15 minute read
WELCOME TO EASTBOURNE THEATRES
Summer is finally on its way and here at Eastbourne Theatres we are delighted to present a season of live entertainment which really has something for everyone.
Get set for a unique live theatrical experience as we prepare to present a Devonshire Park Theatre summer show like nothing you’ve seen before! Join us for The Invisible Man, with music, fast-paced fun and plenty of surprises plus, this year, illusions and magic that you just won’t believe… This summer, not seeing, is believing!
But before all that, we invite you to enjoy some wonderful live theatre with Abigail’s Party, Absent Friends, Gaslight and Men of the World plus brand new comedy The Birds and The Bees starring Helen Lederer and Michael Starke.
No season would be complete without a musical or two so don’t miss the 50th Anniversary tour of Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show, Willy Russell’s classic Blood Brothers and Buddy – The Buddy Holly Musical. Also, if you fancy something a little different, get yourself down to the Devonshire Park Theatre for ‘Tony! -The Tony Blair Rock Opera.’ By comedy legend Harry Hill.
Our youngest audiences are catered for with a welcome return to Dragons & Mythical Beasts plus Milkshake Live!
Here with us for one-night only come and enjoy a night with Mike & the Mechanics, Rhythm of the Dance, The Pasadena Roof Orchestra, Gyles Brandreth and Simon Brodkin to name just a few of the great shows coming this way.
And finally, live music returns to the Winter Garden with Craig Charles’ Funk and Soul Club, keep an eye on our social pages for news on other exciting live music gigs coming up later in the year.
I look very much look forward to welcoming you to Eastbourne theatres this Summer.
CHRIS JORDAN Theatre Director, Eastbourne Theatres
CONGRESS THEATRE
Thursday 4 May, 7.30pm
WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT?
After a fantastic sell out debut tour across the UK, What’s Love Got To Do With It? is back for 2023 celebrating the music of the incredible rock and soul legend Tina Turner. Enjoy Private Dancer, Proud Mary, Simply The Best and many more.
TICKETS £25, £27.50, £29.50
CONGRESS THEATRE
Saturday 6 May, 7.30pm
THAT’LL BE THE DAY
Back with another incredible show celebrating the golden age of Rock ’n’ Roll and Pop from the 50s to the 80s. Hilarious comedy sketches combine with brilliant vocals and superb musicianship to bring you the ultimate feel-good experience that will leave you singing and dancing.
TICKETS £25, £27, £29
CONGRESS THEATRE
Wednesday 10 May, 7.30pm
Walk Right Back The Everly
BROTHERS STORY
From their rise to fame, decade-long feud and emotional reunion, follow the sad yet glorious story of The Everly Brothers. Featuring all the hits including Bye Bye Love, All I Have To Do Is Dream and Cathy’s Clown, plus many more classics immortalized by those trademark “harmonies from heaven”.
CONGRESS THEATRE
Thursday 11 May, 7.30pm
Elvis Tribute Artist World Tour
Direct from the USA, the world’s biggest, best and most successful Elvis tribute show returns to the UK. Starring three winners of Elvis Presley Enterprises’ Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, Shawn Klush (USA), Dean Z (USA) and Ben Thompson (UK). Don’t miss three of the world’s very best Elvis tribute artists together in one show with an incredible live band and orchestra.
TICKETS £31.50, £36.50, VIP Meet & Greet £57.50
CONGRESS THEATRE
Friday 12 May, 7.30pm
MIKE & THE MECHANICS
REFUELED!
All the hits and a drop of Genesis. Mike and the Mechanics are Genesis founding member Mike Rutherford, Andrew Roachford and Canadian-born singer, Tim Howar. The tour includes tracks from their most recent top-10 selling album Out of the Blue, all the hits, plus some Genesis.
TICKETS £44.50, £52 Limited Availability
CONGRESS THEATRE
Tuesday 16 May, 7.30pm
DANIEL O’DONNELL
Daniel O’Donnell’s career spans more than 30 years, racking up over 15 million album sales worldwide.
