Norwich Theatre What's On from Sep 2021

What’s On May–Sep 2021

COVER TBC

What's On From Sep 2021

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WELCOME

04 More

22 More

08 More

Musicals

Opera p22-23

from p04

p08, 14, 30, 36, 42, 59

10

56

More

More

Entertainment

Dance p10-13 & p 69

38 More

Drama

p56-58

60 More

66 More

Family

p38 & p64-65

Music p66-68

Comedy p60-63

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Welcome back!

We are so excited to announce our re-opening season from September 2021. After over a year of closure, we can’t wait to welcome you back to our theatres and share the excitement and joy of live performance again.

Welcome to our very first digital brochure bringing all of our venue programmes together in one place. We hope you will enjoy being able to flick through the pages and access so much information with just a click of a mouse!

The re-opening season includes a celebration of women in theatre, showcasing the amazing talent and diversity of women’s stories and voices.

'A celebration of women who inspire, lead, show resilience, passion and creativity in theatre' WENDY

You can look forward to uplifting musicals, including a royal treat courtesy of SIX The Musical, Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World, a powerful exploration of iconic women in history, and the dazzling multi-award winning musical Dreamgirls, following the extraordinary story of three talented young singers in the turbulent 1960s.

'After such a long, sparse, dry time for theatre, come and have sheer fun!'

CAROLINE

Dance lovers won’t want to miss the return of our long-standing artistic partners Rambert2, performing a totally fresh dance show featuring work from all female choreographers, and Northern Ballet, presenting an epic adventure inspired by the story of the mythical wizard Merlin.

A fantastic line-up of comedians joins the women in theatre season, including Jenny Eclair, Sofie Hagen, Luisa Omielan and Bridget Christie… sure to lift your spirits!

Great drama returns with Ronald Harwood’s riotously funny The Dresser starring Julian Clary and Matthew Kelly, Noël Coward’s classic Private Lives with Nigel Havers and Patricia Hodge, hilariously funny spoof thriller Cluedo, and much more.

'We are truly back with a bang' JANE Over the last year, your support and generosity have meant more to us than ever before. As we prepare to re-open our doors, we hope you will enjoy this season and join us in looking to better times to come.

Wendy Ellis Creative Programmes Director Caroline Richardson Playhouse Director Jane Walsh Programming Director

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MUSICAL

SIX The Musical 20 Sep – 25 Sep Theatre Royal

Book

Watch

The international smash hit musical SIX makes its royal return to Norwich!

Multi award-winning, with a spectacularly successful sound-track storming charts across the globe, this sell-out Tudor takeoff has ‘an incredibly strong and powerful message. Boundary-pushing, genreredefining’ (The Australian) and is ‘pure entertainment’ (The New York Times).

From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st century girl power.

These Queens may have green sleeves but their lipstick is rebellious red.

Think you know the rhyme, think again...

Divorced. Beheaded. LIVE!

★★★★★ A Royal Treat THE TELEGRAPH

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MUSICAL

Bedknobs and Broomsticks 28 Sep – 03 Oct Theatre Royal

Book

Watch

Enter a world of magic and fantasy as Disney’s classic movie Bedknobs and Broomsticks makes its world premiere as an exciting new musical brought to life by award-winning theatre-makers Candice Edmunds and Jamie Harrison.

When the three orphaned Rawlins children are reluctantly evacuated from wartime London to live with the mysterious Eglantine Price, they have no idea what adventures lie ahead. Armed with an enchanted bedknob, a bewitched broomstick and a magical flying bed, they encounter surprising new friendships on their journey from Portobello Road to the depths of the beautiful briny sea.

Featuring original songs by the legendary Sherman Brothers, new music and lyrics by Neil Bartram and book by Brian Hill.

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DRAMA

The Dresser starring Julian Clary and Matthew Kelly 05 Oct - 09 Oct Theatre Royal

Book

Inspired by memories of working as Donald Wolfit’s dresser as a young man, Ronald Harwood’s evocative, affectionate and hilarious portrait of backstage life is one of the most acclaimed dramas of modern theatre.

It is 1942 and in a war-torn provincial theatre an ageing actor manager, known to his loyal acting company as ‘Sir’, is struggling to cling on to his sanity and complete his two hundred and twenty seventh performance of King Lear.

Starring Julian Clary as Norman and Matthew Kelly as Sir, it is down to Norman, Sir’s devoted dresser, to ensure that in spite of everything, the show goes on.

For sixteen years Norman has been there to fix Sir’s wig, massage his ego, remind him of his opening lines and provide the sound effects in the storm scene.

Poignant funny and utterly authentic M A I L O N S U N DAY

t, d

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10

DANCE

Northern Ballet: Merlin 19 Oct – 23 Oct Theatre Royal

Book

Discover how the world’s most famous sorcerer mastered his magic to unite a warring kingdom.

Inspired by the story of the mythical wizard, Northern Ballet’s Merlin will take you on a sweeping epic adventure of heartbreak, hope and more than a little magic.

Choreographed by Olivier award-winning Drew McOnie (Broadway’s King Kong and Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom), expect an enchanting spectacle.

Don’t miss the legend reawakened through Northern Ballet’s unrivalled blend of classical ballet and dramatic storytelling.

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DANCE

Rambert2: Double Bill Killer Pig by Sharon Eyal Home by Micaela Taylor 20 Oct – 21 Oct Playhouse

Book

In February 2020, 650 early career dancers attended open auditions to join the Rambert2 ensemble. 1 1 dancers were chosen for their outstanding ability and individuality.

