Theatre Royal Brighton

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Sponsors

Sponsor of Children’s Theatrical Workshops

Centrestage Members Gold

Wealth Management

Silver Denis & Janet Davies

AMBASSADOR THEATRE GROUP

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Theatre Royal Brighton is operated by the Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG), currently the largest theatre group in the West End and separately, the second largest in the UK regions, with a total of 23 venues. ATG currently owns and operates 10 high profile West End Theatres: the Comedy, Donmar Warehouse, Duke of York’s, Fortune, Phoenix, Playhouse, Piccadilly, Savoy and Trafalgar Studios. ATG’s regional theatres include The Ambassadors, Woking; Theatre Royal Brighton; Victoria Hall and Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent; Milton Keynes Theatre; Churchill Theatre, Bromley; Richmond Theatre; King’s and Theatre Royal in Glasgow and New Wimbledon Theatre. Current and recent ATG successes in London include Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard, Elling, Guys and Dolls and West Side Story.

Cover Images Present Laughter Rambert Dance Company The Woman in Black Wife After Death! Haunted Hedda Gabler

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SPRING 2010 08448 717 650 (bkg fee) Groups Hotline 08448 717 617 Access Bookings 08448 717 677(bkg fee) www.ambassadortickets.com/ brighton

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Sponsors

Sponsor of Children’s Theatrical Workshops

Centrestage Members Gold

Wealth Management

Silver Denis & Janet Davies

AMBASSADOR THEATRE GROUP

▲

Design Shaun Webb Design Print Aldridge Print Group

▲ ▲

Theatre Royal Brighton is operated by the Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG), currently the largest theatre group in the West End and separately, the second largest in the UK regions, with a total of 23 venues. ATG currently owns and operates 10 high profile West End Theatres: the Comedy, Donmar Warehouse, Duke of York’s, Fortune, Phoenix, Playhouse, Piccadilly, Savoy and Trafalgar Studios. ATG’s regional theatres include The Ambassadors, Woking; Theatre Royal Brighton; Victoria Hall and Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent; Milton Keynes Theatre; Churchill Theatre, Bromley; Richmond Theatre; King’s and Theatre Royal in Glasgow and New Wimbledon Theatre. Current and recent ATG successes in London include Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard, Elling, Guys and Dolls and West Side Story.

SPRING 2010 08448 717 650 (bkg fee) Groups Hotline 08448 717 617 Access Bookings 08448 717 677(bkg fee) www.ambassadortickets.com/ brighton

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SPRING 2010

For just £25, enjoy

Peter Pan 4 December – 3 January

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Never Forget 6 - 9 January

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Dancing in the Streets 11 – 16 January

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Spike Milligan 18 – 23 January

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Present Laughter 25 – 30 January

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WELCOME

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Ambassador Friends’ discounts at your home venue and ATG’s other regional AND West End venues

Moscow City Ballet 9 – 13 February

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Haunted 1 – 6 March

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No online fees for most productions and much, much more!

Hedda Gabler 8 – 13 March

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Wife After Death!

17 - 20 March

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Traces 25 – 27 March

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The History Boys 29 March – 3 April

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The Pirates Of Penzance 6 - 10 April

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Oklahoma!

13 – 17 April

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The Woman In Black 19 – 24 April

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Witness for the Prosecution 26 April – 1 May

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Patrons & Associates can look forward to booking 2 for 1 discounts* online very shortly.

In the meantime please contact the box office. * Discounts not available for The Misanthrope. Priority ticket allocation only.

FRIENDS PRIORITY ALLOCATION Damian Lewis Tara Fitzgerald Keira Knightley Dominic Rowan in

Molière’s

The Misanthrope Martin Crimp Comedy Theatre, London from 7 December in a version by

We want every visit to our beautiful 200-year old Theatre to be remembered as a very special occasion, from the moment you book your tickets to the goodbye at the end of the show. Our latest exciting development is a brand new, elegant and extremely user-friendly website. A visit on the internet to www.ambassadortickets.com/brighton enables you to plan and pay for your entertainment and hospitality before you arrive. No more queuing at the Box Office or hanging on the telephone – just a slick, easy-to-use service.

As well as tickets, you can purchase vouchers for interval drinks, programmes, ice-cream and much more.

Rambert Dance Company 7 3 – 6 February Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime 15 – 20 February

Exclusive Priority Booking

BOOK ONLINE BEFORE MON 7 DECEMBER 2009 AND WE’LL PAY YOUR BOOKING FEE*

Coming Soon

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Booking Information & Prices

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As Theatre Royal Brighton is part of the prestigious Ambassador Theatre Group, the website also allows you to book tickets for any show in the West End and other regional ATG venues, all in one transaction. Check it out and see how easy it is!

*Booking online includes a booking fee of £2 per ticket and a transaction charge. The booking fee is waived if you book online for any Theatre Royal Brighton show listed in this brochure before Mon 7 December 2009.

Full details at www.ambassadortickets.com/friends or AmbassadorFriends booking line 08448 717 645

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Fri 4 December 2009 Sun 3 January 2010 December 2009 Fri 4

AND

Sat 5

PRESENTS

Fly away on the journey of a lifetime to a magical land of pirates and fairies. Following last year’s hugely successful Christmas show, The Wizard of Oz, comes this truly marvellous musical extravaganza to enthrall children of all ages and the adults who never grew up!

Join Peter, Wendy, John and Michael as they fly away over moonlit rooftops, chasing their shadows and embarking on a swashbuckling adventure. With brand new sets and costumes, amazing special effects, beautiful singing and dancing Peter Pan is the perfect Christmas family treat.