The Donegal based singer is the only artist in the world to score a hit in the UK album charts every year since 1988, an unprecedented and unbroken 34-year span. Now see him live on stage!
TICKETS £45.50, £49.50
DEVONSHIRE PARK THEATRE
Wednesday 24 May, 7.45pm
DO YOU BELIEVE IN GHOSTS?
An experiential ghost story, unlike anything you have ever experienced before. Welcome to a haunting night at the theatre. Are you feeling brave? If you are, join us, and we will tell you all the secrets of what goes on when the theatre goes dark and tell the tales that every theatre has to tell.
Age guidance 12+
TICKETS £32
DEVONSHIRE PARK THEATRE
Thursday 25 May, 7.45pm
BUFFY: REVAMPED
Seventy minutes. Seven seasons. One Spike. This fast-paced new production brings you the entire 144 episodes of the hit 90s TV show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, as told through the eyes of the one person who knows it inside out… Spike. Funny, satirical and bursting with 90s pop-culture references, it’s the perfect parody for Buffy aficionados and those who never enrolled at Sunnydale High alike.
TICKETS £25, £27
WINTER GARDEN
Friday 26 May, 7.30pm
EWG, DLWP &
The Very Nice present CRAIG CHARLES’ FUNK & SOUL CLUB
Craig’s pioneering BBC 6 Music Funk and Soul Show was born in 2002 and has since broadcast live every Saturday night with an assortment of emerging talents and classic gems, earning him global support and recognition as one of the UK’s foremost funk and soul tastemakers, DJs and promoters of new music.
TICKETS £26, On Door £30
Devonshire Park Theatre
Tuesday 6 – Saturday 10 June
It was 1977, the year of skin-tight polyester, the Queen’s Silver Jubilee and Saturday Night Fever. The Sex Pistols were storming up the charts, skateboarding was the latest craze and Angela Rippon danced with Morecambe & Wise.
And at Hampstead Theatre in London, Mike Leigh and his cast were putting the finishing touches to Abigail’s Party, ferocious black comedy and landmark of twentieth century theatre. In her suburban living room, Beverly prepares for the arrival of her guests. She and husband Laurence will play host to neighbours Angela, Tony and Sue. As the alcohol flows and the ‘nibbles’ are handed around, Mike Leigh’s ruthless, achingly funny examination of 1970s British life begins… Abigail’s Party was premièred at the Hampstead Theatre in 1977, with the role of Beverly being immortalised by Alison Steadman. A record sixteen million people watched its broadcast as Play for Today, underlining its status as a true modern classic and national treasure.
Age guidance 14+
Tue – Sat 7.45pm
Wed & Sat 2.30pm
Tickets
Tue – Thu 7.45pm
£20, £23.50, £25.50
Fri & Sat 7.45pm
£23, £25.50, £27.50
Wed & Sat 2.30pm
£20, £22
Conc £1.50 off
Groups 10+ 10% off (Top 2 prices, Tue – Thu 7.45pm only)
Under 16s & Students £10
Under 25s £15
Friends of DPT 25% off (First 2 nights)
Ovation 10% off (Max 4 tickets, Tue – Thu)
CONGRESS THEATRE
Saturday 3 June, 2.30pm & 7.30pm
CIRQUE: THE GREATEST SHOW
Musical theatre meets circus spectacular as showstoppers from everyone’s favourite West End hits combine with breath-taking, amazing aerialists, incredible contortionists, and thrilling feats of agility and flair. A monochrome life bursts into kaleidoscopic colour in this smashhit circus musical that’s fun for all the family.
TICKETS £30, £37, Conc £2 off, Family Ticket (4 tickets) £108
CONGRESS THEATRE
Thursday 8 June, 7.30pm
The Illegal Eagles
Celebrating over 50 years since the formation of the legendary West Coast Country Rock band The Eagles in 1971, The Illegal Eagles make a welcome return for another outstanding show with the very best from the Eagles back catalogue of classics including Hotel California, Desperado, Life In The Fast Lane and many more.
