What’s On
AUTUMN/WINTER 2015-2016
CONTENTS The Conspiracy Season 1984
The Rubenstein Kiss
The Duchess of Malfi
Any Means Necessary Dick Whittington Hare & Tortoise Open Day
Phoenix Rising
The Ugly Duckling
All the Little Lights
Most Promising Playwright Award Two
The Party’s Over
The Empty Frame Beryl CAST
Comedy
An Evening With Music Dance
Schools Massive Participation
Our work with Local Businesses Box Office and How to Find Us Seating Plan
Backstage Pass
2-3 4-5 6-7 8-9 10-11 12-13 14 15 16 16 17 17 18 19 19 20 21 22-25 26-27 28-29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36
WELCOME
W
elcome to Nottingham Playhouse and a season of compelling drama which we’re sure you’ll relish. Our Conspiracy Season features four terrific plays including the revival of our five-star 1984, back from the West End before its international tour. John Webster’s Jacobean feast The Duchess of Malfi is a hauntingly evocative production which we are very excited about and awardwinning spy drama The Rubenstein Kiss receives its Regional Premiere in Nottingham. Any Means Necessary is a World Premiere - this play is going to be famous so make sure you see it here first. This year, in addition to the work you’ve seen on our stages, we’ve been creating work and opportunities for everyone in our community. We’ve toured a play for young people with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (Wave), provided free Youth Theatre to youngsters in need, created Golden Age for the over 60s, provided Work Experience for young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and much, much more. We can make this work in Nottingham - and the enormous range of participation work that we offer - thanks to your continued support and that of our sponsors and funders. Thank you! Our current fundraising campaign is called SHINE and it’s to fund new Youth Theatres in disadvantaged areas of our city - even the smallest donation goes a long way. For example, this Christmas, over 200 Nottingham school children will see Kenneth Alan Taylor’s fabulous Dick Whittington as your guests, thanks to your donations to our 50:50 ticket campaign. If you’d like to add a pound or two (or more) to your ticket purchase you can do this online or at Box Office. We’re really excited about this season of plays and can’t wait to welcome you back to Nottingham Playhouse.
Giles Croft Artistic Director
Stephanie Sirr Chief Executive
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Starting this autumn, our Conspiracy Season deals in secrets and subterfuge, as issues of surveillance and the misuse of power play out on the Main Stage at Nottingham Playhouse. The examination of the relationship between the individual and the state makes for four compelling dramas, and across the season we shall see this theme appear in a multitude of different guises. A vein of truth also runs through each play, as they seek to hold up a mirror to our world and encourage audiences to question the status quo. In our season opener, 1984, the struggle between the individual and the state can be seen at its most explicit through Winston Smith’s attempts to battle for free will against the might of Big Brother. This fivestar Olivier Award nominated production catches a world where one is watched everywhere one goes, where the control of the Party is felt in every element of life and where even the thought of opposition is illegal. In 1953, four years after George Orwell’s 1984 was first published, Ethel and Julius Rosenberg went to the electric chair, convicted of passing atomic secrets to the Russians. The second play of our season – The Rubenstein Kiss – is inspired by that controversial verdict and reflects upon the questions the case poses through the fictional Rubensteins, a devoted New York
Jewish couple closely modelled on the real-life Rosenbergs. The Cold War setting of the play raises issues that still resonate today. As Edward Snowden is celebrated as a heroic whistleblower by some and condemned as a traitor by others, the parallels between a 20th century obsessed with atomic power and a 21st century obsessed with the power of information and surveillance are striking. Governments insist security and well-being depend on intelligence agencies having a free hand to wield such powers as they see fit, whilst those who challenge this are often castigated for making the nation vulnerable to outside attack. The question of where our allegiances should lie - to our country and government or to our personal moral compass and political beliefs
the relationship between the individual and the state makes for four compelling dramas
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- remains as great a quandary as it was for the Rosenbergs. The Duchess of Malfi shares this theme of the individual driven by their own ideals to resist authoritarian oppression. Its heroine struggles against the restrictions placed on her by her two brothers, who as Cardinal and Duke represent the dual powers of the Church and the State. Yet, in total contrast to the heroine’s idealism in marrying for love, the play itself is imbued with a very modern and familiar sense of cynicism. John Webster was sharply critical of the society he lived in, believing it to be driven entirely by greed, self-interest and hypocrisy: “I do account this world but a dog-kennel,” as one of his characters puts it. Challenging the modern spectator to draw parallels between his world and our own, Webster’s play also examines the bloody and violent lengths the Establishment will go to to protect itself from those who challenge its authority – and asks us whether a society with such corrupt values at its core can survive. The morally dark universe in which the Duchess lives aptly
segues into the world of Any Means Necessary, which brings secrets and subterfuge right up to date and onto our doorstep. Inspired by the infamous real-life case of a group of environmental activists who were charged with trespass after attempting to shut down Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station in 2009, one of the central organisers of the action was an undercover police officer who had lived and spied on them for years. Moving far beyond the scenario of the individual versus the state, the play explores what happens when an undercover police officer infiltrates the world of the protesters, to the point of having close and intimate relationships with those they are sent to spy on. It also raises the key issue of freedom and the right to political protest in what we believe to be a democratic society. The play seeks to expose how those who are meant to protect us can betray us, and its local setting provides the perfect landscape in which to close the season. As all four plays argue, these are real and present dangers and it is our duty to keep questioning the status quo. Theatre and conversation can play a vital part.
it is our duty to keep questioning the status quo.Theatre and conversation can play a vital part.
