Y 2016JENNY ECLAIR / ROB DELANEY - Norwich Playhouse

JAN - MAY 2016BOXIOSSYIFMFSOIUCNTET:CI0EA1/L6LT0OH3EW5G9/8RJ5UE9FN8FNAYLOENC'SLOCARHIRWIL/IDCRHO/ PABLNADNYEEHLAORNEUIEDSYE.CO.UK

SUPPORTS NORWICH PLAYHOUSE

ANIMATION ARCHITECTURE
FASHION FILM FINE ART
GAMES GRAPHIC DESIGN
ILLUSTRATION PHOTOGRAPHY
TEXTILES VFX

BA OPEN DAYS
16/23 October
7 November
4 December
8 January 2016

NORWICH UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS

We’d love to meet you
The best way to experience what NUA has to offer is to see for
yourself at one of our open days www.nua.ac.uk/opendays

Serving draft German and local English
beers, a large selection of delicious

wines, spirits and ales, Fairtrade teas and
coffee, pastries, sandwiches and cakes.
Live bands from across the globe and
exciting DJs all year round.
Order your interval drinks in advance,
then stick around after the show for
music, relaxed chatter and a chance to
enjoy our beautiful riverside terrace.
(01603) 766 669
theplayhousebar.com
theplayhousebarnorwich
@theplayhousebar

BRIAN CONLEY 06 JANUARY TO MAY 2016

VARIETY New contemporary work is always inviting
and, when also some of the best from the
BACKSTAGE IN BISCUITLAND 23 Edinburgh Fringe, very exciting. We’re
bringing you a quartet of award-winning
THEATRE shows dealing with passion, pride, disability,
mental health, loss and self-discovery -
MARK THOMAS 16 wrapped in a vast deal of humour! I Am Not
Myself These Days - a drag queen losing
COMEDY the addicted rent boy she loves; Fake It ‘til
You Make It - finding your partner secretly
EXHIBITIONS has severe clinical depression and creating a
warm, honest and heart-breaking show about
JAN Robin Watson him; Backstage In Biscuit Land - Jess Thom
FEB City College A Level Show has Tourettes, a condition that makes her say
MAR NUA Student Show ‘biscuit’ up to 16,000 times a day: she has built
APR Rachael Cocker aka a unique, spontaneous show around it which
Herbert Green is touchingly hilarious; Near Gone - trying to
MAY Ruby Squires & tell in two languages the utterly unspeakable,
Cameron Black backed by raw gypsy music and surrounded by
hundreds of fresh flowers. All four shows are
More details at: norwichplayhouse. food for the soul ….
co.uk/whats-on/gallery Add to them irresistible music and dance,
If you are an artist interested enchanting children’s shows, uplifting musicals
in displaying your work, please and an overwhelming number of top-name
email Emily Buchan & Amy
Melling on comedy nights for Norwich - and
[email protected] that’s our spring offering to you.
Plus of course there’s Christmas
fare first!
Caroline Richardson Director

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
Technical: 01603 766928
[email protected]
norwichplayhouse.co.uk
Run by: The Theatre Royal (Norwich) Trust Ltd.
Reg. Charity No: 262259
VAT No. 104 7423 02

Shows marked with this symbol have extra educational
resources. Please see pages 32 & 33.

SUPPORTED BY

Cover Image: Bridget Christie - Page 29 03

DUNCAN GALLOWAY PRESENTS IMPATIENT PRODUCTIONS LTD PRESENTS

THE PASADENA MARK WATSON
ROOF ORCHESTRA
NEW TOUR PREVIEW
FRI 8 JAN 7:30PM
WED 13 – SAT 16 JAN 7:30PM
The Pasadena Roof Orchestra has been
selling out the Playhouse for the last Playhouse favourite Mark Watson returns
six years with an incomparable show to serve up a preview of his brand new
that includes songs from Bing Crosby, show. If you've seen this lanky Live At
Al Bowlly and Fred Astaire, as well as The Apollo funnyman in any of his
some tunes played by the famous dance previous sell-out Norwich runs, you'll
bands from the 1920's and 1930's. Enjoy know what to expect: jokes, observations,
a romping Ray Noble arrangement or a awkward flailing around. It's a formula
sophisticated Duke Ellington Jazz classic. that has brought him numerous awards
and seen him perform at comedy festivals
A thoroughly entertaining evening all over the world.
is rounded off with a liberal dose of
'British' humour. The orchestra's fiftieth Now, in between runs at the Melbourne
anniversary is on the horizon, and it and Edinburgh festivals and another huge
shows no sign of stopping. Come along national tour, he braves the A11 once
and join the fun! more.

Running Time: 2hrs inc interval Age: 16+
Tickets: £19.50 / £17.50 concessions Running Time: 90mins + interval
pasadena.co.uk Tickets: £15

04 Box Office: 01603 598598 “Belly Laugh Brilliant...the audience was
weeping with laughter” Time Out
markwatsonthecomedian.com

MISS NIGHTINGALE LIVE NATION & MHA PRESENT
- THE MUSICAL
KATHERINE RYAN
BY MATTHEW BUGG
KATHBUM
SAT 23 JAN 7:30PM & SUN 24 JAN 2:30PM
PLUS SUPPORT
Sex, scandal and showbiz 1940’s style -
Miss Nightingale - the musical brings the THURS 28 & FRI 29 JAN 8:00PM
on-stage glamour and off-stage affairs of Star of Live At The Apollo, QI and The
war-torn London thrillingly to life. But Jonathan Ross Show, the razor sharp and
some secrets are even more explosive than hilariously funny Canadian returns with a
The Blitz… highly anticipated new show.

Audiences across Britain have adored this Hot on the heels of a complete sell-out
fabulous, feel good tale of love, loss and UK and Australian tour, Katherine hits
hope - performed by a multi-talented cast the road with another terrific comedy
who not only act, dance and sing but also night.
play all the instruments live on stage!
Innovative, original and hugely charming,
This critically acclaimed musical will have Ryan’s insightful and savvy material
you laughing, crying and cheering for provides a massively entertaining evening
more! of laughter.

Age: 12+ Age: 16+
Running Time: 2hrs 30mins inc interval Running Time: 90mins + interval
Tickets: Sat £18.50 / £15 concessions, Sun Tickets: £18.50
all tickets £14 “Thoughtful, funny and just twisted
enough” The Times
“Cabaret with a dash of Design For katherineryan.co.uk
Living and touches of Rattigan angst.
The book is good, the story absorbing… Book Online: norwichplayhouse.co.uk 05
the songs are terrific” The Times
missnightingale.co.uk

BOUND & GAGGED COMEDY PRESENTS AVALON PROMOTIONS PRESENTS

STEPHEN K AMOS BRIAN CONLEY
ALIVE & DANGEROUS
THE LAUGHTER MASTER
THURS 4 – SAT 6 FEB 8:00PM
WED 3 FEB 8:00PM The multi-talented and irrepressible
Conley returns in this all-new show.
The maestro of feel-good comedy is
back on tour with his new show. Fresh Showcasing his many talents, there’ll
from sell-out tours of Australia and New be singing, laughs, and much, much
Zealand and massive broadcast success in more from one of Britain’s most loved
BBC Radio 4's Life: An Idiot’s Guide and performers.
his autobiographical sit-com What Does
The K Stand For? Brian’s a stalwart of the West End stage,
playing parts as diverse as Caractacus
Amos is a brilliant comedian who has Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and
the ability to strike up an instant rapport Edna Turnblad in Hairspray! He’s rarely
with his live audience - able to stand in off TV - from playing the sadistic PE
a room of full strangers and after a just a teacher in The Grimleys to hosting The
few minutes, be standing in a room full Royal Variety Performance.
of friends. Expect an evening of warm
insight and spiky charm. Add to that three best-selling solo albums
and you’ll see why Conley’s become
Age: 16+ one of the UK’s best known all round
Running Time: 2hrs inc interval entertainers.
Tickets: £17
"Unashamed feel-good entertainment" Running Time: 2hrs inc interval
Evening Standard Tickets: £22.50
stephenkamos.com brianconley.com

