SPRING January – April 2012 01962 840 440 theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk
DATE
25 January 27 January 3 February 4–5 February 7 February 8 February 10–11 February 15–18 February 20 February 22–23 February 24 February 26 February 29 February – 1 March 6 March 8 March 9 March 10 March 11 March 12–17 March 19 March 20–21 March 23–24 March 25 March 27–31 March 4–7 April 10 April 13 April 14 April 16 April 17 April 20–21 April 25 – 28 April
SHOW
The Phoenix and the Carpet Invisible Jimmy Carr Writers’ Weekend – Masterclass and performance Thirsty Simon Callow: Dickens and the Great Theatre of the World Science Museum Live on Tour Summer Holiday – Encore Youth Theatre Scratch Shakespeare – University of Winchester Over the Rainbow – The Eva Cassidy Story Cara Dillon The Merry Widow Private Peaceful THEATRE NOW! – University of Winchester What I Heard About the World Russell Kane The Enormous Turnip Turn Back The Clock Less Than Kind Wessex Dance Academy Così Fan Tutte Bette and Joan – The Final Curtain Into the Woods Waiting for Godot The Producers Count Arthur Strong’s Command Performance Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales Maddy Prior, Giles Lewin and Hannah James An Evening with Ann Widdecombe and Alastair Stewart Stewart Lee The Barber of Seville Kafka’s Monkey – Young Vic Theatre
TIMES
6.30pm 8.00pm 8.00pm Various 8.00pm 7.30pm 7.00pm and 1.30pm (Sat) 7.30pm and 2.30pm (Sat) Various 8.00pm and 1.30pm (Thurs) 8.00pm 7.30pm 7.00pm and 1.30pm (Thurs) Various 8.00pm 8.00pm 2.00pm and 5.00pm 5.30pm 8.00pm, 2.00pm (Wed), 2.30pm (Sat) 7.00pm 7.30pm 8.00pm and 2.30pm (Sat) 7.00pm 8.00pm and 1.30pm (Thurs) 7.30pm and 2.30pm (Sat) 8.00pm 1.00pm and 4.00pm 8.00pm 7.30pm 8.00pm 8.00pm 8.00pm
ARTFORM
PAGE
Children’s 4 Drama 4 Comedy 5 New writing 5 Drama 6 Reading 6 Children’s 7 Community performance 7 Drama 8 Music 8 Music 9 Opera 9 Children’s 10 Drama 11 Drama 11 Comedy 12 Children’s 12 Drama 13 Drama 14 Community performance 13 Opera 15 Drama 15 Community performance 17 Drama 16 Community performance 17 Comedy 18 Children’s 18 Music 19 Charity fundraiser 19 Comedy 20 Opera 20 Drama 21
Call the box office on 01962 840 440 | www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk
Love theatre!
It’s 2012 and the Theatre Royal spring programme is full of good things!
News and highlights at Theatre Royal Winchester Love adventures in theatre! We have some treats in store for those who love to try something new and exciting. Invisible deals with the urgent story of immigrant workers in Britain; it’s funny, grim, confusing and humane – just like life. Transport’s production will remind you of their mentors, Complicité Theatre. Thirsty uses real life stories, confessions and memories cunningly woven together with music to create a whole world of drunken delights and disasters. Olivier award winner Kathryn Hunter’s tour-de-force as monkey/man Kafka’s Monkey touches down for the only performances in the UK in 2012 before jetting off to Japan. Love pure theatre! Our spring season contains some absolute gems for those who love their drama straight. Don’t miss Less Than Kind. This recently discovered Terence Rattigan play is a psychosexual drama with an all star cast. Beckett’s masterpiece Waiting for Godot with an all black cast is from two of the best producers in the regions. Bette and Joan is a fizzling firecracker of a show combining glamour, acerbic wit and world-class bitchery. And THEATRE NOW! a day long festival presented by the University of Winchester features the work of Edward Bond, with the playwright himself joining the project for a discussion.
