New Vic Theatre What's On April 2024 - Jan 2025

A year of word-class theatre, made in Staffordshire

At the New Vic we’re proud of the stories we tell on our stage throughout the whole year. Here’s just some of what people have said about our productions recently:

‘an entertaining, attentiongrabbing visual treat’

The Stage on The Nutcracker – A Christmas Fairytale

‘imaginative, hilarious and surprisingly moving’

The Observer on A Leap In The Dark

‘Astounding by name…

Astounding

on stage. It’s one of the most enjoyable and exciting productions I’ve ever see at the New Vic’

Signal 1 on Astley’s Astounding Adventures

‘Excellent.

My 4 year-old granddaughter was spellbound’

Audience member on New Vic Education production, Tale Trail to The Nutcracker

‘a powerful performance with an amazing concept… Really emotional and engaging.’

Audience member of Borderlines’ production of Yizkor

Welcome

When in 1962, visionary theatre maker Stephen Joseph wrote his pamphlet for New Forms of Theatre, I wonder if he had any idea how much it would change the theatre landscape. He set out a radical vision for ‘this simplest and most vital form of theatre’: instead of a picture-frame dividing the audience in one room from the actors on stage in another room, he proposed an open stage, surrounded by the audience: theatrein-the-round. Instead of being divided by an invisible fourth wall, audience and actors would share the same space. Instead of looking at painted flats and carved polystyrene, the audience would look across the stage to see each other.

The Company of Wolves

Theatre-in-the-round immerses the audience in the play. It’s immediate and inclusive and demands you engage your imagination. I think this is why young people and families enjoy watching plays in the New Vic space so much. And we enjoy making work for them too, and watching them falling in love with theatre. That’s why our festive show is always such an important part of our year. We’re following up the spectacle of last year’s The Nutcracker with an all-action The Three Musketeers full of adventure, swordfighting, espionage and bromance. And we’ll be inviting children to join us in the summer too, for The Princess and The Pea. In truth, the combination of circus and slapstick comedy will delight people of all ages.

We want young people to be able to enjoy theatre all year round, so see our ticket page for some of the offers we have in the hope of making it possible. In particular, think about bringing your teens to the laugh-out-loud comedy capers in One Man, Two Guvnors, or to the Gothic fantasy The Company of Wolves. I promise it will make them fall in love with theatre.

The New Vic Theatre operates thanks to a unique partnership between Arts Council England, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Staffordshire County Council and Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

@TheresaHeskins

Theresa Heskins Artistic Director

Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Cultural Anchor Grants

Celebrating 25 years of changing lives!

This year, New Vic Borderlines celebrates 25 years of projects that promote social inclusion, diversity and positivity.

Set up in 1999 to work with individuals, groups and communities facing challenges – social and economic disadvantages, young people at risk of offending, adults with learning difficulties and others marginalised in society – our Borderlines programme uses theatre to help people find new and positive ways to understand themselves, their communities and their responsibilities, while challenging anti-social behaviour, building selfworth and developing positive attitudes.

A leading national model for how theatre can be used to positively impact on our society, the trailblazing work of Borderlines recently won the Stephen Joseph Award for 2023. Awarded by the Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT), the prestigious award recognises excellence in innovative and inclusive theatre, and celebrates the ways in which contemporary theatre practitioners continue to break new ground in engaging their audiences. ABTT named Borderlines the winner of the award for 2023, for ‘its sustained ground-breaking work in inclusive and socially relevant theatre, created with marginalised communities and for reaching audiences beyond the mainstream’.

Susan Moffat, Director of Borderlines has been at the helm of the initiative since its inception 25 years ago. She said: “Through our work, left out communities and unheard voices have found a safe space to challenge pre-conceptions and make positive changes to their own lives and communities. The projects we’ve worked on for the last 25 years have often taken place in front of audiences who are not typical theatregoers, allowing for a collaboration of performer and audience to imagine and co-create a positive future.”

During their 25 years of work nationally and internationally, Borderlines have partnered with a wide range of organisations including the British Council, Crown Prosecution Service, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Keele University, the National Association for Youth Justice, Warsaw University and many others. Borderlines’ varied recent projects include Next Chapter – an innovative community project supporting people who are dealing with adult

mental health issues, including the challenges of addiction and homelessness; Stealing Dreams – a documentary play commissioned as part of the Knife Angel visit to Stoke-on-Trent that provided over 40 workshops across schools for young people to explore why knife crime happens, the effect on families and communities and how to resist becoming involved in gangs and violence; and Zero Carbon Rugeley – a project aiming to deliver an energy system design for the area which is sustainable, low carbon and that drives the regeneration of the town and local energy infrastructure.

