New Vic Theatre Summer 2009 by New Vic Theatre

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SUMMER 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!

R ail

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

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

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

Workspace is ready for action

Box Office: 01782 717962

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Plays 17 18 20 22 24 26

One Nighters

30 Honeymoon Suite 30 A Taste of Honey 31 Dumb Show 31 The Wicked Lady 32 Carry On Uncle Eric 32 32 33 33 Othello

Solas Boo Jutta s Party Band The Blues Band Independent Ballet Wales Snake Davis Black Umfolosi Ensemble 360 Cropper Welsh Roscoe Trio

33 Giddy Goat

2 | newvictheatre.org.uk

Events 38 38 38 43

Craft Fair Monkey Music Exhibitions Open Day

do we have your email address? We're trying to use less paper and send more information by email. The next time you speak with our Box Office, make sure to give them your email address..

Features

Community

Information

6 Stop Press! 8 My Space! 12 No rest for The Wicked 34 Let the old-timers roll 44 Broken Glass 48 The Questionnaire

7 Under 26s Go Free

28 Ticket packages 39 Food & drink / Shop 42 Click with the New Vic! 49 Booking / Access 50 Ticket prices 51 Calendar 52 How to get here

scheme

15 39 40 46 47

Building Futures appeal Be a New Vic volunteer New Vic Friends

New Vic Borderlines diary New Vic Education diary

contents SUMMER09MagArt

9/4/09

SUMMER

09:55

Page 3

Plays 17 18 20 22 24 26

One Nighters

30 Honeymoon Suite 30 A Taste of Honey 31 Dumb Show 31 The Wicked Lady 32 Carry On Uncle Eric 32 32 33 33 Othello

Solas Boo Jutta s Party Band The Blues Band Independent Ballet Wales Snake Davis Black Umfolosi Ensemble 360 Cropper Welsh Roscoe Trio

33 Giddy Goat

2 | newvictheatre.org.uk

Events 38 38 38 43

Craft Fair Monkey Music Exhibitions Open Day

do we have your email address? We're trying to use less paper and send more information by email. The next time you speak with our Box Office, make sure to give them your email address..

Features

Community

Information

6 Stop Press! 8 My Space! 12 No rest for The Wicked 34 Let the old-timers roll 44 Broken Glass 48 The Questionnaire

7 Under 26s Go Free

28 Ticket packages 39 Food & drink / Shop 42 Click with the New Vic! 49 Booking / Access 50 Ticket prices 51 Calendar 52 How to get here

scheme

15 39 40 46 47

Building Futures appeal Be a New Vic volunteer New Vic Friends

New Vic Borderlines diary New Vic Education diary

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From the Artistic Director

Experiences for audiences that don’t cost the earth

Welcome

Regular visitors can t have failed to notice the speed with which a whole new building has grown up in our car park. Work began on the foundations in May last year, and only nine months later the first of our participants made use of our new WorkSpace. New Vic Borderlines and Education aim to raise aspiration and achievement in our region and to improve social cohesion within our communities. Until now, much of the work has taken place in schools and community centres, and we won’t leave those venues behind. But we hope that more of the work will be conducted on site, allowing participants to use the extraordinary resource that is the New Vic. There’s another side benefit, too. We 4 | newvictheatre.org.uk

pride ourselves on being aware of and working to limit the environmental impact of our activities, and one of the ways we do this is by recycling many of the materials we use. (Unlike many other theatres, we don’t skip the set when a show closes. Every screw comes out of the wood, which is carefully stored for later use. Costumes made for one production resurface in another.) Some furniture and props have been appearing on this stage, and on that of the old Hartshill theatre, for more than three decades. Storage space in the new building will enable us to improve the amount of recycling we do, although we hope that nipping and tucking, varnishing and reupholstering, painting and theatrical gloss mean you won’t be aware of it.

This season I’m delighted to be welcoming back my predecessor Gwenda Hughes to direct A Taste of Honey, written by Shelagh Delaney when she was only 19: a play about youth and age that always leaves me torn between crying and laughing out loud. Joe Penhall’s contemporary classic Dumb Show, exploring the press’s obsession with celebrity, is making a rare outing on our stage. And we’re looking forward to a new version of The Wicked Lady, a thrill-a-minute story of highway robbery.

be exploring how to realise this on the New Vic’s stage. Needless to say, I have a few tricks up my sleeve.

Dramatist Bryony Lavery and I have been planning this production for over a year now, and one of the many challenges it presents is that the heroine spends much of her time on horseback. Over the next few months I’m going to

I’m looking forward to seeing you and your family at the New Vic this summer.

Already a quarter of our audience throughout the year is aged under 16, and we’re hoping to expand on that with a new scheme which makes available a number of free tickets at every performance for those aged under 26. Tickets are bookable in advance but limited in number, so get in early so as to avoid missing out.

Theresa Heskins

“Already a quarter of our audience is aged under 16, and we’re hoping to expand on that with a number of free tickets for those aged under 26”

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From the Artistic Director

Experiences for audiences that don’t cost the earth

Welcome

be exploring how to realise this on the New Vic’s stage. Needless to say, I have a few tricks up my sleeve.

I’m looking forward to seeing you and your family at the New Vic this summer.

Theresa Heskins

“Already a quarter of our audience is aged under 16, and we’re hoping to expand on that with a number of free tickets for those aged under 26”

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Information

Stop Press!

ARE YOU UNDER 26?

Then you can get New Vic tickets - for FREE!

TV’s ‘top brass’ come back to their roots Television s top brass are re-joining the ranks in-theround this spring as stars of Juliet Bravo and The Bill take to the New Vic stage.

Colin Tarrant, best known for his role as Inspector Andrew Munroe in ITV’s hit series The Bill and Stephanie Turner, who made her name as Inspector Jean Darblay in the BBC’s hugely popular police drama

“I have many happy memories of working at the Vic Theatre. The repertory experience I gained there, in the hands of Peter Cheeseman, has stood me in great stead.” Juliet Bravo, are returning to the round for Richard Bean’s earthy and ingenious comedy Honeymoon Suite.

The production will be a theatrical homecoming for the stars who swapped the boards for the beat – the North Staffordshire theatre in-the-round being a special place for both actors during their early careers.

A member of the Vic company during the ‘70s, Colin is delighted to be returning after 31 years:“I have many happy memories of working at the Vic Theatre. It was great fun! The repertory experience I gained there, in the capable hands of Peter Cheeseman, has stood me in great stead over the later years of my career. It also gave me an abiding love of theatre-in-theround as well as affection for the warm Potteries people.” Likewise, Stephanie has similar connections with the theatre’s early years through Stephen Joseph who helped establish the New Vic.“I was taught by the grandfather of theatre-in-theround Stephen Joseph at Manchester University. As students we used to come to Stoke an awful lot where he was working with Peter Cheeseman. It’s thrilling to be finally coming to the New Vic.”

Adds Colin,“We all can't wait to get started on Honeymoon Suite. Richard Bean's play is a gem – ingenious, affectionate and wonderfully funny. It should be a fantastic production.” 6 | newvictheatre.org.uk

With the help of Arts Council England we re giving away 50 tickets every week to anyone under the age of 26.That s for any play, any night of the week, and they re absolutely free.

HOW TO BOOK YOUR FREE TICKETS Decide which play you’d like to see: Under 26s Go Free tickets are available for all this season’s plays. You can also find details of these plays on our website. Then talk to our Box Office: They can tell you more about the play, about getting here and anything else you need to know. To book tickets In person: we’re on Etruria Road between Newcastle-under-Lyme and Hanley Tel: 01782 717962 Email: tickets@newvictheatre.org.uk or book online: www.newvictheatre.org.uk Pick up your tickets: You can pick up your tickets from our Box Office at any time (before the start of the show of course). Sorry, we can’t post tickets to you.You’ll need to bring along some ID with your date of birth on it. If you’re under 16 For ten years, under 16s have been able to see our plays for free when accompanied by an adult (18 or over). This Under 16s Go Free scheme will continue. The small print

• Please note that we have a limited number of Under 26s Go Free tickets which are subject to availability and will be allocated on a first come first served basis; • in order that as many people as possible can benefit from free tickets, a maximum of 2 Under 26s Go Free tickets per booking, per play, per person; • an Under 26s Go Free ticket can only be issued on production of ID that includes your date of birth, eg passport, driving license, proof of age card, or similar; • Under 26s Go Free tickets are only available for performances of theatre and not, for example, for concerts, dance or stand-up comedy; • if you are under 16, you must be accompanied by an adult (18+); • only one ticket per person per show; • in order to learn more about who’s using the scheme, Arts Council England have asked us to collect the following information for everybody using an Under 26s Go Free ticket: date of birth, name, address and email. Some events have adult content. Check when booking.