Last year Theatre Royal Brighton Productions brought you the critically acclaimed The Wizard of Oz and this year’s Peter Pan promises to be even more spectacular.

What the press said about The Wizard of Oz ‘From the magnificent sets to the top-notch singing and dancing, this performance will enthrall everyone well done Theatre Royal’ The Argus ‘A five-star show with a superb cast of five-star performers.

Simply not to be missed’ Latest 7

Prices £24 £22.50 £18.50 £15 Limited number of superior seats are available at £27

Discounts Family Ticket £58 (4 tickets, min 2 children) Concessions Children, students with ID, over 60s and registered unemployed £2 off; disabled customers and their companion £5 off.

Must be booked in advance Friends of Theatre Royal Brighton 2 for 1 on Fri 4 – Sun 6 December.

Ask the Box Office to activate a membership when you book your tickets

7.00 2.00

7.00

Sun 6

1.30

6.00

Mon 7

1.30

7.00

Tue 8

No Performances

Wed 9

1.30

Thu 10

1.30

7.00

Fri 11

2.00

7.00

Sat 12

2.00

7.00

Sun 13

1.30

6.00

Mon 14

1.30

7.00

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No Performances

Wed 16

2.00

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No Performances

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2.00

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Mon 21

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Wed 23

2.00

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1.30

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No Performances

Sat 26

2.00

Groups Groups of 10+ £2 off top two price bands; 20+ pay £18; 40+ pay £16; 60+ pay £14

Sun 27

1.30

6.00

Mon 28

2.00

7.00

School Groups Groups of 10+ pay £9 for best available. For every 10 seats purchased, an 11th seat is included free for a teacher No discounts apply to performances marked in red

Supporting the Theatres for Theatres Appeal in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital www.gosh.org ©2007 Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. Registered charity no 235825

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Tue 29

2.00

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Thu 31

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January 2010 Fri 1

No Performances

Sat 2

2.00

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Sun 3

1.30

6.00

Sign Language Interpreted Performance Thu 10 December 7pm

08448 717 650 (bkg fee) Groups Hotline 08448 717 617 www.ambassadortickets.com/brighton

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RELIGHT YOUR FIRE

THE HIT WEST END SHOW

‘This modern musical is up there with the classics’

‘If there’s one stage show you have to see, this is it!’

The Mirror

Capital Radio

‘High octane choreography’

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

Evening Standard

‘Spectacular’ Metro

‘A million love songs and a happy ending...

It’s hard not to fall for Take That’s own Mamma Mia’ Guardian Unlimited

Direct from the West End comes the smash hit musical Never Forget, back by popular demand. Written by BAFTA awardwinner Danny Brocklehurst (Shameless) with Guy Jones and Ed Curtis, and with choreography by Olivier award winner Karen Bruce (Footloose, Fame and Saturday Night Fever), this is a funny, touching and ultimately uplifting new musical.

Five young men enter a local talent competition, each looking for a way out and a step up. Along the way they discover fame comes at a price but friendships last forever.

Starring Philip Olivier (Brookside, The Games), Never Forget features classic Take That songs, with a 21 strong company of dancers and singers, a local childen’s choir of 20 and breathtaking special effects. It’s a care-free evening of sheer joy, unbelievable talent and a standing ovation every night.

Featuring the classic hits Could It Be Magic, Back For Good, Babe, Relight My Fire, Pray and Never Forget 3

Wed 6 – Sat 9 January Wed 7.45pm Thu & Fri 5pm & 8.30pm Sat 4pm & 7.45pm Signed Performance Thu 7 January 8.30pm Best Discount for Patrons £5 off Wed 7.45pm & Thu 5pm Best Discount for Associates £5 off Wed 7.45pm Best Discount for Ambassador Friends £5 off Wed 7.45pm G £

08448 717 650 (bkg fee) www.ambassadortickets.com/brighton

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

After wowing audiences for three years in the West End, Ivor Novello Award-winning director Keith Strachan now brings this hit show to Brighton.

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

Photos of West End cast

Mon 11 – Sat 16 January Mon – Thu 7.45pm Fri 5pm & 8.30pm Sat 2.30pm & 7.45pm Best Discount for Patrons 2 for 1 Mon & Tue eves Best Discount for Associates 2 for 1 Mon eve Best Discount for Ambassador Friends 2 for 1 Mon eve G E £

08448 717 650 (bkg fee) www.ambassadortickets.com/brighton

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NOËL COWARD’S CLASSIC COMEDY ‘This is Coward at his peak’ The Observer

MILLIGAN MAYHEM AND MUSIC!

Robert Bathurst Belinda Lang

Serena Evans

Emma Davies

Virginia Stride star in

★★★★

★★★★

‘Joyously funny’

‘Gunfire and giggles’

The Guardian

Time Out

★★★★ ‘Delightful’ Belinda Lang Serena Evans Emma Davies Virginia Stride

Evening Standard

Mon 18 – Sat 23 January Eves 7.45pm Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm

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

High comedy and tragedy collide, as we follow Gunner Milligan and his jazz quartet, adrift on the tide of great historic events, discovering how humour, music and comradeship enabled a hapless bunch of young men to prevail against the might of the Nazi War machine.

Songs include the jazz greats Chattanooga Choo Choo, In the Mood, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Honeysuckle Rose, Kalamazoo and many more.