This exciting group makes their on-stage debut as a company in a bespoke programme featuring Home, a new commission by up-and-coming American choreographer Micaela Taylor, paired with Sharon Eyal’s pulsating and uncompromisingly physical Killer Pig.

Spiky, sa dancers s the stage T H E G UA R D I A N

assy seize e

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DRAMA

Looking Good Dead starring Adam Woodyatt and Gaynor Faye 25 Oct – 30 Oct Theatre Royal

Book

Watch

No.1 best-selling author Peter James returns with the world premiere of Looking Good Dead, starring awardwinning actor and EastEnders icon, Adam Woodyatt and star of stage and screen Gaynor Faye (Emmerdale, Coronation Street, The Syndicate).

No good deed goes unpunished…hours after picking up a USB memory stick, left behind by another passenger on a train seat, Tom Bryce inadvertently becomes a witness to a vicious murder. Reporting the crime to the police has disastrous consequences, placing him and his family in grave danger.

Adapted by award winning writer Shaun McKenna, Looking Good Dead will keep you on the edge of your seat until the chilling final moments!

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MUSICAL

Rocky Horror Show 01 Nov – 06 Nov Theatre Royal

Book

Watch

Ready to thrill you with fun and naughty moments, Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical, the Rocky Horror Show returns as part of a sell-out worldwide tour, having been seen by over 30 million theatregoers.

Directed by Christopher Luscombe and featuring timeless classics, including Sweet Transvestite, Damn it Janet, and of course, the pelvic-thrusting Time Warp.

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.

Fierce an fabulous fun!

DA I LY E X P R E S S

nd s

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COMEDY

Groan Ups from the creators of The Play That Goes Wrong

15 Nov – 20 Nov Theatre Royal

Book

Watch

Following their phenomenal rise to global success with The Play That Goes Wrong, The Comedy about a Bank Robbery and Peter Pan Goes Wrong, multi awardwinning Mischief return on tour with their brand new comedy all about growing up.

Do we choose who we become? Is the story of our lives already written? Do we ever really grow up? Follow an unruly classroom of six year-olds on their journey through anarchic high school teenagers to the challenges of adulthood.

Mischief shows sell out fast, so bag your tickets early - this is a lesson not to be skipped!

Photo shows original West End cast.

Cast to be announced.

★★★★

A very funny farce. There’s resisting gags this calibre S U N DAY T I M E S

s no s of

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BASED ON THE BOOK BY

K AT E PA N K H U R S T AND PUBLISHED BY BLOOMSBURY

MUSICAL

Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World 23 Nov - 05 Dec Playhouse

Book

Can I have your attention please?!!!

The producer of smash hit musical SIX brings you the world premiere of a brand new kickass-pirational pop musical as the Fantastically Great Women take to the stage to tell their stories.

An empowering new stage show which will be celebrated by anyone who is prepared to move and be moved, with characters and songs that pack a popstar punch! Join our inquisitive heroine Jade as she breaks away from her class to take a peek behind the scenes at the not yet open Gallery of Greatness in the local museum. Along her journey she is surprised to meet the original and incredible Wonder Women: Frida Kahlo, Rosa Parks, Amelia Earhart, Marie Curie, Emmeline Pankhurst to name just a few.

Don’t miss the opportunity to be the first to see this brand new musical adapted by Chris Bush with songs by Miranda Cooper whose hits include number 1 records for the Sugababes and Girls Aloud.

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OPERA

Glyndebourne Tour 24 Nov - 26 Nov Theatre Royal

Book

Join us for an incredible season of opera and more this autumn with two beloved operas – Stravinsky’s The Rake’s Progress designed by David Hockney, and Donizetti’s exhilarating comic opera Don Pasquale – as well as our first ever Messiah concert.

The Rake’s Progress 24 Nov

Messiah Concert 25 Nov

A bearded lady, a small-town boy and a deal with the Devil: classic fairy tale meets modern morality play in Stravinsky and W.H. Auden’s exhilarating fusion of high drama and low comedy.

The Glyndebourne premiere of Handel’s choral masterpiece, Messiah.

When the mysterious Nick Shadow appears at his door, Tom Rakewell immediately abandons country life and his sweetheart Anne for the temptations of the city. But London’s glittering promise soon corrodes, and love, money and even sanity slip further and further from Tom’s grasp. Can true love save him, or will the Devil have the last laugh?

Join us for a rare opportunity to see – and hear – Glyndebourne’s exceptional chorus centre-stage as they sing Handel’s rousing oratorio about Jesus’ life for the first time. While most oratorios put the spotlight on the soloists, Handel’s Messiah has the chorus at its heart.

As exhilarating now as it was then – this is a piece that wholeheartedly showcases its singers.

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Don Pasquale 26 Nov There’s no fool like an old fool…

Nimble and breathless, outrageous and exhilarating, Donizetti’s late comic masterpiece pits two generations against one another in a musical battle of wits and wills.

Miserly old bachelor Don Pasquale is fed up with his nephew Ernesto, and vows to get married and produce an heir, so he can cut the feckless young man out of his will. But when Ernesto and his beloved Norina get wind of the plan, they come up with their own scheme to outwit him. The trap is set, and romantic tangles, tussles and intrigue quickly ensue.

