Central Theatre Summer 09

drama • music • amateur • dance • film • comedy • musicals • family

April to July 2009

Connie Fisher Sunday, 31 May 7.30pm

Book online at www.medway.gov.uk/theatrebooking

Box office: 01634 338338 Opening hours Mon – Sat 10am to 5pm, and up to 15 minutes after performances begin.

Minicom Service (for people with hearing disabilities) 01634 880969

THE CENTRAL THEATRE, CHATHAM MAKE IT YOURS THIS SUMMER

Once you’ve seen a live show, it becomes your story to tell.

There are no repeats to refer friends to, just your memories.

You become part of the performance, setting the scene, editing the standout highlights and passing on the buzz of a fantastic night out. At The Central Theatre the stage is set.

This beautiful 965-seat venue is already home to a myriad of memories and it’s waiting, with open arms, for you to come along and make more unforgettable memories of your own.

Making The Central Theatre yours is at the heart of our programming, carefully putting together a season of shows to reflect the tastes of the area and excite as many people as possible. Read on and plan your own unforgettable memories this summer.

The Best of Brian Conley

“If you haven’t been for a while you might have forgotten what a delightful theatre Chatham has in its centre.” Kent on Sunday Front cover focus – Connie Fisher The winner of the BBC’s How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? and star of the stage hit The Sound of Music brings the energy and buzz of a West End show to your doorstep.

You can book tickets for any of this season’s events by phoning box office on 01634 338338 or visiting www.medway.gov.uk/theatrebooking

Now even more choice at The Sandwich Cellar

Dramatically good food Whether you are shopping in Chatham High Street, looking for a quick working lunch or coming to see a show at The Central Theatre, The Sandwich Cellar is open to all. Alongside our selection of freshly made-to-order sandwiches, baguettes and jacket potatoes we have added an extended range of coffees, freshly baked treats and pasta salads.

Teas and cold drinks also available and a fully licensed bar.

The Sandwich Cellar is now fully accessible for customers with disabilities.

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Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 11am - 2.30pm Take away available - please phone 01634 338301 to place your order.

Pre-show orders can be placed in advance. For evening performances please phone by 2pm

Summer 2009

Box office 01634 338338

Now booking...

Before you delve into our exciting summer season, make a note in your diary for the following shows also coming to your Central Theatre in autumn 2009‌

Fri, 16 Oct

Joe Pasquale King of the visual gags, King of the Jungle and king of the most distinctive voice in comedy, Joe Pasquale returns to The Central Theatre.Take a trip into the irreverent recesses of his mind and come out crying with laughter. Sold out quickly last year, so book early.

Sun, 1 Nov

Vampires Rock A Halloween night spectacular, starring Toyah Wilcox and Steve Steinman.

Join them and the live band in the underworld and rock out to songs made famous by Led Zeppelin, AC/DC and many more.

Sun, 15 Nov

The Stylistics Featuring original Stylistics Herbert Murrell and Airrion Love, with the help of Van Fields and Harold Brown. Hear classic hits including You’re a Big Girl Now and You Make Me Feel Brand New.

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Box office 01634 338338

Summer 2009 Wed, 22 Apr 7.30pm Tickets: Band – A: £19.50 Band – B: £18

Fri, 24 Apr 7.30pm and Sat, 25 Apr 5pm and 8pm Tickets: Band – A: £18.50 Band – B: £17.50 5pm matinee Band – A: £16 Band – B: £14.50 Groups of eight plus, £2 off top ticket prices

The Best of Brian Conley One of the UK’s most popular performers takes to the stage for a night of comedy, singing, dancing and off-the-cuff wit. Brian brings with him a clutch of crowd favourites, including Dangerous Brian and Larry the Loafer.

He also gets into character as Al Jolson, a part he played in the 1995 musical Jolson, for which he received a Lawrence Olivier Award nomination.

A sparkling cast of entertainers will join Brian on stage for a night of top-notch fun.

Theatremaster Ltd presents

The Naked Truth

by Dave Simpson

Starring Abi Titmuss and Emmerdale favourite, Lisa Riley, The Naked Truth is a riotous journey through the realms of sisterhood. Five very different women join together in an hilarious struggle to conquer the art of pole dancing for a charity event, in a comedy that is both poignant and moving. A talented cast, including Jackie Beckfield from Hollyoaks and Trudi Goodwin from The Bill joins Abi and Lisa in an ultimate show of strength in adversity.

