New Vic Spring 2009 Brochure by New Vic Theatre

SPRING SEASON

How to get here

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Bus stop outside theatre 34 & 34A: Newcastle & Hanley.

Bus

The nearest station is Stoke-on-Trent. Connections to Birmingham, Manchester, Derby, Stafford, Crewe. Enquiries: 08457 484950

PLAYS WITH PASSION!

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Parking Please contact Box Office to arrange reserved, free parking

Disabled

Please contact Box Office to arrange reserved, free parking

Coach / Minibus

£1 (free before 6.30pm and for four-in-a-car). Theatre is in residential area. Use car parks indicated. Theatre car park can be full at busy times! Leave time to use alternative parking approx 500 yards from theatre (see map). Cars parked at owners’ risk. N.B. don’t park at Polite Vicar wheel-clamping in force!

Car

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

Lloyds TSB Foundation

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

75%

Box Office: 01782 717962 Charity Registration Number: 253242 Company Registration Number: 911924 Registered Office: Etruria Road, Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 0JG

Cert no. SGS-COC-004224

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

KING OF COMEDY TAKES A TRAGIC TURN

Box Office: 01782 717962

contents SPRING

Have your say!

Plays 18 Arabian Nights 20 A Voyage Round My Father

22 24 26 28 30

The Price Lucky Sods! Honeymoon Suite Othello The Garden

2 | newvictheatre.org.uk

One Nighters

Events

31 Uncle Eric s Christmas 30 United Nations Panto

34 34 35 35 35 36 36 36 37 37 37

Holocaust Memorial Day

38 Craft Fair Froncysyllte Choir 38 Monkey Music Pasadena Roof Orchestra38 Exhibitions The Albion Band

Here Be Dragons Sonia Sabri Flamenco Express Tony Benn Eduardo Niebla Pavel Haas Quartet Black Umfolosi Manchester Camerata

Visit our new interactive section of the website and post your comment about the latest show, your meal in the restaurant or anything youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to let us know about.

Features 8 14 44 48

Community

39 The Brummie & The Bard 40 Blooming Marvellous 42 The Questionnaire 46 47 The Magic Touch

Information

6 Building Futures appeal 32 New Vic Friends 39 New Vic Borderlines diary 41 New Vic Education diary 49 50 50 52 Be a New Vic volunteer

Click with the New Vic! Ticket packages Food & drink / Shop Building Futures raffle Booking / Access Ticket prices Calendar How to get here

contents SPRING

Have your say!

Plays 18 Arabian Nights 20 A Voyage Round My Father

22 24 26 28 30

The Price Lucky Sods! Honeymoon Suite Othello The Garden

2 | newvictheatre.org.uk

One Nighters

Events

31 Uncle Eric s Christmas 30 United Nations Panto

34 34 35 35 35 36 36 36 37 37 37

Holocaust Memorial Day

38 Craft Fair Froncysyllte Choir 38 Monkey Music Pasadena Roof Orchestra38 Exhibitions The Albion Band

Here Be Dragons Sonia Sabri Flamenco Express Tony Benn Eduardo Niebla Pavel Haas Quartet Black Umfolosi Manchester Camerata

Visit our new interactive section of the website and post your comment about the latest show, your meal in the restaurant or anything youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to let us know about.

Features 8 14 44 48

Community

39 The Brummie & The Bard 40 Blooming Marvellous 42 The Questionnaire 46 47 The Magic Touch

Information

6 Building Futures appeal 32 New Vic Friends 39 New Vic Borderlines diary 41 New Vic Education diary 49 50 50 52 Be a New Vic volunteer

Click with the New Vic! Ticket packages Food & drink / Shop Building Futures raffle Booking / Access Ticket prices Calendar How to get here

From the Artistic Director

Cultivating a younger audience

Welcome

My family weren’t playgoers so it wasn’t until a school trip to watch Elaine Paige in Evita that I set foot in a theatre. I was instantly hooked. As soon as I was old enough to be allowed out alone at night every penny I earned working at Hansa and Shanti’s corner shop went on supporting my habit, which mostly involved standing behind the back row up in the Gods.

Had any of my local theatres run schemes to encourage young audiences I’m sure I’d have been first in the queue. Yes, I was passionate about theatre, but also I was bored, bored, bored. My friends were too. Always we had too much energy, too

4 | newvictheatre.org.uk

much time, and too little money. Always we were desperate to get out of the house, to do something different. Yet rarely was there anything different to do.

The New Vic's Under 16s Go Free is a terrific scheme that we're justifiably proud of. For most of our own productions, under 16s can come free when accompanied by a paying adult. It’s been a delight to see bowler-hatted youngsters chuckling at Laurel and Hardy; to watch children restaging long distance fights and magical letter-throwing on their way out of Great Expectations; gasping at the illusions in Don Giovanni. None of these productions were aimed directly at

children, yet all were enjoyed by them. Together with our lavish Christmas productions this adds up to a surprising 25% of our audience each year being

government is developing an initiative to provide a million free theatre tickets to young people aged under 26. Launching nationwide in February 2009, we hope to

under 16. OK, sometimes the children don’t follow the detail of the narrative or the nuances of the relationships. And sometimes the younger ones fall asleep during act two - it's after their bedtime, of course they're tired. But that doesn’t worry or offend me in the slightest. I’ve been glad to have them in the theatre, enjoying the first act and getting a sense of the thrill of live performance; they've been part of a family outing; for their parents it's been cheaper than paying a babysitter.

be part of the scheme. Look out for details in the New Year.

“It’s been a delight to see bowlerhatted youngsters chuckling at Laurel and Hardy, restaging long distance fights and magical letter-throwing on their way out of Great Expectations and gasping at the illusions in Don Giovanni. ”

So I’m delighted that we may soon be able to extend this provision to a wider age range. You may have heard on the radio or read in the papers that the

Theresa Heskins

From the Artistic Director

Cultivating a younger audience

Welcome

4 | newvictheatre.org.uk

much time, and too little money. Always we were desperate to get out of the house, to do something different. Yet rarely was there anything different to do.

children, yet all were enjoyed by them. Together with our lavish Christmas productions this adds up to a surprising 25% of our audience each year being

government is developing an initiative to provide a million free theatre tickets to young people aged under 26. Launching nationwide in February 2009, we hope to

be part of the scheme. Look out for details in the New Year.

So I’m delighted that we may soon be able to extend this provision to a wider age range. You may have heard on the radio or read in the papers that the

Theresa Heskins

Information

Click with the

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Sign up to our free monthly newsletter and get the latest from the New Vic straight to your inbox! Be inspired by our community stories, keep up-to-date with our events diary and read the inside story behind your favourite shows.

Jam-packed with news, blogs and even more special features, there’s never been a better time to visit our new-look website! Hottest stories!

Read all about it! Get access to exclusive interviews, fabulous features and all the latest news from the New Vic.

Offstage and online

What’s life like at the helm of Staffordshire’s producing theatre? Don’t miss Artistic Director Theresa Heskins’ blog, with fascinating insights into life backstage and amusing anecdotes from the top!

It’s all here so click with the New Vic today! Book when it suits you! Can’t wait ‘til the morning? Then book your tickets online!

Plus. . . WIN a pair of tickets to see Lenny Henry in Othello

We’re offering readers the chance to win a pair of First Night tickets to see Lenny Henry in Othello. Simply visit the website to enter: www.newvictheatre.org.uk

e-mail: tickets@newvictheatre.org.uk 6 | newvictheatre.org.uk

www.newvictheatre.org.uk

Information

Click with the

Get the latest from the New Vic straight to your inbox!

New Vic!

Jam-packed with news, blogs and even more special features, there’s never been a better time to visit our new-look website! Hottest stories!

Read all about it! Get access to exclusive interviews, fabulous features and all the latest news from the New Vic.

Offstage and online

It’s all here so click with the New Vic today! Book when it suits you! Can’t wait ‘til the morning? Then book your tickets online!

Plus. . . WIN a pair of tickets to see Lenny Henry in Othello

We’re offering readers the chance to win a pair of First Night tickets to see Lenny Henry in Othello. Simply visit the website to enter: www.newvictheatre.org.uk

e-mail: tickets@newvictheatre.org.uk 6 | newvictheatre.org.uk

www.newvictheatre.org.uk

feature

We talk to Arabian Nights choreographer Shobna Gulati on Christmas, Corrie and being an actor with a conscience… It takes a lot to silence 18 children high on adrenaline and orange juice, but the sight of Shobna Gulati does the job effortlessly. No sooner have they had a glimpse of their celebrity mentor than eyes get brighter, backs get straighter and a buzz of excitement filters through the young performers. A group of nearby mums sigh. If only Shobna was available come bed time. Luckily for the New Vic, Shobna is available this Christmas to bring some eastern promise as choreographer for Arabian Nights. And given the hold that she has over the youngsters’ collective psyche, the prospect of Shobna adding more than a generous sprinkling of magic dust over our production is pretty exciting. Even for the big kids like me.

“I think half of my job has already been done for me.They are pretty up for it!” smiles Shobna on the considerable task of choreographing Dominic Cooke’s fast-paced Arabian Nights. Trained in classic Indian dance, her current task is the small matter of passing on her expertise to 18 young novices. “I don’t find it difficult to work with children to be honest – they’re very open. But this is a big venture for them. Arabian Nights is about storytelling. What I’m saying to them is that they can

“When I was a child I was deeply fascinated by the stories of One Thousand and One Nights.”

8 | newvictheatre.org.uk

explore a story in any which way that they want.They can sing it, clap it, act it or even

dance it if they like. And of course Paul (Warwick, the show’s Director) has done a fantastic job of enthusing them all.” Graceful, warm and intelligent, Shobna’s modest demeanor belies the fact that she is almost always at the epicentre of the action. Gaggles of teenage girls burst into animated squeals as they spot the actress they recognise as Coronation Street’s Sunita; parents double take – “Isn’t she that one off Dinnerladies?” Even though, dressed in a flowing skirt with her cropped bob tucked behind her ears, she looks like the down-to-earth woman she is. “To be honest, it feels like I’m returning to my childhood with this project,” she beams. “When I was a child I was deeply fascinated by the stories of One Thousand and One Nights. And then I went on to study Middle Eastern politics at university, so I’m steeped

feature

“When I was a child I was deeply fascinated by the stories of One Thousand and One Nights.”

