAT 29 AUG 2:30PM
Following the success of Rent, Godspell
and their professional debut I Love You,
You're Perfect, Now Change, critically
acclaimed theatre company Mixed Voice
is back again with a real cult favourite.
Voted the nation's favourite musical,
Grease follows the students at Rydell
High as they attempt to make it to the
Age: 12+
Running Time: 2hrs 20mins + interval
Tickets: £18
22
Box Office: 01603 598598
end of the school year amid the haze of
sex, gangs and rock and roll. With its
score of rightly acclaimed and adored
classics, including You're The One That
I Want, Summer Nights, Hopelessly
Devoted To You and of course Greased
Lightning, you're guaranteed an incredible
evening's entertainment.
COLIN CLOUD
THE FORENSIC MIND READER
THE RONNIE SCOTT’S STORY
SAT 5 SEP 7:30PM
FRI 4 SEP 7:30PM
Look at your hands, nails, shoes. What
do you see? Nothing? Imagine someone
who could look at those details and read
everything about you.
In 1959, saxophonist Ronnie Scott
opened the doors to a small club in
Soho...
MIXED VOICE PRESENTS
GAG REFLEX MANAGEMENT PRESENTS
Combining world-class live jazz, narration
and rare archive video footage, The
Ronnie Scott's Story charts the jazz
joint's rise from basement bar where local
musicians would jam, through landmark
performances from now legendary jazz
icons, to becoming the internationally
acclaimed venue it is today.
The All Stars perform music by many of
the great acts that have graced the club's
stage, exemplifying the great era of jazz
in a true reflection of the band that Scott
himself toured with.
Running Time: 2hrs inc interval
Tickets: £20 / £18 concessions
“Outstanding players. For poise, balance
and swing they’re a joy to listen to”
Cloud is a forensic scientist who mixes
mind-magic and brain science with his
love of Arthur Conan Doyle, resulting in
him being described as the closest thing
in the universe to a real life Sherlock
Holmes.
In 2014 Cloud became the runaway
success of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe
with 23 sold out performances and
multiple 5 star reviews. He’ll leave you
convinced he’s a psychic savant with the
hypnotic powers of a calculated angel.
Age: 12+
Running Time: 2hrs inc interval
Tickets: £12.50 / £10 concessions
“Utterly compelling” Edinburgh Spotlight
colincloud.com
The Observer
mixedvoice.co.uk
ronniescottsallstars.co.uk
Book Online: norwichplayhouse.co.uk
23
NATYAPRIYA PRESENTS
SRI KRISHNA LEELA
SAT 12 SEP 7:30PM
When Sudama visits Krishna to ask for a
favour, he triggers a sequence of dramatic
events that he could have never foreseen.
Rescuing his learned friend from a life of
grinding poverty, saving his kingdom from
a terrible deluge and teaching his courtiers
a lesson in harmony while keeping his
many pretty wives happy, is all in a day’s
work for the beautiful and charismatic
Krishna.
Virtuoso Indian dance drama company
Natyapriya bring this amazing story to life
with wonderful dancing, beautiful music,
vibrant costumes, great drama and a touch
of humour.
RBM COMEDY PRESENTS
SEAN HUGHES
MUMBO JUMBO
THUR 17 SEP 8:00PM
Throughout his life Sean Hughes has
been battling to stay on the right side of
sanity. Now, in middle age, he's realised
that the two sides of his brain are in
constant conflict - common sense verses
mumbo jumbo, and mumbo jumbo seems
to have the upper hand.
The show consists of stories - including
being serenaded at the break of dawn by
Robert Smith, trekking mountain gorillas
in Rwanda and the conclusion that he
will never have a proper conversation with
his dear mum - a few poems and a three
minute musical about ageing!
Age: 16+
Running Time: 2hrs inc interval
Tickets: £16 / £14 concessions
Running Time: 80mins straight
Tickets: £10 / £8 concessions
natyapriya.co.uk
24
Box Office: 01603 598598
“Hughes swiftly and seamlessly alternates
between pathos and gags” The List
seanhughes.co.uk
FITTINGS MULTIMEDIA ARTS & KRAZY KAT PRESENT
EDMUND THE LEARNED PIG
MON 14 SEP 7:30PM
Bonaparte's Travelling Circus &
Menagerie was on its uppers - with just a
few pigeons, an aerialist who won't leave
the ground, a chipped plate spinning
act, and a Mr Memory who can hardly
remember his own name. Unsurprisingly
no one was coming. And then into their
lives came Edmund the Learned Pig....
