More Theatre News
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Review: War Of The Worlds at the Belgrade, Coventry
Posted on Thu 19 Mar
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Review: Fawlty Towers at The Alexandra
Posted on Wed 18 Mar
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Feature: Q&A with Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler
Posted on Tue 17 Mar
There’s never a dull month when it comes to theatre in the Midlands. Check out our selection of shows coming to venues across the region during the next few weeks...
THE WAR OF THE WORLDS
According to legend, Orson Welles’ 1938 radio adaptation of HG Wells’ classic sci-fi novel, The War Of The Worlds, caused mass hysteria when it was broadcast, with listening Americans being duped by the play into believing that Martians had actually invaded the planet.
Exactly how many people in reality fell for the stunt remains a matter of conjecture. What certainly cannot be denied, however, is the impact which media such as radio and, latterly, social media, can have on the way in which people process the stories that they hear.
Talented theatre ensemble Imitating The Dog here make use of miniature environments, model worlds, camera tricks, and projection to create what they’re promising will be an audacious, thrilling and timely retelling of Wells’ 1898 novel.
The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, until Saturday 21 March
THE SPY WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD
The recently screened second-series television adaptation of The Night Manager has once again brought to the fore the name of the original novel’s author: John le Carré.
Thirty years before he wrote The Night Manager, le Carré penned The Spy Who Came In From The Cold. His third book, it became an international bestseller and established the former MI5 and MI6 employee as a major name in the spy-novel genre.
Not only written but also set during the Cold War era, its story focuses on the character of British intelligence officer Alec Leamas, who is persuaded to undertake one final, dangerous, deceptive and deeply personal mission...
This acclaimed stage production visits the Midlands this month direct from the West End and following a sold-out run at Chichester Festival Theatre. Ralf Little (pictured) takes the title role.
Malvern Theatres, until Saturday 21 March; The Alexandra, Birmingham, Tuesday 30 June - Saturday 4 July
THE BOY WHO HARNESSED THE WIND
As extraordinary true-life stories go, the tale of William Kamkwamba takes some beating. Born to a family of farmers in the village of Wimbe in Malawi, he single-handedly saved his community from starvation by building a windmill to power the village’s broken water pump. The budding inventor used scrap materials from the local junkyard and parts from the family bicycle - the only one in the village, and their only real asset - which he convinced his relatives he needed to dismantle. And all at the age of just 13!
Based on Kamkwamba’s bestselling memoir and a movie adaptation written & directed by well-known actor Chiwetel Ejiofor, The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind is the Royal Shakespeare Company’s first musical since Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey took over as co-artistic directors.
Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, until Saturday 28 March
BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY
Thirty-seven years old and seen by over 23 million people across the globe, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story is an enormously enduring and touchingly affectionate portrayal of one of rock & roll’s earliest and brightest stars. Charting the Texas-born singer’s meteoric rise to fame and fortune, and following his career through to his very last performance - given in the hours before the plane crash that claimed his life at the age of just 22 - the show features timeless classics such as That’ll Be The Day, Peggy Sue, Oh Boy, Rave On and Everyday.
Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Monday 23 - Tuesday 24 March
PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT
Based on the movie of the same name, Priscilla the stage show has wowed both West End and Broadway audiences, picking up a coveted Olivier Award and an equally prestigious Tony Award along its accolade-strewn way. At its heartland is an uplifting story of the friendship shared between three pals, who hop aboard a battered old bus and head off in search of love and romance.
The show originally opened in Australia in 2006 - running there for two years before arriving on the West End stage - and comes complete with a dazzling array of costumes and a glorious selection of dancefloor favourites, including It’s Raining Men, Say A Little Prayer, Go West, Hot Stuff and Always On My Mind...
Fascinating Aïda’s Adèle Anderson and Kevin Clifton of Strictly Come Dancing fame take top billing.
