New Vic What's On July 2023 - January 2024

The New Vic: at home and across the country!

This year, we partnered with fellow arts organisations and took our work made at our home in Newcastle-under-Lyme, all across the country.

Telling stories to inspire and entertain audiences, we’re so proud to have shared our work with audiences - here in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire; and nationally too – from Bolton, to Eastbourne, via Scarborough, Hull and Halifax!

The Observer on Alice in Wonderland

The Stage on Ladies’ Day, our co-production with Octagon Theatre, Bolton

The Stage on Quality Street, our co-production with Northern Broadsides

The Telegraph on , our co-production with Told by an Idiot

The Times on The Card, our production in association with Claybody Theatre

Photography in this brochure by Andrew Billington, Mark Douet, Jenny Harper, Malcolm Hart, David Hughes, Geriant Lewis, Clare Jennings, Phil Radcliffe, Jerome Whittingham and Lydia Crisafulli.

“spectacular”

“the epitome of a crowd-pleaser”

“Amusing, down-to-earth, frothily fun”

“clever and creative”

“a jaunty adaptation of Arnold Bennett”

Welcome

In 1173 King Henry II – a couple of years after wishing himself rid of a turbulent Archbishop of Canterbury – granted his Royal Charter to a population that had rapidly grown up around the Earl of Chester’s recently built castle. Newcastleunder-Lyme acquired legal personality and the right to govern its own affairs, including holding a market in the town centre.

This year marks the 850th anniversary of that Charter. It’s a chance to celebrate our Borough’s past, present and future.

At the New Vic we’ll be joining in the celebrations, with education and community events on the parks and streets.

And in our rare theatre-in-the-round, we’ll be shining a light on our area’s unique cultural heritage. One that’s made a global impact. Did you know that the person who invented the circus came from Newcastle-under-Lyme?

In 1785 Philip Astley, son of a local cabinet maker, marked out a circus ring 13 metres in diameter - apparently the precise size to be able to use centrifugal and centripetal force to perform dazzling feats on galloping horseback. He had the idea of putting his trick riding together with acrobats, horses, clowns and musicians to make a full entertainment show - and at that moment, the circus as we know it today was born. Every circus, everywhere in the world, owes its existence to him.

The thing he created has become so big, that it’s completely outshone the man himself!

So this year, as part of our celebration of Newcastleunder-Lyme, we’ll salute his unique legacy with our production Astley’s Astounding Adventures. First staged as part of a global celebration of circus, it brings together actors, comedians, musicians and circus

artists from all over the country to tell the story of the birth of circus and of the real Greatest Ever Showman.

I remember the last week of its run, when people who’d just come out of seeing the show were at Box Office clamouring to get a ticket to see it again, only to meet ‘sold out’ signs. We’ve been wanting to bring it back ever since, and this year feels like exactly the right time to do it.

Especially because it not only celebrates our past, but also marks a turning point for our future. Because this year, the New Vic will begin a new partnership with circus company Upswing Aerial. With the support of Arts Council England, we’re launching a programme of circus shows, educational opportunities, and professional development for our area. Over the next few years, we expect this to transform our local cultural landscape, helping to put Newcastle-underLyme, Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire on the world map as an international centre of circus.

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

Copy Theresa Heskins Artistic Director

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. Charity Registration Number: 253242

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

Circus Returns Home this Year!

This year sees circus brought home to Newcastle-under-Lyme as we somersault into a new programme of work, fusing contemporary circus with theatre alongside award-winning company, Upswing Aerial. Together we’ll build on our long-standing relationship – which started with The Wicked Lady in 2009, and has included Peter Pan (2010), Phoenix from the Flame to mark the Olympic Torch coming to Stoke-on-Trent (2012), Dracula (2015), Peter Pan in Scarlet (2016) and Astley’s Astounding Adventures (2018) – to push the boundaries of the combined artform even further.

2023, the first year of the programme, will see a new production of the smash-hit critically acclaimed Astley’s Astounding Adventures take to our stage this September. The play about ‘father of the modern circus’ Philip Astley, born in Newcastle-under-Lyme, was specially created as part of our Circus Past, Present and Future celebrations in 2018. The production, which fused circus spectacle, fast-paced action, comedy and thrilling drama, was one of our most successful shows ever.

Combining the directing talents of New Vic Artistic Director Theresa Heskins and Upswing Artistic Director Vicki Dela Amedume MBE, this spectacular new production of the New Vic favourite will magnify the town’s circus legacy as Newcastle-underLyme celebrates

850 years since our local borough received its charter.

New Vic Artistic Director Theresa Heskins said: “Newcastle-under-Lyme is the place where the modern-day circus was invented and it’s really rewarding that this year we can continue the work started in 2018, to truly celebrate the town’s circus legacy, and artistically, bring circus home.”