TICKETS £34.50
CONGRESS THEATRE
Saturday 10 June, 7.30pm
THE McCARTNEY SONGBOOK
Celebrating the music of Sir Paul McCartney, The Beatles and Wings.
Starring Peter John Jackson (Let It Be, That’ll Be The Day), this amazing showcase of Sir Paul’s career features over 40 of the greatest songs ever written, including Band On The Run, Can’t Buy Me Love, Yesterday, Live and Let Die, Hey Jude and many more!
TICKETS £24.50, £26.50, £28.50
Congress Theatre
Tuesday 13 – Saturday 17 June
Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical celebrates 50 years of non-stop partying with this special anniversary production. The longest continuous run of a contemporary musical anywhere in the world, The Rocky Horror Show has been seen by 30 million people and continues to delight audiences on its sell-out international tour and is returning to Eastbourne.
The Rocky Horror Show is the story of two squeaky clean college kids – Brad and his fiancée Janet. When by a twist of fate, their car breaks down outside a creepy mansion whilst on their way to visit their former college professor, they meet the charismatic Dr Frank’n’Furter. It is an adventure they’ll never forget, filled with fun, frolics, frocks, and frivolity. Directed by Christopher Luscombe, The Rocky Horror Show is ready to thrill you with fun and naughty moments, and features timeless classics including Sweet Transvestite, Damn it Janet, and of course, the pelvic thrusting show stopping Time Warp.
Tue – Thu 7.30pm Fri 5.30pm & 8.30pm Sat 5pm & 8pm
TICKETS
Tue – Thu 7.30pm £18, £22, £29, £35, £40
Fri 5.30pm £16, £19, £25, £30, £34
Fri 8.30pm & Sat 5pm & 8pm
£22.50, £26.50, £33.50, £39.50, £44.50
Conc £5 off
Under 16s £10 off
Groups 10+ £5 off, 20+ £6 off, 50+ £7 off (Apply Top 3 prices Tue – Thu & Fri 5.30pm)
Ovation 10% Off (Max 4 tickets)
Devonshire Park Theatre
Thursday 15 – Saturday 24 June
This is Ayckbourn at his absolute best.
When Colin, a friend who has been absent, comes back to his circle of friends, they are worried how to approach him over the death of his fiancée, Carol. Diana organises a tea party for Colin but inter-relationship tensions soon become apparent and are near erupting as Colin arrives. As the party progresses, the middle-aged friends reveal the misery and failures of their own relationships. As it turns out, the mourning guest Colin becomes the one responsible for comforting everyone else! The play, set firmly in the 1970s, beautifully depicts nostalgia, lovelessness and social awkwardness and weaves them all together with some of Ayckbourn’s sharpest dialogue to hilarious effect.
Tue – Sat 7.45pm
Wed & Sat 2.30pm
(No perf Sun & Mon)
TICKETS
Tue – Thu 7.45pm
£20, £23.50, £25.50
Fri & Sat 7.45pm
£23, £25.50, £27.50
Wed & Sat 2.30pm
£20, £22
Conc £1.50 off
Groups 10+ 10% off (Top 2 prices, Tue – Thu 7.45pm only)
Under 16s & Students £10
Under 25s £15
Friends of DPT 25% off (First 2 nights)
Ovation 10% off (Max 4 tickets, Tue – Thu)
CONGRESS THEATRE
Friday 23 June, 7.30pm
Bede's Legat Dance Academy present
What A Wonderful World
A spectacular, diverse dance show which takes you on a journey through song and dance, showcasing over 70 children in Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap and Musical Theatre. The Legat Dance Academy is a centre for artistic and academic excellence based at Bede’s Senior School in Upper Dicker.
