Curve | Giant Print Brochure - Winter 2022 - Spring 2023

Welcome

Welcome to this action-packed season of theatre and events at Curve. This Christmas we finally deliver our production of The Wizard Of Oz. Bursting with imagination and visual flair for all the family, the hugely talented company of actors is led by rising star Georgina Onuorah, whose rendition of the torch song Over The Rainbow is worth the price of admission alone! George Dyer has created stunning musical arrangements which match the original wit and brilliance of Harold Arlen and E Y Harburg’s much-loved, original score, all brilliantly enhanced by new songs by theatre’s most famous writing duo, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Time Rice. It has been a joy for us all working alongside Andrew and Tim as we develop this new production and journey to Oz together. Alongside Shay Barclay’s stunning choreography, we hope The Wizard Of Oz will provide a few hours to escape the challenges of our times and banish the winter blues. And for the little ones this festive time of the year, Dear Santa and The Very Hungry Caterpillar Christmas Show

are two brilliant stories for children, beautifully told. Seeing young people inspired and transported by the power of theatre is a truly magical experience and we hope you will enjoy one of our Curve Christmas shows with your little loved ones this year. Theatre ticket also make a terrific Christmas gift. And it’s not just at Christmas we offer shows for young imaginations, and you will see work for young people across the year. Early next year, we are proud to support the Spark Festival with Palaver Party, where everyone is invited to dance! Also coming to Curve next year are Mog The Forgetful Cat, Room On The Broom, Hey Duggee and our Little Curve schedule is as jam-packed as ever.

There’s much to look forward to in the new year, with some of the West End’s leading shows visiting Curve. Hit shows Annie, The Bodyguard, Jersey Boys and Girl From The North Country all play Leicester. Girl From The North Country celebrates the extraordinary music of Bob Dylan, crafted by legendary playwright and director Conor McPherson and is choreographed by Billy Elliot The Musical’s Lucy Hind; this is an intoxicating and exquisite piece of theatre.

Our highlight is, of course, our brand new Made at Curve production of the legendary Broadway musical 42nd Street. We are thrilled to be working with acclaimed director Jonathan Church, who has assembled an astonishing team to bring this tap-tastic show to life. Designs are by Olivier Award winner Rob Jones and the multi award-winning Bill Deamer will whip up a storm with his electrifying choreography. First-class drama comes in the form of the National Theatre’s critically acclaimed production of The Ocean At The End Of The Lane. The cast is led by Charlie Brooks, last seen at Curve in our A Streetcar Named Desire. Hollywood film Steel Magnolias gets a stage makeover, Stephen Daldry’s astonishing An Inspector Calls returns to Curve and Roy Williams’ searing boxing gym-set play Sucker Punch is performed by a remarkable company. Times are tough at the moment, and we value your support and patronage now more than ever. We hope whether you are seeing a show at Curve, taking part in one of our community-based workshops, or part of our vibrant Curve Youth and Community companies, you will

find something here at Curve that brings joy and an escape from it all.

As ever, we remain indebted to our principal funders Arts Council England and Leicester City Council.

Chris Stafford Nikolai Foster Chief Executive Artistic Director

Accessing Curve

Join our free Access Register

Our Access Register Scheme is designed to assist customers with additional needs. We store information on your personal requirements so that you don’t need to resubmit evidence each time you book. Once registered, you may be eligible to one free Companion ticket with the standard ticket you purchase for each show.

To join our Access Register Scheme or to find out more, please visit our website www.curveonline.co.uk/access, call the Box Office on 0116 242 3595 or email access@curvetheatre.co.uk.

Access Performances

Captioned Performances (CAP)

At Captioned performances, the actors’ spoken words are shown as visible text via two displays screens on stage, one on each side, similar to subtitles. The text scrolls at the same speed as the dialogue, making it easy to follow with the action on stage.

British Sign Language Interpreted Performances

Our BSL Interpreted performances are presented with British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation. The interpreter will be positioned on either the left or right of the stage throughout the performance, and their position will be confirmed online once available.

Audio Described Performances (AD)

During these performances, audio describers provide a live, verbal commentary on key visual aspects of the show for audience members who are registered severely sight impaired or sight impaired. The description is presented via a personal headset (available from the Box Office) and includes an audio introduction to the show before the performance starts.

Touch Tours (TT)

An accompaniment to our Audio Described performances, Touch Tours are a tactile tour of the stage, costumes and props, offering audience members

listening to the audio description even greater access to the performance. Tours usually take place 90 minutes (or earlier) prior to the start of an Audio Described performance.

Dementia Friendly Performances (DF)

Dementia Friendly performances are tailored to meet the needs of people living with Dementia. They include adaptations to the show, clearer visual markers and signage in the physical environment, and a relaxed attitude to movement and audio responses during the show.

Relaxed Performances (RP)

Relaxed performances are open to anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed performance environment. Audience members can interact with the performance in their own way and, while the theatre doors will close, guests can leave and re-enter the theatre at any time. We also make adaptations to the show and reserve a

quiet space for anyone needing some time out of the performance.

Other Services and Facilities

Alternative Brochure Formats

Each season brochure is available in large print (pt. 16 font size), giant print (pt. 18 font size) and as an audio brochure. Individual audio flyers for each show are also available on the relevant show page. Braille brochures are available by request via our Box Office. Visit our website at www.curveonline.co.uk/access/ for more details.

Wheelchair Spaces

All public areas are accessible to wheelchair users, including lift access to the Circle level, and we have allocated wheelchair spaces for every performance in both the Theatre and Studio Theatre. If you wish to transfer to a theatre seat, we can store the wheelchair during the performance.

Accessible Toilets and Changing Places Facility

Accessible toilets are available on both the Stalls and Circle levels. We also have a Changing Places accessible toilet with adult hoist in the Foyer, next to Door 4 of the Theatre.