If you fell for the charms of Calendar Girls and Stepping Out, this is a must. From the writer of the hit comedy Girls Night Out.

Receive regular updates by email Don't be left in the dark - sign up to our email newsletter to be among the first to find out news, events, special offers and show information.

Just ask at the box office, email your contact details to arts.marketing@medway.gov.uk or tick the box next time you book online.

Summer 2009

Box office 01634 338338

City of London Sinfonia’s family concert

Crash, Bang,Wallop! with special guest Brian Blessed Programme includes: Britten Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra Ives Putnam’s Camp from Three Places in New England Copland Simple Gifts from Appalachian Spring Stuart Stratford – conductor James Redwood – presenter Larger-than-life actor Brian Blessed (Robin Hood – Prince of Thieves, Black Adder and Flash Gordon) joins the City of London Sinfonia in a family extravaganza that includes the musical favourite Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra and plenty of interaction between audience and performers.

A musical treat for all ages.

Arrive from 3pm for the chance to meet musicians and enjoy some hands-on creative activities. Concert begins at 4pm.

Soul’d on Blues Featuring Chris Farlowe, Cliff Bennett and Herbie Goins Chris Farlowe reached the top of the charts in 1966 with Out of Time before recording the timeless Handbags and Gladrags. Also hitting the top 10 around the same time was Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers, with Got to Get You into My Life and One Way Love. Herbie Goins completes the line-up of stars.

Alongside their own classic hits the trio will feature unforgettable tracks from Otis Redding, James Brown, Wilson Pickett and BB King. A night of classic live hits.

Sun, 26 Apr from 3pm Tickets: £14 adults and £9 children If you have taken advantage of our three-for-two offer on the core season, then you can bring one child free per adult (each child needs a ticket), with extra child tickets at just £5.

Crash, Bang, Wallop!

Workshops at The Brook Theatre Sun, 19 Apr. Phone box office for brochure.

Thu, 30 Apr 7.30pm Tickets: Band – A: £17.50 Band – B: £16.50 Friends of The Central Theatre and groups of eight plus, £2 off top ticket prices

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Box office 01634 338338

Summer 2009 Fri, 1 May 7.30pm Tickets: Band – A: £18 Band – B: £16.50 Friends of The Central Theatre and groups of eight plus, £2 off top ticket prices

Sat, 2 May 7.30pm Tickets: Band – A: £22 Band – B: £19.50

Sun, 3 May 5pm Tickets: £10 and £5

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Beyond The Barricade – 10th anniversary show Packing the emotional punch of a West End musical performance, Beyond the Barricade is back in Medway for its 10th anniversary celebrations. In this new production for 2009 past principal performers from Les Miserables revisit the best of Beyond the Barricade from the past decade.

Modern classics are covered including Miss Saigon,The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera,We Will Rock You and Chicago.

The show climaxes with a spectacular finale from Les Miserables. Break down the barricades and let your emotions flow free.

10cc One of the most successful groups of the 1970s hit the road running, armed with a stack of hits, biting humour and timeless, art-school sensibilities. Featuring Rick Fenn and Paul Burgess from the band’s chart-topping years and founder member Graham Gouldman, 10cc revisit some of the most angular, incisive pop songs of the past 30 years. Including Dreadlock Holiday, I’m Mandy, Fly Me, I’m Not in Love and Rubber Bullets.

Rainham Ladies Choir in concert with the Central Band of the Royal Air Force Rainham Ladies Choir welcomes the return of the Central Band of the Royal Air Force.Together they present a heart-warming concert of music and song. Profits from the night will be donated to Help for Heroes, a charity that supports wounded service men and women.

Box office 01634 338338

Summer 2009 Medway Folk Cellar presents

Jim Moray

– support from Skinners Rats

After releasing his debut album at the age of 21, Moray was compared to Bob Dylan by the Sydney Herald and his music heralded by Uncut as: “the most significant development in English Folk since Fairport Convention’s Liege and Leif.” Six years later he’s back on the road with a stunning new album. Low Culture grasps the past in a respectful embrace before sending it headlong into the future.

