Regent Theatre & Victoria Hall Stoke Autumn 2011 by Ambassador Theatre Group

best new mus ical comes t stoke-o o ntrent (Olivier

Awards

2011)

includes Victoria Hall season autumn 2011 Box Office 0844 871 7649 (fees apply)

www.ambassadortickets. com/stoke (fees apply)

production dates

corporate membership & Sponsorship Diamond

Welcome to our unmissable autumn season for 2011.

Don’t Forget

I’m delighted that the triple Olivier award-winning Legally Blonde The Musical will be coming to Stoke-onTrent as part of its UK Tour. Based on the hit movie starring Reese Witherspoon, this all-singing, all-dancing, feel-good musical comedy will be the must-see theatrical event of the year and the most fashionable ticket in town.

Gold

starring

keith jack tue 12 - sun 17 jul Ambassador Theatre Group

silver Church Lane Physiotherapy Clinic Johnsons Printers Knights llp Recognition Express Stanley Circus Casino bronze Beating Heart Alton Towers Social Club Hanley Building Society Hulme Upright Manning KJD Freeth LLP North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry

The Corporate Membership Scheme at The Regent Theatre and The Victoria Hall is sponsored by

The Regent Theatre and Victoria Hall are operated by the Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG), who have a total of 39 venues across the UK, including 12 in the West End, and 27 regionally. ATG’s impressive portfolio of West End theatres includes Apollo Victoria, Comedy, Donmar Warehouse, Duke of York’s, Fortune, Lyceum, Phoenix, Piccadilly, Playhouse, Savoy, Trafalgar Studio 1 and Trafalgar Studio 2. ATG’s regional theatres include Aylesbury Waterside Theatre; New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham; Theatre Royal Brighton; Bristol Hippodrome; Churchill Theatre Bromley; Edinburgh Playhouse; Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone; King’s Theatre and Theatre Royal, Glasgow; Grimsby Auditorium; Liverpool Empire; Palace Theatre and Opera House, Manchester; Milton Keynes Theatre; New Theatre, Oxford; Richmond Theatre; Southport Theatre; Regent Theatre and Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent; Sunderland Empire; Princess Theatre, Torquay; New Wimbledon Theatre and New Wimbledon Studio; The Ambassadors Woking encompassing the New Victoria and Rhoda McGaw Theatres and the award-winning Ambassador Cinemas; Grand Opera House, York. ATG is also one of the country’s foremost theatre producers, in Britain and internationally. Current and recent ATG co-productions include The Misanthrope starring Damian Lewis and Keira Knightley; Legally Blonde, West Side Story, Guys and Dolls, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard, Spamalot and South Pacific.

This brochure is printed on responsibly sourced FSC paper. Please continue to help the environment by recycling it.

Our friends at Glyndebourne on Tour perform one of the most popular operas of all time in December, the sublime La bohème; Stoke-On-Trent favourite Matthew Bourne returns with Nutcracker! and get ready for a rollercoaster ride as All the Fun of the Fair arrives in town just in time to celebrate Bonfire Night! For more than a decade Regent Theatre pantomimes have become an essential part of Christmas and have sparkled with all the magical ingredients that make our pantos the biggest and best in the region.

Legally blonde

For one night only

don’t miss

For one night only

Fame

respect la diva

for one night only

the jungle book

Over the rainbow

a Christmas carol

All the fun of the fair

For one night only

An inspector calls

For one night only

Nutcracker

For one night only

Rock ‘n’ roll heaven

For one night only

glyndebourne

This year, we’re excited to announce that EastEnders and I’m A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here star Joe Swash and a new creative team will be joining us for a brand-new production of Aladdin. But our panto mission remains the same – to provide a traditional family pantomime packed with sensational songs, sparkling sets and lots of laughs!

aladdin

for one night only

coming soon

stoke-on-trent festival

spamalot

All of us look forward to welcoming you to The Regent Theatre and Victoria Hall soon.

South pacific

Creative learning

Best wishes Mike Keane General Manager

Other events

the potteries museum & art gallery

booking information

ambassador friends

Follow us on Twitter for the latest news and gossip, or become a fan on Facebook for pictures, videos,event details and exclusive offers! facebook.com/ RegentTheatreandVictoriaHall twitter.com/RegandVic

SOUTH PAcific tue 6 - sat 17 mar

winner! best new musical 20 11 Olivier Awards ‘simply blows other musicals out of the water. SENSATIONAL’

Starring

West End legend

Dave Willetts as Callaghan

The Sun

★★★★

neil toon

‘Smart, sassy, SPECTACULAR’

(hollyoaks) as Warner

The Daily Telegraph

★★★★

‘Hysterically funny’ The Mail On Sunday

For the first time ever, the West End & Broadway sensation, 2011 Olivier Award-winner (Best New Musical) and winner of Best New Musical Whatsonstage.com Awards, Legally Blonde The Musical comes to Stoke-on-Trent. Based on the hit movie starring Reese Witherspoon, this critically-acclaimed new musical is created by a top-of-their-class creative team, led by Tony Award-winning director and Olivier Award-nominated choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Hairspray). College sweetheart and homecoming queen Elle Woods doesn’t take no for an answer. So when her boyfriend, Warner, dumps her for someone serious, Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and heads for Harvard Law School. Legally Blonde The Musical will take you from the social whirl of California Campus life to Harvard’s Halls of Justice with the brightest new heroine (and of course, her Chihuahua, Bruiser). This all-singing, all-dancing, feel-good musical comedy will be the highlight of your year and the most fashionable ticket in town. The verdict? This much fun shouldn’t be legal!

‘Perfection’ The Independent

★★★★★ Time out

and introducing

faye brookes as Elle

Tue 20 sep - sat 1 oct Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm BSLIP Wed 21 Sep 7.30pm tickets £19.50 - £39.50 Premium seats up to £49.50 Ambassador Friends Tue 20, Fri 23 & Mon 26 half-price on price bands S, A & B Wed 21 - Fri 23 Sep £5 off price bands S, A & B group rates Available for 10+ call 0844 871 7619 for details

0844 871 7649 (fees apply) www.ambassadortickets.com/stoke Original poster concept designed by Aka. Photo Uli Webber.

(fees apply)

FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY AT THE REGENT THEATRE RT & VICTORIA HALL VH VARSITY PRO WRESTLING SAT 20 AUG & TUE 25 OCT 7.30pm Tickets £13.50 - £16

GRIPPING and powerful DRAMA

The Comedy Theatre Company Presents

Bill Kenwright by special arrangement with Agatha Christie LTD presents

Under 16s £11 VH The UK’s number one sports entertainment company Varsity Pro Wrestling presents an explosive night of wrestling action, as they come to Hanley for the very first time. The show features the UK’s top wrestling stars as well as former superstars of the WWE and TNA.

ALAN CARR Plus support TUE 6 SEP 8pm Tickets £28.50 Recommended for ages 15+ VH

cast includes Susan Penhaligon Robert Duncan Peter Byrne Elizabeth Power Lyndon Ogbourne and MARK WYNTER

Dining Club ask box office for details Star of Channel 4’s Alan Carr Chatty Man returns to the road for his first UK Tour in over 4 years. Come and join Alan as he tries out new material for his forthcoming 33-date UK and Ireland arena tour.

LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU Starring JK as Robbie Williams FRI 9 SEP 7.30pm Tickets £19.50 FRIENDS £2 off RT Its back! Following last year’s One Night of Robbie Williams, JK returns with the explosive stage show celebrating the music of Robbie. With fantastic stage sets, a huge cast of musicians, singers and dancers and incredible use of video projection, this show is the biggest production in the world celebrating Stoke-On-Trent’s finest export. Recognised as the world’s number one Robbie Williams impersonator, JK has played to over 2.3 million people live in over 15 countries. The show covers both pop and swing from Robbie’s incredible catalogue of hits.

A superb cast includes Susan Penhaligon, a prolific stage actress more recently known to TV audiences as Jean Hope in Emmerdale, Robert Duncan who played Gus Hedges in the multi award-winning comedy Drop the Dead Donkey, Peter Byrne, fondly known for Dixon of Dock Green, Elizabeth Power whose most notable television role was her portrayal of Christine Hewitt in BBC’s Eastenders and 60’s pop idol Mark Wynter.

numberjacks sun 11 sep 2.30pm Tickets £13 Children £10 RT THE AWARD-WINNING CHILDREN’S TV FAVOURITES LIVE ON STAGE FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME! Join the TV superheroes as they leave the sofa and embark on their first live adventure – and help them solve problems as they go! But watch out for the dastardly Meanies, who do all they can to get in the way...

book now 0844 871 7649 (bkg fee)

starring

andrew dunn & sue devaney Andrew Dunn and Sue Devaney from the original TV series star as Tony and Jane and are joined by Bren, Dolly, Jean, Twinkle, Anita, caretaker Stan, Phillippa from Human Resources and Bren’s dreadful mother, Petula. Together they will take you into the wonderful and sometimes weird world of the staff canteen of HWD Electronics. Come back for a second helping of – dinnerladies.

mon 25 - sat 30 jul Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm Audio described performance Fri 7.30pm

mon 1 - sat 6 aug Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm Audio described performance Fri 7.30pm

tickets £14.50 - £27 Premium seats up to £27

tickets £12 - £29 Premium seats up to £32

Ambassador Friends Mon half-price on price bands S, A & B, Tue - Thu eves £5 off price bands S, A & B

Ambassador Friends Mon half-price on price bands S, A & B, Tue - Fri eves £5 off price bands S, A & B

group rates available for 10+ call 0844 871 7619 for details

2009 cast pictured

STAGE EXPERIENCE 2011 PRESENTS

FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY AT THE REGENT THEATRE RT & VICTORIA HALL VH

POP’S ULTIMATE DIVAS

jimmy carr laughter therapy wed 14 sep 8pm Tickets £26 Recommended for ages 16+ VH Dining Club ask box office for details Since the turn of the century Jimmy Carr has been a ‘fun slinger’ of international repute. If you’ve got a sick sense of humour then maybe laughter is the best medicine. Not to be taken if you have a sensitive disposition or an overactive moral compass.

Marty Wilde & The Wildcats BORN TO ROCK AND ROLL ... thu 15 sep 7.30pm Tickets £20 VH One of the greatest names of 50s and 60s music looks back at a career spanning over fifty years of Rock and Roll. Join Marty as he presents a stunning evening of rock memories from his own vaults, and also pays homage to friends who helped shape the nature of British Rock and Roll.

kate rusby wed 21 sep 7.30pm Tickets £22.50 VH The defining voice of contemporary English Folk Music, Kate Rusby’s exquisite interpretations of traditional songs and finely-wrought self-penned tunes have won her an audience that reaches beyond the genre. A rare achievement for a folk artist.

the drifters in concert fri 23 sep 7.30pm Tickets £26 FRIENDS £3 off VH As one of the biggest-selling groups of all time, The Drifters has featured over 65 different vocalists in almost six decades. The current recording line-up perform new material alongside the group’s greatest hits including Under The Boardwalk, Up On The Roof and many more.

dominic kirwan through the years thu 6 oct 7.30pm Tickets £16 - £18 FRIENDS £5 off VH One of the finest performers Ireland has ever produced comes to The Victoria Hall with his brand new show Through the Years. Dominic and his band take a refreshingly new look at the finest country, pop and traditional Irish music, all complimented with his show-stopping ballads.

book now 0844 871 7649 (bkg fee)

120 of the region’s most talented youngsters have been chosen to create and star in this extraordinary show of the hit musical Fame. The budding stage stars have had just two weeks to create this full-scale production. Fame follows the exciting journey of a group of New York Performing Arts Academy students from their very first auditions right through to their graduation. The classic 80s music will transport you back to a world of leg warmers and big hair where you will experience the highs and lows of the student’s path to fame. Will they all make it? Either way, the show is guaranteed to have you dancing with it’s spectacular finale!

’i want to see my name in lights’ Fame is an amateur performance by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Ltd. Music by Steven Margoshes, lyrics by Jacques Levy, book by Jose Fernandez, and title song by Dean Pitchford and Michael Gore. Based on a concept by David DeSilva.

EX T PE A RI G EN E CE

THU 18 – SAT 20 AUG Thu – Sat eves 7pm Sat mat 1.30pm tickets £9.50 - £11.50

From the creator of the West End hit show Thriller Live - Respect La Diva is a powerful, entertaining and uplifting musical revue paying tribute to some of the greatest female singers of all-time. This 2-hour celebration stars a cast of major UK acts, West End singers, dancers and a live band whom pay homage to the legendary talents of Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Etta James, Shirley Bassey, Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Dusty Springfield and many more great divas along the way. Hosted by X-Factor finalist Andy Abrahams, you’ll see each iconic Diva inducted into our Hall of Fame via a glitzy multi-media spectacular concert featuring Denise Pearson (Five Star), Katy Setterfield (winner of BBC’s ‘The One & Only’), Zoe Birkett (Pop Idol), a live band, children’s choir and an energetic dance troupe to keep you on your toes.

Fri 14 & Sat 15 Oct Fri - Sat eves 7.30pm tickets £19.50 - £25.50 Ambassador Friends £5 off price bands S, A & B 8

FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY AT THE REGENT THEATRE RT & VICTORIA HALL VH

A wild adventure for the whole family

grimethorpe colliery band Brassed Off 15th Anniversary Concert sun 9 oct 7pm Tickets £18 - £19.50 VH The real stars of the hit movie Brassed Off, the Grimethorpe Colliery Band celebrate the 15th anniversary of the classic film with popular tracks from the movie along with favourite classics. Having won almost every brass band accolade, these musicians are a must-see.

soweto gospel choir African Grace wed 12 oct 7.30pm Tickets £19.50 - £26.50 FRIENDS £5 off VH Heralded as the most exciting group to emerge in World Music in recent years, the two-time Grammy Award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir returns with a brand new show African Grace. Through its renowned vocal harmonies the choir has become a worldwide phenomenon.

sensational 60’s experience THE TREMELOES, HERMAN’S HERMITS, THE UNION GAP uk & THE DREAMERS

fri 14 oct 7.30pm Tickets £20.50 - £22 FRIENDS £5 off VH Original classics performed by four of the most influential bands of their time and hosted by Alan Mosca. Packed with nostalgia and hits such as Silence is Golden, Twist and Shout, I’m Into Something Good, Something Is Happening, Young Girl, Lady Willpower and You Were Made For Me.

