Christmas show now on sale! Sat 23 Nov – Sat 1 Feb
The Hundred and One Dalmatians
SUMMER 2 0 1 3 A P R I L AUGUST
Come round the world with us!
Adapted from the book by Dodie Smith When it comes to Christmas, New Vic shows knock spots off all the rest.That’s why they’re seen by more than 35,000 people every year! This magical family show is brought to the stage by Artistic Director, Theresa Heskins, and the team behind the brilliant Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland and A Christmas Carol. Popular dates can sell out months in advance – if you’re planning to visit this Christmas make sure to book early! Tickets £14.00 - £21.00; Family of Four ticket £60.00; family discounts for November performances!
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
Charity Registration Number: 253242 Company Registration Number: 911924 Registered Office: Etruria Road, Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 0JG
Box Office: 01782 717962 New Vic Theatre, Etruria Road, Newcastle-Under-Lyme, Staffs, ST5 0JG
New Vic favourites talk about travelling the world on stage Box Office: 01782 717962
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Features
One Nighters
Plays 14 The Importance of Being Earnest
16 Around the World in Eighty Days
18 Blonde Bombshells of 1943
20 Widowers’ Houses 22 Stones in His Pockets 24 Uncle Eric in Downtown Abbey
30 30 31 31 32 32
Creatives
Tony Benn
6 Travelling
Mike Harding
Companions
Cropper,Welsh, Roscoe Dervish Syd Lawrence Orchestra Lucy Porter and Stephen Carlin
33 Ballet Wales 33 Ensemble 360 & Peter Cropper
34 34 35 35
4 Collaborators &
Events 36 Exhibitions 40 Open Day 43 Appetite
10 Grand Designs 40 Come on round 42 A Taste of Things to Come
44 Why Not? 46 All Our Daughters? on Tour
Barry Cryer
Information Community 37 Business Friends 39 Fundraising gains new support
45 New Vic Education diary
Kit Downes Quintet
46 New Vic Borderlines
Turn Back The Clock
diary
Le Vent Du Nord
47 New Vic Friends events
26 28 29 47 48 49 50 50 51 52
Ticket packages Four for £54 Under 26 tickets Costume & prop hire Booking / access How to get here Food & drink Ticket prices Calendar Just announced for Christmas 3 | newvictheatre.org.uk
Cover photo: Andrew Billington
From the Artistic Director
Collaborators
N
otwithstanding the tougher economic pressures on the national theatre industry, 2013 is turning out to be full of great opportunities for the New Vic.
We’ve just announced a new partnership with the RSC; our production of The Thrill of Love transferred to London, giving audiences in the metropolis a chance to
see what we do; our Borderlines project on forced marriage launched at Parliament; the partnerships we’ve been developing to bring international work to our region are about to bear fruit. We’re ever more determined to make this a great place to live, work and do business, by creating great work in our special theatre-in-theround; in the great outdoors; and by being cultural ambassadors for the area.
Gemma Thomas is a local producer
whose work has taken her far afield, so we’re delighted that she’s been staying close to home for the past few months, working with us to develop a ‘Taster Menu’ for the Appetite programme, which you can read more about later in this magazine.
Paul Warwick
Kevin Shaw
Gemma Thomas
Creatives You may remember director Paul Warwick from Laurel & Hardy, which had audiences in tears of laughter throughout and on their feet at the end. It’s taken me a while to lure him back to the New Vic, and I’m looking forward to seeing him work the same magic on Stones in His Pockets. Before I came to the New Vic I ran a touring theatre company in leafy Shropshire. It was a curious mix of glamour and grit – one day I’d be unloading lights from the back of a van during a thunderstorm; the next rehearsing in what had once been Laurence Olivier’s office at the National Theatre Studio. A network of rural touring companies including the New Forest’s Forest Forge, whose Artistic Director was
Kevin Shaw, lived a similar life. Like me,
Kevin moved away from touring and into a building, but we’re both still keen to share our work with a wider audience. So I’m very pleased to be able to collaborate with Oldham Coliseum on Kevin’s production of Blonde Bombshells of 1943. I look forward to seeing you at some of the events we have lined up for what I hope will be a rather special year. Best wishes,
Theresa Heskins
PS You can now follow me on Twitter @TheresaHeskins 5 | www.newvictheatre.org.uk
Features
TRAVELLING COMPANIONS oh
Dynamic duo Andrew Pollard and Michael Hugo
“
reveal all about returning to the New Vic stage…
A
We are actually like Victorian gentlemen as neither of us can drive!
ndrew Pollard and Michael Hugo are squashed in the back of a car on the way to a pre-show photocall at Churnet Valley Railway in the middle of the Staffordshire Moorlands.
”
They are surrounded by all manner of carpet bags, suitcases and walking sticks and are clad in Victorian costume, top hats and all. As Phileas Fogg and his wily lieutenant Passepartout in the New Vic’s Around the World in Eighty Days, they are literature’s ultimate travelling companions, but there are real life comparisons to this companionship.
Photo Andrew Billington
Surely their reliance on public transport means they are as good at timekeeping as their literary counterparts, right? “Err,” begins Michael, Andrew laughs. “I’m dreadful!” Michael finally admits: “I need to have a really irritating sound on my phone placed out of my reach so I have to get up. Ideally, the best alarm would be a load of metal cutlery in a microwave set to start at a certain time so if I don’t get up my house is going to burn, that will do it. “I don’t like being late,” he adds: “And it’s not a nonchalant attitude it’s just stuff happens, people talk to me and I’m distracted quite easily.”
Hailing from the same West Yorkshire town they are regular travellers on the West Coast mainline, albeit in slightly different attire.
Andrew on the other hand is the polar opposite.
“We often have stolen moments together at Crewe station, it’s a bit like Brief Encounter!” jokes Michael, his usual level of enthusiasm already threatening to burst out of the car on to unsuspecting drivers on the A52: “I think trying to get back home on a train on a Saturday night was our audition for this show!”
“I’d say I’m a bit weird, I would rather be an hour early than two minutes late,” he says:“I think I get it from my Dad; if we were going on holiday he would always get us up ready to go at 5am because he didn’t want to ‘hit the midmorning traffic’ – we were only going to Barrow-in-Furness in a caravan on the coast road!”
Andrew chips in: “We are actually like Victorian gentlemen as neither of us can drive.”
Michael responds: “My Dad was always very good at timekeeping so I think my lack of it is 7 | www.newvictheatre.org.uk
probably one of my little rebellions. Also I think I’ve got the head of a really old person but not from this century.” A typical Hugo-ism, the car erupts into giggles. “Well, it’s that mentality of not having to be somewhere at a certain chime of the clock,” he tries to explain: “Nowadays it’s important if you’re two minutes late but back in the day, well you’re there when you’re there so well done – it would be like ‘gentlemen we rise at dawn and head for London!’ And that’s why I’m not a director!” The firm theatre-in-the-round favourites return to North Staffordshire after working on Christmas shows – Michael in Birmingham for Wind in the Willows and Andrew as a panto dame in Greenwich. Around the World in Eighty Days will be the fifth New Vic production they’ve worked on together. “I don’t even know his middle name!” reveals a rather shameful sounding Michael, prompting Andrew to joke: “I like to keep an air of mystery around me or we’d get bored.” Middle names and mystery aside, both agree it’s handy having someone you know when starting rehearsals, especially when directors start ‘asking you to be some four legged creature’, although Michael adds: “That’s not to say working with someone you’ve never met before is difficult, because it’s one of those jobs when you get to know people quite quickly.” So what do they like best about working with each other? “The discipline that Mr Pollard brings to his work and how well read he is. He is one of those gilded actors which can be very frightening,” begins Michael directing his responses to his counterpart, before Andrew interrupts: Photos: Andrew Billington
“Gilded? What does that mean?!” “Well Andrew, you kind of gleam with your ability, but you’re also of the guild, you know what I mean? You’re genuine and know your stuff, it makes me want to raise my game and be serious and not make gags all the time!”