Birmingham Hippodrome, Monday 23 - Saturday 28 March
NOUGHTS & CROSSES
This Pilot Theatre adaptation (in association with Northern Stage) of Malorie Blackman’s novel explores what happens when two people living in a world of terrorist violence - and separated by prejudice and distrust - find themselves falling in love.
Sephy is a Cross - a member of the dark-skinned ruling class. Callum is a Nought - a ‘colourless’ member of the underclass, who were once slaves to the Crosses. Friends since childhood they may have been, but when romance blossoms, they suddenly find themselves exposed to a terrible danger...
The Rep, Birmingham, Tuesday 24 - Saturday 28 March
SIX THE MUSICAL
From Tudor queens to battling boss-women, the 2022 Tony Award-winning Six The Musical sees the wives of Henry VIII take to the stage ‘to remix 500 years of historical heartbreak’ and tell their own versions of their lives...
A colourful show that sits somewhere between a Girls Aloud gig and a traditional musical, the one-act production - premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2017, where it was performed by a group of Cambridge University students - is a loud and proud 80-minute celebration of 21st-century girl power.
The show sees the cast being ably supported by all-female band The Ladies In Waiting.
Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Wednesday 25 - Saturday 28 March; Birmingham Hippodrome, Tuesday 31 March - Saturday 11 April
THE SIGNALMAN
Middle Ground Theatre Company is the hugely talented ensemble behind this stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ atmospheric ghost story. Written in 1866, it focuses on the character of a Victorian-age signalman who’s haunted by visions of impending disaster on his isolated stretch of line.
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Thursday 26 - Saturday 28 March
TALES FROM ACORN WOOD
Stage adaptations of books by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler invariably offer theatrical magic aplenty, so this is definitely a show that’s well worth catching.
Bringing together clever puppetry and toe-tapping songs, the production provides youngsters with an hour of lively entertainment, including the chance to join Pig and Hen for a game of hide & seek.
The show is suitable for children aged one-plus.
Birmingham Hippodrome, Thursday 26 - Sunday 29 March
SISTERS 360
Stepsisters Fatima and Salima are cool, close, and share a burning ambition - to win the Tiny Is Mighty skateboarding contest. But when they start hearing whispers about their parents planning to live apart - meaning that they too, as stepsisters, will be separated - they realise that their chances of winning competition gold are set to take a turn for the worse...
Bradford writer Asif Khan is the creative talent behind this inspirational story about ‘family, friendship and the importance of following your dreams’.
Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), Birmingham, Saturday 28 March; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Wednesday 22 - Thursday 23 April; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Saturday 23 May
THE WIGGLES: TREE OF SPECTACULAR WISDOM
This year celebrating their 35th anniversary, Australian children’s music group The Wiggles are eagerly anticipating their Birmingham stop-off at the end of the month.
“We love touring the UK,” says founding Wiggle Anthony Field. “We’re all looking forward to seeing our old friends, as well as meeting some new ones.”
Expect to get wiggling to classic hits such as Rock-A-Bye Your Bear, Fruit Salad Yummy Yummy and Hot Potato.
Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Monday 30 March
RUDE SCIENCE
BBC Gastronaut Stefan Gates is pretty darned certain that his Rude Science production is the most revolting show of its kind in the whole wide world. And he could well be right, given that it involves enormous bottoms, pee-powered fireworks, fabulous fart machines and vast whoopee cushions! Science stunts and spectacular experiments abound in a show that promises to be both entertaining and educational. Suitable for children aged five and older.
Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Monday 30 March
THE INVISIBLE MAN
An evening of tongue-in-cheek fun is being promised by the producers of this stage adaptation of HG Wells’ famous story...
But will the title character put in an appearance, we wonder?!...
Expect quick and silly costume changes, prop manipulations and whacky imaginings, as three energetic actors from Our Star Theatre Company take on the challenge of playing 15 characters...
The show enjoyed a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe a couple of years back.