Colin Hawkins, whose mental health took a downturn during the Covid-19 pandemic, said of his involvement in the Next Chapter project: “I’d tried all these treatments and they weren’t working. I pulled my face at the idea of theatre at first, but after a while, I thought why not give it a go.

The first time I went to the Vic I was really nervous and wasn’t sure what to expect. I’d driven past the theatre hundreds of times and never realised how much they do for the local community. Now, it’s become my safe place, somewhere I can be myself. I can’t thank the group and staff enough for their kindness and support.”

Celebrating their 25 years of work, Susan is already looking forward to the future: “The whole team of Borderlines is committed to creating innovative, inclusive theatre that truly does make a difference to society and we’re so proud that the work we’ve done across the last 25 years has made such a huge impact on our participants, and our communities. We’ve got lots more innovative, exciting projects on the horizon too and we’ll continue to work hard to use theatre to make a difference”

Denise Coates Foundation supports Borderlines’ work with disadvantaged young people.

Keep up-to-date with all our news and find out what we have coming up this year at newvictheatre.org.uk or follow us at:

Yizkor

TICKET PRICES

One Man, Two Guvnors; The Haunting; What The Butler Saw; The Company of Wolves; Show and Tell; Perfect Pitch

Fri & Sat Eves £31.50 £30.00 £25.00

Mon – Thu Eves £30.00 £28.50 £23.50

Matinees £27.00 £25.00 £23.00

Opening Night £10.00

Four Friends £96.00 (valid on top two price bands for Mon-Fri performances)

The Princess and The Pea

Adults £15.00

Under 16s £13.00

Schools Tickets £11.50

The Three Musketeers

Purple Performances £35.50 £32.50 £26.00

Blue Performances £33.00 £30.50 £23.50

Family of Four Ticket Save up to £32.00 (must include min of one adult and one child; max. 2 family tickets per booking)

Schools Tickets £15.00

Strictly Eric and Eric’s Full Monty

Fri & Sat Eves £30.50 £28.50 £25.50

Mon – Thu Eves £29.00 £27.00 £24.00

Four Friends £96.00 (valid on top two prices, Mon – Fri performances only)

Terms and Conditions

All details were correct at the time of going to print. We reserve the right to make any alterations to the programme, performances, times, ticket prices and opening hours. Should any changes occur, we will endeavour to advertise these via our online website and social media channels, or in the local press if possible. All concessions are subject to availability. Proof of status will be required on the first purchase of a concessionary ticket and can be checked on any subsequent ticket purchase. For our full Ticketing Ts&Cs, visit newvictheatre.org.uk/book-tickets/terms-conditions

See 3 £19.50 plays for SAVE up to £75 off your tickets

Book for One Man, Two Guvnors, The Haunting and The Company of Wolves at the same time and pay just £75.00 – SAVING UP TO £19.50 off your tickets.

Tickets for a tenner!

Be one of the first to see the show – get tickets for just £10.00 on the following performances:

One Man, Two Guvnors

The Haunting

What The Butler Saw

The Company of Wolves

Show and Tell

Perfect Pitch

The Three Musketeers

Discounts/Concessions

Fri 12 & Tue 16 April 7.30pm

Fri 24 & Wed 29 May 7.30pm

Tue 2 July 7.30pm

Fri 20 & Tue 24 September 7.30pm

Tue 15 October 7.30pm

Tue 29 October 7.30pm

Fri 15 & Sat 23 November 7.30pm

£2.00 off top two price bands on Monday – Friday performances for Under 16s, Over 65s, Students, Disabled Patrons and Individuals in receipt of Universal Credit (Not available for Eric’s Full Monty).

• Concession discount also applies to NHS Staff.

• In addition, individuals in receipt of Universal Credit are also eligible for tickets at £2.00 on Monday and Tuesday performances of selected New Vic productions (max. two tickets per person, per production).

• Disabled Patrons in receipt of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Attendance Allowance (AA) can claim a free companion ticket. For Disabled Patrons not in receipt of DLA, PIP or AA, companion tickets are available at the lowest advertised price.

• Only one discount can be applied per ticket and all discounts are subject to availability.

Group Bookings

• £2.00 off top two prices for Groups of 10+

• Plus, get the 11th ticket free for the group organiser

Schools

• £15.00 per ticket

• One teacher seat free with every 10 tickets purchased 17 – 25 Year Olds

• 50 free tickets are available for young people aged 17 – 25 years old on selected New Vic Productions. Further tickets are then available to this group at £8.00, subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply. Sign up for the scheme at Box Office.