8 | newvictheatre.org.uk

explore a story in any which way that they want.They can sing it, clap it, act it or even

director, actor, choreographer, writer and most recently, film-maker to her name. Still, to many, Shobna will be best known through her TV roles, landing her big break in 1999 with the part of dippy Anita in the BBC sitcom Dinnerladies, penned by talent show star turned national treasure,Victoria Wood. Rave reviews and a role in Eastenders followed.Then came the phone call from Corrie. Since then the actress has been a regular face on television and throughout theatres in the country.Yet despite a body of work that reflects Shobna’s intimidating talent (did I mention that she also speaks six languages?), trying to avoid typecasting as the ‘token Asian’ is still a continued irritation. In rehearsal for The Sacred Thread

in the culture, both through my interests and my education.” “Plus for me, as a choreographer, it’s really exciting because I can draw on knowledge I already have – I usually have to go out and seek it! So I’ve been looking through old notebooks and going through my archives. As luck would have it, I’m also involved in an Indian dance project in London at the moment, The Sacred Thread. It’s all about storytelling and actively engaging the audience so using all those techniques again is really helping me with Arabian Nights. It’s come together very nicely!” Indeed, ‘come together very nicely’ is a pretty accurate summation of Shobna’s career, which has seen her go from humble beginnings in Oldham to one of the most diverse artists in the industry, with credits as

10 | newvictheatre.org.uk

“One of the things that frustrates me about this industry is that I’m often considered first by my ethnicity, then by my gender and then by my ability. And I know it’s a really cynical thing to say but sometimes, I think we are actually going backwards. But then once in a while you meet these people who think outside the box – people like Victoria Wood, and the woman largely responsible for my theatre career, Nona Shepphard.They throw stereotypes up in the air and bat them around a bit.”

over the head,” explains Shobna. “In this country, we tend to have just the one black character with some sort of cultural storyline

So I’m determined that even if I get stories, I’ll be able to make them human and real. I hope I’ve done OK so far.”

in a while you meet these people who think out“once side the box, people like Victoria Wood . . . attached to them. If he talks ‘posh’ there has to be a reason – if he doesn’t fit the accepted norm then people want to know why.” “It’s funny, I once compared my show reel to that of a white actress of the same age and it struck me how most of the television characters I have played simply tell stories – there are so few scenes of just being a character. Her show reel showed anger, jealousy, envy, love. My characters always had stories – not emotions.

They throw stereotypes up in the air and bat them around a bit.

”

Well the actress must be doing something right. As Coronation Street’s lovable shop girl Sunita, she managed to turn a potential ‘oneplot pony’ into one of the soap’s best loved characters. But as the actress admits, it wasn’t all plain sailing. Starting the soap as an Asian

Certainly, Shobna’s obvious political sensibilities have seen her forge a career as both actor and activist. Known for her anti-racism campaigning as well as a vocal supporter of women’s rights, Shobna is profoundly “an actor with a conscience”– and deeply aware of the responsibility that being one of the industry’s most successful Asian women brings. “I think it’s important, as far as you can, to start to subvert stereotypes without banging people

Shobna as Corrie favourite Sunita with Jimmi Harkishin as love rogue Dev .

10 | newvictheatre.org.uk

over the head,” explains Shobna. “In this country, we tend to have just the one black character with some sort of cultural storyline

So I’m determined that even if I get stories, I’ll be able to make them human and real. I hope I’ve done OK so far.”

They throw stereotypes up in the air and bat them around a bit.

”

Shobna as Corrie favourite Sunita with Jimmi Harkishin as love rogue Dev .

from an arranged marriage but she was quite happy to go along with it until the last minute. But then it started to dawn on her that she wouldn’t be able to go and watch the football, and that she’d to have to go to India and leave her friends. Like any girl who might be getting married in a different country to another person of a different culture, she got cold feet. She was just a normal girl. I think that’s why she got under people’s skin.”

Shobna as one the Three Little Maids in the New Vic s 2000 production of The Mikado

And it’s easy to see how. A woman who is genuinely engaging and caring, not to mention possessing cheekbones you could hang coats off, it’s reassuring to have someone like Shobna as mentor to our youngest cast members – and most of the older ones too. It’s only when we start to talk ‘shop’ once more that I remember I’m not just moaning to a good friend, I’m actually conducting an interview. Saving my comments on sisterhood for another conversation, I instead turn to Arabian Nights and conclude by attempting to get a sneak preview of the inevitable treats that Shobna and Paul have in store for us. And by ‘us’ of course I mean the kids.

“I think even the modern child – who lets face it, is far more discerning than us grown ups – will love it. It’s everything that’s funny and gruesome about Roald Dahl mixed with all the magic of Harry Potter. All the things you’ve ever loved about all the children’s books you have ever read are there – enchantment, blood and guts, adventure and even a giant fart! What’s not to love?” I couldn’t have put it better myself. As Shobna says goodbye and rises to take a well-deserved lunch, 18 pairs of eyes leave their jam sandwiches and fix on the elegant figure swishing out of the New Vic studio, up the spiral staircase, until a door closes behind her somewhere in the distance. A small silence descends over the group. Then animated squeals resound around the building once more. See. Right there. Genuine bona fide magic dust.

think even the modern child, who is far more “Idiscerning than us grown ups, will love it. woman fleeing an arranged marriage, Shobna arrived as a cultural representative and had to fight hard to step outside the stereotype. “Coronation Street was tough. I worked hard to make her as real as possible. And you had to think laterally. So even if I was given something fairly stereotypical by the writers, I tried to do things differently. For sure, she had run away

12 | newvictheatre.org.uk

It’s everything that’s funny and gruesome about Roald Dahl mixed with all the magic of Harry Potter.

”

Shobna’s fact file ¥ Shobna Gulati holds a degree in Arabic and Middle Eastern politics from the University of Manchester. ¥ Best known for playing the role of Sunita Alahan in Coronation Street, Shobna is also known for being one of the few actors to have appeared in both Coronation Street and its rival series Eastenders. ¥ In 2001, she appeared in the BAFTA award-winning short film Shadowscan. ¥ Shobna has also appeared on the TV quiz shows Call My Bluff, Have I Got News for You,The Weakest Link and as Diana Ross in Celebrity Stars in Their Eyes. ¥ Herself in India when the Asian tsunami struck in 2005, Shobna made a number of trips back to the country to work with survivors of the disaster. ¥ In October 2006, Shobna appeared at the Royal Albert Hall in The Secret Policeman's Ball as part of a short comedy sketch with actors Chevy Chase and Seth Green. In the sketch, Gulati and co-star Nitin Ganatra play a holidaying couple who are under the mistaken belief Guantanamo Bay is a holiday resort. ¥ Shobna was one of many storytellers in the CBBC revival of Jackanory. ¥ In 2008, Shobna made her debut as a film maker, producing the short film Akshay. ¥ Shobna is currently a regular face on ITV s This Morning.

Arabian Nights runs from Sat 22 Nov to Sat 17 Jan

¥ Rumour has it that a boyfriend once sent her a text message pointing out that her name is an anagram of Habitual Snog !

Shobna as one the Three Little Maids in the New Vic s 2000 production of The Mikado

12 | newvictheatre.org.uk

It’s everything that’s funny and gruesome about Roald Dahl mixed with all the magic of Harry Potter.

”

Arabian Nights runs from Sat 22 Nov to Sat 17 Jan

¥ Rumour has it that a boyfriend once sent her a text message pointing out that her name is an anagram of Habitual Snog !

The The Brummie Bard

We talk to Lenny Henry about his late-blossoming love of Shakespeare and his imminent stage debut as the Bard’s tragic hero, Othello.

It s 1989.A pelvis clothed in purple satin gyrates wildly to crazed female screams. The pelvis in question belongs to extravagant soul singer and Barry Whitea-like,Theophilus P Wildebeeste. He introduces himself as a “one man sex machine” as a pair of lacy knickers hit him in the face, the strains of a slow, sensual soul number striking up in the background. “Shakespeare?” I hear you say. “Him?...Nah!”

on the Moor in Northern Broadsides’ and West Yorkshire Playhouse’s forthcoming coproduction of Othello. And with any luck, there won’t be a pair of ladies smalls in sight.

“we had this day together

in London – I was scared witless. I’d never walked Shakespeare around before. But he (Barrie) brought it close to me and made it much more approachable.”

Cut to 2008 and what a difference almost 20 years and a change of tailor can make. The purple satin suit has been put safely in storage as a new chapter opens in the career of Wildebeeste’s creator and one of Britain’s best-known comedians, Lenny Henry. In an unexpected stage debut, the Comic Relief star will be taking 14 | newvictheatre.org.uk

Tackling one of the biggest of all tragic roles seems quite a leap for a man who has made a career out of making people laugh. Let alone grappling with the language of Shakespeare in your stage debut. But as

feature

The The Brummie Bard

We talk to Lenny Henry about his late-blossoming love of Shakespeare and his imminent stage debut as the Bard’s tragic hero, Othello.

on the Moor in Northern Broadsides’ and West Yorkshire Playhouse’s forthcoming coproduction of Othello. And with any luck, there won’t be a pair of ladies smalls in sight.

“we had this day together

in London – I was scared witless. I’d never walked Shakespeare around before. But he (Barrie) brought it close to me and made it much more approachable.”

feature

Lenny with Northern Broadsides Artistic Director, Barrie Rutter

“I started doing the Radio 4 programme because my interest was really growing, I rang Barrie Rutter and said, “You guys seem to have a different approach to Shakespeare than anybody else. People have ordinary speaking voices - how does that work? How does the rhythm work? Could I do it?” And he did ‘Oh, for a muse of fire’ from Henry V down the phone and goose bumps came up on my neck. “It sounded percussive; it was rhythmic; it had structure; the language was exciting; the rhymes worked; it was gorgeous. So I asked him to do a workshop with me.

Lenny points out, when you are working with a man who has brought the Bard to a transport warehouse in Barrow and an auction ring in Skipton, Shakespeare doesn’t seem quite so daunting. “I was doing this Radio 4 series about Shakespeare called Lenny and Will because I grew up with an allergy to Shakespeare. It was like this weird country with a foreign language that I didn’t understand. “When I went to the RSC and the National it always seemed to be for people who talked posh, and I ran a mile from it. “But down the years I started to see some really good productions of Shakespeare.Then I did a BA Hons through the Open University and I studied most of the plays. 16 | newvictheatre.org.uk

“It sounded percussive;

it was rhythmic; it had structure; the language was exciting; the rhymes worked; it was gorgeous. So I asked him to do a workshop with me.” “So we had this day together in London – I was scared witless. I’d never walked Shakespeare around before. But he brought it close to me and made it much more approachable. “At the end of that day I was very excited. I said ‘Do you think we could give it a go?’ and he said, ‘yes’.” Lenny’s excitement at the thought of such a demanding project is refreshing.

feature

Especially when the 50 year-old star could be sitting back with a red wine, sunning himself in the family’s Cornwall residence, or winging a cushy day job like fellow Tiswas alumnus, Chris Tarrant.

will want to explore it, like they would The Wire or Eastenders. It’s got that passionate energy. It’s soldiers at rest with nothing to do. It’s a domestic squabble that gets out of control and ends tragically.

“I understand work – my dad went to work – and I’m ready to roll my sleeves up,” states the comedian with a smile.