06 Box Office: 01603 598598

LIVE NATION IN ASSOCIATION WITH MZA PRESENT MHA PRESENTS

JIMEOIN ISY SUTTIE
YEEHAA! THE ACTUAL ONE

TUE 9 FEB 7:30PM PLUS SUPPORT
Jimeoin is internationally acclaimed as
one of live comedy’s masters. THURS 11 FEB 8:00PM

Now the Irishman from Australia and star ... or how I tried, and failed, to remain
of TV’s Sunday Night At The Palladium, twenty-something forever.
Live at The Apollo and The Royal Variety
Performance musters his ever-evolving All Isy's mates are growing up without
live show - and the most famous eyebrows her. Suddenly everyone is into mortgages,
in comedy - to the Playhouse to bring farmers' markets and nappies, rather than
you an unforgettably hilarious evening of skinny dipping and sambuca sessions on
world-class stand-up. rope swings.

Mosey on down and lasso your tickets When a friend advises Isy that the next
early! guy she meets will be not just "the one"
but "the actual one", Isy decides to delay
Ages: 14+ the onset of adulthood just a bit longer
Running Time: 90mins + interval - until a bet with her mum results in a
Tickets: £16.50 / £14.50 concessions mad scramble to find a boyfriend within
“Brilliant… It gets no better than this... a month.
Hilarious!” Time Out
jimeoin.com Age: 16+
Running Time: 2hrs inc interval
Tickets: £14 / £12 concessions
“Gloriously upbeat” Evening Standard
isysuttie.com

Book Online: norwichplayhouse.co.uk 07

MAKIN PROJECTS PRESENTS CKP PRESENTS

COMEDY CLUB 4 KIDS THE NOISE NEXT DOOR
NOISE IN THE HOOD
SAT 13 FEB 2:00PM
SAT 13 FEB 8:00PM
Since 2005, the Comedy Club 4 Kids
has been getting the best stand-ups and The unstoppable improvised comedy
sketch acts from the international circuit juggernaut that is The Noise Next Door
to do their thing for an audience of are turning up the volume for their third
children and their families... but without national tour!
the rude bits!
Get ready for a night of mind-blowing
It's just like a normal comedy club, but songs, jaw-dropping characters and side-
it's on in the day, kids are allowed in, and splitting punchlines from the undisputed
thus there is a higher than usual chance of masters of off-the-cuff comedy.
heckles like "why is that your face!?"
After a huge year for the guys with
Age: 6+ their eighth consecutive sell-out run
Running Time: 60mins straight at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and
Tickets: £10 appearances on BBC One, ITV2, BBC
“A highlight for children... giving them Three and BBC Radio One this show is
a taste of some of the biggest names in set to be their biggest and best yet.
comedy with the fun, rowdy feel of a real
comedy club” The Guardian Age: 16+
comedyclub4kids.co.uk Running Time: 90mins + interval
Tickets: £13 / £11 concessions
“21st century comedy at its very finest
and funniest” The Stage
thenoisenextdoor.co.uk

08 Box Office: 01603 598598

WIM WIGT PRESENTS FUEL PRESENTS

THE BIG CHRIS I AM NOT MYSELF
BARBER BAND THESE DAYS

SUN 14 FEB 5:00PM MON 15 FEB 8:00PM
By turns brutal, funny and heartbreaking,
Chris Barber leads his 10-piece band this one-man show recalls a time when
through a wide selection of his favourite Josh was living a double life – working
music: from his roots in New Orleans at an ad agency by day, and as a drag
style to the early music of Duke Ellington queen by night - battling alcoholism and
and Sidney Bechet, then further on to desperately trying to make his relationship
blues by Sonny Terry & Miles Davis and with Jack, a high-class, crack-addicted
probably back to When The Saints! rent boy, work.

Chris has influenced many of today's A witty and moving tale of love and
leading musicians - Mark Knopfler, Eric self-discovery set amidst the excesses of
Burdon, John Mayall, The Stones, Eric 1990’s New York. Told with a raw and
Clapton, Van Morrison - featuring in honest voice that conveys hard truths with
many of these great names’ bands. unflinching courage, this is a funny and
ultimately touching tour de force written
An evening of exciting and often and performed by Tom Stuart.
moving jazz and blues music and great
entertainment for all. Age: 16+
Running Time: 60mins
Please note earlier show time. Tickets: £10
“A brutal story told with energy and
Running Time: 2hrs inc interval compassion” The Stage
Tickets: £22 / £20 concessions fueltheatre.com
“Barber’s trombone retaining its old
mellow-toned, deftly phrased charm” Book Online: norwichplayhouse.co.uk 09
The Guardian
chrisbarber.net

OFF THE KERB PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS SHOW & TELL WITH DAA MANAGEMENT PRESENTS

MARK STEEL TONY LAW
FRILLEMORPHESIS
WHO DO I THINK I AM?
TUE 16 & WED 17 FEB 8:00PM THURS 18 FEB 8:00PM

It never really bothered me that I’d never The brand new stand-up art show from
met my mum. It never occurred to me the multi award-winner. Experience his
I needed to meet her to ‘find out who I frillemorphesis as he explodes into the
was’, as it didn’t seem likely I’d discover future absurdly.
I was someone different. Somone that
spoke Italian or supported Arsenal or had Tony is an Edinburgh Comedy Award
a fear of Liquorice Allsorts? nominee, Chortle Best Live Show Award
winner, Chortle Best Club Comic Award
But after the birth of my own son, I winner and Chortle Best Breakthrough
realised it’s quite an event to have a child, Act Award winner.
and that my mum may well remember
giving birth to me, maybe even the Riffing on a variety of subjects from his
adoption. somewhat skewed personal perspective,
Law works his frenetic and deliberately
Mark's newest stand up show is a offbeat ramblings up to a fever pitch,
surprising and enthralling story told with sweeping whole crowds with him in a
aplomb. wave of euphoria with this all fresh show.

Age: 16+ Age: 16+
Running Time: 2hrs inc interval Running Time: 90mins + interval
Tickets: £15 Tickets: £14 / £12 concessions
“Essential viewing” The Independent “One of the most delightfully zany and
marksteelinfo.com disconcerting comedians ” The Telegraph
mrtonylaw.com

10 Box Office: 01603 598598

LES ENFANTS TERRIBLES PRESENT UNITED AGENTS PRESENT

THE MARVELLOUS ANNE REID
IMAGINARY MENAGERIE I LOVE TO SING

FRI 19 FEB 2:00PM & 4:00PM SAT 20 FEB 7:30PM
Anne Reid and her musical director Jason
Roll up; roll up, for the most magnifical, Carr present an evening of songs and
tremendible and fantasticulous experience stories... music and memories... filming
in town!  The caravan of curiosities and its with Daniel Craig... performing
crew of mysterious misfits has arrived to Shakespeare at Buckingham Palace...
entertain, amuse and beguile you. making Last Tango in Halifax and more!