A Night Less Ordinary is an Arts Council England scheme in association with Metro, which will provide 618,000 free theatre tickets to anyone under 26 in more than 200 venues across England. For more information about the scheme visit www.anightlessordinary.org.uk

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Information

Stop Press!

ARE YOU UNDER 26?

Then you can get New Vic tickets - for FREE!

TV’s ‘top brass’ come back to their roots Television s top brass are re-joining the ranks in-theround this spring as stars of Juliet Bravo and The Bill take to the New Vic stage.

With the help of Arts Council England we re giving away 50 tickets every week to anyone under the age of 26.That s for any play, any night of the week, and they re absolutely free.

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My Space!

As the curtain rises on WorkSpace, the first guests tell us how their brand-spanking new studio is more than just bricks and mortar …

feature

“I’m really chuffed that we have a building especially for us” Dan has been working with New Vic Borderlines for the past two years. He is a member of Staffordshire scheme Bridging the Gap, which supports young people with learning difficulties after they leave school. Dan s latest project with Borderlines is seeing him take part in a film on loss, death and dying. “I love coming to the theatre. Going on stage makes me feel really good and excited – even if sometimes I’m worried about learning my lines! And we do some really great things with Borderlines. The first thing I’ve been doing in WorkSpace is filming.We are doing a project with Borderlines about losing someone you love. My character is called Bob and his Grandad Harry, has died. It makes me feel really chuffed that we have a new building that’s been built especially for us. It’s a much nicer, bigger space and there is lots more equipment. Before, we used to have a cramped room that we rehearsed in. Now we can have lots of space to move around and there’s lot of room for people to watch. I’m proud that we have such a nice building to work in – it makes me feel like a proper actor.”

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Photo: Andy Billington

“It has created a bit of a buzz!” Sarah works in the New Vic s Education department. She runs groups with local schools, a Saturday Drama Club, as well as a weekly storytime for pre-school children and their mums. Sarah recently ran a holiday project with local children in WorkSpace called The Key “What has been so different about The Key was how much further we have been able to develop the children’s work. Because we’ve had so much more space to play with we’ve been able to involve some props and furniture from the store, like magical old suitcases.The children have been able to create their own sets with it all, which they’ve really loved. Because it’s separated from the rest of the theatre the children have really developed a sense of ownership for the space; for three days it has been theirs to turn into whatever places and spaces they dream up. It has definitely created a bit of a buzz! And the results of the work have been plain to see – their show-back was one of the best we’ve ever done on a holiday project. I work a lot with our local primary schools and now I’m looking forward to bringing some of those groups into the WorkSpace and seeing where it takes us…”

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My Space!

As the curtain rises on WorkSpace, the first guests tell us how their brand-spanking new studio is more than just bricks and mortar …

feature

8 | newvictheatre.org.uk

Photo: Andy Billington

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Matt in domestic violence drama CRUSH

“I’ve raised my game and try a lot harder” Matt is a member of the Young People s Theatre Company. Consisting of young people previously involved in Borderlines projects, the group was set up for those who want to continue their relationship with the building. Matt recently took part in the Borderlines domestic violence drama CRUSH, which toured to local schools. “Working with Borderlines has given me so much confidence – I’m starting to believe in myself more now than I did before. We have just finished CRUSH, which was really good. We did the rehearsals for the play in the Potters Union Bar at the theatre and, for a few sessions, teachers from my college sat in too. Everyone was quite self-conscious because it was so close up and cramped. But working in WorkSpace is different.You’re in a proper studio instead of feeling like you are in someone’s living room! So you can project your voice, move around more – and feel more confident and comfortable about doing things properly. 10 | newvictheatre.org.uk

Knowing that people have raised money so that WorkSpace could be built has been inspiring.You want to show people that you appreciate what they have done so I’ve raised my game and try a lot harder. It’s made me take the work I do here with Borderlines a lot more seriously.”

Dan in a New Vic Borderlines project

Aside from the extra space it’s awful to say, but we have had to cancel sessions before when the building has become really busy - it’s making a real impact on the young people we are working with. Already the few sessions that they have done over here has seen them lift themselves in terms of how they are working and their ambitions for the work they do.

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 Taking part in New Vic Education s holiday project - The Key

And it is incredibly calming.We were working with a group of young Muslim girls on a piece for International Women’s Day last week.The new studio took all the terror and pressure out of what we had to achieve.The space in the room seemed to give us space in our heads. By the time we took it to the university, an incredibly cramped room, we had the legacy of WorkSpace to see us through.

“A place to inspire and to be inspired” Sue is Director of the theatres awardwinning community outreach group New Vic Borderlines. Last year the group worked with over 10,000 young people on projects tackling issues such as racism to drug abuse. WorkSpace will be the new venue for the teams valuable work with the local community. “We have always known that working in the theatre itself has a fantastic effect on young people. But for them to know that they, and the work we have done with them and other young people, is valued to point where we can get a building like WorkSpace is fantastic.

The primary purpose of WorkSpace was to enhance the experience for people.That’s a real sign of respect in terms of our ambitions for the work we are doing with the community and giving them an appropriate space to create the work. It really is a place to inspire and to be inspired.”

Help us build a better future We ve reached the first milestone of completing WorkSpace, but we still need your help to fund the work.Were grateful for every gift, whether for £5, £50, £500 or £5,000. Every penny makes a difference and ensures we keep providing the sort of projects you ve read about above.

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.

If you join us in supporting the New Vic Building Futures Appeal we would like to show our appreciation. Here are some

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

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

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Matt in domestic violence drama CRUSH

Dan in a New Vic Borderlines project

If you join us in supporting the New Vic Building Futures Appeal we would like to show our appreciation. Here are some

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

Gladman Developments Ltd. MAJOR SPONSORS Knights solicitors llp

FOUNDATION SPONSORS hacking ashton LLP Wardell Armstrong

Engineering & Environmental Solutions

Howsons Chartered Accountants Waterworld

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No rest for

The

We talk to Bryony Lavery about adapting The Wicked Lady for the New Vic stage

Possessing a knack for subversive stories with spectacle, wit and women in their soul, it s no wonder that Tony-nominated playwright Bryony Lavery was the first person the New Vic turned to when putting The Wicked Lady on stage. Just don t ask her to spell relaxation On the phone from her London home, Bryony Lavery is racking her brain. “Well, I do make lots of time for my current craze Battlestar Galactica . . . and I do read a lot” she offers, aware of how inadequate her response sounds to my question about spare time. The thing is,” she adds “I thoroughly enjoy my work!” Lavery is a hugely amiable woman, but for a playwright who has deftly handled some pretty thorny subjects in her time – stalkers, serial killers, cannibalism – it seems the one topic that eludes her is relaxation. Wine tasting, cross stitch or languishing on white beaches in the Bahamas are all rather pointless exercises that refuse to coalesce with her fundamental urge to write. Even her reading material is all in the name of research. But thankfully, what is a loss to the world of pinot grigio and Jackie Collins is very much theatre’s gain.