‘animal magic!’

★★★★ BIRMINGHAM mail

puppetry of the penis in 3D Sat 15 Oct 7.30pm Tickets £18.50 FRIENDS £2 off Suitable for ages 16+ VH The astonishing ancient Australian art of genital origami Puppetry of the Penis is back with a brand-new show and now amazingly in 3D. This is a show nut to be missed! This is a non sexual show featuring full male nudity. ‘Dementedly good fun’ Vanity Fair

BOWLING FOR SOUP PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS suburban legend and orange sun 23 oct Doors 7pm Tickets £19.50 VH Best known for their singles Girl All the Bad Guys Want, Almost, High School Never Ends, and 1985, pop-punk band Bowling for Soup make their Victoria Hall debut. Under 14’s must be accompanied by an adult.

The Birmingham Stage Company is proud to present Rudyard Kipling’s classic story about Mowgli, a young boy who is raised in the jungle by a family of wolves. When Shere Khan the tiger swears to kill the child, Baloo and Bagheera agree to take the boy to the man village for his safety. But the jungle holds dangers and surprises for them all – and Mowgli’s extraordinary adventure has just begun... If you’re looking for a magnificent experience for all the family, then don’t miss this acclaimed production of Kipling’s timeless story!

★★★★ ‘This exhilarating, rip-roaring show ticks all the boxes for a great family treat’ Time Out See a trailer of the show at www.birminghamstage.com

book now 0844 871 7649 (bkg fee)

tue 18 - sat 22 oct Tue 7pm, Wed & Thu 10.30am & 1.30pm, Fri 10.30am & 7pm Sat 2.30pm & 7pm tickets £12 - £16 Ambassador Friends Tue half-price on price bands S, A & B. Wed - Fri £3 off price bands S, A & B group rates available for 10+ call 0844 871 7619 for details

0844 871 7649 (fees apply) www.ambassadortickets.com/stoke (fees apply)

AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL ABOUT THE LEGENDARY ARTIST

North Staffs Operatic Society presents

roll on up, see the main attraction, get your money ready, let’s take a ride

The

Eva Cassidy Story

‘BEST NEW WEST END MUSICAL 2010’ What’s On Stage Nomination

Over the Rainbow Starring a celebrity cast to be announced Written by Brian Langtry Directed by Stephen Leatherland Over The Rainbow is a compelling musical celebrating the profound beauty and talent of Eva Cassidy. Following her life through dramatic scenes and stunning live renditions of her most cherished songs, this award-winning show has received plaudits from the Eva Cassidy Band, members of the Cassidy family and contains projection and original footage from Eva’s life. From its first performance in 2004, Over The Rainbow has moved people immensely with sell-out performances and standing ovations throughout the UK and Europe. Not just a must-see for all Eva Cassidy fans, this a show for anyone who has lost someone they love. Sun 23 Oct & Mon 24 Oct Sun - Mon eves 7.30pm tickets £18.50 - £19.50 Ambassador Friends £7.50 off price bands S, A & B 11

‘genuinely touching... well worth a spin’

Charles Dickens’ classic gets the full Broadway treatment, thanks to the marvellously told story, and the Menken/ Ahrens score filled with beautiful melodies and emotional lyrics. Directed by Martyn Knight with musical direction by Liz Talbot ‘A Christmas Carol’ retains its emotional power and pure joy and will bring you ... a Dickens of a Christmas!

‘A tonic for adults, a transfixing journey for children’ This production is given by kind permission of Josef Weinberger Ltd.

tue 15 - sat 19 nov Tue - Sat eves 8pm Sat mat 2.30pm tickets £10.50 – £15

the daily telegraph

Following a record-breaking West End season at the Garrick Theatre where it was nominated for Best New West End Musical 2010 by ‘What’s On Stage’, David Essex and Boogie Nights creator Jon Conway invite you to a rollercoaster ride of a musical, underscored by a helter-skelter of David Essex hits such as: Winter’s Tale, Hold Me Close, Gonna Make You A Star, Me And My Girl - Nightclubbing, Silver Dream Machine, and Rock On. Inspired by David’s album, All The Fun Of The Fair, David plays fun fair owner Levi Lee, recently widowed and father of a rebellious teenage son. Like father like son, they’ll take you for a ride. Danger and mysticism lurk in the future, as predicted by the gypsy fortune teller who is in love with Levi. Dodgems and motorbikes, crafty cons and candy floss, fairground horses and fights, along with romance and rock and roll mean you’re sure to go on a rollercoaster of a ride, but beware, all is not always fun at the fair! ‘It’s a great night out’ Simon Bates, Radio Legend www.allthefunofthefairmusical.com Photo by Paul Marc Mitchell

tue 1 - sat 5 nov Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Sat mat 2.30pm tickets £15 -£30 Premium seats up to £35 Ambassador Friends Tue half-price on price bands S, A & B. Wed - Thu £5 off price bands S, A & B group rates available for 10+ call 0844 871 7619 for details

0844 871 7649 (fees apply) www.ambassadortickets.com/stoke (fees apply)

FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY AT THE REGENT THEATRE RT & VICTORIA HALL VH

the national theatre production banner winner of 19 major awards

gordon smith Beyond Belief mon 24 oct 7.30pm Tickets £21 VH Gordon Smith is widely accepted as one of the most accurate mediums in the world and his new show Beyond Belief offers the chance to see the man who has captivated audiences worldwide. Gordon is renowned for his ability to give exact names of people and places.

the vagina monologues featuring a Star cast tue 25 oct 7.30pm Tickets £19.50 FRIENDS £1.50 off RT Recommended for ages 16+ Eve Ensler’s hilarious Broadway and West End smash-hit is back, featuring a new all-star cast including the brilliant Tiana Benjamin (Eastenders), the stunning Louisa Lytton (Eastenders, The Bill) and the sensational Wendi Peters (Coronation Street, Celebrity Masterchef). This hilariously witty and moving collection of stories is an unmissable show for every generation - bring your mum, your best friend, your sister or even your gran – this is the ultimate girls night out… trust us!

j.b. priestley’s classic thriller

‘Laugh out loud FUNNY,’ The Independent ‘Fresh, and funny’ Daily Mail The Vagina Monologues donates a percentage of revenue from ticket sales to V-Day benefiting women’s charities across the world.