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the Guardian
The INDEPENDENT
The Daily Telegraph
The Observer
Nottingham Playhouse Theatre Company, Headlong and Almeida Theatre present
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The Financial Times
Wed 9 Sep - Sat 26 Sep 2015
Prior to a World Tour and direct from the West End, this five-star production of Orwell’s dystopian masterpiece 1984 returns to Nottingham, following two West End runs, a sold-out run at the Almeida, and two critically acclaimed UK tours. Theatre’s most powerful event is a co-production between Nottingham Playhouse, Headlong and Almeida Theatre, which has now been seen by a quarter of a million people. April, 1984. 13:00. Comrade 6079, Winston Smith, thinks a thought, starts a diary, and falls in love. But Big Brother is always watching. Orwell’s ideas have become our ideas; his fiction is often said to be our reality. The “definitive book of the 20th century” (The Guardian) is re-examined in this radical and much lauded staging exploring surveillance, identity and why Orwell’s vision of the future is as relevant now as ever. Adapted and Directed by Robert Icke & Duncan Macmillan Designer Chloe Lamford Lighting Designer Natasha Chivers Sound Designer Tom Gibbons Video Designer Tim Reid
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“I urge you to see this stunning show” The Times
Main house Evenings 7.45pm Press Night 7pm Matinees Thu 1.30pm, Sat 2.30pm Post-show discussion Wed 16 Sep £10.50 – £28.50 AGE: 14+ nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk
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Fri 2 Oct - Sat 17 Oct 2015
‘This is a bracingly ambitious piece.’ The Times
‘A brilliantly assured drama.’ The Daily Telegraph
“You can’t deny yourself, you can’t deny the memory that history holds with your body, the life lived even before you lived, the life before you were born.” The Rubenstein Kiss, the multi awardwinning play by James Phillips, is set amidst the McCarthyite hysteria of the Cold War era, where the shadow of suspicion falls on two Communist idealists. The Rubensteins are a devoted couple from a close-knit Jewish family, but this slowly unravels and treachery echoes through the generations as their guilt is re-examined. Ethel and Julius Rosenberg, who were sent to the electric chair for allegedly passing US atomic secrets to the Russians, protested their innocence to the last. Inspired by a true story, The Rubenstein Kiss explores what happens when truth and ideology collide to reveal the anguish of a family and its quest for atonement. Zoë Waterman returns to the Playhouse to direct this searing, intelligent and poignant drama. The Rubenstein Kiss will go on to perform at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford from Tue 27 – Sat 31 Oct 2015. Director Zoë Waterman Designer Bronia Housman Lighting Designer Richard G Jones
Main House Evenings 7.45pm Press Night 7pm MatineesThu 1.30pm, Sat 2.30pm £10.50 – £28.50 AGE: 14+
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Fri 30 Oct - Sat 14 Nov 2015
“Whether we fall by ambition, blood or lust Like diamonds we are cut with our own dust.” A secret marriage provokes fury, espionage and bloody murder in John Webster’s tragedy, one of the most celebrated plays of the Jacobean era. When the Duchess of Malfi marries below her class, her brothers – a ferocious Duke and icecold Cardinal – set a dangerous spy against her. Their schemes spiral out of control until nightmare engulfs them all. Nottingham Playhouse Associate Director Fiona Buffini directs this blood-soaked masterpiece following her critically acclaimed productions of Time and the Conways and A Skull in Connemara. Fiona Buffini: “The Duchess of Malfi shows us human beings at their most corrupt and their most noble - it is both a love story and a nightmare, a dark view of the word and an inspiration.” Director Fiona Buffini Designer Neil Murray Lighting Designer Mark Jonathan Composer Jon Nicholls This production is sponsored by Nottingham Girls High School.
Main House Evenings 7.45pm Press Night 7pm Matinees Thu 1.30pm, Sat 2.30pm Post-show discussion Tue 10 Nov £10.50 – £28.50 AGE: 14+
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Fri 5 Feb - Sat 20 Feb 2016
“The Met is right behind you, no matter what you do. You’re going to have some of the best times of your life with these people. You’ll laugh and cry and love and ...” When Mel meets Dave at a protest, she believes she has met her kindred spirit. Dave soon becomes central to her life and her activist friends. But is he who he appears to be? An emotionally compelling drama that explores love, betrayal, secrets and lies, and exposes the brutality of a police policy that used any means necessary to undermine political protest. Any Means Necessary is based on the events surrounding a group of environmental activists and the 2011 court case which charged them with trespass at nearby Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station. This real-life event set in Nottingham uncovered a national scandal and is the inspiration for this major new commission. Director Giles Croft
Main House Evenings 7.45pm Press Night 7pm Matinees Thu 1.30pm, Sat 2.30pm £10.50 – £28.50
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FrI 27 Nov 2015 Sat 16 JaN 2016 Main House see diary for times
TICKETS Adults £25.50 - £30.50 Child and Concessions £23.50 - £25.50 Families £75 (Not available on all performances, please call Box Office or check the website for more information) Groups £23.50 - £25.50 (10 or more, not available Thu 24 & Sat 26 Dec and Sat 16 Jan) Schools £11 (One free teacher ticket with every ten bought)
Nottingham Post
(Review from last year’s panto)
Join us for Dick Whittington, the story of a poor country lad who sets out into the big wide world to seek his fortune, along with his amazing rat-catching cat. But are the city streets really paved with gold? And is the path to happily-ever-after ever an easy one? Kenneth Alan Taylor returns to direct this year’s magical Christmas panto – with glittering scenery, fabulous frocks and mesmerising musical numbers, Dick Whittington is a whirlwind adventure for all the family. We also welcome back long-standing Nottingham favourites John Elkington, Tim Frater and Rebecca Little.
Director Kenneth Alan Taylor Designer Tim Meacock Lighting Designer Jason Taylor Choreographer & Assistant Director Adele Parry Sound Designer Adam P McCready Musical Director John Morton * We also offer a relaxed performance with tickets priced at £10. The relaxed performance is designed for anyone with an autistic condition, sensory or communication disorder, or learning disability, and their families and carers. This production is sponsored by Nottingham City Transport.