From the makers of Captain Flinn & Reid is one of Britain's most-loved and
the Pirate Dinosaurs comes a spectacle respected actors - star of the very popular
like no other. Packed with Vaudeville, Last Tango in Halifax, Ladies of Letters,
circus, puppets, dance, music and magic; Dinnerladies and The Mother.
our professional charlatans will regale
you with tales of wit, virtue and courage What's less well known is that she's
and rendered with a bizarre theatricality also an accomplished cabaret performer,
all of their own. Feast your eyes on this recently selling out venues across London.
wondrous treat for all the family; an Join Anne in an intimate evening full
extravaganza fit for a king or a pauper! of sparkle, humour and just a touch of
wickedness.
Age: 3+
Running Time: 60mins straight Running Time: 2hrs inc interval
Tickets: £10 / £8.50 groups 10+ Tickets: £21 / £19 concessions
“Her comedic timing is frankly brilliant...
“A visually striking and highly fantastical An absolutely joyful evening ” The Times
world of circus and carnival, where
anything seems possible” Total Theatre Book Online: norwichplayhouse.co.uk 11
lesenfantsterribles.co.uk

LONDON CLASSIC THEATRE PRESENTS OFF THE KERB WITH AINE FLANAGAN PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS

THE BIRTHDAY PARTY MARGARET THATCHER
BY HAROLD PINTER QUEEN OF SOHO

TUE 23 & WED 24 FEB 7:30PM THURS 25 FEB 8:00PM

A shabby boarding house in an English Margaret Thatcher Queen of Soho hits
seaside town. An elderly couple care for a the road after two sell-out runs at the
solitary guest. The arrival of two enigmatic Edinburgh Fringe and London's Leicester
strangers seems to offer a welcome Square Theatre, in the drag comedy
distraction from their mundane existence. musical extravaganza like no other!
But when an impromptu birthday party
turns into a deadly game of cat and It’s the mid-1980s. On the eve of the vote
mouse, there are horrifying repercussions. on the notorious Section 28, Maggie gets
lost in Soho and accidentally becomes a
By turns cryptic thriller and macabre cabaret superstar, but will she change her
comedy, this is probably Nobel Prize mind about the homophobic bill before
for Literature winner Harold Pinter’s it's too late?
most unusual and absorbing play.
London Classic Theatre presents the A camp odyssey about gay rights, the 80s
first significant touring revival of the and disco!
twenty-first century, promising to bring
this ground-breaking classic to fresh and Age: 16+
exhilarating life. Running Time: 90min + interval
Tickets: £15 / £12 concessions
Age: 13+ “A rollicking good laugh, no matter what
Running Time: 2hrs + interval side of the political spectrum you sit on”
Tickets: £16 / £14 concessions / £9.50 Attitude
students
londonclassictheatre.co.uk

12 Box Office: 01603 598598

DECO PRODUCTIONS PRESENT CHAMBERS MANAGEMENT PRESENTS

THE COUNTERFEIT JOE LYCETT
STONES THAT'S THE WAY, A-HA A-HA,
JOE LYCETT
SAT 27 FEB 7:30PM
Celebrating their 25th anniversary in PLUS SUPPORT
2016 with yet another skillfully mixed
cocktail of classic hits, retro costumes and TUE 1 & WED 2 MAR 8:00PM
rock & roll humour - intoxicating young
and old alike. 100% proof that a good shot The self-proclaimed 'absolute lad' and
always hits the target. Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee
is back with an all new stand-up
This faking masterpiece, hilariously show, following appearances on Live
"mockumenting" the history of the at the Apollo, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does
Rolling Stones from 1962, will take you Countdown and a wine tour of the French
back if you were there; or make you wish Riviera.
you were, if you weren't.
There’s a good chance you'll Lycett.
Why pay a fortune to see originals as ants
in a mega-dome, when for a fraction of Age: 16+
the price you can smell the sweat of bogus Running Time: 2hrs inc interval
brilliance? Tickets: £14 / £12 concessions
“A growing force on the UK stand-up
Running Time: 2hrs + interval circuit…left the audience wanting more”
Tickets: £21.50 The Telegraph
“The most famous Stones band in joelycettcomedy.co.uk
England” Mick Jagger
thecounterfeitstones.net Book Online: norwichplayhouse.co.uk 13

AVALON PROMOTIONS PRESENTS

FAKE IT 'TIL YOU MAKE IT

BRYONY KIMMINGS & TIM GRAYBURN

FRI 4 & SAT 5 MAR 8:00PM

Bryony is an outrageous, hilarious secret he had kept for a very long time.

and fearless performance artist trying

her best to change the world. Tim is Homemade music, stupid dancing,

an outrageous, hilarious and fearless onstage arguments, life stories, tears and

advertising manager trying his best to truths. A wickedly warming, brutally

sell the world. Six months into their honest and heart-breaking show about the

relationship, Bryony found out that Tim wonders and pitfalls of the brain, being in

suffers from severe clinical depression - a love and what it takes to be a ‘real man’.

Age: 14+ “Beautiful and funny and intelligent and
Running Time: 60mins straight true” The Independent
Tickets: £15
bryonyandtim.com

14 Box Office: 01603 598598

AVALON PROMOTIONS PRESENTS PROPELLER PRESENTS

RUSSELL HOWARD POCKET DREAM
WORK IN PROGRESS
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
PLUS SUPPORT FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES

WED 9 MAR, THURS 17 & FRI 18 THURS 10 MAR 2:30PM & 7:30PM
MAR 8:00PM
If you like your theatre fast-moving,
Join Russell, one of our funniest and most easily understood and visually stunning
successful comedians, as he tries out brand then Propeller’s 60 minute version
new material. of its award-winning production of
Shakespeare's masterpiece is for you.
Howard's 2011 sell-out arena tour Right
Here, Right Now played to more than This all-male Shakespeare company
300,000 fans including three sold out combines a rigorous approach to the
dates at the 15,000 seater O2 Arena. text with a physical aesthetic creating a
He returned to the stage in 2014 with production full of clarity, poetry, humour
Wonderbox, including four shows at and imagination, with a little bit of magic
the Royal Albert Hall and a string of thrown in. An inspiring introduction not
international dates. only to Shakespeare, but also to the very
best of English theatre. After a gripping
Now Russell is back trying out new work hour you are invited to question the actors
here ahead of his latest UK dates. about the play, acting, Shakespeare, in fact
21 & 22 Feb SOLD OUT. anything that comes to mind.

Age: 16+ Age: 11+
Running Time: 90mins + interval Running Time: 1hr followed by Q & A
Tickets: £15 (max 2 tickets per booker) Tickets: £12 / £10 concessions / £8 student
groups
“His mind is as sharp as a witch's nose “How to get your child hooked on
and gags flow from him with the ease and Shakespeare” The Telegraph
Majesty of the river Nile” Time Out propeller.org.uk
russell-howard.co.uk
Book Online: norwichplayhouse.co.uk 15

LAKIN McCARTHY PRESENTS AVALON PROMOTIONS PRESENTS

MARK THOMAS RICHARD HERRING
TRESPASS HAPPY NOW?