★★★★ ‘Fond and faithfully barmy’ The Sunday Times 5

Audio Described Performance Sat 23 January 2.30pm Best Discount for Patrons 2 for 1 Mon & Tue eves Best Discount for Associates 2 for 1 Mon eve Best Discount for Ambassador Friends 2 for 1 Mon eve G E £

08448 717 650 (bkg fee) www.ambassadortickets.com/brighton

Set in the glamorous world of theatre, Present Laughter is a gloriously witty portrait of the life that whirled round Noël Coward in his heyday, sparkling from start to finish with cut-glass humour and spectacular repartee.

Flamboyant, vain and devastatingly handsome, Essendine is about to set off on tour but when he is visited by ex-wives, lawyers, playwrights and one-night stands amongst others, the stage is set for a battle of glittering egos!

Robert Bathurst is well known to television and theatre audiences with credits including Cold Feet, Hornblower and My Dad’s the Prime Minister. Belinda Lang, a Coward connisseur, both directs and stars in the production. They are joined by two stalwarts of British acting, Serena Evans and Virginia Stride.

Razor-sharp wit, dazzlingly funny dialogue, captivating characters and fabulous sets and costumes, this deliciously wicked confection will delight all lovers of great comedy.

Mon 25 – Sat 30 January Eves 7.45pm Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm Best Discount for Patrons £5 off Mon & Tue eves Best Discount for Associates £5 off Mon eve Best Discount for Ambassador Friends £5 off Mon eve G E £

08448 717 650 (bkg fee) www.ambassadortickets.com/brighton

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INCLUDES A STUNNING NEW WORK TO TANTALISE THE SENSES

A WILDE AND WITTY COMEDY WITH A TERRIFIC LINE-UP Bill Kenwright presents

Oscar Wilde’s

Lee Mead stars as Lord Arthur Savile Starring

‘As near-perfect an evening of modern dance as mere mortals can expect’

Adapted by

Trevor Baxter Directed by

Christopher Luscombe

The Sunday Express

‘The dancers are magnificent’

Gary Wilmot Lee Mead Derren Nesbitt David Ross Louisa Clein and Kate O’Mara ‘This comedy gem is fantastic fun!’

The Sunday Times

Daily News

The Comedy of Change Tour 2010 Live music by the Rambert Orchestra Following a triumphant visit to Theatre Royal Brighton in March 2009, Rambert Dance Company returns to Brighton in 2010. The Company’s 22 dancers are among the finest and most versatile in the world and with uplifting live music superbly enhancing the Rambert experience, next spring’s programme will be more thrilling and diverse than ever before.

After the universal successes of Constant Speed (2005) and Eternal Light (2008), Artistic Director Mark Baldwin creates a brand new work that will tantalise the senses and stimulate the mind. Commemorating Charles Darwin year, The Comedy of Change is set to a specially commissioned score by renowned British composer Julian Anderson with production design by one of Paris’ leading lights of contemporary art, Kader Attia.

Rambert skillfully blends dance and science into a stunning, energetic and striking performance.

Three further and equally breathtaking works include Tread Softly

by Henri Oguike and Richard Alston’s Dutiful Ducks, promising an unmissable programme by Britain’s most popular contemporary dance company.

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Supported by Arts Council England. Main photo Comedy of Change Eric Richmond & Joe Swift.

Background image © Charles Smith/Corbis Top right Tread Softly Chris Nash

Wed 3 - Sat 6 February Eves 7.30pm Thu mat 2pm & Sat mat 2.30pm Pre Show Talk Thu 4 February 6.30pm Free to ticket holders Best Discount for Patrons £5 off Wed & Thu eves Best Discount for Associates £5 off Wed eve Best Discount for Ambassador Friends £5 off Wed eve G E £

08448 717 650 (bkg fee) www.ambassadortickets.com/brighton

Bill Kenwright follows up his recent critically acclaimed revivals of Oscar Wilde’s plays with Trevor Baxter’s adaptation of this celebrated story.

Fresh from success in Any Dream Will Do and the title role in Joseph in the West End, the multi-talented Lee Mead makes his comedy debut starring as Lord Arthur. Opposite him, an all-star cast is led by the legendary Gary Wilmot, (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Me and My Girl), Kate O’Mara (Dynasty, Bad Girls), David Ross (The Green Green Grass), Derren Nesbitt (Special Branch, Where Eagles Dare) and Louisa Clein (Judge John Deed).

Lord Arthur Savile is deliriously happy: a pillar of Victorian society, he’s on the verge of marriage to the lovely Sybil. Then an encounter with a clairvoyant reveals that he is destined to commit murder, and Arthur decides that to protect his future wife, he must commit this bloody deed before he marries. As he sets about deciding which of his family and friends could be most conveniently eliminated, chaos predictably ensues…

This delightfully daffy comedy has a deceptive vein of black humour, sprinkled with Wilde’s inimitable one-liners.

‘An absolutely Wilde evening. It’d be a crime to miss it!’

The Gazette

Mon 15 – Sat 20 February Eves 7.45pm Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm Best Discount for Patrons 2 for 1 Mon & Tue eves Best Discount for Associates £5 off Mon eve Best Discount for Ambassador Friends £5 off Mon eve G E £

08448 717 650 (bkg fee) www.ambassadortickets.com/brighton

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BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND

‘Enchantment and passion, lavish and extravagant’ Ipswich Evening Star

MOSCOW CITY BALLET Founded in 1988 by former Bolshoi soloist and choreographer Victor Smirnov-Golovanov, Moscow City Ballet has become one of Russia’s most successful touring companies. Not seen in Brighton for seven years we are delighted to welcome them back, with two major productions from the Russian classical repertoire.

Romeo & Juliet Romeo & Juliet is probably the world’s best-known love story and the ballet is set to Prokofiev’s dramatic score, a masterpiece of 20th century music. The ballet follows the fate of the star-crossed teenage lovers from their first meeting to their untimely and tragic death in this powerful and moving production.