Alongside the return of Astley’s Astounding Adventures, the partnership will see performances of Upswing’s Circus Flavours pop up for audiences in Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent to enjoy, as well as two circus skills summer schools, aimed at widening access to cultural opportunity for communities, including young people at risk of exclusion from schools.

Circus Flavours, Upswing’s live circus showcase featuring Global Majority artists, is a unique celebration of the art of circus performance that will see audience members witness a highly skilful and energetic circus spectacle before having the opportunity to have a go themselves. The free performances will be open to audience members aged seven and up.

Peter Pan in Scarlet 2016

Astley’s Astounding Adventures 2018

Upswing Artistic Director and New Vic Associate Director Vicki Dela Amedume MBE said: “Upswing have been working with the New Vic for 14 years on projects to fuse circus and theatre together, experimenting on productions to tell stories in extraordinary ways. I’m so excited that we are now able to develop this relationship further to create an annual programme of work that will allow us to be even more ambitious, more inventive, celebrating the skills and talents of circus artists through exciting new performance, engagement and professional development projects.”

This ambitious new era of collaboration with Upswing is made possible thanks to Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) funding.

Theresa added: “It feels like a really important moment for both us, for the industry, and for audiences.”

Vicki added: “I’m looking forward to reaching out to the communities of Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent and taking the artform back to the place where it all began.”

And the best thing is, 2023 is just the start of what will become an annual programme of work.

Keep up-to-date with all our news at newvictheatre.org.uk or follow us at:

NewVicTheatre

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Peter Pan 2010

The Wicked Lady 2009

The production of Astley’s Astounding Adventures has received funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

See more & save with

Our season ticket deal allows you to see more on our stage, at the best possible prices – giving you more great theatre, for great value!

See 3 £19.50 plays for SAVE up to £72 off your tickets

See Faith Healer, Astley’s Astounding Adventures and Constant Companions for just £72.00 with our season ticket deal - saving you up to £19.50 off your theatre going this year.

Tickets for a tenner!

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

Faith Healer

Astley’s Astounding Adventures

Constant Companions

The Nutcracker: A Christmas Fairytale

Other fantastic offers this season

Free Theatre Tickets

Tue 5 September 7.30pm

Sat 23 September 7.30pm

Tue 26 September 7.30pm

Tue 24 October 7.30pm

Fri 17 November 7.30pm

Sat 25 November 7.30pm

Under 16s go free with a paying adult on selected New Vic productions. We also run a scheme for 17 - 25 year olds that offers free tickets on selected productions. Ask the Box Office Team for more details

Your New Vic tickets

Four Friends Ticket

For selected productions, you and three friends can enjoy live theatre for just £92.00. (valid on on top two price bands for Mon - Fri performances. Max eight tickets per booking.)

Family of Four Ticket

See Astley’s Astounding Adventures for just £90.00 (valid on top two price bands, Mon-Fri; must include min one adult and one child; max eight tickets per booking)

our season ticket deal!

Tickets

Faith Healer, Astley’s Astounding Adventures and Constant Companions

Fri & Sat Eves £30.50 £29.00 £24.00

Mon – Thu Eves £29.00 £27.50 £22.50

Matinees £26.00 £24.00 £22.00

Opening Night £10.00

Four Friends £92.00

(see page 6 for more details)

(valid on top two price bands for Mon - Fri performances)

The Nutcracker: A Christmas Fairytale

Purple Performances

Blue Performances £34.00 £31.00 £26.00 £31.50 £28.50 £23.50

Family of Four ticket available – save up to £28.00 on your visit (must include min of one adult and one child; max eight tickets per booking)

Eric’s Italian Job

(valid on top two price bands for Mon - Fri performances)

Eric’s Pride and Prejudice

(valid on top two price bands for Mon - Fri performances)

Tale Trail to The Nutcracker All tickets £10.00

Schools’ performances £200 (class of 30)

New Vic Theatre Discounts

We offer a discount of £2.00 off the top two price bands on Mon – Fri performances for Under 16s, those aged 65+ and Students (Mon & Tues performances only for Eric’s Pride & Prejudice).

Individuals in receipt of Universal Credit are eligible for £2.00 tickets for Monday and Tuesday performances of 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.

Schools: £14.00 per ticket, plus one free teacher ticket for every 10 tickets purchased.

Groups 10+: £2.00 off top two prices (11th ticket free for the group organiser).

Written & Directed by Alan Ayckbourn

Dine Relax Enjoy

Our Café offers a range of delicious homemade food, hot and cold snacks, scrumptious homemade cakes and delicious beverages, all served to your table by our friendly team!

Offering a range of meals to tempt your tastebuds, with vegetarian, vegan and children’s options available, choose from a selection of sandwiches, jacket potatoes, salads and more if you’re popping in for lunch; and our seasonally-themed evening menus offer a variety of choice to complement each new production.

Whatever your reason for visiting our Café, it’s the perfect place to relax with friends during your visit to the theatre!