Free Theatre Tickets for Under 16s

• UNder 16s can go free with a paying adult to selected New Vic Productions. Speak to Box Office at the time of booking.

Plays

New Vic Productions and Touring Productions

The Company of Wolves

New Vic Production

Tickets from £10.00

See page 6 for details

Audio Described

Sat 11 May 2.15pm

Captioned

Tue 7 May 7.30pm

Relaxed Performance

Thu 9 May 2.15pm

Please note: This production contains some strong language.

One Man, Two Guvnors

By Richard Bean

Based on The Servant of Two Masters by Carlo Goldoni

With songs by Grant Olding

Directed by Conrad Nelson

Fri 12 April – Sat 11 May

It’s 1963, Brighton. Sacked from his band, Francis Henshall finds himself out of work. A man who can’t be kept down for too long, he’s soon got not one but TWO dubious new employers.

There’s just one problem… they can’t know about each other!

With money to be made and a love interest to woo, Francis has got his hands full. Juggling the work of a small-town gangster and a man on the run from the police, can he keep himself and his bosses out of trouble long enough to bank some cash and win the hand of the love of his life?

A cocktail of mistaken identity, mayhem, music, fast-paced physical comedy and silliness make One Man, Two Guvnors one of the great British comedies of the 21st century! Directed by Conrad Nelson (The Card, Brassed Off ) and with the irrepressible Michael Hugo (Marvellous, Around The World In 80 Days) as Francis Henshall, this new production will have you grinning from ear to ear as we bring it to vivid life on our inthe-round stage!

Charles Dickens’

The Haunting

By Hugh Janes

Directed by Eleanor Taylor

Tickets from £10.00

See page 6 for details

Audio Described

Sat 15 June 2.15pm

Captioned

Tue 11 June 7.30pm

See page 6 for details

Fri 24 May – Sat 15 June

A thrilling ghost story from one of Britain’s most loved authors.

As the wind howls across a lonely moor, a young man arrives at an ancient manor house. There to organise the estate of the late owner, David Filde begins to work whilst the storm rages outside.

He hears a woman’s voice cry out for help. Or was it the wind whistling through a tree?

Distracted by strange sounds and eerie apparitions, David becomes convinced the house is haunted by a ghostly figure. To solve the mystery, he must convince the new Lord Gray to journey with him to the darkest corners of terror and discover the truth…

The Haunting combines all the essential hallmarks of a great Victorian ghost story with a terrifying mystery. Designed by Michael Holt - the designer behind the iconic The Woman In Black - this play and will have you gripping onto the edge of your seats until the thrilling end!

Tickets £15.00

Under 16s £13.00

Schools £11.50

See page 6 for details

Suitable for ages 2+

The Princess and The Pea

Adapted by Theresa Heskins

Directed by Vicki Dela Amedume MBE and Theresa Heskins

Wed 19 – Sat 29 June

A circus fairy-tale reimagined.

In a lavish palace, there lives a pampered Princess who has everything her heart desires. Each day, three loyal servants attend to her every wish and whim. But one dark and stormy night, she ventures beyond her palace walls and everything changes…

Breathtaking acrobatics, clowning and fairy-tale adventure combine in this funny and playful remix of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic story.

Tickets from £10.00

See page 6 for details

Age guidance: 14+

This production contains gunshots, nudity and strong language.

What The Butler Saw

By Joe Orton

Directed by Michael Cabot

Tue 2 – Sat 6 July

Within his private psychiatric clinic, Doctor Prentice is interviewing a new secretary. Geraldine wants the position but seems underqualified and uncertain about her parentage. Mrs Prentice appears, flushed and in urgent need of a drink, following an illicit encounter at the Station Hotel. In the meantime, Doctor Rance, a Government Inspector, and Sergeant Match, a policeman, arrive amidst increasing chaos with searching questions of their own.

What The Butler Saw is Joe Orton’s most ambitious play - manic farce and a masterclass in fearless comic writing. No institution, political view or tradition is safe, as Orton explores comic territory few playwrights have dared to visit.

Joe Orton was born in Leicester in 1933. During a short, dazzling career, he shocked, outraged, and delighted audiences with his riotous black comedies including Loot and Entertaining Mr Sloane

New VicTouringProduction

Tickets from £24.00

See page 6 for details

Strictly Eric

Eric and Gordon waltz back to the New Vic for another sensational ‘60s summer!

Mon 22 July – Sat 3 August

Eric and Gordon are organising the World Ballroom Championships – but more familiar with The Twist than The Tango, will they be stiff as a ‘Robot’ on the night?

The 1969 World Ballroom Championships are taking place at the Tower Ballroom, Blackpool. The two favourites are the couples from Germany and England and after three consecutive German victories the English couple are determined to win.