The Nutcracker In complete contrast, The Nutcracker tells how little Clara and her Nutcracker Prince defeat the armies of the mouse-king and embark on a magical sleigh-ride to meet the Sugarplum Fairy, dancing snowflakes and a whole host of delightful characters. It’s the perfect treat for little girls (and boys will enjoy the battles)! If you want to see why Russian ballet is a byword for excellence, book for both productions.

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Romeo & Juliet Tue 9 & Wed 10 February Eves 7.45pm, Wed mat 2.30pm The Nutcracker Thu 11 - Sat 13 February Eves 7.45pm, Sat mat 2.30pm

Best Discount for Patrons £5 off Tue and Wed eves Best Discount for Associates £3 off Tue eve Best Discount for Ambassador Friends £3 off Tue eve G E £

08448 717 650 (bkg fee) www.ambassadortickets.com/brighton

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IBSEN’S HIGHLY CHARGED MASTERPIECE, PRIOR TO THE WEST END

‘A trio of wondrous performances’ The Guardian

Brenda Blethyn

‘The writing is sublime. Quirky and clever, lush and perfumed’ The Daily Telegraph

By Edna O’Brien starring Brenda Blethyn,

Niall Buggy and Beth Cooke

Haunted is a tale of obsession. A middle-aged man is captivated by a young woman who calls at the house, and his desperate attempts to engineer her return arouse his wife’s suspicions. A common story of foolish mid-life folly, perhaps – but is it real? Dreams and desire, passion and poetry mingle as these seemingly ordinary characters are brought poignantly to life. And as you’d expect from the legendary Edna O’Brien, there’s a heady dash of that old Irish magic she weaves so well.

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

‘Braham Murray’s emerald-brilliant production reveals Haunted to be a rich work. Blethyn gives an uncompromising performance’ The Independent

‘Brenda Blethyn is excellent. O’Brien’s language is beautifully chosen. An assured piece of theatre’ Metro 11

‘Blethyn and her co-stars rose to the challenge with bravura performances’

Rosamund Pike and Tim McInnerny star in

HEDDA GABLER

Tim McInnerny Robert Glenister

By Henrik Ibsen Directed by Adrian Noble

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

Mon 1 – Sat 6 March Eves 7.45pm Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm Best Discount for Patrons £5 off Mon & Tue eves Best Discount for Associates £5 off Mon eve Best Discount for Ambassador Friends £5 off Mon eve G E £

08448 717 650 (bkg fee) www.ambassadortickets.com/brighton

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

Rosamund Pike’s screen roles range from Bond villainess Miranda Frost in Die Another Day to Jane Bennet in Pride and Prejudice.

Most recently she played the title role in Madame De Sade at the Donmar, and dazzles in the new film An Education.

Tim McInnerny will always be Blackadder’s Lord Percy and Captain Darling but his many other screen credits include Spooks and Inspector George Gently. Also starring is Robert Glenister best known for his roles in Hustle and Spooks.

‘Ibsen’s magnificent play. Grips like a thriller’ The Daily Telegraph

Mon 8 – Sat 13 March Eves 7.45pm Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm Best Discount for Patrons 2 for 1 Mon & Tue eves Best Discount for Associates 2 for 1 Mon eve Best Discount for Ambassador Friends 2 for 1 Mon eve G E £

08448 717 650 (bkg fee) www.ambassadortickets.com/brighton

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

TOM CONTI RETURNS IN SPARKLING COMEDY

‘One of the most creative and inspiring pieces of entertainment I’ve ever witnessed’

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

The Sun

‘Eye-poppingly good’ Evening Standard

‘Mesmeric, spontaneous and unpretentious’ Metro

‘A fantastic night out’ Magic FM

by Les 7 Doigts de la Main (The 7 Fingers) Wed 17 – Sat 20 March Eves 7.45pm Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm In life, Dave Thursby was a hugely successful television comedian, loved by the public. In death, he leaves his wife, agent and close companions bereft. They are going to miss Dave terribly. Some of them may even be out of work. Unless, of course, the repeats, television specials, biographies and newspaper tell-alls can fill the vacuum.

And who is best placed to exploit the legacy?

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

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Best Discount for Patrons £5 off Wed & Thu eves Best Discount for Associates £5 off Wed eve Best Discount for Ambassador Friends £5 off Wed eve G £

08448 717 650 (bkg fee) www.ambassadortickets.com/brighton

Since taking the Edinburgh Festival by storm in 2007 and following it’s sell out success at Brighton Festival in 2008, the award-winning Traces returns to Brighton by public demand.

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

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

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

Thu 25 – Sat 27 March Eves 7.45pm Sat mat 2.30pm

08448 717 650 (bkg fee) www.ambassadortickets.com/brighton

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‘Blissfully funny. In short, a superb, life-enhancing play’ The Guardian

LAVISH REVIVAL OF THE MUSICAL CLASSIC DIRECT FROM THE WEST END ‘Deeply affecting. deliciously funny’ Time Out

‘One of the finest plays Alan Bennett has ever written.

This is a wonderful evening, as heartcatching as it is hilarious’ The Daily Telegraph

‘A major play by a writer I believe to be among the greatest of our time’ The Express

Gilbert and Sullivan’s

By Alan

Bennett

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

In Alan Bennett’s much-loved play, staffroom battles and the anarchy of adolescence provide a rich vein of comedy.