Assistance Dogs

Dog spaces are available upon request; please let us know during the booking process and a seat next to the aisle will be reserved for you. Alternatively, a member of our Visitor Experience Team can care for your dog during the performance and drinking water can be provided.

Accessible Parking

Accessible parking is available on Southampton Street and in the NCP Rutland Centre Car Park adjacent to Curve. We also have a drop-off point on Rutland Street.

Infra-red & Induction Loop Hearing Systems

Assisted listening systems are available in both the

Theatre and Studio Theatre. Please ask at the Box Office for a headset.

Booster Seats

Booster seats are available in all performance spaces and can be collected at the door stated on your ticket once the house is open.

Buggy Park

Pushchairs and prams can be stored in our designated Buggy Parks during the performance. For performances in the Theatre or Studio Theatre, the Buggy Park can be found opposite Studio Theatre Door 5, on the glass side of the building. For performances in Rehearsal Room 2, a Buggy Park will be set up on the Mezzanine, accessible via the Public Lift next to Theatre Door 3.

Anything Else?

If there is anything else we can to do to ensure you have an enjoyable time at Curve, please get in touch at access@curvetheatre.co.uk or speak to a member of

our Box Office team on 0116 242 3595.

Upcoming Access Performances to Spring

2023

Audio Described Performances with Touch Tours

Dear Santa

Sunday 11 December, 1.30pm with Touch Tour from 12 noon

The Wizard of Oz

Tuesday 20 December, 2.15pm with Touch Tour from 12.45pm

Thursday 5 January, 7.30pm with Touch Tour from 6pm

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Christmas Show

Friday 30 December, 1.30pm with Touch Tour from 12 noon

Death Drop: Back in the Habit

Thursday 19 January, 8pm with Touch Tour from 6pm

The Ocean at the End of the Lane

Wednesday 8 February, 7.30pm with Touch Tour from 5.30pm

Girl from the North Country

Saturday 11 March, 2.15pm with Touch Tour from 12.45pm

Fisherman’s Friends The Musical

Thursday 30 March, 7.30pm with Touch Tour from 6pm

Noughts & Crosses

Saturday 1 April, 2.30pm with Touch Tour from 1pm

Steel Magnolias

Saturday 8 April, 2.15pm with Touch Tour from 12.45pm

Jersey Boys

Saturday 6 May, 2.15pm with Touch Tour from 12.45pm

42nd Street

Wednesday 31 May, 7.30pm with Touch Tour from 6pm

British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreted

Performances

Dear Santa

Sunday 4 December, 10.30am

The Wizard of Oz

Monday 12 December, 7.30pm

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Christmas Show

Wednesday 28 December, 1.30pm

Death Drop: Back in the Habit

Friday 20 January, 9pm

The Ocean at the End of the Lane

Saturday 4 February, 2.15pm

An Inspector Calls

Friday 24 March, 7.30pm

Noughts & Crosses

Saturday 1 April, 7.45pm

Fisherman’s Friends The Musical

Saturday 1 April, 2.15pm

Jersey Boys

Saturday 6 May, 7.30pm

42nd Street

Friday 2 June, 7.30pm

Open Captioned Performances

Dear Santa

Saturday 10 December, 10.30am and 1.30pm

The Wizard of Oz

Thursday 15 December, 7.30pm

Tuesday 27 December, 2.15pm

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Christmas Show

Friday 23 December, 10.30am and 1.30pm

The Ocean at the End of the Lane

Wednesday 1 February, 7.30pm

Mog The Forgetful Cat

Saturday 25 February, 11am

Girl from the North Country

Thursday 9 March, 7.30pm

An Inspector Calls

Wednesday 22 March, 7.30pm

Steel Magnolias

Thursday 6 April, 7.30pm

Cake

Saturday 22 April, 2.30pm

Jersey Boys

Saturday 29 April, 2.15pm and Thursday 4 May, 7.30pm

42nd Street

Thursday 1 June, 2.15pm & 7.30pm

Dementia Friendly Performances

The Wizard of Oz

Wednesday 4 January 2023, 2.15pm

42nd Street

Thursday 1 June, 2.15pm

Relaxed Performances

Dear Santa

Sunday 4 December, 1.30pm

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Christmas Show

Sunday 18 December, 10.30am

Tuesday 27 December, 1.30pm

The Wizard of Oz

Saturday 7 January 2023, 2.15pm

Room on the Broom

Sunday 5 March, 2pm

Hey Duggee

Friday 14 April, 3.30pm

For the latest access performance listings and details of audio describers, captioners and British Sign Language Interpreters as they are confirmed, please visit our website at curveonline.co.uk/access.

Green Curve

Curve is committed to reducing our environmental impacts and helping achieve a sustainable future for our planet – and we need your help to play your part!

We have made a number of changes already including how your brochure arrives to you in the post, but postal marketing and communications still make a significant contribution to our overall carbon footprint and we will therefore be reducing the volume of letters we send to you in the future.

To keep up to date with upcoming news from Curve, we invite you to update your contact preferences in your customer account. By adding e-mail preferences, you will continue to be amongst the first to receive exciting updates about our theatre, whilst also helping us to achieve our green goals.

You will still receive selected information by post including your brochure and important updates about your bookings; this change will only affect the number of letters you receive about upcoming shows.

Take Action

Next time you visit curve, ask a member of our team about updating your contact preferences. Alternatively, you can do this online in your account. Thank you for helping us to help the planet!

Musical The Wizard of Oz

Saturday 19 November 2022 – Sunday 8 January 2023 | Theatre

There’s no place like Curve this Christmas. The much-loved and magical story of The Wizard of Oz, spectacularly re-told in our Made at Curve Christmas musical.