A century old classic becomes a burning hurdy-gurdy driven alt-rock classic, XTC favourite All You Pretty Girls is transformed into a salt-stinging sea shanty and throughout Moray’s talent and desire to weave traditional elements with modern popular culture shines through.Tonight’s show is a solo performance.

“Those who feel that the folk idiom has nothing to express to the truly modern and young should acquire this album forthwith…a genuinely fabulous record.”

The Independent on Sunday (a review of Low Culture)

Jimmy Carr – Joke Technician

Tue, 5 May 8pm Tickets: £8, folk mailing list members and Friends of The Central Theatre £7

Wed, 6 May 7.30pm Tickets: Band – A: £20 Band – B: £19

T U O SOLD Don’t miss out next time, send your contact details to arts.marketing@medway.gov.uk and get regular email updates.

Save money on folk and jazz If you enjoy the monthly folk and jazz evenings at The Central and Brook Theatres, join our free folk or jazz mailing list and save £1 on each folk or jazz ticket.

Folkus and Jazzbase members also benefit from this discount. Simply fill in a form at our box office, or email your name and address to:

folk@medway.gov.uk or jazz@medway.gov.uk As well as the saving, we will keep you up-to-date on forthcoming shows. For more details, phone the box office on 01634 338338.

Please note: Seating not guaranteed at busy folk events at The Central Theatre’s Cellar Bar.

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Box office 01634 338338

Summer 2009 Fri, 8 May 7.30pm Tickets: Band – A: £19.50 Band – B: £18 Children: £14 Family of four (max two adults) £60

Sat, 9 May 2.30pm and Sun, 10 May 2pm and 4.30pm Tickets: £12 adults and £10 children Family of four (max two adults) £40

Shaolin Warriors – Legends of Kung Fu Debut UK tour from Beijing-based company.This breathtaking theatrical performance features 22 Kung Fu masters showcasing rarely-seen feats of agility, strength and skill. Combining Buddhist meditation and traditional martial arts training, the masters perform a death-defying range of techniques, from drunken boxing to quigong and fighting with lethal weapons.

A choreographed spectacular set against a backdrop of gorgeous scenery, atmospheric music, beautiful lights and hundreds of costumes. A treat for families and martial arts fans.

Fifi live – the Fairy and the Flowertots For the first time Fifi and the Flowertots are leaving their comfortable television home to take to the stage with a fantastic adventure. It’s a stormy day in Flowertot garden and in on the wind flies a magical fairy. Disaster strikes when her wand is swept away on the breeze; without it she can’t get home. Everyone’s favourite Flowertot – Fifi Forget-Me-Not – and her colourful friends are on hand to help but it’s going to be touch and go.Will they find the wand? Will Fifi make it back for her special party and will the garden survive the storm? Join in the fun on this spellbinding, musical journey and meet all of your favourite characters in this new production.

Support acts Support acts are regularly used by production companies to start a show and warm up the audience for the main act.The Central Theatre does not always know if a support act is being used, or what the support act will be, at the time of going to press. Customers are advised that support acts may be used at the discretion of the producing management. For further information please enquire at the box office on the day of the performance.

Box office 01634 338338

Summer 2009

The Apartment

(1960, PG)

Director: Billy Wilder Starring: Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine Wilder's acclaimed follow-up to Some Like It Hot seamlessly weaves between comedy, drama and romance as Lemmon and MacLaine deliver career-defining performances. Baxter (Lemmon) is a nice but socially invisible guy who lets work superiors walk all over him and use his apartment as a love nest for their secret trysts.When his boss makes another reservation, Baxter obliges. However, the object of his boss’s desire is Miss Kubelik, a woman Baxter knows at work and is very fond of.When he returns to his apartment and finds Miss Kubelik still there, in a state of physical and mental anguish, Baxter must make some life-changing decisions.

THE BIG PICTURE:The Apartment was nominated for nine Oscars, winning five including Best Picture.

European Ballet presents

Cinderella A classical ballet in two acts directed and choreographed by Stanislav Tchassov, former principal dancer with the Bolshoi Ballet. Internationallyacclaimed dancers from across Europe beautifully capture the drama and comedy of this much-loved fairytale. Set to Sergei Prokofiev’s famous score, the story is told through a stunning blend of solos, pas de deux and grand ensembles.

Featuring colourful scenery and lavish costumes.