The History Boys opened in May 2004 at the National Theatre to rave reviews and a sell-out run and went on to become one of their biggest ever hits, winning no less than 30 major awards including both Olivier and Tony Awards for Best New Play. In 2005, a film was made with the entire original cast, many of whom have subsequently become household names. This will be the first major revival of the play since the original National Theatre production.

Alan Bennett is one of the most distinctive voices in British theatre. Wry and tender, his impeccably-observed plays include Talking Heads, Single Spies, Forty Years On, Habeas Corpus, The Madness of George III and The Lady in the Van. 15

Photograph Chris Pearsall

starring Paul Nicholas

‘A real G&S treat’ Mon 29 March - Sat 3 April Eves 7.45pm Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm Signed Performance Thu 1 April 7.45pm Best Discount for Patrons 2 for 1 Mon & Tue eves Best Discount for Associates 2 for 1 Mon eve Best Discount for Ambassador Friends 2 for 1 Mon eve G £

08448 717 650 (bkg fee) www.ambassadortickets.com/brighton

The London Metro

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

Orphaned pirates, flat-footed policemen and a bevy of blushing beauties (the daughters of Major General Stanley) are the perfect ingredients for a fabulous feast of Gilbert and Sullivan’s. Elegantly recreating the original period settings and costumes, this acclaimed production combines Sullivan’s ever-popular and sparkling score with what has to be the most topsy-turvy of all Gilbert’s plots. Venture with us into the swashbuckling world of Frederic the pirate apprentice, who – born on February 29th in a leap year – won’t ‘come of age’ until he is 84!

‘This visually delicious production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s pirate nonsense’ The Times

Tue 6 - Sat 10 April Eves 7.45pm Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm Best Discount for Patrons 2 for 1 Tue & Wed eves Best Discount for Associates 2 for 1 Tue eve Best Discount for Ambassador Friends 2 for 1 Tue eve G E £

08448 717 650 (bkg fee) www.ambassadortickets.com/brighton

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ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS LOVE STORIES IN MUSICAL HISTORY

THE MOST TERRIFYING LIVE THEATRE EXPERIENCE IN THE WORLD!

‘Don’t go unless you like being scared out of your wits’ Sunday Mirror

‘The audience were jumping out of their seats’

Mark Evans

The Observer Including the songs

‘Imaginative and hideously real’

Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin, The Surrey with the Fringe on Top, People Will Say We’re in Love, Many a New Day, I Cain't Say No and Oklahoma

From the producers of such massive touring hits as South Pacific, 42nd Street, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and many more comes a brand new revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic musical Oklahoma!

Oklahoma! was the first collaboration between Rodgers and Hammerstein - who went on to create Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I and The Sound of Music. Set on America’s Western Frontier, against a background of conflict between farmers and cattlemen, Oklahoma! perfectly integrates song and dance to tell the tale of farm girl Laurey and the two rivals for her affections, happy-go-lucky cowboy Curly and the sinister farm hand Jud. Cast includes Mark Evans, as Curley, (runner up in the BBC’s Your Country Needs You, the search for a singer to represent Britain in the Eurovision song contest). Mark has a string of musical theatre credits to his name including Spamalot and Wicked in the West End and he played the global heart-throb Troy Bolton in the London cast of High School Musical.

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Tue 13 – Sat 17 April Eves 7.45pm Wed Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm Best Discount for Patrons £5 off Tue & Wed eves Best Discount for Associates £5 off Tue eve Best Discount for Ambassador Friends £5 off Tue eve G £

08448 717 650 (bkg fee) www.ambassadortickets.com/brighton

The Times

‘A truly nerve-shredding experience’ Daily Mail

Book now for the most terrifying live theatre experience in the world!

A lawyer, obsessed with a curse that he believes has been cast over him and his family by the spectre of a ‘Woman in Black’, engages a sceptical young actor to help him tell his terrifying story and exorcise the fear that grips his soul. It all begins innocently enough, but then, as they reach further into his darkest memories, they find themselves caught up in a world of eerie marshes and moaning winds. The borders between make-believe and reality begin to blur, and the flesh begins to creep.

Unanimously acclaimed by the critics, Stephen Mallatratt’s adaptation of Susan Hill’s best-selling novel combines the power and intensity of live theatre with a cinematic quality inspired by the world of film noir. Audiences are guaranteed an evening of unremitting tension as they are transported into a terrifying and ghostly world.

Watch the video trailer at www.thewomaninblack.com

Mon 19 – Sat 24 April Eves 7.45pm Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm Best Discount for Patrons 2 for 1 Mon & Tue eves Best Discount for Associates 2 for 1 Mon eve Best Discount for Ambassador Friends 2 for 1 Mon eve G E £

08448 717 650 (bkg fee) www.ambassadortickets.com/brighton

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KILLER THRILLER FROM THE UNDISPUTED QUEEN OF CRIME

COMING SOON NOW BOOKING!

‘A company that clearly understands and loves Christie’s work’ Windsor Express

Brighton Theatre Group presents

By Oscar

Wilde

Directed by Jamie Lloyd Beauty And The Beast arrives for the very first time at Theatre Royal Brighton, staged by local production company Brighton Theatre Group.

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

Emily French, an elderly woman who plans to leave her considerable estate to the charming young Leonard, is found dead. Murdered.

Though he protests his innocence, Leonard quickly becomes the prime suspect. His plea hinges on his wife’s testimony, until the sudden appearance of a mysterious young woman, bearing an unexpected clue. Will the truth be revealed in time or will Leonard be declared guilty at the hands of the Witness for the Prosecution?

In a world where everyone seems to be harbouring a dark secret, this gripping courtroom drama will keep you guessing until the final fatal moment.