★★★★★ ‘dazzling’ mail on sunday 2010

beyond the barricade tHE UK’S LEADING MUSICAL THEATRE CONCERT wed 26 oct 7.30pm Tickets £19.50 FRIENDS £2 off RT This exciting show recreates original West End and Broadway musical theatre hits with amazing authenticity and features a cast of past principal performers from the West End production of Les Miserables and the recent 25th Anniversary Concert at the 02 Arena.

reginald d hunter SOMETIMES THE DEVIL TELLS THE TRUTH wed 26 oct 8pm Tickets £21 Recommended for ages 16+ VH Dining Club ask box office for details ‘One of the most brilliantly unpredictable comics in the country’ The Sunday Times returns to The Victoria Hall with his ‘perfect set’ The Guardian.

book now 0844 871 7649 (bkg fee)

From Stephen Daldry, the Oscar-nominated director of The Reader, The Hours and one of Britain’s best-loved films Billy Elliot, comes the magnificent production of J.B. Priestley’s classic thriller, An Inspector Calls – direct from its fourth West End season. Hailed as the theatrical event of our generation winning more awards than any other play in history, this landmark production from the National Theatre has thrilled audiences in the West End, on Broadway and throughout the world with its epic and wildly imaginative staging, raw emotion, evocative score, lashing rain and chilling suspense. When Inspector Goole arrives unexpectedly at the prosperous Birling family home, their peaceful dinner party is shattered by his investigations into the death of a young woman. His startling revelations shake the very foundations of their lives and challenge us all to examine our consciences. Photographs from previous casts

TUE 8 - SAT 12 NOV Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed, Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm tickets £12 - £26 Premium seats up to £31 Schools rates available earlybird ticket offer Book before 31 Aug and save £5! (Price bands A & B). Ambassador Friends Tue eve half-price on price bands S, A & B, Wed & Thu eve £5 off price bands S, A & B

0844 871 7649 (fees apply) www.ambassadortickets.com/stoke (fees apply)

FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY AT THE REGENT THEATRE RT & VICTORIA HALL VH

‘A DAZZLING EXTRAVAGANZA’ daily telegraph

sarah millican Thoroughly Modern Millican thu 27 oct 8pm Tickets £21 Recommended for ages 16+ RT After selling out all 120 dates on her debut tour, Sarah Millican is back on the road and returns with a new show. Ever wondered how to make a home-made treadmill? The practicalities of an orgy? Or what to do when you don’t like parties but do like party food? Wonder no more.

judy and liza sat 29 oct 7.30pm Tickets £18.50 - £20.50 FRIENDS £5 off RT This dazzling production tells the turbulent tales of Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli against the backdrop of their infamous 1964 London Palladium concert. West End stars Lucy Williamson and Emma Dears belt out their most famous hits with uncanny accuracy and bursting with elusive star quality.

Matthew Bourne’s

the hollies sun 30 oct 7.30pm Tickets £21.50 - £23.50 FRIENDS £5 off RT

Music by

Tchaikovsky

With more hits than The Beatles, The Hollies helped shape the world of Pop and Rock as we know it today. No support is needed as they perform their classics The Air That I Breathe, Bus Stop, Carrie Anne, He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother and many more.

A new adventures production

sally morgan psychic sally on the road mon 31 oct 7.30pm Tickets £23.50 RT Fresh from her new Sky Living TV series - Psychic Sally On The Road, Britain’s best-loved celebrity psychic, Sally Morgan returns by public demand. Her reputation has been built from her close relationship with many high profile celebrities including the late Princess Diana.

elo experience THE ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA’S GREATEST HITS fri 4 nov 7.30pm Tickets £19 FRIENDS £5 off VH The ELO Experience pay tribute to one of the world’s best known and greatest recording bands – the Electric Light Orchestra. Don’t miss this chance to hear their classic songs such as Living Thing, Telephone Line, Wild West Hero and Mr Blue Sky live.

book now 0844 871 7649 (bkg fee)

One of the most popular dance productions ever staged in the UK, Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker! returns to The Regent Theatre to celebrate its 20th anniversary for one week only. This delicious theatrical feast has family-sized helpings of Matthew Bourne’s trademark wit, pathos and magical fantasy. Nutcracker! follows Clara’s bittersweet journey from a hilariously bleak Christmas Eve at Dr Dross’ Orphanage, through a shimmering, ice-skating winter wonderland to the scrumptious candy kingdom of Sweetieland. Tchaikovsky’s glorious score and Anthony Ward’s unforgettable sets and costumes combine with sizzling choreography to create a fresh and charmingly irreverent interpretation of the traditional favourite. Hailed by The Observer as ‘the undisputed king of dance theatre’, Matthew Bourne’s company New Adventures has produced some of the most successful dance productions of the last two decades including Swan Lake, Edward Scissorhands and last season’s hit, Cinderella. Photos Bill Cooper

‘a nutcracker that’s truly, truly scrumptious’ independent on sunday

TUE 22 – SAT 26 NOV Tue – Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm tickets £13 - £33 Premium seats up to £38 Ambassador Friends Tue eve, Wed mat & Sat eve half-price on price bands S, A & B Wed & Thu eve £5 off price bands S, A & B

0844 871 7649 (fees apply) www.ambassadortickets.com/stoke (fees apply)

FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY AT THE REGENT THEATRE RT & VICTORIA HALL VH

C’MON EVERYBODY. YOU’LL BE DANCING IN THE AISLES!

lee nelson well new tour thu 10 nov 8pm Tickets £23.50 Unsuitable for children VH Dining Club ask box office for details Hello you blurb readin’ legend! Its Lee Nelson here from off your tele and I’m coming to Stoke-on-Trent with my well new tour! I’m bringing my best mate and fat legend Omelette! So don’t be a mug - stop readin’ this rubbish and get yourself a ticket! Qwaliteeeeeee!

gilbert o’sullivan gilbertville tour sun 13 nov 8pm Tickets £28.50 - £36 FRIENDS £3 off VH Gilbert O’Sullivan has accumulated no less than fourteen top-forty hits, including Clair, Alone Again (Naturally), Get Down and Nothing Rhymed. His live performances showcase his tremendous musical abilities. He is joined on stage by his 11-piece band, including a string quartet.

dave spikey WORDS DON’T COME EASY TOUR fri 18 nov 7.30pm Tickets £19.50 VH Dining Club ask box office for details Dave’s hilarious new show examines situations in life where words really don’t come easy. These include tongue-tied parents explaining the facts of life, ridiculous newspaper stories, pathetic adolescent chat-up lines , and a selection of song lyrics that range from the lazy to the ridiculous.

‘real stars! real hits! a superb mix’

jools holland

belfast telegraph

AND HIS RHYTHM & BLUES ORCHESTRA wed 23 nov 7.30pm Tickets £35.50 Limited Availability! VH The King of boogie-woogie and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, bring their trademark party experience and stunning musical performances to The Victoria Hall. Featuring special guests Shane MacGowan, Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall, plus support from Christopher Holland.

bill bailey dandelion mind fri 25 nov 8pm Tickets £30.50 VH Dining Club ask box office for details Dandelion Mind is based loosely on the theme of doubt, plus barely contained rants about celebrity, TV, and Michael Winner. Bill demonstrates new instruments, he sings an internet love song, a lament about punk heroes, Iranian hip-hop and plays a mean folk-bouzouki.