“Of course it's a dark play and the only humour throughout is Iago's word play and wit as he manipulates everyone around him.” Lenny turns to his co-star, New Vic regular Conrad Nelson. “I think Conrad and I will

“It definitely isn’t ‘celebrity slumming’, as some people have suggested. I’m going to be part of Northern Broadsides for a while, learning my lines in the corridor like anyone else. Being a solo act for 32 years I’m usually on my own in a dressing room drinking cups of tea and thinking, ‘I hope it’s a good house’. This is going to be different and I’m looking forward to having colleagues who I can share my woes with! And it’s an honour to work with Northern Broadsides. I can’t wait to get started.”

“At the end of that day I was very excited. I said ‘Do you think we could give it a go?’ and he said yes.”

And neither can the hordes of theatregoers eager to see the star take centre stage.With the production touring to only a handful of venues, it looks set to become the hottest ticket in town. And it isn’t just regular theatre audiences that are banging on the box office door – the ‘Lenny factor’ means that a whole new group of people are considering the possibilities of Shakespeare. “The play has a primal quality,” explains Lenny. “If young people can get turned on to the grief, passion, regret, betrayal, revenge, evil and excitement, they’ll be locked into it and

make a good team, he's a great actor and I'm ready to learn everything I can during the course of this wonderful experience.” Certainly it seems that the purple satin suit can remain undisturbed in its vacuum pack for quite sometime yet.Theophilus P. Wildebeeste may be more Shakin’ Stevens than Shakespeare, but the Brummie and the Bard is a perfect prospect. So dust off your sleeping bag and form an orderly queue. There’s a new kid on the Bard block. And even without the gyrating pelvis, he promises something very special indeed. Othello runs from Tues 28 April - Sat 2 May

Lenny with Northern Broadsides Artistic Director, Barrie Rutter

“It sounded percussive;

feature

Especially when the 50 year-old star could be sitting back with a red wine, sunning himself in the family’s Cornwall residence, or winging a cushy day job like fellow Tiswas alumnus, Chris Tarrant.

“I understand work – my dad went to work – and I’m ready to roll my sleeves up,” states the comedian with a smile.

“At the end of that day I was very excited. I said ‘Do you think we could give it a go?’ and he said yes.”

plays

a New Vic production

Sat 22 Nov - Sat 17 Jan Adapted by

Dominic Cooke When night falls, the adventure begins!

Booking Information Tickets: £9.50 - £17.50 Group Discount: £2.00 off for ten or more School groups: £8.50 (schools performances only) Concessions: £2.00 off (see page 49)

Family-of-four ticket just £52.00 (see p 50) Interpreted Performances: Captioned 2.15 pm Tues 9 Dec 2.15 pm Sat 13 Dec Audio described 2.15 pm Sat 6 Dec 10.30 am Thurs 8 Jan Sign language 10.30 am Weds 7 Jan

Perfect family entertainment: if you enjoyed The Wizard of Oz you’ll love this Sponsored by

18 | newvictheatre.org.uk

Long ago, in a faraway land, it is wedding night in the palace of King Shahrayar. By morning the new Queen Sharazad will be put to death like a thousand young brides before her. But the clever young Queen has a gift that can save her the gift of storytelling. And she has one thousand and one miraculous tales . . .

Hoards of gold and silver, a valley of diamonds, talking birds, ghouls, a wicked sorceress, an enchanted horse. Open sesame! for adventure and comedy, tales of peril and lessons to live by.

Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, Sinbad the Sailor, The Little Beggar and more of the classic tales from The Arabian Nights. Directed by Paul Warwick and with choreography by Shobna Gulati, this magical production brings you fine acting, original music, dance, puppetry, vibrant costumes and stunning visual effects. Enjoy another fairytale Christmas round at the New Vic!

plays

a New Vic production

Sat 22 Nov - Sat 17 Jan Adapted by

Dominic Cooke When night falls, the adventure begins!

Booking Information Tickets: £9.50 - £17.50 Group Discount: £2.00 off for ten or more School groups: £8.50 (schools performances only) Concessions: £2.00 off (see page 49)

Perfect family entertainment: if you enjoyed The Wizard of Oz you’ll love this Sponsored by

18 | newvictheatre.org.uk

Hoards of gold and silver, a valley of diamonds, talking birds, ghouls, a wicked sorceress, an enchanted horse. Open sesame! for adventure and comedy, tales of peril and lessons to live by.

plays

a New Vic production

Fri 23 Jan - Sat 14 Feb

A Voyage Round My Father

by John Mortimer Booking Information

Tickets: £8.50 - £17.50 Group Discount: £2.00 off for ten or more Concessions: £2.00 off (see page 49) Under 16s Go Free: See page 49 First Night Fever: All seats £11.50 (no cons) Fri 23 Jan

Buy 2 plays get 1 FREE (see p 32)

Talkback: Tues 10 Feb Interpreted Performances: Captioned 7.30 pm Tues 10 Feb Audio described 2.15 pm Sat 14 Feb

Witty and poignant: if you enjoyed Cider with Rosie then this is for you 20 | newvictheatre.org.uk

Not only did the father of barrister, playwright and author John Mortimer inspire his incomparable television creation, Rumpole of the Bailey, he is also the central character in Mortimer s moving and wonderfully funny autobiographical play. A Voyage Round My Father describes Mortimer's upper middle-class childhood and young adult life between the wars. He grows up in the shadow of his father, a brilliant, eccentric and completely impossible barrister, who goes blind in middle age but insists on continuing with life as though he hasn’t. Despite sailing off to boarding school and to warwork in a film studio, despite love and marriage and the first glimmerings of a writing career, it is to the charismatic, curmudgeonly father that the son always returns - with exasperation, frustration and, above all, with deep, hard-won love. This fast-moving production is directed by New Vic Artistic Director,Theresa Heskins.

plays

a New Vic production

Fri 23 Jan - Sat 14 Feb

A Voyage Round My Father

by John Mortimer Booking Information

Tickets: £8.50 - £17.50 Group Discount: £2.00 off for ten or more Concessions: £2.00 off (see page 49) Under 16s Go Free: See page 49 First Night Fever: All seats £11.50 (no cons) Fri 23 Jan

Buy 2 plays get 1 FREE (see p 32)

Talkback: Tues 10 Feb Interpreted Performances: Captioned 7.30 pm Tues 10 Feb Audio described 2.15 pm Sat 14 Feb

Witty and poignant: if you enjoyed Cider with Rosie then this is for you 20 | newvictheatre.org.uk

The Price

a New Vic production

Fri 20 Feb - Sat 14 March

by Arthur Miller

Moving, funny and insightful, this Arthur Miller masterpiece is both a vivid portrayal of an all-American family and a penetrating exploration of the price that is paid in pursuit of the American dream. Gregory Solomon, a 90 year-old New York city furniture dealer, is asked to put a price on an attic full of furniture. But he finds himself in the middle of an uneasy reunion between two long-estranged brothers: Vic, a police officer who sacrificed education and ambition to care for his ruined father; and Walter, now a wealthy surgeon, who chose to put himself first.

Desperate for reconciliation after 20 bitter years, can the brothers finally come to terms with the past? And can they see that each has paid a price for the choices he has made? Directed by Robin Herford whose legendary production of The Woman in Black has been a huge hit around the world.

“gripping, heart-stirring theatre” The Times “one of the most engrossing and entertaining plays that Miller has ever written” New York Times

Booking Information Tickets £8.50 - £17.50 Group Discounts £2.00 off for ten or more Concessions: £2.00 off (see page 49) Under 16s Go Free: See page 49 First Night Fever: All seats £11.50 (no cons) Fri 20 Feb

22 | newvictheatre.org.uk

Talkback: Tues 10 March Interpreted Performances Captioned 7.30 pm,Tues 10 March Audio described 2.15 pm, Sat 7 March

Buy 2 plays get 1 FREE (see p 32)

Classic american drama: if you enjoyed To Kill A Mockingbird you’ll love this

plays

The Price

a New Vic production

Fri 20 Feb - Sat 14 March

by Arthur Miller

“gripping, heart-stirring theatre” The Times “one of the most engrossing and entertaining plays that Miller has ever written” New York Times

22 | newvictheatre.org.uk

Talkback: Tues 10 March Interpreted Performances Captioned 7.30 pm,Tues 10 March Audio described 2.15 pm, Sat 7 March

Buy 2 plays get 1 FREE (see p 32)

Classic american drama: if you enjoyed To Kill A Mockingbird you’ll love this

plays

a Hull Truck Theatre production

Lucky Sods!

plays

Mon 23 - Sat 28 March

by John Godber

Booking Information Tickets: £8.50 - £17.50 Group Discount: £2.00 off for ten or more Concessions: £2.00 off (see page 49) First Night Fever: All seats £11.50 (no cons) Mon 23 March

Best seats for just £12.00 (see p 32)

He likes Rugby, she likes telly. His favourite number is 8, hers is 42. He picked the numbers, she bought the lottery ticket. They sat; they watched; they won. And now Morris and Jean are millionaires; Lucky Sods! But is hitting the jackpot all it's cracked up to be...? A satirical and outrageous comedy about a family who have nothing on Friday and £2 million on Saturday. "touchingly true...a winner for Godber" The Guardian "funny, poignant, always entertaining" The Stage

Contemporary comedy: if you enjoyed Perfect Pitch then this is for you. 24 | newvictheatre.org.uk

"very funny black comedy" The Observer

A hilarious lottery-winning comedy from BAFTA awardwinner John Godber!

a Hull Truck Theatre production

Lucky Sods!

plays

Mon 23 - Sat 28 March

by John Godber

Booking Information Tickets: £8.50 - £17.50 Group Discount: £2.00 off for ten or more Concessions: £2.00 off (see page 49) First Night Fever: All seats £11.50 (no cons) Mon 23 March

Best seats for just £12.00 (see p 32)

Contemporary comedy: if you enjoyed Perfect Pitch then this is for you. 24 | newvictheatre.org.uk

"very funny black comedy" The Observer

A hilarious lottery-winning comedy from BAFTA awardwinner John Godber!

plays

a New Vic production

Fri 3 - Sat 25 April

Honeymoon Suite by Richard Bean Booking Information Tickets £8.50 - £17.50 Group Discounts £2.00 off for ten or more Concessions: £2.00 off (see page 49) Under 16s Go Free: See page 49 First Night Fever: All seats £11.50 (no cons) Fri 3 April

Buy 2 plays get 1 FREE (see p 32)

Talkback: Tues 21 April Interpreted Performances: Captioned 7.30 pm,Tues 21 April Audio described 2.15 pm, Sat 25 April

Touching comedy drama: if you liked Be My Baby you’ll enjoy this 26 | newvictheatre.org.uk

