What's On Guide - Autumn 2018

What’s On

Autumn/Winter 2018-19

W W W . B E L G R A D E . C O . U K

Welcome

Welcome to our Autumn/Winter Season.

We’re celebrating our 60th Anniversary with a Diamond Gala Party on 15 September, and you’re all invited!

The season offers an eclectic mix to appeal to lots of different tastes and kicks off with a new musical I’m directing called We’ll Live and Die in These Towns.

It’s by acclaimed local writer, Geoff Thompson and features songs from Coventry band The Enemy’s hit debut album, and Tom Clarke, who wrote all those great tunes, has agreed to be the show’s Musical Director.

We’re also excited to see our co-production of Nativity! The Musical returning home to Coventry in October, and as ever, we’ll be helping you celebrate Christmas in style with our annual pantomime Sleeping Beauty, which is already booking fast. In B2 we have our alternative panto for grown-ups, Over The Top, by Nick Walker, as well as Santa’s Sparkly Surprise for the really wee ones.

I hope you’ll enjoy your visits to the Belgrade this season. Thanks so much for your support.

Hamish Glen, Artistic Director

Booking tips

To help you get the most out of your visit to the Belgrade, here are some handy booking tips:

n 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. To make booking as safe as possible, Windows 7 is the minimum software requirement. Please also make sure the internet browser used is up to date. n Book equivalent numbers of full price tickets for two or more participating shows in our multi-purchase offer at the same time and save off. n You can enjoy the show from every seat in the main auditorium, but remember the front row of the stalls and the boxes don’t always offer the best view. Boxes can only be booked via Box Office. n 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 04.09.18.

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

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

Audio Described Performance Signed Performance

Relaxed Performance

n Bring a group of 11 or more and save money. Check page 4 for details.

n Don’t forget you can buy Gift Vouchers. Call Box Office or go to the website for details. n We have a limited number of booster seats which can be hired for £1 for children under 4ft tall. Feel free to bring your child’s car booster seat with you. Stalls seats only.

n We have a policy about Dancing in the Auditorium. Please check our website for details.

n Coming soon - Ticket Protection.

Check our website for details

www.belgrade.co.uk/groups

We’re 60 years old this year!

To celebrate this wonderful event we’re having a party and you’re invited!

Join us on Sat 15 Sept from 8pm for our Diamond Gala Party. It will be a night of dancing, cocktails, and music, peppered throughout with theatrical surprises.

This Diamond Gala Party will be an opportunity to celebrate all we’ve achieved over the last 60 years, and to raise a glass to what’s in store for the next 60 years.

Your ticket includes a glass of bubbly on arrival, nibbles, and a voluntary £4 donation towards the Theatre’s charitable work.

We’d also love you to get in the party spirit and come dressed in our themes of diamonds and late 1950s glamour.

See you there!

Tickets: £6 (plus £4 suggested donation)

www.belgrade.co.uk/diamondgala

Evening: 8pm 3

Gather your group and save money!

If you’re visiting the Belgrade with family and friends, you can make big savings when you book as a group.You don’t need to bring a coach load of people to take advantage of our great group rates, as savings start for groups of just 11 or more, with £2.50 off each ticket and no booking fees.

If you’re a group organiser who regularly books for larger numbers of people, we’ve got fantastic offers for you too. Discounts increase to £3 off each ticket for groups of 40 or more and £3.50 off for groups of 60 or more, plus the group organiser receives 1 free ticket.

We’re always reviewing our offers for groups, so keep an eye out for special deals on certain shows throughout the season.

Groups of

11 - 39

£2.50 off standard and premium seats

Groups of

Groups of

£3 off standard and premium seats plus 1 free ticket

£3.50 off standard and premium seats plus 1 free ticket

40 - 59

60+

If you have any questions or need any further information contact our Box Office via 024 7655 3055 or email boxoffice@belgrade.co.uk 4

www.belgrade.co.uk/groups

Tues 28 & Weds 29 Aug

Peppa Pig, George and their friends love having fun outside, especially when it’s an adventure - with tents!

And muddy puddles! Enjoy this new live stage show with a brand new story, loads of songs and heaps of fun.

“The show was a huge hit with my little boy who had a huge smile on his face throughout and asked if he could stay to see the next show.

It's a must for all Peppa fans.”

Express and Star

“We’d go back and watch it again - we loved it!”

Tues 28 Aug: 4pm Weds 29 Aug: 10am, 1pm & 4pm

HHHH

Adults: £19.75 Children: £16 Family Tickets: £65 Groups 10+: £11.25 Lap Seats (under 18 months): £3.50

Mumsnet

Auditorium: Main Stage Evenings: 7.45pm

Join us in our B2 auditorium for nights of stand-up comedy and music hosted by acclaimed comedy club Desi Central. For more details and the full line up, keep an eye on our website and social channels*.

Sat 1 Sept - Botown: The Soul of Bollywood Mon 29 Oct - Comedy of Black Origin: Comedy Shutdown **

Mon 10 Dec - Desi Central Comedy Show **

* Acts subject to change. **Age recommendation: 16+ Tickets: From £14 to £16.50

Auditorium: B2

Book online: www.belgrade.co.uk for great deals

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Thurs 30 & Fri 31 Aug

The Russian State Opera comes to the Belgrade Theatre, backed by a 30 piece live orchestra, to present two classic operas over two nights: Carmen and La Traviata.

Feel the fiery passion, jealousy and violence of 19th century Seville in Bizet’s most popular opera, Carmen.

Carmen tells the story of the downfall of Don José, a naïve soldier who falls head over heels in love with Carmen, a seductive, free-spirited femme fatale. The infatuated soldier abandons his childhood sweetheart and neglects his military duties, only to lose the fickle Carmen to the glamorous toreador Escamillo.

Auditorium: Main Stage

In La Traviata, Giuseppe Verdi brings the beguiling splendour and gaiety of mid-19th century Parisian life to the stage. But beyond the revelry and hedonism lurks heartbreak and pathos in this tragic and resonant morality tale in which Violetta, a high-society courtesan with a heart of gold, sacrifices everything for the man she loves.

A deeply moving opera overflowing with emotion and containing moments of pure genius, La Traviata is an unforgettable, powerful experience.

Sung in Italian with English surtitles.

Love, treachery, passion and betrayal, Carmen has it all.

Sung in French with English surtitles.

Carmen: Thurs 30 Aug, 7.30pm La Traviata: Fri 31 Aug, 7.30pm

Tickets: £27.50 & £32.75 Concessions: From £22.50 to £30.75 Book for both operas and save 20% 6

Pre-order interval drinks at the bar

Tues 4 to Sat 8 Sept

Flashdance - The Musical comes to Coventry starring Strictly Come Dancing champion Joanne Clifton as Alex Owens and A1 heart-throb and singer-songwriter Ben Adams as Nick Hurley.

Flashdance tells the inspiring and unforgettable story of Alex, a welder by day and ‘flashdancer’ by night, who dreams of going to the prestigious Shipley Dance Academy and becoming a professional dancer. When a romance with Nick Hurley complicates her ambitions, she harnesses it to drive her dream.

Auditorium: Main Stage

Prepare to be blown away with an astonishing musical spectacle and phenomenal choreography to an iconic score, including the smash-hits Maniac, Gloria, I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll and the award-winning title track Flashdance - What a Feeling.

Presented by Selladoor Productions - producers of Footloose, Avenue Q and Little Shop of Horrors and Runaway Entertainment, producers of In the Heights, Guys and Dolls and Lazarus, Flashdance - The Musical is not to be missed.

Age recommendation, 11+

Evenings: 7.30pm Matinees: Thurs 6 & Sat 8 Sept, 2pm

Tickets: From £29 to £41.25 Concessions: From £24 to £39.25

Free Wifi

Fri 7 Sept

Sat 8 Sept, 2pm

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Strictly Arts Theatre in association with the Belgrade Theatre Coventry presents

Weds 5 to Sat 8 Sept

Inspired by the first man in America to plead insanity as his defence, award-winning writer Camilla Whitehill and Strictly Arts examine the unspoken link between mental health and systemic racism.

Throughout time and across waters, from William Freeman to Sarah Reed, six true stories are threaded together and told through physical theatre, spoken word, gospel singing, shadow puppetry and more.

Auditorium: B2

History is bound to repeat itself when the thumb is permanently bearing down on the loop button, so has anything really changed?

Age recommendation, 12+

“Faultless.”