This rock ’n’ roll extravaganza has one helluva line-up! Joining Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley in this heavenly gathering will be Del Shannon, Ricky Nelson, and Eddie Cochran. A non-stop parade of hits will feature million-sellers Runaway, Hats Off To Larry, Swiss Maid, So Long Baby, Keep Searchin’. All-time greats Poor Little Fool, It’s Late, Fools Rush In, Hello Mary-Lou, Travelling Man and Garden Party. Rock ’n’ roll anthems including Three Steps To Heaven, Something Else, Weekend and Come On Everybody. Plus all your favourites from back in the day. The legends live on and will have you dancing in the aisles.

‘Two hours of rock’n’roll paradise’ the observer

book now 0844 871 7649 (bkg fee)

TUe 29 nov – SAT 3 DEC Tues - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm tickets £10 - £24 Premium seats up to £29 Ambassador Friends Opening night half-price on price bands S, A & B Wed-Fri £5 off price bands S, A & B

0844 871 7649 (fees apply) www.ambassadortickets.com/stoke (fees apply)

FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY AT THE REGENT THEATRE RT & VICTORIA HALL VH

‘simply the greatest all-round opera experience available in this country’

BBC Music Magazine

roy chubby brown Live thu 15 dec 7.30pm Tickets £20 VH Britain’s most outrageous comedian, bar none! Laugh till it hurts as Chubby rips into his live audiences with a non-stop battering ram of laugh-out-loud comedy - guaranteed! Get the hottest ticket in town, but be warned - If easily offended please stay away!

ken dodd Happiness fri 16 dec 7.30pm Tickets £19 - £20 VH By jove, here is an evening full of laughter and songs from comic genius and showbiz legend Ken Dodd. Bringing his famous Happiness show to town, Ken will be dispensing liberal doses of his tickle tonic. You’re sure to be chortling all the way home!

80’s mania ‘DO YOU KNOW IT’S CHRISTMAS?’ LIVE TOUR thu 22 dec 7.30pm Tickets £17.50 - £19.50 FRIENDS £5 off VH Come and join the 1980’s Top of the Pops and Radio 1 celebrity, Mike Read as our roadshow video host. Kim Wilde, Madness,The Human League, Wham, Duran Duran are just some of the 25 artistes authentically re-created with dancers and band - Live in concert!

that’ll be the day BRAND-NEW 2011 CHRISTMAS SHOW fri 23 dec 7.30pm Tickets £20 - £22.50 FRIENDS £2 off VH The UK’s most successful touring rock ‘n’ roll production, the legendary That’ll Be The Day presents its brand-new Christmas Show. Trevor, Gary and the gang celebrate the festive season by bringing back the good times with a non-stop line up of all the best Christmas hits.

christmas with the rat pack wed 28 dec 7.30pm Tickets £13.50 - £25.50 FRIENDS £5 off VH Beat the winter blues with a special version of the hit show for the festive season! Take a trip back in time to the glamorous nights os Las Vegas with Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jnr. and Frank Sinatra. Seasonal classics include Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Winter Wonderland and Let it Snow, Let it Snow.

Puccini’s

La boheme

A genius of emotional manipulation, Puccini’s exploration of the joy, anguish and heartbreak of young love has become one of the most popular operas of all time. Glyndebourne on Tour returns to The Regent Theatre with David McVicar’s acclaimed production - a very modern love story which adds a worldly realism to Puccini’s heartbreaking score. Performed by some of the opera world’s brightest rising stars and wrapped in Glyndebourne’s trademark quality, this is a La bohème not to miss.

book now 0844 871 7649 (bkg fee)

Financial Times

wed 7 & sat 10 dec Wed & Sat eves 7.15pm tickets £17 - £39 Premium seats up to £56 Schools mat Fri 2pm, £5 please call 01782 213808 for more information

La bohème is sung in Italian with English supertitles

0844 871 7649 (fees apply) www.ambassadortickets.com/stoke Photography of La bohème by Mike Hoban

‘an early Christmas present... the perfect introduction to opera’

(fees apply)

This year our genie is making all your panto wishes come true with The Regent Theatre’s pantomime, the family-favourite ALADDIN! It’s the Christmas tradition you don’t want to miss.

December 2011

Joe Swash (Eastenders, King of the Jungle in 2008’s I’m a Celebrity... and presenter of CBBC’s Gimme A Break) tumbles onto the stage as the hilarious Wishee Washee in his Stoke-on-Trent theatre debut. Joe, alongside the beautiful Tara Wells who stars as the princess, joins The Regent Theatre to bring you a fantastically funny, traditional family pantomime packed with sensational songs, sparkling sets and, of course, lots of audience participation.

Sat 17 - 2.00

- 7.00

Sun 18 - 1.30

5.30 -

Featuring the most recognisable characters in panto, including our hero Aladdin, the beautiful princess, the evil sorcerer, and the ultimate dame Widow Twankey, Aladdin is sure to make Christmas 2011 one to remember for the whole family. Will Aladdin win the heart of the princess? Can he defeat the evil sorcerer? Will the genie of the lamp grant all his wishes? Dust off your magic lamp, hop on your magic carpet and get your tickets for the region’s favourite panto to find out! If you only ask your genie for one thing this year, make it a trip to see Aladdin!

Thu 15 10.30 S - - 7.00 Fri 16 10.30 S - - 7.00

Mon 19 No Performances Tue 20 10.30 S - - 7.00 Wed 21 - 2.00 - 7.00 Thu 22 - 2.00 - 7.00 Fri 23 - 2.00 - 7.00 Sat 24 - 1.30 5.30 Sun 25 No Performances Mon 26 - 1.30 - 5.30 Tue 27 - 2.00 - 7.00 Wed 28 - 2.00 - 7.00 Thu 29 - 2.00 - 7.00 Fri 30 - 2.00 - 7.00 Sat 31 - 1.30

5.30 -

January 2012 Sun 1 No Performances Mon 2 - 1.30 - 7.00 Tue 3 No Performances Wed 4 - 1.30 - 7.00

Family Tickets (Based on 4 people including at least 1 child) Price Band A - £19 per ticket. Price Band B - £17 per ticket. Maximum of 2 Family Tickets per booking. Not available on red dates

Schools £10 per ticket. 1 accompanying adult free with every 10 tickets purchased. Available on all mid-week matinee perfs (not red dates). S denotes Schools Only Performances.

Group Discounts Available on all perfs: 20+ £19 per ticket 40+ £18 per ticket 60+ £17 per ticket

OAP Matinee rate £12 per ticket on performances marked in this way.

Earlybird Ticket Offer Book and pay by Friday 30th September and save £1 on each ticket booked! (Excludes red dates, Friends, Schools, OAP & Family Tickets).

Thu 5 - 1.30 - 7.00 Fri 6 - 1.30 - 7.00 Sat 7 - 2.00 - 7.00 Sun 8 - 1.30 5.30 Mon 9 - 1.30 - 7.00 Tue 10 No Performances Wed 11 - 1.30 - 7.00 Thu 12 - 1.30 - 7.00 Fri 13 - 1.30 - 7.00 Sat 14 - 2.00 - 7.00 Sun 15 - 1.30 5.30 -

Signed performances Tue 20 Dec 10.30am Sat 7 Jan 7pm BSLIP Fri 30 Dec 7pm Ambassador Friends half-price on perfs marked on price bands S, A & B £6 off perfs marked on price bands S, A & B

0844 871 7649 (fees apply) www.ambassadortickets.com/stoke (fees apply)

FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY AT THE REGENT THEATRE RT & VICTORIA HALL VH

PANTO... FOR GROWN-UPS!