Love opera! We have a sparkling opera season by some of the best small-scale touring companies: The Merry Widow by Opera della Luna, Così Fan Tutte by Swansea City Opera and The Barber of Seville by OperaUpClose, a company coming to Winchester for the first time. For opera buffs and novices alike. Pre and post show discussions To add to your pleasure we are proud to present a series of pre and post show discussions delivered by academics and researchers at the University of Winchester. Look out for the the reference tabs attached to performances and for detailed information contact ed.simpson@theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk Our community on stage Our local amateur groups bring amazing talent and energy to the stage and we are immensely proud to work with them and offer them professional support. Look out for a range of productions this season marked with the community stamp.
Café and Windows Theatre The back garden café will be opening soon, offering the best coffee and locally made treats. At times there will also be informal performances in the space. Card charges and ticket prices explained We charge a flat fee of £1.50 for all card transactions. We appreciate that this feels like a further price rise but we face a charge from our bankers and were we not to pass it on, our budget would face (in an average year) a £17,000 shortfall. We are genuinely trying to find a better way of doing it. Our funders are committed to the theatre but we are among the many who have absorbed funding cuts. Reluctantly we have decided to add a £1 restoration levy to each ticket sold in order to maintain our listed building, meet running costs and improve the services we offer. This is included in the published price.
Our Community on stage Join the record-breaking numbers who come to the theatre every week. box office 01962 840 440
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‘Vivid storytelling… powerful production’
PRE-SHOW DISCUSSION Q &A WEDNESDAY 25 JANUARY
6.30PM
FRIDAY 27 JANUARY
The Phoenix and the Carpet
Invisible
By E Nesbit Presented by Forest Forge Theatre Company and The Nuffield Theatre Southampton
A TRANSPORT/New Wolsey Theatre co-production
Join four children on their adventures as they are whisked away on their new magical carpet, with the help of a mysterious and fiery phoenix! When a golden egg falls into the nursery fire and hatches a talking Phoenix, Robert, Cyril, Andrea and Jane begin a remarkable journey that will see them travel the world on their new carpet. This special adventure will transport you from an ordinary afternoon in an English 4
nursery across the world to Australia and India, and back again. Along the way you will bump into all sorts of interesting characters including an Indian Maharaja and businessman Mr Crinklemuff. The performance will be a beautiful and mad-cap piece of magical winter storytelling, performed by five actors and featuring live music, puppetry and even a magical flying carpet! Ages 5+ Tickets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £10.50 Concessions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £8.50 Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £8.00
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Invisible is a funny, moving and topical portrayal of the world in flux. Lara left home convinced that hard work and talent would reward her with a better life. Anton was forced to leave his village and finds himself suspended 16 floors above a city cleaning windows. Malik stands on a beach and looks out towards a country where women apparently walk around half-naked. Amid the world of visas and wind turbines, commuter flights and
6PM
POST SHOW 8.00PM
nightclubs, fairy tales and tabloid press a chance meeting drives disparate lives towards a chilling point of no return… Written by Croatia’s leading playwright Tena ãtiviˇci´c, directed by Douglas Rintoul (Barbican, Complicité) Invisible explores the many sides of migration, a state known to man for over 80,000 years. Tickets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £15.00 Concessions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £13.00 Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£12.50 Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £11.00 Ovation . . . 2 full tickets for the price of 1
Photo © Zbigniew Kotkiewicz
★★★★ The List on Elegy
Our Co mmunity on stage
SOLD OUT FRIDAY 3 FEBRUARY
8.00PM
SATURDAY 4 AND SUNDAY 5 FEBRUARY
Jimmy Carr – Gagging Order (Warm up) Writers’ Weekend presented by Gotcha Productions Brand new show, brand new jokes, same old Jimmy. Gagging Order promises to be a hilarious night out… let’s see shall we. The show will be packed with oneliners, stories and jokes. Some clever, some rude and a few totally unacceptable. Everybody’s welcome. Just leave your conscience, sense of common decency
BE THE FIRST TO KNOW
and moral compass at home and come on out for a laugh. Jimmy has sold over a million DVDs and hosted countless TV shows but live comedy is what he does best, come and see for yourself.