Directed by Curve Artistic Director Nikolai Foster (Billy Elliot The Musical, A Chorus Line, West Side Story) and featuring additional music and songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice alongside the iconic originals from the MGM film, join Dorothy and Toto as they are swept up from Kansas and transported over the rainbow to the re-imagined technicolour wonderland of Oz… where nothing is quite as it seems.

On her adventure along the Yellow Brick Road Dorothy meets Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion who help her on her

way, but the villainous and frightfully glamorous Wicked Witch has other plans for Dorothy and Toto. Through the menacing Dark Forest to the bright neon lights of the retro-futuristic Emerald City, Dorothy and her friends search for the powerful and mysterious Wizard of Oz, the only person who can grant their hearts’ desires, and maybe even a way home. The Wizard of Oz is a

Monday 12 December 2022, 7.30pm Captioned

Thursday 15 December 2022, 7.30pm

Tuesday 27 December 2022, 2.15pm Audio

Tuesday 20 December 2022, 2.15pm with Touch Tour from 12.45pm

Thursday 5 January 2023, 7.30pm with Touch Tour from 6pm Dementia

Wednesday 4 January 2023, 2.15pm

Saturday 7 January 2023, 2.15pm

December

Family Dear Santa

Thursday 1 - Wednesday 14 December 2022 | Studio Theatre

Santa is determined to deliver the most fantastic Christmas present to Sarah, but he doesn’t get it right straight away! With the help of his cheeky Elf, he finally settles on something ‘perfect’, just in time for Christmas Eve.

From the author of the well-loved children’s book Dear Zoo, Rod Campbell, comes Dear Santa and it’s live! This show is an ideal introduction to theatre for those aged 2+ and who believe in Santa. To spread the Christmas cheer; every child will receive a gift from us to you. Sure to be one Christmas present children and parents alike will never forget. The perfect family show that will be enjoyed by all this winter.

Family The Very Hungry Caterpillar Christmas Show

Friday 16 - Saturday 31 December 2022 | Studio Theatre

Four timeless stories brought to life in one delightful show. Dive into Eric Carle’s bright and colourful world as his beloved stories are transformed from page to stage using a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets and charming music. Featuring your favourite titles: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Lonely Firefly and of course, the star of the show, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Show Guidance Audience members range from 6 months to 96-year-olds. We recommend this show for all ages!

January

Comedy Death Drop: Back in the Habit

Tuesday 17 - Saturday 21 January 2023 | Theatre

Legendary drag queens and stars of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Cheryl Hole (Celebrity Juice, The Only Way Is Essex), River Medway and Victoria Scone lead an alldrag cast including Drag King superstar LoUis CYfer (Winner – Drag Idol, Death Drop) in this comedy thriller. A gaggle of fierce Nuns are confined to their Convent. But their peace and tranquility is shattered by a serial slayer slasher their way through the sisters. With the help of an unexpected visitor from the Vatican, can Mother Superior and the rag-tag Sisters of St Babs save their convent, save souls, and save themselves?

The laughs keep coming in this nun-missable new murder mystery – it’s the heavenly dose of fun we’ve all been longing to find.

Drama

The acclaimed National Theatre production The Ocean at the End of the Lane

Tuesday 31 January - Saturday 11 February 2023 |

Theatre

From the producers of War Horse and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time comes the National Theatre’s major new stage adaptation of The Ocean at the End of the Lane, direct from its acclaimed West End run.

This thrilling adventure of fantasy, myth and friendship from the imagination of best-selling author Neil Gaiman (Coraline, The Sandman, Good Omens) is a tour de force of storytelling that takes audiences on an epic journey to a childhood once forgotten.

Featuring a talented ensemble cast, including EastEnders star Charlie Brooks (Beautiful Thing and A Streetcar Named Desire, Curve).

Running Time 2 hours and 35 minutes, including a 20minute interval

Music

Kainé Management presents Oh Happy Days

Tuesday 31 January 2023 | Studio Theatre

Children from primary schools across Leicester and the County perform inspiring and uplifting songs in our regular children’s gospel show. Schools participating include Uplands Junior L.E.A.D. Academy, Sandfield Primary School and Rothley Primary Academy. It’s always a fantastic experience for performers and audience. Join us for an unforgettable show! Performance Time 6pm Tickets from

February

Comedy

Mischief present Mind Mangler

Tuesday 7 - Thursday 9 February 2023 | Studio Theatre

From the original cast of the multi award-winning soldout smash hit The Play That Goes Wrong, Henry Lewis and Jonathan Sayer star in this hilarious new comedy by Mischief. Join the ‘Mind Mangler’ as he returns to the stage following a disappointing two-night run at the Luton Holiday Inn conference centre, suite 2b. His new solo spectacular is predicted to spiral into chaos as he attempts to read your mind. Guaranteed ‘laugh filled, mind-bending silliness’ (Broadway World), not to be missed!

Performance Times 7.45pm Tickets from £10 | Members enjoy 15% off tickets

Music

Kainé

Management presents The Gospel Variety Showcase

Monday 27 February 2023 | Studio Theatre

Kainé Youth Showcase returns, platforming Leicester’s finest young talent sharing the creativity that is taking place in Leicester. Curve’s Studio Theatre will be filled with children and young people sharing their artistic talent including singing, dance, spoken word and music. Performance Time 6.30pm

Tickets from £8 | Members enjoy 15% off tickets

Music A Night to Remember Motown Show

Friday 3 February 2023 | Studio Theatre

Take a trip back to 1960s Detroit with the celebrated stage production, A Night to Remember Motown Show.

Join the stellar cast, featuring lead vocalist Bizzi Dixon –The Voice UK finalist and West End Tour lead principal –together with the Motown Divas, harmoniously backed by the amazing show band to authentically recreate the sound responsible for lifting an entire generation to its feet.

Bring you energetic live entertainment, marvellous costumes and choreography to truly revive the most pulsating era of music the world has ever seen.