Café opening times:

Monday – Saturday 10.00am – 3.00pm and from 5.30pm

Book a table for your pre-show meal online via the Café page at newvictheatre.org.uk, call 01782 717954 or email: catering@newvictheatre.org.uk

Offering an excellent choice of drinks, including draft lagers, beers, craft gins and a range of non-alcoholic options, the Bar is a great place to meet and catch up with your fellow theatregoers ahead of the evening performance. And you can even order your drinks for the interval at the Bar on arrival to skip the queue!

Bar opening times: 5.30pm - late

Tableware generously supplied in 2019 by:

Theatre Café

Tickets £10.00

Concessions £8.00

New Vic Theatre and Remembering Srebrenica present

My Thousand Year Old Land (A Song for BiH)

Written by Aida Haughton MBE and Sue Moffat

Based on survivor testimonies from the genocide and war crimes that took place in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and traditional folk songs and poetry

Fri 7 & Sat 8 July

A story of the search for truth, justice and hope through women whose lives are changed by the deaths of their communities’ men in war that took place in the 1990s.

What does it mean to have roots, to feel the connection of the land, mountains, rivers, trees; where deep song, music and poetry beats as your heart and the blood in your veins flows like a timeless river through a land for centuries?

And then, hate spills into the soil, the trees, the rivers. What new songs can be sung and verses made?

Before reconciliation comes acknowledgment, before hope, truth.

‘And the questioned gave then a prompt reply; Bosnia - forgive me - there is a land, Both barren And barefoot - forgive me –Both cold and hungry –but more than that - Forgive me –Defiant - through A dream’

Mak Dizdar

Audience member on a previous production of My Thousand Year Old Land

‘Incredible evening. An insightful and thought-provoking play that brings so many important messages onto the table. We must learn and never forget.’

Photograph by Almin Zrno

Tickets from £23.00

See page 7 for details

Eric’s Italian Job

A sensational 60s summer musical!

Mon 21 August - Sat 2 September

Eric, having finally got a booking for his disco in Leighton Buzzard, witnesses the Great Train Robbery when his van breaks down as he’s starting for home. Scotland Yard get a tip-off that the two train robbers who escaped capture are planning a bank job in Turin and take Eric with them to identify the two men.

With an inept police officer and Eric in pursuit of the criminals, just about everything that’s possible to go wrong does so.

Real-life Minis racing up and down steps, a bus hanging off the edge of a mountain, incredible Alpine scenery – none of this is in the production but the show is packed full of great 60s hits and a lot of laughs which, let’s face it, is a fair swap!

Tickets from £10.00

See page 7 for details

Faith Healer

By Brian Friel

Tue 5 – Sat 9 September

Frank Hardy has a gift. A gift of healing.

A frayed banner hangs outside a desolate village hall. The sick, the suffering and the desperate arrive from out of the wind and the rain. They come in search of restoration, a cure. They are promised ‘a performance’, an opportunity to spend an intimate moment with a mercurial showman, who offers hope and salvation to the afflicted.

Through the 1950s and 1960s, Hardy and his wife, Grace, travel to remote corners of Scotland and Wales, before eventually returning to Frank’s native Ireland. Accompanied by his manager Teddy, they move from village to village, bringing with them an unpredictable mix of theatricality and the spiritual.

Interweaving the stories of these three intriguing characters, Brian Friel takes us on an extraordinary journey of shifting perspectives and uncertain memories.

Brian Friel (1929 - 2015) was an award-winning Irish playwright and author. He is widely regarded as one of Ireland’s greatest dramatists, having written over thirty plays across six decades. His major works include Translations, Dancing at Lughnasa, Molly Sweeney and Philadelphia, Here I Come!

‘The great master of modern Irish drama’

Irish Times

Tickets from £10.00 Family Ticket available

See pages 6-7 for details

Audio Described Sat 7 Oct 2.15pm

Captioned Tue 10 Oct 7.30pm

Relaxed Performance

Sat 14 Oct 2.15pm

Astley’s Astounding Adventures

By Frazer Flintham

Newcastle-under-Lyme

Directed

by Theresa

Heskins and Vicki Dela Amedume MBE

Sat 23 September – Sat 21 October

Join us this autumn as we bring our most spectacular show ever back to the stage!

When Philip and Patty meet, both know their lives are about to change. As the couple begin their adventure together, they are unaware that they will become the legends of one of the greatest stories ever told…

This is the story of Philip Astley, the local town hero from Newcastleunder-Lyme who became the international impresario that invented Circus – the spectacular phenomenon that captured the hearts of millions of people all over the world!

Astley’s Astounding Adventures is filled with fast-paced action, laugh-outloud humour, gripping drama and breath-taking circus spectacle.

Revived to coincide with Newcastle-under-Lyme’s 850th anniversary, this is a bold, colourful celebration of a local hero that you won’t want to miss!