TICKETS £15
CONGRESS THEATRE
Thursday 6 July, 7.30pm
DON’T STOP BELIEVIN’
THE END-OF-NIGHT ANTHEMS SHOW
From the producers of Lost In Music comes a show packed full of the greatest end-of-thenight anthems. Non-stop, singalong favourites – Summer of ’69, I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll, Eye of the Tiger, Livin’ on a Prayer, Sweet Child O’ Mine – 30 anthems brought to life by a sizzling cast, fantastic costumes and amazing light show.
*TICKETS £32, Groups 6+ £27
CONGRESS THEATRE
Saturday 8 July, 7.30pm
ROB LAMBERTI presents PERFECTLY GEORGE
From Wham! all the way through the diverse eras of George Michael’s hugely successful solo career, including the timeless hits Careless Whisper, Faith, Fastlove, Club Tropicana, and so many more. This show tells the story of George Michael through the vast repertoire of songs that made him an icon to so many.
*TICKETS £27, £31, £34, Under 16s £20, £22, £25, Over 65s £25, £27, £30
Devonshire Park Theatre
Thursday 6 – Saturday 15 July
Bella Manningham is a woman on the edge. She hears footsteps in the night, pictures are moving by themselves and the gaslights in the drawing room dim and flicker without so much as a touch. Her husband is constantly disappearing. He tells her she may be losing her mind and she starts to believe him… As her grip on reality begins to slip, she finds herself in the middle of a terrifying mystery.
Patrick Hamilton’s Gaslight is the stuff of legend. From its first staging in 1938, through the 1944 film starring Ingrid Bergman and Charles Boyer, to lending its name to a legal term in present UK law, this classic Victorian thriller echoes through the ages.
Tue – Sat 7.45pm
Wed & Sat 2.30pm (No perf Sun & Mon)
TICKETS
Tue – Thu 7.45pm
£20, £23.50, £25.50
Fri & Sat 7.45pm £23, £25.50, £27.50
Wed & Sat 2.30pm £20, £22
Conc £1.50 off
Groups 10+ 10% off (Top 2 prices, Tue – Thu 7.45pm only)
Under 16s & Students £10
Under 25s £15 (Tue – Thu)
Friends of DPT 25% off (First 2 nights)
Ovation 10% off (Max 4 tickets)
CONGRESS THEATRE
Friday 14 July, 7.30pm
Rhythm Of The Dance
Rooted in Ireland's rich culture and heritage, join us on a journey through Ireland's history as Rhythm of the Dance returns with a brand new production. Featuring world class live musicians, vocalists and champion dancers, the show will be a completely immersive experience.
CONGRESS THEATRE
Saturday 15 July, 7.30pm
The Pasadena Roof Orchestra
The finest hot dance music of the 1920s and ‘30s in this beautifully crafted concert. Expect to hear classics from the pens of Irving Berlin, Ray Noble and Cole Porter, as well as electrifying hot jazz from the likes of Fletcher Henderson and Duke Ellington. Presenting the show is singer and band leader Duncan Galloway.
CONGRESS THEATRE
Tuesday 18 & Wednesday 19 July, 4.30pm
DRAGONS & MYTHICAL BEASTS
Enter into a magical world of myths and legends in this fantastical show. Discover the colossal Stone Troll, the mysterious Indrik and Japanese Baku; the Tooth Fairy (not as sweet as you'd think), an adorable Unicorn and majestic Griffin. Take your place among legendary heroes, just don't wake the Dragon… From the creators of the international smash hit Dinosaur World Live, who bring spectacular puppets to life live on stage!
TICKETS £16, Groups 10+ £10
Devonshire Park Theatre
Tuesday 18 – Saturday 22 July
Men of the World follows three northern coach drivers, Stick, Larry and Frank as they prepare for a mystery trip to Scarborough.
They soon start to take a trip down memory lane and recount memorable coach trips from their past. The show is bursting with compassion, nostalgia and humour and takes a look at the small and often overlooked moments of magic in our lives as just 3 actors play a vast number of characters.