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wed 9 dec 2015 – sat 2 jan 2016
Best play for children and young people Writers’ Guild of Great Britain Awards 2012
Nottingham Playhouse Theatre Company presents
by Brendan Murray
Hare is always in a rush. Everything is SOOOOO exciting! Tortoise, on the other hand, takes her time, notices the smallest of things and loves every minute, living life to the full. Join us for this magical modern classic, and follow Hare and Tortoise through the seasons as their wintry world turns firstly to spring and then finally summer as the two friends get ready to race each other! Neville Studio SEE DIARY FOR TIMES £10 Adult, £8 Child, £28 Family Ticket AGE: 4 – 8 RP
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A fast (and slow!), fun-packed show about friendship, the passing of time, and the excitement of growing up. Suitable for 4 to 8 year olds. We also offer a relaxed performance with tickets priced at £7. The relaxed performance is designed for anyone with an autistic condition, sensory or communication disorder, or learning disability, and their families and carers.
Director Allie Spencer Designer Sarah Lewis
An afternoon of fantastic free fun for all the family‌
y a d n e p o gham at Nottin playhouse
Free events for all the family throughout the day Special Effects Make-up
Live Music
Backstage Tours
Magic Set Designs Revealed
Ice Cream Tricycle
eek p a e k a T he t d n i h e b scenes!
Sun 20 Sep 201 5 Midday-5pm
Performance Poetry
Drama workshops and games
Theatre Masterclasses
‌and much more. To find out more and book on to your free sessions in advance visit
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Tue 8 sep - sat 12 sep 2015 Eastwood Productions presents
Phoenix rising
by Campbell Kay
Phoenix Rising was first performed at Nottingham Playhouse as part of the International D. H. Lawrence Centenary Festival in September 1985 and returns to mark the 130th anniversary of Lawrence’s birth. Paul Slack (Richard III, Nottingham Playhouse) reprises his critically acclaimed performance as D. H. Lawrence. Written and directed by Nottingham playwright Campbell Kay, Phoenix Rising is set in the year 1928. Lawrence is a very ill man and less than two years from his untimely death. An unexpected letter from David Chambers, the brother of his early and influential
muse Jessie (Miriam in Sons and Lovers), spurs Lawrence to reminisce about his early life, aeons away! A GE KS T B AC S PAS
Neville studio Evenings 8pm Matinees Thu 1.30pm, Sat 2pm £13/£11 (conc)
Thu 8 Oct – Sat 10 oct 2015
THE Ugly Duckling
The Ugly Duckling is a collaboration between Nottingham Playhouse and Combat Bullying. A group of young people aged 6-14 will be working together to create a contemporary version of the popular story. Led by Director Nikki Disney, the group will explore ideas of fairy tales and storytelling. Our ‘Duckling’ struggles with issues of identity, acceptance and belonging. In an all-too-familiar tale, our Duckling explores the world in which it lives in 16
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search of hidden beauty, discovering more about itself along the way. Neville studio Evenings 7pm Matinees 2pm £8/£5 (conc) AGE: 3+
tue 20 oct – thu 22 oct 2015
Fifth Word in association with Nottingham Playhouse present
aLL THE LITTLE LIGHTS
Joanne and Lisa were like sisters. Then Lisa left. Now she’s back for one last birthday party by the railway tracks. Can their relationship be rekindled or will the ghosts of the past haunt them forever? Packed with crackling dialogue, darkness and laugh-out-loud humour, All the Little Lights is about being young,
by Jane Upton
alone and trying to survive. Written with support from the charity Safe and Sound, the play considers where we find family and how easy it is to slip through the cracks in society.
neville studio Evenings 8pm £10/£8 AGE: 14+
FRI 19 SEP 2015 Fifth Word and Nottingham Playhouse present a New Writing Day to celebrate their
‘Most Promising Playwright Award’ 2015 Director Esther Richardson and a guest playwright run a practical masterclass and Q&A session before an evening of rehearsed readings featuring the winning play. Masterclass, 2-5pm (FREE and open to writers of all levels)
neville studio Evening 7pm Rehearsed readings £3 nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk
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FRI 25 sep 2015
two
Nottingham Playhouse Theatre Company presents
by Jim Cartwright
nEVILLE STUDIO Evening 8.00pm Matinee 2.30pm £3 18
Directing scenes from Two is the culmination of Rachel Ross’s placement with Nottingham Playhouse as part of the Regional Theatre Young Director Scheme. This will be the first time she has had the opportunity to work with professional actors. Jim Cartwright’s hilarious and heartachingly sad two-handed
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play Two presents a microcosm of working-class life in a Northern local in the 1980s: a place of failed aspirations and unfulfilled lives. Two brilliantly captures the myriad lives within the pub; a centre of the community, where people celebrate, mourn, and confront their weaknesses as well as their passions and spirits!
thu 15 oct 2015 Nonsuch Theatre presents
the party’s over by Edward Boott
Nonsuch Theatre will present a work-in-progress sharing of The Party’s Over – a performance about living, learning and moving on. After everything has been packed away; after the credits have ended; after the laughter’s faded into the distance; when those that shape our lives disappear; when everything we’ve trusted in our lives leaves; when we lose the support that’s holding us up - what do we do?