Behind the Arras

Evenings: 8pm Matinees: Thurs 6 & Sat 8 Sept, 2.30pm Post-show discussion: Thurs 6 Sept, 8pm

Tickets: £13.75 & £16 Concessions: £11.75 & £14 Schools: £10 (except Weds 9 Sept, £9)

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@belgradetheatre

Sat 1 Sept

Evening: 7.30pm

Living up to their title of ‘the greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll band in the world’, Showaddywaddy have sold over 20 million records and toured internationally.

This dynamic and uplifting show will feature all of their biggest hits including Under The Moon Of Love,Three Steps To Heaven, Pretty Little Angel Eyes and Hey Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Auditorium: Main Stage

Tues 11 Sept

Tickets: £26.25 Concessions: £24.25 (Disabled patrons only)

Evening: 7.30pm

Following his recent TV appearances on the BBC’s Graham Norton Show and ITV's Sunday Night at the Palladium, Malcolm Pitt delivers a powerhouse performance as the iconic Lionel Richie in this must-see theatre production.

Featuring classic Lionel Richie hits including Easy, Say You Say Me, Dancing on the Ceiling and many more.

Auditorium: Main Stage

Weds 12 Sept

Auditorium: Main Stage

Tickets: £25.75 Concessions: £23.75 Evening: 7.30pm

Direct from London's West End, this is the world’s favourite George Michael tribute show. This show will take you on a musical journey from the moving Jesus To A Child, to the celebration of Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me, to everyone’s favourites I’m Your Man and Wake Me Up. Join us as we present our respectful tribute to one of the greatest musicians of all time with our stunning stage show that’s taking the globe by storm. Relive the passion, the flare and the unique sensitivity of George Michael with Fast Love.

Tickets: £25.75 Concessions: £23.75

Pre-order interval drinks at the bar

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Thurs 13 Sept

NATHAN CARTER

Auditorium: Main Stage

Fri 14 Sept

Evening: 7.30pm

Nathan Carter is one of the biggest names on the Irish music scene and is fast becoming a big name all over the UK. In this special live concert, Nathan performs an array of original songs and covers which show the range of his vocal ability and emotes clearly his own passion for the songs and what being Irish means to him.

Tickets: £31.25 Concessions: £29.25 (Disabled patrons only)

Evening: 7.30pm

They were the definition of cool during their fifties and sixties Vegas heyday – Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jnr. Rat Pack Live invites you to be part of the gang and features all the patter and razzamatazz of their infamous live shows.

This brilliant production revives all-time favourites such as New York, New York, That’s Amore, My Way and That’s Life.

Auditorium: Main Stage

Thurs 20 Sept

Hackney Showroom & Travis Alabanza present

TRANZ TALKZ Auditorium: Burbidge Room

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Tickets: £25.75 Concessions: £23.75 Evening: 7pm

Calling trans and non-binary folk!

Join prominent queer artist Travis Alabanza for an intimate dinner of burgers, chips and drinks to discuss experiences of queer and transphobic public harassment.The event is focussed at trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people and is open for people to share their experiences.

The event will be sound recorded, as part of an ongoing documentation of the trans experience. If you do not wish to be recorded, you can still attend as an observer.

This is a free event but tickets must be booked in advance

Book online: www.belgrade.co.uk for great deals

Second Generation in association with Belgrade Theatre Coventry presents

SAVE OUR SCHOOL . . .

S R E N N I D JAMIE! By

Paven Virk

Weds 12 to Sat 15 Sept

Save Our School Dinners...

Jamie! returns after the success of last year’s showcase as part of International Women's Day.

This new comedy-drama is about a group of dinner ladies, living in the Midlands but from all over the world, who aim to save the only school in their small community one dinner at a time. Curry mash anyone?

Paven Virk (Screen International’s Stars of Tomorrow) has been part of the Royal Court Young Writers, Theatre Royal Stratford East Musical Writing Residency and National Theatre Writers attachment. She was part of Working Title Films’ prestigious residency at the Hay Festival.

Auditorium: B2

Her work has been seen at Hampstead Theatre, National Theatre, Tricycle Theatre, Old Rep as well as the Belgrade Theatre.

Her first feature film will shoot next year and she is currently working on a new TV series.

She returns to the Midlands to work with home-grown talent.

Please note: the show contains one instance of very strong language.

Age recommendation, 12+

Evenings: 7.45pm (except Sat 15 Sept, 7pm) Matinees: Thurs 13 Sept, 2.30pm & Sat 15 Sept, 1pm

Tickets: £13.75 Concessions: £11.75

www.belgrade.co.uk/support-us

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*

Weds 19 to Sat 22 Sept

“It's a show that famously inspired a seven-year-old Cameron Mackintosh to fall in love with the theatre, and this production made me realise why that might be.”

HHHH

The Stage

Following rave reviews and sell-outs in London and Bath, Regan De Wynter Williams are proud to present one of Britain’s best-loved and sunniest musicals, Salad Days starring Wendi Peters*.

“Pitch-perfect.”

Daily Mail

Auditorium: Main Stage

Julian Slade and Dorothy Reynolds’ award-winning show is an absolute romp of polite naughtiness and saucy encounters, with an energetic and peppy score featuring songs such as We Said We Wouldn’t Look Back, Look At Me, I’m Dancing, and We’re Looking For A Piano.

Wendi Peters has worked extensively on both stage and screen, but it was the iconic role of Cilla in Coronation Street which truly made her a household name. *Please note,Wendi Peters will not be performing on Fri 21 and Sat 22 Sept.

“Enchanting.”

Evening Standard

Evenings: 7.30pm Matinees: Thurs 20 & Sat 22 Sept, 2pm

“A masterful production.

Spectacular.”

British Theatre

Tickets: From £20.75 to £28.75 Concessions: From £15.75 to £26.75

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Book online: www.belgrade.co.uk for great deals

IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE BELGRADE THEATRE COVENTRY PRESENTS

Weds 19 to Fri 21 Sept

In a small attic, packed in hundreds of cereal boxes, lies the life's work of Delia Derbyshire - the unsung genius behind the Doctor Who theme tune and trailblazer of electronic music.

Join Noctium as they explore this fascinating tale of the mother of modern electronic music. Using strange sounds and weird wobbulations, Noctium brings you a sonic experience your ears won’t believe.

Hymns for Robots mixes Noctium’s unique heightened performance style with analogue and digital music to bring you an extraordinary life that was almost forgotten.

Auditorium: B2

“Effective, fascinating with lots of atmosphere.”

What’s On Magazine

“Constantly engaging and charming. Hymns for Robots is something that shouldn’t be missed.”

HHHHH Broadway Baby

“Quirky, offbeat and stylish.”

HHHH Fringe Guru

Contains some strong language and adult themes.

Age recommendation, 14+

Evenings: 7.45pm Matinee: Thurs 20 Sept, 2.30pm Post-show discussion: Fri 21 Sept

Tickets: £11.75 & £13.75 Schools: £8 Concessions: £10.50 & £11.75

Free Wifi

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Tues 25 to Sat 29 Sept

Following its smash-hit runs in London’s West End, Bill Kenwright’s production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita is set to thrill audiences once again across the UK.

Telling the story of Eva Peron, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Peron, Evita follows Eva’s journey from humble beginnings through to extraordinary wealth, power and iconic status which ultimately led her to be heralded as the ‘spiritual leader of the nation’ by the Argentine people.

Auditorium: Main Stage

With more than 20 major awards to its credit, and the Oscar-winning film version starring Madonna and Antonio Banderas, and featuring some of the most iconic songs in musical theatre including Don’t Cry for Me Argentina, On This Night of a Thousand Stars,You Must Love Me and Another Suitcase in Another Hall, this smash-hit show truly promises to be the theatrical event of the year.

“Webber and Rice’s greatest musical.”

HHHHH Mark Shenton,The Stage

Evenings: 7.30pm Matinees: Weds 26, Thurs 27 & Sat 29 Sept, 2pm

Fri 28 Sept

Sat 29 Sept, 2pm

Tickets: From £31.25 to £43.25 Concessions: From £26.25 to £41.25 (limited availability) 14

www.belgrade.co.uk/groups

Location: Burbidge Room

Silver Screen

Join us for Afternoon Tea followed by a screening of a classic movie in the intimate surroundings of our first-floor Burbidge Room.

Paint Your Wagon Tues 25 Sept

High Noon

Singin’ in the Rain

Tues 4 & Tues 18 Dec

Harvey

Tues 23 Oct

Tues 8 & Tues 22 Jan

On the Waterfront

A Place in the Sun

Tues 20 Nov

Tues 5 & Tues 19 Feb

Doors open: 1pm • Afternoon Tea: 1.30pm • Film: 2.30pm Places are limited and must be booked in advance.