The Guardian The Observer The Stage

“A joyous family show… gorgeously inventive…” The Guardian

“Triumphant, humorous and warm-hearted…” The Stage

Tickets from £10.00

See page 7 for details

Constant Companions

Written and directed by Alan Ayckbourn

Tue 24 October – Sat 4 November

Lorraine is a fabulously successful lawyer of a certain age. Jan Sixty is the janitor of her building, an android of indeterminate age. In a nottoo-distant future where humans have turned to artificial friends for companionship without compromise, can Lorraine and Jan find true love?

In Constant Companions, Alan Ayckbourn weaves together their stories and those of lonely bachelor Don, technician Winston, PA Sylvia and android maid Edie with characteristic humour and compassion.

Alan Ayckbourn is one of the UK’s most successful playwrights. Constant Companions is his 89th play. Inducted into American Theatre’s Hall of Fame and a recipient of the Critics’ Circle Award for Services to the Arts, he became the first British playwright to receive both Olivier and Tony Special Lifetime Achievement Awards.

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

Wall Street Journal

Tickets from £10.00

See page 7 for details

Audio Described

Sat 16 Dec 2.15pm

Sat 20 Jan 2.15pm

Captioned

Sat 13 Jan 2.15pm

Sat 20 Jan 7.30pm

Relaxed Performance

Sat 13 Jan 2.15pm

The Nutcracker: A Christmas Fairytale

Adapted and directed by Theresa Heskins

With music adapted and directed by James Atherton

Fri 17 November 2023 –Sat 27 January 2024

This Christmas, go on a magical adventure to The Kingdom of Sweets as the New Vic brings to life The Nutcracker: A Christmas Fairytale

Join Marie as she ventures with the enchanted Nutcracker Prince through spun-sugar snowflakes, gingerbread elves and chocolate drops to the Kingdom of Sweets at the top of the Christmas tree. A magical place where toys come to life, can Marie help end a long feud between the Mouse Queen and the inhabitants of the Kingdom and break the enchanted spell?

Brought to life in the New Vic’s sensational style, this new adaptation of the classic festive story is a gripping adventure packed full of magic, beautiful music and Christmas sparkle!

New Vic Production

Tickets from £23.00

See page 7 for details

Eric’s Pride and Prejudice

The most romantic love story, with a sensational 60s twist for Christmas!

Mon

27 November – Sat 9 December

As Christmas approaches, Mrs Bennett is more concerned than ever about marrying off her five daughters. Her husband, stricken with a stomach bug which keeps him out of her way for prolonged periods, holds many a conversation with his wife from the safety of the bathroom and agrees to a Grand Christmas Ball to which Mrs Bennett intends to invite every eligible male in the area, including a newcomer, Eric Arcy, who no-one has yet seen. He sounds the ideal match for her daughter, Elizabeth – but this is Eric!

Complicated relationships and the interference of Arcy’s, two friends Mr Bingley and Mr Bradford, make matters worse as the guest list turns out to be a little stranger than Mrs Bennett had first imagined.

A cast of considerable size, full of surprises and with some very special guests takes one of the most romantic stories of all time – and creates havoc with it! However, as with any Eric-shaped makeover, Eric’s Pride and Prejudice is filled with sensational 60s songs, dancing, laughter and lots of fun - a great way to kick start your festive season!

Tickets £10.00

See page 7 for details

December

Wed 13 1.00*

Thu 14 9.30*/11.15*/1.00*

Fri 15 11.15*/1.00*

Sat 16 11.15

Mon 18 11.15*/1.00*

Tue 19 9.30*/11.15*/1.00*

Wed 20 9.30*/11.15*/1.00*

Sat 23 11.15/1.00/2.30

Wed 27 11.15/1.00 SD

Thu 28 11.15/1.00

Fri 29 11.15/1.00/3.00

Sat 30 11.15/1.00

KEY SD *

Tale Trail to The Nutcracker

An interactive story-time adventure for young children and their families!

Wed 13 - Sat 30 December

This festive season, our youngest audiences and their families are invited to step inside the Christmas tree and explore the magical world of the classic story, The Nutcracker.

Join Marie as she discovers a place where toys come to life, and lands are made of sweets. Dance with The Sugar Plum Fairy and help the enchanted Nutcracker Prince get home.

A fully inclusive, accessible story for every child, our Tale Trail adventures will delight you with lots of surprises - the perfect introduction for the youngest theatregoers!

Socially-Distanced Performance Schools’ Performance

Supported by The Chartley Foundation

John Horniman’s Children’s Trust

The John Thaw Foundation 1970 Trust

Become a New Vic Patron

Our Patrons make regular donations to support the theatre’s work and are more important now than ever before.