Tue, 12 May, 7.30pm Tickets: £5 See four Screen Classics and get a fifth free

Thu, 14 May 7.30pm Tickets: Band – A: £18 Band – B: £16 Children: £9 Senior citizens: £16

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Box office 01634 338338

Summer 2009 Fri, 15 May 7.30pm

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac

Tickets: Band – A: £18.50 Band – B: £17

Has it been too long since your last Fleetwood fix or Mac attack? Well, it’s time to stop going your own way and head for The Central Theatre as Rumours of Fleetwood Mac return for a night of outstanding musicianship and classic hits.The band brings to life, on stage, one of the world’s greatest super groups featuring unforgettable tracks from the sixties, seventies, eighties and nineties including Black Magic Woman, Albatross, Little Lies, Go Your Own Way and many more.

Sat, 16 May 7.30pm

City of Rochester Symphony Orchestra

Tickets: £13, £11, £9, concessions available

Mendelssohn Hebrides Overture Mozart Clarinet Concerto in A major Beethoven Eroica Symphony no. 3 in Eflat major Conductor: Peter Bassano, soloist: Graeme Vinall A beautiful programme from the classical Romantic repertoire. Originally dedicated to Napoleon, Beethoven's Eroica Symphony was eventually addressed to the memory of a great man. Mendelssohn's Hebrides Overture depicts the grandeur and wilderness of the Scottish island landscape and Mozart’s clarinet concerto is brought to life by the mellow tone of Graeme Vinalli, a celebrated local soloist.

Sun, 17 May 7.30pm Tickets: Band – A: £19 Band – B: £17.50

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That’ll Be The Day Gary and the gang return with a new production for 2009 of one of the UK’s most popular and successful touring shows. Packed with non-stop classic gold hits from the fifties through to the nineties, That’ll Be The Day is the ultimate nostalgia trip.

Featuring a fantastic live band, cracking comedy routines and a host of characters that will reignite the lamps down memory lane. A night of great laughs and back-to-back hits. www.thatllbetheday.com

Summer 2009

Box office 01634 338338

Summer break family film Please visit www.medway.gov.uk/theatrebooking or see local press for details.

FILM

American Superslam Wrestling The colourful, charismatic kings of the canvas return to Medway, packed with muscles, tight trousers and a playful sense of theatre.Watch top stars from the World Wrestling Entertainment and other leading stateside federations close-up and personal, as they challenge the very best of British talent. Solo and tag-team bouts and over-the-top rope-rumble battles will provide an unforgettable spectacle for children and adults alike.

The Connie Fisher Secret Love tour With special guest Will Martin Connie Fisher shot to fame when she won the BBC’s How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? in 2006. She went on to play the lead in Andrew LloydWebber’s West End production of The Sound of Music for 16 months, prompting The Evening Standard to proclaim: “She eclipses her famous predecessors…the first real Maria I’ve seen”. After a short break Fisher is back on stage with a magical mix of show-stopping favourites and mesmerising live takes from her new album Secret Love, a reworking of musical-theatre masterpieces.

The night features guest soloist Will Martin, who recently appeared on The Alan Titchmarsh Show and will duet with Fisher throughout. Connie and Will are backed by a three-piece band as well as the acclaimed all-female string quartet Raven, who regularly tour with Hayley Westenra.The energy and buzz of a West End show on your doorstep.

Fri, 22 – Thu, 28 May

Sun, 24 May 5pm Tickets: Band – A: Adults:£12 Children: £8 Band – B: Adults: £10 Children: £7 Family of four (maximum two adults): £35

Sun, 31 May 7.30pm Tickets: Band – A: £22.50 Band – B: £21

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Box office 01634 338338

Summer 2009 Tue, 2 Jun 8pm

Medway Folk Cellar presents

Tickets: £8, folk mailing list members and Friends of The Central Theatre £7

Regarded as one of the finest vocalists in folk, Roy Bailey has spent more than 40 years performing around the world. His warmth and humour create an atmosphere of comradeship and, as Billy Bragg once said of him: “(Roy’s voice is) as powerful and moving as anything I’d heard by The Clash.”

Thu, 4 Jun 7.30pm

One Night of Queen with Gary Mullen

Tickets: Band – A: £18.50 Band – B: £17

Stars In Their Eyes’ winner Garry Mullen returns to Medway as Freddie Mercury with this stunning two-hour live tribute to Queen. Performed by Garry and his band,The Works, this fantastic show recreates the sound and showmanship of one of the greatest live bands of all time, featuring hits including We Will Rock You, We Are The Champions, Radio Ga Ga and Bohemian Rhapsody.This show is guaranteed to rock you.