★★★★

a revival brings charm and warmth T H E G UA R D I A N ( 2 0 1 1 D O N PAS Q UA L E T O U R )

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CHRISTMAS

08 Dec – 09 Jan Theatre Royal

Book

A Norwich Theatre Production Dick Whittington & his Cat tells the rags to riches tale of a young man leaving home with only a spotted handkerchief and his cat on an exciting quest for fame and fortune!

Featuring all the traditional pantomime ingredients including sensational songs, a live band, magic, dazzling dance routines, magnificent slapstick comedy and bags of audience participation.

A show guaranteed to be full of wonder to delight audiences of all ages.

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A purr-fect treat for all the family!

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CHRISTMAS

Robin Good The Politico-Panto

08 Dec - 19 Dec Playhouse

Book

A Norwich Theatre Production The newly created Minister for Greed & Division wants to deport the people of Norfolk to Suffolk, build a wall around Norfolk and turn the county into a holiday resort for billionaires.

But one person is determined to foil these dastardly capitalist plans and stop Norfolk becoming a playground for the super-rich: young queer socialist vegan social media influencer Robin Good.

Robin Good is a potently political and wilfully woke Pantomime full of satire and local humour celebrating diversity, community and the enduring triumph of right over wrong, written by James McDermott.

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MUSICAL

The Book of Mormon 25 Jan - 05 Feb 2022 Theatre Royal

Book

The Mormons are coming to Norwich!

The New York Times calls it ‘The best musical of this century.’ The Washington Post says, ‘It is the kind of evening that restores your faith in musicals.’ And Entertainment Weekly raves, ‘Grade A: the funniest musical of all time.’ It’s The Book of Mormon, the nine-time Tony Award and four-time Olivier winning Best Musical.

This outrageous musical comedy from creators of South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, and Bobby Lopez, co-writer of Avenue Q and Frozen, follows the misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent on a mission to a place that’s about as far from Salt Lake City as you can get. Now with sold out productions in London, on Broadway, North America, Melbourne and Sydney, The Book of Mormon has become a worldwide sensation.

★★★★★

An unstopp cultural juggernaut N E W YO R K P O S T

pable

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DRAMA

Cluedo 07 Feb - 12 Feb 2022 Theatre Royal

Book

Was it Miss Scarlet, with the revolver in the Dining Room, or was it Professor Plum, with the lead pipe in the Library? ...

Based on the classic detective board game loved by generations and the hit 1985 film CLUE, the brand new stage play of CLUEDO is coming to Norwich. This UK premier production is directed by Mark Bell, director of the award winning The Play That Goes Wrong and A Comedy About A Bank Robbery and just like the game, it promises audiences of all ages a nostalgic, fun and thrilling evening of entertainment.

This hilarious spoof of a thriller, will keep you guessing right up to the finale as both the audience and actors onstage try to work out whodunnit... with what… and where!

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MUSICAL

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie 01 Mar - 05 Mar 2022 Theatre Royal

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Watch

The smash-hit musical comes to Norwich, featuring West End star Layton Williams and EastEnders’ much-loved Shane Richie as Hugo/Loco Chanelle. Both are reprising their roles from the critically acclaimed West End production.

Jamie New is sixteen and lives on a council estate in Sheffield. Jamie doesn’t quite fit in. Jamie is terrified about the future. Jamie is going to be a sensation.

With an original score of catchy pop tunes by lead singer-songwriter of The Feeling, Dan Gillespie Sells, and writer Tom MacRae (Doctor Who), this brand new musical will have everybody talking about Jamie for years to come.

Funny, fabulous and feel-good, this is the musical sensation for all the family and not to be missed!

★★★★

A joyous celebration individuality and accept EDINBURGH NEWS

n of y tance

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MUSICAL

School of Rock 15 Mar - 19 Mar 2022 Theatre Royal

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Watch

School of Rock is the global hit musical based on the iconic movie starring Jack Black. Wannabe rock star Dewey Finn is cast out by his dive-bar bandmates and finds himself in desperate need of cash.

Posing as a substitute music teacher at an elite prep school, he exposes his students to the rock gods he idolises, transforming them into a mind-blowing rock band. While teaching these pint-sized prodigies what it means to truly rock out, Dewey falls for the school’s beautiful, but uptight headmistress, Miss Mullins, helping her rediscover the wild child within. But, will they all find redemption at the battle of the bands?

Featuring 14 new songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber, all the original songs from the movie, and a band of insanely talented kids that play live every show, School of Rock will warm your heart and blow you away in equal measure.

★★★★★

The most enjoyable few hours money can buy THE TELEGRAPH

w y

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DRAMA

Private Lives Noël Coward’s Classic Comedy starring Nigel Havers and Patricia Hodge 29 Mar – 02 Apr 2022 Theatre Royal

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Watch

Noël Coward’s gloriously entertaining Private Lives is the inaugural show from The Nigel Havers Theatre Company which will be touring the country with a wonderful line-up of theatrical gems.

Elyot and Amanda, who were once married, find themselves on honeymoon with their new partners, in the same hotel on the French Riviera, admiring the view from adjoining balconies. Their initial horror quickly evaporates and soon they are sharing cocktails. Who knows what the future holds for them now…

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FAMILY

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe 05 Apr - 09 Apr 2022 Theatre Royal

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Watch

Direct from London, the smash hit production of C.S. Lewis’ classic The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, voted the nations favourite book in 2019, is coming to Norwich.