Regular donations help us to maintain our creative work and plan new projects for the future. As a local, creative charity the New Vic is a vital part of what makes our area the great place it is. Becoming a New Vic Patron would help us sustain our theatre-making, our community and education work and our fantastic New Vic theatre building for the future. If you could help us with a monthly or annual donation we can continue to go from strength to strength, for now and for future generations. We’ll update you about how your donations are being used and make sure you get information about events and news on a regular basis. There has never been a better time to become a theatre Patron.

Be a part of our future… become a New Vic Patron

For a donation of £6.00 per month, we will credit you as a New Vic Patron. This donation could be used to help maintain the New Vic’s auditorium.

For donations of £12.00 per month, we will credit you as a Patron’s Circle Member. Your monthly donation could help towards the cost of touring a play tackling domestic violence to youth and community groups.

Call Fundraising on 01782 717954 to join us today or sign up online by going to https://www.newvictheatre.org.uk/ patron

Visiting Events

One-night Events

Chineke! String Quartet

VisitingEvents

Ralph McTell

Wed 27 Sep 7.30pm

Ralph McTell is the composer of the Ivor Novello award-winning, international hit song and buskers favourite Streets of London. This performance will feature plenty of songs from his 50+ year career in addition to showcasing some of his most recent work.

Tickets

£27.50 / £25.50

Cons avaliable

A singer songwriter of international acclaim who has played across the world, McTell brings his exquisite songwriting to life with virtuoso guitar picking and evocative stories.

His spellbinding songs and wry humourous anecdotes take the audience from his buskers days in Paris, to concert halls in Australia and America and through the Streets of London.

Buddy Holly and The Cricketers

Mon 2 Oct 7.30pm

Tickets

£25.00 / £23.00

£20.50

Cons avaliable

This breath-taking show has rock ’n’ rolled audiences across the globe and is guaranteed to have everyone singing along to the music and dancing in the aisles. It stars some of the finest actor-musicians in the UK whose combined West End credits include Buddy, Lennon, Forbidden Planet and Jailhouse Rock .The show rarely pauses for breath and is, quite simply, the most compelling concert of its kind.

The hits just keep on coming - That’ll Be The Day, Peggy Sue, Heartbeat, It Doesn’t Matter Anymore, Raining In My Heart, Oh Boy! – and much, much more.

Rosie Jones plus support

Mon 9 Oct 7.30pm

Tickets

£20.00 / £18.00

Cons available

Age Guidance: 14+

Rosie Jones is on the road for a UK tour and, boy, she is EXCITED. Join Rosie as she ponders whether she is a national treasure, a little prick, or somewhere in between! This show is guaranteed to be full of unapologetic cheekiness, nonsensical fun and unadulterated JOY from the triple threat herself.

Best known for her hit travel series’ Trip Hazard and Mission: Accessible, and for numerous appearances on shows The Last Leg, 8 Out of 10 Cats, Cats Does Countdown, Hypothetical, Mock the Week, The Ranganation and Joe Lycett’s Got Your Back to name just a few!

Acceler8 Band

Mon 16 Oct 7.30pm

Acceler8 Band have been a well-established group since 1955. Since 2000 the band have competed in the prestigious Championship Section in the Northwest of England and have taken part in tours of Austria and Holland, on several occasions.

Entertaining an audience with a variety of musical styles has been key to the band’s success; in 2019, they featured in the acclaimed New Vic production of Brassed Off and in the 2023 smash-hit The Card.

A real treat for all music lovers, this concert will be a hugely entertaining evening that will leave you on a high!

Dr John Cooper Clarke with Very special guest Mike Garry

Wed 22 Nov 7.30pm

Dr John Cooper Clarke shot to prominence in the 1970s as the original ‘people’s poet’. Since then his career has spanned cultures, audiences, art forms and continents.

His unique poetry was put to music by producer Martin Hannett and a band of Mancunians The Invisible Girls. Seminal tracks such as Beasley St and Evidently Chickentown featured on the album Snap Crackle and Bop as JCC became one of the most prolific artists of the Punk years. This latest live show is a mix of classic verse, extraordinary new material, hilarious ponderings on modern life, good honest gags, riffs and chatdon’t miss this chance to witness a living legend at the top of this game.

The Albion Christmas Band

Wed 13 Dec 7.30pm

The Albion Christmas Band are widely regarded as the premier seasonal show that attracts sell-out audiences across the UK. Indeed, many people say that their Christmas doesn’t start until they have seen The Albion Christmas Band!

Featuring the combined talents of Simon Nicol (Fairport Convention), Kellie While (Albion Band), Simon Care (Edward II) and the Guvnor himself, Ashley Hutchings MBE, this show takes you on a guided tour through the Christmas customs of Britain. Featuring a seasonal mixture of carols, spoken word and humorous reading, this evening’s concert will also see material chosen by the audience and promises to be a fantastic set drawing on material from their extensive back catalogue.