This earthy and affectionate comedy is rooted in the salty working class life of Hull-born Richard Bean s hometown. It uses the ingenious, time-shift techniques of an Ayckbourn or a Priestley in a portrait of idealised love and the realities of marriage. It’s love’s young dream as shy 1950s newlyweds, Irene and Eddie, arrive at their posh Honeymoon Suite in the best hotel on Bridlington front. They’re thrilled by the fitted carpets, the ensuite bathroom and the king-size bed. But what happens when the youthful passion fades? Superbly orchestrated staging takes us back and forth in time to chart the progress of their 50-year marriage. What will remain of their love? Will it survive? Or will it become as threadbare as the hotel suite they shared so long ago? Directed by Tim Luscombe whose productions of Intimate Exchanges were a huge hit at the New Vic last year. “a real delight” The Express

For richer for poorer; ‘til death do us part ?

plays

a New Vic production

Fri 3 - Sat 25 April

Buy 2 plays get 1 FREE (see p 32)

Talkback: Tues 21 April Interpreted Performances: Captioned 7.30 pm,Tues 21 April Audio described 2.15 pm, Sat 25 April

Touching comedy drama: if you liked Be My Baby you’ll enjoy this 26 | newvictheatre.org.uk

For richer for poorer; ‘til death do us part ?

plays

Northern Broadsides and the West Yorkshire Playhouse present

Tues 28 April - Sat 2 May

Othello

by William Shakespeare directed by Barrie Rutter

Love, racism, jealousy and desire are the emotional core of Shakespeares monumental tragedy, a tender love story shattered by one man s obsessive hatred of another. Othello is a legend in his own lifetime, noble, brave, victorious. Iago, passed over for a position in the army, fuels his diabolical revenge with hatred and snarling racism. Poignant, intense, heartbreaking, Othello mercilessly explores every inch of the human condition. Northern Broadsides’ Othello is propelled by the dramatic voltage of a company of actors renowned for their grit, vigour and believability.

Artistic Director Barrie Rutter directs Lenny Henry in the title role alongside Conrad Nelson as Iago.Theatre doesn’t get more powerful or moving than this.

“Northern Broadsides can bring Shakespeare to life as gripping, accessible theatre for today simply by making the words sing.” The Guardian “Northern Broadsides have a vigorous aesthetic, a way of doing Shakespeare that is revelatory.” The Independent on Sunday

Booking Information Tickets £8.50 - £17.50 Group Discounts £2.00 off for ten or more Concessions: £2.00 off (see page 49) Talkback: Weds 29 April

Best seats for just £12.00 (see p 32) 28 | newvictheatre.org.uk

Great tragedy: if you enjoy classic theatre then this is for you.

O! beware, my lord, of jealousy; It is the green ey’d monster . . .

plays

Northern Broadsides and the West Yorkshire Playhouse present

Tues 28 April - Sat 2 May

Othello

by William Shakespeare directed by Barrie Rutter

Artistic Director Barrie Rutter directs Lenny Henry in the title role alongside Conrad Nelson as Iago.Theatre doesn’t get more powerful or moving than this.

Booking Information Tickets £8.50 - £17.50 Group Discounts £2.00 off for ten or more Concessions: £2.00 off (see page 49) Talkback: Weds 29 April

Best seats for just £12.00 (see p 32) 28 | newvictheatre.org.uk

Great tragedy: if you enjoy classic theatre then this is for you.

O! beware, my lord, of jealousy; It is the green ey’d monster . . .

New Vic Borderlines in association with Holocaust Memorial Day Trust present

Mon 26 January

Stand Up To Hatred

United Nations’ Holocaust Memorial Day 2009 - An evening of performances in-the-round to mark Holocaust Memorial Day in January. Local schools will use drama, poetry and music to explore the theme ‘Stand Up To Hatred’

a New Vic Youth Theatre production

Fri 20 - Sat 21 March

The Garden

Written and composed by Sarah Nelson & James Atherton

A timeless story of friendship, justice and belonging, The Garden is an enchanting tale to warm the heart this spring.

When the Shelton family arrive at their new house, siblings Henry and Agnes are drawn to a mysterious locked garden.What will they find there? And will they be able to accept it?

Making its Midlands premiere,The Garden is New Vic Youth Theatre’s first ever musical production. With a breathtaking score by award-wining composer James Atherton,The Garden looks set to become a children’s classic. Make sure you see it here first. £5 / cons

30 | newvictheatre.org.uk

Tues 2 - Sat 13 Dec

David Graham Production presents

UNCLE ERIC S CHRISTMAS PANTO

A fantastic night of comedy and handclapping, foot-stomping, aisle-dancing ‘60s music – oh yes it is! What's come over Uncle Eric? He's volunteered to produce the local amateur dramatic society's Christmas panto. It’s in aid of the local children's home and he’s offered his services for free (yes free!). Can this be the selfish, self-centred Eric we know so well? Or has he got other motives - like the leading lady who looks fantastic in tights, or the free booze at the first night party, or the chance to make some extra money with the merchandise? And, with Hippie Dave in charge of props and Madge trying to keep Eric in line, is it another recipe for comic disaster?

the ultimate ‘60s Christmas Party

But at least the panto is guaranteed to have some fab music with Eric’s multi-talented, multi-instrumental mates playing all their favourite songs from the ‘60s. Oh yes they are!

Money off and FREE champagne for groups! Mon & Tues: all seats £12.00 Weds — Sat: £14.00 / £15.50 / £17.00 Groups: £2.00 off for 10 or more (Weds — Sat; top two price bands only) Best Seats for £12.00 See page 32

New Vic Borderlines in association with Holocaust Memorial Day Trust present

Mon 26 January

Stand Up To Hatred

a New Vic Youth Theatre production

Fri 20 - Sat 21 March

The Garden

Written and composed by Sarah Nelson & James Atherton

A timeless story of friendship, justice and belonging, The Garden is an enchanting tale to warm the heart this spring.

When the Shelton family arrive at their new house, siblings Henry and Agnes are drawn to a mysterious locked garden.What will they find there? And will they be able to accept it?

30 | newvictheatre.org.uk

Tues 2 - Sat 13 Dec

David Graham Production presents

UNCLE ERIC S CHRISTMAS PANTO

the ultimate ‘60s Christmas Party

But at least the panto is guaranteed to have some fab music with Eric’s multi-talented, multi-instrumental mates playing all their favourite songs from the ‘60s. Oh yes they are!

Plays Package

One-Nighter Packages

Fancy Three? Try a Trio

2 1FREE!

Buy plays get each play you choose on a Friday or Saturday

Choose any three of the acts below for just Albion Band; Pasadena Roof Orchestra; Here Be Dragons; Sonia Sabri; Flamenco Express; Eduardo Niebla; Pavel Haas; Black Umfolosi; Manchester Camerata.

£36.00

Save up to £16.50 Any additional concert £12.00 each* *not Tony Benn

Three New Vic productions Any night Any seat

Buy tickets for two of these plays - A Voyage Round My Father,The Price, Honeymoon Suite, - and get the third for free.D Change your performances at any time=

And all this too! ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥

Arabian Nights £12.00 or £12.50W Uncle Eric’s Christmas Panto £12.00 or £12.50W Lucky Sods! £12.00 or £12.50W Othello £12.00 or £12.50W Under 16s tickets for A Voyage Round My Father,The Price, Honeymoon Suite, and one night events as indicated for just £6.50s

Don’t miss this fabulous offer! Book by Sat 14 Feb on 01782 717962 D Top price band only; free ticket to be same value or less than paid for tickets; matinees excluded; cannot be combined with other concessions or offers. W 1 ticket per package. =More than 3 days prior to the performance. sOne child s ticket per adult. All sales subject to availability and Box Office Manager s discretion.

32 | newvictheatre.org.uk

Special nights out make special presents! Gift Vouchers - why not give someone special nights at the theatre with a New Vic Gift Voucher? Just ask our Box Office.

Friends Membership - got a friend whos a real fan of theatre? Why not make them one of our Friends - from just £15 a year. See page 43 for New Vic Friends details.

Plays Package

One-Nighter Packages

Fancy Three? Try a Trio

2 1FREE!

Buy plays get each play you choose on a Friday or Saturday

Choose any three of the acts below for just Albion Band; Pasadena Roof Orchestra; Here Be Dragons; Sonia Sabri; Flamenco Express; Eduardo Niebla; Pavel Haas; Black Umfolosi; Manchester Camerata.

£36.00

Save up to £16.50 Any additional concert £12.00 each* *not Tony Benn

Three New Vic productions Any night Any seat

Buy tickets for two of these plays - A Voyage Round My Father,The Price, Honeymoon Suite, - and get the third for free.D Change your performances at any time=

And all this too! ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥

32 | newvictheatre.org.uk

Special nights out make special presents! Gift Vouchers - why not give someone special nights at the theatre with a New Vic Gift Voucher? Just ask our Box Office.

Friends Membership - got a friend whos a real fan of theatre? Why not make them one of our Friends - from just £15 a year. See page 43 for New Vic Friends details.

Come round for a

One Nighter!

Thurs 8 Jan

PASADENA ROOF ORCHESTRA

Weds 17 Dec

the perfect antidote to the corporate Christmas The Guardian

Christmas Show

A guided tour through the traditional Christmas customs of Britain with a group of legendary musicians.

Featuring the combined talents of Simon Nicol (Fairport Convention), Kellie While (Albion Band) Simon Care (Edward II) and the Guv’nor himself, Ashley Hutchings (Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span, Albion Band),The Albion Christmas Show is a seasonal mixture of carols, spoken word, humorous readings and dance. It’s the perfect way to begin the festivities.

The

Albion Band

Choral

£12.00 / £14.00 / £15.50 / cons / u16s Go Free

Wild Celtic music from Wales.

HERE BE DRAGONS

£12.00 / £14.00 / cons / u16s Go Free

THE FRONCYSYLLTE MALE VOICE CHOIR

Weds 4 Feb

£12.00 / £14.00 / £15.50 / cons / u16s Go Free

Performance in the round

Performance on three sides

Directional performance with some element of front and back

£13.00 / £15.50 / £17.00 / cons / u16s Go Free

Folk

Regarded as one of the foremost folk-rock bands to emanate from Wales, their live shows have had crowds dancing in the USA, England, Italy, France, Scotland, Germany,The Netherlands, Slovenija, Ireland, Switzerland and, of course, Wales. Using acoustic instruments like banjos, mandolins, and fiddles alongside drums and electric bass, they sing original and traditional songs in both Welsh and English. A rousing, exciting and very Welsh night!

Sat 20 Dec

One of the great Welsh choirs,‘The Fron’ are a real New Vic tradition having appeared here every Christmas for more than 20 years. And long may the tradition continue – it just wouldn’t be Christmas without them.