Malvern Theatres, Monday 30 March - Wednesday 1 April; The Albany Theatre, Coventry, Thursday 9 April; The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, South Shropshire, Friday 10 April; The Regal Theatre, Tenbury Wells, Thursday 16 April; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wednesday 27 May; Stafford Gatehoue, Saturday 30 May; The Henrician, Evesham, Thursday 4 June
THE WOMAN IN BLACK
Adapted by Stephen Mallatratt from the same-named Susan Hill novel, The Woman In Black is a classic ghost story first performed in 1989. It has since become one of the West End’s most successful plays, and was memorably made into a film starring Daniel Radcliffe in 2012.
Solicitor Arthur Kipp believes that his family have somehow been cursed by a mysterious woman in black. In an attempt to tell his story, and to exorcise the evil curse which he’s convinced hangs over him, he hires a young actor to assist him in recounting his experiences...
Malvern Theatres, Tuesday 31 March - Saturday 4 April
EXCITING SCIENCE
Designed to enlighten, educate and entertain children aged four and older, Exciting Science promises plenty of ‘wiz, bang, pop and splurt’, as the show’s scientists carry out all manner of fun and fact-filled live experiments.
So if you think your kids would enjoy seeing some boffins create a volcanic eruption, turn a vacuum cleaner into a missile launcher, and take careful aim with a smoke blaster, then this is definitely the show to check out.
Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Tuesday 31 March; Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, Wednesday 8 April
BRAINIAC LIVE!
First visiting theatres in 2008, Brainiac Live! provides plenty of family fun - with a few bangs, wallops and flashes thrown in for good measure!
“When we’re developing the show,” explains the production’s creative director, Andy Joyce, “what we’re looking for is a ‘Wow!’ moment; something that either makes a noise, has a huge effect, or creates a bang. It needs to have that pay-off, but it also has to be interesting.
“We learn about something from the scientists and then put our little spin on it. So my role has been about being in laboratories, watching things go whizz bang bok, and then asking the scientists: how big can we go on stage with this in a way that’s safe?”
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tuesday 31 March; The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Saturday 20 June
LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL
Based on the hit movie starring Reese Witherspoon, this critically acclaimed musical follows the story of college sweetheart and homecoming queen Elle Woods, a girl who just doesn’t take no for an answer. So when her boyfriend, Warner, announces that he’s dumping her for someone more serious, Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books and heads for Harvard Law School.
Amber Davies (Pretty Woman, 9 to 5 The Musical) takes the lead role in a production directed by Nikolai Foster, the artistic director at Curve, Leicester. Commenting on the show, Nikolai and Curve’s chief executive, Chris Stafford, said: “Legally Blonde is firmly established in the musical theatre repertoire as a contemporary classic. Laurence O’Keefe, Nell Benjamin & Heather Hach’s electrifying musical about empowerment, equality and the folly of judging a book by its cover remains pitch-perfect and as relevant as ever.”
*Please note, Amber Davies will not be performing at the matinee performance at The Alexandra, Birmingham on Thursday 2 April at 2.30pm; she will not be performing at the matinee performance at Wolverhampton Grand on Thursday 15 October at 2.30pm; and she will not be performing at the matinee performance at The Regent on Thursday 19 November at 2.30pm.
The Alexandra, Birmingham, Tuesday 31 March - Saturday 4 April; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tuesday 13 - Saturday 17 October; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tuesday 17 - Saturday 21 November
DINOSAUR ADVENTURE LIVE
Dinosaur Adventure Live is being advertised as ‘the greatest prehistoric show on Earth’, providing audiences with a ‘65 million years in the making’ hour of ‘roarsome’ fun that’s ‘totally T-rex-iffic’...
The interactive experience allows families to take a journey through the Jurassic era, meet dinos face-to-face, and check out the impossible-to-ignore roar of a terror-inducing Tyrannosaurus...