‘The Agatha Christie Theatre Company always delivers a thrilling night out’ The Herald 19

An unforgettable trip into the magical world of Disney where romance and music, featuring Be Our Guest, A Tale As Old As Time, Gaston, Home, If I Can’t Love Her and the title song Beauty And The Beast, takes you into the enchanted and magical world of Disney.

A wonderful family musical for the half term school holiday.

Mon 26 April – Sat 1 May Eves 7.45pm Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm Signed Performance Wed 28 April 7.45pm

Music by Alan Menken Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Tim Rice Book By Linda Woolverton.

Best Discount for Patrons 2 for 1 Mon & Tue eves Best Discount for Associates 2 for 1 Mon eve Best Discount for Ambassador Friends 2 for 1 Mon eve G E £

08448 717 650 (bkg fee) www.ambassadortickets.com/brighton

This amateur production is presented by permission of Josef Weinberger Limited on behalf of Music Theatre International of New York Registered Charity no 258846

Tue 1 - Sat 5 June Eves 7.30pm Thu, Fri & Sat mats 2.30pm Family Ticket (4 tickets, min 2 children) £58

With the runaway successes of recent productions ENRON and 6 Characters in Search of an Author, Headlong has confirmed its reputation as one of the most exhilarating and provocative touring theatre companies in the country today.

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

Tue 15 – Sat 19 June Eves 7.45pm Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm

Best Discount for Patrons 2 for 1 Tue & Wed eves

Best Discount for Patrons £5 off Tue & Wed eves

Best Discount for Associates £5 off Tue eve

Best Discount for Associates £5 off Tue eve

Best Discount for Ambassador Friends £5 off Tue eve

Best Discount for Ambassador Friends £5 off Tue eve

G £

G E £

08448 717 650 (bkg fee)

08448 717 650 (bkg fee)

www.ambassadortickets.com/brighton

www.ambassadortickets.com/brighton

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COMEDY & ONE NIGHTERS

Count Arthur Strong

Stephen K Amos

COUNT ARTHUR STRONG The Man Behind The Smile Mon 1 February 7.30pm Following the smash-hit success of his BBC Radio 4 comedy series (Sony GOLD Award Winner - Best Radio Comedy 2009) and sell out tour, Count Arthur Strong, showbiz legend and raconteur, reminds us just what we’ve been missing since his last television series, The Robin Hood Club, was axed in 1960 something.

STEPHEN K AMOS

COMEDY & ONE NIGHTERS

Dave Gorman

DAVE GORMAN Sit Down Pedal Pedal Stop & Stand Up Tour Sun 14 March 8pm Dave Gorman is going back on the road. And when we say ‘on the road’ we really mean it.

This tour will see the intrepid comedian covering the extremes of the British mainland. Oh, and he’s going to do the whole thing on his push bike. With this show, Dave’s going back to his roots as a straight up, one-manand-a-mic stand-up.

‘The man is a true genius’ The Mirror

Sun 7 February 7.30pm Welcome to Stephen K Amos’ third solo stand-up comedy tour of the UK. He’s back with a brand new show for 2010.

It’s full to bursting with more fun, warmth, bonhomie and love than ever before.

Forget the credit crunch and welcome to the feelgood factor!

‘Born to entertain’ The Guardian 21

LEE MACK LIVE Mon 22 March 8pm Critically acclaimed BAFTAwinning comedian Lee Mack returns to the live stage with a hotly anticipated new show. Lee will be bringing his trademark brand of high energy banter, well crafted gags and sharp one-liners to Brighton as part of his biggest ever live stand-up tour.

Lee Mack

‘Lee Mack’s star continues to rise - go and see what all the fuss is about’ The Sunday Times

ONE MAN LORD OF THE RINGS Wed 24 March 7.30pm Charles Ross, creator of the hugely successful One Man Star Wars Trilogy, returns with his equally hilarious follow-up One Man Lord Of The Rings in which he recreates the enchanting world of Middleearth, armed with nothing more than a pair of elbow pads and his outrageous imagination. No props or costumes are required as Ross hurtles through the Tolkien trilogy in just 3,600 seconds of unbelievable kinetic entertainment.

‘If you liked The Lord Of The Rings trilogy, you’ll love Charlie Ross’ version - and if you didn’t, well, at least his is shorter’ Sir Ian McKellen The Lord Of The Rings and the characters, items, events and places therein are trademarks or registered trademarks of The Saul Zaentz Company d/b/a Tolkien Enterprises. All rights reserved.

One Man Lord Of The Rings

Katy Brand’s Big Ass Tour

KATY BRAND’S BIG ASS TOUR Sun 18 April 8pm Katy Brand is taking her Big Ass on Tour. Join the British Comedy Award Winner and star of ITV2’s Katy Brand’s Big Ass Show, Have I Got News For You and Peep Show, for an evening of anarchic comedy, celebrity satire, music spoofs and much, much more.

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

Recommended for ages 14+

ABBA GOLD Dancing Queens Sun 21 February 7.30pm The magical and sensational Abba Gold - Dancing Queens returns to Brighton.

Get those feet tapping, dig out your flares, wigs and platform heels and sing along to a two

Abba Gold

hour show jam packed with Abba classic hits, Waterloo, Dancing Queen, Mama Mia, Fernando and many more.

Live on stage a non-stop high energy performance from one of the leading Abba tribute bands who have been thrilling audiences since 1992.

A spectacular show for the whole family.