Step through the wardrobe into the enchanted kingdom of Narnia. Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they wave goodbye to wartime Britain and embark on the most magical of adventures in a frozen, faraway land where they meet a Faun, talking Beavers, the noble king of Narnia, Aslan, and the coldest, most evil of all, The White Witch.

This critically acclaimed production is pure theatrical magic.

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MUSICAL

Fat Friends – The Musical 25 Apr – 30 Apr 2022 Theatre Royal

Book

The 'weight’ is over! Fat Friends The Musical is back and it’s going to be bigger and better than ever!

Following the massive success of its first outing, Kay Mellor’s Fat Friends - The Musical returns to Norwich, starring West End and TV favourite, Lee Mead. This hugely entertaining musical is based on the hit TV show Fat Friends, that starred James Corden and Ruth Jones. Created and directed by the brilliant award winning Kay Mellor (In the Club, Girlfriends, Band of Gold, The Syndicate) with original music and songs by Nicholas Lloyd Webber, Fat Friends - The Musical reunites our favourite foodie friends as they are put through their Zumba paces at their local slimming club, whilst Kelly fantasises about fitting into the wedding dress of her dreams. A show that serves up a tasty treat full of hope, humour, love and weight loss, it delivers a night full of laughter and encourages us all to Love Who You Are! More star cast to be announced!

★★★★

Homespun charm T H E S TAG E

oaringly hilarious, emotional rollercoaster, mu WOW, WOW! What Non-stop belly la of a a musical!! production!”

41 om start to finish – remarkable entertainment Entertainment Views Whatsgoodtodo.co.uk

ously stunning musical. IItcried with laughter ugh out loud production. will Treat have you buzzia A Hilarious Musical with emotion.”

Entertainment Views Hilarious Comedy Genius Fairy Powered Productions

KAY MELLOR’S

full fat five stars with a portion of fries on the North West End Magazine

, WOW, WOW! What a musical!! Non-stop belly MUSICAL entertainmen TH–E remarkable from start to finish

by NICK LLOYD WEBBER c i s u M Whatsgoodtodo.co.uk Starring Lee Mead

augh out loud production.

It will have you buz A MEGA HIT

of Hilarious supersized proportions.

Comedy Genius Celebrity Radio

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DRAMA

The Da Vinci Code 23 May - 28 May 2022 Theatre Royal

Book

Can you crack the code and solve a centuries old mystery?

The blockbuster story that captivated the world is now an epic stage thriller. Based on the bestselling novel of this century, with over 100 million copies sold, unlock the secrets of The Da Vinci Code in the world premiere stage adaptation of the international phenomenon and uncover the truth in the greatest thriller of the past 2000 years.

The curator of the Louvre has been brutally murdered, and alongside his body are a series of baffling codes. Follow the pulse-racing journey as Professor Robert Langdon and fellow cryptologist Sophie Neveu attempt to solve the riddles, leading to the works of Leonardo Da Vinci and beyond, deep into the vault of history.

An exhilarat breathless thriller-chas Blockbuste perfection T H E N E W YO R K T I M E S

ting,

se. er

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MUSICAL

Dreamgirls 31 May - 11 Jun 2022 Theatre Royal

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Watch

Let your soul sing with the dazzling multi-award winning DREAMGIRLS! Direct from the West End with an extraordinary story and the unforgettable, spine-tingling vocals that send audiences wild, this spectacular musical production features the classic songs And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going, Listen, I Am Changing and One Night Only.

Meet The Dreams – Effie played by Nicole Dennis (Dear Evan Hansen & ITV’s The Voice), Lorrell and Deena – three talented young singers in the turbulent 1960s, a revolutionary time in American music history. Join the three friends as they embark upon a musical rollercoaster ride through a world of fame, fortune and the ruthless realities of show business, testing their friendships to the very limit.

★★★★★

A glittering tour de forc of disco and soul DA I LY E X P R E S S

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MUSICAL

We Will Rock You 20 Jun - 25 Jun 2022 Theatre Royal

Book

The worldwide smash hit musical by Queen and Ben Elton returns to the UK, delivered in a show that boasts the scale and spectacle that marked the band’s legendary live performances.

Since 2002 over 16 million theatregoers in 19 countries have been thrilled by this awe-inspiring production featuring Queen’s biggest hits including We Are The Champions, I Want To Break Free, Don’t Stop Me Now, Bohemian Rhapsody, Another One Bites The Dust and of course, We Will Rock You. A musical phenomenon not to be missed!

Exhilarati and great fun T I M E M AGA Z I N E

ing at

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MUSICAL

Chicago The Musical 11 Jul - 16 Jul 2022 Theatre Royal

Book

CHICAGO, the “sexiest musical ever” (Metro) is back starring Coronation Street’s Faye Brookes (Dancing On Ice, Grease, Legally Blonde) as Roxie Hart and West End star Djalenga Scott (Annie, Chicago, West Side Story) as Velma Kelly.

“Murder, greed, corruption, exploitation, adultery and treachery…all those things we hold near and dear to our hearts” so begins the international multi-awardwinning musical, CHICAGO. Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, CHICAGO is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines.