Afternoon Tea & Film: £15

Sat 29 Sept to Sat 1 Dec

Bollywood

Dance Workshops WESTON LEARNING SPACE

Join us for Saturday Bollywood Dance Workshops with experienced teacher Sneha Singh. Classes will run from 29 Sept to 1 Dec (exc. 20 & 27 Oct).

There will be 2 timeslots available, 2pm to 3pm or 3.15pm to 4.15pm. The cost is £48 which covers all 8 classes.

A free taster session is also available on Sat 8 Sept at 2pm. See our website for details.

www.belgrade.co.uk/support-us

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Sat 29 Sept to Sat 20 Oct

We'll Live and Die in These Towns is a gritty and compelling new musical drama driven by the adrenaline-rush energy and working class poetry of songs from The Enemy’s number one debut album.

A young rock musician, Argy, sits on the cusp of the big time only to suffer a crisis of confidence hours before the biggest performance of his life in a huge homecoming concert.

His manager, unable to convince him to sing, sends him away to re-visit his past and decide his future.

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Auditorium: B2

So Argy walks the streets of his hometown, visiting family and friends in a bid to make sense of his feelings and find a way forward.

Argy’s worked his whole life for this break. But now it’s here, can he face down his fears and seize the moment?

We’ll Live and Die in These Towns comes from the pen of acclaimed Coventry writer, Geoff Thompson and is directed

by Hamish Glen. It’s designed

by Patrick Connellan and The Enemy’s Tom Clarke is the show’s Musical Director.

Contains strong language.

Age recommendation, 14+

facebook.com/BelgradeTheatreCoventry BOOK NOW: 024 7655 3055

T H E B E L G R A D E T H E AT R E C OV E N T RY P R E S E N T S

By

Geoff Thompson

Directed by

Hamish Glen

Designed by

Patrick Connellan

We’ll Live and Die in These Towns

A new musical featuring songs from The Enemy’s hit debut album

Musical Direction by

Tom Clarke from The Enemy

#LiveAndDie

Evenings: 7.45pm (except Tues 2 Oct, 7pm) Matinees: Sats 6, 13 & 20 Oct and Thurs 18 Oct, 2.30pm Post-show discussion: Weds 10 Oct

Fri 19 Oct

Sat 20 Oct, 2.30pm

Tickets: £15.50 & £18.25 Schools: £9.50 Concessions: From £10.50 to £16.25

Free Wifi

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Thurs 4 to Sat 6 Oct

Spectacular new Afrobeats musical Oliva Tweest follows the ambitious dreams of London hustler and club promoter Tobi, as he navigates comedic and sometimes explosive clashes with women, family tradition, and his reawakened conscience.

The original 2013 version of this inspiring show sold out in the West End and attracted a whole new theatre-going audience to a subsequent run at Hackney Empire, before heading to Nigeria.

For 2018, the updated and refreshed Oliva Tweest is ready to tour the UK with a fresh, feel-good format.

Auditorium: Main Stage

Tobi, is a self-proclaimed gyalis (ladies’ man) who wants more out of life. Driven by his need to succeed, he plans the ultimate show to attract his idol D’Banj, naming it after the musician’s global hit Oliver Twist.

Tobi hopes the concert will propel his career in the entertainment business, but when he finds out the new landlord of his concert venue, Pastor Bayodele, intends to convert the building into a church,Tobi is forced to disguise his true intentions.

Featuring classic and original hit songs performed by a live African band and refreshing high-energy choreography for a new era of musical entertainment.

Age recommendation, 14+ Evenings: 7.30pm Matinee: Sat 6 Oct, 2pm

Tickets: From £20.75 to £28.75 Concessions: From £15.75 to £26.75 18

BOOK NOW: 024 7655 3055

Tues 9 Oct

Evening: 7.30pm

This thigh-slapping tribute show brings together the beloved glamour and personality of Dolly along with Kenny’s charisma and energy.

The show features hit after hit including Jolene, Ruby, 9 to 5, Lucille, Here You Come Again,The Gambler, I Will Always Love You, Coward of the County, plus the smash-hit Islands in the Stream.

Auditorium: Main Stage

Weds 10 Oct

Tickets: £25.75 Concessions: £23.75 Evening: 7.30pm

Following their world tour, Flawless are back in the UK performing bigger and more jaw-dropping routines than ever before. Flawless came to the fore on TV’s Britain’s Got Talent a few years ago and their popularity has continued to rise ever since.

This fantastically high energy, acrobat-fused, feel-good, family show follows the journey of 10 Big Dreamers, seeking the opportunity to live their ultimate dance fantasy on board the Intergalactic Dream Ship.

Auditorium: Main Stage

Thurs 11 Oct

Tickets: £25.75 Concessions: £23.75 Evening: 7.30pm

Prepare to experience the distinct sound of one of the greatest bands to have ever graced the stage in this unforgettable tribute concert.

Join us for this breathtaking show, taking you on a musical journey through all your favourite Bee Gees songs including, Night Fever, Stayin’ Alive, How Deep is Your Love?, Jive Talkin’,Tragedy, Grease, If I Can’t Have You and many more.

Auditorium: Main Stage

Tickets: £25.75 Concessions: £23.75

Book online: www.belgrade.co.uk for great deals

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Fri 12 Oct

Evening: 7.30pm

As the very first UK female singer/songwriter to gain international success, Joan Armatrading has spent the last 45 years touring and recording. 2018 brings Joan into her 46th year in music and only the second time that she will be performing a tour completely solo.

Joan has written and recorded new music for this tour and will be singing many of those songs, but not to worry, your favourite classics from the past will be included too.

So get ready for your evening with Joan Armatrading.

Tickets: £35.75 Sat 13 Oct

Auditorium: Main Stage Evening: 7.30pm

Steve Steinman, the creative force behind the hugely successful Vampires Rock, returns with this epic musical concert delivering the best of the best from Meat Loaf’s record breaking albums.

With a full cast of singers, dancers and musicians along with Steve’s unique sense of humour and stage presence, the show features all the greatest Meat Loaf hits including Paradise By the Dashboard Light, Anything for Love,Took the Words Right Outta My Mouth, Dead Ringer for Love and Bat Out of Hell.

Tickets: £28.25 Concessions: £26.25 20

Auditorium: Main Stage

facebook.com/BelgradeTheatreCoventry

A Tara Arts and Polka Theatre co-production

Based on The Panchatantra – India’s Aesop’s Fables

By Shamser Sinha Weds 24 to Sat 27 Oct

Auditorium: B2

“If kindness is not shown to friends in pain, What use in life, what gain?”

How can three ignorant princes learn to rule wisely? How did a crow, a mouse, a turtle and a deer become inseparable friends? And how did the jackal fool the lion?

For the first time ever, Shamser Sinha brings India’s extraordinary collection of fables to the stage.

A cast of three explore the good life through a range of fabulous animal characters.

Age recommendation, 7 to 12 years

Evenings: 6.30pm Matinees: Fri 26 & Sat 27 Oct, 2.30pm

Adults: £13.25 Children: £10.75

Book online: www.belgrade.co.uk for great deals

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Jamie Wilson, Entertainment One, Ramin Sabi and Belgrade Theatre Coventry present the Birmingham Repertory Theatre production of

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BOOK NOW: 024 7655 3055

Tues 23 to Sun 28 Oct

Auditorium: Main Stage

A major new musical adaptation of everyone’s favourite festive film Nativity! returns home to Coventry.

Every child in every school has one Christmas wish, to star in a Nativity, and at St Bernadette’s School they’re attempting to mount a musical version! Only trouble is teacher Mr. Maddens has promised that a Hollywood producer is coming to see the show to turn it into a film. Join him, his teaching assistant the crazy Mr. Poppy, hilarious children and a whole lot of sparkle and shine as they struggle to make everyone’s Christmas wish come true.

Feel-good, funny and full of yuletide joy, Nativity! The Musical features all of the favourite sing-a-long hits from the films including Sparkle and Shine, Nazareth, One Night One Moment, She’s the Brightest Star and a whole host of new songs filled with the spirit of Christmas.

So join us for some MAYHEM in Bethlehem!