Eric and Gordon have been employed to help run the event by tournament organiser, Arthur Strictly. Could this be Strictly’s biggest ever mistake? Or is that leaving the catering in the hands of a dinner lady? And surely Eric (he of the two left feet) is not going to dance… is he?

Come and find out what happens when Eric takes on the best ballroom dancers that ‘Strictly’ has to offer. Oh, and there are a remarkable number of great ’60s hits in the show as well!

New VicTouringProduction

Tickets from £10.00

See page 6 for details

Audio Described Sat 12 Oct 2.15pm

Captioned Tue 8 Oct 7.30pm

Age guidance: 13+

Developed with support from:

Angela Carter’s

The Company of Wolves

Directed by Theresa Heskins and Vicki Dela Amedume MBE

Fri 20 September – Sat 12 October

Imaginative staging, evocative soundscapes, spectacular acrobatics and theatrical invention combine to bring Angela Carter’s gripping horror story to life.

A dark night, in the grip of midwinter. A sense of foreboding fills the air. A girl sets off for grandmother’s house. A wolf howl echoes around the forest…

But Red Riding Hood doesn’t believe in fear. Armed with a carving knife and a cunning mind, she feels invincible. A chance meeting with a huntsman turns an innocent journey into a seductive and terrifying race. Locked in a battle of wills, who will win the race and claim their victim?

In this rare stage version, The Company of Wolves is filled with danger, desire and suspense – a story of terror and transformation unlike anything you have experienced before.

Tickets from £10.00

See page 6 for details

Show & Tell

Written and directed by Alan Ayckbourn

Tue 15 – Sat 26 October

Jack’s planning a big party for his wife’s birthday. He’s pulling out all the stops and has booked a touring theatre company to perform in the main hall of the family home. The only problem is that Jack is getting a bit forgetful in his old age and can’t remember all the details of the booking…

The Homelight Theatre Company is on its knees. They desperately need a well-paid gig and Jack’s booking is very well paid. Pinning him down on the details has been tricky and something doesn’t feel quite right.

Alan Ayckbourn’s 90th play is a celebration of theatre, a delightfully dark farce lifting the lid on the performances we act out on a daily basis.

‘He is a kind of English Chekhov who is also an incomparably fine director of his own serious comedies’

The Wall Street Journal on The Girl Next Door (2021)

New VicTouringProduction

Tickets from £10.00

See page 6 for details

Perfect Pitch

Written and directed by John Godber

Tue 29 October - Sat 2 November

When teacher Matt borrows his parent’s caravan for a week on the Yorkshire coast with partner Rose, they were expecting four days of hill running and total de-stress. But with the world’s biggest tribute band festival taking place nearby, Grant and Steph’s pop-up tent is an unwelcome addition to their perfect pitch.

Class and toilet cassettes become an issue, as Godber reignites his classic comedy set on an eroding coastline.

Described as ‘A triumph’ by The Sunday Times this state of the nation comedy is by turns hilarious and unsettling, as Matt and Rose are inducted into the world of caravanning and karaoke.

‘Godber is one of the unsung heroes of British theatre.’

The Guardian

New VicTouringProduction

Tickets from £10.00

See page 6 for details

Audio Described

Sat 21 Dec 2.15pm

Sat 18 Jan 2.15pm

Captioned

Sat 11 Jan 2.15pm

Sat 18 Jan 7.30pm

Relaxed

Performance

Sat 11 Jan 2.15pm

The Three Musketeers

By Alexandre Dumas

Adapted and directed by Theresa Heskins

Fri 15 November 2024 - Sat 25 January 2025

A spirited country boy arrives in the big city with big dreams

A streetwise city girl spies her chance to steal the greatest prize of all

When D’Artagnan arrives in Paris with hopes of joining the Royal guard, he soon discovers he’ll need all of his courage to help the legendary Musketeers – Athos, Porthos and Aramis – defeat a cunning secret agent and their villainous employer.

Can the four friends discover who the mysterious spy is and defend the King and Queen from treachery before it’s too late?

A story about friendship, courage and doing what is right, The Three Musketeers is one of the greatest adventures ever told! Brought to life in the New Vic’s spectacular style, this show will be filled with fast-paced action, swashbuckling adventure, music and lots of fun. A perfect festive treat for all ages!

Tickets from £24.00

See page 6 for details

Eric’s Full Monty

The Ultimate ‘60s Christmas Party – Laid Bare!

Mon 25 November – Tue 10 December

Unbelievably, Eric is settling down. He’s moved in with Bev and everything is going as well as can be expected in the land of domestic bliss. Everything except money that is.