Join us on this unforgettable, hilarious and moving trip from John Godber, master of observation and one of the country's most popular playwrights.
Tue – Sat 7.45pm
Wed & Sat 2.30pm
TICKETS
Tue – Thu 7.45pm
£20, £23.50, £25.50
Fri & Sat 7.45pm
£23, £25.50, £27.50
Wed & Sat 2.30pm £20, £22
Conc £1.50 off
Groups 10+ 10% off (Top 2 prices, Tue – Thu 7.45pm only)
Under 16s & Students £10
Under 25s £15 (Tue – Thu)
Friends of DPT 25% off (First 2 nights)
Ovation 10% off (Max 4 tickets)
CONGRESS THEATRE
Thursday 20 July, 7.30pm
THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY
Direct from London’s West End, a sold-out Worldwide tour and standing ovations at every performance, The Simon & Garfunkel Story continues to amaze audiences across the globe! Using huge projection photos, original film footage and a full live band performing all the hits including Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, Homeward Bound to name just a few!
TICKETS £27, £24, Conc £21
CONGRESS THEATRE
Friday 21 July, 7.30pm
Anything For Love
FEATURING THE MUSIC OF MEAT LOAF & JIM STEINMAN
Steve Steinman, brings you his brand-new production featuring over 25 of Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman’s greatest hits. With an incredible stage set, ten-piece live band combined with Steve’s well-known sense of humour and stage presence, the show can only be described as awesome.
TICKETS £34.50, Under 16s £15
Congress Theatre
Tuesday 25 – Saturday 29 July
Written by Willy Russell, the legendary Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences.
Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multi-award winning Blood Brothers. Bill Kenwright’s production surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone. It has been affectionately christened the ‘Standing Ovation Musical’, as inevitably it “brings the audience cheering to its feet and roaring its approval” The Daily Mail.
The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.
Tue – Sat 7.30pm
Wed, Thu, Sat 2.30pm
TICKETS
Tue – Thu
£22, £26, £31, £36, £40
Fri & Sat
£25, £29, £34, £39, £43
Conc £5 off
Under 16s £10 off
Groups 10+ £4 off, 20+ £5 off, 50+ £6 off
(Apply Tue – Thu, top 3 prices)
Ovation 10% Off
(Max 4 tickets, Tue – Thu)
Devonshire Park Theatre
Friday 28 July – Saturday 26 August
Directed by Chris Jordan
Designed by Julie Godfrey
Eastbourne Theatres production team return for a summer spectacle like no other.
The Invisible Man promises all the classic ingredients of an exciting Eastbourne Theatres production PLUS … this year … magic and illusions to create a leading man who you can literally see straight through!
This is summer fun suitable for all ages. The HG Wells classic is brought to life with a sprinkling of mischievous comedy, music and mayhem delivering this delightfully engaging theatrical romp. A sleepy Sussex village has an unexpected visitor, but clearly there is something very wrong with this stranger. What follows is a thrilling tale of daring adventure and unforgettable theatre.
This production is from the team responsible for The 39 Steps, Around the World in 80 Days, Return to the Forbidden Planet, One Man Two Guvnors and of course Eastbourne’s beloved Devonshire Park pantomimes.
Tue – Sat 7.45pm Wed & Sat 2.30pm (No perf Sun & Mon)
TICKETS
First 2 Nights £23
Tue – Sat 7.45pm
£23, £27.50, £29.50
Wed & Sat 2.30pm
£23, £27.50
Conc £1.50 off
Groups 10+ 10% off (Apply 7.45pm only)
Under 16s Half Price (Max 2 per full price adult)
Friends of DPT 25% off (Tues 7.45pm)
Ovation 10% Off (Max 4 tickets)
CONGRESS THEATRE
Friday 4 August, 7.30pm
Beyond The Barricade
The UK’s longest running Musical Theatre Concert Tour features past principal performers from Les Miserables and delivers over two hours of the best of Broadway and the West End, ending with a stunning finale from Les Mis. Featuring many of the best numbers that have made Beyond the Barricade the country’s most popular musical theatre concert.