Tickets £23.00 / 21.50 £19.50

Cons available

VisitingEvents

Tickets £26.00

Age Guidance: 14+

Tickets £24.00 / £23.00 £20.50

Cons available

VisitingEvents

The Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir with Three Legg’d Mare

Sat 16 Dec 7.30pm

Now in its 76th year, the Fron Choir was formed to compete in the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, which it has done so successfully, winning the coveted Male Voice Trophy an impressive four times, the latest being in 2018.

Tickets

£26.50 / £25.00

£22.00

Cons available

They have been performing at the New Vic for well over 30 years and it is their ‘favourite concert of the year.’

This year they are delighted to have as their guests a very talented Welsh folk group – Three Legg’d Mare!

And as ever, the audience is invited to the theatre bar after the performance for their ‘afterglow’ when you may well hear a slightly different and more relaxed repertoire . .

The Pasadena Roof Orchestra

Wed 3 Jan 7.30pm

Tickets

£26.50 / £25.00

£22.00

Cons available

With an unparalleled reputation across the UK, Europe and beyond, for over 50 years the Pasadena Roof Orchestra have been re-creating the sounds of a golden era of music from the 1920s and 1930s to widespread acclaim.

In this beautifully crafted new concert for 2024 the orchestra return with a sparkling selection of their best-loved music and songs. Expect to hear classics from the pens of Irving Berlin, Ray Noble and Cole Porter, as well as electrifying hot jazz from the likes of Fletcher Henderson and Duke Ellington.

Presenting the show, and putting on his top hat and tails, is the suave singer and band leader Duncan Galloway. So pack up your troubles, come on get happy, and experience an evening of superlative live music, with more than a dash of wit and humour.

The Bluejays

Wed 10 Jan 7.30pm

Tickets

£24.00 / £22.50

Cons avaliable

The Bluejays are back again for another rocking and rolling night at the New Vic!

Prepare to get all shook up by this brand-new set including the classic hits of the 1950s and 1960s!

Featuring songs from the likes of Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, The Beatles, Connie Francis, Neil Sedaka, Little Richard, Roy Orbison, Lulu, The Beach Boys and many more, this evening of fantastic live music is one not to miss!

In conjunction with Keele Concerts Chineke! String Quartet

Wed 17 Jan 7.30pm

The Chineke! Foundation was created in 2015 to provide outstanding career opportunities to established and up-and-coming Black and ethnically diverse classical musicians in the UK and Europe. Chineke!’s motto is: ‘Championing change and celebrating diversity in classical music’

PROGRAMME

Joseph Bologne String Quartet No 3 in G minor Ignatius Sancho Minuet No 4 in F

Florence B Price Five Folksongs in Counterpoint

Haydn String Quartet in G Op 77 No 1 Interval

George Walker Molto Adagio from String Quartet No 1

Dvořák String Quartet No 12 in F Op 96 (American)

Ruby Turner

Wed 24 Jan 7.30pm

Renowned for hits such as If You’re Ready (Come Go With Me), I’d Rather Go Blind and the No 1 hit single in the US R’n’B chart, It’s Gonna Be Alright, chart sensation Ruby Turner returns to the New Vic.

To date, she has released 17 albums, guested on releases for the likes of Brian Ferry, UB40, Steve Winwood and Mick Jagger, has performed with The Four Tops and The Temptations and is one of the main singers in Jools Holland’s R&B Orchestra.

This amazing singer / songwriter is blessed with a voice to die for and whether performing jazz, soul or R’n’B, her performance will take your breath away.

Tickets £25.50 / £24.00

£22.00

Cons available

Students £8.00

Julian Gil Rodriguez, violin 1 & 2

Zahra Benyounes, violin 1 & 2

Jane Atkins, viola

Ashok Klouda, cello

Performance

in-the-round

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

Tickets £26.00 / £24.00

£21.00

Performance with facing and side-facing views

Upswing in partnership with New Vic Theatre presents

Circus Flavours

As part of the New Vic and Upswing partnership, Upswing bring their live circus showcase to Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme!

Circus Flavours is a live circus showcase which offers audiences the chance to take in a breathtaking performance, before then getting an opportunity to ‘have a go’ themselves! All workshops are free of charge and will be repeated throughout the day. Suitable for ages 7+.

Showcasing the breadth of talent from Upswing’s pool of diverse, energetic and highly skilled Associate Artists as they share a showcase of short, high-quality circus performances, this is a truly unique experience. If you have ever dreamt of running away to join the circus, this is an opportunity to try your hand at something new!

Keep an eye on our website and social media for details of dates and locations for Circus Flavours!

THE NEW VIC COMMUNITY

Here 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.

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

New Vic Borderlines brings the power of creativity to innovative and challenging projects which deal with the issues our community face, to help make a positive difference to our local communities. Borderlines work both nationally and internationally.