★★★★

A razzling-d evening tha to be misse THE SUN

dazzling at is not ed

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MUSICAL

Waitress 15 Aug - 20 Aug 2022 Theatre Royal

Book

“Treat yourself to a slice of five-star musical pie” (The Times) as Lucie Jones (Les Misérables, Ghost the Musical, Legally Blonde) reprises her role of Jenna in the hit musical comedy WAITRESS. Meet Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of some happiness in her life. When a hot new doctor arrives in town, life gets complicated. With the support of her workmates Becky and Dawn, Jenna overcomes the challenges she faces and finds that laughter, love and friendship can provide the perfect recipe for happiness.

Brought to life by a ground-breaking, female-led creative team.

★★★★★

Warm, witty and hilariou A wonderfu EXPRESS ONLINE

y, wise us. ul treat

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MUSICAL

Les Misérables 31 Aug – 24 Sep 2022 Theatre Royal

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Watch

Returning to Norwich, Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed production of Boublil and Schönberg’s musical LES MISÉRABLES. This brilliant new staging has taken the world by storm and has been hailed ‘Les Mis for the 21st Century’. With scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, the magnificent score of LES MISÉRABLES includes the songs I Dreamed a Dream, On My Own, Bring Him Home, One Day More, Master Of The House and many more.

Seen by over 120 million people worldwide in 52 countries and in 22 languages, LES MISÉRABLES is undisputedly one of the world’s most popular musicals.

★★★★★

A five-star hit – astonish powerful THE TIMES

hingly

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MUSICAL

MAMMA MIA! 04 Oct - 22 Oct 2022 Theatre Royal

Book

Watch

A Mother. A Daughter. 3 Possible Dads. And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget!

Set on a Greek island paradise where the sun always shines, a tale of love, friendship and identity is irresistibly told through the timeless hits of ABBA. Sophie’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings her mother face to face with three men from her distant romantic past on the eve of a wedding they’ll never forget!

Every day’s a holiday at MAMMA MIA!, so have the time of your life at the world’s sunniest and most exhilarating smash-hit musical.

★★★★★

ABBA-SOLUTELY FANTASTIC B I R M I N G H A M W H AT’ S O N

Y

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ENTERTAINMENT

More

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30 Sep 7.30pm Playhouse

Jenni Murray Join Woman’s Hour legend Jenni Murray for an evening of raw and honest conversation on what it’s like to be fat when society dictates that skinny is the norm. Jenni will dare to tackle weighty topics such as: Why do we overeat? What are the consequences of the obesity epidemic on an overstretched NHS? And, why isn’t shouting ‘fat cow’ at a woman considered a hate crime?

24 Sep 7.30pm – Playhouse

Paul Zerdin Back by popular demand, Paul Zerdin and everyone’s favourite puppets are heading your way with a brand new UK tour in Autumn 2021.

Sam, Albert, Baby, Roger the bodyguard, and an urban fox have all survived 2020 locked down with Paul... well nearly. They can’t wait to see you, so get ready to be involved. As well as his hilarious characters, ‘Hands Free’ features Paul giving us a glimpse into his own world showing us what it’s like to be able to throw your voice in everyday situations where anything and everything can talk back!

More

23 Sep 7.30pm Playhouse

Austentatious Austentatious is an improvised comedy play starring a cast of the country’s quickest comic performers. Every single show the cast conjures up a brand new ‘lost’ Jane Austen novel based on nothing more than a title suggested by the audience.

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06 Oct 7.30pm – Playhouse

The (Steve) Royle Variety Performance

25 Sep 7.00pm – Stage Two

Any Suggestions, Doctor?

The Improvised Doctor Who Parody is landing near you! Travel anywhere in time and space with a live radiophonic workshop, incredible props & set and a collection of hilarious improv comedy performers. Travel on an adventure everyone can enjoy made entirely from your suggestions. Allons-y!

Britain’s Got Talent 2020 top three finalist, comedian, juggler and variety star Steve Royle takes his Royle Variety Performance on the road for a fun-filled evening for all the family.

‘A comedy masterclass!’

The Stage

‘A brilliant comedian’ Peter Kay

More

★★★★★ ‘Laughter so hard the seating shook’ One4Review

★★★★★ ‘A must see’ Scottish Field

01 Apr 2022 7.30pm Playhouse

Matt Parker: Humble Pi Matt Parker is a standup comedian and mathematician. He appears regularly on TV and online: as well as being a presenter on the Discovery Channel.

His YouTube videos have been viewed over 85 million times.

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ENTERTAINMENT

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02 Nov 7.30pm – Playhouse

Codebreakers

07 Oct 7.30pm Playhouse

Join Dr Mark Baldwin the only person to be asked to speak on ‘The Codebreakers’ at London’s Special Forces Club, and on ‘Special Operations’ at Bletchley Park.

This fascinating talk includes the life and work of the great mathematician, computer scientist, philosopher and theoretical biologist Alan Turing OBE FRS.

Ode to Joyce Joyce Grenfell was one of the greatest female entertainers of the twentieth century, loved the world over for her hilarious and beautifully observed monologues and songs, as well as numerous film, television and radio appearances.

More

Clinton Baptiste CLINTON BAPTISTE is…

STRATOSPHERIC! From Bolton via Vegas... to the stars!

In this gem of nostalgia, which recreates the setting of one of Joyce’s stage shows, Cheryl Knight ‘absolutely captures her spirit’ (Everything Theatre).

17 Nov 7.30pm Playhouse

Following the massive success of his last UK tour, clairvoyant medium and psychic Clinton Baptiste has gone exploring, stateside.