“
Vic really shining through: “Every year there is a new challenge with shows here. “I love it that New Vic audiences can see that they’re part of it, that they’re part of a set. In-theround you really feel as if you are included and that a journey is taking place around you. I love being able to have a natter to someone on the front row about what we’re doing.”
They never play it safe here and it is such good fun being part of something like that
“
Michael and Andrew’s characters dual in the New Vic’s production of The Rivals, and are love rivals in another Rep Season show, The Admirable Crichton.
“It’s true, he’s a great bringer of people together is Mike and extremely talented as well.”
Andrew nods in agreement: “What is great about the New Vic is it does these shows which push their boundaries. And this space, in-the-round, is fantastic and we can say ‘yes we can go around the world’. They never play it safe here and it is such good fun being part of something like that.The people are so passionate, there is a real feel of people wanting to do the very best they possibly can.”
Back on the subject of Around the World in Eighty Days, both share memories of a certain cartoon from their childhood days before chatting about versions they’ve read.
Pulling up to the heritage railway, the interview rounds up and the friends put on their leather gloves and top hats and get into character ahead of a two hour photoshoot.
“I did read it a long time ago,” Andrew recalls, with Michael joining in: “I think I read a children’s classic version but I read the novel fairly recently on the buses around Birmingham. The first time I read the play version I was amazed there was no hot air balloon in it because in the cartoon there was.”
Andrew concludes: “I have always loved being at the New Vic, it is such a brilliant friendly building, it’s like a little home for me.”
“Wow, that’s nice” responds Andrew: “The great thing I admire about Mike is his playfulness, he will always puncture stress but not in a way that upsets anybody. He keeps a company together and keeps it light-hearted.
Michael continues, his affection for the New
It has to be said, if the enthusiasm in the car is anything to go by then they can’t wait to be back, and we can’t wait to welcome them. Around the World in Eighty Days runs from Friday 19 April to Saturday 11 May 9 | www.newvictheatre.org.uk
Features
back at the New Vic, this time to design George Bernard Shaw’s Widowers’ Houses.
at his immaculately stylish Manchester home waiting for the gas man to arrive.
“Theresa (Heskins) asked me to read the script and it seemed to me that it had enormous resonance today, that fire and those ideas have been reignited by the current social and political situation,” he enthuses: “I always found the ideas in Shaw’s work very appealing – it’s really exciting because it’s relevant again, I think that’s happening to Shaw generally.”
“They said they’d be here any time between noon and 6pm so I may have to cut this interview short,” he laughs: “But it will probably be 5.55pm by the time they arrive, it always happens like that!”
With the production’s preliminary design meeting just weeks away, he says his nose is stuck in the script.
It’s early afternoon and Michael has just dashed back home from opening Alan Ayckbourn’s 76th play, Surprises, which he designed, in Guildford midway through its nationwide tour.
“I read the script first,” he says simply: “At that point I usually get a picture in my mind and then I think about where actors need to be, where they have to move to, what important movements are needed with pieces of furniture.
We talk to top designer Michael Holt about Widowers’ Houses, where it all began, and a rather famous woman in black… e honed his talents under the wing of Margaret Harris, one third of the famous Motley Theatre Design Group, the most celebrated designers of the Laurence Olivier clique. He’s the designer of choice for Alan Ayckbourn, the world’s most performed playwright (after Shakespeare of course). And there is the small fact that he is responsible for designing one of the West End’s longest running shows, the legendary The Woman in Black. Yet, for the time being, Michael Holt is stuck
He is friendly and warm and the interview seems to be a welcome distraction and an excuse to talk about his latest venture Photo : Hattie Miles for Clive Conway
“I think about the historical visuals all the time while trying to hang on to the initial image I first thought of when reading the script.” His words spill out at a rate of knots, and he interrupts himself:“Forgive me if I ramble, just tell me to stop if I’m talking too much.” Michael Holt
3
But he pauses when asked how it all begin, where and how did Michael Holt the designer emerge?
I always found the ideas in Shaw’s work very appealing – it’s really exciting because it’s relevant again
3
The Woman in Black Photo: Tristram Kenton
“For my sins I liked being an amateur actor when I was very young,” he admits with a chuckle: “But I eventually went to Leeds College of Art to do fine art so I trained as a painter. While I was there people always used to say ‘you’re an artist, can you paint our scenery?’ So I ended up learning lines and painting sets.”
The plan upon leaving college, he adds, was to study at a Czech theatre, but when the 1968 11 | www.newvictheatre.org.uk
Absurd Person Singular. Photo: Robert Day
Soviet invasion put an end to that idea he trained as a teacher for a year.Then he was told the Head of Design at Sadler’s Wells Opera, Margaret Harris, was looking for a number of students. “Margaret Harris was part of the ‘Motley Three’, a theatre design partnership known as Motley Theatre Design Group. They were part of the Laurence Olivier clique in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s,” he recounts: “The three of them worked on all the great shows but then split into three: one of them died, one went on to work on Ben Hur and Margaret, who we called ‘Percy’ ended up at Sadler’s Wells Opera.
with Rosie to Romeo and Juliet. He struggles to pick a favourite but highlights 2011’s The Admirable Crichton as being one of the most enjoyable plays he has worked on at the theatre-in-the-round due to the sheer number of costumes that needed.
“I always say this and I know it might sound a bit clichéd but I don’t do scenery, I do plays and I love working with actors and directors on shows,” he explains: “And I really love the people I work with backstage, they are immensely talented and creative.”
Perhaps one of the most important relationships of his career has been with Alan Ayckbourn and Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre, the New Vic’s sister theatre, an association which has now spanned more than 30 years. And it was this association with Scarborough which led to his involvement in the enormously successful The Woman in Black, one of the most terrifying theatre productions ever staged.
For the time being, Widowers’ Houses is the focus of Michael’s thoughts, although he is doing ‘a lot more Ayckbourn’ before June, seven productions in fact.
3
The producer said The Woman in Black would last six months or forever, it is doing better now than ever before - but I better not say that!
“She took me on as a trainee and that got me a job at the National Theatre, which was the Old Vic then.”
3
He jokes: “I really did have quite an auspicious start, it’s all gone downhill ever since!” The list of theatres he has now designed for reads like an A to Z and his career has taken him to theatres across the globe for productions of opera, ballet and drama. Closer to home, he is a familiar face at the New Vic having designed a whole host of productions, from The Price to The Rivals, Cider
“Alan Ayckbourn had taken a sabbatical at the National Theatre and Robin Herford took over as Artistic Director at Scarborough,” he explains. “I was sent a script which was very rudimentary - there were no stage directions, it basically said things like ‘he goes into a graveyard’, ‘he walks into the house’ etc. “We had no idea how it was going to be staged so Robin and I spent a great deal of time on it.”
“We did it as a late night show and it scared the pants off people,” he chuckles: “And it was very quickly snapped up by a production company in London.” Celebrating a remarkable 23 years as one of West End’s biggest success stories, more than seven million people have seen the show.
3
The Admirable Crichton 2011. Photo: Andrew Billington
3
“The producer said The Woman in Black would last six months or forever; it is doing better now than ever before - but I’d better not say that!”
Most immediate is the pressing matter of the whereabouts of the gas man who is still to make an appearance. “See, I told you,” he laughs: “I rushed back you see, so they were always going to be late!”