For the first time in Leicester, this must-see concert show is finally here which may leave you dancing in the aisles.

Show Guidance Age recommendation 14+ - Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. Performance Time 7.45pm

Tickets from £20 | Members enjoy 15% off tickets

Family

The Highland Joker presents The Bubble Show

Saturday 4 February 2023 | Studio Theatre

The Bubble Show is a unique blend of magic, science, storytelling, and bubble art! Enjoy bouncy bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, smoke bubbles, square bubbles, giant bubbles and even fire bubbles!

Actor, storyteller and Guinness World Record holder, The Highland Joker, is one of the top bubble artists in the world, bringing you an interactive, fun, international award-winning bubble extravaganza! Running

Comedy Leicester Comedy Festival

Shirley & Shirley

Friday 10 February 2023 | Rehearsal Room 2

The award-winning double act Shirley & Shirley are back and feeling more geriatric than ever.

Despite going to the same school, sharing a birthday, having foreign mums, and timing their children’s birthday together, they couldn’t be more different. In Geriatric Mums they will tell their stories of bringing up babies, one with a man, one with a woman, and what going from one sprog to two has taught them – dive into their world of rip-roaring stand up and rambunctious sketch.

Performance Time 7.45pm

Tickets from £9 | Members enjoy 15% off tickets

Family Spark Festival Palaver Party

Friday 17 – Saturday 18 February 2023 | Studio

Theatre

We’re bringing all our most glittery and colourful friends to throw a fabulous performance party for kids (and their grown-ups too!)

Palaver Party is a space where everyone is free to be whoever they want to be. Join your host and a spectacular line-up of drag and cabaret performers for the most exciting family disco Leicester has ever seen. Get ready for music, performances, DIY costumemaking, party games, sing-a-longs, glitter and a rainbow disco for all the family. Stick on a sequin (or ten) and get ready for a boogie!

Show Guidance Palaver Party is a relaxed performance environment, featuring optional audience participation and music throughout. Performance Times 2pm

Access Performances

Both performances of Palaver Party are BSL Interpreted. Relaxed Both performances of Palaver Party are Relaxed.

BSL Interpreted

Community Day Spark Festival Takeover Day

Saturday 18 February 2023 | Across Curve

Experience Curve through the imagination of local children as they take over our building.

Working with world class artists, children from four local schools will make their mark through activities, games and performances for the whole family to enjoy together.

Come and celebrate the 20th Spark Festival – amplifying children’s voices across Leicester. See what they can do! Drop in, it’s completely free!

Dance

Gary Clarke Company present Wasteland

Saturday 18 February 2023 | Theatre

In 1994 hundreds of coal miners hung up their put boots as Grimethorpe Colliery was destroyed, along with the tight-knit, working-class community that surrounded it.

Wasteland, Gary Clarke’s sequel to Coal, looks at how two generations coped in this era of radical upheaval. As we see one generation grind to a halt, we follow the next into the 90s illegal rave scene, where derelict warehouses and abandoned workspaces became home for a new-found community of music and dance.

Bringing together Clarke’s vivid physical dance language performed by a company of exceptional dancers, a community cast of singers, brass musicians, archive film footage, a powerful rave soundtrack and unique artwork by Jimmy Cauty (co-founder of The KLF), Wasteland dives head first into a gritty story of loss, hope, escapism and survival.

There will be an after-show discussion following this performance.

Show Guidance Age recommendation 14+ - Contains some strong language, strobe lighting, loud music and smoke effects.

Performance Time 7.30pm

Tickets from £15 | Members enjoy 15% off tickets

After-show Discussion Saturday 18 February

Comedy Leicester Comedy Festival

An Interview with Seann Walsh

Sunday 19 February 2023 | Studio Theatre

Charming and charismatic, a natural motor-mouth, Seann Walsh is the most frighteningly precocious talent to emerge from the UK comedy circuit in ages.

A previous winner of Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year, Seann has starred in Live At The Apollo, 8 Out Of 10 Cats and Alan Carr: Chatty Man. Join him has he chats with Festival Founder Geoff Rowe about his comedy career. In aid of Big Difference Company (registered charity 1135167). Performance Time 2pm

Room

This specially designed course will give you the chance to learn tips and tricks of the trade from real life comedians. No experience necessary! Places are very limited, so participants get maximum support. Spaces can be booked by heading to ukkidscomedyfestival.co.uk or by emailing info@ukkidscomedyfestival.co.uk.

Laugh Academy Showcase

Friday 24 February 2023 | Rehearsal Room 2

Join us for the culmination of Laugh Academy! A showcase of young talent as participants from the programme take to the stage and perform comedy, some of them for the very first time. These 11 – 18-yearolds have been working all week with professional comedians to learn the tricks of the trade. Come and spot the stars of the future.

Performance Times 5.30pm (11 – 14 years) 7pm (15 – 18 years) Tickets £5

Family

A Wardrobe Ensemble, The Old Vic & Royal and Derngate, Northampton co-production

Mog The Forgetful Cat

Tuesday 21 – Saturday 25 February 2023 | Studio Theatre

Mog is a very forgetful cat. She forgets that she has a cat flap, she forgets that she’s already eaten her supper, and she forgets that cats don’t have eggs for breakfast everyday. Bother that cat!

Join Mog and the Thomas family on a journey through one year in the life of a really remarkable cat.

Based on the bestselling Mog picture book series by Judith Kerr, published by HarperCollins Children’s Books.