Tues 23 Oct: 7pm Thurs 25 & Sat 27 Oct: 2pm & 7pm Fri 26 Oct: 7pm Sun 28 Oct: 1pm & 5pm (No performance on Weds 26 Oct)

Fri 26 Oct

Sat 27 Oct, 2pm

Tickets: From £36.75 Concessions: From £31.75 Family Tickets: From £120

Booster seats available to hire from Box Office

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Mon 29 Oct

FOSTER AND ALLEN MJP Presentations for CMR presents

Auditorium: Main Stage

Tues 30 Oct

Evening: 7.30pm

Foster and Allen make their first Coventry appearance for many years when they bring a wonderful night of melodic Irish music to the Belgrade Theatre. Hear the masters of Irish ballads and traditional Irish music perform their many top hits, including Old Flames, I Will Love You All My Life, Bunch of Thyme, Maggie plus many more.

Tickets: £26 Concessions: £24.50 (disabled concession only)

Evening: 7.30pm

Lee Memphis King, Europe’s most successful Elvis Presley tribute artist, portrays Elvis at his peak, celebrating the iconic Vegas Years from 1969 to 1977. Featuring authentic costumes, video-screen projection and backed by an orchestra of world-class musicians, prepare to be taken back in time to see Elvis as he was.

Auditorium: Main Stage

Tickets: £25.75 Concessions: £23.75

Weds 31 Oct

Evening: 7.30pm

Enter the titillating world of Tassels, Burlesque, but not as you know it.

Leave your inhibitions at the door and experience the UK’s biggest burlesque extravaganza. With a bevy of beautiful stars, specialty variety artists and fabulous costumes, Tassels brings this classic art form into the 21st century with a glamorous new show.

Prepare to be entertained by some of the world’s top burlesque, comedy and circus performers who present a truly unrivalled show.

Over 18s only.

Tickets: £25.75 Concessions: £23.75 24

Location: Auditorium

BOOK NOW: 024 7655 3055

Thurs 1 to Sat 3 Nov

The Russian State Ballet return to the Belgrade Theatre, backed by a 30 piece live orchestra, to present three classic ballets over three nights: Swan Lake, Giselle and The Nutcracker.

In Swan Lake, a princess is turned into a swan by an evil curse. Will Prince Siegfried’s love prove strong enough to save her?

From the impressive splendour of the palace ballroom to the moonlit lake where swans glide in perfect formation, this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all.

Giselle tells the tragic tale of a young peasant girl who falls in love with the unfaithful Prince Albrecht.

Completely heartbroken by his betrayal Giselle takes her own life.

Auditorium: Main Stage

After her funeral the Prince is visited by the spirits of women betrayed before their wedding day who seek revenge. Only Giselle’s powerful love can save the Prince proving that love can conquer all even death.

Get into the Christmas spirit with a trip to see a dazzling production of the most famous ballet in the world - The Nutcracker.

Snow flurries, sweets, princes, magic and love are just some of the elements that will be brought together by this renowned Russian company. A highly accessible ballet, full of familiar music such as Waltz of the Flowers and Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Swan Lake: Thurs 1 Nov, 7.30pm Giselle: Fri 2 Nov, 7.30pm The Nutcracker: Sat 3 Nov, 2pm & 7.30pm

Adults: £29.75 & £32.75 Under 16s: £23.25 Concessions: From £21.25 to £30.75 Book for two or more ballets and save 20%

@belgradetheatre

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Tues 6 to Sat 10 Nov

“I thought it unlikely that Alan Bennett would be able to equal the success of The History Boys (2004) but The Habit of Art is another absolute cracker, often wonderfully and sometimes filthily funny, but also deeply and unexpectedly moving.”

HHHHH Daily Telegraph reviewing the original 2009 production.

Alan Bennett is one of our greatest and most celebrated playwrights, with a plethora of stage and screen blockbusters including The History Boys,The Madness of King George and Talking Heads. He is applauded as a genius for his sharp character observations and treasured for the way he beautifully balances wit, wistfulness and compassion.

Evenings: 7.30pm Matinees: Thurs 8 & Sat 10 Nov, 2pm Post-show discussion: Weds 7 Nov

Auditorium: Main Stage

In The Habit of Art, Bennett gives us a play about a meeting between the poet WH Auden and the composer Benjamin Britten.

Exploring friendship, rivalry and heartache this multi-layered masterpiece examines the joy, pain and emotional cost of creativity.

This production directed by Philip Franks marks the first ever revival of the play and stars the Olivier Award-winning Matthew Kelly (Of Mice and Men,Toast and Pride and Prejudice), David Yelland (Chariots of Fire andThe Crown) and Veronica Roberts (Peak Practice andTenko).

Contains some mild swearing.

“Deeply moving.”

HHHH The Guardian

“Hilariously provocative.”

The Independent

Fri 9 Nov

Sat 10 Nov, 2pm

Tickets: From £25.25 to £37.25 Schools: £12.50 Concessions: From £20.25 to £35.25

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Pre-order interval drinks at the bar

Tues 6 to Thurs 8 Nov

Evenings: 7pm

Shakespeare Schools Foundation (SSF) is proud to present the world’s largest youth drama festival. Join us for an exhilarating evening featuring a series of unique abridged Shakespeare productions by local schools. See Shakespeare’s timeless stories brought to life like never before, and support young people from your community as they take to the stage. Find details of the schools performing at www.shakespeareschools.org Join in the conversation using @SSF_UK #OurStage

SHAKESPEARE SCHOOLS FESTIVAL

Tickets: £11 Concessions: £9 Groups 20+: £7.75

Auditorium: B2

Weds 7 Nov & Fri 1 Feb

Weds 7 Nov

Pack Up Your Troubles

Good Old Days star Jan Hunt and the Paper Moon Theatre Company present an authentic music hall to mark the centenary of Armistice Day. A perfect balance of humour and pathos to commemorate this very special anniversary.

Auditorium: Main Stage

Thurs 22 Nov

Afternoons: 1.30pm

Fri 1 Feb

A Celebration Of Variety

Andy Eastwood hosts a bumper feast of fun, with songstress Helen Farrell, piano man Dean Stansby, comic Steve Barclay, magical diva Romany and The London Philharmonic Skiffle Orchestra.

Tickets: £15 Special Party Rate: £12.50 for groups of 11+ Evening: 7.30pm

Following an audition process, a selection of actors go head-to-head to perform before a welcoming audience plus a panel of industry professionals.

Come along and witness the most exciting new talent that Coventry has to offer.

Age recommendation, 14+

Auditorium: B2

Want to take part? Auditions will be held at the Belgrade on 12 Oct (11-17 years) and 13 Oct (18+).We will also be running a Monologue Masterclass on Sat 17 Nov for £35. For more information visit www.belgrade.co.uk/take-part

Tickets: £12 Concessions: £10

Free Wifi

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Told by an Idiot and Birmingham Repertory Theatre present

By

Leo Butler

Thurs 15 to Sat 17 Nov

“The drug laws in this country the drug laws, in the world - all stem from this attitude that pleasure is a bad thing” A world premiere new play by Leo Butler.

In 2015, acclaimed British playwright Leo Butler accepted an invitation from former Government drugs tsar, Professor David Nutt, to be a guinea pig in the world’s first LSD medical trials since the 1960s.

Monty Python, Being John Malkovich, and Alice in Wonderland all resonate in this exhilarating and original comedy as we watch Leo jump down the rabbit-hole of a medical trial in search of enlightenment and a good story.

Along the way he meets an array of characters from Aldous Huxley and The Beatles, to Steve Jobs and Ronald Reagan, whose own stories Evenings: 7.45pm Matinee: Sat 17 Nov, 2.30pm Post-show discussion: Thurs 15 Nov

Auditorium: B2

in the history of LSD are hilariously and poignantly uncovered.

Does the world still need a psychedelic revolution? And will Leo make it back home in time for tea?

Part history, part wild fantasy, this darkly humorous new play illuminates the drugs debate that won’t go away and examines the freedom we have to make our own choices in life, and death.

In their 25th year, critically acclaimed theatre company Told by an Idiot collaborate with one of the UK’s finest playwrights to continue to create the unexpected.

“Their work is never less than sublime”

Independent on Told by an Idiot Age recommendation, 14+

Fri 16 Nov

Integrated Signed Performance

Tickets: £13.50 & £16.25 Concessions: £10.50 to £14.25 Schools: £9 28

BOOK NOW: 024 7655 3055

T H E B E L G R A D E T H E AT R E C OV E N T RY P R E S E N T S

Sat 1 to Sat 29 Dec

This year’s annual alternative pantomime is a heart-stopping, pun-filled adventure, overflowing with uplifting Christmassy comedy.