Age: 8+
Running Time: 1hr 30mins inc interval
followed by Q & A
Tickets: £12 / £10 concessions / £7.50
student groups
fittings.org.uk
Based on the Edward Gorey poem,
this magical entertainment cunningly
fuses integrated British Sign Language,
puppets, music and story-telling to create
a darkly entertaining rip-snorter of a show
that will tickle the palate of grown-ups
and young shavers alike.
“The show's vaudevillian setting is
enhanced by a deliciously decadent,
accordion-heavy score from (founder of
the Tiger Lillies) Martyn Jacques”
The Guardian
Book Online: norwichplayhouse.co.uk
25
THE JOHN BODDY AGENCY LLP PRESENTS
STACEY KENT
FRI 18 SEP 7:30PM
American, Grammy-nominated and
platinum-selling singer Stacey Kent
returns to the Playhouse as part of a very
limited series of UK concert dates.
After a year of sell-out shows across five
continents and 30 countries - celebrating
the release of her acclaimed album
The Changing Lights - Kent and her
band return with a fresh programme of
standards, Bossa Novas and originals from
the pens of husband and saxophonist Jim
Tomlinson and acclaimed novelist Kazuo
Ishiguro.
An event which is not to be missed by
any lover of truly great music, Stacey
guarantees that romance will be in the air.
Running Time: 2hrs inc interval
Tickets: £20 / £18 concessions
“Stacey Kent has been quietly sitting on
top of the world of jazz vocals for many
years” Jamie Cullum
staceykent.com
26
Box Office: 01603 598598
GLYNIS HENDERSON PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS
TUBULAR BELLS FOR TWO
SAT 19 SEP 8:00PM
One album, two men, too many
instruments. The multi-award winning
sell-out show returns!
In a tense and thrilling ride, two crazy
Aussies perform Mike Oldfield's
masterpiece, Tubular Bells, with a twist.
They are run off their feet as they tackle
over 20 instruments to accomplish a feat
that usually requires an entire entourage
of musicians.
Be taken on an epic journey, from the
eerie theme from The Exorcist, to the
raucous sound of The Caveman. This
physically demanding performance has
mesmerised sellout audiences worldwide.
It is not to be missed!
Running Time: 95mins inc interval
Tickets: £20 / £18 concessions
“Musical equivalent of the triathlon, with
bells on” The Scotsman
tubularbellsfortwo.com
CHRISTOPHER BAILEY PRESENTS
AN EVENING OF
JAZZ & CABARET
FLORAL CURIOSITY
WITH MIG KIMPTON
SUN 20 SEP 7:00PM
MON 21 SEP 7:30PM
Now in its 13th year at the Playhouse,
this gala fundraiser and sensational night
of music has something for every lover
of a great night out - from the sounds
of the Glenn Miller, Count Basie and
Benny Goodman big bands to the songs
of Gershwin, Arlen, Porter, Mercer and
many more.
Join the renowned floral designer and
former theatre producer as he delves into
the history of flower arranging and dishes
some theatrical gossip.
Joining the Jonathan Wyatt Big Band
will be top UK jazz vocalist Lee Gibson,
singer and comedian Olly Day, talented
crooner Gary Winter and further guests
to be announced.
Running Time: 3hrs inc interval
Tickets: £19
“This non-stop Jazz and Cabaret
celebration engaged the capacity audience
from the first moment” EDP
jazzandcabaret.co.uk
Winner of multiple awards for floral art,
including seven awards from the RHS
Chelsea Flower Show, Mig combines his
thirty years of working in theatre - he's
managed tours for artists such as Lesley
Joseph and Sandi Toksvig - with his
passion for flower arranging, and will fill
the Playhouse with blooms and stories.
Learn how to get the most out of your
flowers with the perfect show for gossip
mongers and all those that are floral
curious!
Running Time: 2hrs inc interval
Tickets: £13
“Mig re-defines the magic of theatre!” Sir
Ian McKellen
migkimpton.com
Book Online: norwichplayhouse.co.uk
27
IMWP PRESENTS
HENNING WEHN
EINS, ZWEI, DIY
THUR 24 - SAT 26 SEP 8:00PM
PROPELLER PRESENTS
POCKET MERCHANT
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
POCKET-SIZE
FESTIVAL OF THE
SPOKEN NERD
JUST FOR GRAPHS
As the German Comedy Ambassador’s
assimilation is not complete, Henning
hasn’t yet lost his sense of Westphalian
wonderment at the foibles of British
society.