Tickets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£15.00
We appreciate how disappointing it can be when shows sell out before the brochure goes to press. To find out about shows before the published programme become a Theatre Royal Friend or sign up to our email notification on our website
Friend or Foe
SATURDAY 4 FEBRUARY 6.00PM AND 8.00PM
Performances of new work by our young writers (age 16–25) at the Script Engine, written specifically for our new performance theatre café. Sit back, relax and be transported to the dangerous nightlife of a kebab shop, a secret tryst in WW2, a downtown bar during prohibition and more. Tickets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £4.00 Under 25s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£2.00
Writing Masterclass with Jessica Dromgoole SUNDAY 5 FEBRUARY 11.00AM – 12.30PM
An exciting opportunity to hear awardwinning BBC radio producer Jessica Dromgoole talk about writing for radio and to take part in a question and answer session. Jessica is also a theatre director, and New Writing Co-ordinator of BBC Writersroom and won the Prix Italia for Best Original Radio Drama 2007.
Tickets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £7.00 Under 25s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £ 5.00 (some fully subsidised tickets available) box office 01962 840 440
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‘Terrifically sharp, vibrantly choreographed and sensitively paced, poignant without getting preachy.’ The Independent
Q &A TUESDAY 7 FEBRUARY
POST SHOW 8.00PM
Thirsty Multi award-winning company The Paper Birds present their critically acclaimed, sell-out show Thirsty. Based on our nation’s love affair with alcohol, Thirsty weaves together real stories, memories and booze-based confessions, collected from a ‘drunken hotline’ and an online questionnaire. Fusing live music, verbatim text and stunning physical theatre, The Paper Birds explore the stories and
‘The Paper Birds are expert theatre-makers.’ Total Theatre 6
BOOK SIGNING WEDNESDAY 8 FEBRUARY
Simon Callow social repercussions of lost memories and gained traumas, bruised knees, uncontrollable laughter, urine stained beds and sore heads, particularly focusing on the women waving the flag for ‘BoozeBritain.’ A dynamic theatrical exploration delving beyond statistics, facts and figures, Thirsty looks to the faces and the voices of everyone who likes a drink and asks why, as a nation, are we so thirsty?
Tickets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £13.50 Concessions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£11.50 Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £11.00
A reading of excerpts from his new book ‘Charles Dickens and the Great Theatre of the World’, celebrating Dickens’ bicentenary year. ‘When you find a writer you love, it’s like finding a best friend’… Join celebrated actor Simon Callow as he reads from his new book on Charles Dickens, ‘the greatest storyteller that ever lived’. Simon will discuss his strong affinity with and appreciation of the writer and how his new book explores the energy, scope and endless inventiveness of Dickens. Simon points out how Dickens’ works contain ‘fantastic pieces of storytelling…
POST SHOW 7.30PM Kindly sponsored by
they break your heart, but in a terrific kind of way’ and yet reveal a ‘comic genius’ with an interesting paradox at heart: quintessentially English yet so fundamentally anti-establishment. Simon enjoyed playing Dickens in BBC’s Dr Who recently in an episode written by Mark Gatiss from The League of Gentlemen and will be available for questions and answers and an aftershow book signing.
Tickets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£15.00 Concessions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£13.00 Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £12.50
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‘An energetic rollercoaster ride through the
‘A show that lights up the world. Go and see it!’ ★★★★★ Whatsonstage.com
FRIDAY 10 FEBRUARY
SATURDAY 11 FEBRUARY
7.00PM
1.30PM AND 7.00PM
Our Co mmunity on stage THEATRE HIRE WEDNESDAY 15 – SATURDAY 18 FEBRUARY MATINEE (SATURDAY)
7.30PM
This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Ltd.
2.30PM
Science Museum Live on Tour
Summer Holiday Presented by Encore Youth Theatre
Unleash your inner Einstein – explosive fun for all the family! Back by popular demand, the Science Museum returns with more spectacular science, dangerous demonstrations and extraordinary experiments in this fantastic live show designed to blow your mind and challenge your brain! Fast, furious and frenetically fun, Science Museum Live on Tour will propel you on an exploratory theatrical adventure into the wonderful world of science. Get set for a breathtaking ride that will entertain, inform and inspire.
Based on the film Summer Holiday Stage adaptation by Michael Gyngell and Mark Haddigan / Orchestrations by Keith Strachan / Directed by Peter Yates, screenplay by Ronald Cass and Peter Myers By special arrangement with StudioCanal
Now this film is a feel-good, singalong stage musical set to the strains of a hit-filled score featuring Summer Holiday, Bachelor Boy, Move It, Living Doll, The Young Ones and On the Beach. A real taste of what put the Great into Britain!