The year is 1918 and the troops on the Western Front have had a surprise visit from a fearless group of suffragettes who've come to perform a show to lift their spirits.

But with bullets whizzing over their heads and howitzers shaking the ground, the troupe get stuck behind enemy lines and a rescue mission is needed. #FirstWorldWarProblems.

Auditorium: B2

Sergeant Beauty and a crack team of daredevils soon set off on the perilous journey to rescue them, but will any of them make it back to Blighty for Christmas?

Featuring an all-female cast, this show really is set in No Man’s Land. But fear not, these suffragettes definitely have our vote, and we’ll be rifling through the joke book to make sure the performance doesn’t tank.

If you’re looking for a fun-filled night out away from the kids this Christmas then look no further!

Evenings: 8pm Matinees: Sats 8, 15, 22 & 29 Dec, 5.15pm and Thurs 27 Dec, 2.45pm

Tickets: From £13.50 to £18.25 Concessions: From £10.50 to £16.25

Free Wifi

#OverTheTop

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BOOK NOW: 024 7655 3055

Booster seats available to hire from Box Office

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Weds 12 to Mon 24 Dec

Bring your little ones to see Santa, Ellie the Elf and the gang at the Belgrade Theatre. They’ve been so busy getting all the presents ready for the boys and girls around the world that they’ve forgotten to get ready for Christmas themselves.

Rudolph and Mouse are very sad that the workshop has no decorations or a Christmas tree and that there’s no presents for them! They’re going to need the help of all the children in the audience to make Christmas as special as it should be.

Mornings: Sat 15, Fri 21 & Sat 22 Dec, 10am.

Thurs 13 & Fri 14 Dec,Tues 18 to Thurs 20 Dec & Mon 24 Dec, 10.30am.

Auditorium: B2

Santa’s Sparkly Surprise is the fifth show in the series written by Iain Lauchlan for a preschool audience. It will offer just as much fun, interaction and great songs to sing as all the others and the show will, of course, have a great storyline that the children can get involved in. So join us to get the festive season off to a magical start by helping Rudolph and Mouse bring Christmas to the North Pole.You can also meet Santa to give him your Christmas list and receive an early Christmas gift.

Don't miss it!

Afternoons: Sat 15, Fri 21 & Sat 22 Dec, 12noon.

Thurs 13, Fri 14 & Sun 23 Dec, 12.30pm.

Sun 16 Dec,Tues 18 to Thurs 20 Dec & Mon 24 Dec, 1.30pm.

Fri 21 Dec, 2pm.

Thurs 13 to Sat 15 Dec, Sat 22 & Sun 23 Dec, 2.30pm.

Weds 12, Sun 16 & Thurs 20 Dec, 3.30pm.

Fri 21 Dec, 4pm.

Sat 15, Sat 22 & Sun 23 Dec, 4.30pm.

Adults: £9.75 & £10.25 Children: £12 & £12.50 Groups 10+: £10.50 & £11 32

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Thurs 10 Jan

Auditorium: Main Stage

Fri 11 Jan

Auditorium: Main Stage

Sat 12 Jan

Auditorium: Main Stage

Sat 12 Jan

Auditorium: Main Stage

Evening: 7.30pm

In this live concert show, 8-piece band, The Goldhawks, deliver a stunning live performance of The Who’s smash-hit concept album, Quadrophenia. Backed by exciting video screen projection of archival footage, the emotions, tension and raw power that the music demands is delivered masterfully by this fabulous, charismatic band.

Tickets: £25.75 Concessions: £23.75

Evening: 7.30pm

Award-winning band The Bluejays take you on a whistle-stop tour of the fabulous 50s. Packed with over 40 classic hits from artists including Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Eddie Cochran, Connie Francis and Little Richard, Rock and Roll Revolution will transport you back to the era when music changed the world forever.

Tickets: £25.75 Concessions: £23.75

Afternoon: 2pm

Following his semi-final appearance on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent, Christian Lee brings you award-winning magic and hilarious comedy. Featuring some of the most exciting names in magic and variety in the UK, this is a show suitable for the whole family.

Adults: £20 Children: £15 Concessions: £13 & £18 Family Ticket: £56

Evening: 7.45pm

Legend - The Music Of Bob Marley is a fantastic stage show extravaganza celebrating a musical icon gone too soon.

Combining superb, distinctive vocals with flawless musicianship, a supremely talented cast recreate all the timeless hits including Could You Be Loved, No Woman No Cry,Three Little Birds, Jammin’, Buffalo Soldier, I Shot the Sheriff and many more reggae classics.

Tickets: £25.75 Concessions: £23.75

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Tues 15 Jan

Evening: 7.30pm

The Circus of Horrors - Psycho Asylum features an amazing amalgamation of bizarre and fantastic circus acts, all woven into a sensational shock-horror story.

This Rock ‘n’ Roll rollercoaster of a show is performed with a forked tongue firmly in each cheek.You’ll die laughing.

Auditorium: Main Stage

Weds 16 Jan

Auditorium: Main Stage

Thurs 17 Jan

Tickets: £20 & £25.75 Concessions: £18 & £23.75 Evening: 7.30pm

With incredible vocals, amazing dancers, video footage and narration, audiences are taken on a journey through the scandals, the controversy and of course the music of one of the world’s most iconic figures, Madonna. The show features all of the classic hits including Like A Virgin, Papa Don’t Preach,Vogue, Like A Prayer and many more.

Tickets: £25.75 Concessions: £23.75

Evening: 7.30pm

With her natural, unique and accurate presentation,TJ is placed firmly as the UK’s foremost psychic medium today.

She has appeared on Destiny TV, ITV3’s The Xtra Factor, Sky Living’s Colin Fry with TJ Higgs as well as investigating crimes for CBS Reality Television and hosting her own very successful live UK theatre tours.

Tickets: £20 Concessions: £18 34

Location: Auditorium

Pre-order interval drinks at the bar

Fri 18 Jan

Evening: 7.30pm

Join Big Girls Don’t Cry as they celebrate the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

The show revives the harmonies and songs that flew through the charts in the 60s and 70s such as Sherry, Walk Like A Man, Rag Doll and December 1963 (Oh What a Night).

Auditorium: Main Stage

Sat 19 Jan

Auditorium: Main Stage

Sat 19 Jan

Auditorium: Main Stage

Fri 25 Jan

Auditorium: Main Stage

Tickets: £25.75 Concessions: £23.75 Afternoon: 1pm

If you’re a fan of one of X Factor’s finest exports you’re sure to L.O.V.E. The Little Mix Experience.With breathtaking dance moves and replica costumes, this high-energy tribute show is packed with all of Little Mix’s greatest hits such as DNA,Wings, Salute, Black Magic and many, many more.

Tickets: £15.75 Concessions: £13.75

(disabled concession only) Evening: 7.30pm

Flash have been paying homage to the world’s most theatrical rock band, Queen, since 2002 and in that time have had a huge impact on audiences across the world. The Best of Queen show features a selection of the most loved classics from across Queen’s back catalogue, creating a live stage show which really catches the essence of this most incredible British band.

Tickets: £25.75 Concessions: £23.75

Evening: 7.30pm

Endorsed by Radio 1 breakfast DJ from the 80s Mike Read, as “Live Aid meets Top of the Pops”, the show features the music of 25 chart-toppers including Duran Duran, Human League, Culture Club, Madness, Wham, Madonna, Spandau Ballet and Adam Ant. Featuring dual-screen video, 150 costume changes and 35 smash-hits, 80’s Mania is an irresistible party spectacular.

Tickets: £31.25 Concessions: £28.25

www.belgrade.co.uk/support-us

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Thurs 24 Jan Olivier Award-winning OperaUpClose in association with the Belgrade Theatre Coventry present

Evening: 7.30pm

A young woman is abandoned by the man for whom she sacrificed everything. But she is stronger than anyone imagined.

One of the best-loved operas of all time, Madam Butterfly’s glorious music and tragic heroine have enchanted audiences for more than a century.This ground-breaking reimagining of Puccini’s masterpiece will be told from a female, East-Asian perspective, performed by a diverse-led cast of talented singers and musicians.

M A DA M B U T T E R F LY Tickets: £25.75 Concessions: £20.75 & £23.75 Sat 26 Jan

Performed in a new orchestration by British-Chinese composer Ruth Chan and a new English libretto by Poppy Burton-Morgan, this emotionally direct and beautiful production features Puccini’s most famous arias, including Un bel dì.