WED 30 SEP & THURS 1 OCT 7:30PM
FRI 2 & SAT 3 OCT 8:00PM
A condensed version of Propeller’s
critically acclaimed production of
Shakespeare’s uncompromising tale of
greed and revenge.
Why does everybody want to be owned
by a house? What’s wrong with having
the Euro? And why hold society and
government responsible for personal
underachievement? You’ve only got
yourself to blame for not being born into
a better social class.
When Bassanio falls in love with the
wealthy Portia, he becomes imprisoned in
a bargain with a ruthless moneylender. A
pound of flesh is sought in payment, and
time is fast running to untangle the trap
of his own making.
The science comedy phenomenon returns,
and this time they're off the chart. Join
acclaimed stand-up mathematician
Matt Parker, experiments maestro Steve
‘Danger’ Mould and geek songstress
Helen Arney for graph-a-minute fun on
an unprecedented linear scale.
Expect an evening-long crash course in
personal accountability in this return by
demand for Henning - after three sell-out
nights in September. Wunderbar!
Age: 16+
Running Time: 90mins + interval
Tickets: £16
“Brought the audience to its knees”
The Telegraph
henningwehn.de
Propeller’s all-male cast, under the
direction of Edward Hall, brings the text
to life with its invigorating, engaging and
funny approach.
Age: 13+
Running Time: 1hr followed by Q & A
Tickets: £12 / £10 concessions /
£7.50 student groups
“This production is spot on in every way”
The Guardian
propeller.org.uk
28
PHIL McINTYRE ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS
Box Office: 01603 598598
Watch the resplendently geeky trio as they
Excel themselves in a new show packed
with explosive live experiments and
statistically significant laughter. Will they
stay on-trend, or lose the plot completely?
Warning: Contains graph-ic material.
Age: 16+
Running Time: 2hrs inc interval
Tickets: £15 / £13 concessions
“Charm and perky curiosity is in its
DNA” The Guardian
festivalofthespokennerd.com
AVALON PROMOTIONS PRESENTS
DAVE GORMAN
PLUS SUPPORT
...GETS STRAIGHT TO THE
POINT* (*THE POWERPOINT)
MON 5 – WED 7 OCT 8:00PM
The wonderfully innovative comedy
mind behind Are You Dave Gorman?
and Googlewhack Adventure is back by
unprecedented demand - after this show's
sell out run here in 2014 - with more of
his unique blend of stand-up comedy and
visual story-telling.
Yes. That’s right. It’s a PowerPoint
presentation. But don’t worry, you’ll be
in pretty safe (and funny) hands. You
won’t need to take notes and you almost
certainly won’t be tested on it later.
Age: 16+
Running Time: 90mins + interval
Tickets: £24
“…has transformed the seemingly
mundane into hours of unabashed
hysteria” Metro
davegorman.com
Book Online: norwichplayhouse.co.uk
29
INFORMATION
Norwich Playhouse 42-58 St George’s Street,
Norwich NR3 1AB
Box office: 01603 598598
Admin: 01603 612580
Technical: 01603 766928
Fax: 01603 617728
Email: info@norwichplayhouse.co.uk
Website: www.norwichplayhouse.co.uk
The Playhouse is committed to making the
theatre an accessible and enjoyable experience
for all our patrons. This brochure is available
in audio format. Download from norwichplayhouse.co.uk or call 01603 612580.
The building is accessible in all public
areas and on stage to wheelchair
users and those with mobility
difficulties. There is also an accessible
toilet. There are three wheelchair
user spaces on the balcony, plus four
end seats in the main seating area for
people who are able to transfer from
collapsible aids. These seats will be
released to the general public only
when all other seats are sold.
Car parking: St Andrew’s multi-storey and
Colegate car parks are both within easy walking
distance and open 24 hours (see map). The
theatre has flat access in front of the main doors
and disabled parking spaces adjacent.
Public transport: Buses: Call Traveline on 0871
200 2233 or visit firstgroup.com
Trains: Call National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48
49 50 or visit abelliogreateranglia.co.uk .