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feature A writer whose oeuvre includes over 80 plays, television films, radio plays and books, Lavery’s generosity in manner and output is matched only by her abundant ability. She has been an actor, an artistic director of Gay Sweatshop, a founder of Female Trouble and a teacher of playwriting at Birmingham University. One of the UK’s finest and often overlooked playwrights, Lavery turned to writing as an actress who was fed up with playing poor parts (“like the left arm of a sofa”), swearing to write better roles for women. Since then she has practised what she preached, turning her overflowing pen to redressing the balance, writing for women and children, as well as proving herself with darker explorations.The world finally sat up and took notice of Lavery with Frozen, a multifaceted play exploring the mind of a serial killer and the notion of forgiveness.The play was a hit, receiving a multitude of awards including Broadway’s highest theatrical nod, a Tony nomination. “As a writer, one is sitting precariously between great confidence and huge doubt” admits a typically modest Lavery of the landmark moment in her career. “Both success

charm. And Lavery is a specialist in subversions with chutzpah. It was Virginia Woolf in A Room of One's Own, who suggested that if Shakespeare had had ‘a wonderfully gifted sister’ named Judith, she would never have been allowed to fulfil her genius. In the hands of Bryony Lavery, a frustrated Judy Shakes would have stolen big brother Bill’s pantaloons, donned a false moustache and taken the south bank by storm before you could say,‘Exit, pursued by a bear’. So there is something very Lavery-esque about the legend of ‘the Wicked Lady’ – an aristocrat-turnedhighwaywoman who, to escape a life of boredom, turned to a life of crime.When the New Vic set about commissioning a writer for the stage play, there was only one name in the offing. It was, of course, right up Lavery’s street. “There’s a great deal of satisfaction to be had in watching a character go to the bad, but it’s even more fun to see a woman go to the bad!” says Bryony with glee, the twinkle in her striking blues eyes almost audible. “I loved creating her from the book. Anyone who is at an age to have ever encountered Margaret Lockwood in the film will know she is pretty dreadful anyway, but I think ours is even worse.”

“That’s what my mother thought I should have on my tombstone: ‘Bryony went too far’.” and failure are, tragically, necessary for the health of heart and brain while at the laptop. Success is lovely, but addictive. It allows you a small window of smugness, just before the next bad review!” But if it is her darker work that has won the accolades, it is the playwright’s line in witty, feminist revisions of familiar stories that have the

Indeed, it is difficult to ignore the high camp and gratuitous thigh slapping of one of the most popular British films of all time, the 1945 Gainsborough Studios melodrama starring Lockwood and James Mason, which remains the most famous portryal of the gorgeously sinful

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No rest for

The

We talk to Bryony Lavery about adapting The Wicked Lady for the New Vic stage

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Lady Skelton. But Lavery’s thrill-a-minute romp casts a more contemporary eye on the fate of a woman confined to margins, corsets and marriages of convenience.The resulting wrongs of this particular woman being deliciously wicked yet multi-dimensional. “The film is great, but the play is much more human, ingenious, inventive, emotional. Our heroine is both mistress of her own destiny and victim of time and circumstance – that’s the great struggle of the piece. “And the film isn’t packed with comedy! I think the actors should have some fun and make the audience laugh as well as thrill to the badness of our heroine.” “She is very bad...” continues Lavery on a roll. “Just when you think she has gone her length, she goes even further.That’s what my mother thought I should have on my tombstone: ‘Bryony went too far’.” Certainly,‘going too far’ is not a concept familiar to Bryony and creative compadre, Wicked Lady director Theresa Heskins, whose previous projects together have included a huge millennium spectacular at Ludlow castle and an outdoor production in various stately homes, with a chorus of 80 and a live horse. The Wicked Lady sees the playwright and director embark on another characteristically ambitious foray, with

14 | newvictheatre.org.uk

aerial specialists Upswing being enlisted to help realise galloping highwaymen – and women – in the round, in mid-air. “You can say that Theresa and I have ‘galloping’ in our DNA!” laughs Bryony.“So we thrive on deciding upon something impossible, then working out how to do it!” “The essence of The Wicked Lady is the freedom and release our heroine experiences in riding. Our solution, given that we can't have live horses riding through the auditorium all night, was to translate that to aerial work.” All spectacle aside, the play has a brilliant, surreal script at its core. And Lavery makes no bones about the fact that the role at its nucleus requires more than heaving bosoms, a head for heights and a heart for sin. Lavery’s Lady Skelton is vindictive, powerful, tragic, hilarious – and about as far from ‘left arm of a sofa’ as you can get. Upswing in And, as the queue of young performance actresses clamouring to cut their teeth on this prime steak of a part suggests, something of a rarity. “There still aren’t enough good roles for the wonderful female actors that there are around. I find it tiresome when I watch films and think,‘where is the woman’s story in this?’ ” Lavery sighs as she broaches the subject of women in theatre, the mission statement that drove her behind the

word processor 30 years ago being something that is still very much a work in progress. “Of course my main thrust is to have a balance. What we are talking about is a play which has a cracking part for a very, very badly behaved woman – I’m not doing it entirely because there aren’t enough parts for women. But we now make up over half the world, so it’s about time that the parts were there. “I am also fed up of myself for always bellyaching on about it, and I think just make it right and let’s get on with it. “Although,” she quips “at least two of my next projects are with all male casts, so I don’t know where I get off! Except that my track record has been pretty good.” Of course it makes sense for the woman who never stops working to have a number of projects already lined up. Her latest ventures are a reminder that The Wicked Lady is actually

Theatre Siege.Then, in a week’s time, I am doing a second draft of a play called Dirt for Manhattan Theater Club, which is about the politics of dirt and waste. So all light topics there!” “But I do know how to have fun!” she insists after listing the latest titles she is devouring, all part of her tireless commitment to her work. As it turns out, even Battlestar Galactica is an allegory for world politics. In a final flourish, she gives me something of a scoop. “I was telling everyone I went to my sister’s on Monday night for Viking Night. It’s in honour of my sister’s friend called Swedish Johnny.When he comes to stay with them he brings lots of pickled herrings and Schnapps, so we make a night of it …which makes quite a nice change from trying to kill someone on stage! ” Lavery is triumphant,“See - I know how to enjoy myself!”. As she victoriously hangs up the phone, I get a sneaking suspicion that she is already hatching out a huge, hairy and heroic stage demise for

“ Theresa and I thrive on deciding upon something impossible, then working out how to do it! ”

something of a steam valve for the playwright whose writing, though laced with humour, often occupies a much harder, darker world.“I have just come from a meeting with Phyllida Lloyd, artist John Keane and composer Peter Wyer.We are doing something called 57 Hours in the House of Culture which is about the Moscow

Thorfinn Skullsplitter of Orkney. I mean, honestly. Pickled herrings for fun? Some people will do anything in the name of research. The Wicked Lady premieres at the New Vic Fri 3 — Sat 25 July 2009. For more information visit www.newvictheatre.org.uk.

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“ Theresa and I thrive on deciding upon something impossible, then working out how to do it! ”

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Just announced for Christmas!

plays

Northern Broadsides and the West Yorkshire Playhouse present

Tues 28 April - Sat 2 May

Othello by William Shakespeare directed by Barrie Rutter

O! beware, my lord, of jealousy; It is the green eyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d monster . . .

by C S Lewis adapted by Theresa Heskins Save upto ÂŁ18 with our Family-of-Four ticke t

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The adventure starts here!

Due to unprecedented demand, this production is sold out.

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Just announced for Christmas!

plays

Northern Broadsides and the West Yorkshire Playhouse present

Tues 28 April - Sat 2 May

Othello by William Shakespeare directed by Barrie Rutter

O! beware, my lord, of jealousy; It is the green eyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d monster . . .

by C S Lewis adapted by Theresa Heskins Save upto ÂŁ18 with our Family-of-Four ticke t

16 | newvictheatre.org.uk

The adventure starts here!

Due to unprecedented demand, this production is sold out.

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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 26s Go Free: (see page 7) First Night Fever: All seats £11.50 (no cons) Fri 3 April

Best seats for £12.00 (see p 28)

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

Gripping comedy drama: if you liked The Glee Club you’ll enjoy this 18 | 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 ?

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plays

a New Vic production

Fri 3 - Sat 25 April

Best seats for £12.00 (see p 28)

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

Gripping comedy drama: if you liked The Glee Club you’ll enjoy this 18 | newvictheatre.org.uk

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

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plays

a New Vic production

Fri 8 - Sat 23 May

A Taste of Honey

by Shelagh Delaney With her very first play, Shelagh Delaney wrote herself into the history of British theatre.A sensational success at Joan Littlewood s Stratford East in 1958, it moved into the West End, then Broadway. And the much-loved film version is a high point of British cinema. Not bad for an 18 year-old usherette from Salford!

world - and there’s something she needs to tell him. But, in this enchanting play, directed by Gwenda Hughes, Jo’s never giving up on her dreams. With love, friendship and faith in the future, she’s determined to show that, no matter what, life can still be sweet.