The Party’s Over is set to be developed throughout 2015 and is supported by In Good Company, and the artist development partnership between Derby Theatre, Embrace Arts and Create Theatre. Neville studio Evening 8.00pm £5
FRI 23 Oct 2015 PSYCHEdelight Theatre Company present
The Empty Frame by Sophie N.l. Besse
A stage. Lots of pictures hanging everywhere. Some call it a mess, others a life. Somewhere in the middle, HE and SHE and their baby who they can already see. HE is English, SHE is so Française… They are waiting. On their own? Yes. Together? Good question… Oh, and there is also this clock. Yes, there’s always a clock in a waiting area. If only SHE could stop it ticking. PSYCHEdelight creates new work that is
daring and socially engaging. Through theatre, music and visual poetry, they aim to highlight the complexity of people’s personal journeys. This play is based on the writer’s professional experience in a fertility clinic. Neville studio Evening 8pm £13 nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk
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Mon 16 - Wed 18 Nov 2015
BERYL
West Yorkshire Playhouse presents
by Maxine Peake
Maxine Peake’s witty, charming and critically acclaimed play celebrates the life of unsung sporting legend Beryl Burton – the greatest woman on two wheels. When Beryl Charnock met keen cyclist Charlie Burton she was smitten, not only with Charlie but by the thrill and freedom found on her bike. She would out-work the men in the rhubarb fields, she could out-class the cyclists on the road, and still find time to over-knit young Denise a cycling jumper (it wasn’t meant to come down to her knees!). With her husband, daughter and cycling club at her side, she became five-times World Pursuit Champion,
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13-times National Pursuit Champion, twice Road-racing World Champion and still made it home in time for dinner. Beryl Burton MBE, OBE, wife and mother, cycled her way into the record books becoming world and British record-holder and, with a determination to be the best, she always cycled home a hero.
‘Burton’s story….brought to theatrically inventive and comically freewheeling life’ The Telegraph A GE KS T B AC S PAS
Main House Evenings 7.45pm Matinee 1.30pm Post-show discussion Tue 17 Nov £10.50 – £26.50
CAST AT NOTTINGHAM PLAYHOUSE
Where Delicious Food Takes Centre Stage Try our sumptuous, great value pre-theatre dining menu; the perfect appetiser for the main event. With friendly, helpful staff, a wide range of drinks and a choice of mouth-watering starters, delicious mains and taste-tickling desserts, we promise a delightful dining experience. 2 COURSES £14.95 3 COURSES £18.95 Fri 27 Nov 2015 launches our festive pre-theatre dining menu with choices including turkey with all the trimmings and a Portobello mushroom tarte for vegetarians. A selection of stunning desserts includes traditional Christmas pudding to get you in the festive mood for panto or for your company Christmas party. Ask Tim and the team for more details or download the menu from our website. 2 COURSES £16.95 3 COURSES £18.95
opening times BAR
Monday to Thursday 11-8 Friday & Saturday 11-late Sunday - closed
KITCHEN
Monday to Saturday 12-2; 5-8
To take a look at the full range of food available from both menus*, please visit nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk/CAST or call CAST on 0115 852 3898 *Both menus include vegetarian and gluten free options.
AT THE PLAYHOUSE
Sun 11 Oct 2015
fri 16 Oct 2015
Sat 17 Oct 2015
WHAT DO I DO NOW?
Love, Life and Laughter
BIG MOUTH STRIKES AGAIN
JOSH WIDDICOMBE
Ishi KhanJackson
Josh Widdicombe, that guy from the TV comedy shows with the curly hair, is back on the road with a brand new tour. “Nicely crafted observational comedy” The Independent
main house Evening 7.30pm £17.50
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HARDEEP SINGH KOHLI
Performer and comedienne Ishi Khan-Jackson’s latest work is narrated with passion, poignancy and a healthy dose of humour. This life-affirming story touches on the ability of the individual to change circumstances and to challenge conventions.
When you’ve a mouth this big, is it any wonder you get into trouble? The comedian, broadcaster, journalist and chef explains all in a brand new show, on the back of its premiere at this year’s Edinburgh Festival. “Immensely funny”
Neville Studio Evening 8pm £11
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Daily Express
Wed 21 Oct 2015
FESTIVAL OF THE SPOKEN NERD JUST FOR GRAPHS
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‘Great, funny, clever… Even the heckles at this terrific show are smart’ The Scotsman
Watch the “resplendently geeky trio” (The Times) as they Excel themselves in a new show packed with explosive live experiments and statistically significant laughter. Will they stay on-trend or lose the plot completely? Warning: Contains graphic material only suitable for ages 15+
main house Evening 8pm £16/£14 (conc)
Thu 22 Oct 2015
ANDY HAMILTON
CHANGE MANAGEMENT Comedian Andy Hamilton has experienced many changes. For instance, he was once a 6’4” tall professional basketball player until a tree fell on him. But, of course, change is an inescapable part of the human condition. Join Andy as he teaches you how to cope with the changes we have seen and the changes yet to come. Contains mild peril. “A proper comedy treat” The Latest
Main House Evening 8pm £21/19 (conc) Please note: some comedians use very strong language and discuss controversial topics – please take this into consideration when booking tickets for younger audience members, and adhere to age guidance where stated. nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk | 0115 941 9419
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AT THE PLAYHOUSE
Sun 18 Oct 2015
Sun 15 Nov 2015
Fri 20 Nov 2015
IN YOUR FACE
SUITED AND BOOTED
EINS, ZWEI, DIY
NINA CONTI
LEE NELSON
Strap into the mask as Nina gets in your face. With the help of Monkey and a bag of tricks, truly anything can happen in this unmissable improvised adventure of hilarious witchery. “Put simply, Nina Conti is a genius”
You may have seen him host Live at The Apollo, caught him singing on The X Factor, or trying to board the plane to the World Cup with the England squad, now come and experience the world through Lee’s eyes as he takes on the big issues: family, fatherhood, politics… and the true value of the Cadbury’s Creme Egg. “Never less than ingenious. . . a seamlessly entertaining touring show”
The Mirror
The Times Main House Evening 7.30pm £19.50 24
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HENNING WEHN Back by popular demand, Henning Wehn’s assimilation is still not complete and he hasn’t lost his sense of Westphalian wonderment at the foibles of British society. Why does everybody want to be owned by a house? What’s wrong with having the Euro? Expect an eveninglong crash course in personal accountability and have a right old laugh at the same time! Wunderbar! Main House Evening 8pm £16.50
Sat 21 NOV 2015
PAM ANN
QUEEN OF THE SKY The world’s favourite International Air Hostess, Pam Ann is back in the UK with a new show for 2015. Pam Ann’s caustic wit knows no boundaries so fasten your seat belts and prepare for take-off – she’s Queen of the Sky and it’s guaranteed to be a turbulent flight. WARNING: This show contains jokes that some people may find offensive! Suitable for ages 16+ main house Evening 8pm £22 - £28
thu 28 jan 2016
REDUCED SHAKESPEARE COMPANY
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised]
All 37 Plays in 97 Minutes! An irreverent, fast-paced romp through the Bard’s plays, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) was London’s longest-running comedy, having clocked a very palpable nine years in London’s West End. Main House Evening 7.45pm £11 - £19 (conc) Please note: some comedians use very strong language and discuss controversial topics – please take this into consideration when booking tickets for younger audience members, and adhere to age guidance where stated. nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk | 0115 941 9419
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AN EVENING WITH...