Roy Bailey – support from Skinners Rats

Become a friend and enjoy exclusive benefits

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Are you a theatre lover? Are you interested in saving money on a wide variety of shows?

Friends of The Central Theatre receive lots of exclusive benefits including discounted tickets for selected shows and films, two free tickets to the pantomime, a saving of up to £37, and regular newsletters. Membership is just £10 a year.

For more information contact box office on 01634 338338 or email boxoffice@medway.gov.uk

Box office 01634 338338

Summer 2009

City of London Sinfonia Copland Appalachian Spring Vaughan Williams Oboe Concerto Elgar Serenade for Strings Haydn Symphony No. 45 - Farewell Director Nicholas Ward Oboe Solo Nicholas Daniel Music by two of England’s best loved composers, Edward Elgar and Ralph Vaughan Williams, is flanked by American Aaron Copland’s ballet score Appalachian Spring, which concludes with a powerful setting of the Shaker hymn tune Simple Gifts. Haydn’s Farewell symphony, with its playful and moving ending, is a fitting conclusion to the season. Featuring Nicholas Daniel in Vaughan Williams’ Oboe Concerto. Daniel won the 1980 BBC Young Musician of the Year award and is regarded as one of the finest soloists in the world. He is described by The Guardian as “a formidable virtuoso.”

All About Eve

(1950, U)

Director: Joseph Mankiewicz Starring: Bette Davis and Anne Baxter Nominated for 14 Academy Awards, All About Eve explores the distasteful underbelly of fame, idolatry and shallow ambition. Margo (Bette Davis) is an established but ageing Broadway star.

When Eve Harrington, a star-struck fan, starts to turn up at Margo’s stage door every night, she is finally allowed into the inner circle and endlessly showers her idol with praise. Eve begins to copy Margo, in every detail. Most people see Eve as harmless but her actions begin to increasingly raise suspicions as the terrifying and destructive extent of her ambition becomes clearer.

Sun, 7 Jun 7.30pm Tickets: Band – A: £18 Band – B: £15 Senior citizens and students £1.50 off single concerts – not to be used in conjunction with buy two get one free offer.

Tue, 9 Jun 7.30pm Tickets: £5 See four Screen Classics and get a fifth free

THE BIG PICTURE: Only Titanic can match the number of Academy Award nominations that All About Eve received.

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Box office 01634 338338

Summer 2009 Fri, 12 Jun 8pm Tickets: Band - A: £18.50 Band - B: £17 Senior citizens: £17 Groups of eight plus, £2 off top ticket prices

Please note 8pm start

Sun, 14 Jun 7.30pm Tickets: Band – A: £18.50 Band – B: £17 Friends of The Central Theatre and groups of eight plus, £2 off top ticket prices

Ralph McTell Described by Billy Connolly as: “Britain's best singer/songwriter”, Ralph McTell is a consummate entertainer and has won an Ivor Novello Award and a BBC Lifetime Achievement Award. Best known for the million-selling worldwide hit Streets of London and the classic From Clare to Here, McTell blends a rich baritone voice with a skillfully-deft finger-picking style and six string virtuosity. Join Ralph on a 90-minute journey along the musical path he has followed for over four decades. A journey that is brilliantly lit by his astute observations and wry take on life.

“McTell hits the spot by telling your personal story: yours and everyone's.” The Guardian Tonight’s show will be 90 minutes long, with no interval.

Rockin on Heaven’s Door Journey back to the birth of rock and roll with a show that brings to life the excitement, energy and key characters from the most important music revolution of the 20th century.

Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper take centre stage, backed by a five-piece band. A life-like Jerry Lee Lewis, whose piano bursts into flames during Great Balls of Fire, joins the stars. Featuring Dave Wickenden as Buddy Holly, a performance that has been acclaimed by Holly’s widow, and John-Simon Rawlings as The Big Bopper, a role he made his own in the West End show Buddy. www.rockinonheavensdoor.co.uk

Assisted Access Scheme We operate a membership scheme for customers needing assistance in accessing the theatre and its services.