“You’re the first girl I’ve met who really didn’t care” Jo is a young girl with some grown-up problems. It’s hard enough living hand-tomouth with her gadabout mother in a succession of dingy bedsits. And that’s before there was a new fancy man on the scene. Now she’s discovered that her Witty and poignant: if you boyfriend is about to sail off round the enjoyed Be My Baby then this is for you 20 || newvictheatre.org.uk newvictheatre.org.uk 20

“A remarkable page of theatre history” Daily Telegraph “Delaney writes like a dream” The Observer

Booking Information Tickets: £8.50 - £17.50 Group Discount: £2.00 off for ten or more Concessions: £2.00 off (see page 49) Under 26s Go Free: (see page 7) First Night Fever: All seats £11.50 (no cons) Fri 8 May

Buy two plays get another FREE (see p 28)

Talkback: Tues 19 May Interpreted Performances: Captioned 7.30 pm Tues 19 May Audio described 2.15 pm Sat 23 May

Witty and poignant: if you enjoyed Be My Baby then this is for you

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plays

a New Vic production

Fri 8 - Sat 23 May

A Taste of Honey

“A remarkable page of theatre history” Daily Telegraph “Delaney writes like a dream” The Observer

Buy two plays get another FREE (see p 28)

Talkback: Tues 19 May Interpreted Performances: Captioned 7.30 pm Tues 19 May Audio described 2.15 pm Sat 23 May

Witty and poignant: if you enjoyed Be My Baby then this is for you

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plays

a New Vic production in association with Richard Jordan Productions Ltd

Dumb Show Fri 29 May - Sat 20 June

“If Jesus Christ was alive today you’d be going through his bins”

by Joe Penhall

A furiously funny expos of celebrity culture and tabloid journalism by multiaward winning writer Joe Penhall, directed by Phillip Breen. Millions of fans may know him as television’s ‘Mr Saturday Night’, but Barry’s worried that his 15 minutes of fame could be coming to an end. So, when a couple of hot-shots say they can help him make some serious money, he’s more than happy to go along. Back in the luxury hotel suite, the champagne and the jokes are flowing. But it’s not long before the laughter turns hollow. Seems that Barry’s show is on the skids, his marriage is a mess and he’s tried and failed - to stay off the drink. Is it a good idea to empty the mini bar? Or to make a pass at Jane? And just how big will his hangover be? “very funny” The Observer “superb . . . mesmerising . . . utterly persuasive” The Daily Telegraph

12| newvictheatre.org.uk 22

Booking Information Tickets £8.50 - £17.50 Group Discounts £2.00 off for ten or more Concessions: £2.00 off (see page 49) Under 26s Go Free: (see page 7) First Night Fever: All seats £11.50 (no cons) Fri 29 May

Talkback: Tues 16 June Interpreted Performances: Captioned 7.30 pm,Tues 16 June Audio described 2.15 pm, Sat 20 June

Contemporary drama: if you enjoyed Joe Penhall’s blue/orange you’ll love this

Buy two plays get another FREE (see p 28)

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plays

a New Vic production in association with Richard Jordan Productions Ltd

Dumb Show Fri 29 May - Sat 20 June

“If Jesus Christ was alive today you’d be going through his bins”

by Joe Penhall

12| newvictheatre.org.uk 22

Talkback: Tues 16 June Interpreted Performances: Captioned 7.30 pm,Tues 16 June Audio described 2.15 pm, Sat 20 June

Contemporary drama: if you enjoyed Joe Penhall’s blue/orange you’ll love this

Buy two plays get another FREE (see p 28)

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plays

a New Vic production

The Wicked Lady

Fri 3 - Sat 25 July

by Bryony Lavery

an adaptation of the original novel, The Life and Death of the Wicked Lady Skelton,

by Magdalen King-Hall A spectacular action adventure, specially written by one of our finest playwrights. Directed by Theresa Heskins, in a first for the New Vic, this breathtaking production has thrilling, mid-air action created with the help of specialist aerial company, Upswing. Lady Barbara Skelton is beautiful, wild and truly wicked. Forced into a respectable marriage with a man she can’t love, she soon becomes bored and embarks on a secret life of gambling, highway robbery and murder. But she’s playing a dangerous game. Shadowed by betrayal, threatened by revenge, can Barbara escape her wicked life? Or will she be abandoned to her terrible fate?

Buy two plays get another FREE (see p 28)

24 | newvictheatre.org.uk

Talkback: Tues 21 July Interpreted Performances: Captioned 7.30 pm Tues 21 July Audio described 2.15 pm 18 July

Fast-paced, high energy drama: if you enjoyed Jamaica Inn then this is for you.

Mad, bad and dangerous to know!

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plays

a New Vic production

The Wicked Lady

Fri 3 - Sat 25 July

by Bryony Lavery

an adaptation of the original novel, The Life and Death of the Wicked Lady Skelton,

Buy two plays get another FREE (see p 28)

24 | newvictheatre.org.uk

Talkback: Tues 21 July Interpreted Performances: Captioned 7.30 pm Tues 21 July Audio described 2.15 pm 18 July

Fast-paced, high energy drama: if you enjoyed Jamaica Inn then this is for you.

Mad, bad and dangerous to know!

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a David Graham production

Carry On Uncle Eric! Tues 18 - Sat 29 August

rs of musical a e y mayhem . . . 10

plays

The ultimate ’60s musical celebrates 10 years at the New Vic! Back for an amazing tenth anniversary visit! Uncle Eric and the rest of the gang carrying on in the latest musical instalment in the life of the ultimate dysfunctional family. When Eric goes to the cinema to see Carry On Camping, he finds himself inspired - a camping holiday at a nudist camp! He’s soon made a booking at the Paradise Camp Site but, when Madge finds out and tags along, all his beautiful plans start to go wrong.

And when he arrives to find a collection of characters very similar to those he’s just seen on the screen . . . oo'er, missus! This summer’s fabulous musical is filled with comedy, nostalgia and loads of the very greatest 60s music! So, stop messin' about, carry on up the New Vic and get your tickets now! Warning: nudity, filthy jokes and gratuitous sex are all absent from this production mostly.

Booking Information Tickets £8.50 - £17.50 Group Discounts £2.00 off for ten or more First Night Fe ver All seats £11.50 (no cons) Tues 18 Aug Under 26 s Go Free (see page 7)

Best seats for just £12.00 (see p 28)

26 | newvictheatre.org.uk

Laugh-out-loud musical fun: if you enjoy ’60s music with a dollop of audience participation, you’ll love this

! t . . . and h i t e’s still a

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a David Graham production

Carry On Uncle Eric! Tues 18 - Sat 29 August

rs of musical a e y mayhem . . . 10

plays

Booking Information Tickets £8.50 - £17.50 Group Discounts £2.00 off for ten or more First Night Fe ver All seats £11.50 (no cons) Tues 18 Aug Under 26 s Go Free (see page 7)

Best seats for just £12.00 (see p 28)

26 | newvictheatre.org.uk

Laugh-out-loud musical fun: if you enjoy ’60s music with a dollop of audience participation, you’ll love this

! t . . . and h i t e’s still a

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Plays Packages

One-Nighter Packages

Summer Savings! See more; save more! Buy one PLAY, get another HALF PRICE! Buy two PLAYS get another FREE!

Buy one EVENT, get another HALF PRICE! Buy two EVENTS get another FREE!

Choose from these great plays:

A Taste of Honey, Dumb Show,The Wicked Lady Any seat, any night, change your performance at any timeD = Book our Buy two get another free play package and choose from all this too!W

¥ Honeymoon Suite £12.00 or £12.50 ¥ Carry On Uncle Eric £12.00 or £12.50

Choose from these great acts: Solas, Jutta s Party Band, Ballet Wales, Snake Davis, Black Umfolosi, Ensemble 360, Cropper/Welsh/RoscoeD

Book our Buy two get another free event package and choose from all this too!W ¥ Any additional concert for £12.00 eachW (not The Blues Band or Boo) ¥ Under 16s tickets for one night events as indicated for just £6.50

Four friends for £50! Four tickets for just £50 - a great value, great night out with friends.

Any play, any seats Monday - Friday

D Top price band only; free or half-price tickets to be same value or less than paid for tickets; matinees excluded; cannot be combined with other concessions or offers; must be booked in a single transaction. W 1 ticket per package. =More than 3 days prior to the performance. All sales subject to availability and Box Office Manager s discretion.