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND ELLEN KENT Opera RETURNS Derek Block & Blackburn International proudly present two Ellen Kent productions

omid Djalili tour of duty wed 18 jan 7.30pm Tickets £20 Recommended for ages 16+ VH Multi award-winning stand-up television and movie star, Omid Djalili brings his brand-new comedy show to Stoke-On-Trent. A firm favourite at the Edinburgh Festival with his legendary performances, Omid’s accolades include the Time Out Award for Best Stand Up.

THE CIRCUS OF HORRORS the ventriloquist Thu 26 Jan 7.30pm Tickets £13-£25 FRIENDS £3 off earlybird £3 off before 31 Aug Suitable for ages 16+ VH The show that rocked Britain’s Got Talent brings a stunning new show The Ventriloquist, featuring hair hanging beauties, twisted contortionists, flying aerialists, demon dwarfs, gyrating jugglers, pickled people, sword swallowers and its greatest new found star, the ventriloquist.

Featuring The Internationally Acclaimed Ukrainian National Opera of Kharkiv

PAUL CARRACK IN CONCERT

with handpicked soloists, a highly-praised chorus,

SAT 18 FEB 7.30pm Tickets £28.50 VH The legendary Sheffield-born singer, songwriter and former front-man of Ace, Squeeze and Mike & The Mechanics makes a welcome return to The Victoria Hall.

and full orchestra

LA TRAVIATA

tue 21 feb 7.30pm Tickets £12-£24 RT

Attention grown up boys and girls, Panto Land is in crisis! Evil King Foo has kidnapped Princess Crystal so all of your favourite panto characters have gone out on strike in protest. Who can save this fairy tale world & restore order in Panto Land? Step forward panto hero Jonny Wilkes and his less than enthusiastic side-kick Paddy McGuinness to rescue the situation.

Adam, Anthony, Ed, Jesus, Kai, Leon, Matt, Miguel and Taylor – the nine remarkable dancers, handpicked from open auditions by BalletBoyz, star in this explosive feast of exhilarating live dance, cleverly fused with the company’s trademark use of film and behind the scenes footage.

The odds are stacked against them but with the help of Snow White, ‘Big Dick’ Whittington, a cross-dressing dwarf and a whole host of other panto characters, they’ll try their best.

balletboyz the talent

BalletBoyz is one of the most cheekily original and innovative forces in modern dance. Led by former Royal Ballet lead dancers Michael Nunn and William Trevitt, the company thrills audiences and critics the world over with its distinctive style, blending spectacular dance both energetic and graceful, with stunning music and film. In the Talent, they pass the baton to a new generation of dancers in an evening of awesome dance, pure skill and sheer talent.

tue 17 - sat 21 jan Tue - Thu eves 7.30pm Fri & Sat eves 5pm & 8.30pm tickets £12.50 - £26.50 Premiums seats up to £31.50

‘This is contemporary dance, boy band-style. This is dance at its most riveting and fearless. Talent? I should say so’ The Independent on Sunday Adults only!

book now 0844 871 7649 (bkg fee)

ambassador Friends Tue half-price on price bands S, A & B, Wed – Fri £5 off on price bands S, A & B

The love story that gripped Paris A tragic tale of searing passion and memorable music, La Traviata is Verdi’s outstanding interpretation of one of the most popular love stories of the 19th century, La dame aux Camelias. Highlights include the Brindisi, the duet Un Di Felice and Violetta’s haunting aria Addio Del Passato.

MADAMA BUTTERFLY Back by overwhelming public demand, Ellen Kent’s award-winning opera returns, with exquisite sets and spectacular costumes. Puccini’s Madama Butterfly tells the heart-breaking story of the beautiful young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval lieutenant - with dramatic results. These productions will be sung in Italian with English subtitles.

early booking discount £5 off If purchased by Tue 1 Sep

Madama Butterfly Wed 22 feb La Traviata Thu 23 feb 7.30pm tickets £17 - £33 Premium seats up to £36 ambassador Friends £5 off all price bands 24

stoke-on-trent festival VH

the international smash hit musical comedy

THE SMASH HIT Broadway SHOW DIRECT FROM LONDON’S BARBICAN

Winner of 7 Tony Awards! NEW YORK’S Lincoln Center Theater production of

rodgers & hammerstein’s bbc philharmonic fri 30 sep 8pm Conductor Juanjo Mena Soloist Asier Polo Bizet Carmen Suite Rodrigo Concierto en mondo galante (cello) De Falla Three Cornered Hat Suites 1 and 2 Ravel Bolero CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Fri 21 oct 8pm Conductor Vassily Sinaisky Soloist Nareh Arghamanyan Rachmaninov Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini Elgar Symphony No. 2 royal liverpool philharmonic Fri 11 nov 8pm Conductor Vassily Petrenko Soloist Kathy Stott Grieg Symphonic Dances Mozart Piano Concerto No. 27 Sibelius Symphony No. 5 PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA fri 9 dec 8pm Conductor Vladimir Ashkenazy Soloist Valeriy Sokolov Berlioz Overture: Beatrice et Benedict Beethoven Violin Concerto Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique hallÉ Fri 6 Jan 8pm Viennese New Year Celebration with special guest soloist Lesley Garrett and conductor Wyn Davies. Single tickets available from Thu 1 Sep. £13.50 - £32.50 For flexi and season tickets or full season listings visit www.stokeontrentfestival.co.uk or call 01782 206000. 25

Washington Post

SEEN BY OVER 1/2 MILLION ACROSS THE UK!

Don’t miss King Arthur & the Knights of The Round Table at the most infectiously funny musical of the millennium, featuring the nation’s favourite comedy song ALWAYS LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE.

‘fantastic fun’ the express Starring Todd Carty

MON 27 FEB – SAT 3 MAR Mon-Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm tickets £14.50 - £35.50 Premium seats up to £40.50 Ambassador Friends Mon eve & Wed mat half-price on price bands S, A & B Tue – Thu eve £5

New York Times

‘THE BEST RODGERS & HAMMERSTeIN IN A GENERATION’

As many tickets were soldalot AND MANY FOLKS DID LAUGHALOT This theatre did thinkalot & henceforth brought back Spamalot Audiences all around the world have been roaring with laughter since Monty Python’s Spamalot, by Eric Idle and John Du Prez, won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2005.

‘RAPTUROUS & REVELATORY!’

This breathtaking and lavish Lincoln Center Theater production reinvented Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic musical. It swept the 2008 Tony Awards, played for two years to sold-out houses on Broadway and was televised across America. With a cast and live orchestra of 50, the unforgettable score includes Some Enchanted Evening, I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair and There is Nothin’ Like a Dame. Don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to witness one of the greatest musicals of all time, as the critics agree, ‘THIS IS A SHOW YOU WILL REMEMBER FOREVER.’