Eric’s starting to worry, but Bev’s got a plan – a plan to get rich quick. Their own version of The Chippendales. Eric dismisses it as nonsense and wants nothing to do with it but when Bev surrounds herself with four hunky young men and he’s left out he changes his mind and wants in.

When the night comes though, will Eric and the boys be brave enough to do… the ‘full monty’?

Or will they leave their hats on?

Whatever happens this is a show you won’t want to miss, full of sensational ’60s music, loads of laughter and some Hot Stuff that’ll make you smile!

Accessible performances

The New Vic believes that theatre is for everyone and is committed to providing access to the arts for all. We offer the following accessible performances:

Captioning

Captioning is like television subtitles that give audience members who are d/Deaf, deafened, or hearing-impaired access to live performances. The actor’s words are shown on a screen as they speak so you can follow what is said and who says it. Sound effects are also described. Captions can also be useful for anyone whose first language is not English.

One Man, Two Guvnors Tue 7 May 7.30pm

The Haunting Tue 11 Jun 7.30pm

The Company of Wolves Tue 8 Oct 7.30pm

The Three Musketeers Sat 11 Jan 2.15pm Sat 18 Jan 2.15pm

Relaxed Performances

Relaxed performances are ideal for people with autism or learning disabilities or anyone that might feel anxious about attending the theatre and would benefit from a more relaxed environment.

One Man, Two Guvnors Thu 9 May 2.15pm

The Three Musketeers Sat 11 Jan 2.15pm

Audio Described

Audio description is a verbal commentary that explains what is happening on the stage in between the dialogue. Touch Tours are available for most New Vic productions which enable audience members with sight loss an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the set, costumes, and props.

One Man, Two Guvnors Sat 11 May 2.15pm

The Haunting Sat 15 Jun 2.15pm

The Company of Wolves Sat 12 Oct 2.15pm

The Three Musketeers

Sat 21 Dec 2.15pm

Sat 18 Jan 2.15pm

Our knowledgeable Sales Officers can advise on the best seats for your needs and book a parking space for you*

Call us on 01782 717962 or visit us in person.

*Subject to availability

Visiting Events

One-night Events

Lemn Sissay: Let the Light Pour in

The Bluetones Acoustic

With support from poet, Nick Degg

Wed 17 April 7.30pm

VisitingEvents

Tickets

£23.00

Tickets

£23.00

Cons available

The Bluetones Acoustic brings two members of Brit Pop legends The Bluetones to our stage to perform a special acoustic set of the band’s classics.

Mark Morriss and Adam Devlin have spent the best part of three decades honing their craft as live performers, with six Bluetones albums under their belts including 14 Top 40 singles.

In this extra special two hour performance, the band will intersperse great music alongside the banter and story-telling of two musicians who have been working together successfully for over 30 years.

Hejira – Celebrating Joni Mitchell

Mon 22 April 7.30pm

Hejira is a seven-piece band celebrating the greatest music of Joni Mitchell!

Comprising highly experienced jazz musicians, and fronted by the outstanding vocalist/guitarist Hattie Whitehead, Hejira beautifully captures the poetry, passion and beauty of Mitchell’s masterpieces.

Expect an evening of the great songs from Mitchell’s back catalogue, such as Amelia, Woodstock, A Case Of You, Song For Sharon, Edith And The Kingpin plus many more!

Eric’s 25th Anniversary Celebration Concert

Mon 13 – Sat 18 May

Tickets

£26.50 / £25.00

£22.00

This year, Eric is throwing a huge party to celebrate 25 years of sensational shows at the New Vic and you’re all invited!

Everyone’s favourite hero Eric has been entertaining audiences with the very best 60s music and side-splitting comedy in shows that have seen him in all manner of compromising positions! He’s taken on murder mysteries, adventures into the outback and even ballroom dancing and you’ve laughed, and laughed some more at his hilarious antics, all whilst dancing away to the songs you love.

In this special concert, ‘Eric’ and friends will be performing all your favourite 60s hits for a celebration of his 25 years of appearances at the New Vic. Come along and join in the fun!

An Evening with Jacqui Dankworth: In Concert

Thu 30 May 7.30pm

In this very special intimate concert, award-winning vocalist Jacqui is joined by her world-class musicians to explore a sparkling collection of songs drawn from her highly praised studio albums – including her highly anticipated forthcoming album, Windmills (due for release Summer 2024), alongside tracks that have inspired her incredible career.

Tickets

£25.50

Cons available

Firmly established as one the country’s leading jazz vocalists, Jacqui’s live concerts showcase her unique versatility and effortless mastery of a wide spectrum of genres, drawing on and inspired by not only jazz, but also folk, soul and blues, as well as her acute sensibility as a songwriter and lyricist.