Widowers’ Houses runs from Fri 14 - Sat 29 June
There is humility in his voice which belies his success.The passion he has for his trade is clear and it is an infectious enthusiasm which he is keen to share – he was a university lecturer for 27 years and has written a number of volumes on stage and costume design and has published a book on the plays of Alan Ayckbourn.
12 | www.newvictheatre.org.uk The Price 2011. Photo: Robert Day
Plays
London Classic Theatre presents
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde Oscar Wilde’s theatrical masterpiece is one of the greatest comedies in the English Language.Wonderful characters, sparkling dialogue, gloriously improbable plot twists and a sprinkling of romance –The Importance of Being Earnest has it all. Jack is in love with Gwendolen. Algernon is in love with Cecily. But when an identity crisis spirals out of control, the previously separate worlds of town and country collide and delicious mayhem ensues.Thoughts of marriage and a happy ending must be put on hold until the formidable Lady Bracknell can be convinced that the young men are worthy suitors. The Importance of Being Earnest has delighted millions since its first London performance in 1895. A scintillating comedy of manners, Oscar Wilde’s best-loved work overflows with dazzling wordplay and comic invention. This 19th Century classic is brought to vivid, extravagant life with flair, attention to detail, high-quality acting and impeccable production values.
Weds 3 - Sat 13 April
Booking Information Tickets £12.00 - £21.00 Group Discounts £2.00 off for ten or more First Night Fever All seats £14.50 (no concessions) Weds 3 April Under 26s Go Free (see page 29) Concessions £2.00 off (see page 49)
Best seats for just £14.00! (see page 26)
“To lose one parent, Mr Worthing, may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness.”
15 | www.newvictheatre.org.uk
Plays
All the world’s on the New Vic stage!
A New Vic Theatre production
Around the World in Eighty Days by Laura Eason Adapted from the novel by Jules Verne Director Theresa Heskins with her biggest challenge yet: Jules Verne’s epic tale of Victorian eccentricity, romance and derring-do brought to the stage in a production that’s as fast-moving and brilliant as the hero’s own race against time. Precise, stiff, starched and very, very English, wealthy bachelor Phileas Fogg wagers that he can circumnavigate the globe in precisely 80 days. With his entire fortune on the line, he leaves London with just his wily manservant, £20,000 in banknotes, a change of clothing and his trusty precision pocket watch. Racing through Europe, Asia and America, they jump from train to boat to elephant and back again, pausing only to save a beautiful Indian Princess from certain death and to battle bandits, buffalo, winter storms and Scotland Yard. Will they make it back to London in time? Or will a world of trouble mean that the bet is lost? And, having seen the whole world, can Fogg find his own heart?
Fri 19 April - Sat 11 May
Booking Information Tickets £12.00 - £21.00 Group Discounts £2.00 off for ten or more First Night Fever All seats £14.50 (no concessions) Fri 19 April Under 26s Go Free (see page 29) Concessions £2.00 off (see page 49) Interpreted performances Captioned 7.30pm Weds 8 May Audio described 2.15pm Sat 11 May Talkback Weds 8 May
Best seats for just £14.00! (see page 26)
Shot on location with the kind permission of Churnet Valley Railway
17 | www.newvictheatre.org.uk
Plays
an Oldham Coliseum and New Vic Theatre production
Blonde Bombshells of 1943
Award-winning, toe-tapping musical comedy!
a play with music by Alan Plater Alan Plater’s stage version of his BAFTA winning film, The Last of the Blonde Bombshells starring Judi Dench, is directed by Kevin Shaw. A laugh-out-loud, feelgood musical, it’s filled with 1940’s classics by Glen Miller,The Andrews Sisters, George Formby and Fats Waller performed live by a sensational swing band. Wartime bandleader Betty is in trouble. Her all-girl swing group, the Blonde Bombshells, might be the greatest in the North with their big BBC debut coming up – but half the band has gone AWOL with American GIs. The Bombshells need to recruit new talent – and fast! Enter an innocent schoolgirl, a nun, an upper-class tart and a draft-dodging drummer not afraid of donning a frock (if it keeps him out of national service). Now Betty and her motley crew prepare to dodge Hitler’s bombs and get ready to give the performance of their lives.
Thurs 16 May – Sat 8 June
“An absolute blast – go see and enjoy!” Daily Telegraph
Booking Information Tickets £12.00 - £21.00 First Night Fever All seats £14.50 (no concessions) Thurs 16 May Under 26s Go Free (see page 29) Group Discounts £2.00 off for ten or more Concessions £2.00 off (see page 49) Interpreted performances Captioned 7.30pm Tues 4 June Audio described 2.15pm Sat 8 June Talkback Tues 4 June
Part of our THREE plays for £40 package! (see page 26)
19| www.newvictheatre.org.uk
Plays
A New Vic Theatre production
Widowers’ Houses by Bernard Shaw Part romantic comedy, part family drama and part exploration of moral choices, George Bernard Shaw’s first play reveals the skeletons that hide in even the most respectable of middle-class cupboards. Our production is directed by Theresa Heskins. When idealistic and impetuous Harry Trench meets the beautiful heiress Blanche Sartorius by the banks of the Rhine, it’s love at first sight. They simply have to marry! And, no sooner has her father confirmed Harry’s aristocratic credentials, then the lovers’ plans are approved and the congratulations roll in. But, back in England, Harry is appalled to discover the truth about his future father-in-law. He finds himself forced to choose – will it be the girl of his dreams? Or will his sense of honour mean that he and Blanche must part forever?
Fri 14 - Sat 29 June
“extremely funny” The Independent “an unmissable reminder of why Shaw matters” Daily Telegraph
Booking Information Tickets £12.00 - £21.00 Group Discounts £2.00 off for ten or more First Night Fever All seats £14.50 (no concessions) Fri 14 June Under 26s Go Free (see page 29) Concessions £2.00 off (see page 49) Interpreted performances Captioned 7.30 pm Tues 25 June Part of our THREE Audio described 2.15 pm Sat 29 June plays for £40 package! Talkback Tues 25 June (see page 26)
“Lack of money is the root of all evil”
21| www.newvictheatre.org.uk
Plays
a New Vic Theatre production By Arrangement with PAUL ELLIOTT, ADAM KENWRIGHT & PAT MOYLAN
The world wide comedy smash-hit!
Stones in His Pockets by Marie Jones This wonderful comedy is the stuff of theatre legend. From community halls in Northern Ireland, it moved to the Edinburgh Festival and then to London and the West End for a triumphant six-year run. It took Broadway by storm and, to-date, has played in more than 30 countries worldwide – gathering award after award along the way. Our new production is directed by Paul Warwick An isolated Irish community is turned upside down when an American film crew arrives to make a Hollywood blockbuster.The villagers recognise a good thing when they see it and are soon earning plenty of money as extras – not to mention getting all the lemon meringue pie they can eat! But it’s not long before there’s friction between the Hollywood big-shots and the locals. From local lads with dreams of making it in the movies to burly Scottish security guards and glamorous Hollywood divas with dodgy Irish accents, two actors bring to life a multitude of extraordinary characters in one of the most riotously funny and moving plays of the last 20 years. ”Hilarious and irresistable!” Sunday Times
Please note: occasional strong language
Fri 5 – Sat 27 July
Booking Information Tickets £12.00 - £21.00 Group Discounts £2.00 off for ten or more First Night Fever All seats £14.50 (no concessions) Fri 5 July Under 26s Go Free (see page 29) Concessions £2.00 off (see page 49) Interpreted performances Captioned 7.30pm Weds 24 July Audio described 2.15pm Sat 27 July Talkback Weds 24 July
Part of our THREE plays for £40 package! (see page 26)
23 | www.newvictheatre.org.uk
Plays
a David Graham production
Uncle Eric in Downtown Abbey The ultimate 60s musical ! New Vic favourites Uncle Eric, Madge and the gang are back for their latest musical escapades. It’s an upstairs-downstairs adventure filled with comedy, nostalgia and the greatest hits of the 1960s. Not forgetting the posh frocks! Eric’s out of a job and flat broke – just for a change. But Madge saves the day when she finds them work as the valet and cook at Downtown Abbey, a run-down stately home in deepest Staffordshire. The place is being run by Lord Trentham as if it’s still 1910 and the below-stairs staff are a motley crew with Sarson the Butler, two rather strange footmen, twins Reggie and Ronnie, and Branston the Chauffeur who’s in something of a pickle. Although Eric’s very taken by ladies’ maid, Vera!