Playhouse Bar: Real ales, German lagers on
tap, delicious wines, exotic teas & coffee.
Splendid small snacks. Speciality in swift service
for pre-show, interval and post show drinks.
Open Mon-Sat 10am-12am, Sun 12pm-12am.
01603 766669 theplayhousebar.com .
Seating plan:
We are occasionally able to offer
captioned performances. Captioning
converts the spoken word into visible
text that provides deaf, deafened
and hard of hearing people with access to
live performances along with their family and
friends.
30
By telephone: Call 01603 598598 MondaySaturday 9.30am-6pm to reserve your tickets
or use your credit/debit card for an instantly
confirmed booking.
Online: Our website offers online booking
where you can choose your preferred seating.
We also use the UEA box office to provide the
Playhouse with an online booking service at:
www.ueaticketbookings.co.uk. Please note that
UEA has a limited allocation of tickets per show.
Posting tickets: A £1.20 fee will be charged for
this service at Theatre Royal. Other box office
costs may vary.
Buying tickets on the day: Any remaining
tickets will be on sale on the door at Norwich
Playhouse from one hour prior to each
performance, payable by cash or card.
Refunds: Tickets are non-refundable, however
they can be offered for resale if the show sells
out. There is a handling charge of £2.
Gift tokens: Playhouse Gift Tokens make an
ideal present - buy them at the box office or
over the telephone.
Concessions: Concessions, where offered,
relate to over 60's, full time students, under 18's
and unwaged people. Please check individual
show details.
The Playhouse has two state-of-the-art
systems to help the hard of hearing, both
through the Sennheiser infra-red system – one
for use with a hearing aid and one without. They
work best when used in the central seats in the
auditorium. If a digital hearing aid is worn,
please check if it is loop-enabled with your
supplier.
Accessibility discount: There is a half-price
discount off full-price tickets for wheelchair
users and one (optional) companion as well
as for those registered blind or who are
deaf (advance bookings only and subject to
availability). Discounted tickets can be booked
in person, over the phone or by email - not
through our website. Registered guide and
hearing dogs welcome - please contact the Box
Office in advance so space can be arranged.
By e-mail: E-mail your requirements to:
boxoffice@theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk
Age guidelines: These are displayed
under each show listing. We regret that no
unaccompanied children under 16 and no
children under 3 can not be admitted into
shows unless otherwise stated.
Live music shows: These are likely to have the
sound desk situated in the middle of the two
back rows.
TICKETS
In person: At Norwich Theatre Royal Box
Office, located on Theatre Street.
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 9.30am-6pm.
Just ask for Playhouse tickets.
By post: Send details of your requirements with
cheque or card details to: Playhouse Box Office,
Norwich Theatre Royal, Theatre Street, Norwich
NR2 1RL. Make cheques payable to ‘Norwich
Theatre Royal’.
Norwich Playhouse is very grateful to the
following organisations, companies, funding
bodies and individuals for their valued support.
Adnams plc
Ancient House Printing Group
Archant
Arts Council England East
BBC Norfolk
BD&H Printers
Broadland District Council
Broadland Heating & Plumbing
1-2-1 Cleaning
City College Norwich
enjoynorwich.com
The Forum
Future Radio
The Garage
The Geoffrey Watling Charity
Jarrold the Store
The Last Wine Bar
Mills & Reeve
Norfolk County Council
Norfolk & Norwich Festival
Norwich Arts Centre
Norwich City Council
Norwich Puppet Theatre
Norwich Theatre Royal
Norwich Town Close Estate Charity
Norwich University Of The Arts
The Orange Tree
Playhouse Bar
The Prince’s Foundation
Prospect Handling
UEA Box Office
Viking Stage Lighting
Visit Norwich
Writers' Centre Norwich
Show length guidelines: Please note that
running times are all approximate. Please check
with the Playhouse if you have tight timings.
Latecomers: We regret latecomers may not
be admitted into certain shows until a suitable
break in the performance.
Vehicle access: The bridge on St George’s
Street is closed to traffic. Cars can access
the Playhouse via Colegate; there are
disabled parking spaces next to the theatre,
and a turning circle for those dropping off
passengers. We are able to unlock the bridge
bollards and open the road for coaches and
large delivery vehicles. If this service is required,
please organise in advance with the Playhouse.
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