Mon 12 Oct 2015
JEANETTE WINTERSON
2016 marks the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death and, ahead of this major anniversary, Jeanette Winterson has written The Gap of Time, a ‘cover version’ of his late play The Winter’s Tale. Join Jeanette as she discusses what Shakespeare means to her and his vital relevance today. Jeanette’s choice of play is deeply personal: she was adopted as a child and The Winter’s Tale, the story of Perdita, the abandoned child, has resonated for her throughout her life.
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Sat 24 Oct 2015
THE FACE OF BRITAIN
Celebrating 70 years in show business this year, the Hollywood legend and James Bond star chats with biographer Gareth Owen about his extraordinary life and career. Featuring inside stories and exclusive anecdotes from an astonishing career that has included the hit TV series The Saint and The Persuaders, plus Hollywood blockbusters and, of course, seven iconic movies as the world’s most famous spy, 007.
SIMON SCHAMA
ON SHAKESPEARE
main house Evening 7.45pm £15
Mon 19 Oct 2015
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Simon Schama’s new book The Face of Britain: A History Of The Nation Through Its Portraits combines his two great passions for the first time: British history and art history. With an accompanying five-part BBC TV series and major exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, Simon embarks on a landmark journey of discovery, so join him for a thrilling evening where he will be discussing the stunning and surprising array of images that tell the story of the Tudors through to present day. Main House Evening 7.45pm £15
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SIR ROGER MOORE
MAIN HOUSE Evening 7.30pm £26
Mon 9 Nov 2015
Thu 25 Feb 2016
SAT 2 Apr 2016
A Life in Science
I LOVE TO SING
A Night of Food & Agony
RICHARD DAWKINS
ANNE REID
Jay Rayner
Richard Dawkins will discuss his memoir Brief Candle in the Dark, following the threads that have run through his life so far and homing in on the key individuals, institutions and ideas that have inspired and motivated him. For the first time, he reviews the evolving narrative of his ideas about science, helping us finally to understand the private influences that shaped the world’s most famous atheist, who, more than anyone else in his generation, has explained our own origins.
Anne Reid is one of Britain’s most-loved and respected actors, star of the very popular Last Tango in Halifax, Ladies of Letters, Dinnerladies and The Mother. Join her and her musical director Jason Carr as they present an evening of songs, stories, music and memories, including filming with Daniel Craig, performing Shakespeare at Buckingham Palace and making Last Tango in Halifax!
MAIN HOUSE Evening 7.45pm £15
MAIN HOUSE Evening 7.45pm £20.50
A restaurant critic for the Observer for over 15 years, Jay has learnt readers really love reviews of bad restaurants. Jay examines our love affair with lousy reviews, describes some of his most excruciating nights out, and just to balance things, reads from the worst reviews his own work has ever received! In the second half, Jay brings together his ensemble of top flight musicians to perform tunes from the Great American food and drink songbook, alongside more anecdotes from his life. MAIN HOUSE Evening 7.45pm £22
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MUSIC AT THE PLAYHOUSE
Fri 28 Aug 2015
Tue 20 Oct 2015
The first Nottingham appearance in over 4 years by the acclaimed Scottish singer-songwriter. Alasdair Roberts has spent the best part of 20 years ploughing a highly idiosyncratic path through folk music. In addition to ten albums for cult US indie label Drag City under his own name and as Appendix Out, he has collaborated with the likes of Bonnie Prince Billy, Bill Callaghan and the late Jason Molina. His latest, self-titled album sees him paring back his sound to focus on his elliptical lyrics, haunting voice and fingerstyle. Support comes in the form of Nottingham’s reclusive Dearest and the improvised electric guitar and violin duo Fains.
In Concert
ALASDAIR ROBERTS
Neville Studio Evening 8pm £8 28
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GEORGIE FAME In this, the 50th anniversary of his chart-topping hit Yeh, Yeh, Georgie Fame hits the road for a very limited number of UK tour dates. With his much loved blend of Jazz and Rhythm & Blues, Georgie Fame has consistently worked in the highest musical circles and has become a true icon of the British music scene. So far there have been more than 20 albums and 14 hit singles, including the number ones: Yeh, Yeh; Getaway and The Ballad of Bonnie and Clyde. Add to this a long list of collaborations with some of music’s most famous names, including Muddy Waters, Gene Vincent, Bill Wyman, Eric Clapton and Van Morrison, amongst many others, and in Georgie Fame you have a bona fide music legend! Main House Evening 7.45pm £21
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Fri 23 Oct 2015
Fri 22 Jan 2016
Show of Hands is undeniably one of the strongest current forces in acoustic music, regularly voicing the hopes, fears and life stories of scores of people in song. Joined by Miranda Sykes on double bass, they are widely recognised for their resonating original songs, stunning musicianship and remarkable audience rapport. They have featured on BBC Breakfast, Countryfile, The Andrew Marr Show and find regular airplay with the likes of Mark Radcliffe, Bob Harris, Mike Harding, Johnnie Walker and Simon Mayo.