TICKETS £28
CONGRESS THEATRE
Sunday 6 August, 2.30pm
FRANK & ELLA
LEN PHILLIPS SWING ORCHESTRA
Starring Stephen Triffitt & Nicola Emmanuelle
A concert celebrating the two biggest names in jazz and popular music for a generation. Faithful renditions of Nelson Riddle’s stunning arrangements from stars of the West End’s Rat Pack: Live From Las Vegas plus thrilling instrumental versions from Britain’s most popular 17-piece Big Band.
TICKETS £23
CONGRESS THEATRE
Thursday 10 August, 7.30pm
Ultimate Rock
80s Rock lives on! Stadium anthems, power ballads, and timeless classics, performed with all the fun, passion and warmth of the most influential musical decade in history. Music to sing, shout, dance, head-bang and air guitar to.
CONGRESS THEATRE
Saturday 12 August, 7.30pm
A Country Night In Nashville
Spend A Country Night in Nashville and celebrate the very best of country music. With songs including Ring Of Fire, Crazy, Follow Your Arrow, It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere, Need You Now and 9-5, be transported on a musical journey through the history of country; from Johnny Cash to Alan Jackson, Dolly to The Chicks, Willie Nelson to Kacey Musgraves.
TICKETS £27
CONGRESS THEATRE
Thursday 17 August, 7.30pm
Showaddywaddy
50TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT TOUR
Living up to their title of ‘The Greatest Rock & Roll Band In The World’, Showaddywaddy have sold over 20 million records across the globe. This uplifting show features all their greatest hits many of which reached number one in the pop charts across Europe. Under The Moon of Love, Three Steps to Heaven, When, Blue Moon, Pretty Little Angel Eyes and many more.
TICKETS £28
CONGRESS THEATRE
Saturday 19 August, 12pm & 3.30pm
MILKSHAKE LIVE!
Milkshake! Monkey is back joined by some of his favourite Milkshake! friends plus two Milkshake Presenters creating the most dazzling show you have ever seen! Join Paddington, Daisy & Ollie, Milo, Noddy, Pip and Posy, Blue’s Clues & You! and of course Milkshake! Monkey for an unforgettable family time at Milkshake Monkey’s Musical!
TICKETS £18.50, Under 16s £17.50, Family Ticket (4 tickets) £68
CONGRESS THEATRE
Saturday 26 August, 7.30pm
Elo Again
Come along and relive the age of Glam Rock as ELO AGAIN pay tribute to the beautifully crafted songs of Jeff Lynne. Back with their stunning 'Re-Discovery Tour' you will revel in ELO’s unique symphonic rock style and hear some of the most unforgettable classic rock and pop songs of a generation.
TICKETS £29
CONGRESS THEATRE
Sunday 27 August, 7.30pm
Waterloo
A TRIBUTE TO ABBA
A fabulous concert looking back at the sensational rise to stardom of Swedish pop group ABBA. Featuring a full live cast and band, from the iconic Waterloo, Mamma Mia and Voulez Vouz and so many more, this sensational show is an experience not to be missed by any ABBA fan.
Disclaimer: Please note that this is a tribute production and is not affiliated or endorsed by the Abba Estate.
TICKETS £29
CONGRESS THEATRE
Tuesday 29 August, 7.30pm
THAT’LL BE THE DAY
The gang return for another momentous celebration of the most iconic moments in music and comedy from the 50s, 60s, 70s & 80s. Comedy sketches combine with breathtaking vocals and dazzling musicianship to bring you the ultimate feel good experience that will leave you singing and dancing.
DEVONSHIRE PARK THEATRE
Tuesday 29 August – Saturday 2 September