‘THIS IS RAVISHING, BREATHTAKING THEATER’ VARIETY Supported by

Photo of Paulo Szot and Samantha Womack (Original London cast) ©Lucy Williams. Original Broadway production photography Joan Marcus.

tue 6 - sat 17 mar Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm Ambassador Friends Tue 6, Sat 10 & Mon 12 half-price on price bands S, A & B All other performances £5 off price bands A & B EARLYBIRD TICKET OFFER Book before 1 Oct and save £5! (Price bands A & B)

earlybird offer Book before 1 Sep and save £10!

0844 871 7649 (fees apply)

(Price bands S, A & B. Excludes Fri & Sat eves.)

(fees apply)

www.ambassadortickets.com/stoke

Creative learning

other events organ proms vh

laugh out loud comedy club Bringing you top stand-up comedians from established TV names to acts on the cusp of stardom. With MC Damion Larkin (‘One of the country’s top new comedians’ BBC) Regent Theatre Britannia Suite, 8pm (Finish approx 10.45pm) Image: Tom Stade

Please pre book all events FULL info www.atgcreativelearning.co.uk/stoke (01782) 211214 Email: stokecreativelearning@ theambassadors.com THEATRE FOR ALL The Regent Theatre School allows children and adults the opportunity to learn new skills, increase selfconfidence, whilst making new friends and create unique performances for family and friends. Theatre School Ages 8-10 Sats from 10 Sep-19 Nov 10.30-12noon £65/£60 (conc) for 10x90 min sessions Theatre School-Ages 11+ Mons from 12 Sep-21 Nov 6-7.30pm £65/£60 (conc) for 10x90 min sessions GleeK Performance Company Weds from 14 Sep-23 Nov 5-7pm Ten ninety-minute workshop / rehearsals based on E4’s hit show. £65/£60 (conc) for 10x2 hour sessions Only a few places remaining – book now to avoid disappointment

ART LINK Every Wed 10am to Noon in The Victoria Hall An open invitation to join R.T’s Adult Drama Group; a weekly drama, singing and dance class for adults. Everyone welcome. One off £5 registration fee / contribution to tea/coffee With thanks to the Robbie Williams Give It Sum Fund for their valued support

The Creative Learning Team aims to create inclusive and exciting creative and performing arts groups led by dedicated arts practitioners in a safe, friendly and supportive environment.

JUNGLE BOOK Sat 22 Oct 1.30pm–3.30pm All together now ‘We got the bare necessities, the simple bare necessities’ ...Sing it! Act it! Dance it! A fantastic workshop with Birmingham Stage Company For age 8+ £5 (includes free juice and biscuits) LEGALLY BLONDE 24 Sep 10am – 3pm Be the first to experience the show that’s taking the West End by storm with this fantastic workshop, the perfect treat for musical theatre-lovers aged eight and above £15 GLYNEBOURNE ON TOUR 2011 La Bohème (Puccini) Fri 9 Dec 2pm Wrapped in Glynebourne’s multi-award winning trademark quality this special schools matinee performance is a fantastic introduction to the joy and power of opera. Not to be missed. Cost: £5 Supported by Arts Council England

PAGE TO STAGE Mon 24–Fri 28 Oct 10 – 5pm The ultimate performers’ challenge! Have you got what it takes to stage an abridged Shakespeare production to performance standard in one week? Meeting for the first time on the Monday morning, by Friday the ‘companies’ will write/adapt, costume, prop, technical and dress rehearse a piece of theatre to performance standard, led by professional practitioners, performed to friends and family. Fantastic Introductory Offer: £60

Group One 8 – 11 yrs Group Two 12+ Group Three Adults No experience required just commitment and enthusiasm. EXCLUSIVE HALLOWEEN SPECIAL! FRIGHT NITE TOUR Sun 30th Oct A short tour of one of the cities oldest buildings, but with a difference ... Will Hallowe’en reveal the hidden mysteries of The Regent Theatre? Will spirits and lost souls awake? A supernatural tour that will live long in the memory. Prepare to be completely spooked! 5pm – 8pm Last tour at 7.30pm Cost: £7 Book early as places are limited

LIT LIVE: AN INSPECTOR CALLS Available Mon 07-Fri 11 Nov 5.30-7pm The first in a series of curriculum-linked interactive educational workshops for secondary school, FE / HE college and theatre ‘students’ this ninety-minute pre-show event ties into the production visiting the venue in the same week. Production curtain-up 7.30pm Must be booked in advance

Cost: £5 per person WATCH THIS SPACE FOR ... Panto Workshops Dates to be announced. Oh yes they are! Oh, no they aren’t! 012 Dance An exceptional youth dance platform now in its eleventh year – have you registered your dance troupe interest?

CATHY LAMB Lichfield Cathedral Organist Sat 13 Aug 12 noon SCOTT BROTHERS DUO Jonathan – Organ Tom - piano Sat 10 Sep 12 noon DAVID HILL Concert Organist Cambridge Sat 22 Oct 12 noon PAUL CARR Concert Organist Birmingham Sat 19 Nov 12 noon

choirs, concerts and other events VH AUDLEY MALE VOICE CHOIR Sun 2 Oct 7pm tickets £8 - £14 THE PORTHILL PLAYERS A CENTURY OF SONG Sat 8 Oct 7.30pm tickets £10 STAFFORDSHIRE PERFORMING ARTS A Festival of Christmas Music Thu 1 Dec 7.30pm tickets £3 - £9

sat 20 Aug Steve Hughes Star of Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow Anthony J Brown ‘Deadpan and dead funny’ The Guardian Gordon Smith ‘Catch him before he’s famous’ The Herald sat 17 Sep Mundo Jazz ‘Very, very, very funny’ Daily Express Carl Hutchinson ‘One to watch’ Channel 4 Junior Simpson ‘A highlight!’ Guardian sat 22 Oct Jo Enright ‘Incredibly gifted comic’ Peter Kay Anthony King ‘Master of the one-liners’ BBC Michael Dolan ‘Genius - I cried laughing’ The Express sat 19 Nov Barry Dodds ‘Razor sharp humour’ Metro Joey Page ‘One of my favourite comedians’ Noel Fielding Andy Askins ‘As funny as its possible to be’ ITV sat 17 Dec Tom Stade Star of Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow Mike Newall ‘Destined for stardom’ The List Rhys Jones ‘Highly amusing’ The Stage Tickets £12.50 advance £15 on the door Line-up subject to change

COMING SOON The Bootleg Beatles Fri 16 Mar 8pm VH Tickets £25.50 friends £5 off

NEWCASTLE PEFORMING ARTS MON 5 DEC 7pm tickets TBC

BJÖRN AGAIN SUN 25 MAR 7.30pm RT Tickets £18.50

CITY MUSIC SCHOOL Tue 6 – Thu 8 Dec 6.45pm Tickets £6.50, Under 16s £5 Family £18

The Osmonds: Up Close and Personal – The Final Tour Wed 28 Mar 7.30pm VH Tickets £28.50 - £30.50 Meet & Greet £96

CERAMIC CITY CHOIR - Messiah Sat 10 Dec 7.30pm tickets £5 - £15 For information on private hire of the venues and hospitality packages, please email stokefunctions@ theambassadors.com or call 01782 211212.