1963. The year Beatlemania was born; the Profumo affair scandalised Britain; Ronnie Biggs, Buster Edwards and co snatched £2.6m cash from the London to Glasgow mail train… and Cliff Richard and the Shadows took off on a jaunt across Europe in the film Summer Holiday.
Tickets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £13.50 Concessions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £8.50 Family ticket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £40 (2 adults / 2 concessions)
New experiments for 2012! Suitable for ages 7 years and above FREE teachers’ resource pack available to download at: www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/ liveontour Tickets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £14.50 Concessions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£12.50 Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £11.00 Family ticket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £49.00
Special Offer: Wednesday 15 February two full tickets for the price of one box office 01962 840 440
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Our Co mmunity on stage
MONDAY 20 FEBRUARY HENRY V
6 : 00PM
JULIUS CAESAR
8 : 40PM
THE COMEDY OF ERRORS
7:20PM
Scratch Shakespeare Dramatic re-inventions of three Shakespeare classics come to the Theatre Royal: Henry V, The Comedy of Errors and Julius Caesar. This unique evening, created by students from the University of Winchester, is a great opportunity to experience the world’s favourite playwright in three easy bite-sized pieces. The influence of Shakespeare’s plays has extended further than the Bard could ever have imagined and his 8
work continues to find new meanings in diverse cultures and to lend fresh insights into our lives and surroundings. Along with the plays, Shakespearean themed drinks and interval entertainment ensure that this is much more than your usual night out. At the end of the evening, awards will be presented for outstanding performance. Tickets (per show). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £5.00 All three shows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £11.00
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WEDNESDAY 22 FEBRUARY THURSDAY 23 FEBRUARY
8.00PM
1.30PM AND 8.00PM
Over the Rainbow The Eva Cassidy Story
This compelling award-winning musical tells the life story of this legendary artist, following Eva’s life through dramatic scenes and stunning live renditions of her music. The show has received plaudits from the Eva Cassidy Band and members of her family and contains original footage from Eva Cassidy’s life. A talented and world-class cast of actors and musicians recreate her original arrangements and recordings which have received tributes from Nora Jones, Katie Melua and Chris De Burgh.
This show pays a genuine and heartfelt tribute to a true artist who was not interested in fame and fortune, but wanted nothing more than to create beautiful music. Starring Sarah Jane Buckley (Hollyoaks), Pauline Fleming (Coronation Street) and Rob McVeigh (BBC’s Any Dream Will Do). Tickets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £23.50 Concessions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £21.50 Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£21.00 Friends opening night offer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 full tickets for the price of 1
‘Cara Dillon is one of Ireland’s truly great singers’ The Guardian
‘Ensemble playing at its best.’ Evening Standard
FRIDAY 24 FEBRUARY
8.00PM
Cara Dillon
Hill of Thieves – Album of the Year Irish folk vocalist Cara Dillon is renowned for her rare talent of translating songs into soulful and poignant music. In an evening of uplifting song she will perform tracks from her latest album, Hill of Thieves, which was voted Album of the Year, BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. Cara won the All Ireland Singing Trophy at the age of 14 and went on to sing with Oige, De Dannan and Equation – where she met husband and musical collaborator Sam Lakeman. Whether she’s singing original
compositions or her own native songs of lost love and emigration, you will be hard pressed to find a more captivating performer. Expect a show brimming with atmosphere and passion along with moments of pure magic with an all-acoustic band forming the perfect backdrop to Cara’s emotive renditions of traditional folk songs.
Tickets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £20.00 Concessions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £18.00 Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £17.50
SUNDAY 26 FEBRUARY
7.30PM
The Merry Widow Presented by Opera della Luna Opera della Luna’s imaginative staging captures the glamour and decadence of turn of the century Paris while infusing the production with their trademark wit. A young widow travels to Paris in search of fun and diversion but on no account must she be allowed to marry a Frenchman. Only one man can stop
her and keep her fortune in her native Pontevedro. Lehár’s sparkling operetta first reached the stage in 1905 and has been one of the world’s most successful works of musical theatre ever since. Tickets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £17.50 Concessions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £15.50 Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£15.00
‘Opera della Luna – the company synonymous with wit, inventiveness, colour and panache.’ West Briton
box office 01962 840 440
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WEDNESDAY 29 FEBRUARY
7.00PM
THURSDAY 1 MARCH
1.30PM AND 7.00PM
Private Peaceful By Michael Morpurgo Presented by Scamp Theatre and Greenwich Theatre Private Peaceful relives the life of Private Tommo Peaceful, a young First World War soldier awaiting the firing squad at dawn. During the night he looks back at his short but joyful past growing up in rural Devon: his exciting first days at school; his adventures with Molly, the love of his life; and the injustices of war that brought him to the front line. Winner of the Blue Peter Book of the Year, Private Peaceful is by third Children’s Laureate, Michael Morpurgo.