Performance Times Tuesday and Wednesday 11am, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11am and 3pm

Tickets from £10 | Members enjoy 15% off tickets

Access Performances

Captioned Saturday 25 February, 11am

Musical Annie

Saturday 25 February - Saturday 4 March 2023 |

Theatre

The smash-hit production of Annie, directed by Nikolai Foster, comes to Leicester for one week only direct from London’s West End. This ‘glorious revival’ (The Times) stars Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood as the tyrannical Miss Hannigan! Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Her luck soon changes when she’s chosen to spend a fairy-tale Christmas with famous billionaire Olivier Warbucks. Meanwhile, spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search for her true family…

With it’s Tony® award-winning book and score, including the unforgettable songs It’s The Hard – Knock Life, Easy Street, I Don’t Need Anything But You and Tomorrow,

Comedy Leicester Comedy Festival

Sunday 26 February 2023 | Studio Theatre

Nish Kumar has achieved huge success on the comedy circuit with five rave reviewed solo stand-up shows, two of which have been nominated for the prestigious Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Show. He has had recent TV success hosting The Mash Report.

Join him as he chats with Festival Founder Geoff Rowe about his comedy career. In aid of Big Difference Company (registered charity 1135167).

“One of the best comedians we have” - The Times. Performance Time 2pm

Comedy Leicester Comedy Festival

Comedy Heaven

Sunday 26 February 2023 | Studio Theatre

Comedy Heaven is back, this time with a twist celebrating a very special birthday. Join Leicester Comedy Festival on the final night of 2023’s mammoth event to celebrate 30 years of the festival.

Guests include Nish Kumar (The Mash Report), Arthur Smith (QI, Have I Got New For You), multi award-winner Laura Lexx, and more special acts to be announced! In aid of registered charities Prostaid (1116935) and Big Difference Company (1135167). Performance Time 7pm Tickets from £16 |

Family Tall Stories presents Room on the Broom

Wednesday 1 - Saturday 5 March 2023 | Studio Theatre

Iggety, Ziggety, Zaggety, Zoom! Jump on board the broom with the witch and her cat in Tall Stories’ fun-filled adaptation of Room on the Broom.

The witch and her cat are travelling on their broomstick when they pick up some hitch-hikers – a friendly dog, a beautiful green bird and a frantic frog. But this broomstick’s not meant for five and – crack – it snaps in two just as the hungry dragon appears!

Will there ever be room on the broom for everyone?

Find out in the magical Olivier Award-nominated show. Show Guidance Age recommendation 3+

Musical Girl from the North Country

Tuesday

7 - Saturday 11 March 2023 |

Theatre

The double Olivier and Tony award-winning West End and Broadway smash hit tours the UK and Ireland for the first time. It’s 1934 in the heartland of America and we meet a group of wayward souls who cross paths in a timeweathered guesthouse. Standing at a turning point in their lives, they realise nothing is what it seems.

Celebrated playwright Conor McPherson (The Weir, The Seafarer) boldly reimagines the legendary songs of Bob Dylan, like you’ve never heard them before, in Girl from the North Country. An uplifting and universal story about family and love, brought vividly to life by an extraordinary company of actors and musicians.

Show Guidance Age recommendation 12+ - Contains haze, implication of smoking, gunshot and use of strong language.

Sing-a-long-a Sing-a-long-a Encanto

Sunday 12 March 2023 | Theatre

Cheer on Mirabel as she tries to save the magic surrounding the Encanto. Sing your heart out with our live host who will teach you some dance moves, help you create some magic and show you how to use your free props bag. It couldn’t be easier or more fun! The first rule of Sing-along-a is there are no rules! Fancy dress is strongly encouraged and full audience participation is essential. You the audience are the stars!

Show Guidance Please note this is a screening of the movie, not a live stage show.

Performance Times 1pm and 5pm

Tickets from £17.50 | Members enjoy 15% off tickets

Dance U.Dance 2023 Mass Movement Sunday 12 March 2023 | Studio Theatre

Mass Movement is one of five East Midlands U.Dance events that will have audiences thrilled and amazed.

Celebrating exceptional youth dance talent from across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, the event will see a series of pieces specially selected by a panel of dance-industry experts that the young dancers and choreographers have created. The annual sell-out event is an insight into the wealth of dance and creativity in the county and provides talented young people with a platform to showcase their work. The performances will have the opportunity to be selected to progress to the U.Dance National Festival in Glasgow.

Delivered by FABRIC in partnership with Curve, Déda, Hub Dance, The Core at Corby Cube and Inspire Arts.

Performance Times 4.30pm and 7.45pm

Tickets from £10 | Members enjoy 15% off tickets

Following sell out runs at the Edinburgh Festival and across the UK, the Britain’s Got Talent finalist takes to the road with a brand-new show full of the most aweinspiring and high energy magic you’ll see this year. Direct

Captioned Wednesday 22 March 2023, 7.30pm

BSL Interpreted Friday 24 March 2023, 7.30pm

Music

Darbar presents Music of India: Kaushiki Chakraborty

Sunday 26 March 2023 | Studio Theatre

After 15 years, Kaushiki Chakraborty returns to Leicester. With her, she brings the rejuvenation of a legacy continued by the greatest Indian classical musicians of khayal (imagination).

Immerse yourself and prepare for a rollercoaster ride –from languid development to fast-paced improvisation delivered at virtuosic speeds.

She is accompanied by maestro tabla player Yashwant Vaishnav and both masters Murad Ali on the sarangi and Tanmay Deochake on the harmonium.

Darbar are producers of the Darbar Festival, Darbar Player subscription app and the Darbar Academy, which provides the best Indian music learning. This concert is presented in partnership with Curve.

Performance Time 7pm

Tickets from £10 | Members enjoy 15% off tickets

Drama

Pilot

Theatre presents Noughts & Crosses

Tuesday 28 March - Saturday 1 April 2023 | Studio Theatre

Sephy is a cross and Callum is a Nought. They are in love. It is forbidden. A segregated society teeters on a volatile knife edge

Pilot Theatre present this gripping Romeo and Juliet story by acclaimed writer Malorie Blackman and adapted by Sabrina Mahfouz, a captivating drama of love, revolution and what it means to grow up in a divided world.