Under the scheme, members who need an assistant to help them access our facilities will be able to buy an additional ticket at half the standard ticket price. For full details on individual and organisation membership please

phone the box office on 01634 338338.

For a summary of our facilities for customers with disabilities, please see our booking information on page 19. If you would like further information, please ask a member of our box office staff for a copy of the leaflet How to Access Our Services or email boxoffice@medway.gov.uk

Summer 2009

Chas and Dave in Concert The legendary cockney duo return for a barnstorming knees-up through their Greatest Hits album.

The boys are cutting back on live dates so this could be your last chance for quite a while to soak up classic tracks including Rabbit, Ain’t No Pleasing You, Gertcha, Sideboard Song and many more.

Abbamania Nine years before Mamma Mia! became one of the biggest grossing films in history, four gifted singers and musicians took to the road as Abbamania.

A decade later they are arguably the world’s greatest Abba tribute group, regularly touring the world and on occasion, playing for up to 20,000 fans a night. Backed by a three-piece band and stunning stage effects, Bjorn, Benny, Agnetha and Anni-Frida relive Abba’s unrivalled blend of classic hits, from the heart-melting Fernando to the hipshaking Waterloo and Dancing Queen.

“Beware of imitations…this is the real musical tribute.” Sunday Mirror

Roy Chubby Brown The king of controversial comedy returns to Chatham with a brand of humour that will curl toes, raise eyebrows and put hairs in places not normally seen by well-respected faces.

Too rude for television, Chubby Brown has spent more than 40 years on the live circuit, collecting a huge following along the way. Expect new material and classic favourites but don’t come if you’re easily offended.

Box office 01634 338338 Thu, 18 Jun 7.30pm Tickets: Band – A: £18 Band – B: £16 Groups of eight plus, £2 off top ticket prices

Sun, 21 Jun 7.30pm Tickets: Band – A: £17.50 Band – B: £16 Friends of The Central Theatre and groups of eight plus, £2 off top ticket prices

Tue, 23 Jun 7.30pm Tickets: Band – A: £19 Band – B: £18

Warning – adult content. Not suitable for under 16s.

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Box office 01634 338338

Summer 2009 Wed, 24 – Thu, 25 Jun Tickets: Adults: £5 Veterans: £2.50 (up to two tickets) To claim discount, veterans need to show badge when purchasing

British Armed Forces Veterans’ Film Festival A special Screen Classics season of Second World War films, to coincide with British Armed Forces Veterans’ Day. Introduced by our Screen Classics host Nick Walker.

Wed, 24 Jun – 3pm

In Which We Serve (1942) One of the UK’s greatest war films, directed by David Lean and Noel Coward.

Wed, 24 Jun – 7.30pm

Matter of Life and Death (1946) A romantic fantasy film set in the Second World War and starring David Niven.

Thu, 25 Jun – 3pm

Carve Her Name with Pride (1958)

A true story of the heroism of Special Operations Executive Violette Szabo.

Thu, 25 Jun – 7.30pm

Battle of Britain (1969) Starring Michael Caine, Susannah York and Laurence Olivier

Fri, 26 Jun 3pm

Crown Juals Productions presents

The Best of British A variety extravaganza to celebrate British Armed Forces Veterans’ Day

Tickets: £10 Veteran badgeholders: £5

A roller-coaster afternoon of nostalgia, comedy and music that will take you through four decades of British variety.

From the songs and humour of wartime Britain, when the nation faced hardship with comradeship, right through to the seventies and eighties, when our national identity was again tested in the Falklands conflict and beyond.

A wonderfully talented cast will entertain you with memories and singalongs. Jess Conrad will be on hand to add his own brand of charm, comedy and musical memories, plus a top-of-the-bill star still to be announced.

Sat, 4 Jul 7pm

Next Generation Project presents

Tickets: £7.50, students £4.50

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NXG Awards An event to recognise the achievements of young people within the areas of music, media, business, sports, community and many more.There will be performances from up and coming local acts, supported by special guest artists.

Box office 01634 338338

Summer 2009

Theatre Open Day Part of Medway’s Open Up weekend This is your chance to see what life is like backstage and elsewhere in your local theatre. Regular free tours throughout the day will take you behind the scenes to areas that normally only the star names and stage managers get to see.You'll walk on the stage itself and see the auditorium from the other side of the footlights. Hear just how we get your favourite show in, up, on and out again, all in a matter of just a few hours. See the dressing rooms used by the stars and no doubt hear a few bits of gossip along the way.