His inspiration came from a visit to Ypres where he was shocked to discover how many young soldiers were courtmartialled and shot for cowardice during the First World War.
‘The horrors of war and the joyfulness of life are bound up together in this magnificent show.’ ★★★★★ The Scotsman
Age recommendation: 8+ Tickets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £16.00 Concessions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £14.00 Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £13.50 Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £8.50
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‘Morpurgo’s magic, a masterly adaptation
‘engaging, moving, provoking, thoughtful, funny, brutal and beautiful… resonant and eloquent… brilliant theatre…’
Our Community on stage THEATRE NOW! discussion panel The Shock of the New discussion panel Cutting Edge new playwriting The Children by Edward Bond Post-show discussion
Audience responses on Twitter
12.30 – 1.30pm 3.00 – 4.00pm 5.00 – 6.30pm 7.30pm 9.00 – 9.30pm
TUESDAY 6 MARCH
THEATRE NOW! Presented by The University of Winchester Depthcharge Theatre (The University of Winchester) presents a dynamic day-long festival, culminating in a production of Edward Bond’s powerful modern drama The Children directed by Peter Billingham (Head of Performing Arts) and a post show discussion with the author. The day also features exciting short plays by new student playwrights and student casts, plus discussion panels with staff from the university’s Performing Arts department along with leading theatre professionals. What and where is theatre now in a time of political and social crisis?
The Children is suitable for ages 16+ and contains some scenes that may disturb. Tickets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £20.00 (all events and buffet lunch) Concessions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £17.00 Discussion panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £5.00 or
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £9.00 for two
Concessions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £7.00 for two The Children and Cutting Edge . . . . . .£15.00 (covers both events) Concessions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£12.00
PRE-SHOW DISCUSSION
6.00PM
THURSDAY 8 MARCH
8.00PM
What I Heard About the World Presented by Third Angel and mala voadora / A co-production with Sheffield Theatres & Teatro Maria Matos, Lisbon in association with Worldmapper.org There’s a place where you confess your sins to voicemail. There’s a place where you can buy a cure for loneliness on CD. There’s a place where you can rent strangers to cry at your funeral. There’s a place where they listen to a radio station that broadcasts silence. There’s a place where there are only five official haircuts for men.
A theatre piece with songs: one original, one karaoke. Join Third Angel and mala voadora as they attempt to describe the world. As they try to hold an accurate picture of the whole world in their heads. A world that seems to get bigger by the day. How on earth can you know all the places you’ve been, let alone the places you haven’t?
Tickets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£13.50 Concessions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £11.50 Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £11.00 Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £11.00 box office 01962 840 440 11
‘A seriously good comedian.’ ★★★★★ The Times
‘A truly enchanting hour for children and their parents.’ The Stage
FRIDAY 9 MARCH
8.00PM
SATURDAY 10 MARCH
2.00PM & 5.00PM
Russell Kane – Manscaping
The Enormous Turnip
Join Fosters Comedy Award Winner (and star of loads of stuff on telly) Russell Kane as he mercilessly explores the ridiculous state of masculinity in the modern world.
A Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company presentation
He shaves his chest fur. You watch and laugh. Adult themes and strong language, parental guidance recommended Tickets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £18.50
‘In a terrific show mainly about his love life, Russell Kane‘s routines about The X Factor and first-class train travel contained some of the finest and funniest critical thinking about British public life.’ The Guardian
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Living on an allotment in a tiny house the size of a shed, Mr and Mrs Chickweed show off their prizewinning vegetables for the last time before they retire. However, they can’t resist planting one last seed and as the Enormous Turnip grows it threatens their house with disaster! Can anyone help them pull up the Enormous Turnip? Following sell-out performances last year, Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company (Little Red Hen) returns to
Theatre Royal Winchester with their unswerving energy, eccentric puppetry and live music in a re-potted version of the world-famous children’s story. For seedlings aged 2+ and their families 85 mins long including interval Commissioned by Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts, in association with Salisbury Playhouse with support from Merlin Theatre
Tickets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £11.00
‘Bravissimo… a wonderful show that makes
Our Community on stage
you cry as well as laugh and leaves you
marvelling at Joyce Grenfell's wit and wisdom.’ Rupert Christiansen, The Telegraph
PRE-SHOW DISCUSSION, TEA AND CAKE
4.00PM
SUNDAY 11 MARCH
5.30PM
MONDAY 19 MARCH
7.00PM
Turn Back the Clock
Wessex Dance Academy
By arrangement with Samuel French and Sheil Land Associates / Adapted and performed by Cheryl Knight / At the pianoforte, Alice Farnham / Directed and co-devised by Paul Knight
Wessex Dance Academy proudly presents an evening of contemporary dance including a performance of Me, Them, Us, as well as other new and innovative pieces of work. This performance is the culmination of a ten week long programme which involves vulnerable young people from across Hampshire, including Children in Care and Care Leavers, many of whom had never danced prior to this project.
Hidden Pearl Productions present Turn Back the Clock. In honour of Joyce Grenfell’s centenary year, hidden in this comedy revue can be found some of her more
delicate and poignant pieces. This gem of nostalgia from the golden age of revue is suitable for all. Delight in the truthful, funny and moving characters. Revel in the evocation of one of the greatest female entertainers of the twentieth century. Join us for pre-show tea and cake in the Back Garden Café from 4.00pm. Tickets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £11.00
‘A delightful show to touch the heart as well as tickle the funny bone.’ London Metro
Kindly sponsored by
This show will also feature the premiere performance by Wessex Boys, Wessex Dance Academy’s very own all male performance company. Wessex Dance Academy works in partnership with Dance United and is supported by Hampshire County Council. If you would like to find out more about Wessex Dance Academy’s work please contact wessexdanceacademy@ hants.gov.uk
Tickets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £6.00 box office 01962 840 440 13
POST-SHOW DISCUSSION ON MONDAY 12 MARCH
Tea with Terry – Memories of Mr Rattigan with director Adrian Brown PRE-SHOW DISCUSSION ON TUESDAY 13 MARCH
6.00PM
MONDAY 12 – SATURDAY 17 MARCH
8.00PM
MATINEE (SATURDAY)
2.30PM
MATINEE (WEDNESDAY)
2.00PM
Less than Kind By Terence Rattigan
London, 1944. The war is reaching its climax on the beaches of Normandy, but a senior minister has problems, not just in supplying the front line with tanks, but also on the home front. He has been having a passionate but illicit affair with an attractive war widow, but now her son, who had been evacuated as a child to Canada for the duration, returns as a very left-wing teenager. Learning of the affair, the youth explodes, railing against the minister’s ‘immorality’ and exploitation of his mother. At once a sparkling comedy of manners and a psychosexual drama, Less Than Kind has astounded critics. An all-star cast is led by James Wilby (Maurice, A Handful Of Dust, Gosford Park) and Sara Crowe (Calendar Girls, Bedroom Farce, Four Weddings and a Funeral).