Next Chapter

Every Wednesday 10.30am – 12.30pm

If you are someone who has lived experience of coping with issues around mental health, substance dependency and/or homelessness, either directly, through friends and family members or in a work capacity, why not join our Next Chapter project?

Sponsored by the NHS, we’re inviting people to work with us to gather their stories, and create a drama that will be performed as part of a World Mental Health Day conference aiming to make a difference to, and support other people, dealing with mental health challenges.

If you’re interested in being part of the ‘Next Chapter’, contact Brendan by text on: 07597 378999 or via email at: bdavies@newvictheatre.org.uk

Find out more about the project at newvictheatre.org.uk/ education-and-community/borderlines

New Vic Education is here to make learning through theatre a life-long adventure. This summer, we’re giving your children the chance to explore new worlds with a creative programme of drama!

Play In A Week – The Island

Mon 31 July – Fri 4 August: From 10.00am each day

Suitable for 10-15 year olds, our Play In A Week is a chance for your budding theatre lovers to create a brand new play full of adventure! Working with a script written by our Youth Theatre Director Amy Fletcher, this week-long project will see your children enjoy five days packed full of drama, creativity and fun – ending with a performance of their new play!

Cost: £115.00 (£75 concessions)

Young Adventurers!

Tue 8 and Wed 9 August: 10.00am – 3.00pm

Suitable for 6 - 9 year olds, this two-day project is all about allowing your children a space to play, get creative, make friends and have fun! As they use their imaginations to create new characters and new worlds, they will immerse themselves as ‘Adventurers’, journeying onto a set filled with theatrical props for an experience like no other!

Cost: £45.00 (£30 concessions)

Book now for these summer projects with our Box Office on 01782 717962.

Find out more about all the exciting projects available at newvictheatre.org.uk/education-and-community/education

Appetite aims to encourage more people in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme to experience and be inspired by the arts. With plenty on offer all year round, here’s just two highlights of what they have coming this summer…

Punjab to the Potteries

A project inspired by stories of families from the Punjab who have made The Potteries their home. It will feature an exhibition of photographs and portraits of the people who have shared their stories with us (see page 36) and a play reading of two brand new short plays inspired by them on Sat 12 August. Book online at newvictheatre.org.uk

The Big Feast

Fri 25 and Sat 26 August

Landing in Stoke-on-Trent City Centre for the August Bank Holiday Weekend, Appetite’s Big Feast returns to fill the streets full of a jam-packed programme of outdoor performances, musical treats and sensational dance! Grab your family and friends and join us to laugh, dance and enjoy your city as you’ve never seen it before! And it’s all FREE!

‘Always find The Big Feast events entertaining, enjoyable, and the artists to a high standard. Something the family always look forward to. Long may it continue.’ Big Feast Audience member.

Find out more about Appetite and stay up to date: appetite.org.uk or askus@appetite.org.uk

The Big Feast 2022

Exhibitions

Removed/Reimagined/Repurposed

Helena Shave

Mon 12 June – Sat 8 July

Helena Shave’s collages are made with plastic she collects from our beaches. Used as found, the shapes and colours inspire her images and raise awareness of pollution in our environment

Punjab To The Potteries: An Exhibition

Mon 10 July – Sat 12 August

To celebrate Appetite and the New Vic’s work with the Punjab community that call The Potteries their home we commissioned artist Sam Ivin and community member Val Bansal to create photography of the people and community.

Fifty Years Digging For Our Ceramic Heritage

Philip Hardaker

Mon 14 August – Sat 9 September

This area’s ceramic history and heritage fascinated Philip’s curiosity and artistic development. He dug on the shraf tips and ceramic factory sites and started incorporating these artefacts into his artwork.

Newcastle in Bloom 2023

Mon 11 – Sat 30 September

In 2023 Newcastle celebrates 850 years since receiving the Royal Charter. Through the Bloom campaign we aim to encourage everyone to understand the importance of heritage, whilst linking it to other core values such as community, sustainability and horticulture.

Show People Of North Staffordshire by the Philip Astley Project

Mon 2 – Sat 21 October

A rare and unique glimpse into the colourful lives, untold tales and proud history of North Staffordshire fairgrounds and circuses in their own voices, public experiences and through historic and newly commissioned photography.

Confetti

Anna Phillips

Mon 23 October – Sat 11 November

‘Confetti’ is a celebration of our world and thus why we should endeavour to protect it! Expect bright, colourful landscapes, lots of joyfulness, bold marks and texture.

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.

Astley’s Astounding Adventures Tue 10 October 7.30pm

The Nutcracker Sat 13 January 2.15pm

Sat 20 January 7.30pm

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.

Astley’s Astounding Adventures Sat 14 October 2.15pm

The Nutcracker: A Christmas Fairytale Sat 13 January 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.

Astley’s Astounding Adventures Sat 7 October 2.15pm

The Nutcracker Sat 16 December 2.15pm

Sat 20 January 2.15pm

Our knowledgeable Sales Officers can advise on the best seats for your needs. Call us on 01782 717962 or visit us in person.