The theatre bar will be open all day with discounts on food and drinks.

It's a tour not to be missed and there's no charge and no need to book - just turn up and join the next available tour. Check out our website nearer the time, for more details.

Sun, 26 Jul Time to be confirmed Free

Summer cinema at the Central Films for children From Friday, 24 July we will be showing a selection of recent silver-screen hits for all the family.Visit www.medway.gov.uk/theatrebooking nearer the time for details or phone box office on 01634 338338.

Our Screen Classics season takes a break in July but we’ll be back in August.The full autumn/winter season will be announced soon but in the meantime, mark these dates in the diary for August and September.

Rear Window

(1954) Tue, 11 Aug 7.30pm Director: Alfred Hitchcock Hitchcock’s tense thriller, starring James Stewart and Grace Kelly.

Casablanca

(1955) Tue, 8 Sep 7.30pm Director: Hal Wallis The iconic blockbuster starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman.

Tickets: £5 – see four Screen Classics and get a fifth free.

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Box office 01634 338338

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28

11 11

13 12 17 16 15 14 13 12 14 15 16 17 13 12 17 16 15 14 13 12 17 16 15 14

7

6

4

17 18

30

29 28 29

O

8

6

4

8

30

24

9

10

7

5

17 18

31

31

24

N

8

6

2

18

32

31

29 28

24

M

9

6

7

1 2

4

31 32

30

29 28

L

9

10

7

2

3

32

30

29 28

24 24

10

8

5

3

7

31

29 28

J K

8

3 4

6

31

29 28

9

4

5

7

33

30

29 28

10

5

6

32

30

24

8

7

6

5

32

30

H

24

9

6

4

31

G

E 13 12 11 17 16 15 14 F 13 12 11 14 15 16 17 G 12 11 13 14 17 16 15 H 13 12 11 17 16 15 14

10

7

3

31

24

D

7

2

33

30

29 28

24

F

8

11 12 13 14 15 16 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 8 9 10 11 12 13 16 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

32

33

29 28 30

E

8

9

1

31

32

29 28 29 28

9

10

8

32

34

30

31

24

10

7

31 32

34

30

D

B C

6

31

29 28

C

A

5

30

29 28

11 13 12 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 14 15 16 17 13 12 11 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 17 16 15 14

4

32

30

B

27 26 25 27 26 25 27 26 25 27 26 25 27 26 25 27 26 25 27 26 25 27 26 25 27 26 25 27 26 25 27 26 25 27 26 25 27 26 25 27 26 25 27 25 27

3

D

32

28

2

68 69

34

31

23 22 21 20 19 18 23 22 21 20 19 18 23 22 21 20 19 18 23 22 21 20 19 18 23 22 21 20 19 18 23 22 21 20 19 18 23 22 21 20 19 18 23 22 21 20 19 18 23 22 21 20 19 18 23 22 21 20 19 18 23 22 21 20 19 18 23 22 21 20 19 18 23 22 21 20 19 18 23 22 21 20 19 18 23 22 21 20 19 18 23

22

21

20

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Box office 01634 338338

Summer 2009

Booking information Box office hours

Gift vouchers

The box office is open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm or until 15 minutes after curtain up on performance nights.

Please be patient when phoning the box office during busy periods (for example around show times) as calls are answered in strict rotation.

Central Theatre and Brook Theatre gift vouchers are available in denominations of £1, £5, £10 and £20. Vouchers are valid for 18 months from date of purchase.

Where to find The Central Theatre

By credit/debit card Phone the box office after 10am and pay for your tickets by credit/debit card. Tickets can be posted to you on the same day for a 75p charge or kept at the box office for collection on the day.

Sir John Hawkins Way flyover closed to most vehicles from May 2009.

Postal bookings When booking by post, please enclose a stamped addressed envelope so that tickets can be forwarded to you. Cheques should be made payable to Medway Council. Please print your name, address, daytime phone number and cheque card number on the reverse.

Reservations Tickets must be paid for in person, by phone, credit card or by post within three days of reservation or 30 minutes before curtain up, whichever is the sooner. Seats not paid for after this time will be released.