Show Guidance Age recommendation 12+ - Contains loud noises, haze, strobe lighting and some themes that viewers may find upsetting to watch.

Performance Times

7pm, Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 March 2pm, Saturday 1 April 2.30pm and 7.45pm

Musical

Fisherman’s Friends: The Musical

Tuesday 28 March – Saturday 1 April 2023 | Theatre

Based on the true story of the chart-topping Cornish singing sensations and their hit 2019 movie Fisherman’s Friends: The Musical is a feel-good voyage about friendship, community and music which smashed box office records in Cornwall.

When a group of Cornish fishermen came together to sing the traditional working songs they’d sung for generations, nobody, least of all the fisherman, expected the story to end on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury. They are spotted by a fish-out-of-water music manger on a trip from London, who must learn that there is more to life than selling your sole for fifteen minutes of fame.

A star cast includes James Gaddas (Coronation Street, Billy Elliot the Musical), Parisa Shahmir (Mamma Mia!), Robert Duncan (Drop the Dead Donkey), Anton Stephans (The X Factor) and Susan Penhaligon (Bouquet of Barbed Wire).

April

Comedy Steel Magnolias

Tuesday 4 – Saturday 8 April 2023 | Theatre

Steel Magnolias is the hilarious and heart-warming true story that inspired the hit film starring Dolly Parton and Julia Roberts. The beloved film is now beautifully brought to life on stage and features Call the Midwife star Laura Main with further exciting casting still to be announced.

Six women come together in a small town beauty salon in the American South and prove that female friendship conquers all. Faced with the highs and lows of love and life, and amongst the chaos of work, marriage and children, they unite to gossip, unwind and set the world to rights.

This iconic comedy is the perfect ticket for every generation and proves that one hair appointment might just change your life.

Dance

Johannes Radebe: Freedom Unleashed

Tuesday 11 – Wednesday 12 April 2023 | Theatre

Following his sell-out debut tour in 2022, TV dancing sensation and international champion Johannes Radebe is hosting a party like no other in this electrifying brandnew production for 2023.

Freedom Unleashed sees the ‘irresistible’ Johannes joined by a diverse, world-class melting pot of South African rhythms and huge party anthems – with a touch of ballroom magic thrown in to make this a pulsating and jubilant celebration of culture, passion and freedom.

Performance Times 7.30pm

Drama

When Darkness Falls: A Ghost Story

Wednesday 12 – Sunday 16 April 2023 | Studio Theatre

When Darkness Falls is a brand-new spine-chilling ghost story that delivers a twisted, terrifying and thrilling tale that will “leave you cowering in your seat.” (The Guardian)

On a stormy night on the small island of Guernsey, a young paranormal expert joins a sceptical history teacher to record the first in a series of podcasts based on the island’s incredible folklore and paranormal history.

As the expert regales his horrifying stories, the teacher learns that we all have our own truth. Our own story. Ghosts that haunt us. That bring the past, present and future together in unexpected ways. Ways that can threaten to unsettle everything we know.

Inspired by true events, this powerful new production by James Milton and Paul Morrissey draws us into dark

pasts, reveals disturbing truths and explores the power of stories. Perhaps most importantly, the ones we tell ourselves.

Show Guidance This production may not be suitable for audiences under 16.

Performance Times 7.45pm, Thursday and Saturday 2.30pm

Access Performances

Captioned Friday 14 April 2023, 7.45pm

Family Hey Duggee

Friday 14 – Saturday 15 April 2023 | Theatre Hey Duggee The Live Theatre Show is going to be huge! Betty wants to make costumes, Happy wants to sing, Tag wants to make music, Norrie wants to dance, Roly wants jelly and they all want you to join them at the Clubhouse. Be part of the hit CBeebies show and join Duggee and the Squirrels.

Musical

The Bodyguard – The Musical

Monday 17 – Saturday 22 April 2023 |

Theatre

The international, award-winning, smash-hit musical The Bodyguard is back, starring Pussycat Doll and multiplatinum Grammy-nominated Melody Thornton* as Rachel Marron and Ayden Callaghan (Emmerdale, Hollyoaks) as Frank Farmer. Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge –what they don’t expect is to fall in love.

A ‘Brilliant!’ (The Times), breathtakingly romantic thriller, The Bodyguard features a whole host of irresistible classics including Queen Of The Night, So Emotional, One Moment In Time, Saving All My Love, Run To You, I Have Nothing, Greatest Love Of All, Million Dollar Bill, I Wanna Dance With Somebody and one of the greatest hit songs of all time – I Will Always Love You.

*Melody Thornton will perform the role of ‘Rachel

Marron’ at all evening performances only. Cast and performance schedule subject to change without notice.

Performance Times 7.30pm, Saturday 2.15pm

Tickets from £25 | Members enjoy 15% off tickets

Access Performances

Captioned Friday 21 April 2023, 7.30pm

Musical

Paul Taylor Mills presents Cake

The Marie Antoinette Playlist

Tuesday 18 – Saturday 22 April 2023 | Studio Theatre

Cake combines rap and R’n’B with 18th century France to retell a story that sparked a revolution. When Marie Antoinette married King Louis, her reputation was already tarnished by gossip. But when she is implicated in a crime to defraud the crown jewellers of a diamond necklace, it is not just her reputation at stake, but the monarchy and France itself.

This brand-new musical, come gig, come ballet is from some of the most exciting figures in modern British Theatre, including Olivier Award-winner Drew McOnie (In The Heights, Jesus Christ Superstar) and Morgan Lloyd Malcom (Emilia – The Globe and West End).

Cake was originally commissioned by Paul Taylor-Mills (Heathers, In The Heights) and promises to re-define our expectations of what a musical can be.