DRAMA

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04 Nov 7.30pm – Playhouse

Who Cares Adapted from real-life testimonies, award-winning theatre company LUNG examines the impact of austerity, our failing social care system and what happens when a child becomes the parent.

The alarm rings. I take a breath. Then it starts. Sitting at the back of the bus, skipping the lunch queue and skiving lessons. At school Nicole, Jade and Connor are just like everybody else. But when they get home, things are very different.

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COMEDY

Jack Dee: Off The Telly More

Ed Byrne - If I’m Honest More

26 Sep 8.00pm – Theatre Royal 01 & 08 Oct 8.00pm – Playhouse

Iain Sirling: Failing Upwards More

Tom Rosenthal: Manhood More

26 & 27 Sep 8.00pm – Playhouse

Jenny Eclair: Sixty! (FFS!) More

03 Oct 7.30pm & 04 Oct 8.00 pm Playhouse 29 Sep 7.30pm – Playhouse

61 John Shuttleworth’s Back Mark Thomas

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13 Oct 8.00pm – Playhouse 11 & 12 Oct 8.00pm – Playhouse

Mae Martin: SAP

Gary Meikle: Surreal More

More

17 Oct 8.00pm – Playhouse

Alistair McGowan More

28 Oct 7.30pm – Playhouse 23 Oct 8.00pm – Playhouse

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COMEDY

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24 Oct 7.30pm Playhouse

Bridget Christie Brand new show from the Edinburgh Comedy Award, Rose D’or and South Bank Sky Arts Award winner, star of her own Netflix special and BBC Radio 4 series, Bridget Christie Minds the Gap. 14 Oct 8.00pm Playhouse

More

Luisa Omielan

Sofie Hagen: The Bumswing One of British comedy’s most exciting talents (although she’s Danish). Barely out of the house for more than a year, Sofie could hardly be more excited to come to Norwich and talk to more than one human at a time. Prepare to hear absolutely every thought she has in her head. We’ve waited long enough.

Rob Newman: Philosophy Show

Luisa Omielan is the most famous female British comedian you’ve never heard of!

At a time when it feels like the world is about to be set on fire and we’re asking ourselves why it’s all going so horribly wrong and what can we do to fix it? Luisa’s upcoming show GOD IS A WOMAN couldn’t come at a more important time. Expect Mary Magdalene, dick jokes and a giant Bernese mountain dog.

01 Nov 8.00pm Playhouse

27 Oct 7.30pm Playhouse

Phil McIntyre Live Proudly Presents Rob Newman’s Philosophy Show.

In this all-new show, multiaward winning stand-up comic Rob Newman weaves together Nietzsche’s sunglasses, James Bond in Toxteth, electric spiders and singing Neanderthals into a hilarious tour-de-force that offers new hopes for a changing world.

Rob Newman’s Philosophy Show coincides with the release of his BBC Radio 4 series. Winner: Best Scripted Comedy–BBC Audio Drama Awards 2019. Winner: Best Comedy with a live audience–BBC Audio Drama Awards 2017

★★★★ ‘Hugely entertaining, gleefully jaunty and refreshingly intelligent… I loved it.’

The Guardian

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17 Mar 2022 8.00pm Playhouse

27 Jan 2022 7.30pm Playhouse

Jon Courtenay: What's It All About?

Jon Courtenay, the first ever Golden Buzzer act to win Britain’s Got Talent, takes audiences on a journey of a lifetime. You will roar with laughter, maybe shed a few tears and definitely be inspired by his music and the hilarious tales of his family, relationships and life on tour with a soundtrack including all his Britain’s Got Talent songs and music.

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10 Apr 2022 7.30pm Theatre Royal

Simon Brodkin: Troublemaker

Nish Kumar: Control

The world-famous prankster and creator of the hugely popular Lee Nelson, is back on stage with TROUBLEMAKER, his sensational new stand-up show.

After showering Sepp Blatter with banknotes and handing Theresa May her P45, the critically acclaimed comedian explores what it’s like to be chased by Donald Trump’s bodyguards.

BBC’s Mash Report Nish Kumar brings CONTROL. It has been a period of upheaval and uncertainty with COVID and the political situation. You will be amazed by my capacity to somehow take all these things personally.

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‘A real winner.’

Ant and Dec

21 Jul 2022 8.00pm Theatre Royal

Omid Djalili: The Good Times Tour After experimenting with a Zoom gig where he got muted by 639 people and a drive-in gig where Omid witnessed an audience member get out of his car, attach a hose pipe to his exhaust and feed it through the window, multi awardwinning comedian and actor Omid Djalili is now where he belongs, on a stage.

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FAMILY

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25 & 26 Oct 11.30am & 2.00pm Playhouse

The Amazing Bubble Man Louis Pearl has been thrilling audiences worldwide for over 30 years with the art, magic, science and fun of bubbles.

Explore the breathtaking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with audience participation and enough spellbinding bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerized.

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04 Sep 2.00pm – Theatre Royal

Brainiac Live!

Strap on your safety goggles boys and girls: WE’RE BACK !!!

Due to popular demand Science’s greatest and most volatile live show is returning with a vengeance.

More mischievous than ever before, Brainiac Live! explodes on stage and will take you on a breathless ride through the wild world of the weird and wonderful.