Exchange and resale of tickets Tickets should be considered as non-exchangeable and nonrefundable and we advise patrons to check their tickets upon receipt. However when a show has more than one performance, tickets may be exchanged from one performance to another. Unwanted tickets may be left with the box office for resale. However, The Central and Brook theatres cannot guarantee their sale and will only offer them for resale once all of the theatre's own seats have been sold.

There is an administration charge of £1 per ticket for each of these services.

Discounts and concessions The Central Theatre reserves the right to introduce special offers and discounts without notice. Concessions, where offered, are available for under 16s or over 60s. Single concessions only apply. Please note concessionary and special offer tickets must be requested at time of purchase and discounts cannot be applied retrospectively.

Talks and tours If you group or organisation is interested in finding out what goes on behind the scenes at The Central Theatre, we are happy to arrange talks or tours of the building. These are most effective when linked to a planned visit to a performance.

Hires The Central Theatre facilities are available for hire by local businesses and organisations. For further information please phone 01634 338300.

Doors open Thirty minutes before curtain up. The licensed bar is open during performances and interval drinks can be ordered before the performance.

Postcode for sat nav users only: ME4 4RG While every effort is made to ensure that all advertised events take place and that prices are correct; this programme is subject to alteration without prior notice. Management reserves the right to refuse admission Facilities for customers with disabilities There are wheelchair spaces available in a variety of areas of the stalls (please advise box office staff when booking).

There is car parking for blue badge holders adjacent to the theatre (access via Best Street). Entry for customers in wheelchairs is via the front entrance where a platform lift provides access to the stalls. There is an alternative entrance for customers in wheelchairs, as well as those with mobility problems, at the side of the building next to the blue badge car park. Please note that this entrance is only open 30 minutes before a performance and closes when the performance commences. A lift has been installed at the rear of the Stalls to provide further access to the balcony (not suitable for customers in wheelchairs) and to the Cellar Bar. Facilities for customers with hearing difficulties There is an infra-red system suitable for use either through earphones (obtainable at box office) or via the T setting on your hearing aid. To access either service an adaptor needs to be obtained from the box office, or by asking a member of the front of house staff. There is no charge for this service but you will be asked for your name and seat number. A Minicom system is available at the box office on 01634 880969

19

At a glance April Wed, 22 Fri, 24–Sat, 25 Sun, 26 Thu, 30

The Best of Brian Conley The Naked Truth Crash, Bang,Wallop!

Soul’d on Blues

7.30pm Fri 7.30pm Sat 5pm and 8pm from 3pm 7.30pm

May Fri, 1 Sat, 2 Sun, 3 Tue, 5 Wed, 6 Fri, 8 Sat, 9 –Sun, 10 Tue, 12 Thu, 14 Fri, 15 Sat, 16 Sun, 17 Fri, 22–Thu, 28 Sun, 24 Sun, 31

Beyond The Barricade 7.30pm 10cc 7.30pm Rainham Ladies Choir in concert 5pm Jim Moray 8pm Jimmy Carr 7.30pm Shaolin Warriors 7.30pm Fifi live Sat 2.30pm, Sun 2pm and 4.30pm The Apartment 7.30pm Cinderella 7.30pm Rumours of Fleetwood Mac 7.30pm City of Rochester Symphony Orchestra 7.30pm That’ll Be The Day 7.30pm Summer break family film American Superslam Wrestling 5pm The Connie Fisher Secret Love tour 7.30pm

June Tue, 2 Thu, 4 Sun, 7 Tue, 9 Fri, 12 Sun, 14 Thu, 18 Sun, 21 Tue, 23 Wed, 24–Thu, 25 Fri, 26

Roy Bailey One Night of Queen with Gary Mullen City of London Sinfonia All About Eve Ralph McTell Rockin on Heaven’s Door Chas and Dave in Concert Abbamania Roy Chubby Brown British Armed Forces Veterans’ Film Festival The Best of British

8pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 8pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 3pm

July NXG Awards Theatre Open Day

7pm

Book online at www.medway.gov.uk/theatrebooking The Central Theatre, 170 High Street, Chatham, Kent ME4 4AS

Box office: 01634 338338 Opening hours Mon – Sat 10am to 5pm, and up to 15 minutes after performances begin.

Book online at www.medway.gov.uk/theatrebooking Minicom Service (for people with hearing disabilities) 01634 880969

G4075

Sat, 4 Sun, 26