Musical Jersey Boys

The Story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

Tuesday 25 April – Saturday 6 May 2023 | Theatre

The internationally acclaimed stage sensation, Jersey Boys, is coming to Leicester for the very first time! They were just four guys from Jersey, until they sand their very first note. They had a sound nobody had ever heard… and the radio just couldn’t get enough of. But while their harmonies were perfect on stage, off stage it was a very different story – a story that has made them an international sensation all over again. The show features all their hits including Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Oh What A Night, Walk Like A Man, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You and Working My Way Back To You. Go behind the music and inside the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons in the Olivier Award-winning, original Broadway sensation, Jersey Boys. From the streets of New Jersey to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this is the musical that’s too good to be true.

Drama

A Theatre Nation Partnership production, produced

Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch Sucker Punch

Tuesday 25 – Saturday 29 April 2023 | Studio Theatre

Two best mates, Leon and Troy, have spent their youth growing up in a boxing gym, figuring out a place in the world, vying for the approval of Charlie, their trainer. Soon Leon and Becky, Charlie’s daughter, are trying to keep a big secret in a ruthless world.

But there can only be one winner, and it’s time everyone stepped into the ring to faceup to who they really are…

This tender, bruising and funny play by leading British dramatist Roy Williams, brilliantly explores being young and black in the 80s. Winning the Alfred Fagon Award, The Writers Guild Award for Best Play and nominated for an Olivier for Best New Play, it first opened in a sellout production at London’s Royal Court.

by

A regional premiere of thrillingly staged event theatre, from an exciting partnership of theatres, touring nationally.

Performance Times 7.45pm, Thursday and Saturday 2.30pm

Tickets from £10 | Members enjoy 15% off tickets

Access Performances

Audio Described Friday 28 April 2023, 7.45pm with Touch Tour from 6.15pm

BSL Interpreted Saturday 29 April 2023, 2.30pm

Musical 42nd Street

Wednesday 17 May – Saturday 3 June 2023 | Theatre

It’s big… it’s bright… it’s a brand-spanking new production of ‘the original showbiz musical,’ 42nd Street.

Jonathan Church (Singin’ In The Rain, The Drifters Girl) directs the iconic song-and-dance spectacular featuring a hit parade of toe-tapping songs including 42nd Street, We’re In The Money, Lullaby Of Broadway, Shuffle Off To Buffalo and I Only Have Eyes For You.

Choreographed and designed by Olivier Award winners

Bill Deamer and Rob Jones, 42ndStreet is a timeless and inspiring showbiz fairy tale that combines breathtaking tap dance routines, backstage intrigue, classic romance and delightful comedy to dazzling effect. It’s simply irresistible!

Fresh of the bus from small-town America, young and beautiful Peggy Sawyer arrives in New York City dreaming of her name in lights. She quickly catches the eye of a big time director and lands a spot in the chorus

Group

know how much work goes into organising a group outing, so our dedicated Group Sales Team offer a personal

service for all your group’s wants and needs. Whether a school trip, social group, family celebration or just a special treat, we’ll make sure your party has a memorable time from the moment you book your tickets until the cast take their final bow.

School Bookings

We’re here to make bringing a school group to Curve as easy and enjoyable as possible.

To book, please call Group Sales on 0116 242 3595 or email groupbookings@curvetheatre.co.uk *Subject to availability

Learn, Take Part, Create and Engage with Curve

Young People

Curve Young Community Company (CYCC) Shows

Featuring CYCC Act, Musical Theatre and Kids Companies, plus work from our five CYCC hub companies based in city schools.

23 – 24 March – CYCC Act

5 – 17 Jun – CYCC Studio Takeover

Tickets will go on sale from February 2023

Families

Little Curve Workshops

We’d love to welcome you and your little ones to our weekly creative sessions. Together we will explore magical, colourful storytelling, creative dance, music and movement – and learn some Makaton!

Suitable for children aged 18 months to 4 years and their grown-ups.

Every Tuesday, 10.15am – 11.15am during term time.

£3 per family group, per session

CQ Earlies Free Family Workshops

Join us on the second Saturday of each month for a funfilled workshop, led by experienced artists and recommended for all ages.

Communities

Community Company 18+ - Recruiting now!

Our Curve Community Company is for anyone over the age of 18 interested in developing their skills as an actor, in a fun and creative environment. No previous experience is necessary, just a passion for performing arts.

Participants will meet one evening a week over the course of eight weeks with the opportunity to perform in the final session.

The session will cover all aspects of actor training, including voice, physicality, script work, the actors’ process, building a character and audition technique.

Company workshops will take place each Wednesday evening, starting on 11 January 2023 until 1 March 2023, 7pm – 9.30pm, with a showcase day on Saturday 4 March 2023. The cost for one term is £64 (£8 per class). Some free bursary places are available.

Want to try a taster workshop first? Join us at an Acting for Life Skills Workshop on Saturday 3 December, 10.30am – 1.30pm, led by Guy Wah.

Community-based Workshops

We run free, dance-based workshops in the community for elders and local people based in our hub areas. If you are a community partner based in St Matthews, Highfields, Saffron, Braunstone, Evington or New Parks, get in touch to find out more about our hub partnerships programme.

Schools

Educational Workshops and Free Resources

We offer backstage, careers and curriculum-based

workshops, as well as free education packs for every Made at Curve show.

See our Theatre Days offer, popular with schools, on page 24.

For Teachers

Join our Teachers Network for special opportunities including access to rehearsals and discounted tickets, as well as Continuing Professional Development (CPD) sessions led by industry professionals. Arts Award Interested in creative arts qualifications for young people? We are proud to be an Artsmark Partner Organisation and offer Arts Award provision in both school and community settings.

City Hub Schools

If you are a school based in St Matthews, Highfields, Saffron, Braunstone, Evington or New Parks, get in touch to find out more about our hub partnerships programme.