Sinatra: RAW

Written and performed by Richard Shelton

Mon 3 June 7.30pm

Palm Springs, 1971. Frank Sinatra prepares for his last pre-retirement intimate show. But his blue eyes are red rimmed with memories and regret. He drinks ‘One For My Baby’ too many when things take an unexpected twist. This is the 2am Sinatra you dream of meeting - dangerous, unpredictable, brilliant!

The critically acclaimed, multi award-winning show Sinatra: RAW stars actor and singer Richard Shelton, accompanied on piano. Wolverhampton-born and fondly remembered from ITV’s Emmerdale, Shelton is internationally acclaimed as one of the world’s best interpreters of Frank Sinatra’s music. Sinatra: RAW brings to life the man who defined an era, and whose musical legacy will never die.

Tickets

£24.50

‘if you love Sinatra, this is unmissable’ Hollywood Fringe 2023

VisitingEvents

Ballet Cymru presents:

Romeo a Juliet

Mon 10 June 7.30pm

From forth the fatal loins of these two foes A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life

Tickets

£24.50 / £22.50

£21.00

Under 16s £10.00

Cons available

Image by Sleepy Robot Photography

Tickets

£22.00 / £20.00

Cons available

Critics’ Circle Award-winning company, Ballet Cymru, present an extraordinary adaptation of Shakespeare’s masterpiece Romeo and Juliet

Intense fighting, passionate duets and universal themes echo through dramatic and lyrical choreography. Exquisite costumes and extraordinary video projections create a world of danger and excitement where two young lovers are caught in an age-old feud.

Featuring music by Sergei Prokofiev by kind permission from Boosey & Hawkes Music Publishers Limited

Rich Hall: Shot from Canons

Thu 20 June 7.30pm

Fresh on the heels of his critically acclaimed memoirs, Nailing It, Montana’s transatlantic messenger returns with new rants, knife-edge observations, thrilling musical interludes and an ever-formidable knack for laughs on the fly. You’ll pay for the whole seat, but you’ll only need the edge of it.

Tickets

£22.00

Cons available

‘One hour of stonking stand-up and another of stomping hoedown mayhem. That’s two top gigs in one’

The Mail On Sunday (Event)

Alfie Moore: A Face for Radio

Fri 21 June 7.30pm

Thirty years of shift-work and being punched in the face had left ‘Fair Cop’ Alfie with a ‘face for radio’. A face not so much ‘lived in’ as inhabited by squatters with little regard to property maintenance!

A surprising career shift turned middle-aged Alfie from street cop to BBC radio star.

But when TV fame beckoned could he grasp it or was he past it?

‘...offbeat, revealing and very funny…” Daily Mail

Eliza Carthy plus support with Jenn Reid

Sat 22 June 7.30pm

If there is one musician who embodies the dynamism and vitality of the current English folk revival, it’s Eliza Carthy MBE.

As the daughter of folk legends Martin Carthy & Norma Waterson, she grew up immersed in the world of traditional music and from an early age was championed by John Peel, Andy Kershaw and Billy Bragg.

Twice nominated for the Mercury Prize, and winner of innumerable other accolades over her thirty-year career, she is one of the most impressive, engaging, and important performers of her generation.

An Evening with The Tap Chaps

Tue 25 June 7.30pm

From West End stages and UK tours to stages in South Africa, Canada, USA, China, Europe and many more, The Tap Chaps have created this fast paced, high energy show that will leave you breathless and wanting more!

Tickets

£23.00

Cons available

Old classics with a modern twist, The Tap Chaps invite you to join them on a walk down memory lane with classic show numbers and songs, from 42nd Street, I Got Rhythm and Mr Bojangles. The Tap Chaps and their percussive feet will have you stomping and clapping in your seats.

Megan McCubbin: Stopping extinction - an atlas of endangered species

Thu 27 June 7.30pm

Tickets

£22.00

Cons available

What does it take to save a species from extinction? Is it determination, luck, optimism, jurassic-park-style science... or just hard work? Well, in truth, its a combination of them all.

Around the world there are scientists, rangers and indigenous communities fighting to protect wildlife and their habitats. In this show, we will hear stories from the front line of conservation and find out what it takes to pull a species back from the brink, from parrot sperm helmets to embryo freezing and everything in between! All the while answering the big questions... ‘I’m only one person, what can I do to make a difference?’