Swan Theatre, Worcester, Thursday 2 April; Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Tuesday 26 May; Roses Theatre, Tewksbury, Tuesday 21 July; The Core Theatre, Solihull, Tuesday 28 July
THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR
In a career stretching back to the mid-1960s, the late Eric Carle illustrated more than 70 books - writing most of them, too. None have been more famous or successful than his 1969 story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
The popular picture book has been translated into more than 60 languages, selling in excess of 52 million copies.
This interactive stage version of Carle’s much-loved tale, presented alongside three more of his stories, features no fewer than 45 handcrafted puppets and has a running time of one hour.
Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), Birmingham, Saturday 4 & Sunday 5 April
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED)
Now, if you feel that you really should pay attention to the works of the world’s greatest-ever playwright, but don’t fancy hour upon hour of serious-sounding thespians thee-ing and thou-ing in your general direction, then this is the show for you!
All of Shakespeare’s 37 plays are here covered in the blink of an eye, allowing you not only to become very learned very quickly, but also to get down the pub well before last orders!
Lichfield Garrick, Wednesday 8 - Saturday 11 April
THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW
Hook up your fishnets, tighten your corsets and prepare to ‘do The Time Warp again’ - The Rocky Horror Show is returning to the Midlands! Richard O Brien’s cult production tells the tale of the straight-laced Brad and the deliciously corruptible Janet, who arrive at the castle of the alien transvestite Frank N Furter and witness the birth of the monster, Rocky. Along the way, they take the audience through a selection of love-’em-or-loathe-’em musical numbers, including Damn It Janet, Sweet Transvestite, and The Time Warp. Great fun’s a guarantee - particularly if you get into the spirit of things and attend the show dressed in your very best stockings & suspenders (as many patrons do)!
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Monday 13 - Saturday 18 April; The Alexandra, Birmingham, Monday 6 - Saturday 11 July
I'M MUSLAMIC DON'T PANIK
Bobak is visiting Iran to explore his cultural heritage. While on the journey of self-discovery, he encounters all manner of weird and wonderful characters - from the women defiantly running the first-ever (and last) Tehran marathon, to the participants in an underground breakdance battle...
Blending live music, spoken word and comedy (alongside the aforementioned breakdancing!), the show will be followed by a chance to join the cast for traditional Persian tea and biscuits.
Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), Birmingham, Saturday 18 April
THERE'S A MONSTER IN YOUR SHOW
Children’s author Tom Fletcher’s interactive adventures leap from page to stage, as his critically acclaimed Who’s In Your Book? series heads for the region in the form of a well-received stage musical.
The show sees Little Monster being joined by friends Dragon, Alien and Unicorn for 50 minutes of comedy, chaos and high-energy fun, during which the pals will be learning all about the joy of friendship and books.
Birmingham Town Hall, Thursday 23 & Friday 24 April
MURDER SHE DIDN'T WRITE
Now here’s an improvised show with plenty to recommend it...
First and foremost, it was a multiple-sell-out hit at the Edinburgh Fringe...
Secondly, it’s presented by a critically acclaimed company - Degrees Of Error - who are past masters of the improv genre...
Thirdly, the show is a real hoot. An Agatha Christie-inspired whodunnit, it features a classic murder-mystery, which is created ‘on the spot’. Audience members are then encouraged to don their deerstalkers (if they’ve brought them along!), grab a magnifying glass and make sure their ‘finger of suspicion’ is ‘at the ready’...
The show runs for two hours, including an interval.
Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Wednesday 6 & Thursday 7 May; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Monday 21 September
ELLEN KENT: THE FAREWELL TOUR - MADAMA BUTTERFLY
The story of a young geisha girl who marries an American naval officer, only to find that he soon returns home and marries another, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly is among the most popular operas of all time.
This particular version, presented by Ukraine’s Opera International Kyiv, is one of three productions visiting venues across the country as part of Ellen Kent’s farewell tour. Ellen has been presenting extravagant opera and ballet productions to appreciative audiences around the UK for more than 30 years, in the process showcasing the talents of some of Europe’s major opera companies.