28 | newvictheatre.org.uk

(1 ticket per event per package)

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.

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Plays Packages

One-Nighter Packages

Summer Savings! See more; save more! Buy one PLAY, get another HALF PRICE! Buy two PLAYS get another FREE!

Buy one EVENT, get another HALF PRICE! Buy two EVENTS get another FREE!

Choose from these great plays:

A Taste of Honey, Dumb Show,The Wicked Lady Any seat, any night, change your performance at any timeD = Book our Buy two get another free play package and choose from all this too!W

¥ Honeymoon Suite £12.00 or £12.50 ¥ Carry On Uncle Eric £12.00 or £12.50

Choose from these great acts: Solas, Jutta s Party Band, Ballet Wales, Snake Davis, Black Umfolosi, Ensemble 360, Cropper/Welsh/RoscoeD

Four friends for £50! Four tickets for just £50 - a great value, great night out with friends.

Any play, any seats Monday - Friday

28 | newvictheatre.org.uk

(1 ticket per event per package)

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.

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Come round for a

"two hours in the presence of masters” The Times

One Nighter!

Jazz

Folk

Weds 13 May

SOLAS

The most popular, influential, and exciting Celtic band ever to emerge from the United States. In their early days,The Boston Herald trumpeted them as,“the first truly great Irish band to arise from America” and the Irish Echo ranked them among the,“most exciting bands anywhere in the mind-blowing Irish folk music, maybe the world’s best world”. Since then, the praise has only grown Philadelphia Inquirer louder:“mind-blowing Irish folk music, maybe the world’s best”,The Philadelphia Inquirer; one of the “world’s finest Celtic-folk ensembles”,the Washington Post. After this stunning concert, we think you’ll agree! £14.50 / £16.00 / cons / U16s Go Free

Mon 18 May present

Ever wondered what it s like to get away with murder?

BOO

Weds 20 May

JUTTA S PARTY BAND

Top quality jazz from five of the country’s finest young players. Chris Garrick, hailed by The Observer as, "the best young violinist in jazz today", guitarist extraordinaire Pete Oxley, piano maestro Dave Gordon, bass player Oli Hayhurst, one of the most in-demand players in the UK today, and drummer Russ Morgan, acknowledged as being one of the tastiest drummers in the land.

Want to mix it up a bit? Why not pick a package! £12.50 / £14.00 / cons / U16s Go Free

See page 29 for our special event offers

by Mike Kenny directed by Tim Wheeler

When he was born, his parents called him Beau. It means beautiful. As the years went by, the other children started to call him Boo. Was it because he was afraid of them? Or were they afraid of him? Inspired by the character of Boo Radley, the forbidding yet friendly, timid but ultimately heroic character from To Kill a Mockingbird. What does society these days make of this scared bogeyman? And who really gets away with murder?

This Studio production is suitable for 11 year-olds and over.

Mind the Gap is an award-winning theatre company that works with learning disabled and non-disabled artists as equals. £7.50 / cons / U16s Go Free

30 | newvictheatre.org.uk

Performance in the round

One Nighters

Weds 10 June

THE BLUES BAND

Drama

Performance on three sides

Directional performance with some element of front and back

Blues

Paul Jones, Dave Kelly,Tom McGuinness, Rob Townsend and Gary Fletcher. Between them they’ve played with some of the greatest bands of the ’60s and ’70s – Manfred Mann, McGuinness Flint, Family, Medicine Head. More than 25 years on the road with the best Rhythm and Blues you’ll hear anywhere. This band is seriously good. Their last New Vic visit was an instant sell-out so book soon! £14.00 / £18.00 / £19.50

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Come round for a

"two hours in the presence of masters” The Times

One Nighter!

Jazz

Folk

Weds 13 May

SOLAS

Mon 18 May present

Ever wondered what it s like to get away with murder?

BOO

Weds 20 May

JUTTA S PARTY BAND

Want to mix it up a bit? Why not pick a package! £12.50 / £14.00 / cons / U16s Go Free

See page 29 for our special event offers

by Mike Kenny directed by Tim Wheeler

This Studio production is suitable for 11 year-olds and over.

Mind the Gap is an award-winning theatre company that works with learning disabled and non-disabled artists as equals. £7.50 / cons / U16s Go Free

30 | newvictheatre.org.uk

Performance in the round

One Nighters

Weds 10 June

THE BLUES BAND

Drama

Performance on three sides

Directional performance with some element of front and back

Blues

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Dance

SUMMER09MagArt

Weds 17 June

INDEPENDENT BALLET WALES

Music in the Round

Weds 3 June

How Green Was My Valley by Richard Llewellyn

ENSEMBLE 360

This outstanding new production of one of Wales' best known stories features choreography from Creative Wales Award winner, Darius James, and some of the best young dancers in Europe. MacMillan Young Composer of the Year,Thomas Hewitt Jones, provides a stunning new commissioned score. And completing a memorable collaborative experience, the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama have produced innovative sets and costumes.

“These young ballet pioneers deserve wider support. Catch them if you can. The Dancing Times

£12.00 / £14.50 / £16.00 / cons / U16s Go Free

Phenomenally talented saxophonist, flautist and composer, Snake Davis is in constant demand from the biggest names in pop music. You’ll recognise his soulful, searing sound from recordings by Ray Charles,Tom Jones, George Michael,Tina Turner,Take That, Cher, Kylie Minogue, Paul McCartney, Robert Palmer, Motorhead, Eurythmics and the Spice Girls - to name just a few! He’s on the road with his own band’s wonderful mix of soul, world funk and jazz with his uplifting raw-power style. Something for everybody young, old or in between!

Jazz

SNAKE DAVIS

His musical skills have no limit Dave Stuart (Eurythmics)

£12.50 / £14.00 / cons / U16s Go Free

Mon 20 July

Zimbabwe’s greatest song and dance company is back!

BLACK UMFOLOSI

Spine-tingling a capella harmonies, compulsive drumming, captivating gumboot dancing. Baretorsoed and hard-hatted, Black Umfolosi perform with fun and joyful enthusiasm. A thrilling show that’s just bursting with life.

32 | newvictheatre.org.uk

Beethoven’s The Ghost is named after the atmospheric slow movement, which helped establish the popularity of the piano trio as genre. Brahms’ Serenade is better known as an orchestral work but this chamber version for ten musicians should be performed more often.

With remarkable classical dancers and expansive choreography this will be the most thrilling and entertaining dance event of the year.

Weds 8 July

World music

Rapidly gaining an enviable reputation as one of the UK’s leading ensembles, the group brings together musicians from across the globe.

£13.50 / £16.00 / £17.50 / cons / U16s Go Free

BEETHOVEN Piano Trio in D Op.70 No.1 The Ghost MOZART Quintet for piano and wind in E flat K.452 BRAHMS Serenade No.1 in D Op.11

Weds 15 July

£12.00 / £16.00 / £17.50 / cons / U16s Go Free

CROPPER WELSH ROSCOE TRIO

Peter Cropper, violin; Moray Welsh cello; Martin Roscoe, piano. These three leading chamber musicians with individual careers always create magic when brought together as a trio.

It was through Haydn’s inspiration that Beethoven decided to write three piano trios as Op.1, his first published works. As a genre, the piano trio was at the height of its popularity when Schubert wrote his B flat trio which echoes popular Viennese music of the time, full of energy and lyricism. HAYDN Trio in E Hob.XV No.28 BEETHOVEN Trio in G Op.1 No.2 SCHUBERT Trio in B flat Op.99

£12.00 / £16.00 / £17.50 / cons / U16s Go Free Author: Jamie Rix Illustrator: Lynne Chapman Composer: Paul Rissman

Classical

Weds 3 June 2.00pm ENSEMBLE 360 and POLLY IVES (narrator) present GIDDY GOAT

This zany, action-packed musical story of facing fears and making friends is an exciting introduction to music for children aged 2 - 7 years. Children £3.50 / Adults Go Free (one per child) / Schools’ Groups £2.50 (free teacher per 10 children)

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Dance

SUMMER09MagArt

Weds 17 June

INDEPENDENT BALLET WALES

Music in the Round

Weds 3 June

How Green Was My Valley by Richard Llewellyn

ENSEMBLE 360

“These young ballet pioneers deserve wider support. Catch them if you can. The Dancing Times

£12.00 / £14.50 / £16.00 / cons / U16s Go Free

Jazz

SNAKE DAVIS

His musical skills have no limit Dave Stuart (Eurythmics)

£12.50 / £14.00 / cons / U16s Go Free

Mon 20 July

Zimbabwe’s greatest song and dance company is back!