Tickets

£23.50

Cons available

Tickets

£23.00

Pulman and Stilgoe: A Couple of Swells Fri 28 June 7.30pm

Liza Pulman, comedienne, songstress and one third of the iconic Fascinating Aida, has teamed up with the quick-witted musical virtuoso Joe Stilgoe for a brand-new show.

A Couple of Swells brings together the unique musical styles and stories from two fascinating careers, featuring some of their all-time favourite songs, sprinkled with heaps of panache and a whole lot of dazzle! Prepare to be swept away by Joe’s dazzling piano playing and Liza’s exquisite vocals as they share true classics and hidden gems from the likes of Irving Berlin, Paul McCartney, Al Jolson, Billy Joel, Leonard Bernstein and many more. Book now for a special night of charm, wit and old-fashioned glamour in the company of two musical greats!

Lemn Sissay: Let the Light Pour in Sat 29 June 7.30pm

Tickets

£22.00

Cons available

Performance in-the-round

For the past decade, BAFTA-nominated award-winning poet Lemn Sissay OBE has composed a short poem as dawn breaks each morning. Life-affirming, witty and full of wonder, these poems chronicle his own battle with the darkness and are fuelled with resilience and defiant joy.

He returns to the New Vic with readings from this new book, Let the Light Pour In, plus selections from his old collections. Don’t miss this opportunity to see one of Britain’s best-loved poets perform this uplifting collection!

This evening will also feature a Q&A session followed by a book signing.

Directional performance with some element of front, sidefacing and behind views

Performance with facing and side-facing views

Exhibitions

Susan McCall

Colour Memories

Mon 8 April – Sat 11 May

Inspired by the colours, light and textures in nature Susan McCall makes semi-abstract paintings. They combine drawings and memories of the physical experience of being immersed in the landscape.

Mark Lippett

Quiet Spaces

Mon 13 May – Sat 15 June

Quiet Spaces is an art exhibition that focuses on unpopulated and overlooked landscapes, both urban and natural. The work features forests and abandoned buildings from across the West Midlands where nature has taken over places we leave behind.

David Hopwood

Light-Hearted Glimpses From Everyday Life In ‘The Potteries’ Post-War Years

Mon 17 June – Sat 20 July

A mixture of happiness, humour, romance, nostalgia, a heap of quirkiness, and perhaps a hint of sadness. David Hopwood would like people to feel pride in our heritage, remember and smile.

If you’re interested in exhibiting your work at the New Vic Theatre, please contact dwebber@newvictheatre.org.uk for more information.

The New Vic Community

At the New Vic, we pride ourselves on being a theatre very much for our local community. Our Borderlines, Education and Appetite teams work across all corners of Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire inviting people from all walks of life and of all ages to participate in, watch and enjoy the arts!

Denise Coates Foundation supports Borderlines’ work with disadvantaged young people.

Our Borderlines’ team work locally, nationally and internationally to bring the power of creativity to innovative and challenging projects, dealing with the issues our community face, to help make a positive difference to our local communities.

Look out for…

This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the Miners’ Strike. To commemorate the anniversary, Borderlines will work with writer Lisa Blower, and Rose Hunter (former Chair of North Staffs Miner’s Wives Action Group) on The Miner Bird Monologues – a project documenting the stories of the women who experienced this historic event. The team will be visiting communities around Stoke-on-Trent to gather stories and memories before performing three new monologues at the New Vic in July.

If you have a story about the Miners’ Strike you’d like to share with us, please email: amahmood@newvictheatre.org.uk

New Vic Education is here to make learning through theatre a life-long adventure.

RSC First Encounters

Romeo and Juliet

Thu 18 April 7.00pm Springhead Primary School

As part of the partnership with the New Vic, the RSC return to Stoke-on-Trent with their First Encounters programme in April.

The latest production from the First Encounters programme will focus on one of Shakepeare’s greatest love stories – Romeo and Juliet – making the tale of the star cross’d lovers relevant for a new generation of theatregoers. A perfect introduction to Shakespeare for young people aged 7-13 and their families.

Tickets are on sale from the New Vic Box Office now, priced £10.00 (Under 16s £5.00)

Appetite is the Creative People and Places programme for Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent. Led by the New Vic, Appetite aims to encourage more people in the area to experience and be inspired by the arts.

This year, Appetite are working with ArtsKeele on What On Earth? Celebrating Earth Day across Sat 20, Sun 21 and Mon 22 April.

Audiences are encouraged to visit across the 3-day celebration to get involved in arts projects and find out more about sustainability and how we can all do our bit to help the environment.

Also… keep an eye out for more details about The Big Feast 2024, Appetite’s free, family-friendly event that will return to the streets of the City Centre (Hanley) on Fri 23 and Sat 24 August for more funpacked performances to make you laugh, dance and enjoy your city like never before.