Watch from the safety of your seat as the Brainiacs delve fearlessly into the mysteries of science and do all of those things on stage that you’re too scared to do at home!

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19 Feb & 30 Mar 2022 7.30pm Playhouse

Ben Hart Expect his most mind-blowing and exciting magic in a show that shines a light on magic, life, the universe and the darkest corners of your imaginations.

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12 Mar 2022 2.30pm & 7.30pm - Playhouse

Basil Brush Family Fun and Unleashed Showbiz legend, national treasure, fox.

Children of the 2000’s, 1970’s (and everything in-between) this one’s for you as Basil goes prime time!

‘Hilarious’ Digital Spy 23 Oct 11.00am, 1.30pm & 4.00pm and 24 Oct 11.00am & 2.00pm – Playhouse

Maddie Moate

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Part of Norwich Science Festival.

Join popular children’s TV presenter and YouTuber Maddie Moate as she brings a selection of stories from her debut book ‘Stuff’ to life on stage!

Packed with extraordinary tales of the ingenious ways people around the world, and across history, have made, used and re-used the stuff around them.

30 Oct 2.30pm & 8.00pm - Playhouse

Spontaneous Potter Kidz Grab your wands, don your house robes, and apparate yourselves to the box office!

A very magical improv show awaits…

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MUSIC Marti Pellow - Greatest Hits

Cloudbusting The Music of Kate Bush

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25 Sep 7.30pm – Playhouse 27 Nov 7.30pm – Theatre Royal

Doris Day Songbook More

A Vision of Elvis More

02 Oct 2.30pm – Playhouse

Cavern Beatles More

04 Jan 2022 7.30pm – Theatre Royal 05 Oct 7.30pm – Playhouse

67

Beyond The Barricade More

Lost In Music More

06 Feb 2022 7.30pm – Theatre Royal

Big Chris Barber Big Band More

05 Jan 2022 7.30pm – Theatre Royal

Killer Queen More

12 Feb 2022 7.30pm – Playhouse

The Sound of Springsteen More

17 Feb 2022 7.30pm – Playhouse 13 Jan 2022 7.30pm – Theatre Royal

68

MUSIC

That'll Be the Day! More

Jane Mcdonald More

24 Feb 2022 7.30pm Theatre Royal 18 & 1 9 Jul 2022 7.30pm – Theatre Royal

The Simon & Garfunkel Story More

An Evening of Jazz & Cabaret More

06 Apr 2022 8.00pm – Playhouse

The Floyd Effect More

11 Sep 2022 7.00pm – Playhouse 16 Jul 2022 8.00pm – Playhouse

DANCE

AJ & Curtis' Big Night Out More

Here Come the Boys More

17 Jul 2022 2.30pm & 7.30pm Theatre Royal

Rhythm of the Dance More

15 Oct 7.30pm – Theatre Royal

Oti Mabuse: I Am Here More

22 Jul 2022 7.30pm – Theatre Royal

Sati & Shiva More

12 Jun 2022 3.00pm & 7.30pm Theatre Royal

06 Nov 7.30pm – Playhouse

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70

DIARY

Theatre Royal SEPTEMBER A Beautiful Noise

START

END

MUSIC

01 Sep

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac

03 Sep

MUSIC

Brainiac Live!

04 Sep

FAMILY

Michala Jane School of Dance

05 Sep

DANCE

Milton Jones

06 Sep

COMEDY ENTERTAINMENT

Grayson Perry: A Show for Normal People

07 Sep

Tim Vine is Plastic Elvis

08 Sep

MUSIC

Pam Ayres: Up In The Attic

09 Sep

COMEDY

Johnny Ball’s Wonders Beyond Numbers

11 Sep

FAMILY

Simon Amstell: Spirit Hole

11 Sep

COMEDY

Sixties Gold SIX the Musical

MUSIC

12 Sep 20 Sep

25 Sep

MUSICAL MUSICAL

COMEDY

Jack Dee: Off the Telly

26 Sep

Bedknobs and Broomsticks

28 Sep

03 Oct

The Dresser

05 Oct

09 Oct

Jon Richardson

10 Oct

OCTOBER

Jason Donovan Alan Carr: Not Again, Alan!

MUSIC

11 Oct 13 Oct

DRAMA COMEDY

14 Oct

COMEDY

A J & Curtis' Big Night Out

15 Oct

DANCE

Ross Noble: Humournoid

16 Oct

COMEDY

Northern Ballet: Merlin

19 Oct

23 Oct

DANCE

Looking Good Dead

25 Oct

30 Oct

DRAMA

Jonathan Pie: Fake News

31 Oct

COMEDY

NOVEMBER Rocky Horror

01 Nov

06 Nov

MUSICAL

Groan Ups

15 Nov

20 Nov

COMEDY

Glyndebourne Tour: The Rake's Progress

24 Nov

OPERA

Glyndebourne Tour: Messiah Concert

25 Nov

OPERA

Glyndebourne Tour: Don Pasquale

26 Nov

OPERA

Marti Pellow

27 Nov

MUSIC

DECEMBER Dick Whittington and his Cat

08 Dec

09 Jan 22

CHRISTMAS

71

DIARY JANUARY 2022

START

END

A Vision of Elvis

04 Jan

MUSIC

Beyond the Barricade

05 Jan

MUSIC

Killer Queen

13 Jan

MUSIC

Rob Beckett: Wallop

14 Jan

COMEDY

Stewart Lee

15 Jan

The Book of Mormon

25 Jan

COMEDY 05 Feb

MUSICAL

12 Feb

DRAMA

FEBRUARY 2022 Lost in Music

06 Feb

Cluedo

07 Feb

That'll Be The Day

24 Feb

MUSIC MUSIC

MARCH 2022 MUSICAL

Everybody's Talking About Jamie

01 Mar

05 Mar

School of Rock

15 Mar

19 Mar

MUSICAL

Derren Brown: Showman

22 Mar

26 Mar

ENTERTAINMENT

Private Lives

29 Mar

02 Apr

DRAMA

05 Apr

09 Apr

FAMILY

30 Apr

MUSICAL

APRIL 2022 The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Nish Kumar: Control