Mon 19 - Sat 31 Aug
But when things start going missing from the house, they soon find themselves in trouble. Is Eric guilty of the thefts? Has Madge been able to make the veal and chocolate pie? Will there be a load of great 60s hits played through the evening? The answers to these questions are ‘maybe’, ‘not very well’ and ‘yes’ – but not necessarily in that order.
Booking Information Tickets £15.00 - £21.00 Group Discounts £2.00 off for ten or more First Night Fever All seats £14.50 (no concessions) Mon 19 Aug Concessions £2.00 off (see page 49)
Best seats for just £14.00! (see page 26)
25 | www.newvictheatre.org.uk
One Night Events THREE eventsjust£40!
events
Ticket Offers - Events
Ticket Offers - Plays
THREEplays just£40! TWO plays just £30! Any seat Any night
Choose from these great acts:
Choose from: Blonde Bombshells of 1943,Widowers’ Houses and Stones in His Pockets
Tony Benn, Mike Harding, Cropper Welsh Roscoe, Dervish, Lucy Porter and Stephen Carlin, Ballet Wales, Ensemble 360, Barry Cryer,The Kit Downes Quintet,Turn Back The Clock, Le Vent Du Nord.
And, only when you book our Three for £40 plays package, you can choose from all this too:
And, when you book an event package, you can choose from all this too:
The Importance of Being Earnest, Around the World in Eighty Days and Downtown Abbey £14.00 (Mon – Thurs) or £14.50 (Fri & Sat). 101 Dalmatians £14.50 (all performances)
• Any additional show for just £14.50 each • Under 16s tickets for one night events as indicated just £7.50 (1 ticket per package.)
Special nights out make special presents!
New Vic Friends Membership
Gift Vouchers - why not give someone special nights at the
Got a friend who’s a real fan of theatre? Why not make them one of our Friends - from just £20 a year. See page 47 for NewVic Friends details, or email Kay Wilson : kwilson@newvictheatre.org.uk
theatre with a New Vic Gift Voucher? Just ask our Box Office.
Ticket packages cannot be combined with other concessions or offers (inc First Night Fever); must be booked in a single transaction; additional plays 1 ticket per play per package; change your performance any time, more than 3 days prior to the performance; all sales subject to availability and Box Office Manager’s discretion.
27 | www.newvictheatre.org.uk
thing Fancy some d an glamorous, good value?
£54!
Ticket Offers - Under 26s
Ticket Offers - Plays
F OUR friends for
SAVE UP TO £30
We’ve got 50 free tickets to give away for every New Vic production to people under 26. That’s right, they’re free! *
Not only that, when all the free tickets have gone, you can still get a ticket for just £7.50. Free tickets are available on a first come first served basis only. So make sure to book soon! Grab the girls, get out the glad rags and book our brilliant ticket offer!
TO BOOK JUST CALL BOX OFFICE ON 01782 717962
Four tickets for just £54 - a great value, great night out with friends. Any play, any seats Monday - Friday. Just give us an email address to qualify for this great offer. (not 101 Dalmatians or Downtown Abbey ; max 8 tickets per booking)
Call our Box Office to find out more: 01782 717962 Or, visit us online at www.newvictheatre.org.uk The small print! Under 26 Go Free tickets available for Mon – Fri performances of designated productions only; only two tickets per booking; an address and email address needs to be provided to claim free tickets (don’t worry, we will never pass your address to any other organisation); sorry, but only one pair of free tickets per season can be booked; free tickets not available to book online.
* Does not include 101 Dalmatians or Downtown Abbey
29 | www.newvictheatre.org.uk
One Nighters
Come round for a
One-Nighter!
Weds 24 April A very special event! AN EVENING WITH TONY BENN Veteran politician Tony Benn talks about his extraordinary life and career. Discover what the man who famously left parliament to “spend more time on politics” thinks about the modern Labour party. Prepare yourself for straight-talking, frank responses and entertaining political anecdotes.
Tues 7 May
CROPPER, WELSH, ROSCOE PIANO TRIO
Peter Cropper (violin), Moray Welsh (cello) and Martin Roscoe (piano). Three friends and world-class chamber musicians come together to do what they love best – playing music that is informally presented, high in energy and hugely entertaining. BEETHOVEN Piano Trio in C minor Op.1 No.3 Piano Trio in B flat Op.11 Variations on Ich bin der Schneider Kakadu Op.121a Piano Trio in D Op.70 No.1 Ghost
£14.00 / £19.50 / £21.00 / cons / Under 16s Go Free
"I think people are fed up with sound-bites, spin, sensation and scandal from politicians.” says Benn. “What people really want is a chance to discuss issues that affect all our lives and to have that discussion in a sensible, uninterrupted and civilised manner."
Weds 22 May “The best band in Ireland” Michael Flatley
Where better, he argues, than in a theatre - one of the few platforms for proper political debate today? “I get quite excited by the opportunity to bring politics back to the people…which is probably not a good thing for a man of my age!" he laughs.
DERVISH
£16.50 / £19.50 / £21.00
Mon 29 April
MIKE HARDING
ME, AGUITAR & MORE DAFT STUFF After 15 years concentrating on writing and broadcasting, fellwalking and fly fishing, Radio 2’s Mike Harding is back on the road. With a guitar and forty years of material to draw on, join Mike for an evening of daft stories, silly songs and the odd comic monologue - it’ll be alright if you like laughing. £18.00 / cons
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“If Dervish are in town – or anywhere remotely within reach – don’t dare miss them” Chicago Herald
We’re delighted to welcome back Dervish, one of the greatest bands ever to have come out of Ireland. Their performances brim over with all the subtlety, energy, passion and complexity of Irish music at its very best.
For more than 20 years, Dervish have toured the world – from the Great Wall of China, to Chicago, to Rio de Janerio and an audience of 250,000 people. Their years on the road have helped them develop one of the most distinctive sounds anywhere in traditional music with exceptional musicianship, breathtaking vocals and driving jigs and reels.
£16.00 / £18.00 / cons / Under 16s Go Free Performance in the round
Performance on three sides
Directional performance with some element of front and back
One Nighters
Tues 28 May A show that’s Licensed to Thrill!
Weds 19 June William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream
SYD LAWRENCE ORCHESTRA WITH 007 – THE MUSIC OF JAMES BOND
BALLET WALES
Every Bond song is an event in itself and this exciting, fast and glamorous show brings you hit after hit!
Award-winning Dance Company Ballet Cymru with a breathtaking version of Shakespeare's most magical play. A world of magic and mayhem in the most thrilling classical ballet this year.
Goldfinger, Thunderball, Diamonds are Forever,You Only live Twice, The Man With the Golden Gun, Golden Eye, Casino Royal, Live and Let Die, Skyfall and many, many more. The brilliant Syd Lawrence Orchestra with the songs, the iconic themes and the incidental music in a thrilling celebration of all things Bond.They bring the house down every time! Part of the Newcastle-under-Lyme Jazz & Blues Festival
£18.00 / £20.00 / £22.00
Want to mix it up a bit? Why not pick a package?