FRI 11 & SAT 12 MAR 8:00PM SAT 19 MAR 8:00PM
After years of drifting aimlessly and alone,
Trespass carries on from where Mark's Richard is now settled down with a wife
previous show 100 Acts Of Minor and a tiny baby. Is he finally happy or does
Dissent left off. It is his usual odd mix responsibility come with its own terrors?
of theatre, stand up, activism, a dash Does being happy mean a comedian loses
of journalism, activism and dollop of his edge and true belly laughs only come
mayhem. from depression?

If the ramblers of the 1930's were How much pressure was there on Happy
here now what would they do to open the dwarf to live up to his name?
up the cities? How do we turn the
skyscrapers and corporate squares into Is there any system that will guarantee us
our playgrounds? Mark sets out to carve a eternal bliss or should we just embrace the
space in the urban world where mischief fact that life is a vale of tears and our only
and random chance can lurk. No one option is to laugh in its face?
knows where this show is going to end up.
Age: 16+
A BOOK SIGNING FOLLOWS THE SHOW. Running Time: 90mins + interval
Tickets: £15
Age: 16+ “Herring does it with forensic rigour, a
Running Time: 90mins + interval sense of fun and some fine jokes"
Tickets: £16 / £13 concessions The Guardian
“Trespass is another entertaining and richardherring.com
alarming bulletin from the frontline of
civil dissent” The Guardian
markthomasinfo.co.uk

16 Box Office: 01603 598598

All illustrations copyright © Axel Scheffler 2004, published by Macmillan Children’s Books.

TALL STORIES IN ASSOCATION WITH KENNY WAX FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT LTD PRESENT

THE GRUFFALO'S CHILD

TUE 15 MAR 1:00PM, WED 16 MAR 10:30AM & 1:00PM,
THURS 17 & FRI 18 MAR 10:30AM, SAT 19 & SUN 20 MAR 11:00AM & 1:30PM

Following hot on the heels of The child ignores her father’s warning and
Gruffalo’s monstrous success comes tiptoes out into the snow. After all, the
The Gruffalo’s Child - with attitude! Just Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist... does
how brave is she? Find out for yourselves he?
by joining her at the Playhouse.
Tall Stories Theatre Company
The Gruffalo said that no Gruffalo should returns, bringing Julia
Ever set foot in the deep dark wood... Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s
award-winning sequel to life in
One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s this magical, musical adaptation.

Age: 3+ “Fun, daft and a little scary!” Time Out
Running Time: 55mins straight gruffaloschildlive.com
Tickets: £11.50 / £8.50 schools or groups
10+ (Weekends: max group size 20)

Book Online: norwichplayhouse.co.uk 17

Fri 8 The Pasadena Roof Orchestra 7:30pm MUSIC p04
Sat 9 Jordan Ayers School Of Dance 2:30pm & 7:30pm
JAN Wed 13 - Sat 16 Mark Watson 7:30pm DANCE
Mon 18 - Wed 20 Dave Gorman 8:00pm
Fri 22 Hal Cruttenden 8:00pm COMEDY p04
Sat 23 Miss Nightingale 7:30pm
Sun 24 Miss Nightingale 2:30pm COMEDY SOLD OUT
Thur 28 - Fri 29 Katherine Ryan 8:00pm
Sat 30 Gary Delaney 8:00pm COMEDY

MUSICAL p05

MUSICAL p05

COMEDY p05

COMEDY

Wed 3 Stephen K Amos 8:00pm COMEDY p06
Thur 4 - Sat 6 Brian Conley 8:00pm
FEB Tue 9 Jimeoin 7:30pm VARIETY p06
Thur 11 Isy Suttie 8:00pm
Sat 13 Comedy Club 4 Kids 2:00pm COMEDY p07
Sat 13 The Noise Next Door 8:00pm
Sun 14 The Big Chris Barber Band 5:00pm COMEDY p07
Mon 15 I Am Not Myself These Days 8:00pm
Tue 16 & Wed 17 Mark Steel 8:00pm CHILDREN p08
Thur 18 Tony Law 8:00pm
Fri 19 Marvellous Imaginary Menagerie 2:00pm & 4:00pm COMEDY p08
Sat 20 Anne Reid 7:30pm
Sun 21 & Mon 22 Russell Howard 8:00pm MUSIC p09
Tue 23 & Wed 24 The Birthday Party 7:30pm
Thur 25 Margaret Thatcher Queen Of Soho 8:00pm THEATRE p09
Sat 27 The Counterfeit Stones 7:30pm
COMEDY p10

COMEDY p10

FAMILY p11

CABARET p11

COMEDY SOLD OUT

DRAMA p12

COMEDY p12

MUSIC p13

MAR Tue 1 & Wed 2 Joe Lycett 8:00pm COMEDY p13
Thur 3 Rambert Elements 7:00pm DANCE
Fri 4 & Sat 5 Bryony Kimmings & Tim Grayburn 8:00pm THEATRE p14
Tue 8 StageLit 7:00pm SCHOOLS p32
Wed 9 Russell Howard 8:00pm COMEDY p15
Thur 10 Pocket Dream 2:30pm & 7:30pm DRAMA p15
Fri 11 & Sat 12 Mark Thomas 8:00pm COMEDY p16
Tue 15 - Sun 20 The Gruffalo's Child VARIOUS CHILDREN p17
Thu 17 & Fri 18 Russell Howard 8:00pm COMEDY p16
Sat 19 Richard Herring 8:00pm COMEDY p20
Mon 21 Simon Callow 7:00pm TALK p32
Tue 22 & Wed 23 Springboards 7:30pm SCHOOLS p20
Thur 24 Turnstyle 7:30pm DANCE p21
Sat 26 Jenny Eclair 8:00pm COMEDY p21
Tue 29 Shhh! 7:00pm DANCE p22
Thur 31 Tom Stade 8:00pm COMEDY p16

18 Box Office: 01603 598598

Fri 1 Tim FitzHigham 8:00pm COMEDY p22
Sat 2 Backstage In Biscuit Land 7:30pm
APR Wed 6 - Sat 9 Made In Dagenham 7:30pm THEATRE p23
Sat 9 Made In Dagenham 2:30pm
Mon 11 Paul Zerdin 7:30pm MUSICAL p23
Tue 12 Lee Nelson 7:30pm
Wed 13 Rob Delaney 8:00pm MUSICAL p23
Fri 15 Simon Evans 8:00pm
Sat 16 Reduced Shakespeare Company 7:30pm COMEDY p24
Tue 19 - Fri 22 Connections 500 VARIOUS
Sat 23 Ruby Turner 8:00pm COMEDY p24
Tue 26 Jonny & The Baptists 8:00pm
Fri 29 A Gala Evening 8:00pm COMEDY p25
Sat 30 The Piccadilly Dance Orchestra 7:30pm
COMEDY p25

COMEDY/DRAMA p26

DRAMA p26

MUSIC p27

COMEDY/MUSIC p27

VARIETY p28

MUSIC p28

Wed 4 Bridget Christie 8:00pm COMEDY p29
Fri 6 Near Gone 8:00pm
MAY Sun 8 Romesh Ranganathan 8:00pm THEATRE p29
Mon 9 Romesh Ranganathan 8:00pm
Fri 13 - Sun 29 Norfolk & Norwich Festival VARIOUS COMEDY SOLD OUT
Tue 31 9 To 5 7:30pm
COMEDY p31