A Showtime Productions presentation with all profits to the Martlets Hospice

DEBBIE REYNOLDS Alive & Fabulous Sun 11 April 7.30pm A hilarious, touching and uplifting evening of music and comedy MGM legend and star of Singing in the Rain, The Unsinkable Molly Brown, That’s Entertainment, The Bodyguard, and Will and Grace, Debbie Reynolds celebrates an amazing 50 years of show business in this award-winning one woman show.

Debbie Reynolds

Featuring original MGM footage, Debbie salutes her glittering career, dishes the dirt on her many husbands and shares stories of her incredible life in song and dance.

WHO HAS TALENT? Sun 25 April 4pm Following the huge success of our local talent contest in 2008 and 2009, Reform Solutions (UK) Ltd is again in search of the best mix of local talent to take part in a Live Final Show. Now open to people of all ages and talents, from across the county the winning act will receive £500 prize money.

For more information email whohastalent@reformsolutions. co.uk. (All children under 16 will need to be accompanied by a responsible adult throughout the whole competition).

Sponsored by Reform Solutions www.reformsolutions.co.uk 01273 814777 22

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BANNER INFORMATION BOOKING Theatre Royal Brighton copy New Road Brighton BN1 1SD

Design swd.uk.com Print Aldridge Print Group

Box Office 08448 717 650 brightonboxoffice @theambassadors.com Groups Hotline 08448 717 617 groups@theambassadors.com Access Bookings 08448 717 677 Facsimile 01273 764412

This publication was produced to ISO14001 Environmental Management System standard and 95% of the waste created during the process was recycled. The materials used included vegetable oil inks, elemental chlorine free pulp and fibre from PEFC managed forests. The PEFC provides an assurance mechanism to purchasers of wood and paper products that they are promoting the sustainable management of forests.

www.ambassadortickets.com/ brighton

23

* Prices are subject to up to a £2 booking fee online

BOX OFFICE Telephone bookings Open Mon - Sat 9am - 10pm.

Sun 10am - 8pm.

Group bookings Open Mon -Thu 9am - 6.30pm.

Fri 9am - 6pm.

Sat 10am - 4pm.

In person only Box Office in the Theatre foyer open Mon - Sat 10am - 8pm. Open 11am Wed due to staff training. Closes 6pm when no performance that day. Open 2 hours prior to start of performance Sun. BOOKING A transaction fee of £2.75 will be added to all telephone, email, postal and fax bookings, excluding Friends and Group bookings, except for productions marked* where a per ticket fee of £3 and £1 postage charge will apply. Reserve and pay within 4 working days. Cheques payable to Theatre Royal Brighton Ltd. Send to: Box Office, Theatre Royal Brighton, New Road, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 1SD, with an SAE. Tickets are non-refundable. Please note bookings cannot be exchanged (excluding Friends of Theatre Royal Brighton) or money refunded under any circumstance.

SPECIAL OFFER KEY

G

Groups

Groups of 10 or more enjoy £4 off Price Bands A & B for some Mon -Thu eve performances and Sat mats and pay as little as £16 for best available seats for some midweek mats.

Different rates apply to some shows.

For details call the Groups Hotline.

E

Schools, under 16 years

School parties of 10 or more pay £8 each for most Mon - Wed eves and midweek mats (excluding price band

A). Every 11th seat free for teachers.

Different rates apply to some shows.

Education workshops may be available with these shows. For details call the Groups Hotline.

£

Buy More, Pay Less Scheme

Theatre-going has never been such good value, as Theatre Royal Brighton rewards you for coming more often with our fantastic Buy More, Pay Less Scheme*.

Simply buy seats for 2 or more shows at the same time to save. Book for 2 shows and save £2 per ticket, book for 3 shows and save £3 per ticket or book for 4 shows and save £4 per ticket * Available Mon - Thu & Sat mats, on shows of 1 week or more duration marked with the £ symbol. All tickets must be booked at the same time. Where the number of tickets varies, discount applies to the minimum number purchased. Cannot be used with any other offer.

CONCESSIONS Under 16s, full-time students, registered unemployed, over 60s or the retired get £2 off each seat for most Mon - Thu eves and mats. People with disabilities and their companion are entitled to £5 off any seat. Please book in advance. Discounts subject to availability, one discount per ticket excluding booking fee. * We reserve the right to limit or vary any advertised prices or discounts.

GENERAL STANDBY A £11 standby ticket in the Gallery can be purchased 1 hour before the performance, subject to availability.

Please contact the Box Office.

EQUAL ACCESS Please advise us in advance of any special needs you or any of your guests may require. The Box Office staff will be happy to help in any way they can and to offer advice at the time of booking – all wheelchairs spaces must be reserved at the time of booking.

The Stalls, Stalls Bar and an adapted toilet are accessible to wheelchair users A Sennheiser Infra-red system is available for the hearing impaired. There are a limited number of headsets which should be booked in advance at the Box Office.

Hearing dogs and guide dogs are welcome in the Theatre.

Please inform the Box Office at the time of booking.

BOOK YOUR PROGRAMMES AND ICE CREAMS IN ADVANCE WHEN BUYING YOUR TICKETS! There are free-non-reserved parking spaces available very close to the Theatre on New Road for blue badge holders.

Patrons with disabilities and their escort are entitled to £5 off all performances

£

For our deaf and hard of hearing patrons please use Type Talk, which is a free service provided by the RNID and BT. (You only pay for the call to the venue).

18001 0871297 5477 (textphone user) 18002 0871297 5477 (hearing person) An Access leaflet is available.

Please call 01273 764400 Gift Vouchers make an ideal present and are on sale at the Box Office from £1 upwards.