BLACK UMFOLOSI

32 | newvictheatre.org.uk

With remarkable classical dancers and expansive choreography this will be the most thrilling and entertaining dance event of the year.

Weds 8 July

World music

Rapidly gaining an enviable reputation as one of the UK’s leading ensembles, the group brings together musicians from across the globe.

£13.50 / £16.00 / £17.50 / cons / U16s Go Free

BEETHOVEN Piano Trio in D Op.70 No.1 The Ghost MOZART Quintet for piano and wind in E flat K.452 BRAHMS Serenade No.1 in D Op.11

Weds 15 July

£12.00 / £16.00 / £17.50 / cons / U16s Go Free

CROPPER WELSH ROSCOE TRIO

Peter Cropper, violin; Moray Welsh cello; Martin Roscoe, piano. These three leading chamber musicians with individual careers always create magic when brought together as a trio.

£12.00 / £16.00 / £17.50 / cons / U16s Go Free Author: Jamie Rix Illustrator: Lynne Chapman Composer: Paul Rissman

Classical

Weds 3 June 2.00pm ENSEMBLE 360 and POLLY IVES (narrator) present GIDDY GOAT

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The Blues Band

to consider the likes of Paul Jones and the Blues Band. Here’s the tightest, most soulful, most skilled blues outfit in the business, regularly playing sell-out gigs around Europe. And, oh yes, they happen to be men of a certain age.

LET THE OLD-TIMERS ROLL ’

Talking bout . . . the Blues Band and a remarkable generation of musicians It must be my generation. We didn t die; instead, we matured into what marketing types call grey panthers . I think this translates as: looking nervously at 60 but still determined to get down with the kids . They’re right of course. Despite being as old as our granddads once were, we’re still wearing jeans, playing our music too loud and living a life of sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll. 34 | newvictheatre.org.uk

Well, maybe not the sex and, ok, the favourite recreational drug tends to come with milk and sugar – and don’t forget to warm the pot. But rock ‘n’ roll? You betcha! We can still get down with the best of ‘em (it’s the getting back up again that’s my problem). What’s that? You’re not sure you’re still up to it? You’re thinking of a dignified retreat into carpet slippers and Radio 4? I urge you

Now, I wouldn’t dream of revealing their dates of birth, but just do the arithmetic (come on, brain training’s important at our age). Well, the unforgettable Ready, Steady Go!, the coolest pop-music show of all time, first drove my dad to despair in 1964. That’s an unbelievable 45 years ago! Or, to put it more painfully, two years before England won the World Cup. And who was that singing the show’s theme tune, 5-4-3-2-1? That’s right, Manfred Mann fronted by their charismatic vocalist and harmonica player, Paul Jones. My big sister was a major fan, and even I would put down my Etch-a-Sketch (the must-have toy of the time) to watch him sing Do Wah Diddy Diddy or Pretty Flamingo. Anyway, assuming he was past his teenage years at the time, that makes him . . . er . . . well, let’s just say, north of 60, south of 70. And, I think it’s safe to say, he’s pretty cool. I call that proof positive - there’s hope for us all. Paul’s Blues Band colleagues are of a similar vintage to him. And what a vintage it is, their collective biographies reading like a 1960s musical who’s who! Paul himself left million-selling Manfred Mann in 1966, turning to acting, first in films and television and then on stage. His films include Privilege and The Committee. At the Royal National Theatre he starred in The Beggar's Opera and Guys And Paul Jones

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The Blues Band

LET THE OLD-TIMERS ROLL ’

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Tom McGuinness

Dolls; for the RSC, Kiss Me Kate. His numerous gold albums include one for the original recording of Evita. But Paul has always been a bluesman at heart and, along with his Blues Band work, he presents a long-running Radio 2 Blues show. Alongside Paul is another Manfred Mann veteran, guitarist Tom McGuinness. He was with them right through their chart-topping career until they disbanded in 1969. Then, with drummer Hughie Flint and singer-songwriters Benny Gallagher and Graham Lyle, he formed McGuinness Flint. Their very first single, When I'm Dead and Gone, went to No 1. Rob Townsend

36 | newvictheatre.org.uk

Drummer RobTownsend broke into big-time music back in the early 60s in his native Leicester when, with Roger Chapman and Charlie Whitney, he formed the groundbreaking Family.

One of Britain's most creative and original bands, they took the basic blues format down new avenues of almost operatic invention. After seven great albums and four hit singles, Family broke up and Rob joined the duo Medicine Head, with whom he enjoyed more chart success. If there is such a thing as a British 'blues pedigree', then Dave Kelly's sets the standard. He’s a blues craftsman who has served his time with the very best. In New York he jammed with Muddy Waters.

Dave Kelly

He became a friend to Howlin' Wolf and John Lee Hooker, who both felt the benefit of Dave's playing in their touring bands. When The Blues Band was formed, the post of slide guitarist and joint vocalist was a foregone conclusion.

meeting Dave Kelly when they both played in The Wildcats, a band put together by Rory Gallagher’s drummer. He went along with Dave to the first Blues Band rehearsal and has been their bass player ever since. Some 30 years and more than 18 albums later, the Blues Band continue to add to their growing army of followers - it’s not unheard of to find three generations from the same family at a gig. This kind of musical longevity is rare and to achieve it, you’ve got to be good. The Blues Band are very good. They have real a feel for the music, for their audience and for each other, they have musical maturity, and they have an undiminished passion for the playing the Blues. Now, it saddens me to say this, but I think my mum got it wrong with her warnings to my adolescent 60s

Giving it some on stage

“ This kind of musical longevity is rare and to achieve it, you’ve got to be good. The Blues Band are very good.” self. Seems like being a musician, staying up late and playing,‘that dreadful music’, doesn’t always mean poverty, prison and an early grave. Because, let me tell you, not only do these guys sound good, they look good. Actually, they look fantastic!

Londoner Gary Fletcher is the ‘baby’ of the band. He worked with blues, folk-rock and country bands throughout the 70s before

So, relax.We 1960s teenagers don’t need to worry that 40 year- old youngsters might snigger at our clothes, or that we’ll embarrass the kids when we dare to dance at weddings. And who cares if, ten years from now, we’re facing up to 70, the hair gone, the teeth right behind? Believe me - and the Blues Band are the living proof - we can still be cool. So, come on, let’s get down and boogie! The Blues Band appear on Weds 10 June

Gary Fletcher

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Tom McGuinness

36 | newvictheatre.org.uk

Drummer RobTownsend broke into big-time music back in the early 60s in his native Leicester when, with Roger Chapman and Charlie Whitney, he formed the groundbreaking Family.

Dave Kelly

Giving it some on stage

Londoner Gary Fletcher is the ‘baby’ of the band. He worked with blues, folk-rock and country bands throughout the 70s before

Gary Fletcher

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Exhibitions & Events Events

Exhibitions

27 April - 23 May

Craft Fair

Sat 16 May 11.00 am – 4.00 pm

Colour

Janet Bourne

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

Paintings about the relationship between layers.They suggest abstract memories of landscape enhanced with networks of colour so the viewer creates their own perspective.

Weekly Term-time Classes

Spoil yourself! theatre restaurant

Home-made food at value for money prices.

As We See It

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?

A group of artists with a range of experience and styles, showing individual responses to art.

Snacks - 10am - til interval Lunch - Noon til 2pm Closed - 3.30 - 5.30 Pre show - til interval (Bar til 11pm)

Monkey music 25 May - 27 June

The Orme Art Group

Information

Tableware generously supplied by

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

drink 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. Please contact 01785 814077 for details.

38 | newvictheatre.org.uk

29 June - 25 July Philip Bennett

Landscape & Memory My paintings are based on real locations: often incorporating an historical element. In some respects they become dreamscapes, allowing myth or legend into the context of modern landscape painting

• 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.

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 birthday gifts, special occasions or even just to treat yourself.

