New Vic Theatre

New season of shows announced

The Spring and Summer 2023 programme of shows for the New Vic Theatre has been announced.

It has also recently been announced that the Newcastle theatre-in-the-round is to retain its status as a ‘National Portfolio Organisation’ for the next three years, 2023-2026, as part of the Arts Council’s programme of investment.

The new programme for the New Vic is set to offer a multitude of shows from classic drama to sparkling comedy.

A spokesman for the theatre said “Our spring season 2023 will feature fresh interpretations of some classic plays, alongside an innovative theatre experiment that shines a light on environmental awareness.

“From Stoke-born playwright Arnold Bennett’s uplifting and heartwarming portrayal of Stoke-on-Trent in The Card to the environmentally aware A Play for The Living in a Time of Extinction, via a revival of hit comedy Ladies’ Day, a rare production of J.M. Barrie’s lesser known play Quality Street and a ’60s cult classic, the season’s collection of productions and innovative collaborations offers something of interest for everyone.

“Opening on Friday, February 3 and running until Saturday, February 25, Ladies’ Day is the light-hearted tale of four women who swap their typical working day at the fish factory for the glamour of a trip to Royal Ascot.

“The New Vic will then produce Quality Street, alongside Northern Broadsides. Written by J.M. Barrie, the story follows Phoebe Throssel, a character who seeks to rekindle romance through her youthful alter-ego Miss Livvy as her old flame reappears in town. In a rare revival of this famed play, Northern Broadsides’ Artistic Director Laurie Sansom brings to life the regency comedy with a playful Yorkshire twist from Friday, March 3 to Saturday, March 25.

“The John Godber Company present Bouncers, sister play to Shakers, at the New Vic from Tuesday, March 28, to Saturday, April 1.”

The New Vic spokesman continued: “Following the feel-good theme, London Classic Theatre will take theatregoers back to 1977 in Abigail’s Party, the ferocious black comedy and landmark of twentieth century theatre written by Mike Leigh. Taking to the stage Wednesday, April 5, to Saturday, April 15, this is a ruthless, achingly funny examination of British life in the 1970s.

“In April, the New Vic will collaborate for the first time with world-renowned theatre company, Told by an Idiot, for the iconic play The Killing of Sister George. On stage from Friday, April 21, to Saturday, May 13, this cult classic, written by Frank Marcus will be directed by Told by an Idiot’s award-winning Artistic Director Paul Hunter. Famously adapted into a film in 1968, with Beryl Reid in the title role, this production will bring the story to life with unique visual flair and an audacious blend of raucous humour and compelling drama.

“Hanley-born playwright Arnold Bennett’s The Card, seen last year in a production at Fenton Town Hall, will be reimagined for the New Vic stage from Saturday, May 20 to Saturday, June 10, as the New Vic in association with Claybody Theatre brings the comedy to their in-the-round stage.

“Finally, A Play for the Living in a Time of Extinction, written by award-winning playwright Miranda Rose Hall, will take audiences on a lifechanging journey to confront the urgent ecological disaster that is unfolding around us from Monday, June 19 to Saturday, June 24.

“Complementing the season of plays, a multitude of one-night concerts and events will delight audiences, including visits from comedians Mark Steel and Chris McCausland and music performances from 70s legend Tony Christie, Cara Dillon and Fairport Convention. The theatre will also host a unique concert celebrating the great Nat ‘King’ Cole and ‘Cloudbusting’, an exploration of Kate Bush’s stunning albums.”

For further information go online to: www.newvictheatre.org.uk. New Vic Theatre

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