HOW SWEET IT IS
SHOW OF HANDS with Miranda Sykes
“Formidable operators in the roots arena. A class act” The Independent
MOTOWN’S GREATEST HITS Featuring The Formations, this stunning live show combines first class music, the slickest choreography and an amazing band to deliver truly outstanding performances for the best Motown experience you will ever have! This show will have you ‘Dancing On The Ceiling’, with songs from Lionel Richie, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson Five, The Isley Brothers, Edwin Starr and many, many more. Let’s ‘Get Ready’…. to ‘Go Loco… Down in Acapulco’. The UK’s Number one Motown production is guaranteed to have you dancing ‘All Night Long’.
“Voted Best Duo and the Best Original Song” 2010 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Main House Evening 7.45pm £23
Main House Evening 7.30pm £24/£20 (conc) nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk
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DANCE FRI 8 JAN 2016
The Beautiful Game
The Beautiful Game is a celebration of all things football, investigating our nation’s ongoing love affair with the only game that matters. Using a backdrop of famous commentary, catchy songs and personal stories, Next Door Dance delves directly into the heart of football and explores why it truly is the people’s game. Performed by four witty, charismatic and highly physical females, The Beautiful Game will take
audience members on a journey of joy and nostalgia. nEVILLE STUDIO
Evening 7.30pm £5
SAT 30 JAN 2016
FUTURE STARZ
A Performance Productions showcase featuring tomorrow’s future stars! Young performers from dance schools in and around the East Midlands showcase their talents in this spectacular showcase. A variety of unique choreography from different teachers and choreographers is brought together for these future stars to perform in an entertaining show. The production
also features guest performances from professional performers.
Main House Evening 7.30pm £18
SAT 5 Mar 2016
Katie Wright School of Dance Made in Britain
Students from age 3 upwards will perform Classical Ballet, Modern, Tap, Lyrical and Musical Theatre in an evening of entertainment, celebrating the best of Britain. 30
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Main House Evening 7.30pm £13
SCHOOLS MASSIVE
Nottingham Playhouse presents
In the spring of 2016, and for the first time in the theatre’s history, Nottingham Playhouse will be working alongside ten local schools (Primary, Secondary and Special) to create an exciting hour-long version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Between 30 and 60 children from each school will have a segment to perform, and alongside teachers and the Playhouse, we will mentor and assist in this daring and ambitious production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream..
Images from Nottingham Playhouse’s Youth Theatre production of Enron nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk
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PARTICIPATION Nottingham Playhouse
Little Playhouse
(2- 4 Years) and parents
Themed sessions which have a storytelling component, a messy play part, a few physical warm-ups. Cost is £5 per session with a free tea or coffee in CAST afterwards. Starts 14 Sep 2015 but will continue until 14 Dec 2015 (No session 26 Oct).
Bigger Little Playhouse (5 – 8 Years)
The children work towards a small sharing of their work each term. The sessions give children an introduction to theatre, covering short drama games and exercises and exploring themes, such as circus skills and physical theatre. 14 Sep 2015 - 23 Nov 2015 (No sessions w/c 26 Oct). Cost £50 for 10 sessions
Youth Theatre
Our weekly youth theatre explores working with text, devised performance and improvisation, as well as other drama and theatre skills and practices. There is usually a small sharing at the end of each term for family and friends. In Summer 2016, our young people have the chance to take part in their own Main Stage production. 9 – 11 years, Wed eves, 4.30 – 6pm 16 Sep – 25 Nov 2015, £55 (10 Sessions) 11 – 13 years, Thu eves, 4.30 – 6pm 17 Sep – 26 Nov 2015, £55 (10 Sessions) 14 – 16 years, Tue eves, 4.30 -6.30pm 15 Sep – 24 Nov 2015, £60 (10 Sessions)
GOLDEN AGE
For people over 60, offering the chance to take a variety of short, creative courses. Every Wednesday, 11am12.30pm and 1.30pm - 3pm.
Encore
For the over 50s who want to engage with the theatre more closely and is supported by experienced art practitioners and industry professionals. Runs on the second Tuesday of each month, free tea and coffee provided. £6 per session or £50 for all 10 sessions
Critics’ Circle
Critics’ Circle gives young people aged 14 and above the opportunity to attend Press Nights and review Nottingham Playhouse Theatre Company productions. Membership is free. Please contact us for more details.
Ensemble
The autumn term focuses on building drama skills through text, improvisation and physical theatre. Ensemble will take place every Wednesday from 16 Sep – 25 Nov 2015 (No session on 26 Oct). Under 18s: £60 per term; Family offer: Two places for £120 (must be living at the same address).
EXPLORE ENJOY CREATE IMAGINE LEARN
Book now by calling 0115 941 9419 or for more information on any of these groups contact Rachel Bates on 0115 873 6234 or email rachelb@nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk 32
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OUR WORK WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES Nottingham Playhouse is very proud to work with a range of enlightened local businesses, whose support for the theatre is incredibly important. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to:
NOTTINGHAM
Nottingham Playhouse provides businesses with creative and cost-effective ways to market their brands and promote their products and services. We give companies access to effortless entertainment, excellent networking opportunities and a unique insight into the brilliant theatre that is made right here in Nottingham. Partnerships with Nottingham Playhouse are also about investing in the local community and supporting the culture of the city and the county – our participation and community programmes reach thousands of people of all ages in Nottingham and the East Midlands every year. Tailor-made sponsorship packages are available for all businesses and budgets. To find out more, contact Hannah Payne, Fundraising & Development Officer on 0115 873 6244 or by emailing hannahp@nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk.
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BOX OFFICE Phone 0115 941 9419 Online www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk Email enquiry@nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk Post
Nottingham Playhouse, Wellington Circus Nottingham NG1 5AF
Groups save 20% | TEACHERS GO FREE | TICKETS FROM ÂŁ7
Opening Times
Opening Hours 10am – 8pm
Two hours before the show on Sundays and Bank Holidays. Box Office is sponsored by
Please visit www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk or call the Box Office for more information. Exchanges and refunds For bookings of less than ten tickets, customers may request a refund on tickets that they can no longer use by returning the tickets to us, no later than the day before the first performance of a Nottingham Playhouse Theatre Company main-stage production. This does not apply to shows not on the main-stage, visiting work or guest hires when tickets are non-refundable unless in the event of cancellation. For Groups and School bookings there are no full refunds available however we understand your class or group size may change; after payment you will be able to change your booking by 10%, up to one week before the start of the run, and receive a full refund on the returned tickets. If you need to discuss an exchange of date please also contact the Box Office. Please see website for full terms and conditions. Nottingham Playhouse does not charge you anything in addition to the face value of tickets advertised in this brochure or on our website. An optional postage charge of 75p is made on tickets that customers wish to have sent to their home address. As part of our audience development programme we reserve the right to introduce and withdraw ticket discounts and special offers at any time.
how to find us
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SEATING PLAN To book optimal seating for access performances call the Box Office on 0115 941 9419 or email access@ nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk
We have eight wheelchair spaces available in the Stalls. These can be booked through the Box Office.
Tickets for Audiodescribed, Sign Language Interpreted and Captioned Performances can be purchased for half price by patrons requiring these services (max. 2 tickets per person).
Assistance Dogs are always welcome. Please advise the Box Office when booking.
For those with partial hearing loss, Sennheiser Infrared Enhanced Hearing headsets are available. Please reserve your headset with the Box Office.
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CONSPIRE TO SEE THEM ALL – FOR LESS JOIN BACKSTAGE PASS AND SAVE UP TO 50% ON NOTTINGHAM PLAYHOUSE SHOWS Enjoy guaranteed savings on every Nottingham Playhouse Theatre Company mainstage show: 50% on early performances 20% for the rest of the run Backstage Pass membership at £35 a year gives you ticket discounts for two people. At £45, Friends & Family membership brings discounts for up to six. And the more shows you see, the more the savings mount.
Members save even more with a CONSPIRACY PASS. Book all four plays in the Conspiracy Season for £75 – whatever nights you choose. Ask Box Office for details. Backstage Pass also brings: Two free tickets for a preview performance SCOUNTED SEATS for selected performances by visiting DI companies and in the Neville Studio. EXTRA SAVINGS, NEWSLETTERS and MEMBERS’ EVENTS BACKSTAGE PASS also makes a great gift, at Christmas or any time. Join today at www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk or call 0115 941 9419. Photography: David Baird
Coming Soon
THE LEGENDARY COMEDY FROM MICHAEL FRAYN
Sat 9 - Sat 30 April 2016 Riotous, raucous, hilarious, tears-rollingdown-the-face, can't-breathe-it's-so-funny, ridiculous, perfectly glorious comedy bliss. BOOK THE BEST SEATS FIRST
Noises Off is on sale exclusively to Backstage Pass members until Mon 17 Aug - you can save up to 50%! Look just over to your left to find out more...
August FRI 28 Alasdair Roberts September TUE 8 Phoenix Rising WED 9 1984 Phoenix Rising THU 10 1984 Phoenix Rising FRI 11 1984 Phoenix Rising SAT 12 1984 Phoenix Rising MON 14 1984 TUE 15 1984 WED 16 1984 THU 17 1984 FRI 18 1984 SAT 19 1984 Most Promising Playwright TUE 22 1984 WED 23 1984 THU 24 1984 FRI 25 1984 TWO SAT 26 1984
OCTOBER FRI 2 The Rubenstein Kiss SAT 3 The Rubenstein Kiss MON 5 The Rubenstein Kiss TUE 6 The Rubenstein Kiss WED 7 The Rubenstein Kiss THU 8 The Rubenstein Kiss The Ugly Duckling FRI 9 The Rubenstein Kiss The Ugly Duckling SAT 10 The Rubenstein Kiss SUN 11 MON 12 TUE 13 WED 14
The Ugly Duckling Josh Widdicombe Jeanette Winterson The Rubenstein Kiss The Rubenstein Kiss
THU 15 The Rubenstein Kiss The Party’s Over
8pm 8pm 7:45pm 8pm 7:45pm 1:30pm & 8pm 7pm 8pm 7:45pm 2pm & 8pm 7:45pm 7:45pm 7:45pm 1:30pm & 7:45pm 7:45pm 2:30pm 7:45pm 7pm 7:45pm 7:45pm 1:30pm 7:45pm 7:45pm 2:30pm & 8pm 7:45pm 7:45pm 7:45pm 7:45pm 7pm 7:45pm 7:45pm 7pm 7:45pm 2pm & 7pm 2:30pm 7:45pm 2pm 7:30pm 7:45pm 7:45pm 7:45pm 1:30pm 7:45pm 8pm
FRI 16 The Rubenstein Kiss Ishi Khan-Jackson SAT 17 The Rubenstein Kiss Hardeep Singh Kohli SUN 18 Nina Conti MON 19 Simon Schama TUE 20 Georgie Fame All The Little Lights WED 21 Festival of the Spoken Nerd All The Little Lights THU 22 Andy Hamilton All The Little Lights FRI 23 Show of Hands with Miranda Sykes The Empty Frame SAT 24 Sir Roger Moore FRI 30 The Duchess of Malfi SAT 31 The Duchess of Malfi
NOVEMBER MON 2 The Duchess of Malfi TUE 3 The Duchess of Malfi WED 4 The Duchess of Malfi THU 5 The Duchess of Malfi FRI 6 The Duchess of Malfi SAT 7 The Duchess of Malfi MON 9 TUE 10 WED 11 THU 12
Richard Dawkins The Duchess of Malfi The Duchess of Malfi The Duchess of Malfi
FRI 13 SAT 14 SUN 15 MON 16 TUE 17 WED 18 THU 19 FRI 20 SAT 21 FRI 27 SAT 28
The Duchess of Malfi The Duchess of Malfi Lee Nelson Beryl Beryl Beryl Dave Gorman Henning Wehn Pam Ann Dick Whittington Dick Whittington
MON 30 Dick Whittington DECEMBER TUE 1 Dick Whittington WED 2 Dick Whittington THU 3 Dick Whittington FRI 4 Dick Whittington
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT NOTTINGHAMPLAYHOUSE.CO.UK
7:45pm 8pm 7:45pm 8pm 7:30pm 7:45pm 7:45pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 7:45pm 8pm 7:30pm 7:30pm 7:30pm 7:30pm 7pm 7:30pm 1:30pm & 7:30pm 7:30pm 2:30pm 7:30pm 7:45pm 7:30pm 7:30pm 1:30pm 7:30pm 7:30pm 7:30pm 7:30pm 7:45pm 7:45pm 1:30pm & 7:45pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 7:30pm 2:30pm & 7:30pm 2:30pm 2:30pm & 7:30pm 2:30pm & 7:30pm 2:30pm & 7:30pm 1pm & 5:30pm
SAT 5 Dick Whittington MON 7 Dick Whittington TUE 8 Dick Whittington WED 9 Dick Whittington Hare & Tortoise THU 10 Dick Whittington FRI 11
Hare & Tortoise Dick Whittington
Hare & Tortoise SAT 12 Dick Whittington Hare & Tortoise MON 14 Dick Whittington Hare & Tortoise TUE 15 Dick Whittington Hare & Tortoise WED 16 Dick Whittington Hare & Tortoise THU 17 Dick Whittington Hare & Tortoise FRI 18 Dick Whittington Hare & Tortoise SAT 19 Dick Whittington Hare & Tortoise MON 21 Dick Whittington Hare & Tortoise TUE 22 Dick Whittington Hare & Tortoise WED 23 Dick Whittington Hare & Tortoise THU 24 Dick Whittington Hare & Tortoise SAT 26 Dick Whittington Hare & Tortoise MON 28 Dick Whittington Hare & Tortoise TUE 29 Dick Whittington Hare & Tortoise WED 30 Dick Whittington Hare & Tortoise THU 31 Dick Whittington Hare & Tortoise JANUARY SAT 2 Dick Whittington Hare & Tortoise TUE 5 Dick Whittington WED 6 Dick Whittington
2:30pm & 7:30pm 2:30pm & 7:30pm 2:30pm 7:30pm 2:30pm 7:30pm 10:30am 2:30pm 7:30pm 1pm 1pm 5:30pm 10:30am 2:30pm 7:30pm 10:30am & 1pm 2:30pm & 7:30pm 1pm 2:30pm & 7:30pm 1pm 2:30pm 7:30pm 1pm 2:30pm & 7:30pm 1pm 1pm & 5:30pm 10:30am 2:30pm & 7:30pm 10:30am & 1pm 2:30pm & 7:30pm 10:30am & 1pm 2:30pm & 7:30pm 10:30am & 1pm 2:30pm & 7:30pm 10:30am & 1pm 2:30pm & 7:30pm 10:30am & 1pm 2:30pm & 7:30pm 1pm & 3:30pm 2:30pm & 7:30pm 10:30am & 1pm 2:30pm & 7:30pm 10:30am & 1pm 2:30pm & 7:30pm 10:30am & 1pm 2:30pm & 7:30pm 10:30am & 1pm
THU 7 FRI 8
Dick Whittington Dick Whittington The Beautiful Game SAT 9 Dick Whittington SUN 10 Dick Whittington TUE 12 Dick Whittington WED 13 THU 14 FRI 15 SAT 16 FRI 22 THU 28
Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Motown’s Greatest Hits Reduced Shakespeare Company SAT 30 Future Starz FEBRUARY FRI 5 Any Means Necessary SAT 6 Any Means Necessary MON 8 Any Means Necessary TUE 9 Any Means Necessary WED 10 Any Means Necessary THU 11 Any Means Necessary FRI 12 Any Means Necessary SAT 13 Any Means Necessary TUE 16 WED 17 THU 18
1:30pm & 7:30pm 5:30pm 7:30pm 1pm & 5:30pm 2:30pm 1:30pm 7:30pm 2:30pm & 7:30pm 2:30pm & 7:30pm 7:30pm 2:30pm & 7:30pm 7:30pm 7:45pm 7:30pm
7:45pm 7:45pm 7:45pm 7pm 7:45pm 7:45pm 7:45pm 2:30pm 7:45pm Any Means Necessary 7:45pm Any Means Necessary 7:45pm Any Means Necessary 1:30pm 7:45pm Any Means Necessary 7:45pm Any Means Necessary 7:45pm Anne Reid: I Love to Sing 7:45pm
FRI 19 SAT 20 THU 25 MARCH SAT 5 Katie Wright School of Dance APRIL SAT 2 Jay Rayner
7:30pm
7:45pm
Neville studio performances Audio Described British Sign Language interpreted captioned RelaXed Performance Post-show discussion
2:30pm & 7:30pm 10:30am & 1pm 2:30pm & 7:30pm 2:30pm & 7:30pm
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT NOTTINGHAMPLAYHOUSE.CO.UK
NottmPlayhouse NottinghamPlayhouse
BOX OFFICE 0115 941 9419 NOTTINGHAMPLAYHOUSE.CO.UK