PLEASANT PARKING The closest car park is the NCP Theatre Car Park in Church Street where evening visitors to the Theatre can enjoy a flat rate of £7 (after 6pm and mid week matinees). When you enter the car park, take a ticket from the entrance barrier and bring this ticket to the Theatre. Simply insert your parking ticket into the special validation machine and it will recode the discount for you. Any price increases on parking fees are solely at the discretion of NCP

The information in this brochure was correct at the time of going to press. Theatre Royal Brighton reserve the right to alter the advertised programme or facilities if necessary and apologises for any inconvenience this may cause. Children under 5 will not be admitted to Theatre Royal Brighton except for family and children’s shows. Children aged 1 year + must have a paid ticket.

Data Protection Theatre Royal Brighton is managed by Theatre Royal Brighton Ltd, part of the Ambassador Theatre Group. We would like to add or retain your details on our lists to keep you informed about future events, special offers and other developments. We also look to secure information and special offers for our customers from other organisations. You will be asked whether you want to receive any of this information the next time you book. If you do not want to receive information from ourselves and/or third parties or have any queries contact Michelle Shipley in the Marketing Department on 01273 764410.

Great discounts available on shows marked with a £ See opposite page for details Price Band Peter Pan Various times

A £24

B

C

£22.50 £18.50

D £15

S £27

Never Forget Wed - Sat eves & Sat 4pm £29.50 £26.50 £23.50 £20.50 Thu & Fri 5pm £21 £18 £15 £12

£32.50 £24

Dancing in the Streets Mon -Thu eves £23.50 £21.50 Fri early £18 £18 Fri & Sat eves £25.50 £23.50 Sat mat £19 £19

£26.50 £21 £28.50 £22

£18.50 £14 £19.50 £15

£15.50 £14 £15.50 £15

Spike Milligan’s Adolf Hitler My Part in his Downfall Mon - Thu eves Fri & Sat eves Thu & Sat mats

£24 £25 £20

£21 £22 £18

£19 £20 £15

£15 £16 £13

£27 £28 £23

Present Laughter Mon - Thu eves & Sat mat Fri & Sat eves Thu mat

£24 £26 £23

£21 £23 £20

£18 £20 £16

£16 £16 £13

£27 £28 £26

Rambert Wed - Thu eves & Sat mat Fri & Sat eves Thu mat Moscow City Ballet Eves Wed & Sat mats

£22 £24 £18

£31 £26

£20 £22 £18

£27 £21

£17 £20 £16

£22 £18

£11 £11 £11

£18 £15

£25 £27 £21

£34 £29

Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime Mon - Thu eves & Sat mat Fri & Sat eves Thu mat

£24 £25 £20

£21 £22 £18

£19 £20 £15

£15 £16 £13

£27 £28 £23

Haunted Mon - Thu eves & Sat mat Fri & Sat eves Thu mat

£26 £27 £20

£24 £25 £20

£20 £21 £17

£17 £18 £17

£29 £30 £23

Hedda Gabler Mon - Thu eves & Sat mat Fri & Sat eves Thu mat

£26 £27 £20

£24 £25 £20

£20 £21 £17

£17 £18 £17

£29 £30 £23

Wife After Death!

Wed - Thu eves & Sat mat Fri & Sat eves Thu mat

£24 £26 £23

£21 £23 £20

£18 £20 £16

£16 £16 £13

£27 £28 £26

Traces All perf s

£19

£19

£19

£19

£19

The History Boys Mon - Thu eves & Sat mat Fri & Sat eves Thu mat

£26 £27 £20

£24 £25 £20

£20 £21 £17

£17 £18 £17

£29 £30 £23

The Pirates of Penzance Eves Thu mat Sat mat

£26 £19 £24

£24 £17 £20

£17 £15 £16

£14 £13 £13

£29 £22 £27

Price Band

A

B

C

D

S

Oklahoma!

Tue - Thu eves & Sat mat Fri & Sat eves Wed & Thu mats

£27 £29 £23

£25 £27 £23

£22 £24 £18

£19 £21 £18

£30 £32 £26

The Woman in Black Mon - Thu eves Fri & Sat eves Thu mat Sat mat

£23 £25 £18 £19

£21 £23 £18 £19

£18 £19 £13 £17

£15 £16 £13 £15

£26 £28 £21 £22

Witness For The Prosecution Mon - Thu eves & Sat mat Fri & Sat eves Thu mat

£24 £25 £20

£21 £22 £18

£19 £20 £15

£15 £16 £13

£27 £28 £23

Beauty & The Beast Tue - Thu eves & Sat mat Fri & Sat eves Thu & Fri mats

£22 £23 £17.50

£20 £21 £17.50

£17 £18 £15

£14 £15 £15

£24 £25 £20

Salome Tue - Thu eves & Sat mat Fri & Sat eves Thu mat

£23 £25 £20

£20 £22 £18

£17 £19 £15

£14 £16 £13

£26 £28 £23

One Nighters Count Arthur Strong

£16

£16

£16

£16

*Stephen K Amos

£17.50

£17.50

£17.50

£17.50

*Dave Gorman

£19.50

£19.50

£19.50

£19.50

Abba Gold

£21

£21

£16

£11

*Lee Mack

£19.50

£19.50

£19.50

£19.50

One Man Lord Of The Rings

£16

£16

£14

£14

Debbie Reynolds Alive & Fabulous

£28

£28

£28

£28

£19.50

£19.50

£19.50

£19.50

*Katy Brand’s Big Ass Tour

Seating Plan

£25

Price Band S relates to Superior seats located in the front row of the Royal Circle Some seating plans may vary from this standard example. Please ask for details when booking Restoration Fund We will donate £1 on your behalf to the Restoration Fund