34 | newvictheatre.org.uk

Thurs 15 Jan

Jazz

This Orchestra has travelled the world. And whether you love hot jazz classics, the thrill of swing, or the evergreens of the ‘20s and ‘30s, this evening is for you.

leading classical Indian dancer

SONIA SABRI presents PARALLELS

“A fine dancer, intense and intelligent” The Times

Award-winning Sonia Sabri is internationally renowned for the thrilling Indian classical dance form of Kathak. In this sumptuous and vivid performance, the rhythmic footwork, rapid spins and intricate gesture of the dance is by turns intimate and exuberant, fiery and uplifting. She is accompanied by virtuoso live musicians with sitar, vocals and tabla. Together dancer and musicians playfully improvise with complex rhythms, building up to a heart pounding crescendo! £11.00 / £13.00 / cons / u16s Go Free

Dance

THE ALBION BAND S

An evening of toe-tapping fun and syncopated sophistication celebrating the era when swing was king.With the music of the great entertainers – Louis Armstrong, Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, Duke Ellington, Bix Beiderbecke, Billie Holiday and many, many more.

Come round for a

One Nighter!

Thurs 8 Jan

PASADENA ROOF ORCHESTRA

Weds 17 Dec

the perfect antidote to the corporate Christmas The Guardian

Christmas Show

A guided tour through the traditional Christmas customs of Britain with a group of legendary musicians.

The

Albion Band

Choral

£12.00 / £14.00 / £15.50 / cons / u16s Go Free

Wild Celtic music from Wales.

HERE BE DRAGONS

£12.00 / £14.00 / cons / u16s Go Free

THE FRONCYSYLLTE MALE VOICE CHOIR

Weds 4 Feb

£12.00 / £14.00 / £15.50 / cons / u16s Go Free

Performance in the round

Performance on three sides

Directional performance with some element of front and back

£13.00 / £15.50 / £17.00 / cons / u16s Go Free

Folk

Sat 20 Dec

34 | newvictheatre.org.uk

Thurs 15 Jan

Jazz

This Orchestra has travelled the world. And whether you love hot jazz classics, the thrill of swing, or the evergreens of the ‘20s and ‘30s, this evening is for you.

leading classical Indian dancer

SONIA SABRI presents PARALLELS

“A fine dancer, intense and intelligent” The Times

Dance

THE ALBION BAND S

World music

Mon 9 Feb

Mon 9 March

FLAMENCO EXPRESS

PAVEL HAAS QUARTET

Flamenco is the heart of Spain, a passionate brew of music, sex and history. An emotional chain-reaction as universal as the blues, as epic as opera, as spontaneous as jazz, as lyrical as ballet! The end result is an adventure of extreme dance, searing vocal artistry and the most exhilarating sounds you will ever hear from a guitar. The fiercest expression of the human spirit ever devised. £12.00 / £14.50 / £16.00 / cons / u16s Go Free

One Nighters

Based in Prague and one of today’s most exciting young string quartets, garnering exceptional reviews from around the world. Winners of the 2007 Gramophone Award for chamber music, they were also named Newcomers of the Year by BBC Music Magazine. JANACEK Quartet No.1 The Kreutzer Sonata HAAS Quartet No.2 From the Monkey Mountains Op.7 DVORAK Quartet in G Op.106

£12.00 / £16.00 / £17.50 / cons / u16s Go Free

Classical

A very special group. BBC Music Magazine

Tues 14 April

Weds 25 Feb

Zimbabwe’s greatest song and dance company is back!

An evening with

BLACK UMFOLOSI

TONY BENN

We’re delighted that veteran Labour politician Tony Benn is returning to the New Vic. He’ll be talking about his life in politics and what he thinks about the changes in the Labour party. Expect an evening of frank responses and entertaining political anecdotes. Book soon, this event will sell out! £13.00 / £16.00 / £17.50/ cons Supernatural talent The Spectator

Talk

Weds 4 March

uitar

THE EDUARDO NIEBLA EXPERIENCE

If you appreciate stunning virtuosity, another chance to see this stunning guitarist. One of the world’s most brilliant performers, he fuses flamenco and gypsy jazz with Arabic, Indian and classical influences to create quite breathtaking music.. “World-class”, “fabulous”,“astonishing”,“exquisite”,“The new Paganini” are just some of the critic’s reactions.

36 | newvictheatre.org.uk

£13.00 / £16.00 / cons / u16s Go Free

World music

Spine-tingling a capella harmonies, compulsive drumming, captivating gumboot dancing. Bare-torsoed and hard-hatted, Black Umfolosi perform with fun and joyful enthusiasm. A thrilling show that’s just bursting with life. £13.50 / £16.00 / £17.50 / cons / u16s Go Free

Weds 22 April

MANCHESTER CAMERATA Presenting live music for over thirty-five years, the orchestra has established an enviable reputation for high quality concerts in a refreshingly relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

PURCELL Chacony HANDEL Concerto Grosso op. 6 no. 1 PACHELBEL Canon VIVALDI The Seasons Op. 8 Nos. 1 - 4

£12.00 / £16.00 / £17.50 / cons / u16s Go Free

presented by the Staffordshire Music Partnership

World music

Mon 9 Feb

Mon 9 March

FLAMENCO EXPRESS

PAVEL HAAS QUARTET

One Nighters

£12.00 / £16.00 / £17.50 / cons / u16s Go Free

Classical

A very special group. BBC Music Magazine

Tues 14 April

Weds 25 Feb

Zimbabwe’s greatest song and dance company is back!

An evening with

BLACK UMFOLOSI

TONY BENN

Talk

Weds 4 March

uitar

THE EDUARDO NIEBLA EXPERIENCE

36 | newvictheatre.org.uk

£13.00 / £16.00 / cons / u16s Go Free

World music

Weds 22 April

MANCHESTER CAMERATA Presenting live music for over thirty-five years, the orchestra has established an enviable reputation for high quality concerts in a refreshingly relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

PURCELL Chacony HANDEL Concerto Grosso op. 6 no. 1 PACHELBEL Canon VIVALDI The Seasons Op. 8 Nos. 1 - 4

£12.00 / £16.00 / £17.50 / cons / u16s Go Free

presented by the Staffordshire Music Partnership

Exhibitions & Events Events

Craft Fair

Sat 8 Nov 11.00 am – 4.00 pm

The best of contemporary and traditional crafts from North Staffs Guild of Craftsmen.

Exhibitions

17 Nov - 17 Jan

The Arabian Nights Schools Exhibition Our annual exhibition of artwork from local children based on the Christmas show.

19 Jan - 14 Feb

Landscape & Light

theatre

My landscape painting is fed by the British climate, its seasons and ever-changing light. I try to evoke a feeling of the day. If there is a chill in the air I want it to show.

restaurant

Craig Sumner

Weekly Term-time Classes

Monkey music

16 Feb - 21 March Georgina Vinsun

Please contact 01785 814077 for details.

Home-made food at value for money prices.

Enjoy lunch or a pre-show meal with friends. Have a drink at the bar. Or simply spoil yourself with a cuppa and a delicious home-baked cake. If you’re coming for a pre-show dinner, why not call 01782 717954 ext. 325 and reserve a table? Snacks - 10am - til interval Lunch - Noon til 2pm Closed - 3.30 - 5.30 Pre show - til interval (Bar til 11pm)

Twilight’s Last Gleaming

Half-hour music classes for babies and youngsters aged 6 months to 4 years action songs and rhymes, musical games, music movement and percussion fun will run on Wednesday and Friday mornings from 10am onwards during term-time at the New Vic Theatre.

Spoil yourself!

Information

Tableware generously supplied by

Wherever possible, the New Vic uses local produce and ingredients.

Expressive abstract paintings inspired by the vastness of the sky and the ever-changing cloud formations found there.

23 March - 25 April Textile 21

Recollections

Textile 21 is a group of North West textile artists, each working individually to reflect their own personal vision and to create original contemporary work.

drink

treat

Avoid the drinks rush!

Pre-order drinks using the interval slips provided at the bar.

Little extras

theatre shop The Theatre Shop is a treasure trove of

unusual greetings cards, handmade jewellery and unique gifts. Just right for your Christmas gifts, special occasions or even just to treat yourself.

Enjoy theatre?

Volunteering

Like to get more involved?

Why not join the New Vic Vols?

• Check with Front of House department for dates of exclusive preview nights for any of our exhibitions. • To exhibit your work here, receive Preview Night invitations, please contact Front of House on: 01782 717954 ext 311.

38 | newvictheatre.org.uk

As a New Vic Vol you’d be joining like-minded, local people who love theatre and give their time freely as part of our Front of House Department. You might welcome patrons and show them to their seats, sell programmes and sweets, or help deliver publicity. You’d learn a lot about theatre, meet people and make a real contribution to the New Vic. Interested?

For more information contact David Sunnuck: Tel: 01782 717954 (ext 311) email: dsunnuck@newvictheatre.org.uk

Exhibitions & Events Events

Craft Fair

Sat 8 Nov 11.00 am – 4.00 pm

The best of contemporary and traditional crafts from North Staffs Guild of Craftsmen.

Exhibitions

17 Nov - 17 Jan

The Arabian Nights Schools Exhibition Our annual exhibition of artwork from local children based on the Christmas show.

19 Jan - 14 Feb

Landscape & Light

theatre

My landscape painting is fed by the British climate, its seasons and ever-changing light. I try to evoke a feeling of the day. If there is a chill in the air I want it to show.

restaurant

Craig Sumner

Weekly Term-time Classes

Monkey music

16 Feb - 21 March Georgina Vinsun

Please contact 01785 814077 for details.

Home-made food at value for money prices.

Twilight’s Last Gleaming

Spoil yourself!

Information

Tableware generously supplied by

Wherever possible, the New Vic uses local produce and ingredients.

Expressive abstract paintings inspired by the vastness of the sky and the ever-changing cloud formations found there.

23 March - 25 April Textile 21

Recollections

Textile 21 is a group of North West textile artists, each working individually to reflect their own personal vision and to create original contemporary work.

drink

treat

Avoid the drinks rush!

Pre-order drinks using the interval slips provided at the bar.

Little extras

theatre shop The Theatre Shop is a treasure trove of

unusual greetings cards, handmade jewellery and unique gifts. Just right for your Christmas gifts, special occasions or even just to treat yourself.

Enjoy theatre?

Volunteering

Like to get more involved?

Why not join the New Vic Vols?