“It’s the most popular opera in the whole world,” says Ellen, in talking about Madama Butterfly. “We’ve got a very good cast. We’ve got a Korean girl, Elena Dee, who’s a class act, playing Cio-Cio-San. A good cast and a slick, beautiful production… For some reason, it seems to be the British favourite.”
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Wednesday 13 May
2:22 A GHOST STORY
Husband & wife Jenny and Sam are divided. Jenny believes their new home is haunted; Sam isn’t having any of it. But something certainly feels strange and frightening. Determined to find out the truth once and for all, they decide to stay up until 2:22 - at which time, all will be revealed. Or not...
2.22 A Ghost Story premiered in the West End back in 2021, not only becoming a major hit but also providing both Lily Allen and Cheryl with an opportunity to tread the boards.
This latest touring version of the show stars James Bye, Natalie Casey, Grant Kilburn and Shvorne Marks.
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tuesday 18 - Saturday 23 May
BLOOD BROTHERS
Genuinely moving, surprisingly funny, and filled with all of Willy Russell’s usual astute observations about the British class system, Blood Brothers tells the story of twins, separated at birth, who spend their lives in contrasting social circumstances but are inextricably drawn together. A musical loved even by theatre-goers who don’t love musicals, the show boasts a raft of memorable songs, including Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged Tell Me It’s Not True.
Lichfield Garrick, Tuesday 19 - Saturday 23 May; Birmingham Hippodrome, Tuesdayv 20 October - Saturday 24 October; Malvern Theatres, Tuesday 17 - Saturday 21 November
JUSTIN TIME TO ROCK
BAFTA Award-winning children’s television presenter Justin Fletcher returns to the region with a brand-new all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza. Justin is advising his young fans to prepare themselves for a show that’s positively awash with well-known songs, energetic dancing and plenty of rocktastic fun!
Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Sunday 24 May; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Monday 25 May
THE DINOSAUR THAT POOPED: A ROCK SHOW
Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter are promising their brand-new production will come complete with new songs, a lot of laughs and (not surprisingly given the show’s title) a whole load of poo!
Based on Tom and Dougie’s bestselling children’s books, The Dinosaur That Pooped follows Danny and Dino as they try to get hold of the last two tickets to their favourite rock band’s last-ever concert. But with a villainous band manager lurking, nothing goes to plan... Will the band perform? Will Danny rock out? Or will Dino’s rumbling tummy save the day?...
Brierley Hill Civic, Sunday 24 May; Swan Theatre, Worcester, Saturday 6 June
BLUEY'S BIG PLAY
Blue Heeler puppy Bluey has certainly had plenty to bark about since making her television debut eight years ago.
The Australian animated pre-school series in which she stars has not only developed a huge international fanbase but also picked up prestigious Emmy and Bafta awards. On the back of such global success, it was only a matter of time before the popular pup’s adventures made it onto the stage...
This 50-minute show finds Bluey and younger sister Bingo determined to thwart their dad’s plan to enjoy a quiet Sunday afternoon...
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Thursday 23 - Sunday 26 July
THE GRUFFALO'S CHILD
With millions of copies having been sold in double-quick time after it was published in 1999, it’s fair to say that Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler’s picture book The Gruffalo captured the hearts and minds of children everywhere. So it was no surprise when the dynamic duo then produced this sequel story five years later...
Despite her dad’s warning to stay away from the deep, dark wood, the Gruffalo’s child decides it’s time to go and explore, caring not a jot about the legend of the Big Bad Mouse...
Award-winning theatre company Tall Stories, who certainly know a thing or two about adapting Donaldson/Scheffler books for the stage, here present a production that brings together ‘songs, laughs and scary fun for everyone aged three to 103’.
Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Saturday 28 November - Sunday 27 December