Auditorium: Main Stage Evening: 7.30pm

Music fans are invited to the biggest party of the year as the unstoppable Magic of Motown show steams into town. Seen by over 1 million people all over the world, the show was also performed for the Royal Variety Performance 2016. Prepare yourself for 40 back-to-back classic Motown hits, glittering costume changes, dazzling dance moves and outstanding musicianship in this explosive concert experience.

Celebrate the sound of a generation with the timeless music of Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations,The Supremes, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, Jackson 5, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson and many more.

Tickets: £31.25 Concessions: £29.25 36

Auditorium: Main Stage

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Weds 30 Jan to Sat 2 Feb

What price for the truth?

Following the phenomenal success of its world premiere tour, Middle Ground Theatre Company is delighted to present the second tour of the gripping and critically acclaimed courtroom sensation The Verdict.

Frank Galvin is a washed up veteran lawyer and an alcoholic.

He is presented with one last chance to redeem himself when he is given an open-and-shut medical malpractice case that no one thinks he can win.

Up against the unforgiving medical establishment and the all-powerful Catholic Church, he courageously

Auditorium: Main Stage

refuses an out of court settlement, believing it is negligence that has condemned a young mother.

Smelling a cover-up, he instead takes the case and the entire legal system to court.

A stunning courtroom thriller made famous by the five times Oscar nominated Sidney Lumet film with Paul Newman and James Mason.

Star casting to be announced.

Contains occasional strong language.

“The Verdict is outstanding.

The BEST performance we've seen in a very long time.

You'll be crazy to miss it.”

Cardiff Times

Evenings: 7.30pm Matinees: Thurs 31 Jan & Sat 2 Feb, 2pm

Fri 1 Feb

Sat 2 Feb, 2pm

Tickets: From £25.25 to £37.25 Concessions: From £20.25 to £35.25

www.belgrade.co.uk/support-us

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The Belgrade Theatre Coventry & Simon Fielder present

The world fa premiere o brand new ce British far

By

Jack Milner & Mark Stevenson Directed by

Joe Harmston

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Sat 2 to Sat 16 Feb

Auditorium: B2

Seymour Norse is the safest man in Britain.

An insurance consultant who wears a belt and braces (and another belt, just to be sure). But his flagging career needs an urgent reboot and tonight might be his last chance…

The CEO of the world’s largest insurance group has, reluctantly, granted him 20 minutes of her precious time to pitch his Big Idea via web-cam from his suburban home office. Unfortunately, it is also the night Seymour’s house has been targeted by a bungling burglar with bad knees.

With Seymour’s highly unstable actress wife awaiting news on a star TV role, the burglar’s psychopathic crime boss around the corner, a share of a £30 billion insurance market at stake and a moody octopus stuck in a car boot, what could possibly go wrong?

Octopus Soup! is the exciting new comedy with an all-star cast premiering at the Belgrade Theatre prior to a major national tour. From writing duo Jack Milner and Mark Stevenson and director Joe Harmston, this is a classic British farce of desperate characters in extraordinary situations - and an octopus. A fiendishly clever plot combines with sparkling contemporary dialogue to create a comedy for everyone - however many legs you have.

Evenings: 7.45pm (except Tues 5 Feb, 7pm) Matinees: Sats 9 & 16 Feb and Thurs 14 Feb, 2.30pm

Fri 8 Feb

Sat 9 Feb, 2.30pm

Tickets: £13.50 & £16.25 Concessions: From £10.50 to £14.25

Pre-order interval drinks at the bar

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The Belgrade Theatre Coventry presents a Nuffield Southampton Theatres production of

Adapted by

Directed by

Jon Brittain

Luke Sheppard

Music by

Miranda Cooper and Nick Coler Design by

Gabriella Slade 40

BOOK NOW: 024 7655 3055

Weds 20 to Sat 23 Feb

Auditorium: Main Stage

One day factory worker Len Spud invents a new loo roll, “Bum Fresh - wet on one side, dry on the other”. The wiping-wonder is an instant hit. Len, and his son Joe, become overnight billionaires, turning their lives upside down.

Whilst Mr. Spud spends, spends, spends on fast cars, 100-inch TVs, and lavish gifts for his glamorous new girlfriend, Sapphire Stone, Joe is left to fend for himself.

In the unforgiving world of the school playground, things are about to get more complicated as Joe navigates an assault course of school bullies and dangerously inedible canteen food.

Can money really buy happiness?

This hilarious new musical, based on the best-selling book by David Walliams, is a triumphant treat for all the family, and like recent hits such as Matilda The Musical and Nativity! The Musical, it’s an absolute must-see for theatregoers of any age who love upbeat, feel-good musicals.

Age recommendation, 5+

Evenings: 7pm Afternoons: 2pm

Adults: From £20.25 to £24.25 Children: From £15.25 to £19.25 Family Ticket: From £54 to £66

Booster seats available to hire from Box Office

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Mon 11 to Sat 16 Feb

Following the incredible, sell-out stage success of Not Dead Enough, The Perfect Murder and Dead Simple, the No. 1 bestselling author Peter James is back with this spine-tingling new world premiere.

Within days of moving into the huge, dilapidated Georgian mansion in the remote Sussex countryside, the Harcourt family quickly realise that they aren’t the only residents at Cold Hill.

Evenings: 7.30pm Matinees: Thurs 14 & Sat 16 Feb, 2pm

Auditorium: Main Stage

The House on Cold Hill is a modern day ghostly thriller that will send shivers down your spine and make you think twice about returning home to a dark, empty house after the show.

Fri 15 Feb

Sat 16 Feb, 2pm

Tickets: From £30.25 to £38.25 Concessions: From £25.25 to £36.25 42

Pre-order interval drinks at the bar

Mon 25 Feb to Sat 2 Mar

The Full Monty is one of the most acclaimed British films ever and The Full Monty stage play has become one of the most phenomenal theatrical productions ever, winning the prestigious UK Theatre Award for best touring production.

This chuffing brilliant production about six out-of-work, impoverished steelworkers from Sheffield with nothing to lose, took the world by storm and has become one of Britain’s most successful shows.

Auditorium: Main Stage

Based on his smash-hit film and adapted for the stage by Oscar-winning writer Simon Beaufoy, this hilarious and heartfelt production has received standing ovations every night.

Featuring Gary Lucy who has made the part of Gaz his own, alongside Andrew Dunn, Louis Emerick, Joe Gill, Kai Owen and James Redmond and songs

by Donna Summer, Hot Chocolate and Tom Jones you really should drop absolutely everything and book today.

Contains strong language and nudity.

Evenings: 7.30pm Matinees: Thurs 28 Feb & Sat 2 Mar, 2pm

Fri 1 Mar

Sat 2 Mar, 2pm

Tickets: From £26.25 to £38.25 Concessions: From £21.25 to £36.25

@belgradetheatre

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Belgrade Theatre Coventry in association with Tamasha present

têáííÉå=Äó

Amy Ng aáêÉÅíÉÇ=Äó

Justine Themen `êÉ~íáîÉ=mêçÇìÅÉê

Lian Wilkinson Sat 2 to Sat 16 Mar

Auditorium: B2

“Wei is a smart girl. Men prefer to marry women who aren't smarter than themselves. Class B men choose class C women. Class A choose class B. Wei is a Class A woman. What's she going to get?”

“A PhD.”

Wei has turned 27 and suddenly her grandmother is worried. 27 brings with it the label of “shengnu,” or “leftover woman,” so a husband needs to be found before she’s missed her chance.

Unbeknownst to Wei, her grandmother pushes her mother into helping the search. Affixing Wei’s dating profile onto an umbrella, they join the hundreds of parents at the Marriage Market of Guangzhou. Here there's only one successful transaction: a first date for your child.

When Wei learns of her family's interventions, and her housemate Lucy also begins to meddle, she finds herself asking whether being single is just too much hassle.

With a dual setting of Coventry and Guangzhou, this compelling new play by Amy Ng (Acceptance, Shangri-La) explores tradition, trauma and triumph in the art of finding love.

An Ignite production created with support from Arts Council England under the Sustained Theatre programme.

Evenings: 7.45pm (except Tues 5 Mar, 7pm) Matinee: Sat 9 & 16 Mar and Thurs 14 Mar, 2.30pm Post-show discussion: Weds 13 Mar

Tickets: £13.50 & £16.25 Schools: £9.50 Concessions: From £10.50 to £14.25 44

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Thurs 14 Mar, 2.30pm Fri 15 Mar

Tues 5 to Sat 9 Mar

Ocean’s Eleven meets the Marx Brothers in this dynamite new comedy now enjoying its third year in the West End.

