The New Wolsey Theatre is delighted to announce the launch of its autumn 2010 season and tickets are on sale now.
The autumn season kicks off with Lipservice Best Bits celebrating 25 years of Lipservice comedic lunacy on Tuesday 7 September, followed by the return of Oakham’s Razor, the critically acclaimed aerial theatre company, with The Mill on Friday 10 September. Director Toby Sedgwick won the Oliver Award for Best Theatre Choreographer for the National Theatre production of War Horse.
The season includes four New Wolsey productions. The first, and a highlight of the season, is The Importance of Being Earnest , Oscar Wilde’s hilarious and timeless comedy masterpiece. Two young gentlemen living in 1890’s England, Jack and Algernon, have been leading dual lives by both taking on the name Ernest in order to win the hearts of their respective loves, Gwendolen and Cecily. All will be revealed from Friday 17 September to Saturday 9 October in this comedy of manners directed by Ellie Jones.
The theatre will be rolling out the red carpet to welcome the world premiere of co-production Reasons to be Cheerful by Paul Sirett. It’s 1979, Ian Dury and the Blockhead’s new single Reasons to be Cheerful (Part 3) is climbing the charts. Vinnie and his mates are big Ian Dury fans and they’re desperate for tickets to see him at the Hammersmith Odeon, but the gig’s sold out. Vinnie will do anything to see the Blockheads, but life is complicated.
Songs from a Hotel Bedroom is a Segue production co-produced with Watford Palace Theatre and the New Wolsey, co-commissioned by ROH2 at the Royal Opera House. Written and directed by Kate Flatt and Peter Rowe, the show is an exciting new piece of music theatre that unfolds through the bittersweet love songs of Kurt Weill’s American repertoire and the sensuous mischief of tango dance, set in 1949 in the stylish and sophisticated atmosphere of post-war New York.
Award-winning company Gecko blends bold physicality with beautiful images, evocative music and dramatic storytelling in The Overcoat , presenting an intoxicating world where a man’s thoughts and dreams spill out into everyday life. A Gecko and Lyric Hammersmith Production in association with the Theatre Royal Plymouth, supported by the New Wolsey Theatre.
Sherlock Holmes fans can see a humorous tale of murder, mystery and the occult with the world’s greatest detective in Sherlock Holmes… The Death and Life presented by Makin Projects in association with Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. Roger Llewellyn returns following his international success in Sherlock Holmes…the Last Act!
If you like drama with a regal theme, don’t miss King Macbeth on Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 September. Deborah McAndrew’s King Macbeth paints a compelling portrait of a gifted and charismatic young man, blown by the winds of birth, grief and love to the brink of power. The Madness of George III written by Alan Bennett and starring Simon Ward and Susan Penhaligon is a brilliant exploration of duty and kingship. The show runs from Wednesday 17 to Saturday 20 November at 2.30pm.
On Thursday 4 and Friday 5 November Collective Artistes presents The Meeting . Taking place just days after Malcolm X’s electrifying visit to England, this highly imagined encounter captures the individual humanity, political maturity and enduring integrity of two men who would ultimately give their lives for freedom. The theatrical event includes an interactive exhibition and post show forum.
Following the success of their last creation, Hot Mikado, The Watermill Theatre has teamed up with composer Steve Brown, who wrote the music for It’s a Wonderful Life, to bring Spend, Spend, Spend! Described as a cross between Billy Elliot and Blood Brothers, it follows the rags to riches to rags story of Viv Nicholson a coal miner’s wife from Castleford, who won £152,319 on the pools in 1961, at that time the biggest sum ever won. Directed by Strictly Come Dancing’s Craig Revel Horwood.
Music and dance in the season includes Caribbean Carnival Extravaganza , Via Volcano , The Rebel Cell , The Yoruba Women Choir , and The Magnets . See the New Wolsey website for full details.
The Duke’s Headliners Comedy Club brings actor, model and now comedian James Redmond as an MC on Sunday 12 September. James is famous for his roles in Casualty (BBC) and Hollyoaks (C4). There’s an Under 18 Comedy Night on Monday 25 October with MC Rich Wilson.
There are children’s shows for ages 2 upwards at New Wolsey Studio including 3 Little Pigs which runs from 7 December to 31 December. Jack and the Beanstalk opens on 2 December and runs to 4 February. Over 9,000 tickets have already sold for the rock ‘n’ roll panto so book soon to avoid disappointment.
With spine tingling plays, critically acclaimed aerial and music theatre, comedy confections with some of the finest comics from around the world and even a new adventure for Alice in Wonderland, there should be something for everyone this season.
To book tickets call the New Wolsey Box Office 01473 295900 or visit www.wolseytheatre.co.uk where you can also book tickets.