FESTIVAL

MUSICAL p31

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PLAYHOUSE STEWARDS SPRING 2016 Patrons: Sir Timothy Colman KG Sir Jonathan Miller CBE
Stephen Fry Viscount Norwich CVO
Andy Clarke, Angela Edgar, Anne Sir Jeremy Isaacs Prunella Scales CBE
McCrudden, Annette Edwards, Anthony Richard Jordan Sir Arnold Wesker
& Linda Landamore, Beckie Abrams, Bob Emily Buchan
Brown, Bod Webster, Claire Collen, Diana Staff: Exhibitions Organiser Matthew Crisp
Twitchett, Eileen Websdale, Ellie Smith, Doors Box Office Gill Dean
Gay and Russ Abbott, Gloria Pollini, James Duty House Manager Ben Giller
Kinsley, Jane Mickleburgh, Jane Parsons, Technician Laura Hammett
Janet Roper, Janey Bevington, Joan Rix, Duty House Manager Roberta Hamond
Judy Holland, Julie Wyatt, June Simpson, Education Manager Dhugal Harrison
Liz Gibson, Lynda Clarke, Maggie Stickney, Technician Lauren Hichisson
Marney Meakin, Mary Brister, Meryl Taylor, Technician Dot Howard
Miriam Barnett, Richard Sumser, Richard Duty House Manager Emma Maxwell
Wells, Robert Cooper, Roger & Anne Loy, Technician Amy Melling
Ruth Bowden, Sally Evison, Sandi George, Exhibitions Organiser Sam Moreno
Sandra Meek, Sarah Long, Sheil Ouzerdine, Marketing Designer Vikki Nelson
Steph Tilson, Teresa McInally, Tim Mead, Val Front of House Manager Andrew Ramsbottom
Keel, Valerie Mortimer, Yvonne Gowers. Assistant Theatre Manager Karen Reilly
Bar Manager Caroline Richardson
Founder: Henry Burke Director Caz Slota
President: Timothy West CBE Marketing Manager Jay Tacon
Board: David Howe Doors Box Office Thomas Vowles
Caroline Richardson Duty House Manager Hannah Wallis
Bar Manager Peter Wright
Technical Manager

Book Online: norwichplayhouse.co.uk 19

SYMPATHETIC DEVELOPMENTS PRESENTS THE GARAGE PRESENTS

SIMON CALLOW TURNSTYLE 2016
ORSON WELLES:
ONE MAN BAND THURS 24 MAR 7:30PM

MON 21 MAR 7:00PM The Garage is proud to present Turnstyle
Dance Platform 2016.
A fascinating opportunity to hear Simon Turnstyle brings you the latest work
reading from and giving insights into created by choreographers from the across
the third volume of his Orson Welles the region including Scott Atkins, Cat
biography. Callow probes with penetrating Chapman, Nicky Gibbs, Laura McGill
detail into the life of one of the most and Katy Dunne.
complex artists of the twentieth century. Showcasing dance companies from The
Garage and its partners including Passion
Welles' one-man assault on one medium Productions, Pulse, Connect, Full Tilt,
after another – theatre, radio, film, Mosaic and D4Dance.
television, even ballet! – opened up Sit back and enjoy a wonderful evening
new artistic directions and hitherto of dance.
unglimpsed possibilities in performnce.
What was it like to be around Welles? Running Time: 90mins inc interval
What was it like to be him? And, to Tickets: £10 / £8 concessions
answer the ultimate riddle: whatever thegarage.org.uk
happened to Orson Welles?

SIMON WILL BE SIGNING COPIES OF ONE MAN BAND
AFTER THE PERFORMANCE.

Age: 14+
Running Time: 2hrs inc interval & Q&A
Tickets: £19.50 / £17 concessions / £12.50
students (limited places)

“Mr. Callow, a divine and witty actor, is
also a gifted writer” Wall Street Journal
simoncallow.com

20 Box Office: 01603 598598

AVALON PROMOTIONS PRESENTS C-12 DANCE THEATRE PRESENTS

JENNY ECLAIR SHHH!

HOW TO BE A MIDDLE AGED TUE 29 MAR 7:00PM
WOMAN
Shhh! is dance-theatre for children,
SAT 26 MAR 8:00PM with a fast-moving narrative about a
Professional Grumpy Old Woman, Splash community’s fight to regain its local
survivor, amateur soup maker and novice library. It's about the joy of reading, and
knitter, Jenny Eclair is younger than features story-book villains and goulies,
Madonna but eats crisps and likes wine. romance and comedy.

Semi –bearded and suffering from The choreography mixes dance with circus
outbreaks of gout and hysteria, Eclair and free-running. The production features
puts middle age under the microscope an ingenious set built from recycled
and decides whether to laugh, cry or buy a bookcases from a real-life closed down
dachshund! library with video animation creating a
fast-flowing, feel-good show. Set to music
You are most welcome to join her, just commissioned from award-winning TV
button your cardi up properly and wipe and film composer Jamie Salisbury, C-12
that lipstick off your teeth. blend high energy dance with theatrical
narrative - perfect for all the family and
Age: 16+ dance lovers alike.
Running Time: 75mins + int
Tickets: £17.50 THERE WILL BE A FREE DANCE WORKSHOP AT THE
“Unapologetically vulgar and carried off GARAGE FOR AGES 7-13 ON TUE 29 MARCH, 3PM,
with a vicious glee” The Guardian AVAILABLE WHEN YOU BOOK FOR THE SHOW. PLACES
jennyeclair.com ARE LIMITED – FIRST COME FIRST SERVED.

Age: 7+
Running Time: 60mins straight
Tickets: £10 / £8 concessions

“A likeable, light-hearted entertainment”
londondance.com
c-12dancetheatre.com

Book Online: norwichplayhouse.co.uk 21

COMEDY STORE MANAGEMENT PRESENTS LAKIN McCARTHY PRESENTS

TOM STADE TIM FITZHIGHAM
YOU'RE WELCOME! THE GAMBLER

PLUS SUPPORT FRI 1 APR 8:00PM

THURS 31 MAR 8:00PM Multi award-winning comedian,
adventurer and world record holder
Brand new show from the UK’s favourite FitzHigham has lots of bad ideas (he
Canadian resident. Candid and alluring, rowed the English Channel in a bathtub).
join Tom as he ruminates on life’s
oddities and revels in his own perpetual Now, inspired by 10 of the greatest bets
shortcomings. in history (as recorded in the books of
revered gentlemen’s clubs), Tim attempts:
Expect the customary Stade flair; standing on one leg for 12 hours (a bet
uncompromising humour, insatiable from the year 1815), cycling from London
mischief and heaps of inspired to Dover before his friend can draw a
improvisation. Direct from BBC1’s million dots (that's 1,000,000), racing a
The John Bishop Show and Live At racehorse over 100 yards (yes, he races
The Apollo, catch this epic talent as he a racehorse), walking backwards for 30
continues to storm the global comedy miles... and other jaw-dropping feats
scene. performed in the pursuit of winning a
wager!
Age: 16+
Running Time: 90mins + interval Age: 14+
Tickets: £17.50 Running Time: 90mins + interval
“If comedy is the new rock 'n' roll, the Tickets: £14 / £12 concessions
Tom Stade is Keith Richards” “Gut bustingly funny” The Scotsman
Scottish Daily Record  fitzhigham.com
tomstade.co.uk

22 Box Office: 01603 598598

TOURETTESHERO & HOUSE PRESENT NORFOLK YOUTH MUSIC THEATRE PRESENTS

BACKSTAGE IN MADE IN DAGENHAM
BISCUIT LAND THE MUSICAL

SAT 2 APR 7:30PM WED 6 – SAT 9 APR 7:30PM,
SAT 9 APR 2:30PM
Jess Thom has Tourettes, a condition that
makes her say ‘biscuit’ 16,000 times a day. Inspired by a true story and based on
Her unusual neurology gives her a unique the hit movie, comes this uplifting new
perspective on life; one she’s about to British musical comedy about friendship,
unleash on the world. love and fighting for what is right.