38 | newvictheatre.org.uk

For more information contact David Sunnuck: Tel: 01782 717954 (ext 311) email: dsunnuck@newvictheatre.org.uk

APPEAL PATRONS Sir Alan Ayckbourn CBE Playwright & Theatre Director Peter Cheeseman CBE Theatre Director Emeritus Sir Brian Fender CMG Chair of Trustees Nick Hancock Comedian & TV Presenter Gwenda Hughes Theatre Director Sue Johnston Actress Mike Leigh OBE Playwright & Film Director Jon Moulton Former Stoke Inhabitant Barrie Rutter Actor Manager Graham Stow CBE Company Director Kevin Whately Actor

We gratefully acknowledge support from The Foyle Foundation Arts Council England Garfield Weston Foundation The Rayne Foundation Staffordshire Environmental Fund Staffordshire County Council The Moulton Charitable Foundation PRINCIPAL SPONSORS

Gladman Developments Ltd. MAJOR SPONSORS Knights solicitors llp

FOUNDATION SPONSORS hacking ashton LLP Wardell Armstrong

Engineering & Environmental Solutions

Howsons Chartered Accountants Waterworld

40 | newvictheatre.org.uk

We’ve raised the roof!

Work on our new building, WorkSpace, continues to be on schedule and by the time of your next visit to the New Vic the contractors will just be left with the finishing touches. All being well, the building will be in operation early in the New Year giving us state-of-the-art facilities both for our work with the community.

It’s fantastic that, even in these uncertain economic times, we continue to recieve donations to the Building Futures Appeal from individuals and organisations. And, although we have much left to do, we are getting closer and closer to our initial target of £1.2 million to fully fund the building of WorkSpace.

"I'm delighted to support the Building Futures Appeal. The New Vic's work with local people is inspiring and important."

Sir Alan Ayckbourn

Help us build a better future We re grateful for every gift, whether for £50, £500 or £5,000. Every penny makes a difference and takes us closer to our target. If you join us in supporting the New Vic Building Futures Appeal we would like to show our appreciation. Here are some examples of how we would say a public thank you:

¥ be named in a Donors Book displayed in our Foyer; ¥ be named in production programmes through the year; ¥ be named in the Building Futures Appeal souvenir brochure.

For more information on how you can help the Building Futures Appeal please contact: Nick Jones or Sarah White on 01782 717954

A Short Break for four on a Narrow Boat

Community

Win some great prizes!

The Building Futures Raffle

A spa break at Hoar Cross Hall

Help us hit the £2.2 million Building Futures Appeal target – and get the chance to win some great prizes!

Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, you could win a canal cruising holiday or a laptop computer; and there are lots of other prizes on offer. Make sure to buy a ticket the next time you’re round at the New Vic.

Tickets just £2.00! Prizes include:

An Annual Family Pass to Trentham s Italian Gardens A Family Pass for a day at Alton Towers

Portmeirion Crazy Daisy Teapot, Cream Jug and Sugar Bowl

First prize: A short break for four on a Narrow Boat, (donated by Canal Cruising Co. Ltd., Stone). Second prize: A Fujitsu Siemens Laptop, (donated by Network Systems, Milton). Third prize: A midweek one night two day stay for one in a Penthouse Suite (donated by Hoar Cross Hall, England s only Spa Resort in a Stately Home). Other prizes include: An annual Family Pass to the Italian Gardens, (donated by Trentham Leisure Ltd.);A Family Pass for a day at Alton Towers, (donated by Alton Towers Resort); Dinner with wine for two in the Viva Restaurant (donated by Best Western Stoke-on-Trent Moat House Hotel ); High Tea for two, (donated by Crewe Hall); Crazy Daisy Teapot, Cream Jug and Sugar Bowl, (donated by Portmeirion Pottery); New Vic ticket, tour and meal for four; Cream Tea for two, (donated by Bridgemere Garden World); Portrait Sitting and £50 gift voucher, (donated by Paolo Loraso Photography, Newcastle under Lyme); £20 M&S Gift Card, (donated by Marks & Spencer); £25 Gift Voucher, (donated by Waitrose);Mercedes Benz Golf Umbrella, (donated by Drayton Mercedes Benz, Stoke on Trent). Draw will take place on 3 April 2009; winners will be notified in writing. Photos for illustrative purposes only.

High Tea for two at Crewe Hall

Gladman Developments Ltd. MAJOR SPONSORS Knights solicitors llp

FOUNDATION SPONSORS hacking ashton LLP Wardell Armstrong

Engineering & Environmental Solutions

Howsons Chartered Accountants Waterworld

40 | newvictheatre.org.uk

We’ve raised the roof!

"I'm delighted to support the Building Futures Appeal. The New Vic's work with local people is inspiring and important."

Sir Alan Ayckbourn

¥ be named in a Donors Book displayed in our Foyer; ¥ be named in production programmes through the year; ¥ be named in the Building Futures Appeal souvenir brochure.

For more information on how you can help the Building Futures Appeal please contact: Nick Jones or Sarah White on 01782 717954

A Short Break for four on a Narrow Boat

Community

Win some great prizes!

The Building Futures Raffle

A spa break at Hoar Cross Hall

Help us hit the £2.2 million Building Futures Appeal target – and get the chance to win some great prizes!

Tickets just £2.00! Prizes include:

An Annual Family Pass to Trentham s Italian Gardens A Family Pass for a day at Alton Towers

Portmeirion Crazy Daisy Teapot, Cream Jug and Sugar Bowl

High Tea for two at Crewe Hall

Community

Just when you thought the party was over…

Enjoying a pre-sh ow stroll by the lake.

a picnic ough for en nice en It was ev

A Grand Day Out!

We announce the New Vic’s legendary Twelfth Night knees-up! You ve negotiated the December crowds, enjoyed the excitement of Christmas and ushered in another year, but you re still not ready to face a sombre January? Well, as a New Vic Friend, you don t have to! Our Twelfth Night party is the perfect way to end the season in style.

“

”

The perfect way to end Christmas

Join staff, volunteers and special guests from the Company for an evening of entertainment, feasting and merrymaking New Vic style.With live music, entertainment and the chance to wish friends and colleagues a Happy New Year in convivial company, this is one festive knees-up not to be missed.

“

”

The music is great!

“

Just pull on a party frock and your dancing shoes! Good grub, good music, great Friends…Yule love it!

”

It was lovely to meet the New Vic staff and put faces to names!

42 | newvictheatre.org.uk

Time for a spot of shopping... Keswick town cen tre

Earlier this year, our Friends visited Keswick in the Lake District to enjoy the sights, a spot of shopping and some great theatre

Grabbing a refreshing cuppa.

For Friends eyes only… More of the exclusive events our Friends have enjoyed in the last 12 months include: • A special invitation to the New Vic’s 21st birthday party, hosted by Staffordshire’s High Sheriff • A trip to Cheltenham to see Peter Hall’s acclaimed production of Pygmalion - ahead of its West End debut! • An open rehearsal for Romeo and Juliet, providing a glimpse backstage at the work of Northern Broadsides impresario Barrie Rutter. • A rare opportunity to meet and quiz TV and theatre actress and writer Deborah McAndrew. • The chance to see some of our productions before anyone else at New Vic dress rehearsals. So why not join in and be our “Friend”

Why not make your friend a 'Friend' this Christmas? Do you know someone who would enjoy being a New Vic Friend? A Friends membership is a thoughtful Christmas gift they can enjoy all through the year. For details of how to make your friend a Friend contact Marketing on 01782 717539. Events Diary Dress Rehearsals A Voyage Round My Father:Thurs 22 Jan The Price:Thurs 19 Feb Honeymoon Suite:Thurs 2 April Spotlight Director Robin Herford: Tues 3 March 6.00pm He directed The Woman in Black in the West End (now in its 20th year) and is directing The Price. Twelfth Night Party Weds 14 Jan 2009 Good food, good music, good Friends! Theatre Trip Thursday 12 March 2009 Anthony Sher in RSC’s The Tempest at Stratford-on-Avon!

It promises to be a memorable performance as Olivier award-winning actor Anthony Sher takes to the stage for the RSC’s production of The Tempest. Our outings to Stratford are always popular, so be sure to book now to avoid disappointment! For information on the New Vic Friends call 01782 717539 or email:kwilson@newvictheatre.org.uk website:www.newvictheatre.org.uk

Community

Just when you thought the party was over…

Enjoying a pre-sh ow stroll by the lake.

a picnic ough for en nice en It was ev

A Grand Day Out!

“

”

The perfect way to end Christmas

“

”

The music is great!

“

Just pull on a party frock and your dancing shoes! Good grub, good music, great Friends…Yule love it!

”

It was lovely to meet the New Vic staff and put faces to names!

42 | newvictheatre.org.uk

Time for a spot of shopping... Keswick town cen tre

Earlier this year, our Friends visited Keswick in the Lake District to enjoy the sights, a spot of shopping and some great theatre

Grabbing a refreshing cuppa.

they sing it well!’ Plus it’s a double whammy, because I want the kids to enjoy singing the music too.”

We join the blossoming talents of New Vic Youth Theatre in rehearsal for their latest show, The Garden … James Atherton conducts

I am officially a Hobbit. Flocking around a piano are an army of beautiful young people, most of them significantly taller than my feeble 5 2 , possessing the fabulous hair and eager poise reserved for those without children or a mortgage.The pianist strikes a chord and suddenly a goosebumpingly flawless four part harmony comes belting out of the teenage throng It appears that I m also an inadequate Hobbit who can t sing. I’m at a rehearsal for the New Vic Youth Theatre’s first ever musical production, The Garden. And judging by the vocal display I’ve just heard, I’m beginning to wonder what took them so long. Before my self-esteem dwindles to the level of an amoeba – and deciding that that the budding singers can manage for ten minutes without me – I sit down to a coffee in the New Vic bar with the show’s composer and co-creator and the man who is taking the considerable musical reins of the New Vic production, James Atherton. “They are pretty amazing!” admits James of his young cast.“And I’m certainly feeling the pressure!” His broad smile breaks into laughter.“It’s my music so it means I can’t just sit at the piano and think:‘To hell with it! I don’t care whether people like it or not as long as

44 | newvictheatre.org.uk

James is an unusually smiley, chatty, self-deprecating kind of ice-cool youth theatre legend, if you excuse the vernacular. No stranger to a little prodigious talent himself, the award-winning composer, director and musical director has worked with the cream of theatre, opera and television, as well as nurturing his own young talents as Artistic Director of Oldham Theatre Workshop. You'd think by now that the musical maestro was ready to bask in the glow of his glories with ITV, Channel 4 or the Royal Opera House. Or at least just to settle back and talk about the BBC a lot. Except, he doesn't really seem to fancy it. Other subjects keep grabbing his attention. Like young people. And theatre. “You’ll never get the kind of freedom working for TV or professional theatre as you do working with young people,” states James emphatically, unable to stray too far from the topic so close to his heart.“They are so open to new ideas and new ways of working – it’s completely refreshing.” “The Garden wouldn’t even exist if it weren’t for youth theatre” continues James. “It started off as a Christmas show, which writer Sarah Nelson and I created for Oldham Theatre Workshop.We were looking at old clips of some ex-members in The Secret Garden and were completely enchanted by it.We loved the era, we loved the idea of a garden, plus we had a set with two large pillars that we needed to use! We workshopped the idea with the kids and The Garden was the result.” Thankfully, the pillars made a cameo appearance as trees. “But you could never do that in professional theatre.To a certain extent, you have to surrender to what people

Community

they sing it well!’ Plus it’s a double whammy, because I want the kids to enjoy singing the music too.”