Weds 5 June Fabulous comedy double-bill!
See page 29 for our special event offers
An outstanding adaptation of Shakespeare’s timeless play with Mendelssohn's joyous music, breathtaking choreography by the company’s Artistic Director Darius James and stunning costumes by Welsh Designer Yvonne Greenleaf. Regular New Vic visitors, Ballet Cymru is a young, vital group of dancers who are pushing back the barriers of classical ballet. Using powerful and timeless stories the company challenges its dancers to interpret some of the finest characters in literature. £15.00 / £18.00 / £19.50 / cons / Under 16s Go Free “Their performances never cease to amaze” The Independent
LUCY PORTER WITH STEPHEN CARLIN Stand-up supreme, sketch-show regular and massively in-demand comedy writer, Lucy Porter’s distinctive, feel-good comedy makes her a huge hit with audiences everywhere. She’s appeared on Have I Got News for You, Mock the Week,The One Show and dozens more; she’s been a gagsmith for the likes of Rob Brydon and Griff Rhys Jones; and she’s won more awards than you can shake a stick at. Suffice to say, she’s very, very funny. Forcing his way into the list of legendary Scottish comedians, Stephen Carlin is earning critical accolades and a growing fanbase with his original and unexpected comedy. A great show, expertly written material, and brilliantly delivered in a delightfully deadpan style. £14.00 / £16.00 / cons
“Impressively able dancers and a choreographer who can make use of every gift they have.” The Sunday Telegraph
Weds 10 July
ENSEMBLE 360 & PETER CROPPER Leader of the legendary Lindsays, co-founder of Music in the Round and world-class violinist, Peter Cropper, joins Music in the Round’s brilliant resident ensemble. WOLF Italian Serenade SCHUMANN String Quartet in A minor Op.41 No.1 MENDELSSOHN String Quintet in A Op.18 (with Peter Cropper) “one of the most talented comics on the circuit…get happy comedy at its very best” Time Out
£14.00 / £19.50 / £21.00 / cons / Under 16s Go Free “One of the ten best comedians in the world” Stewart Lee
Note: some strong language
Free post concert discussion
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One Nighters
Mon 15 July
Mon 22 July
BARRY CRYER
TURN BACK THE CLOCK A SELECTION OF SONGS & MONOLOGUES BY
AND HIS BRAND NEW SHOW
TWITTER TITTER
JOYCE GRENFELL
One of our greatest comic writers and performers and star of legendary Radio 4 comedy quiz show I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue, Barry has written for such comedy greats as Dave Allen, Frankie Howerd,The Two Ronnies,Tommy Cooper, Les Dawson, Billy Connelly, Morecombe and Wise and many, many more.
With sell-out performances around the country, this gem of a show is a celebration of one of the greatest female entertainers of the twentieth century.
King of quips Baz returns for yet another farewell tour. He’ll be enjoying himself – do join him!
Originally in honour of Joyce Grenfell’s centenary year, a comedy revue with some of her funniest, most moving and memorable characters, songs and monologues. A delightful night of nostalgia from the golden age of revue. A true comedy legend!
With Colin Sell at the piano. £19.50 / £21.00
Tues 16 July
THE KIT DOWNES QUINTET
”A show to touch the heart as well as tickle the funny bone” London Metro £18.00 / £19.50 / cons / Under 16s Go Free
“Everyone’s favourite young pianist … unpretentiously brilliant” The Observer
Adapted and performed by Cheryl Knight At the pianoforte, Alice Farnham Directed and co-devised by Paul Knight By arrangement with Samuel French and Sheil Land Associates
Tues 23 July A truly fabulous FrenchCanadian folk band!
LE VENT DU NORD
Kit Downes’ last New Vic visit was a memorable night of stunning musicianship. His debut album, Golden, was nominated for a Mercury Music Prize and announced to a wider audience what the jazz world already knew: that Downes is one of the most brilliant musicians of his generation.
Le Vent du Nord is one of the finest bands to have come out of the vibrant, traditional music scene of Quebec.They have a uniquely ‘Québecois’ sound, mixing French, Irish, Scottish and English tunes and traditions to make thrilling music with a special FrenchCanadian spirit.
A gifted composer and sparkling improviser, he brings an under-stated verve and earthy brilliance to the music. Inspired by artists as diverse as Bartok and Bjork, his compositions have a lyrical, story-telling quality that draw the listener in. We’re looking forward to another inspirational visit. Mercury Music Prize nominated Album of the Year 2009, BBC Jazz Award for Rising Star 2008
The band is now one of the best-loved Quebec folk outfits in the world. With fiddle, guitar, accordion and hurdy-gurdy, they play driving tunes and heart-lifting songs, music that moves audiences everywhere.They have performed all across Canada and the USA, and in more than 15 European countries! Another New Vic night with the best music from around the world.
£16.00 / £18.00 / cons / Under 16s Go Free
£16.00 / £18.00 / cons / Under 16s Go Free
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10 June – 29 June
John Whitehill Real and Invented Themes from the built environment; buildings, urban views and managed landscapes. Recent paintings are based on constructed still life environments, which encourage speculation and imagination
15 April – 11 May
UK Children's Fine Art Competition An exhibition of artworks from the UK Children's Fine Art Competition, an international project open to children aged 4 - 16 years. Each piece is a celebration of the North Staffordshire-led Lidice Shall Live campaign.The competition aims to raise the aspirations of children and endow them with the best of values and principles.
13 May – 8 June
Elizabeth Cadd Flotsam and Jetsam An exhibition exploring the beauty of the natural world through watercolours and original printmaking. Memories of coastal environments are captured in playful collagraphs, screenprints, intaglio, and landscapes painted from life. www.elizabethcadd.co.uk • 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.
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1 July – 27 July
Penny Beautiman,Vicky Christmas & Ann Roach Staycation Three local artists who work from the landscape, two painters and a printer. Each responding individually producing interesting, colourful and unique pieces of work.
New Vic Business Friends High profile sponsorship just £100 per month
The New Vic is Staffordshire’s award-winning producing theatre. This means that we design, build, direct and present major professional productions here at our unique theatre-in-the-round.
We have deep roots in the local community. Some 150,000 visitors every year come from Staffordshire, Cheshire, Shropshire, Derbyshire and beyond. And we have award-winning education and community programmes involving more than 10,000 local people every year. Your organisation’s sponsorship as a member of New Vic Business Friends will demonstrate your support for the New Vic’s work to these tens of thousands of customers and supporters; enabling you to benefit from an association with an international-class arts organisation and with the community that we serve. As a Business Friend, your company will enjoy branding opportunities in the theatre building and in our widely distributed publicity materials. Networking, complimentary tickets and hospitality are additional benefits. All sponsorship income from Business Friends goes directly into supporting the plays and concerts we present on our stage and our award-winning community and education programmes.
BENEFITS FOR BUSINESS FRIENDS • promote your business • entertain clients • reward staff • support your outstanding local theatre MEMBERS
Community - Business Friends
Events
Exhibitions
The Dudson Group Dean Statham Hanley Economic Building Society
Keele University Science and Business Park Roy Beech (Contractors) Ltd Barringtons Ltd. Chartered Accountants
To find out more about the benefits of becoming a New Vic Business Friend contact: Fiona Wallace Executive Director New Vic Theatre Tel: 01782 717954 email: fwallace@newvictheatre.org.uk
By giving a donation Make your cheque payable to the New Vic Theatre and pop into the box office or post to us. Alternatively you can donate online using your debit or credit card, or via Paypal, through the Charities Aid Foundation website, www.cafonline.org, simply click on the ‘donate now’ link and enter our registered charity number: 253242.
The cutting of the cake with special guests
years
round here
1962 - 2012
Lord-Lieutenant hosts 50th anniversary celebrations
More than £10,000 was raised when Ian Dudson CBE, Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, hosted a gala to celebrate the theatre’s 50th anniversary.
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Be our supporting act!
Community - Fundraising
Theresa Heskins, Chris Monks, Artistic Director of the Stephen Joseph Theatre Scarborough, and Romy Cheeseman
New Vic Artistic Director, Theresa Heskins, said: “First in a converted cinema in Hartshill, and for the past twenty-six years in the New Vic, we’ve been making great
Hundreds of The 50th anniversary gala proved that the guests, including New Vic remains part of its community – civic representatives, a night of great hospitality, good humour, local business friendship and first class drama. people, loyal supporters and theatre staff past and present watched theatre-in-the-round that has been a force a performance of the New Vic’s A for change in our community. Christmas Carol, and enjoyed a piece of birthday cake! “The Vic and the New Vic have both instilled
”
a real love of theatre in the community and, as a result, we have some of the most committed audiences in the country.” Chris Monks, Artistic Director at the New Vic’s sister theatre, the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough, attended the evening. He said: “The 50th anniversary gala proved that the New Vic remains part of its community – everyone enjoyed a night of great hospitality, good humour, friendship and first class drama. I never tire of visiting the New Vic, it’s where I learnt my trade and I’m always welcomed back with open arms. I love this place!”
By becoming our friend See page 47 for more information.
By shopping If you shop online go to www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/newvic.You can access lots of your usual shops, but by going through our eshop we will get a donation relative to your spend, at no cost to you. By leaving a gift in your will We have recently created a legacy pack that will provide more information if you are thinking of leaving us a gift in your will.The pack is available on our website, from box office or by telephoning 01782 381375. Gift Aid it! Complete a gift aid declaration and your donation could be worth more to us, at no extra cost to you. Obtain a gift aid declaration form from box office or by telephoning 01782 381375. For more information on any of the above, please contact Victoria Martin on 01782 381375 or email vmartin@newvictheatre.org.uk
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Events
Come on round!
What’s on offer
It’s ‘access all areas’ for the New Vic’s Open Day
Design
The New Vic is set to reveal its stage secrets as the curtain goes up on an Open Day to remember this summer.
New Vic Artistic Director,Theresa Heskins, said: “We have so much interest from local people about what we do here at the New Vic.
Costume
The theatre-in-the-round is opening its doors to the public on Saturday 13 July to give visitors the chance of a rare peek behind the scenes.
“Our Open Day promises to be a great day of family fun – it will be a real opportunity to discover more about our made-in-Staffordshire productions.”
“
From glimpses Our Open Day promises to be a great into the worlds of costumes to day of family fun – it will be a real props to stage opportunity to discover more about our management, from lighting to made-in-Staffordshire productions. sound and much more, the Open Day will invite visitors to More than one thousand people enjoyed the learn the tricks of the theatre trade and see how theatre’s last open day, with families, couples and the New Vic takes its homegrown productions groups of friends travelling from across Staffordfrom page to stage. shire, Cheshire, Shropshire and Derbyshire to get a taste of what goes on beyond the stage door. With backstage tours, sound and lighting displays and interactive workshops on the cards, budding The Open Day takes place from 10am to 4pm actors will also be given the chance to hone their on Saturday 13 July with many free activities. theatrical talents in an acting masterclass, while a host of activities will be lined up for the littlest More information about the activities planned for theatre-goers. the day will be revealed on our website, www.newvictheatre.org.uk, in the coming months.
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”
SATURDAY 13 JULY 10AM - 4PM Pick up an information sheet, follow the signs and visit all the theatre departments. New Vic staff will be on hand to talk about their work.
Self-guided Theatre tours
The work of the theatre designer with models, drawings and a film. How we provide everything the actors need to wear for a show The New Vic workshop makes sets, props and furniture. Get hands on with puppets, masks and more
The Workshop
How do you slash someone’s throat on stage? How do things go Flash! Bang! Wallop!? New Vic Stage Managers reveal some of their secrets
Stage Secrets
Visit our new building and see our store of stage props – an Aladdin’s cave of the weird, the wonderful and the surprising.
New Vic WorkSpace
Find out how you can get involved with the New Vic.
New Vic Vols & Friends
Plus many additional demonstrations and chances to participate in workshops and hands-on sessions throughout the day.
Community - Events
As The World Tipped by Wired Aerial Theatre. Photo: Mark McNulty
A taste of things to come
D
espite the opposite happening to audiences nationally, over the past few years the New Vic’s audience base has grown considerably. Our participation programmes reach out far and deep into our local communities. Visitors from other theatres are surprised to see how vibrant and busy the building is, even outside of performance times; and they always comment on the fact that this theatre feels very connected to the people we serve. So you can imagine how surprised I was when the Arts Council of The Red Shoes, England told us that, in a recent survey, parts of our local area had an Upswing event. Photo: Simon Annand revealed themselves to have the lowest levels of engagement with the arts in the whole country. That’s not how it feels to us, but we couldn’t argue with the statistics, and so we agreed that we’d band together with a number of other local organisations to form a consortium that would try to do something about it. Our consortium has developed a programme called ‘Appetite’. Appetite will work closely with community groups to savour different kinds of arts experiences, and in some cases, take an active role in cooking up events themselves. The programme will kick-off this summer with a taster menu of family-friendly arts in public spaces; and over three years we’ll bring artists from all over the world to make work here; take the work of local artists out to the rest of the world; give tens of thousands of people a taste of something special; inspire 42| www.newvictheatre.org.uk
businesses to see the value of the arts; make our City Centre buzz; create extraordinary experiences in local parks and even on your own doorstep. As well as great art, there’ll be great conversation, where we’ll invite you to Get Talking about what’s happening. Nic Gratton, of project partner Staffordshire University, told me that “this is a great opportunity for people in our area to have more access to work of the highest quality and to make decisions about what work is happening here. It’s a project that’s truly going to be shaped and influenced by local communities”.
From Summer 2013 Appetite: the Taster Menu • • •
•
•
•
Theresa Heskins
This is great news for Stokeon-Trent and all credit to the consortium partners for making this bid successfully. I’m looking forward to an exciting and creative three years. Joan Walley MP The Always Drinking Marching Band
A Picnic will see participatory events in local parks A Barbecue will be a thrilling, daring new circus spectacle A Pavement Cafe will bring us outdoor arts from all over the world. Fingers crossed for a sunny August! Jelly and Ice Cream will work with libraries and children’s centres to improve family literacy Our Travelling Tea Room will be out and about, asking you: what did you think? What else would you like to see on the menu? And a Digital Arts Centre will be launched so that you can cook up a feast in your own home.
The Consortium
participatory arts company B-ARTS will be delivering participatory picnics, the Digital Arts Centre and an Artsbank • social housing organisation BRIGHTER FUTURES will be contributing their considerable experience of working with people whose life chances have been impoverished by the impact of living in deprived areas and on low incomes • PiCL (Partners in Creative Learning) will be looking after much of the organisational side of the programme • Staffordshire University’s Creative Community Unit will be evaluating the programme using their Get Talking toolkit • as lead partner, the NEW VIC will be responsible for governance and artistic leadership and the consortium will be working closely with local culture, tourism, library and museums services. •
If you’d like to hear more about Appetite, drop your contact details to appetite@picl.uk.com and we’ll email you as the programme develops.
Community - Education
Why
quite regularly. I think this project is going to be really moving as it is people’s real life stories.”
FOR SCHOOLS
Alice added: “I was in the group which performed for Princess Anne for the Jubilee 2 opening, so this project is the next big thing. I think it’s great as we will be taking on the perspectives of people older than us, I think it will be really eye opening.”
not?
The New Vic’s Senior Youth Theatre is swapping stories with local care home residents as part of a project exploring documentary theatre. The youngsters, aged from 16 to 18, have teamed up with Hempstalls Hall, Newcastle, for Why Not? which will culminate in a performance in front of family and friends. Sharing life stories and building friendships, the group has spent recent weeks visiting residents to take part in group reminiscence sessions, chatting about first loves, World Wars and much more. New Vic Youth Theatre Director, Kat Hughes, said: “This project is about mutual learning and swapping of experiences and
Education projects
stories, it is about our young people engaging with older members of the community who have lived varied and extraordinary lives. “We are taking their stories back to the theatre and will be carefully crafting a piece of theatre based upon what we have heard and learnt from our older residents.” Youth Theatre members Jacqueline Lowe and Alice Spencer said they were both excited to be involved in Why Not?. Jacqueline said: “I’ve only just joined the Youth Theatre group but I go to the New Vic
Why Not? will be performed at the New Vic and also for residents and staff at Hempstalls Hall.
I think this project is going to be really moving as it is people’s real life stories STOP PRESS! New Vic Education has teamed up with the Royal Shakespeare Company to bring the power of Shakepeare’s language to life. During the next three years, the Education team will be working with schools as part of the RSC’s Learning and Performance network. The project will include a visit from the RSC early next year with a production designed to engage young people and the wider community. Head of New Vic Education, Jill Rezzano, said: “We are very excited to announce our partnership with the RSC. It is a great opportunity for young people in the area.We will be contacting schools shortly to let them know how they can get involved in this inspiring project.”
Activity Days For either a single class or across a year group. Spend a morning or a school-day at the theatre. We can include a backstage tour and some practical drama focussing on a theme of your choice. Please email or call for more information. FOR CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE
Drama Club Saturday morning drama sessions for children aged 4-10. A chance to be creative, have fun and make new friends. Saturdays 9.00 - 10.00, 10.15 - 11.15, 11.30 - 12.30 (school term time) Youth Theatre Create, watch and explore theatre in weekly after-school sessions for 10-12s and 13-15s groups – weekdays, 4.30-6.00 (school term time) SeniorYouth Theatre for 16-18s - Thursdays, 18.15-20.15 (school term time) Holiday Projects Exciting projects for young people during the school holidays. Easter Holiday Project - Calling all Chickens! Have fun making and performing with puppets! 3-5 April: 10am-4pm 6-10 year olds Project cost: £60 for 3 days FOR ADULTS
Revolve Be inspired! Learn more about the New Vic, it’s productions and the people who create them. A series of workshops and discussions for adults based on selected New Vic productions. Cost: £5 per workshop. For more information on any NewVic Education project please contact Lynn Parry on 01782 381366 or email lparry@newvictheatre.org.uk
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April
Young Peoples Theatre Company & Manchester Metropolitan University: YPTC enter a crime scene and investigate in CSI : Newcastle-underLyme. After 10 weeks of exploring antisocial behaviour they devise a piece with original rap and dance. Next Chapter: Using the Stanislavski Method, a group of adults develop skills and identify pathways to a positive future. May Model Citizens: How do you get involved in a ‘Big Society‘; what does it means to be a citizen? Get Up Get Out Get In: Using craft, poetry, music and drama to help older participants overcome barriers to positive living, bringing hope and combating negative thinking. June Different Pasts Share Futures' with the Embrace project celebrating Refugee Week Festiwal Mlodzizy Bez Granic:Young People’s Theatre Company is invited to Poland again for the annual Without Frontiers Youth Festival. July Staffordshire Adult and Community Learning presentations August Young Peoples Theatre Company presents Macbeth
For more information on our work and taking part, please contact rreddihough@newvictheatre.org.uk tel : 01782 381368
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New Vic Borderlines has visited Westminster to launch the national tour of a ground-breaking project. Newcastle-under-Lyme MP Paul Farrelly invited the award-winning New Vic programme to Westminster ahead of a tour of the All Our Daughters?, a project which uses drama to highlight the issues surrounding forced marriage and ‘honour’ violence. Using the testimonies of Stoke-on-Trent people, All Our Daughters? aims to increase understanding of the issue so young people, teachers and other professionals are more able to help those who may be at risk. Supported by the Forced Marriage Unit, All Our Daughters? embarked on a tour of theatres, schools and community venues in February. New Vic Borderlines Director, Susan Moffat, who wrote the piece, said: “Being able to launch the national tour of All Our Daughters? from Westminster ensured that the powerful life saving work that was started in North Staffordshire was able to reach communities across the UK.”
Dress Rehearsals Around the World in Eighty Days Thurs 18 April 7.15pm for 7.30pm Widowers’ Houses Thurs 13 June 7.15pm for 7.30pm Stones in His Pockets Thurs 4 July 7.15pm for 7.30pm Spotlight Pat Blenkarn, Costume Supervisor on costume for Widowers’ Houses Weds 19 June 2.00pm -3.00pm Theatre Trip To be confirmed. Please feel free to get in touch at any time. You can contact Kay Wilson by email (kwilson@newvictheatre.org.uk) or phone her on 01782 717539.
Friends for your friends
Friends
Friends Events Diary
Do you know someone who would enjoy being a New Vic Friend? Being a ‘Friend’ means you get access to lots of behind the scenes events and find out directly through Directors, Designers, Stage Management and others how theatre happens.There are Theatre trips to shows all over the country, and Friends are invited to our dress rehearsals. Top that off with our annual Twelfth Night party, and a Friends membership provides a thoughtful and entertaining gift that friends and theatre lovers can enjoy all through the year - for just £20.00. For details of how to make your friend a Friend contact Marketing on 01782 717539.
Props & Costume Hire The New Vic Theatre houses an extensive collection of costumes, furniture and props from past productions. Most of what appears on the New Vic stage is created by our in-house craft departments. And working in the round means that attention to detail is paramount.That’s why props and costume, be it monsters, ghosts or 18th Century gowns, are often the stars of the show. We welcome enquiries from organisations wishing to hire New Vic props, furniture or costumes – other theatres, film and television companies, amateur societies and educational organisations throughout the UK and worldwide. To find out more, contact the relevant team: Costume: Costume Supervisor Pat Blenkarn on 01782 381365 or email pblenkarn@newvictheatre.org.uk Props and furniture: New Vic Props Hire on 01782 381361 or email propshire@newvictheatre.org.uk Sorry, our props and costumes cannot be hired for fancy dress or parties!
Prop & Costume Hire
Community - Borderlines
Borderlines projects
Tour kicks off in style
Bookings In Person Box Office open Mon - Sat 10.00am to start of performance. Closes 6pm on non-performance nights. 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, Staffs, 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 (£1 booking fee per ticket.) Exchanging Tickets We are sorry that no refunds can be made. 50p per ticket to exchange for another performance of same
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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 £9.50 any seat, any performance, unless otherwise stated. First Night Fever All seats £14.50 (no concessions). U16s Go Free For nominated events, an under 16 admitted free with an adult paying full or concessionary price. Some events have adult content. Check when booking.
Content Productions may contain strong language and difficult content. Please check with Box Office prior to booking.
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 inconvenience. E & OE
Access Committed to providing access to the arts for all. 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. Captioned Performances for New Vic Productions. Audio Described Performances for New Vic Productions (please book min. 3 days in advance). Large-print cast sheets available on request. Guide dogs welcome. Loan copies of play scripts available from the Box Office on request. Tickets £10.00 Mon – Thurs; £12.00 Fri; and £14.00 Sat (101 Dalmatians £12.00 all performances); 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
How to get here Allowance or Attendance Allowance.
Bus Bus stop outside theatre 34 & 34A: Newcastle & Hanley.
Rail 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, Incomebased Jobseeker’s Allowance or Social Fund, tickets are only £1.50 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.
The nearest station is Stoke-on-Trent. Connections to Birmingham, Manchester, Derby, Stafford, Crewe. Enquiries: 08457 484950
Parking Disabled Please contact Box Office to arrange reserved, free parking
Coach / Minibus Please contact Box Office to arrange reserved, free parking
Car £1 (free before 6.30pm). 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! IF YOU'RE USING A SAT NAV! Users of satellite navigation systems have occasionally experienced problems. Please ensure that your system is directing you to the NEW VIC, NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME. Double check that your system has logged the correct postcode: ST5 0JG
Information
Information
Bookings /Access/Concessions
Calendar
Ticket prices
Spoil yourself!
Importance of Being Earnest Around the World, Blonde Bombshells of 1943,Widowers’ Houses, Stones in His Pockets Row A&PartG Row B&PartG Rows C-F Balcony
theatre restaurant
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 cake. If you’re coming for a pre-show dinner, why not call 01782 717954 ext. 325 and reserve a table?
Snacks - 10am - ’til 3.30pm Lunch - Noon ’til 2pm Closed - 3.30pm - 5.30pm
Tableware generously supplied by
Dinner - 5.30pm - 7.30pm Beverages - 5.30pm ’til interval (Bar ’til 11pm) Wherever possible, the New Vic uses local produce and ingredients.
drink
Mon - Thurs Full Price £12.00 £18.00 Concessions £10.00 £16.00 Fri & Sat Eve Full Price £14.00 £19.50 Concessions* £12.00 £17.50 Matinees Full Price £12.00 £12.00 Concessions £10.00 £10.00 F N Fever all seats £14.50 (no concessions) Groups (10+) N/A £2.00 off Schools groups £9.50 £9.50
£21.00 £19.00 £12.00 £10.00 £2.00 off £9.50
The Hundred and One Dalmatians Row A&PartG Row B&PartG Rows C-F Balcony
Family perf Full Price £14.00 £19.50 £21.00 Concessions £12.00 £17.50 £19.00 Child Group N/A £13.00 £13.00 Groups (10+) N/A £2.00 off £2.00 off Family of 4 £60.00 (must include one adult and one child) Schools’ perf Full Price £17.00 £17.00 £17.00 Concessions £15.00 £15.00 £15.00 Child Group £9.50 £9.50 £9.50
UncleDowntown Eric’s Hard Abbey Day’s Night
Row A&PartG Row B&PartG Rows C-F Balcony
Mon - Thurs Full Price £15.00 £18.00 Concessions £13.00 £16.00 Fri & Sat Eve Full Price £16.50 £19.50 £14.50 £17.50 Concessions* F N Fever all seats £14.50 (no concessions) Groups (10+) N/A £2.00 off
Price band map Avoid the drinks rush!
£19.50 £17.50 £21.00 £19.00 £2.00 off
* Fridays only
Mon 1 Weds 3 Thurs 4 Fri 5 Sat 6 Mon 8 Tues 9 Weds 10 Thurs 11 Fri 12 Sat 13 Fri 19 Sat 20 Mon 22 Tues 23 Weds 24 Thurs 25 Fri 26 Sat 27 Mon 29 Tues 30
Theatre closed Importance of Being Earnest Importance of Being Earnest Importance of Being Earnest Importance of Being Earnest 2.15 Importance of Being Earnest Importance of Being Earnest Importance of Being Earnest Importance of Being Earnest Importance of Being Earnest Importance of Being Earnest 2.15 Around the World in Eighty Days Around the World in Eighty Days Around the World in Eighty Days Around the World in Eighty Days Tony Benn Around the World in Eighty Days Around the World in Eighty Days Around the World in Eighty Days Mike Harding Around the World in Eighty Days
Weds 1 Thurs 2 Fri 3 Sat 4 Mon 6 Tues 7 Weds 8 Thurs 9 Fri 10 Sat 11 Thurs 16 Fri 17 Sat 18 Mon 20 Tues 21 Weds 22 Thurs 23 Fri 24 Sat 25 Mon 27 Tues 28 Weds 29 Thurs 30 Fri 31
Around the World in Eighty Days Around the World in Eighty Days Around the World in Eighty Days Around the World in Eighty Days 2.15 Theatre closed Cropper Welsh Roscoe Around the World in Eighty Days Around the World in Eighty Days Around the World in Eighty Days Around the World in Eighty Days 2.15 Blonde Bombshells of 1943 Blonde Bombshells of 1943 Blonde Bombshells of 1943 Blonde Bombshells of 1943 Blonde Bombshells of 1943 Dervish Blonde Bombshells of 1943 Blonde Bombshells of 1943 Blonde Bombshells of 1943 Theatre closed Syd Lawrence Blonde Bombshells of 1943 Blonde Bombshells of 1943 Blonde Bombshells of 1943
7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30
Sat 1 Mon 3 Tues 4 Weds 5 Thurs 6 Fri 7 Sat 8
Blonde Bombshells of 1943 Blonde Bombshells of 1943 Blonde Bombshells of 1943 Lucy Porter and Stephen Carlin Blonde Bombshells of 1943 Blonde Bombshells of 1943 Blonde Bombshells of 1943
7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30
May
June
Pre-order drinks using the interval slips provided at the bar.
50 | www.newvictheatre.org.uk
£19.50 £17.50
April
Rows A & part G Row B & part G Rows C – F
The New Vic gratefully acknowledges the following for their generous support:
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
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 14 Sat 15 Mon 17 Tues 18 Weds 19 Thurs 20 Fri 21 Sat 22 Mon 24 Tues 25 Weds 26 Thurs 27 Fri 28 Sat 29
Widowers’ Houses Widowers’ Houses Widowers’ Houses Widowers’ Houses Ballet Wales Widowers’ Houses Widowers’ Houses Widowers’ Houses Widowers’ Houses Widowers’ Houses Widowers’ Houses Widowers’ Houses Widowers’ Houses Widowers’ Houses
Fri 5 Sat 6 Mon 8 Tues 9 Weds 10 Thurs 11 Fri 12 Sat 13 Sat 13 Mon 15 Tues 16 Weds 17 Thrus 18 Fri 19 Sat 20 Mon 22 Tues 23 Weds 24 Thurs 25 Fri 26 Sat 27
Stones in His Pockets Stones in His Pockets Stones in His Pockets Stones in His Pockets Ensemble 360 & Peter Cropper Stones in His Pockets Stones in His Pockets Open Day Stones in His Pockets Barry Cryer Kit Downes Quintet Stones in His Pockets Stones in His Pockets Stones in His Pockets Stones in His Pockets Turn Back the Clock La Vent Du Nord Stones in His Pockets Stones in His Pockets Stones in His Pockets Stones in His Pockets
Mon 19 Tues 20 Weds 21 Thurs 22 Fri 23 Sat 24 Mon 26 Tues 27 Weds 28 Thurs 29 Fri 30 Sat 31
Downtown Abbey Downtown Abbey Downtown Abbey Downtown Abbey Downtown Abbey Downtown Abbey Theatre closed Downtown Abbey Downtown Abbey Downtown Abbey Downtown Abbey Downtown Abbey
July
August
*
Talkback First Night Fever Schools’ performance
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
Calendar
Ticket prices / Refreshments
Refreshments
7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 10.00 - 4.00 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 2.15 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 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
Captioned Performances Audio Described Performances Sign Language Interpreted Performances