10 Apr

Fat Friends The Musical

25 Apr

COMEDY

MAY 2022 Katherine Ryan: Missus

COMEDY

12 May

DRAMA

The Da Vinci Code

23 May

28 May

Dreamgirls

31 May

11 Jun

MUSICAL

25 Jun

MUSICAL

16 Jul

MUSICAL

JUNE 2022 Oti Mabuse: I Am Here We Will Rock You

DANCE

12 Jun 20 Jun

JULY 2022 Chicago

11 Jul

Here Come The Boys

17 Jul

Jane McDonald

18 Jul

Omid Djalili: The Good Times Tour

21 Jul

COMEDY

Rhythm of the Dance

22 Jul

DANCE

DANCE 19 Jul

MUSIC

AUGUST 2022 Waitress

15 Aug

20 Aug

MUSICAL

Les Misérables

31 Aug

24 Sep

MUSICAL

04 Oct

22 Oct

MUSICAL

OCTOBER 2022 MAMMA MIA!

72

DIARY

Playhouse SEPTEMBER

START

END

Austentatious

23 Sep

ENTERTAINMENT

Paul Zerdin: Hands Free

24 Sep

ENTERTAINMENT

Cloudbusting: The Music of Kate Bush

25 Sep

Iain Stirling: Failing Upwards

26 Sep

Jenny Eclair: Sixty! (FFS!)

29 Sep

COMEDY

Jenni Murray in Conversation

30Sep

ENTERTAINMENT

Ed Byrne: If I'm Honest

01 Oct

COMEDY

The Doris Day Songbook

02 Oct

MUSIC

Two Mr Ps in a Podcast - LIVE

02 Oct

COMEDY

Tom Rosenthal: Manhood

03 Oct

The Cavern Beatles

05 Oct

MUSIC

The (Steve) Royle Variety Performance

06 Oct

ENTERTAINMENT

Ode to Joyce

07 Oct

ENTERTAINMENT

Ed Byrne: If I'm Honest

08 Oct

MUSIC 27 Sep

COMEDY

OCTOBER

Mark Thomas

11 Oct

04 Oct

COMEDY

COMEDY 12 Oct

COMEDY

John Shuttleworth's Back

13 Oct

COMEDY

Luisa Omielan: God is a Woman

14 Oct

COMEDY

Gary Meikle: Surreal

17 Oct

COMEDY DANCE

Rambert2: Double Bill

20 Oct

21 Oct

Maddie Moate

23 Oct

24 Oct

Mae Martin: SAP

23 Oct

Bridget Christie:Who Am I

24 Oct

The Amazing Bubble Man

25 Oct

Rob Newman: Philosophy Show

27 Oct

COMEDY

Alistair McGowan: The Piano Show

28 Oct

COMEDY

Spontaneous Potter Kidz

30 Oct

FAMILY

Spontaneous Potter

30 Oct

COMEDY

31 Oct

COMEDY

Adam Buxton Rambles…

FAMILY COMEDY COMEDY

26 Oct

FAMILY

DIARY

NOVEMBER

START

73

END

Sofie Hagen: The Bumswing

01 Nov

COMEDY

Codebreakers

02 Nov

ENTERTAINMENT

Jason Byrne

03 Nov

COMEDY

Who Cares

04 Nov

DRAMA

Sati & Shiva

06 Nov

DANCE

17 Nov

ENTERTAINMENT

Clinton Baptiste Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World

23 Nov

05 Dec

08 Dec

19 Dec

MUSICAL

DECEMBER Robin Good: The Politico-Panto

CHRISTMAS

JANUARY 2022 27 Jan

COMEDY

Big Chris Barber Band

12 Feb

MUSIC

The Sound of Springsteen

17 Feb

Ben Hart

19 Feb

Jon Courtenay: What's It All About?

FEBRUARY 2022

MUSIC 30 Mar

FAMILY

MARCH 2022 COMEDY

Rachel Parris

11 Mar

Basil Brush's Family Fun Show

12 Mar

FAMILY

Basil Brush Unleashed

12 Mar

COMEDY

Simon Brodkin: Troublemaker

17 Mar

COMEDY

01 Apr

ENTERTAINMENT

APRIL 2022 Matt Parker: Humble Pi The Simon & Garfunkel Story

06 Apr

The Tiger Who Came To Tea

08 Apr

MUSIC 10 Apr

FAMILY

MAY 2022 Stacey Kent

07 May

MUSIC

16 Jul

MUSIC

11 Sep

MUSIC

JULY 2022 The Floyd Effect: Dark Side of Reason SEPTEMBER 2022 An Evening of Jazz & Cabaret

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Front cover: West End cast of Dreamgirls