Following the phenomenal sell-out success of their multi award-winning The Play That Goes Wrong, Mischief Theatre return with their latest smash-hit, The Comedy About A Bank Robbery.

Auditorium: Main Stage

A priceless diamond has been entrusted to the city bank, an institution so corrupt that even the security guards are on the take. Can it be safely stored or will it all go horribly wrong?

Don’t miss this smash-and-grab hit comedy, guaranteed to deliver swag loads of laughter. Book now, it’d be criminal to miss it!

Evenings: 7.30pm Matinees: Weds 6 & Sat 9 Mar, 2pm

Fri 8 Mar

9 Mar, 2pm SatSat 9 Mar, 2pm

Tickets: From £21.50 to £34.25 Concessions: From £16.50 to £32.25

Free Wifi

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Mon 11 to Sat 16 Mar

Rock Of Ages is an LA love story lavished with over 25 classic rock anthems. Lose yourself in a city and a time where the dreams are as big as the hair and yes, they can come true!

This hilarious musical comedy will have you singing and laughing along with its epic songs, including Don’t Stop Believin’,We Built This City,The Final Countdown,Wanted Dead or Alive, Here I Go Again, Can’t Fight This Feeling and I Want To Know What Love Is, played loud and proud by an awesome live band.

Now a global smash with hit seasons on Broadway, London’s West End and Las Vegas, and a star-studded Hollywood movie

Mon 11 to Thurs 14 Mar: 7.30pm Fri 15 Mar: 8.30pm Sat 16 Mar: 2pm & 7.30pm

Auditorium: Main Stage

version, we promise you a night of outrageous Rock ‘n’ Roll debauchery at the biggest party in town.

Cast includes Zoe Birkett, Kevin Kennedy, Lucas Rush, Jodie Steele and Luke Walsh.

“A sexy smasher that will have you laughing and rocking in equal measure.”

Daily Star

“High

energy, feel-good nostalgia that will put a smile on your face.”

Sunday Express

Age recommendation, 12+

Fri 15 Mar

Sat 16 Mar, 2pm

Tickets: From £29.25 to £41.25 Concessions: From £24.25 to £39.25 46

BOOK NOW: 024 7655 3055

A Belgrade Theatre Coventry and Pilot Theatre production Co-produced by Colchester Mercury Theatre, Derby Theatre and York Theatre Royal

BY

MALORIE BLACKMAN ADAPTED BY

SABRINA MAHFOUZ DIRECTED BY

ESTHER RICHARDSON

Tues 26 to Sat 30 Mar

“Why love, if losing hurts so much?”

Teenagers Sephy and Callum sit together on a beach. They are in love. It is forbidden.

Sephy is a Cross and Callum is a Nought. Between Noughts and Crosses there are racial and social divides. A segregated society teeters on a volatile knife edge.

Auditorium: B2

As violence breaks out, Sephy and Callum draw closer, but this is a romance that will lead them into terrible danger.

This gripping Romeo and Juliet story by acclaimed writer Malorie Blackman and adapted by Sabrina Mahfouz, is a captivating drama of love, revolution and what it means to grow up in a divided world.

Age recommendation, 13+

Evenings: 7pm Matinees: Thurs 28 Mar, 1.30pm & Sat 30 Mar, 2.30pm Post-show discussion: Weds 27 Mar

Fri 29 Mar

Sat 30 Mar, 2.30pm

Adults: From £16 to £20 Children: From £11 to £15 Schools: £10 Family Tickets: From £42 to £54

@belgradetheatre

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Unleashing the creative power of the city.

The Belgrade has a deep commitment to developing and showcasing the creative potential of individuals, communities and artists from across the city and beyond at all stages of their journeys.

Backstage tours and workshops

Arts Gymnasium Wellbeing through drama for 50+yrs

Education Workshops and qualifications

Theatre of Sanctuary for newly arrived communities

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Find out more www.belgrade.co.uk/take-part

Acting Classes and Holiday Camps

Talent Development Programs for directors, producers, writers etc

Youth Theatre And much more‌

Click

Spring

to become clear, to fit together, to understand.

to move upwards, to come into being, a source of origin.

Contact the Click Spring team 024 7684 6741

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Support Us

The Belgrade Theatre Trust is a registered charity (number 219163).

This means that all the money given, raised or earned is not distributed as profit but kept and reinvested in the work that we do - so that we can continue to develop our artistic and educational work and remain central to the communities that we serve.

In addition to supporting this work by watching shows, attending workshops, visiting the cafĂŠ or buying an ice cream, you can:

Make a one-off or regular donation

Support an area of our work

Experience more and become a My Belgrade+ Member

Become a Producers’ Circle Member

Help Local Families in Need

A visit to the theatre is a magical experience and often a treasured memory. However, not everyone can afford to experience the joy and escapism of theatre this Christmas.

Your donation, of any size, in support of our Making Memories campaign will help to provide families who are facing challenging circumstances with tickets to the Belgrade panto, Sleeping Beauty.

To DONATE please ask at Box Office, phone 024 7655 3055 or visit the website www.belgrade.co.uk/memories

For more information on how you can support the Belgrade, please contact the Development Team on 024 7684 6750 or email developmentadmin@belgrade.co.uk 50

www.belgrade.co.uk/support-us

Corporate Support The Directors’ Club is the Belgrade Theatre’s corporate membership scheme and helps to put businesses centre stage.

Members not only benefit from ticket discounts, competitive hire/hospitality rates and networking opportunities, but also receive invitations to a range of events - such as VIP performances of selected shows.

Performance and Production Partners (sponsors) play a significant role in enabling us to continue to develop our artistic and educational work and remain central to the communities that we serve. With their valued support, we are able to continue to produce and present a varied and exciting programme of productions, offer community and educational activities and theatre groups, and remain a valued and well-loved part of the city and wider region for many years.

The Belgrade Theatre gratefully acknowledges the support of:

www.belgrade.co.uk/support-us

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Access

For full details of our Access information please see our Access Guide, which is available on the website or from Box Office.

Captioned Performances - 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. These may be particularly helpful if you are hard of hearing.

Audio Described Performances - Many of our productions are audio described. Headsets for the description are available from the merchandise counter and may be reserved at Box Office at the time of booking.

These may be particularly helpful if you are hard of hearing or have difficulty seeing the action on stage.

Relaxed Performances are specifically designed to welcome people who will benefit from a more relaxed performance environment, including people with an Autism Spectrum Condition, sensory and communication disorders, or a learning disability.

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

A Touch Tour is available for our panto on Sat 8 Dec at 10.30am.

Accessible Seats - In the Main Stage we have up to ten accessible seats, some of which are accessible to wheelchair users. Please speak to Box Office when booking. In B2 there is space for two wheelchair users on the ground floor.

Lift Access - All public areas are accessible by lifts, which can be found next to the CafĂŠ Bar for the Main Stage, and near the B2 bar opposite Box Office for B2.

An infra-red hearing system is installed in both auditoria. Receivers (for use with hearing aids) and headsets (no hearing aid necessary), are available from the merchandise counter and may be reserved at Box Office 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 clearly signposted and is approx 20m from the B2 entrance.

Parking is not permitted at this point. See photo on our website.

Accessible toilets are available on main levels.

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When booking please notify the Box Office of any specific access needs. This information is continually reviewed. Please check the website for updates.

www.belgrade.co.uk/access

Discounted Tickets

We offer the following discounts on our tickets:

Online: Select your own seats and get cheaper tickets when you book online at www.belgrade.co.uk 20% off Multi-purchase Offer: Get 20% off the total cost of your full price tickets when you book an equivalent number of tickets for two or more participating shows at the same time.

Groups: Unless stated otherwise, groups of 11+, £2.50 off. Groups of 40+, £3 off plus 1 free ticket.

Groups of 60+, £3.50 off plus 1 free ticket. Only applies to full price tickets and minimum ticket price applies. Group tickets must be booked via Box Office.

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

One teacher goes free for every 10 pupils booked.

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

Young Person’s Discount is £2 unless otherwise stated 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 04.09.18.

Senior Citizens in receipt of a state pension, £2 off most tickets unless otherwise stated.

Coventry Passport to Leisure holders: Up to £5 off most tickets unless otherwise stated.

Unemployed: Up to £5 off most tickets unless otherwise stated.

Disabled Patrons: £2 off. Patrons booking a wheelchair space are entitled to one free companion ticket - no proof of disability status is required.

We also offer one free ticket for the companion of a customer who is unable to attend an event unaccompanied due to a disability but is not a wheelchair user.