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‘Teasing echoes of Hamlet.’ Libby Purves, Times Critics Choice
MONDAY TO THURSDAY PERFORMANCES
Tickets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £22.00 Matinée . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £16.00 Matinée (Concessions & Schools). . £14.00 Concessions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £20.00 Matinée (Friends). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £13.50 Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £19.50 Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £16.00 Friends opening night offer . . . . . . . . . . . 2 full tickets for the price of 1 (exclusive Friends bar) FRIDAY AND SATURDAY PERFORMANCES
Tickets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £26.00 Concessions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £24.00 Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £23.50
Matinée . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £18.00 Matinée (Concessions) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £16.00 Matinée (Friends). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £15.50
‘A cast of superb vocalists… If all operas were as well delivered as this one was, I’d invest in a pair of opera glasses today!’ Swansea Evening Post
TUESDAY 20 AND WEDNESDAY 21 MARCH
7.30PM
Così Fan Tutte Presented by Swansea City Opera Following the success of The Barber of Seville, Swansea City Opera makes a welcome return with a production of Mozart’s popular and uproarious comic opera. SCO is known for its sparkling performances of comic opera and their Così will be no exception. Supposedly based on a true story, this comic tale of deception, doubt, devotion and the twists and turns of romantic love, sees how a cynical old man (Don Alfonso) leads two naïve officers into a scandalous wager, in order to prove that it is against a
woman’s nature to be faithful – ‘Così fan tutte’ – ‘all women are alike’. As the story unfolds we see just how well he succeeds. Beautifully staged in English with elegant classical 19th century costumes, and performed by some of the finest singers and orchestral players in the country, Così Fan Tutte contains some of Mozart’s most ravishing music and makes for an enchanting and hilarious evening’s entertainment. Tickets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £22.00 Concessions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £20.00 Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £19.50
‘Foursight’s clever two-hander allows its lead actors to display a non-stop, scenery-chewing wit.’ The Times
FRIDAY 23 AND SATURDAY 24 MARCH MATINEE (SATURDAY)
Kindly sponsored by
8.00PM
2.30PM
Bette & Joan: The Final Curtain Presented by Foursight Theatre in a co-production with Jacksons Lane and Richard Jordan Productions Ltd, in association with Assembly and mac birmingham Now on her own deathbed, Davis is forced by Hollywood hacks Hedda Hopper and Louella Parsons to finally confront the ghost of her nemesis, Crawford herself. And of course, just because someone is dead does not mean they have changed. This glorious new comic-drama by Foursight Theatre (creators of Thatcher
‘Sharp, irreverent and very moving.’ ★★★★ The List
The Musical!) is a wry, feisty and irreverent look at two of Hollywood’s greatest icons and their equally famous feud. Tickets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£13.50 Concessions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £11.50 Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £11.00 Ovation . . . 2 full tickets for the price of 1 box office 01962 840 440 15
PRE-SHOW DISCUSSION WEDNESDAY 28 MARCH TUESDAY 27 – SATURDAY 31 MARCH MATINEE (THURSDAY)
6.00PM 8.00PM
1.30PM
Waiting for Godot By Samuel Beckett Presented by Talawa Theatre Company and West Yorkshire Playhouse
‘Ian Brown has pulled off something remarkable.’ The Observer on Ian Brown’s King Lear
“To-morrow, when I wake, or think I do, what shall I say of to-day?” Two homeless men, Vladimir and Estragon, wait on a bare road with a single tree. Over two days they argue, get bored, clown around, repeat themselves, contemplate death and wait. They are waiting for the one who never comes. They are waiting for Godot. Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot is one of the most significant English language plays of the 20th century. The play gently and intelligently speaks about what it is to be human. Its brilliance lies in its subtlety; it is endlessly elusive and yet universal. Ian Brown directs an all black cast in this new production of Beckett’s funny and poetic masterpiece. Tickets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £18.00 Concessions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £16.00 Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £15.50 Schools and Matinée . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £11.00 Friends opening night offer . . . . . . . . . . . 2 full tickets for the price of 1 (exclusive Friends bar)
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Our Community on stage Our Co mmunity on stage
‘The material of Into the Woods is potent stuff… Mr Sondheim has as much fun as one expects with his wicked airing of the old tales.’ The New York Times on the original production
THEATRE HIRE SUNDAY 25 MARCH
THEATRE HIRE 7.00PM
Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim Presented by University of Chichester Touring A world-wide stage sensation, Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods has won multiple awards including an Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival in 2010. Into the Woods is witty, dark and intelligent, mashing-up the stories of fairytale characters including Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel and Cinderella. With all the characters focused on the same goal of getting their wish, the woods cast a
giant shadow over them, as they each go Into the Woods to make their dreams come true. A complex metaphor for choosing the right path, Into the Woods will take you on a journey in which you will discover more than just a handful of magic beans! This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Ltd on behalf of Music Theatre International of New York.