MI High Thu 29 Mar – Sun 1 Apr RT Tickets £15 Peppa Pig Wed 2 May – Thu 3 May RT Tickets £13.50 - £21

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BOOK YOUR PROGRAMMES AND ICE CREAMS IN ADVANCE WHEN BUYING YOUR TICKETS!

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Ticket Exchanges Once sold tickets are non-refundable. Where possible we will exchange tickets for another performance of the same production in advance. This will incur a per ticket charge to the value of 10% of each ticket. Members

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Payment Methods Cash, cheque (payable to Stoke-onTrent Theatres Ltd), Mastercard, Visa and Switch. Personal cheques must be covered by a guarantee card, and card details written on the reverse of the cheque. Tickets may be reserved for up to 4 working days.

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Infra-red audio system available for people with hearing impairment

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Postal Bookings Box Office, Victoria Hall, Bagnall Street, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 3AD Facsimile 01782 214738

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Access bookings 0844 871 7677

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The cultural quarter Initiative is funded by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of England, the European Commission through the European Regional Development Fund and the City of Stoke-on-Trent.

Online www.ambassadortickets.com/stoke Certain discounts and concessions may not be available online. Online booking and transaction fees apply.

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BRITISH CERAMICS BIENNIAL 2011 AWARD Fri 30 Sep - Sun 11 Dec Presenting a survey of contemporary ceramics in the UK, this exhibition includes the work of 28 selected artists at the leading edge of the medium as art, craft and design, from the studio through to manufacture. For further information visit www.britishceramicsbiennial.com Or email info@britishceramicsbiennial.com.

Groups Hotline 0844 871 7619 groupsales@theambassadors.com Mon - Fri 10am - 5.30pm

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POTTERIES SHOPPING CENTRE

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ONCE UPON A TIME... Sat 23 Jul - Sun 20 Nov What were Cinderella’s slippers really made of? How do you prick your finger on a spinning wheel? What happens if you kiss a frog? Explore the world of fairy tales and discover the stories behind the stories in this enchanting family-friendly exhibition.

Telephone Bookings/ reservations 0844 871 7649 (bkg fee) Mon - Sat 9am - 10pm Sun 10am - 8pm

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The Cultural Quarter is home to The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery. The Museum houses one of the greatest collections of ceramics in the world alongside a varied and exciting programme of changing exhibitions. Why not combine your visit to the theatre with a trip to the Museum and make your experience of Stoke-on-Trent all the more special? Free admission. For further info please contact the Museum direct on 01782 232323.

IN Person The Regent Theatre is open 10am - 6pm on non-perf days or until the start of the perf. Open 1 hr prior to Sun perfs (times may vary on bank holidays). Victoria Hall - 1hr before perf, or book at the TIC Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm, Sat 10am - 2pm.

NEW HALL

Once Upon A Time...

The city of Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, and the surrounding area are home to some of the world’s leading luxury brands and successful creative industries. Recognised as the world capital of the ceramics industry, its design capabilities, attractive development opportunities, central location and commitment to sustainability make the area an astute choice for leading-edge business. Its population of 500,000 people enjoy access to two highly-rated universities and an abundance of outdoor space. The area includes; Stoke-on-Trent, one of the UK’s greenest cities; thriving market towns such as Newcastle-under-Lyme and Leek; beautiful villages; the historic Mersey & Trent Canal; spectacular gardens and the dramatic Staffordshire Peak District.

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Text Relay For our deaf and hard of hearing patrons, please use text relay, which is a free service. (You pay only for the call to the venue). 18001 0844 871 7677 (textphone users). For further information please log on to www.relay.org

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BOX OFFICE The Regent Theatre, Piccadilly, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 1AP

Guide dogs welcome in all areas Audio described and sign language interpreted perfs offered on selected shows see show pages for details. Arrive 15 mins early for Audio Described Introductory Notes. Limited number of large print & audio versions of this brochure are available on CD or cassette.

of our Friends scheme can exchange tickets free of charge, subject to availability.

For further info or assistance please ring the Access Booking Line on 0844 871 7677.

Concessions Only 1 concession per ticket, selected performances and price bands only. Under 16s, full-time students, registered unemployed, Senior Citizens £2 off each seat for most productions. Over 60s weekday mats best available seats, discounts available for most shows.

Booking & Transaction fees Bookings may be subject to a perticket fee, transaction and postage charge. For most shows Ambassador Friends, Group bookings and sales in person at the Box Office are fee-free. Please check with the Box Office when booking your tickets

G Groups & Schools Groups of 10+ £2 off Groups of 20+ £4 off Groups of 40+ £5 off Rates may vary. School Groups or Uniformed Groups of 10+ Best available seats for £6.50 for most shows. 1 accompanying adult goes free for every 10 tickets booked. Full time student/educational group rates available for selected perfs. Ambassador Friends Friends discounts can be applied to a max of 4 tickets per friends card per booking. Equal access for all We strive to offer equal access for all. Disabled customers are entitled to £5 off on most performances. (subject to availability) Customers who require additional assistance to attend the theatre should make this known at the time of booking. Wheelchair spaces on all auditorium levels. Lift access to all areas of the venue including Box Office, toilets & bars

Medium /Therapist/ Clairvoyant Evenings of mediumship are not scientifically proven and are presented for education and entertainment purposes only. venue improvements The ticket price includes a contribution of £1 per ticket towards continued improvements of the venues. The information in this brochure was correct at the time of going to press. Stoke-on-Trent Theatres Ltd reserves the right to alter the advertised programme or facilities. All discounts subject to availability and only one discount applies per ticket unless otherwise specified. Data protection The Regent Theatre and The Victoria Hall are managed by Stoke-on-Trent Theatres 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 you 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 the Marketing Department on 01782 213808

tourist information centre The Victoria Hall is proud to be the home of Stoke-on-Trent Tourist Information Centre. T 01782 236 000 stoke.tic@stoke.gov.uk

Design SWD swd.uk.com Print John Good

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More Shows More Savings Join AmbassadorFriends and get access to amazing ticket offers at The Regent Theatre and Victoria Hall and in up to 39 Ambassador Theatre Group venues across the UK. There are great 2 for 1 offers and priority booking, ensuring you get the best seats at the best price - all for £30!

EXCLUSIVE PRIORITY BOOKING GREAT 2 FOR 1 OFFERS TICKET OFFERS IN UP TO 39 VENUES ACROSS THE UK OFFERS AND PRIORITY BOOKING FOR WEST END SHOWS 10% OFF AT SELECTED THEATRE BARS FEE FREE TICKET EXCHANGE

Join now & start saving today! Call 0844 871 7633 Apply online www.ambassadortickets.com/ friends Visit The Regent Theatre Box Office, Piccadilly, Hanley, ST1 1AP

Half-price tickets for opening night!

Save £74 when you buy four top-price tickets!*

Save £56 when you buy four top-price tickets!*

*Savings based on Price Band A. Conditions apply.