The disabled patron will be asked to produce one of the following as validation of status, either upon booking or when collecting the tickets: n A letter confirming receipt of

Disability Living Allowance.

n A Local Authority Mobility

Card/Pass.

n A Disabled Person’s Railcard. n Local Authority Registration

Cards for Visual Impairments or certificate.

n A relevant Doctor’s note

(valid for 6 months).

Child (Under 19) Discount: Available for most shows at £5 off unless otherwise stated.

Lap Seats for under 2s: £3.50

Tickets sold over the phone or at Box Office include a £1.50 booking fee.

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 £10.50. Only Disabled Patrons’ discounts are available on Saturday evenings.

Tickets are non-refundable but exchanges can be made for the same show at £2.50 per ticket and subject to availability.

Terms and conditions apply, see website for details.

Your Secure Data

In line with new data protection regulations (GDPR) the Belgrade’s Privacy Policy has been updated to provide more details about the information we collect, how we use it, keep it safe and what your rights are. You will find the policy on our website or you can call our Box Office for a printed copy. You can unsubscribe from any of our marketing communications at any time by updating your contact preferences in the My Account section of our website or by contacting our Box Office.

facebook.com/BelgradeTheatreCoventry

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B EL GRADE C AF É E AT. D R I N K . R E L A X .

Our food and drink offer is now run directly by the Belgrade Theatre, a registered charity, which means that every £ you spend in our café and bars goes towards supporting the work that we do. Whether you’re seeing a show or just dropping by, the Belgrade Theatre offers the perfect atmosphere in which to relax and enjoy a high-quality range of food and drinks.

BELGRADE CAFÉ We are excited to be developing a new range of food and drink offerings fresh, creative and where practical, sourced from local suppliers. Please drop by to sample what we have on offer and let us know what you think.

A warm welcome awaits and a delicious array for all ages, including a salad bar, soups, tempting cakes, tea and coffee, a hot dish of the day and a selection of soft drinks, milkshakes and smoothies. A range of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options are also available.

AFTERNOON TEA served daily from 12noon to 5.30pm We offer a delicious Cream Tea for £9.50, full Afternoon Tea for £17.50 or £25 including Prosecco. We also offer a South Asian inspired Afternoon Chai for £19.50. All prices are based on 2 people sharing.

P R E - O R D E R YO U R I N T E RVA L D R I N K S Don’t forget to pre-order your interval drinks at one of our three bars upon arrival and beat the queues.

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TA PA S We have a great selection of tapas dishes available including pulled chicken and chorizo, spicy meatballs, calamari and black tiger prawns, all served with crusty ciabatta. Our tapas dishes are priced at at £4.25 each or 3 for £11.95.

OPENING TIMES Non-performance nights: Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm Performance Nights: Monday to Saturday 10am till late We have a variety of Celebration Packages available. Please contact our Catering Team for details.

www.belgrade.co.uk/foodanddrink

Diary continued from back page

The Bluejays Rock and Roll Revolution

Fri 11 Jan

£25.75

Legend - The Music of Bob Marley

Sat 12 Jan

Sat 12 Jan

Kids £15

Material Girl

Weds 16 Jan

£25.75

Fri 18 Jan

£25.75

Britain's Got Magic

Circus of Horrors - Psycho Asylum TJ Higgs - Reunited Tour Big Girls Don't Cry

Tues 15 Jan

Thurs 17 Jan

The Little Mix Experience

Sat 19 Jan

Madam Butterfly

Thurs 24 Jan

The Best of Queen 80s Mania

The Magic of Motown Midday Variety A Celebration of Variety Octopus Soup!

The House on Cold Hill Billionaire Boy

The Full Monty

£20

£15.75

£25.75

Fri 25 Jan

£28.25

Weds 30 Jan - Sat 2 Feb

£25.75 £31.25

£25.25 to £37.25

Fri 1 Feb

£15

Mon 11 - Sat 16 Feb

£30.25 to £38.25

Sat 2 - Sat 16 Feb

Weds 20 - Sat 23 Feb

Mon 25 Feb - Sat 2 Mar

Under the Umbrella

£20 & £25.75

Sat 19 Jan Sat 26 Jan

The Verdict

£25.75

Sat 2 - Sat 16 Mar

£13.50 & £16.25

Kids from £17.25 £26.25 to £38.25

£13.50 & £16.25

The Comedy About A Bank Robbery Tues 5 - Sat 9 Mar

£21.50 to £34.25

Noughts and Crosses

From £16

Rock of Ages

Mon 11 - Sat 16 Mar Tues 26 - Sat 30 Mar

How to Book

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

£29.25 to £41.25

SAVE £s BOOK ONLINE

Book online at our 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. Box Office opening times: 10am to 15 minutes after the last show has started. Phone lines are open from 10.30am until up to an hour before the evening show starts.

When there are no evening performances, Box Office closes at 5.30pm (4pm on Mondays). Check online for details.

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 depot (10 minutes) and train station (15 minutes).

Parking is available next to the theatre in the Belgrade Plaza - NCP car park, which can be accessed directly from Junction 9 of the ring road. For Sat Navs enter CV1 4AJ but please note this does not provide direct access to the car park; access is only found via the slip road at Junction 9.

To avoid queues at the machines you can make a contactless card payment at the exit barrier.

See our website for more details.

www.belgrade.co.uk

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Diary - Autumn/Winter 2018-19

Show

Date

Price

Russian State Opera - Carmen

Thurs 30 Aug

£27.50 & £32.75

Showaddywaddy

Sat 1 Sept

£26.25

Peppa Pig's Adventure

Russian State Opera - La Traviata Flashdance The Musical Freeman

Tues 28 & Weds 29 Aug

Fri 31 Aug

Tues 4 - Sat 8 Sept

Weds 5 - Sat 8 Sept

Kids £16

£27.50 & £32.75 £29 to £41.25 £13.75 & £16

The Lionel Richie Songbook

Tues 11 Sept

£25.75

Save Our School Dinners… Jamie!

Weds 12 - Sat 15 Sept

£13.75

Fri 14 Sept

£25.75

Fast Love

Weds 12 Sept

£25.75

Nathan Carter in Concert

Thurs 13 Sept

60th Birthday Diamond Gala Party

Sat 15 Sept

Hymns for Robots

Weds 19 - Fri 21 Sept

£11.75 & £13.75

Tues 25 - Sat 29 Sept

£31.25 to £43.25

Rat Pack Live Salad Days

Tranz Talkz Evita

Weds 19 - Sat 22 Sept Thurs 20 Sept

£31.25 £6

£20.75 to £28.75

Free Event

We'll Live and Die in These Towns

Sat 29 Sept - Sat 20 Oct

£15.50 & £18.25

Islands in the Stream

Tues 9 Oct

£25.75

Oliva Tweest

Flawless Chase the Dream: the reboot You Win Again

Thurs 4 - Sat 6 Oct

Weds 10 Oct

£20.75 to £28.75

£25.75

Thurs 11 Oct

£25.75

Steve Steinman's Meat Loaf Story

Sat 13 Oct

£28.25

Three Sat Under the Banyan Tree

Weds 24 - Sat 27 Oct

Kids £10.75

One Night of Elvis

Tues 30 Oct

£25.75

Russian State Ballet - Swan Lake

Thurs 1 Nov

£29.75 & £32.75

Joan Armatrading

Nativity! The Musical

Foster and Allen Live in Concert

Tassels - An Evening of Burlesque

Fri 12 Oct

Tues 23 - Sun 28 Oct

Mon 29 Oct

Weds 31 Oct

Russian State Ballet - Giselle

Fri 2 Nov

The Habit of Art

Tues 6 - Sat 10 Nov

All You Need is LSD

Thurs 15 - Sat 17 Nov

Monologue Slam

Thurs 22 Nov

Russian State Ballet - The Nutcracker Sat 3 Nov Midday Variety Pack Up Your Troubles Sleeping Beauty Over the Top

Santa's Sparkly Surprise

Quadrophenia the Album - Live

Diary continues on page 55

Weds 7 Nov

£35.75

From £36.75

£26

£25.75

£29.75 & £32.75 £29.75 & £32.75

£25.25 to £37.25 £15

£13.50 & £16.25

Weds 21 Nov - Sat 5 Jan Kids from £13 £12

Sat 1 - Sat 29 Dec

£13.50 to £18.25

Thurs 10 Jan

£25.75

Weds 12 - Mon 24 Dec

Belgrade Theatre, Belgrade Square, Coventry CV1 1GS

Kids from £12