We join the blossoming talents of New Vic Youth Theatre in rehearsal for their latest show, The Garden … James Atherton conducts

44 | newvictheatre.org.uk

Community

Community Borderlines projects

NOVEMBER Night of Breaking Glass An interactive documentary drama project, created by borderlines in partnership with the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust and The Southern Member Relations Committee of the Co-Operative Group. Dramatising two real experiences: a young man who came to Staffordshire as an 18 year old asylum seeker and a young man in 1938 Berlin.These stories allowing the audience to draw parallels in both individuals’ experiences of hatred and the role of perpetrators and by-standers. DECEMBER World Aids Day An eclectic concert in association with Staffordshire Buddies to mark World Aids Day.

Some More Arabian Nights In partnership with The Co-Operative Group, New Vic borderlines, our Young People’s Theatre Company, ESOL Group, StrathCross and Bridging The Gap companies come together to tell more tales from the Arabian Nights. JANUARY United Nations’ Holocaust Memorial Day 2009 An evening of performances to mark Holocaust Memorial Day on January. 9 Local schools use drama, poetry and music to explore the theme ‘Stand Up To Hatred’.

FEBRUARY Domestic Abuse Tour In association with Newcastle under Lyme Borough Council, coinciding with Valentine’s Day MARCH All Mixed Up This tour, supported by Stoke on Trent City Council, is about relationships and the transition from primary school to secondary school

want to come to see. Increasingly the industry is forced into making work that’s ‘bankable’.What I love about youth theatre is that it is one step aside from bums on seats. Sir Ken Robinson once said,“If you are not prepared to get something wrong then you’ll never find anything new” and I really buy into that. I think that is what creative arts can do.Working with young people, you get the opportunity to take risks.” Indeed, with a contagious score and story that looks set to become a children’s classic, The Garden doesn’t seem like too much of a risk to me. It’s only taken one rehearsal and I’m already hooked. And as we stroll back to join the group, it’s clear from the look of elation usually reserved for Hollyoaks on the faces of our 14 -18 year olds, they don’t completely hate it either. “It’s great to see a group of young people getting excited about something like singing” agrees James.“I wish we could show this to everyone that thinks young people just stab each other and drink cider in bus shelters. Essentially these are normal kids who are enjoying getting their teeth into something creative and positive.They all come for different reasons – some of them do want to make a career out of theatre, but the majority come here to see their friends, or because it’s somewhere that’s outside of school where they can improvise and get things wrong. I’d much rather have young people with commitment and enthusiasm than polished actors and singers or accomplished dancers.”

“Youth theatre is about learning.Yes, coming here will give young people an appreciation for the industry, but it's also about learning skills that are important for their lives in general.Take this cast for example.The most brilliant thing is that most of these kids didn’t turn up at the beginning as seasoned musical theatre performers. They are just a group of young people who enjoy theatre that have decided to take on this big journey of commitment and team work.When they get this fantastic product at the end of it, that sense of achievement will stay with them. For me that’s what makes the journey worth taking.” Watching these budding performers blossom around a piano in the New Vic rehearsal rooms, it’s clear that their journey is already well underway. As James strikes another chord and an electrifying chorus of young voices sails around the building once more, my resident cynicism is replaced by an altogether warmer and fuzzier, confident sort of feeling. You never know, with a bit of commitment and enthusiasm, there may be hope for us all… even a vocally-challenged Hobbit like me. The Garden runs from Friday 20 - Sat 21 March

Education Diary

FOR SCHOOLS Arabian Nights Workshops Get more out of your visit to Arabian Nights with exciting workshops exploring the themes from the production. Available from Monday 1 December to Friday 16 January. £40 +VAT

Local Links Are you a Primary school in Newcastle under Lyme? Would you like the opportunity to get more from your local theatre? If so, we would like you to be part of our Local Links project. Local Links brings together schools for networking events, workshops and more. We aim to make teachers feel involved and informed and therefore more able to make use of our resources. For more information, please contact Sarah Richardson, srichardson@newvictheatre.org.uk REGULAR GROUPS

Tale Trail An exciting, interactive storytime session for pre-school children aged 3 and over and their parents or carers. Mondays between 10.00am-11.00am (During school term times) To book please contact our Box Office on 01782 717962. Revolve Our group for adults interested in gaining behind-the-scenes insights into our productions.

Drama Club Saturday morning drama sessions for children aged 6-10. (During school term time)

APRIL Care Ambassadors Conference 2009 An exciting conference for young people thinking of working in social care.

Youth Theatre Want to create, watch and explore theatre? New Vic Youth Theatre could be for you! We run weekly classes after school for 10-12’s, 13-15’s and 16-18’s.

For further information about any New Vic Borderlines project contact Adhia Mahmood on: 01782 717954 Ext 309 or email amahmood@newvictheatre.org.uk

46 | newvictheatre.org.uk

Certainly the myth of youth theatre as a talent factory churning out precocious kids in leg warmers with Mrs Worthington-style mums is one that New Vic Youth Theatre is eager to dispel.“I hate that, actually.And I think there is a massive job to be done on promoting youth theatre for what it really is.”

Community

For further information about any New Vic Education project contact Lynn Parry on 01782 717954 ext 356 or lparry@newvictheatre.org.uk

Photo: Andy Billington

Community Borderlines projects

Education Diary

Drama Club Saturday morning drama sessions for children aged 6-10. (During school term time)

APRIL Care Ambassadors Conference 2009 An exciting conference for young people thinking of working in social care.

Youth Theatre Want to create, watch and explore theatre? New Vic Youth Theatre could be for you! We run weekly classes after school for 10-12’s, 13-15’s and 16-18’s.

For further information about any New Vic Borderlines project contact Adhia Mahmood on: 01782 717954 Ext 309 or email amahmood@newvictheatre.org.uk

46 | newvictheatre.org.uk

Community

For further information about any New Vic Education project contact Lynn Parry on 01782 717954 ext 356 or lparry@newvictheatre.org.uk

Photo: Andy Billington

Features

Bookings /Access /Concessions

Under the spotlight is Senior Cleaner Margaret Hulstone. A part of the New Vic family for over 20 years, Margaret lives in Newcastle-under-Lyme with her husband, charity champion Sandy Hulstone MBE.

Bookings In Person Box Office open Mon - Sat 10.00am to start of performance. Closes 6pm on non-performance nights.

The Questionnaire What was the last thing that made you laugh? My 4 year-old grandson saying that when he grows up he wants work in Mothercare selling shoes to children. What s the one item you couldn t live with out? My garden hoe. A phrase I use too often is “Well in MY day…” What s your obsession? Egypt and anything connected to Egyptian history. I’ve even been known to ask people for their tickets to the Valley of the Kings when they’ve visited there. 48 | newvictheatre.org.uk

£8.50 any seat, any performance, unless otherwise stated.

Captioned Performances for New Vic Productions.

First Night Fever All seats £11.50 (no concessions).

Audio Described Performances for New Vic Productions (please book min. 3 days in advance).

Content

What’s your guiltiest shopping secret? Saying I’ll buy no more plants for the garden – and then buying more hoping no one will notice. What’s the most important thing life has taught you? Make the most of every day. What’s the funniest thing that has happened to you at work? Switching the showers on to hot, creating lots of steam, setting off the fire alarms and two fire engines arriving! Who would be your ideal partner for a night at the theatre? Nelson Mandela.

Gold and Silver Inlaid Throne from the Tomb of Tutankhamun,Valley of the Kings, Egypt

By Phone 24 hour booking service - 01782 717962 (answerphone out of Box Office hours). By Post Cheques payable to New Vic Theatre (cheque guarantee card number & expiry date on reverse), include SAE and send to: New Vic Theatre, Etruria Road, Newcastle-under- Lyme, Staff s, ST5 0JG. By Credit / Debit Card Quote number by telephone; show card on collection. Tickets booked by credit card are guaranteed sold and can be collected at any time or posted to you for 60p. Reservations held for 3 working days or 1 hr before performance whichever is earliest.We no longer accept Electron,Amex or Diners cards. Online Book online at www.newvictheatre.org.uk Exchanging Tickets We are sorry that no refunds can be made. 50p per ticket to exchange for another performance of same production - at least 3 days prior to date of original performance. Service free for package buyers.

New Vic Value Groups & Schools Groups of ten or more £2.00 off top two price bands for New Vic productions unless otherwise stated. School groups

Information

Productions may contain strong language and difficult content. Please check with Box Office prior to booking.

Large-print cast sheets available on request. Guide dogs welcome. Loan copies of play scripts available from the Box Office on request.

Late Admissions Please note that latecomers will not be admitted until a suitable break in the performance. The New Vic reserves the right to vary the advertised programme and facilities if necessary and apologises for any in convenience. E & OE

Access Committed to providing access to the arts for all. u16s Go Free For nominated productions, an under 16 admitted free with an adult paying full or concessionary price. £6.50 with Fancy 3 and Try a Trio packages. Some productions have adult content. Check when booking. Disabled Patrons Free parking close to entrance (please call to reserve a space), automatic doors, lift to 1st floor, ramped access to auditorium, disabled toilets. Magnetic induction loop in auditorium (not available for amplified performances). Infra-red assisted hearing system.

Tickets £7.50 Mon — Thurs; £10.00 Fri; £12.00 Sat for New Vic Productions; lowest advertised price less £2.00 concession (if available) for all other events. A Companion ticket at lowest advertised price (less concession if eligible) per disabled patron. A free Carer s ticket for patrons in receipt of Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance. Concessions* £2.00 off ticket prices for all New Vic productions for the following: Children / Full Time Students / Over 60s / People in Receipt of Means-Tested Benefits / Disabled Patrons In addition, if you are in receipt of Income Support, Income-based Jobseekers Allowance or Social Fund, tickets are only £1 for Monday and Tuesday performances of New Vic productions**. *Conditions All concessionary tickets subject to availability; only one discount per ticket; proof of status may be required; no concessions for matinees or Saturday performances unless otherwise stated. **Maximum 2 tickets per person.

Features

Bookings /Access /Concessions

Under the spotlight is Senior Cleaner Margaret Hulstone. A part of the New Vic family for over 20 years, Margaret lives in Newcastle-under-Lyme with her husband, charity champion Sandy Hulstone MBE.

Bookings In Person Box Office open Mon - Sat 10.00am to start of performance. Closes 6pm on non-performance nights.

£8.50 any seat, any performance, unless otherwise stated.

Captioned Performances for New Vic Productions.

First Night Fever All seats £11.50 (no concessions).