This two-woman solo show weaves The strike at Ford’s London plant in the
comedy, puppetry, singing, and incredible 1960s became a beacon for the rights
tics to explore spontaneity, creativity, of working women everywhere. As Rita
disability, and things you never knew leads her friends against the might of both
would make you laugh. Geranium bashing the company and the union supposed to
and penguin gangbangs may or may not protect them, the battle becomes bigger
feature – no two shows can ever be the than anyone could have imagined. Can
same. Jess is neurologically incapable of she keep up the fight and the happy home
staying on script, and that’s when the fun she’s worked so hard for? This is a family
begins. This is a relaxed performance - friendly version of the musical.
Touretteshero likes to call it Extra Live.
Book by Richard Bean
Age: 14+ Music by David Arnold
Running Time: 60mins straight Lyrics by Richard Thomas
Tickets: £12 / £10 concessions / £6 Based on the Wooley/Karlson/Number 9 Motion Picture,
registered disabled Financed by the BBC, BMS Film Finance, BFI and Up Sync
“Delightful” Stephen Fry productions, Directed by Nigel Cole, Screenplay by William
touretteshero.com Ivory.
This amateur production is presented by arrangement with
Josef Weinberger Ltd.

Running Time: 2hrs 30mins + interval
Tickets: £18 / £16
norfolkymt.net

Book Online: norwichplayhouse.co.uk 23

PHIL McINTYRE BY ARRANGEMENT WITH ROAR COMEDY PRESENTS AVALON PROMOTIONS PRESENTS

PAUL ZERDIN LEE NELSON

MON 11 APR 7:30PM SUITED & BOOTED

The America’s Got Talent winner 2015 TUE 12 APR 7:30PM
returns to the UK fresh from headlining
the world-famous Planet Hollywood, Las He headlined Glastonbury with Kanye
Vegas with an all new show featuring his West and bribed Sepp Blatter at FIFA’s
all-star cast of (in)famous puppets. headquarters. He’s well cheeky, he’s well
funny! Lee Nelson is back: suited and
Join Paul, cheeky pre-adolsecent booted!
Sam, belligerent OAP Albert and the
precocious Baby for an evening of He was a legend in BBC3’s Lee Nelson’s
hilarious ventriloquism and hi-jinks. Most Well Funny People, but now he’s off the
recently seen on Michael McIntyre’s Big telly box and is travelling around the
Christmas Show (BBC1), Paul has also country with his qwalitee comedy in an
been invited to perform at The Royal extension to his sold-out tour which came
Variety performance a record three times to the Playhouse last spring.
as well as racking up millions of views on
YouTube. You may have seen him host Live at the
Apollo or trying to join the England
Age: 14+ squad as footballer Jason Bent. Now be a
Running Time: 90mins + interval total legend and see him live.
Tickets: £17.50
“A ventriloquist for the South Park Age: 16+
generation” The Stage Running Time: 2hrs inc interval
paulzerdin.com Tickets: £20
“Never less than ingenious. . . a seamlessly
24 Box Office: 01603 598598 entertaining touring show’” The Times
leenelson.com

AVALON PROMOTIONS PRESENT OFF THE KERB PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS

ROB DELANEY SIMON EVANS
MEAT IN THE MONEY

PLUS SUPPORT FRI 15 APR 8:00PM

WED 13 APR 8:00PM Slick, sharp, very funny Evans' stand-up
show is about the economy, focusing his
If you're familiar with Delaney from dry-as-a-bone wit on our situation here
TV's Catastrophe, you'll be thrilled that at home and abroad. He's unpicked why
his stand-up is every bit as visceral and the French don't want to own their own
obsessed with bodily functions. home (sex, obvs), why mass spectrometers
reveal Americans to literally be made of
Rob certainly knows how to take a corn, and why Alco-Synth - the effects
very mundane topic and make it dark of alcohol but with an effective antidote
and filthy - from having three children - won't be appearing at a wine bar near
under five years old to online shopping, you soon.
architects, porn and the NHS.
As usual the whole thing deteriorates
This is comedy that is brutally honest, swiftly into a heartfelt rant about his
sometimes gross-out, but always heartfelt children but these are, at least, the lofty
and packed full of jokes. Not just below aspirations he starts with this time.
the belt, more a blunt reminder that
behind all our civil niceties we’re all just Age: 16+
animals. Running Time: 90mins + interval
Tickets: £14 / £12 concessions
Age: 16+ “He illuminates a subject as he riffs about
Running Time: 90mins + interval it, takes it seriously and gets the laughs”
Tickets: £20 The Guardian
“Exquisitely phrased and strikingly simonevanscomedianetc.com
candid” The Times
robdelaney.com Book Online: norwichplayhouse.co.uk 25

REDUCED SHAKESPEARE COMPANY IN: THE NATIONAL THEATRE PRESENTS

THE COMPLETE WORKS OF CONNECTIONS 500
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
(abridged) [revised] TUE 19 - FRI 22 APR, SHOWS DAILY
BETWEEN 3:00PM & 8:30PM
SAT 16 APR 7:30PM
All 37 Plays in 97 Minutes! SCHEDULE OF SHOWS AT THE PLAYHOUSE AND
GARAGE AVAILABLE FROM EARLY 2016
An irreverent, fast-paced romp through
the Bard’s plays, The Complete Works For the 21st anniversary of Connections,
of William Shakespeare (abridged) 500 youth theatre companies and 10,000
was London’s longest-running comedy young people from every corner of the
having clocked a very palpable nine years UK, working with 41 partner theatres, will
in London’s West End at the Criterion perform twelve outstanding plays drawn
Theatre! from the 150 works written for young
people since the festival began in 1995.
Join these madcap men in tights as they
weave their wicked way through all of Taking part in Connections in this region:
Shakespeare’s comedies, histories and 20Twenty Academy, Fisher Youth Theatre Group,
tragedies in one wild ride that will leave Greasepaint Youth Theatre Company, Neale-Wade
you breathless and helpless with laughter. Acts, Norwich School, Old Buckenham High School,
Ratzcool, Slow Theatre Company, St Ives Youth Theatre,
Age: 12+ Suffolk New College Performing Arts, The Garage Youth
Running Time: 2hrs inc interval Theatre Company, Thomas Clarkson Academy, UROCK
Tickets: £16 / £12 concessions /£9.50 Youth Company, West Acre Young
student groups People's Theatre
“Stupendous, anchorless joy!” The Times
reducedshakespeare.com Connections is supported by Andrew Lloyd
Webber Foundation and Jacqueline &
26 Box Office: 01603 598598 Richard Worswick
With thanks for additional contributions
from NT supporters and Trusts and
Foundations

Age: 13+
Running Time: 60mins max per play
Tickets: £2

RUBY TURNER SUPPORTING WALL PRESENTS

SAT 23 APR 8:00PM JONNY & THE BAPTISTS
For many years Ruby Turner has been THE END IS NIGH
regarded as having one of the greatest
voices the UK has ever produced. Ruby TUE 26 APR 8:00PM
can breathe life and meaning into a song A theatrical comedy with songs about
whether it is a passionate soaring ballad friendship, family and the future of the
or a soulful up-tempo groove. Her career planet.
to date has been sensational with major
tours, film, TV and theatre appearances. Last year, Jonny accidentally told his four-
year-old niece that climate change would
Described as truly the genuine article and end the world. To stop her crying, he and
blessed with a voice that has been likened Paddy promised to fix it. They really tried
to Aretha Franklin and Janis Joplin, Ruby very hard...
continues to win the hearts and minds of
an ever growing and diverse fan base. Following their acclaimed Rock The Vote
tour, the multi-award-nominated musical
Running Time: 90mins + interval comedians are back - frank, fresh, funny
Tickets: £20 /£18 concessions and something completely different.
"Soul, Gospel and R&B: Ruby Turner is Get your pulse racing, your feet tapping
truly the genuine article" The Guardian and your face aching with a bellyful of
rubyturner.com boisterous ballads.