Enjoy theatre?

Volunteering

Like to get more involved?

Why not join the New Vic Vols?

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

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Exhibitions & Events Events

Exhibitions

27 April - 23 May

Craft Fair

Sat 16 May 11.00 am – 4.00 pm

Colour

Janet Bourne

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

Paintings about the relationship between layers.They suggest abstract memories of landscape enhanced with networks of colour so the viewer creates their own perspective.

Weekly Term-time Classes

Spoil yourself! theatre restaurant

Home-made food at value for money prices.

As We See It

A group of artists with a range of experience and styles, showing individual responses to art.

Snacks - 10am - til interval Lunch - Noon til 2pm Closed - 3.30 - 5.30 Pre show - til interval (Bar til 11pm)

Monkey music 25 May - 27 June

The Orme Art Group

Information

Tableware generously supplied by

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

38 | newvictheatre.org.uk

29 June - 25 July Philip Bennett

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 birthday gifts, special occasions or even just to treat yourself.

Enjoy theatre?

Volunteering

Like to get more involved?

Why not join the New Vic Vols?

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

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Page 41 Scene from the RSC s version of The Tempest enjoyed by the Friends recently.

Now is the time to

be our Friend!

With a fantastic Twelfth Night party, a Spotlight with legendary West End director Robin Herford, not to mention a wonderful trip to Stratford to see Antony Sher in the RSC s The Tempest, 2009 has got off to a thrilling start for the New Vic Friends.And with more chances to meet well-known directors and actors planned for this year, as well as social events and special exclusives — including advance notices of plays like Othello — theres never been a better time to be our Friend!

“

I’ve been a member of the Friends for many years now… I value the friendship, the culture and of course the fun!

”

Who are the New Vic Friends?

The Friends are a varied group of people who share and interest in theatre and the New Vic in particular.

As a Friend you will be helping to build the New Vic’s future by making sure we maintain our strong links with local people and by helping to raise money to support our work. And of course, you will also enjoy a busy social programme!

Actors and Ne w Vic staff tea provide some fabulous enter med up to the Twelfth Nigh tainment for t Party.

What do the New Vic Friends do?

As well as your regular visits to the New Vic, you can get involved with the life of the theatre as much or as little as you like.

There’s a whole range of social events. So you’ll meet our other supporters, enjoy yourself and learn more about every aspect of theatre.

“

Interesting backstage talks with actors and directors, dress rehearsals and new and exciting experiences with like-minded people…you couldn’t ask for more!

40 | newvictheatre.org.uk

”

Why not make your friend a 'Friend'?

, Stratford. urtyard Theatre The RSC s Co latest Friend s theatre trip Venue for the

“

I really enjoy the atmosphere and the Friends trips are excellent…it’s great for theatre lovers like me! For Friends eyes only…

Community

”

Some of the exclusive events our Friends have enjoyed in the last 12 months include:

• Advance notice of the New Vic season – meaning that our Friends knew about productions like the hotlyanticipated Othello before anyone else • A special invitation to the New Vic’s Twelfth Night party, with entertainment from the New Vic company and cast • A trip to Stratford to see the RSC’s acclaimed (and sold out!) production of The Tempest – starring Antony Sher • A rare opportunity to meet and quiz West End director Robin Herford • A special tour behind-the-scenes at the New Vic • A chance to meet and talk to the cast and creative team of Honeymoon Suite at the play’s very first read through • 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’?

Do you know someone who would enjoy being a New Vic Friend? A Friends membership is a thoughtful 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 Honeymoon Suite: Thurs 2 April A Taste of Honey: Thurs 7 May Dumb Show: Thurs 29 May The Wicked Lady: Thurs 2 July Spotlight Director Theresa Heskins: Date to be confirmed Theresa will discuss the unique collaborations that went into the creation of The Wicked Lady Theatre Trip To be confirmed. For information on the New Vic Friends call 01782 717539 or email:kwilson@newvictheatre.org.uk website:www.newvictheatre.org.uk

SUMMER09MagArt

9/4/09

09:55

Page 41 Scene from the RSC s version of The Tempest enjoyed by the Friends recently.

Now is the time to

be our Friend!

“

I’ve been a member of the Friends for many years now… I value the friendship, the culture and of course the fun!

”

Who are the New Vic Friends?

The Friends are a varied group of people who share and interest in theatre and the New Vic in particular.

Actors and Ne w Vic staff tea provide some fabulous enter med up to the Twelfth Nigh tainment for t Party.

What do the New Vic Friends do?

As well as your regular visits to the New Vic, you can get involved with the life of the theatre as much or as little as you like.

There’s a whole range of social events. So you’ll meet our other supporters, enjoy yourself and learn more about every aspect of theatre.

“

Interesting backstage talks with actors and directors, dress rehearsals and new and exciting experiences with like-minded people…you couldn’t ask for more!

40 | newvictheatre.org.uk

”

Why not make your friend a 'Friend'?

, Stratford. urtyard Theatre The RSC s Co latest Friend s theatre trip Venue for the

“

I really enjoy the atmosphere and the Friends trips are excellent…it’s great for theatre lovers like me! For Friends eyes only…

Community

”

Some of the exclusive events our Friends have enjoyed in the last 12 months include:

9/4/09

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Page 43

Click with the

New Vic!

Jam-packed with news, blogs and even more special features, there’s never been a better time to visit our Get the latest from the New new-look website! Vic straight to your inbox!

Book when it suits you!

Can’t wait ‘til the morning? Then book your tickets online!

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.

It’s all here so click with the New Vic today!

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!

e-mail: tickets@newvictheatre.org.uk 42 | newvictheatre.org.uk

Plus. . .

WIN a pair of tickets to see Dumb Show Were offering readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to see Dumb Show.Visit www.newvictheatre.org.uk to enter.

SAT 25 JULY 10.00 am – 4.00 pm

Community

Backstage Tours

Come on round!

OPE N DAY Ever wondered what happens backstage here at the New Vic? What goes on in the lighting box? How do you make stage-blood? What does a stage manager do?

Careers Advice

Meet New Vic people, talk about their work and find out how we make theatre happen? Tours Displays Workshops Entert ainment . . . and lots more Part of the West Midlands Cultural Olympiad

Try a Masterclass

SUMMER09MagArt

9/4/09

09:55

Page 43

Click with the

New Vic!

Jam-packed with news, blogs and even more special features, there’s never been a better time to visit our Get the latest from the New new-look website! Vic straight to your inbox!

Book when it suits you!

Can’t wait ‘til the morning? Then book your tickets online!

It’s all here so click with the New Vic today!

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

e-mail: tickets@newvictheatre.org.uk 42 | newvictheatre.org.uk

Plus. . .

WIN a pair of tickets to see Dumb Show Were offering readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to see Dumb Show.Visit www.newvictheatre.org.uk to enter.

SAT 25 JULY 10.00 am – 4.00 pm

Community

Backstage Tours

Come on round!

OPE N DAY Ever wondered what happens backstage here at the New Vic? What goes on in the lighting box? How do you make stage-blood? What does a stage manager do?

Careers Advice

Meet New Vic people, talk about their work and find out how we make theatre happen? Tours Displays Workshops Entert ainment . . . and lots more Part of the West Midlands Cultural Olympiad

Try a Masterclass

SUMMER09MagArt

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Page 45

Broken Glass

Community

New Vic Borderlines reveals a shattering new project I ve been trying to imagine what it takes to pick up a stone and throw it. Not into a puddle or at a post.To throw it at someone. Or through the window of a house. What about actually picking up a brick and launching it at someone with the intention of inflicting damage? Thinking about the orgy of violence that was Kristallnacht, literally the ‘night of broken glass’, it is tempting to feel a certain complacency.The events in 1938, where racial hatred in NaziGermany saw ordinary civilians join SA stormtroopers to hurl bricks and stones at Jewish homes, smashing windows, burning businesses and synagogues, and beating innocent people, shocked the world. A terrible chapter in history. But, it seems just that. History.The events have been safely stored in the robust tea chest of yesteryear, abridged into the chapters of a GSCE text book, a museum piece to be periodically hauled out at relevant milestones and revisited in a documentary on Channel 529. I know, and have been told, how to feel about it, realise how incomprehensible it all is, and now as an adult I still – to my shame – struggle to feel any deeper connection with those events than a theoretical abhorrence.They are black and white photographs of strangers, far removed from the civilisation I live in today; on someone else’s turf, on another generation’s shift.