Save The Date: Appetite, with members of the community, are developing a programme to celebrate South Asian culture that will take place at the New Vic during the week of 8 July. Keep an eye on social media for further details and booking information.

To find out more about Appetite, what events are on the horizon and to stay up-to-date with all their news, visit: appetite.org.uk or email askus@appetite.org.uk

Sat

April

Wed

Wed

Tue

Wed 8 The Three Musketeers 10.30*

Thu 9 The Three Musketeers 10.30* / 2.15*

Fri

Sat 11 The

How to book

Call us on: 01782 717962

Book online at: newvictheatre.org.uk

Or visit us in person - we’re open MondaySaturday from 10.00am until the beginning of the show on performance nights (6.00pm if there is no evening show).

Ticket Delivery

We’ll send your tickets to you by email, ready for you to show on your phone on entry to the performance, or for you to print-at-home and bring along with you. If you’d prefer, we can keep your tickets at the Box Office for collection, or, for a small charge of £1.00, we can post your tickets out to you.

Conditions of Sale

We operate a flexible ticket refund policy. In the event you are unwell and unable to attend your booked performance, let our Box Office team know and they will be able to advise on your options.

Getting Here

We are happy to exchange your tickets to another performance of the same production, add a credit to your account for future use, or issue a full refund if you are unable to attend. For reservations, we hold tickets for three working days or until an hour before the performance (whichever is earliest).

Stay In Touch

On making a booking, our Box Office and website will ask if you wish to receive further information from us about future events, activities and fundraising initiatives. You can update these preferences at any time by contacting us on 01782 717962, or by logging into your account via our website. To read our full privacy policy visit www. newvictheatre.org.uk/privacy-policy

New Vic Theatre, Etruria Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 0JG

Our unique in-the-round theatre is located in Newcastle-under-Lyme, two minutes from the A500 – the main route through the area connecting to routes into the city from all directions. The postcode for SAT NAV devices is ST5 0JG.

Our onsite carpark is open until the end of the final performance; a charge of £2.20 applies from 6.00pm. Blue Badge holders can reserve a space in our car park, free of charge – spaces are limited, and pre-booking is essential. Call 01782 717962 to reserve your space.

The closest alternative parking is located at King Street Car Park, approx. a five minute walk uphill to the theatre, charges apply.

Travelling by public transport?

We are situated approx. 10 minutes from Stoke-on-Trent Train Station. There is a taxi rank directly outside the train station, to the left of the main entrance as you exit. First Potteries bus routes 4 and 4a, serving Newcastle and Hanley, stop directly outside the theatre.

Our Business Supporters

We’ve been creating excellent theatre-in-the-round for over 30 years at our home in Newcastle-under-Lyme and, as a registered charity, our Supporters, Sponsors and Business Friends are crucial to our continued success.

Charitable Donation

The New Vic Theatre would like to gratefully acknowledge the generous donation given by:

Sponsors

The New Vic Theatre gratefully acknowledges the following for their generous support:

Business Friends

Put Your Business Centre Stage…

As a registered charity, the New Vic relies on support from businesses to make work that engages with, and makes a real difference to, our communities.

Join the New Vic as a Business Friend today to demonstrate your commitment to the local community and enjoy a host of benefits to suit your needs, including brand recognition, opportunities to host hospitality events and invites to networking events at productions throughout the year. Find out more about how you can work with one of the region’s outstanding success stories and add your business support to the culture of the local area.

Contact Paula McArdle, New Vic Fundraising and Events Assistant at 01782 717954 or email pmcardle@newvictheatre.org.uk

Theatre Café

Dine Relax Enjoy

Join us for delicious homemade food, hot and cold snacks, scrumptious homemade cakes and delicious beverages, all served in a welcoming environment by our friendly team.

With a range of meals to tempt your tastebuds, whether you’re popping for a quick lunch or to enjoy a pre-show meal, our café is the perfect place to relax with friends during your visit to the New Vic!

Our Bar, open from 5.30pm pre-performance, offers an excellent choice of drinks to enjoy – from draft lagers and craft gins to a range of tempting non-alcholic options, this is a great place to catch up with fellow theatregoers before, during and after the show! Want to avoid the queue? You can pre-order your interval drinks from our Bar on arrival – simply speak to a member of our team.

Open Mon – Sat from 10.00am – 3.00pm, and from 5.30pm for evening meals. Call 01782 717954, visit newvictheatre.org.uk/ cafe-and-shop/cafe/ or email: catering@ newvictheatre.org.uk to reserve a table for your pre-show meal.

Tableware generously supplied in 2019 by: