Belgrade Theatre Autumn / Winter 2011 - 12

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What’s On Guide Autumn / Winter 2011 – 2012

Welcome...

The TheBelgrade BelgradeTheatre Theatrepresents presents

Welcome to our new brochure for Autumn / Winter 2011 – 2012. We really hope you enjoy the range of shows we have on offer this season.

We’re also delighted to announce that we have a brand new website and booking system, so finding information and buying tickets online has never been easier. We’ve also made it cheaper to book online so be sure to visit the new site at www.belgrade.co.uk to bag the best bargains.

By William Ivory

You’ll notice some QR (Quick Response) codes in the brochure, including one in the Belgrade logo on the front cover. They look like this and when they’re scanned by your smart phone they will take you directly to specific pages on our new website. You can download free QR readers online or from your phone’s app store.

Our new website is the hub for all Belgrade information but we also regularly put video clips, photographs, special competitions and all kinds of interesting information elsewhere online. We’d really love to hear from you, so come and join the 1,000s of people who engage with us online via sites such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr and Vimeo – not to mention the Belgrade website and our individual show blogs.

FO LL OW US ON TWITTER

Written by William Ivory. Directed by Matt Aston.

Preview tickets only

Sat 10 Sept – Sat 1 Oct To help you get the most out of your visit to the Belgrade here are some handy booking tips: • Avoid queuing at Box Office or on the phone by booking online.

It’s cheaper, really easy to do and you can choose your own seats.

• Book for two or more shows in our multi-purchase offer at the same off the total cost of your tickets. time and save • Tickets for first nights, previews and weekday matinees are often available at a discounted rate so go for these options to get the best value. These tickets do sell quickly though so book early to get the seats you want.

Bomber’s Moon is a critically acclaimed new play about hidden memories, dark secrets and the nature of faith.

£8.25

Former RAF gunner Jimmy and his new care assistant, David, have both been through the wars - and both have the scars to prove it. Whilst Jimmy is facing his final battle, against old age and infirmity, David is desperate to build a new future and lay his past to rest.

“…it’s a masterpiece.” The Stage As Jimmy’s memory increasingly snaps him back to the adrenaline-fuelled terror of his WWII bombing raids, and David’s new found faith is tested to breaking point, both men fight for a lasting peace that’s not easily won. This bittersweet tour-de-force, full of gritty realism and jet black humour, will be the first Belgrade production of the new autumn season.

• You can enjoy the show from every seat in the Main Stage but remember the front row of the stalls and the boxes don’t always offer the best view.

Written by William Ivory, whose recent successes include the screenplay for the film Made in Dagenham and his TV adaptation of D. H. Lawrence’s Women in Love.

• There’s limited capacity in the B2 auditorium so book early if you want a seat in the stalls.

Evenings: 8pm, except Tues 13, 7pm Matinees: Sats 17, 24 Sept & 1 Oct, Weds 28 Sept, 2.45pm Previews: Sat 10 & Mon 12 Sept – All tickets £8.25 Post Show Discussion: Thurs 22 Sept Join us for a free post show discussion with director Matt Aston and the cast.

• Over 18 and Under 26? Limited tickets to selected shows are FREE. Look out for the logo and check our website for details and remaining availability. Bookable from 1.8.11.

• If you have any access requirements, look out for these icons throughout the brochure: Captioned

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Audio Described

Signed

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Age recommendation: 14+ (contains very strong language from the start)

Fri 23 Sept, 8pm

Tickets: £8.25 – £14.50 Concessions: £8.25 – £12.50 NEW

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Charles Ross single-handedly plays all the characters, sings the music, flies the ships, fights the battles and condenses the plots of the original Star Wars™ Trilogy into just sixty minutes! Whether you’re a Star Wars fan or not, make sure you don’t miss it!

One Man Star Wars™ Trilogy performed with permission of Lucasfilm Ltd. All ‘Star Wars’ elements property of Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved.

Written & Performed by Charles Ross

Tues 20 Sept

Evening: 7.45pm

Tickets: £9.50 – £17.25 Concessions: £8.25 – £15.25 Nick Brooke Theatre Ltd presents

Julian Sands stars in

A Celebration of Harold Pinter Directed by John Malkovich

Fri 23 Sept With personal anecdotes and reflections drawn from their work together, Julian Sands combines Pinter’s poems and political prose to create a very fresh and intimate insight into the noble laureate’s literary legacy. There will also be an opportunity to ask Julian Sands questions towards the end of the show.

“Courageous, moving, and very funny. A totally unexpected and delightful evening.” Eric Idle “Ravishingly romantic.” Annette Bening “Julian Sands does wonders for Harold Pinter’s poetry by reading them as if they were plays... the result is a revelation.” David Hare Evening: 7.45pm

Tickets: £16.25 – £22.50 Concessions: £14.25 – £20.50 John Mackay and David Johnson present

FaScinating

Aida

The Cheap Flights Tour

“Hilarious.”

Daily Telegraph

Sat 24 Sept 4

Three times Olivier Award nominated and now a global internet sensation, Fascinating Aida are still Britain’s best comedy cabaret trio. This brilliant new show features several numbers hot off the press, plus a few old favourites including their infamous anthem to budget travel, Cheap Flights.

Evening: 7.45pm

Tickets: £16.25 – £22.50 Concessions: £14.25 – £20.50

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Mon 12 – Sat 17 Sept “A beautiful work of art that everybody should see.” The Times In 1934, a group of Ashington miners hired a professor to teach an art appreciation evening class. Rapidly abandoning theory in favour of practice, the pitmen began to paint. Within a few years the most avant-garde artists became their friends and their work was acquired by prestigious collections; but every day they worked, as before, down the mine.

Originally produced by Newcastle’s acclaimed Live Theatre, and following sell-out seasons at the National Theatre and on Broadway, Bill Kenwright presents the award-winning play The Pitmen Painters. Written by Lee Hall, creator of the worldwide sensation Billy Elliot, The Pitmen Painters has received huge critical acclaim and won the Evening Standard award for Best New Play.

“A wonderful piece of theatre: comic, sad and stirring in the same breath.” Financial Times Examining the lives of a group of ordinary men that do extraordinary things, The Pitmen Painters is a humorous, deeply moving and timely look at art, class and politics.

Evenings: 7.45pm Matinees: Weds 14 & Sat 17 Sept, 2.30pm Fri 16 Sept, 7.45pm

Sat 17 Sept, 2.30pm

Tickets: £15.25 – £28.75 Concessions: £10.25 – £26.75 Schools: £8.25

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Featuring Clive John as the ‘Man in Black’ performing all his classic hits, including Ring of Fire, I Walk the Line, Hurt plus many more. Supported by Jill Schoonjans, the best June Carter in the business, this is one show you must not miss.

“...the voice is uncannily similar.”

Irish World

Weds 21 Sept

Bill Kenwright presents

Evening: 7.45pm

Tickets: £16.25 – £22.50 Concessions: £14.25 – £20.50

Brian Walker and Malcolm Stent present

John Stokes Bachelors

Vince Hill

Thurs 6 Oct & Thurs 3 Nov Coventry’s finest variety show, with live music and a star variety line up: Thurs 6 Oct – The John Stokes Bachelors, supported by the Martyn St. James Orchestra, will perform hits including Wonderful One, Charmaine, I Believe, Dianna, Marie and many more. Also featuring the tremendous Australian banjo player Shep Wooley.

Thurs 3 Nov – Join The Vince Hill Music and Variety Show, with backing by the Ken McCarthy Band and ‘Britains new Morecambe and Wise’ Sanders and Martin.

Afternoons: 1.30pm

Tickets: £11.50 (No further concessions or discounts) Pre-show Meal: £10 (Advance booking essential) Watch as the National Dance Company of Ireland produce breathtaking dance with the very best music and song of the Emerald Isle. Featuring beautiful costumes and stunning choreography, Rhythm of the Dance delivers the premier Irish dancing experience. With special guests – The 3 Irish Tenors. www.rhythmofthedance.com Evening: 7.45pm

Weds 12 Oct 6

Tickets: £16.25 – £22.50 Concessions: £14.25 – £20.50

Signatures Café Bar & Restaurant

Mon 26 Sept – Sat 1 Oct It’s Christmas at Belinda and Neville’s house, a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate the festivities... and celebrate they do! Take one frustrated wife, add a seductive stranger, two eccentric uncles and a mechanical monkey, and watch the hilarity unfold in Ayckbourn’s explosive festive treat.

“Riotously funny.”

The independent

Following a sell out season at the National Theatre, this hilarious brand new production stars Glynis Barber, Jenny Funnel, Ricky Groves (EastEnders), Denis Lill (The Royal) Mathew Bose and Christopher Timothy, and promises a great show full of flirtatious fun.

“One of Alan Ayckbourn’s finest works…”

The Daily Telegraph

Christmas will never feel the same again!

The Independent

Daily Mail

Daily Telegraph

Evenings: 7.45pm Matinees: Weds 28 Sept & Sat 1 Oct, 2.30pm Fri 30 Sept, 7.45pm

Sat 1 Oct, 2.30pm

Tickets: £15.25 – £28.75 Concessions: £10.25 – £26.75 Schools: £8.25

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T. Rextasy are officially recognised as the world’s number one group dedicated to the greatest glam rocker of them all, Marc Bolan of T. Rex. With a career spanning over 18 years, they are now regarded as beyond the boundaries of ‘tribute’, so whip out your platforms and Get It On! Evening: 7.45pm

Thurs 22 Sept

Tickets: £16.25 – £22.50 Concessions: £14.25 – £20.50

Bill Kenwright, by special arrangement with Agatha Christie Ltd Presents

SUSAN PENHALIGON ROBERT DUNCAN PETER BYRNE

ELIZABETH POWER MARK WYNTER

A UK-wide initiative in partnership with the National Theatre and the National Youth Theatre. Watch as four youthful half-hour productions of different plays by the great playwright himself, William Shakespeare, challenge the preconception that studying Shakespeare is difficult, dry or dull.

Evenings: 7pm

Thurs 6 & Fri 7 Oct

Tickets: £9.50 Concessions: All £7.50 Talon revisit that magical night in 2004 Melbourne, Australia, when the Eagles filmed the opening night of their epic Farewell 1 Tour. Relive that special night with all the classic hits, from Hotel California and Take It Easy, to Desperado and Life in the Fast Lane.

“Awesome.” The Sun Evening: 7.45pm

Tues 11 Oct

Tickets: £16.25 – £22.50 Concessions: £14.25 – £20.50 Get ready for the smash hit show from the States! Magic of Motown recreates the harmonies, slick moves, stylish looks and legendary musicianship that made Motown. This super-talented cast will perform hits from The Supremes, Temptations, Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Martha Reeves and more. www.easytheatres.com Evening: 7.45pm

Thurs 13 Oct 8

Tickets: £18.25 – £25.50 Concessions: £16.25 – £23.50

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Mon 3 – Sat 8 Oct Following the huge success of And Then There Were None, Spider’s Web, and most recently Witness For The Prosecution, the Agatha Christie Theatre Company is proud to present Verdict, the most riveting and compelling drama by the undisputed ‘Queen of Crime.’

Leading a superb cast is Susan Penhaligon (Emmerdale), Robert Duncan (Drop the Dead Donkey), Peter Byrne (Dixon of Dock Green), Elizabeth Power (EastEnders) and ‘60s pop idol Mark Wynter.

Having been forced to flee persecution in his home country, the brilliant and idealistic Professor Karl Hendryk leads a content and morally upstanding life.

His world is turned upside-down, however, when the prospect of life-saving treatment for his invalid wife persuades him to take on a new pupil, Helen, against his better judgement. A spoilt, conniving minx, Helen will stop at nothing to get her way. With murderous intentions afoot, it only remains to be seen what verdict will be delivered, and if justice will prevail.

AGATHA CHRISTIE® Copyright © 2010 Agatha Christie.

Limited (a Chorion company). All rights reserved.

Evenings: 7.45pm Matinees: Weds 5 & Sat 8 Oct, 2.30pm Fri 7 Oct, 7.45pm

Sat 8 Oct, 2.30pm

Tickets: £15.25 – £28.75 Concessions: £10.25 – £26.75 NEW

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Step back in time and join Europe’s premier 1980s experience with over 35 chart topping smash hits. See Adam Ant, Nena, Madonna, Duran Duran, Boy George, Cyndi Lauper, plus many more. Dig out your ‘80s fashions and prepare to party! www.80smaniashow.com Evening: 7.45pm

Tickets: £16.25 – £22.50 Concessions: £14.25 – £20.50

Fri 14 Oct

Eve Ensler’s hilarious West End smash hit is back, featuring a new all star cast including Tiana Benjamin (EastEnders), Louisa Lytton (EastEnders, The Bill) and Wendi Peters (Coronation Street, Celebrity MasterChef). This witty and moving collection of stories is an unmissable show for every generation - and the ultimate girls night out!

Evening: 7.45pm

Tickets: £16.25 – £22.50 Concessions: £14.25 – £20.50

Sat 15 Oct

Join Gary Brown, TV’s Most Haunted paranormal historian Richard Felix and medium Chris Conway for live experiments, including table tipping, lone vigils, Ouija boards and séances as Psychic and Science attempts to lift the lid on the unknown and establish a link between life and death.

Not suitable for under 15s.

Evening: 7.45pm

Tickets: £16.25 – £22.50 Concessions: £14.25 – £20.50

Weds 19 Oct The Belgrade Young Company present

Spring Awakening

By Franz Wedekind Translated by Julian and Margarete Forsyth By arrangement of Nick Hern Books

Fri 4 – Sat 12 Nov 10

The Belgrade’s Young Company presents its second production, Spring Awakening. This 19th Century German classic, about the consequences of the repression of teen sexuality, takes on a new resonance in today’s Coventry, and is performed by some of the city’s most promising young amateur actors.

Age recommendation: 12+ Evenings: 8pm Matinee: Sat 12 Nov, 2.30pm

Tickets: £8.25 Children: £4.75 Concessions: £5.25 Schools: £4

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Tues 18 – Sat 22 Oct The hugely entertaining children’s TV favourite, Numberjacks , comes live to the stage for the very first time. Join the TV superheroes as they leave the sofa and embark on their first live adventure – and help them solve problems as they go! But watch out for the dastardly Meanies, who will do all they can to get in the way.

TM

Numberjacks is one of the highest rated children’s TV shows and a winner of the Royal Television Society Award for Best Pre-school TV series three years in a row. This live show has all the fun, comedy, music and excitement from the TV show, plus lots more.

TM

Considered the ‘Most Educationally Beneficial’ children’s brand in a survey of MumsNet.com users, Numberjacks is a learning experience for every child so make their first theatrical experience a good one!

TM

Age recommendation: 2+

Tues 18 Oct: 4pm Weds 19, Thurs 20 & Fri 21 Oct: 10.30am & 1pm Sat 22 Oct: 10.30am, 1pm & 4pm Sat 22 Oct, 1pm

Tickets: £13.25 – £17.75 Children: £9 – £13.75 Concessions: £8.25 – £15.75 Family Tickets: £34 – £49

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A Paines Plough and Òran Mór Production

By Joe Graham

Shaun Williamson

Faye Tozer

Ian ‘H’ Watkins

Lyn Paul

Mon 31 Oct – Sat 5 Nov

Tues 25 Oct – Fri 11 Nov

Grab your Stetson and pull on your cowboy boots as the brand new feel good Country Music comedy hits Coventry this autumn.

After the success of last year, A Play, a Pie and a Pint returns to the Belgrade this autumn with three world premieres by some of the UK’s hottest playwrights - Young Osama by Leo Butler, Dig by Katie Douglas and You Cannot Go Forward From Where You Are Right Now by David Watson. All three plays will be directed by James Grieve and George Perrin.

It’s Monday night in Warbleswick as the All Star Line Dancing Club meet for their weekly class.

There’s a traitor in the ranks and mutiny on the horizon in this warm and funny tale of love, life and line dancing.

Featuring an all star cast led by Shaun Williamson (EastEnders, stage adaptation of Porridge) Faye Tozer (Steps, Tell Me on a Sunday) Ian H Watkins (Steps, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) and Lyn Paul (The New Seekers, Blood Brothers), this is lining up to be the must-see comedy of the season.

Come and Dance the Night Away as the stars sing along to many of the classic country hits we know and love including: Redneck Woman

Stand By Your Man

Rhinestone Cowboy

When You’re Hot You’re Hot

Blue Bayou

Annie’s Song

“A Play, a Pie and a Pint is a great theatrical innovation, and I’ll be back for more.”

Birmingham Post These hugely successful events will take place at 1pm and 6pm on Tuesdays to Thursdays and 1pm on Fridays, giving you the choice either to while away your lunchtime or unwind in the early evening, watching a brilliant 45 minute play with a tasty pie and refreshing pint to top it all off.

To accompany your pint, glass of wine or soft drink, there will be one meat and one vegetarian pie option from the following range of home-made Signatures pies* at each event. Choose from Steak & Ale; Ham, Leek & Mushroom; Vegetable Balti; Squash, Sweet Potato & Curried Lentil or Creamed Fish & Broccoli with a Potato Crust.

“...the perfect way to spend a lunch hour.” Coventry Telegraph

Crazy and many more.

Evenings: 7.45pm Matinees: Weds 2 & Sat 5 Nov, 2.30pm Fri 4 Nov, 7.45pm

Sat 5 Nov, 2.30pm

Tickets: £17.25 – £29.25 Concessions: £12.25 – £27.25 12

Signatures Café Bar & Restaurant

From Tues 1 – Fri 4 Nov, performances will take place in the Patrick Suite. All other show dates will take place in the B2 auditorium. *Menu subject to change.

Tues 25 Oct – Fri 11 Nov: 1pm & 6pm (No 6pm performances on Fridays)

Tickets: £12 including a pie and a pint† (no concessions) †

Wine and soft drink are also available.

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Photograph of Spring 2011 cast.

Direct from London’s West End

Tantalising yet tasteful, elegant showgirls combine Parisian charm with Las Vegas glamour. Comedy, magic and vocal harmony collide with couture costumes, superb choreography and a fabulous score. Join this playful journey, from Burlesque’s music hall roots to modern day. www.easytheatres.com Evening: 7.45pm

Tickets: £16.25 – £22.50 Concessions: £14.25 – £20.50

Tues 8 Nov

Rockin’ On Heaven’s Door sends shivers down the spine with spookily convincing portrayals of musical giants Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, Eddie Cochran and Jerry Lee Lewis. Backed by a superb five-piece band, this show delivers the feel-good factor from start to finish.

Evening: 7.45pm

Weds 9 Nov

Tickets: £16.25 – £22.50 Concessions: £14.25 – £20.50

R.C. Sherriff’s multi-award winning masterpiece

“Outstanding. An eloquent celebration of heroism.”

Mail on Sunday

Mon 24 – Sat 29 Oct “Sublime.”

“Utterly absorbing.”

The Independent

Sunday Express

Direct from the Duke of York’s theatre, London, David Grindley’s international multi-award winning production of R.C. Sherriff’s masterpiece Journey’s End is a must-see of British theatre.

Fri 11 & Sat 12 Nov

Set in St Quentin in 1917, eighteen-year-old 2nd Lieutenant Raleigh is the new arrival in the company commanded by his former schoolboy friend, Captain Stanhope. There’s only three years between them, but a lifetime of experience separates the pair as Raleigh discovers that the man in army greens is much changed from the boy he left behind in cricketing whites.

Following a sell-out run of Swan Lake earlier this year, the world-renowned Moscow Ballet – La Classique return to the Belgrade with their magical production of the much-loved Nutcracker.

Based on the author’s own experience in the trenches, this gripping tale about ordinary men in extraordinary circumstances celebrates humour and courage, and is a compelling insight into how, in the face of adversity, the human spirit will always triumph.

All is quiet in the great house. When Clara creeps downstairs, the Christmas tree stands alone and in the darkness through the curtains, the moonlight beams onto the colourful presents. But when the clock strikes midnight, heralding in the spirit of Christmas, something magical begins to stir in the darkness beyond.

Nutcracker is regarded as one of the jewels of classical ballet and represents a timeless tale of childhood dreams in a magical kingdom beyond imagination.

Evenings: 7.45pm Matinee: Sat 12 Nov, 2.30pm

Tickets: £16.25 – £22.50 Concessions: £14.25 – £20.50 (no concessions on Sat eve) 14

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“Unforgettable.”

“Profoundly moving.”

The Times

The Guardian

Evenings: 7.45pm Matinees: Weds 26 & Sat 29 Oct, 2.30pm Post-Show Discussion: Thurs 27 Oct Join us for a free post-show discussion with the cast.

Fri 28 Oct, 7.45pm

Sat 29 Oct, 2.30pm

Tickets: £15.25 – £28.75 Concessions: £10.25 – £26.75 Schools: £8.25 NEW

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15

T

Bill Kenwright and Laurie Mansfield in association with Universal Music present

he B el gr ad e T he at re pr es en ts

Book by Laurence Marks & Maurice Gran

“Sublime. I loved this summer-time saga of teenagers in love.”

The Mail on Sunday

Script, music and lyrics by Forbes Masson Directed by Michael Fentiman

The songs will live forever!

Mon 14 – Sat 19 Nov

Mon 12 – Sat 24 Dec

Emotions run high in 1961 as young musicians Norman and Bobby compete to win a national songwriting competition - and more importantly, the attention of the gorgeous Sue. But when Bobby discovers that shy Laura is no slouch on the piano, love and rock ‘n’ roll fame beckons.

Your Christmas Needs Crackers!

Inspired by three million best selling albums, the West End musical sensation Dreamboats and Petticoats features some of the greatest songs from the rock ‘n’ roll era.

Dreamboats and Petticoats has received national and critical acclaim since its debut in 2009 and continues to play to sell out audiences all over the country.

Dreamboats and Petticoats features classic tracks from Roy Orbison, The Shadows, Eddie Cochran and Billy Fury, including Let’s Dance, To Know Him is to Love Him, Shaking All Over, Bobby’s Girl, Three Steps to Heaven, Little Town Flirt, Only Sixteen, Runaround Sue, Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen, Let It Be Me, Great Pretender, C’mon Everybody, Let’s Twist Again and many more hits from music’s golden era.

This year’s B2 Xmas show is Crackers - a brand new, crazy Christmas comedy packed to the gunnels with live music and laughter.

Leonard’s life is a complete and utterly weird pantomime. Trapped behind the checkout at Myrrh’s Bazaar, a cut-price Christmas shop, he longs to escape, find true love and live his dreams.

But his boss, the astonishingly evil entrepreneur Archibald Myrrh, has other abominable plans...

As ever, the B2 Xmas show has been created especially for grown-ups so it’s perfect for office parties or anyone who wants to enjoy a Christmas night out away from the kids. And as it only lasts around an hour, it leaves you plenty of time to complete your evening with a few celebratory drinks at the bar or a festive feast in our first floor restaurant.

Festive fun for grown-ups.

Preview tickets only

£ 8.25

Evenings: 7.45pm Matinees: Weds 16 & Sat 19 Nov, 2.30pm Fri 18 Nov, 7.45pm

Sat 19 Nov, 2.30pm

Tickets: £20.50 – £30.25 Concessions: £15.50 – £28.25 16

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Evenings: Mon 12 – Thurs 15 Dec, 8pm Fri 16 – Sat 24 Dec, 9pm Previews: Mon 12 & Tues 13 Dec – All tickets £8.25

Tickets: £8.25 – £14.50 Concessions: £8.25 – £12.50

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The Belgrade Theatre in association with Imagine Theatre present the festive panto extravaganza

Performance November Tues 29 Wed 30 December Thurs 1 Fri 2 Sat 3 Tues 6 Weds 7 Thurs 8 Fri 9 Sat 10 Sun 11 Mon 12 Tues 13 Weds 14 Fri 16 Sat 17 Sun 18 Tues 20 Weds 21 Thurs 22 Fri 23 Sat 24 Mon 26 Tues 27 Weds 28 Thurs 29 Fri 30 Sat 31 January 2012 Weds 4 Thurs 5 Fri 6 Sat 7

By Iain Lauchlan and Will Brenton

“ If only all pantos were this good!”

Coventry Telegraph on last year’s panto

Tues 29 Nov 2011 – Sat 7 Jan 2012 This year’s Belgrade panto, promises unbeatable fairytale fun, magical enchantment and eggs-cruciating jokes and japes by the dozen. Coventry’s favourite Dame, Andy Hockley, will star as Mother Goose in his 16th Belgrade panto!

Join Mother Goose and her two sons Jack and Archie as they battle the wicked schemes of Squire Spartikus Skinflint and the villainous Demon King.

Travel with them on a spectacular journey from magic pools to strange enchanted worlds, awash with hidden dangers. Will Mother Goose resist the alluring charms of the Demon King on his quest to regain power over the village of Middle Widdle-on-the-Tiddle?

Mother Goose boasts one of the oldest traditions of all the pantomime stories – bringing the gift of theatrical Christmas magic to families across Britain for over 200 years.

The Belgrade’s legendary pantomime is an essential part of Christmas celebrations for families young and old, right across the region. Famed for its lavish set designs, stunning costumes and sparkling performances, this fun-filled festive show is always good value and guaranteed great fun!

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Christmas Menu available at Signatures

“ It’s definitely one of the best shows I’ve ever seen.”

Coventry Times on last year’s panto

Times 7pm 10.15am 10.15am 2pm 10.15am 10.15am 10.15am 10.15am TT – 11.30am 2pm AD 4pm 10.15am 10.15am 10.15am

SLIP Sign Language Interpreted Performance I Integrated Signed Performance C Captioned Performance AD Audio Described TT Touch Tour

2pm 1.30pm 2pm SLIP 2pm AD 2pm* 2pm* 2pm* 2pm* 2pm* 2pm* 2pm 2pm 2pm

2pm I 2pm

7pm 7pm 7pm

7pm 7pm 7pm

7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 5.30pm 7pm C 7pm 7pm 7pm* 7pm* 7pm 7pm 7pm C 7pm

7pm I 7pm 7pm 7pm

* No Family Ticket available on this performance.

All Red Performances £13.25 All Green Performances £16.25 – £19.75 All Blue Performances £18.50 – £21.75 All purple performances are schools only.

Tickets: £13.25 – £21.75 Concessions: £9.75 – £18.75 Family: £35 (red dates), £44 and £55 (green dates), £51 and £61 (blue dates) Family tickets are for 2 adults

and 2 concessions, one of which must be a child.

For even better value, earlybird prices are available online until 31 August 2011. Check website for details.

Schools: £8.95 per pupil (£9.25 after 30 Sept 2011) (purple dates). Plus one teacher free for every 10 pupils.

Groups: One free ticket for every 10 booked (booking must be made via Box Office) Lap seat: £3.50 (for under 2s)

See page 22 for discounts

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A breathtaking fusion of daring acrobatics and dazzling circus skills, the incredible Yin Yang features the Shaolin Warriors, who were a sell-out success at the Belgrade in 2011.

Evenings: 7.45pm Matinee: Thurs 2 Feb, 2.30pm

“ A show of daunting athleticism.”

The Observer

Weds 1 & Thurs 2 Feb 2012

Tickets: £16.25 – £21.25 Concessions: £14.25 – £19.25 Family Tickets: £45 – £67 Schools: £10 (Thurs matinee only)

Starring

BEST NEW WEST END MUSICAL 2010 Preview tickets only

What’s on Stage Nomination

Sat 28 Jan – Sat 18 Feb 2012

£8.25

Mon 20 – Sat 25 Feb 2012 THE EASTEND FUNFAIR MUSICAL DIRECT FROM THE WEST END Roll on up, see the main attraction, let’s take a ride...

David Essex and Boogie Nights creator Jon Conway invite you to All the Fun of the Fair, a rollercoaster ride of a musical, featuring hits including A Winter’s Tale, Gonna Make You a Star, Silver Dream Machine and Rock On. Inspired by his album All the Fun of the Fair, David Essex plays funfair owner Levi Lee, recently widowed and father of a rebellious teenage son. Like father like son, they’ll take you for a ride. But danger and mysticism lurk in the future, as predicted by the gypsy fortune teller who is in love with Levi.

This moving story with a heartbreaking twist, reaches out to every parent and anyone who has ever been torn in love.

There are dodgems and motorbikes, fairground horses and fights, romance and rock ‘n’ roll – you’re sure to go on a rollercoaster of a ride with All the Fun of the Fair.

Evenings: 7.45pm Matinees: Weds 22 & Sat 25 Feb, 2.30pm Fri 24 Feb, 7.45pm

Sat 25 Feb, 2.30pm

Tickets: £20.50 – £30.25 Concessions: £15.50 – £28.25 20

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“At that moment I realised that for eight years I’d been living with a stranger, and I’d had three children with him.”

Everything’s perfect in Nora’s world. She has beautiful children, an elegant house and her loving husband has just won a big promotion at work. But Nora’s perfect world is held together by a secret, and when that secret is out the whole thing will come crashing down.

Nora is the celebrated director and writer Ingmar Bergman’s acclaimed adaptation of Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, one of the best-loved dramas in literature.

A Doll’s House caused huge controversy when it was first performed in 1879, and the story remains an astonishingly significant comment on the role of women in society.

In 2008 the Belgrade scored an enormous hit with another Ingmar Bergman play, Scenes From A Marriage, directed by Trevor Nunn.

Evenings: 8pm, except Tues 31 Jan, 7pm Matinees: Sats 4, 11 & 18 Feb, & Weds 15 Feb, 2.45pm Previews: Sat 28 & Mon 30 Jan – All tickets £8.25 Post-Show Discussion: Thurs 16 Feb Join us for a free post-show discussion with the director Patricia Benecke.

Sat 11 Feb, 2.45pm

Thurs 16 Feb, 8pm

Produced by permission of the Continuum International Publishing Group Inc.

Ingmar Bergman’s spellbinding adaptation of A Doll’s House, directed by Patricia Benecke.

Tickets: £8.25 – £14.50 Concessions: £8.25 – £12.50 Schools: £6.70 NEW

www.belgrade.co.uk

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Support the Belgrade Theatre

Events & Conferencing

As a Registered Charity (number 219163), the Belgrade Theatre is committed to using the performing arts to offer the people of Coventry and Warwickshire the very best entertaining, educational and thought-provoking productions, and to develop our creative professionals to ensure a successful future for the Arts.

Unlike other venues, we don’t just hire you a space to hold an event, we offer a complete event and conferencing package. We have lighting, sound and stage technicians, a set construction company, customer service professionals, a catering team and Box Office staff, all ready to make sure that your event goes as smoothly as possible. We understand how much work is involved in putting on a successful event and we want to make it as easy as possible for you.

You can support the Belgrade by: • Becoming a Friend of the Belgrade Theatre • Naming a Seat in either auditoria • Donating via the Play your Part campaign • Playing our Weather Lottery • Donating when booking tickets online, over the phone or in person For more information on how you can support the Belgrade visit www.belgrade.co.uk.

Alternatively contact our Development Department on 024 7684 6758 or email developmentadmin@ belgrade.co.uk.

Discounted Tickets We offer the following discounts on our tickets: Online: Nearly all our tickets are cheaper when booked online at www.belgrade.co.uk.

20% off multi-purchase offer: Get 20% off the total cost of your tickets when you book for two or more participating shows at the same time.

Groups: One free ticket for every ten booked. Group tickets must be made via the Box Office.

Schools tickets are available for certain performances. Check show information for details. Prices vary.

Student Discount is £2 and is available to anyone with a valid NUS card.

Young Person’s Discount is £2 and is available to anyone aged over 18 and under 26 years of age.

Over 18 and Under 26? Limited tickets to selected shows are FREE. Look out for the logo and check our website for details. Bookable from 1.8.11.

Over 60s: £2 off all tickets.

Passport to Leisure: £5 off Coventry Passport to Leisure and Passport One holders.

Unemployed: £5 off all tickets.

Disabled Patrons: Plus companion – £2 off all tickets.

For more information contact the Conferencing Team on 024 7684 6710 or email us at conferencing@belgrade.co.uk.

Directors’ Club The Directors’ Club is the Belgrade Theatre’s business membership scheme offering bespoke packages to businesses of all sizes. Whether it’s corporate hospitality, advertising to a wider range of people, or rewarding staff, the Belgrade Theatre has a package for you.

The Belgrade Theatre gratefully acknowledges the support of the following businesses:

Only one discount applies per ticket. These discounts apply except where a different rate is stated in the show details. Proof of eligibility is required for all discounts. There is a minimum discounted ticket price of £8.25. Only Disabled discounts are available on Saturday evenings. Tickets are non-refundable but exchanges can be made at £1.50 donation per ticket and subject to availability.

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Help us to reduce our paper output by joining our e-mailing list.

Please sign up online at www.belgrade.co.uk.

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Community & Education

Eat. Drink. Relax.

Building on its national reputation as the home of Theatre in Education (TiE), the Belgrade Theatre runs a year-round programme of drama-related activities for young people and the wider community.

Participants develop skills in devising, writing and acting and are supported to create and put on productions that reflect the experiences of young people and the local community, with a particular focus on marginalised groups.

The current programme includes five youth theatre groups; Acting Out, a two year work-related learning programme recognised nationally as a model of best practice; The New Black, a programme targeting the city’s newest arrivals; and a schools programme.

Open Doors The Belgrade Theatre will be running an Open Doors session for young people on Thursday 29 September, offering the opportunity to find out about employment in the theatre industry and take part in hands-on workshops and taster sessions.

Session: 9.30am – 2.30pm. Book at the Box Office or online.

Drama Classes for Young People Saturday Drama Classes, Autumn Term: Physical Theatre Classes will be led by an experienced drama practitioner. With the success of our spring and summer term workshop programme, the autumn term sees a focus on physical theatre - building young people’s confidence, creativity and physical awareness. No previous experience necessary.

Costs are £75 per young person (if booked online) per 10 week term (£80 if booked by phone or in person). Classes will be held in the Belgrade Theatre’s Weston Learning Space.

Class 1: 8 – 11 year olds, 10am – 11.15am Class 2: 12 – 15 year olds, 11.30am – 1pm Classes run from Sat 29 Sept – Sat 3 Dec

(Inclusive, with no class during October half term) Book at the Box Office or online. The whole term must be paid for at the time of booking.

Schools work and support for auditions is available on request.

Summer School Mon 1 – Fri 5 Aug, 10am - 4:30pm Ages: 8 – 15 Price: £130 per person or £120 per person if booked online.

There is a 25% discount available on second and subsequent tickets when two or more tickets are bought for the same family. Child care before and after is also available, charged at £15 – for more information or to book contact our Box Office team or go online.

For further information about our Community & Education shows and projects please visit www.belgrade.co.uk or contact the C&E 24 Company on 024 7684 6741 or communityadmin@belgrade.co.uk.

at the Belgrade C afé Bar & Restaurant

Whether you’re seeing a show or just dropping by, having a meal or enjoying a drink, Signatures at the Belgrade can offer the perfect atmosphere in which to relax and enjoy a high quality range of food and drink.

Signatures Restaurant Our first floor restaurant serves fine modern English food with a European twist, using seasonal and locally sourced produce wherever possible.

Perfect for pre-theatre dining, our delicious fixed price menu offers 2 courses for £16.95 or 3 courses for £19.95.

Come and celebrate your birthday, anniversary or any special occasion with us and try our new á la carte menu.

Business Meetings: You can host events for up to 70 people in our restaurant.

Restaurant Opening Times: The Restaurant reopens for bookings in September 2011.

(Please see our café for a delicious range of hot and cold dishes) On performance nights we open at 5pm with the last table to be seated by 8pm. Whether there’s a performance or not, we are open on Fridays and Saturdays from 5pm, with the last table to be seated by 9pm.

Signatures Café Our ground floor café bar is ideal for drinks with friends or for coffee and cake. We also offer a selection of light meals including homemade soup of the day, salads and panini.

Café Opening Times: 9am – 11pm* (performance nights) 9am – 5pm (non-performance nights) Breakfast at the Belgrade from 9am daily. Start your morning with a bacon sandwich or freshly brewed cup of coffee.

Please check the menu at www.belgrade.co.uk to see the wide range of choices available.

Signatures at the Belgrade 024 7684 6762 www.belgrade.co.uk *subject to change

Signatures Café Bar & Restaurant BOOK YOUR TABLE 024 7684 6762

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Access

How to Book

For full details of our Access information please see our document Access For All, which is available online or from Box Office.

Online: www.belgrade.co.uk Box Office: 024 7655 3055 Email: boxoffice@belgrade.co.uk

Audio Described Performance Many of our productions are audio described.

Headsets for the description may be reserved at time of booking.

Captioned Performance Captions convert the spoken word into visible text and are produced by a display unit installed on or near the stage and are delivered by an accredited captioner.

Wheelchair Access In the Main Stage, we have up to six seats in Box E which are available for wheelchair users. In B2, there is space for six wheelchair users - four on the ground floor and one on each balcony.