44 | newvictheatre.org.uk

So I’m trying to imagine what would make someone pick up a brick and hit the gentle and withdrawn young man sitting in front of me. Mushir is a young refugee from Iraq. Forced to flee a terrible situation in his home country that has seen his brother murdered and his father missing, Mushir puts a human face to the headlines. Often vilified by sections of the media and, therefore, largely dehumanised in the popular imagination, young people like Mushir have become victims of racism in the very communities in which they sought freedom. He has experienced his own ‘night of breaking glass’, attacked with bricks and stones, his windows smashed, being beaten and his life threatened. But his was not in historical Nazi-Germany, nor in some third-world, war-torn country; it was in present day Stoke-on-Trent. Mushir recounts his story: coming to the city as a teenager in 2002, he was in a park with a friend when a group of children began to hurl stones. A petty encounter soon escalated into an assault that saw him trapped in his home by a mob. “We tried to ignore them but we became frightened when adults joined them with bricks” recalls Mushir quietly. “We didn’t want to fight, so we ran as fast as we could to our house. But they followed us.We

“

I’m trying to imagine what would make someone pick up a brick and hit the gentle and withdrawn young man sitting in front of me.

Photo: Andy Billington

”

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Broken Glass

Community

44 | newvictheatre.org.uk

“

I’m trying to imagine what would make someone pick up a brick and hit the gentle and withdrawn young man sitting in front of me.

Photo: Andy Billington

”

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Community Borderlines projects APRIL Diversity Week New Vic Borderlines will be working with the ESOL group from Stoke on Trent College towards presenting a unique theatre presentation for Diversity Week in April. Care Ambassadors Conference 2009 An exciting ‘hands on’ conference for young people thinking of working in social care.

MAY Night of Breaking Glass Tour This project is an interactive documentary drama, created by Borderlines in partnership with the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust and The Southern Member Relations Committee of the Co-Operative Group. Comparing a harrowing local story with the story of a young man on Kristallnacht in 1938 Berlin, the drama will encourage audiences to see the parallels in terms of individuals experiences of hatred and the role of perpetrators and bystanders alike. JUNE All Mixed Up A tour, supported by Stoke on Trent City Council, about health, relationships and the transition from primary to secondary school.

JULY/ AUGUST Summer Projects Working with a variety of young people over the Summer Holiday period using drama to tell stories, highlight issues and reflect their experiences of their lives today. For further information about any New Vic Borderlines project contact Adhia Mahmood on: 01782 717954 Ext 309 or email amahmood@newvictheatre.org.uk

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Community

went into the house and they threw rocks and stones at us – they smashed the windows.”

Education Diary

After he called the police the mob scattered - only to return at midnight. “They came back and smashed all the windows they had not broken earlier. I woke up to hear all this noise and was so frightened – I couldn’t do anything. So I called the police again.” His experience has a shocking historical resonance. And a terrible parallel that is being exposed to great effect in the latest New Vic Borderlines project.Working with the young refugee, the award-winning team has been able to juxtapose his 21st century story with the events of 1938’s Kristellnacht. The result is a hugely powerful drama exploring racism in our own communities, right here, right now.

Photo: Andy Billington

“Often when we have performed this piece, children feel saddened and ashamed by what they hear” says Sue, who is experiencing first hand the profound effect that his story is having. “When these children are in situations where they hear their friends or peers talking about asylum seekers, they have a direct. human point of reference, helping them start to challenge some of those attitudes.That is a powerful tool to have in their hands.”

“The events of Kristellnacht and Mushir’s story have striking and depressing similarities” explains Borderlines Director and the brains behind the project, Sue Moffat. “In both situations, these people were targeted because they were different to other people in the community. The climate of opinion had allowed hatred to grow in ordinary people to the point where they felt able to pick up and throw things at other human beings.”

“

“We are asking an important question: what has happened in our community that means this can occur? And importantly,” adds Sue “what needs to happen in our hearts and minds to change things.”

Yet at the heart of the project there is something more distinctively affecting than a narrative: a living, breathing, quietly inspiring individual who is capable of bringing history into sharp and human focus.

“Mushir has been really generous to allow us to use his story as part of a drama to show that if it could happen in 1938 and is happening to him now, it could happen to any of us.” Unsurprisingly, the venture has caught the imagination of groups all over the UK. Originally conceived as a project to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Kristellnacht, word of the drama spread fast. A flurry of phone calls and emails followed. Now the play is set to embark upon a nationwide tour. At the epicentre of this is Mushir, whose involvement is bringing to life a project that could easily have been just another history lesson.

If only Borderlines can get those people to ask questions, then we will have cast a stone that starts making ripples.

”

“Mine is not the only story” concludes Mushir in whom, despite everything that's happened, an immutable optimism has somehow survived. “But most young people are just living their lives and don’t necessarily understand what happens in their own communities. “If only Borderlines can get those people to ask questions, to think differently, then we will have cast a stone that starts making ripples.” In Mushir, the victims of prejudice have found a softly spoken but powerful representative. Not to mention a far better use for stones.

FOR CHILDREN Summer Holiday Projects This Summer there will be a range of exciting projects for young people during July and August. These include: Silly Scripts (7-11s), Musical Theatre Week (12-18s) and Play in a Fortnight (11-18s). Dates, times and costs will be announced in the next few weeks. Please check our web page for further information or contact Lynn email: lparry@newvictheatre.org.uk or tel 01782 717954 Ext 356 The Lion,The Witch & The Wardrobe Summer School We will be holding auditions for this year’s Summer School in the next few months. Please check our website for further information.

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 contact 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) 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 Education project contact Lynn Parry on 01782 717954 ext 356 or lparry@newvictheatre.org.uk

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Community

went into the house and they threw rocks and stones at us – they smashed the windows.”

Education Diary

Photo: Andy Billington

“

“We are asking an important question: what has happened in our community that means this can occur? And importantly,” adds Sue “what needs to happen in our hearts and minds to change things.”

If only Borderlines can get those people to ask questions, then we will have cast a stone that starts making ripples.

”

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Page 49

Features

The Questionnaire a choir that performed for Prince Edward at the Royal Festival Hall, London. How does your anorak tendency express itself? I love books and films. My anorak tendency is the fact that I have to have them in alphabetical order!

Facing the questions is Laura Clarkson. A member of the New Vic’s talented craft department, Laura is Senior Propmaker & Design Assistant and lives in Hartshill with her partner, Steve. What s the one item you couldn t live without? My kettle .. I m useless in the morning until I have had my first cup of tea! What s the most surprising thing about you? When I was younger I was a member of 48 | newvictheatre.org.uk

What book are you currently reading? The Last Days of Newgate by Andrew Pepper.At the moment I am really enjoying historical thrillers.This one is based in Victorian England and set among the world of the Bow Street Runners, but it s more than a thriller as it deals with political and social issues of the time. What are you working on at the moment? Apart from working on our current season I am designing the set for this years Christmas show The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.At the moment we are exploring ideas on what we would like to achieve and how we can make it magical! What’s the funniest thing that has happened to you at work? At times we are called upon to get ourselves in some very awkward positions. Whilst working on the show Kes I needed to get underneath some low rostra. However, when it came to coming back out I realised I was stuck! John the carpenter and my colleague Mike simply laughed and left me there whilst they had afternoon tea a good 20 minutes!

Bookings /Access /Concessions 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, 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 (£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 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 £8.50 any seat, any performance, unless otherwise stated.

Information

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

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

Late Admissions

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.

Please note that latecomers will not be admitted until a suitable break in the performance.

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.

The New Vic reserves the right to vary the advertised programme and facilities if necessary and apologises for any in convenience. E & OE

A Companion ticket at lowest advertised price (less concession if eligible) per disabled patron.

Access Committed to providing access to the arts for all. U16s Go Free For nominated events, an under 16 admitted free with an adult paying full or concessionary price.

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

U26s Go Free See page 7 for details. Some events have adult content. Check when booking.

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**.

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.

*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.

Magnetic induction loop in auditorium (not available for amplified performances). Infra-red assisted hearing system. Captioned Performances for New

**Maximum 2 tickets per person.