We are proud to be one of the specially chosen partners in the Theatre Nation Partnership, an exciting programme from the National Theatre, which will support our work with city-based schools, launching in January 2023.

For learning resources and information visit curveonline.co.uk and click ‘Learning and Community’. To get in touch with us, please email learning@curvetheatre.co.uk

Artists

Leicester and the Midlands are thriving with artists and creativity. We are here to support artists at all levels through coaching, networking and artist development programmes. Below are some of the opportunities we have available.

First Fridays

Every First Friday of the month there will be one-to-ones with members of Curve staff for artists and companies.

Curve Connect

Join Curve Connect to receive details of events and opportunities via our Curve Connect network.

Monthly Meet-ups for Curve Connect members

A space for artists of all theatre-making disciplines to explore ideas, find collaborators and explore the way other people work.

The next meet-ups are on: Monday 21 November, Monday 12 December and Monday 16 January 2023, 6.30pm – 9.30pm. New Work Festival – Spring 2023 Performance showcasing local talent alongside events, open rehearsals, workshops and discussions will make up this exciting festival. The full programme will be announced online in the coming months.

To find out more and get involved, visit curveonline.co.uk and click ‘Artists’, or email artistdevelopment@curvetheatre.co.uk

Theatre Days

These two-hour exclusive creative sessions offer a very special opportunity to learn more about the theatre making process at Curve.

• Learn about the rehearsal process and performance skills from the actor

• Watch technical demonstrations using sound and lighting to create the different effects

• Listen to interviews and Q&As with key members of the creative team

• Theatre Days tickets are £8 per individual or £5 per person for members, community, and educational groups. All Theatre Day events can be followed by a matinee performance

42ndStreet Theatre Day

Wednesday 31 May, 10am – 12.30pm

To book, visit curveonline.co.uk or call the Box Office on 0116 242 3595.

Name a Seat

Create lasting memories by naming a seat in our Theatre or Studio Theatre! Your Name a Seat will include:

• A plaque with your engraved message on the back of your chosen seat

• A commemorative certificate

• A photo opportunity with your seat

• Recognition of your support on Curve’s website

To take your seat with us and find out more information, please get in touch with our Fundraising Team by emailing fundraising@curvetheatre.co.uk.

*Terms and conditions apply.

Friends of Curve

Julia and Chris Bates Annie Bannister

Yvonne Burge Anthony and Lisa Clare Nikolai Foster Linda Fox Neil and Jackie Frettsome Andrea Gray Mike Griffiths Ros and Alan Haigh Simon Harrison Jane Harris-Lock Alan Heggs Dr. Alexander N Herzog, MD

Peter Hollis

Jonathan Kerry

Katrina Kinch Robert and Janie Martin Barbara Matthews Lynne McCormack Jose Gollardo Mora Jeremy and Mary-Vere Parr

Jean Roberts Chris Stafford David and Diane Statham Philip and Alison Tasker Robert David Williamson

Garfield Weston Foundation

The Headley Trust

The Wolfson Foundation

Talk to us about our exciting sponsorship and partnership opportunities available at Curve. If you would like more information on all our sponsorship opportunities, please contact our Fundraising and Partnerships Team on 0116 402 6345 or email fundraising@curvetheatre.co.uk

Booking Information

Theatre and Box Office Opening Hours

Open Monday – Saturday from 10am. When there is no evening performance, the building and our Box Office closes at 6pm. Sunday and Bank Holiday opening times vary, please check curveonline.co.uk for more information. For all other enquiries please contact Curve reception on 0116 242 3560.

Group and School Bookings

We warmly welcome groups and school bookings, offering special prices and benefits for groups of 10+ for most shows. For more information, please call the Box Office or contact our dedicated Group Sales team by emailing groupbookings@curvetheatre.co.uk

Children in Attendance

Children under 18 months are not permitted in the auditoria unless the event is aimed at children under 7 years old. Children of all ages require a ticket to enter the auditoria at any time. If no specific discount is available for children, the full ticket rate will apply.

Please call the Box Office for the age guidance for each production.

The Small Print (Please read me carefully)

• All Tickets are sold subject to our Terms and Conditions of Sale and Attendance, available on our website.

• All advertised Ticket prices, Concessions and Discounts are subject to availability, and can be changed and/or withdrawn at any time, without prior notice,

• Published ticket prices include up to a £1.50 contribution which is invested back into the organisation.

• Concessions and Discounts are not available for preview performances.

• Only one Concession or Discount can be applied per ticket purchased and cannot be applied retrospectively.

• In response to demand, we may amend Ticket prices, price bands and availability of Concessions and Discounts at our discretion.

• A £1.50 postage fee is applicable to all Tickets delivered by post.

• Tickets will only be delivered to the billing address of the cardholder. Alternatively, your tickets can be emailed to you directly to Print at Home free of charge.

• All tickets are non-refundable except in the case of a cancelled or rescheduled performance. If you are self-isolating or showing symptoms of Coronavirus, please contact the Box Office at least four hours before the performance.

• Changes to the cast for a performance (including any star casting) will not entitle you to a refund.

• Customers selecting e-tickets when purchasing online must present, either in hard copy or on a mobile device, their ticket upon arrival.

• All performance details and content descriptions are correct at the time of going to print and are subject to change and interpretation.

• We are not responsible for the content of any thirdparty website.

• Tickets are not transferable to other shows and cannot be sold, resold or offered for sale by customers. Only Tickets purchased via our Box Office or our approved agents are valid for admission.

• All Tickets are sold in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and General Data Protection Regulation 2016, for further information on how we hold and process your data please see our website.

• Covid safety measures will be in place in line with government guidance.

Public Dress Rehearsals

The decision to invite the public to our Dress Rehearsal will be taken on the morning of that scheduled performance and tickets will go on sale on the same day. Tickets are limited to four per person and are available on a first come, first served basis.