Many of our productions are Sign Language Interpreted. Please ask about Hearing and Guide Dog spaces when booking.

Lift Access All public areas are accessible by lifts, which can be found next to the café bar for the main stage, and near the B2 bottle bar opposite Box Office for B2.

An infra-red hearing system is installed in both theatres. Receivers (for use with hearing aids), and headsets (no hearing aid necessary), are available at Box Office and may be reserved at the time of booking.

A drop-off point for people with limited mobility is available via Upper Well Street at the top of Belgrade Square. The point is marked by stainless steel bollards and is approx 20m from the B2 entrance. Parking is not permitted at this point.

Accessible toilets are available on main levels.

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This information is continually reviewed.

PleaseBOOK check NOW the website updates.

– no for booking fees

Visit Save £s our new b ooking website online

Book online at our brand new website - www.belgrade.co.uk. Tickets are cheaper to buy online and you can choose your own seat.

You can book via the Box Office in person or by phone on 024 7655 3055.

It is open Monday to Saturday from 10am, with phone lines open from 10.30am, closing 15 minutes after the last show has started, or 5.30pm when there are no evening performances.

Reservations are held for three days or until 30 minutes before the performance, whichever is sooner. We reserve the right to alter discounts and prices at any time and to refuse admission.

How to Find Us Belgrade Theatre, Belgrade Square, Coventry CV1 1GS We’re right in the centre of Coventry off Corporation Street, within walking distance of the bus (10 minutes) and train stations (15 minutes).

Parking is available next to the theatre in Belgrade Plaza car park, which can be accessed directly from Junction 9 of the ring road.

For Sat Navs enter CV1 4AJ. Evening parking between 6.30pm and midnight costs £2.

Heritage Open Day Saturday 10 September, 10am – 5pm Tours, panto themed workshops, events and lots more. Bring the family and find out more about the theatre. Check online www.belgrade.co.uk for further details.

book now NEW Save 024 7655 3055 www.belgrade.co.uk £s

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Diary – Autumn / Winter 2011 – 2012 Show

Date

Price

Venue

Heritage Open Day

Sat 10 Sept

Free

Belgrade

Bomber’s Moon

Sat 10 Sept – Sat 1 Oct

£8.25 – £14.50

B2

One Man Star Wars Trilogy

Tues 20 Sept

£9.50 – £17.25

Main Stage

Johnny Cash Roadshow

Weds 21 Sept

£16.25 – £22.50 Main Stage

T. Rextasy

Thurs 22 Sept

£16.25 – £22.50 Main Stage

Fri 23 Sept

£16.25 – £22.50 Main Stage

Sat 24 Sept

£16.25 – £22.50 Main Stage

The Pitmen Painters

Mon 12 – Sat 17 Sept

£15.25 – £28.75 Main Stage

Season’s Greetings

Mon 26 Sept – Sat 1 Oct

£15.25 – £28.75 Main Stage

Verdict

Mon 3 – Sat 8 Oct

£15.25 – £28.75 Main Stage

Midday Variety

Thurs 6 Oct & Thurs 3 Nov

£11.50

Main Stage

Thurs 6 & Fri 7 Oct

£9.50

B2

Tues 11 Oct

£16.25 – £22.50 Main Stage

Rhythm of the Dance

Weds 12 Oct

£16.25 – £22.50 Main Stage

Magic of Motown

Thurs 13 Oct

£18.25 – £25.50 Main Stage

80’s Mania

Fri 14 Oct

£16.25 – £22.50 Main Stage

The Vagina Monologues

Sat 15 Oct

£16.25 – £22.50 Main Stage

Numberjacks – Live on Stage!

Tues 18 – Sat 22 Oct

£13.25 – £17.75

Psychic and Science

Weds 19 Oct

£16.25 – £22.50 Main Stage

Journey’s End

Mon 24 – Sat 29 Oct

£15.25 – £28.75 Main Stage

A Play, a Pie and a Pint

Tues 25 Oct – Fri 11 Nov

£12

Rhinestone Mondays

Mon 31 Oct – Sat 5 Nov

£17.25 – £29.25

Spring Awakening

Fri 4 – Sat 12 Nov

£8.25

An Evening of Burlesque

Tues 8 Nov

£16.25 – £22.50 Main Stage

Rockin’ On Heaven’s Door

Weds 9 Nov

£16.25 – £22.50 Main Stage

Nutcracker

Fri 11 & Sat 12 Nov

£16.25 – £22.50 Main Stage

Dreamboats and Petticoats

Mon 14 – Sat 19 Nov

£20.50 – £30.25 Main Stage

Crackers

Mon 12 – Sat 24 Dec

£8.25 – £14.50

B2

Mother Goose

Tues 29 Nov 2011 – Sat 7 Jan 2012

£13.25 – £21.75

Main Stage

Nora

Sat 28 Jan – Sat 18 Feb 2012 £8.25 – £14.50

B2

Chinese State Circus

Weds 1 & Thurs 2 Feb 2012 £16.25 – £21.25

Main Stage

All the Fun of the Fair

Mon 20 – Sat 25 Feb 2012

Julian Sands stars in ‘A Celebration of Harold Pinter’ Fascinating Aida – The Cheap Flights Tour

Shakespeare Schools Festival Talon – The Best of Eagles

Main Stage

Patrick Suite and B2 Main Stage B2

£20.50 – £30.25 Main Stage

Belgrade Theatre, Belgrade Square, Coventry CV1 1GS