Accessible Facilities

Free parking available close to the theatre entrance for Blue Badge holders is subject to availability (please reserve a space with our Box Office Team).

Automatic doors and level access into the foyer, ramped access to the auditorium on the ground floor and lift access to the first floor.

Wheelchair spaces available on both the ground and first floor. (Please note this is show dependent. Row A may be removed due to stage requirements).

Accessible toilets available on both levels of the theatre.

Infra-red assisted hearing system and Induction Loop (not available for amplified performances). Please speak to our Box Office or Front-ofHouse Teams.

Our gender-neutral toilet is situated on the ground level of the theatre.

Assistance Dogs are welcome, and water will be provided. If you wish to take your dog into the auditorium, please let Box Office know when booking.

Wearing the Sunflower lanyard discreetly indicates to people around the wearer that they may need additional support, help or a little more time. Please feel free to borrow one from our Box Office Team.

Our balcony seating is approximately 30ft above the main stage and only accessible by stairs. As such, this area is not recommended for very young children, or those with mobility concerns.

Baby-changing facilities available. You are welcome to breastfeed in any of our Front-of-House areas. If you would like a private space, please speak to our Box Office Team.

For details of ticket prices, concessions available and companion tickets, see page 7.

For more information about any of our theatre facilities, please contact our Theatre Manager, David Sunnuck at dsunnuck@newvictheatre.org.uk

How to book

Call us on: 01782 717962

Book online at: newvictheatre.org.uk

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

Your tickets

Your tickets will be sent to you on email, ready for you to show on your phone on entry to the auditorium, 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 you to collect on the evening of the performance, or for a small charge of £1.00, we can post your tickets out to you. Simply let us know what you’d prefer when booking.

Reservations

We can reserve tickets for three working days or until an hour before the performance (whichever is earliest).

Exchanges, refunds & reprints

We are operating a flexible ticket refund policy. In the event that you are unwell and unable to attend the theatre, please let our Box Office Team know. We are happy to exchange your tickets to another performance, add a credit to your account to let you use the cost of the tickets against another production, or give you a full refund. If you lose your tickets, don’t worry, just let us know on arrival at the theatre and we’ll reprint them for you, free of charge.

Terms & Conditions

Data Protection

We are committed to protecting your personal information and being transparent about what information we hold about you and how we use it, in accordance with General Data Protection Regulations 2018 (EU).

At the time of booking, our Box Office Team will ask if you wish to be kept informed of future events, news, offers and fundraising activity at the theatre. We will also ask if you would like to receive information from our touring organisations whose work you are seeing.

Your data is held securely and you can change your preferences at any time by contacting us on 01782 717962 or by email at data@newvictheatre.org.uk

To read more about our privacy policy, please visit http://newvictheatre.org.uk/privacy-policy

Get in touch

We’d love to hear from you about what you think of our shows and the work we do. If you have any feedback about your visit, email us at comments@newvictheatre.org.uk

Concessions are generally available for Mon-Fri performances and are subject to availability. Only one concession applies per ticket. Proof of status may be asked for. Concessions are not available for Saturday performances unless otherwise stated. All information is correct at time of going to print.

We reserve the right to make alterations to the programme, performances, times, ticket prices and opening hours. Should any changes occur, we will make every effort to advertise these online via our website, social media and where possible in the local press.

Please note that latecomers will be admitted once there is a suitable break in the performance.

We reserve the right to use alternative seats if it is not possible to allow audience members to reach their booked seats. Customers may take their original seats during the interval.

Opening Night

Captioned Performance

Tale

How to get here

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

By Car

We are located just two minutes from the A500 – the main route through the area connecting to routes into the city from all directions, including the M6, A53, A52, A50 and A34.

Using SatNav?

Use ST5 0JG to locate the theatre on your device – check it’s directing you to Etruria Road in Basford.

Parking

Onsite parking is available at the theatre (a charge of £2.00 applies from 6.00pm).

On busy performances where our car park is full, alternative parking is available on King Street Car Park, approx. a five minute walk from the theatre; charges apply.

As we are located in a residential area, we kindly ask customers to park in the recommended car parks and not on adjacent

streets to minimise inconvenience to our neighbours.

Blue Badge holders can arrange to reserve a space in our car park, free of charge. Spaces are limited and pre-booking is essential. Please call our Box Office Team on 01782 717962 to reserve your space.

Reserved free parking for coaches can also be arranged – call the Box Office for details.

By Public Transport

Stoke-on-Trent train station is a 10-minute drive from the theatre, and has services connecting to Birmingham, Manchester, Derby, Stafford, Crewe and London. There is a taxi rank directly outside the train station entrance.

First Potteries bus routes 4 and 4a, serving Newcastle and Hanley, stop directly outside the theatre, a short walk to our main entrance.

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