Age: 14+
Running Time: 70mins straight
Tickets: £12 / £10 concessions
“Musical comedy’s rising stars”
The Sunday Times
jonnyandthebaptists.co.uk

Book Online: norwichplayhouse.co.uk 27

SISTEMA IN NORWICH PRESENTS MICHAEL LAW PRESENTS

A GALA EVENING THE PICCADILLY DANCE
ORCHESTRA
FRI 29 APR 8:00PM
YOU'RE THE TOP
A night of entertainment to raise money
for Sistema in Norwich, a local charity SAT 30 APR 7:30PM
that works to transform the lives of Michael Law's Piccadilly Dance
children and young people living in areas Orchestra plays the fascinating, popular
of social deprivation. The show is part of music of a more elegant time - from
Sistema in Norwich’s year as the chosen the Charleston of the 1920s Gatsby era
Norwich Civic Charity. through the beautiful classic songs of the
1930s to swing and greatest tunes of the
The Sistema Gala Evening will offer a Jazz Age.
variety of performances, including music,
comedy, theatre and dance - the best of The orchestra has played for Len
local acts and a few Goodman on his BBC4 Christmas show,
surprises thrown in. for Michael Parkinson at the Help For
All ticket holders will Heroes grand ball and at Bafta receptions
be entered for a prize for Julie Andrews and Sean Connery.
draw that will be held They've also enjoyed residencies at
on the night. London's Ritz and Savoy hotels with their
immaculate and beautifully presented
THE FULL PROGRAMME recreation of the music of the great British
OF ACTS WILL BE dance bands.
FEATURED ON THE
SISTEMA IN NORWICH Running Time: 2hrs + interval
WEBSITE. Tickets: £19.50 / £17.50 concessions
“Astonishingly good” The Spectator
Running Time: 2hrs inc interval pdo.org.uk
Tickets: £15 / £12 concessions
sistemanorwich.org.uk

28 Box Office: 01603 598598

LAKIN McCARTHY PRESENTS TWO DESTINATION LANGUAGE PRESENTS

BRIDGET CHRISTIE NEAR GONE

A BOOK FOR HER FRI 6 MAY 8:00PM

WED 4 MAY 8:00PM Two performers have a difficult story
to tell. They come on stage and launch
Why has Bridget been sending her themselves into an hour long attempt to
stained underpants to George Osborne put into words the utterly unspeakable.
at HM Treasury every month? Which
method actor has been playing the Delivered in English and Bulgarian,
character comedian Nigel Farage since with pounding, gypsy-inspired music,
2010? Is Rachel Dolezal black or white? this beautiful performance fills an empty
What’s the difference between Eddie space with two performers, hundreds of
Izzard and Caitlyn Jenner? All this and fresh flowers and a storm of emotion. A
more will be revealed in Bridget’s tenth performance piece that packs a punch -
solo show. transforming your very sense of what it is
to be a mother, a father, a child. And you’ll
Following a hugely successful, highly leave more fully alive than ever.
acclaimed run at the Edinburgh Festival
Fringe and a universally acclaimed first Age: 14+
book, Christie's back with more bitingly Running Time: 60mins straight
funny and intelligent monologue. Tickets: £10
“Great beauty, sensitivity and humour,
THERE WILL BE A BOOK SIGNING POST-SHOW WITH creating art that is truly affecting,
BOOKS AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE AT THE THEATRE OR memorable and life-affirming”
YOU CAN BRING YOUR OWN WELL-THUMBED COPY. Broadwaybaby
twodestinationlanguage.com
Age: 16+
Running Time: 90mins + interval
Tickets: £16

“Another cracking show ” The Guardian
bridgetchristie.co.uk

Book Online: norwichplayhouse.co.uk 29

Friday 13 – Sunday 29 May

FS O

AO ND

Race Horse Company Aurélien Bory

WHITE NIGHTS SANS OBJET
MAX RICHTER ENSEMBLE
LISA FISCHER Norwich Philharmonic

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra MAHLER’S SYMPHONY
OF A THOUSAND
FESTIVAL CHORUS THE JAMES PLAYS

Book now for the first 2016 Festival shows
nnfestival.org.uk • Box Office 01603 766400

Principal Funders

Full programme to be
announced early 2016

OFF THE KERB PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS THRESHOLD THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS

ROMESH RANGANATHAN 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL
IRRATIONAL
TUE 31 MAY - SAT 4 JUN 7:30PM,
PLUS SUPPORT SAT 4 JUN 2:30PM

MON 9 MAY 8:00PM With hit songs from the Grammy award
winning Dolly Parton, this Broadway hit
Extra date - Sunday 8th SOLD OUT. brims with great characters plus catchy
songs and dance numbers to have you
Romesh Ranganathan is back with a humming and toe tapping throughout.
brand new show exploring the rationality
of his worldview, examining the issues Turning the tables on the bigoted men in
close to his heart and explaining why their lives, three women find that together
everybody else is wrong about them. there's nothing they can't change. After
all, a girl can scheme, can’t she?
Romesh has come a long way since
quitting his career as a maths teacher, So why not tumble out of work, and
with two critically acclaimed Edinburgh stumble to the theatre; what better way to
Festival Fringe shows - nominated spend an evening?
for the coveted Best Show 2014 and
Best Newcomer 2013 awards - and an Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton
upcoming six-part series for BBC Three. Book by Patricia Resnick
This new show promises to be a real hit! Based on the 20th Century Fox Picture
Originally produced on Broadway by Robert Greenblatt,
Age: 16+ April 2009
Running Time: 90mins + interval This amateur production is presented by arrangement
Tickets: £14 / £12 concessions with JOSEF WEINBERGER LTD on behalf of MUSIC
“His ability to produce bitingly fresh gags THEATRE INTERNATIONAL of NEW YORK
marks him out” The Guardian
romeshranganathan.com Running Time: 2hrs + interval
Tickets: £18 / £15 concessions Tues to
Thurs only / £15 all seats matinee
thresholdtheatrecompany.co.uk

Book Online: norwichplayhouse.co.uk 31

PELDAUYCHAOTUIOSNELWEODIOTUHKCTAOHTUIIOSTNSFYOAMLRBRSOEHSLOOFWUOSRRCMEEXASTRRKAED

THE BIRTHDAY PARTY

Tuesday 23 & Wednesday 24 February at 7.30pm

Harold Pinter’s first major work, by turns a cryptic thriller and macabre comedy.