Audio Described Performances for New Vic Productions (please book min. 3 days in advance).

Content

Gold and Silver Inlaid Throne from the Tomb of Tutankhamun,Valley of the Kings, Egypt

New Vic Value Groups & Schools Groups of ten or more £2.00 off top two price bands for New Vic productions unless otherwise stated. School groups

Information

Productions may contain strong language and difficult content. Please check with Box Office prior to booking.

Large-print cast sheets available on request. Guide dogs welcome. Loan copies of play scripts available from the Box Office on request.

A Voyage Round My Father,The Price, Lucky Sods, Honeymoon Suite, Othello Row A&PartG Row B&PartG Rows C-F

Mon - Thurs Full Price Concessions Fri & Sat Eve Full Price Concessions* Matinees Full Price Concessions F N Fe ver all seats Groups (10+) Schools groups=

£9.50 £7.50

£14.50 £12.50

£16.00 £14.00

£12.00 £10.00

£16.00 £14.00

£17.50 £15.50

£8.50 £8.50 £8.50 £6.50 £6.50 £6.50 £11.50 (no cons.; not Othello) N/A £2.00 off £2.00 off £8.50 £8.50 £8.50

Arabian Nights Row A&PartG Row B&PartG Rows C-F

Mon - Thurs & Matinees Full Price £9.50 £14.50 £16.00 Concessions £7.50 £12.50 £14.00 Child Group N/A £11.50 £11.50 Fri & Sat Eve Full Price £12.00 £16.00 £17.50 Concessions £10.00 £14.00 £15.50 Child Group N/A £11.50 £11.50 Groups (10+) N/A £2.00 off £2.00 off Family of 4 £52.00(must include one adult and one child) Schools perf Full Price £14.00 £14.00 £14.00 Concessions £12.00 £12.00 £12.00 Child Group £8.50 £8.50 £8.50

* Fridays only = Any seat, any performance

Ticket packages Fancy 3 Three? Plays Subscription Buy Three New Vic productions Any night Any seat Buy tickets for two of these plays - A Voyage Round My Father,The Price, Honeymoon Suite,- and get the third for free. Change your performances at any time. See page 32 for full details.

Try a Trio - for £36.00 save up to £16.50 Albion Band; Pasadena Roof Orchestra; Here Be Dragons; Sonia Sabri; Flamenco Express; Eduardo Niebla; Pavel Haas; Black Umfolosi; Manchester Camerata. See page 33 for full details.

50 | newvictheatre.org.uk

Information

Calendar

Ticket prices

November Sat 22 Arabian Nights Mon 24 Arabian Nights Tues 25 Arabian Nights Weds 26 Arabian Nights Thurs 27 Arabian Nights Fri 28 The Knotty Sat 29 Arabian Nights December Mon 1 Arabian Nights Tues 2 Arabian Nights Uncle Eric Weds 3 Arabian Nights Uncle Eric Thurs 4 Arabian Nights Uncle Eric Fri 5 Arabian Nights Uncle Eric Sat 6 Arabian Nights Uncle Eric Mon 8 Arabian Nights Uncle Eric Tues 9 Arabian Nights Uncle Eric Weds 10 Arabian Nights Uncle Eric Thurs 11 Arabian Nights Uncle Eric Fri 12 Arabian Nights Uncle Eric Sat 13 Arabian Nights Uncle Eric Mon 15 Arabian Nights Tues 16 Arabian Nights Weds 17 Arabian Nights Albion Band Thurs 18 Arabian Nights Fri 19 Arabian Nights Sat 20 Arabian Nights Froncysyllte Choir Mon 22 Arabian Nights Tues 23 Arabian Nights Weds 24 Arabian Nights Thurs 25 Theatre closed Fri 26 Arabian Nights Sat 27 Arabian Nights Mon 29 Arabian Nights Tues 30 Arabian Nights Weds 31 Arabian Nights January Thurs 1 Fri 2 Sat 3 Tues 6 Weds 7

Theatre closed Arabian Nights Arabian Nights Arabian Nights Arabian Nights

Schools Performance*

7.30 2.15* 10.30* 10.30* 10.30* 2.15

7.30

2.15* 10.30* 7.30 10.30* 2.15* 7.30 10.30* 2.15* 7.30 10.30* 7.30 2.15

Thurs 8 Arabian Nights 10.30* Pasadena Roof Orchestra Fri 9 Arabian Nights 10.30* Sat 10 Arabian Nights 2.15 Mon 12 Arabian Nights 10.30* Tues 13 Arabian Nights 10.30* Weds 14 Arabian Nights 10.30* Thurs 15 Arabian Nights 10.30* Here Be Dragons Fri 16 Arabian Nights 10.30* Sat 17 Arabian Nights 2.15 Fri 23 A Voyage Round My Father Sat 24 A Voyage Round My Father Mon 26 UN Holocaust Memorial Day Tues 27 A Voyage Round My Father Weds 28 A Voyage Round My Father Thurs 29 A Voyage Round My Father Fri 30 A Voyage Round My Father Sat 31 A Voyage Round My Father

7.30 7.30 7.30

7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30

7.30 10.30* 2.15* 7.30 10.30* 2.15* 7.30 10.30* 7.30 10.30* 7.30 10.30* 7.30 2.15 7.30 10.30* 10.30* 2.15* 10.30* 7.30 10.30* 10.30*

7.30 2.15 2.15 2.15 2.15 2.15 2.15 2.15 2.15

2.15 10.30* 10.30*

7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30

7.30 7.30

2.15*

February Mon 2 A Voyage Round My Father Tues 3 A Voyage Round My Father Weds 4 Sonia Sabri Thurs 5 A Voyage Round My Father Fri 6 A Voyage Round My Father Sat 7 A Voyage Round My Father Mon 9 Flamenco Express Tues 10 A Voyage Round My Father Weds 11 A Voyage Round My Father Thurs 12 A Voyage Round My Father Fri 13 A Voyage Round My Father Sat 14 A Voyage Round My Father Fri 20 The Price Sat 21 The Price Mon 23 The Price Tues 24 The Price Weds 25 Tony Benn Thurs 26 The Price Fri 27 The Price Sat 28 The Price March Mon 2 The Price Tues 3 The Price Weds 4 Eduardo Niebla Thurs 5 The Price Fri 6 The Price Sat 7 The Price Mon 9 Pavel Haas Tues 10 The Price Weds 11 The Price Thurs 12 The Price Fri 13 The Price Sat 14 The Price

2.15

7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30

Fri 20 The Garden Sat 21 The Garden Mon 23 Lucky Sods! Tues 24 Lucky Sods! Weds 25 Lucky Sods! Thurs 26 Lucky Sods! Fri 27 Lucky Sods! Sat 28 Lucky Sods!

2.15

April Fri 3 Honeymoon Suite Sat 4 Honeymoon Suite Mon 6 Honeymoon Suite Tues 7 Honeymoon Suite Weds 8 Honeymoon Suite Thurs 9 Honeymoon Suite Fri 10 Theatre closed Sat 11 Honeymoon Suite Mon 13 Theatre closed Tues 14 Black Umfolosi Weds 15 Honeymoon Suite Thurs 16 Honeymoon Suite Fri 17 Honeymoon Suite Sat 18 Honeymoon Suite Mon 20 Honeymoon Suite Tues 21 Honeymoon Suite Weds 22 Manchester Camerata Thurs 23 Honeymoon Suite Fri 24 Honeymoon Suite Sat 25 Honeymoon Suite Tues 28 Othello Weds 29 Othello Thurs 30 Othello

7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 2.15 7.30 7.30 7.30 2.15* 7.30

May Fri 1 Sat 2

2.15

Othello Othello

7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30

Talkback First Night Fever Captioned Performances

2.15

7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30

7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30

Audio Described Performances Sign Language Interpreted Performances

Rows A & part G Row B & part G R ows C — F

7.30 7.30

A Voyage Round My Father,The Price, Lucky Sods, Honeymoon Suite, Othello Row A&PartG Row B&PartG Rows C-F

Mon - Thurs Full Price Concessions Fri & Sat Eve Full Price Concessions* Matinees Full Price Concessions F N Fe ver all seats Groups (10+) Schools groups=

£9.50 £7.50

£14.50 £12.50

£16.00 £14.00

£12.00 £10.00

£16.00 £14.00

£17.50 £15.50

£8.50 £8.50 £8.50 £6.50 £6.50 £6.50 £11.50 (no cons.; not Othello) N/A £2.00 off £2.00 off £8.50 £8.50 £8.50

Arabian Nights Row A&PartG Row B&PartG Rows C-F

* Fridays only = Any seat, any performance

50 | newvictheatre.org.uk

Information

Calendar

Ticket prices

Theatre closed Arabian Nights Arabian Nights Arabian Nights Arabian Nights

Schools Performance*

7.30 2.15* 10.30* 10.30* 10.30* 2.15

7.30

2.15* 10.30* 7.30 10.30* 2.15* 7.30 10.30* 2.15* 7.30 10.30* 7.30 2.15

7.30 7.30 7.30

7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30

7.30 10.30* 2.15* 7.30 10.30* 2.15* 7.30 10.30* 7.30 10.30* 7.30 10.30* 7.30 2.15 7.30 10.30* 10.30* 2.15* 10.30* 7.30 10.30* 10.30*

7.30 2.15 2.15 2.15 2.15 2.15 2.15 2.15 2.15

2.15 10.30* 10.30*

7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30

7.30 7.30

2.15*

2.15

7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30

Fri 20 The Garden Sat 21 The Garden Mon 23 Lucky Sods! Tues 24 Lucky Sods! Weds 25 Lucky Sods! Thurs 26 Lucky Sods! Fri 27 Lucky Sods! Sat 28 Lucky Sods!

2.15

7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 2.15 7.30 7.30 7.30 2.15* 7.30

May Fri 1 Sat 2

2.15

Othello Othello

7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30

Talkback First Night Fever Captioned Performances

2.15

7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30

7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30

Audio Described Performances Sign Language Interpreted Performances

Rows A & part G Row B & part G R ows C — F

7.30 7.30

SPRING SEASON

How to get here

2 0 0 9

Bus stop outside theatre 34 & 34A: Newcastle & Hanley.

Bus

The nearest station is Stoke-on-Trent. Connections to Birmingham, Manchester, Derby, Stafford, Crewe. Enquiries: 08457 484950

PLAYS WITH PASSION!

R ail

Parking Please contact Box Office to arrange reserved, free parking

Disabled

Please contact Box Office to arrange reserved, free parking

Coach / Minibus

Car

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

Lloyds TSB Foundation

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

75%

Box Office: 01782 717962 Charity Registration Number: 253242 Company Registration Number: 911924 Registered Office: Etruria Road, Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 0JG

Cert no. SGS-COC-004224

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

KING OF COMEDY TAKES A TRAGIC TURN

Box Office: 01782 717962