Schools' tickets: £9.50 londonclassictheatre.co.uk
Running time: 2 hours + interval More info: page 12
Age: Year 9+

STAGELIT Tuesday 8 March at 7.00pm Now in its second year!

Students are bringing English Literature to life. By adding stage light, sound, music,
movement and projection to their curriculum poetry, Shakespeare and classic
fiction, they lift it off the page and straight on to the Playhouse stage. Up to four
schools performing followed by a student-led Q&A. To take part email robertah@
norwichplayhouse.co.uk or ring the office on 01603 612580. £2 on door.

Supported by Broadland District Council

SPRINGBOARDS Tuesday 22 & Wednesday 23 March at 7.30pm

Springboards is a unique and challenging opportunity for GCSE and A Level Theatre
Studies and Drama students and youth groups, from across the region to showcase
their work on the exciting Playhouse stage supported by professional Playhouse
technicians. £2 on door. To take part contact [email protected]

THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
(abridged) [revised] Saturday 16 April at 7.30pm

A perfect partner to Pocket Dream! Come celebrate the 400th brithday of the bard with
the fabulous Reduced Shakespeare Company!

Student tickets: £9.50 More info: page 26
Running time: 2 hours inc. interval
Age: Year 8+

32

PROPELLER’S CONNECTIONS 500
POCKET DREAM
Tues 19 to Fri 22 April
Thursday 10 March at 2.30pm & Shows daily between 3pm & 8:30pm,
7.30pm 60 mins max per play
Edward Hall’s inspirational 60-minute
adaptation of Shakespeare’s A The biggest ever NT Connections
Midsummer Night’s Dream. festival to celebrate 21 years! Check
dates, schools and productions on our
Company Q & A follows both website and at:
performances nationaltheatre.org/connections
Free education pack available to
download from website at: All tickets: £2
propeller.org.uk/education Running time: 60 minutes max
Schools' tickets: £8 Age: Year 9+
Running time: 60 minutes + Q&A
Age: Year 7+ More info: page 26
More info: page 15
THE PLAYHOUSE
SHHH! STAGE & CURRICULUM
OBJECTIVES
Tuesday 29 March at 7.00pm
EASTER BREAK It is important to us that our education-
The best of contemporary dance with led projects keep up to date with
state-of-the-art animation, innovative current curriculum objectives.
choreography and a knockout musical
score. And very, very funny! StageLit 2 has been devised with
the advice of Broadland English
Free dance workshop at the departments to give English Literature
Garage for ages 7-13 on Tuesday students a way into critical and
29 when you book. Limited places. reflective thinking through performing
First come, first served. curriculum texts.
Age: Year 3+
Student tickets: £8 Springboards 2016 works closely with
Running time: 60 minutes Drama/Theatre Studies teachers to
More info: page 21 ensure that students gain experience of
working with professionals on a theatre
stage, presenting devised texts before
exams.

If you would like our theatre space
to work for your students, contact
[email protected].

for special arts award
ticket offers go to
norwichplayhouse.co.uk/
education/arts-award

IN MEMORY OF HENRY & JANE BURKE

33

INFORMATION Posting tickets: A £1.20 fee will be charged for
this service at Theatre Royal.
Norwich Playhouse, 42-58 St George’s Street,
Norwich NR3 1AB Buying tickets on the day: Any remaining
Box office: 01603 598598 tickets will be on sale on the door at Norwich
Admin: 01603 612580 Playhouse from one hour prior to each
Technical: 01603 766928 performance, payable by cash or card.
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.norwichplayhouse.co.uk Refunds: Tickets are non-refundable, however
they can be offered for resale if the show sells
Car parking: St Andrew’s multi-storey and out. There is a handling charge of £2 per ticket.
Colegate car parks are both within easy walking
distance and open 24 hours (see map). The Gift tokens: Playhouse Gift Tokens make an
theatre has flat access in front of the main doors ideal present - buy them at the Theatre Royal box
and disabled parking spaces adjacent. office or over the telephone.

Public transport: Buses: Call Traveline on 0871 Concessions: Concessions, where offered, relate
200 2233 or visit firstgroup.com. to over 60's, full time students, under 18's and
Trains: Call National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 unwaged people. Please check individual show
50 or visit abelliogreateranglia.co.uk. details.

Vehicle access: The bridge on St George’s Street Age guidelines: These are displayed under each
is closed to traffic. Cars can access the Playhouse show listing. We regret that no unaccompanied
via Colegate; there are disabled parking spaces children under 16 and no children under 3 can be
next to the theatre, and a turning circle for admitted into shows unless otherwise stated.
those dropping off passengers. We are able to
unlock the bridge bollards and open the road for Show length guidelines: Please note that
coaches and large delivery vehicles. If this service running times are all approximate. Please check
is required, please organise in advance with the with the Playhouse if you have tight timings.
Playhouse.
Latecomers: We regret latecomers may not be
TICKETS admitted into certain shows until a suitable break
in the performance.
In person: At Norwich Theatre Royal Box Office,
located on Theatre Street.Opening hours: Live music shows: These are likely to have the
Monday-Saturday 9.30am-6pm. Just ask for sound desk situated in the middle of the two
Playhouse tickets. back rows.

By post: Send details of your requirements with Seating plan:
cheque or card details to: Playhouse Box Office,
Norwich Theatre Royal, Theatre Street, Norwich
NR2 1RL. Make cheques payable to ‘Norwich
Theatre Royal’.

By e-mail: E-mail your requirements to:

[email protected].

By telephone: Call 01603 598598 Monday-
Saturday 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. Book
with a credit or debit card at our secure site www.
norwichplayhouse.co.uk.

34

ACCESS Norwich Playhouse is very grateful to the
following organisations, companies and funding
The Playhouse is committed to making the bodies for their valued support.
theatre an accessible and enjoyable experience
for all our patrons. Adnams plc
Ancient House Printing Group
The building is accessible in all public Archant
Arts Council England East
areas and on stage to wheelchair users BBC Norfolk
BD&H Printers
and those with mobility difficulties. Broadland District Council
Broadland Heating & Plumbing
There are also accessible toilets inside 1-2-1 Cleaning
City College Norwich
and on the terrace. There are three enjoynorwich.com
Future Radio
wheelchair user spaces on the balcony, The Garage
The Geoffrey Watling Charity
T plus four end seats in the main seating Jarrold the Store
area for people who are able to transfer The Last Wine Bar
Mills & Reeve
from collapsible aids. These seats will Norfolk County Council
Norfolk & Norwich Festival
be released to the general public only Norwich Arts Centre
Norwich City Council
when all other seats are sold. Norwich Puppet Theatre
Norwich Theatre Royal
The Playhouse has two state-of-the-art Norwich Town Close Estate Charity
Norwich University Of The Arts
CAP systems to help the hard of hearing, The Orange Tree
The Prince’s Foundation
both through the Sennheiser infra-red Prospect Handling
system – one for use with a hearing aid Viking Stage Lighting
and one without. They work best when used in Visit Norwich
the central seats in the auditorium. Writers' Centre Norwich

If a digital hearing aid is worn, please check if
it is loop-enabled with your supplier.

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
companions.

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). Other
people receiving Disability Living Allowance (or
equivalent), who need to be accompanied on
their visit here, will receive a free ticket for their
companion. 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.

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OR FIND IT IN OUR STORE ON UNTHANK ROAD, NORWICH