Tickets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £10.00 Concessions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £8.50
WEDNESDAY 4 TO SATURDAY 7 APRIL SATURDAY MATINEE
7.30PM
2.30PM
The Producers Presented by Southampton Musical Society / Book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan / Music and Lyrics by Mel Brooks / Original direction and choreography by Susan Stroman / By special arrangement with StudioCanal Having raised the two million dollars, found the worst play ever written and hired the worst director in town, what can go right? A huge hit on the big screen as well as on Broadway and the West End, Southampton Musical Society is proud to bring this hilarious Mel Brooks musical comedy to Theatre Royal Winchester.
This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Ltd on behalf of Music Theatre International of New York Contains adult themes, parental guidance recommended. Tickets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£15.00 Concessions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £13.50 box office 01962 840 440 17
ss e
is
‘Malapropisms, spoonerisms, tall stories and archive footage meticulously stitched together… it is an immaculate performance.’
cter
Mail on Sunday
TUESDAY 10 APRIL
8.00PM
Count Arthur Strong’s Command Performance
Count Arthur Strong, showbiz legend and raconteur, returns to the stage to remind us just what we’ve been missing since his heyday at the very top of the entertainment business. Following a hugely successful (sellout) first run of the Command Performance in Spring 2011, Arthur will be touring again in early 2012. In Arthur’s words (sic 2011): “Count Arthur Strong’s new show, Command Performance, is so new, not even he knows he’s doing it yet. Don’t worry about that though, it’s never stopped
him before! So get your Maltesers out, roll your trouser legs up and sit back and enjoy this potentially wonderful show. Pausing only to glance up from your programme to ask when the interval is. I can guarantee you, you’ll have never seen anything like it, whatever it is.” Arthur is ably assisted in the Command Performance by Terry Kilkelly playing Malcolm and Renee, and Dave Plimmer as Dad’s Army’s Alan Leslie.
Tickets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £16.00
‘Scamp Theatre send shivers down my spine. They are so lively and innovative.’ Julia Donaldson, author and Children’s Laureate
FRIDAY 13 APRIL
1.00PM AND 4.00PM
Tiddler and other Terrific Tales Presented by Scamp Theatre and Watford Palace Theatre A brand new show from the awardwinning Scamp Theatre (Stick Man – Live on Stage!) adapted from the bestselling books by Children’s Laureate, Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler (creators of The Gruffalo). This is a magical collection of Julia Donaldson’s most popular titles including Tiddler, The Smartest Giant in Town, A Squash and a Squeeze and Monkey Puzzle brought to the stage spectacularly by the team that brought
you Stick Man and Private Peaceful (see page 10). Under sea, over land, on the farm and in the jungle, these tales are woven together with live music, songs, puppets and a host of colourful characters who will delight. An absolute treat for ages 3 + and their families. Tickets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £11.00 Family ticket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £36.00 (2 adults, 2 children)
18 book online theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk Reviews for Stick Man - Live On Stage!
SATURDAY 14 APRIL
8.00PM
Maddy Prior In Concert with Giles Lewin and Hannah James Folk vocalist and songwriter Maddy Prior returns to TRW, this time in concert with multi-talented instrumentalist and singer Giles Lewin and vocalist and accordion player, Hannah James. Maddy’s career began in the late 60s on the folk circuit, gaining prominence in folk-rock band Steeleye Span. Her versatility as an artist is demonstrated by her broad musical scope as a vocalist and songwriter which extends from her own interpretations of
traditional folk through to hard rock and ambient electronic textures. This occasion sees her team up with Giles Lewin, a singer with a classical background that has been diluted by some years in the band After Hours. He is a stalwart of the Carnival Band, another long-time collaboration of Maddy’s. Hannah James, who is now a part of Lady Maisry, and has been in the Demon Barbers and Kerfuffle, will join them. Tickets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £16.50 Concessions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £14.50 Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £14.00
MONDAY 16 APRIL
7.30PM
An Evening with Ann Widdecombe and Alastair Stewart Rotary Charity Fundraiser An opportunity to hear the consummate professional newscaster Alastair Stewart interview the celebrated, sure-footed politician Ann Widdecombe.
Both are freely giving of their time and talent for three charities: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, Shelter Box for those in disaster areas around the world and Winchester Rotary serving local and international good causes.
Tickets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £25.00 Concessions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £20.00 Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £20.00 box office 01962 840 440 19
‘The witty translation is wonderfully neat… The singers displayed real comic swagger.’
‘Fascinating, funny stuff.’ ★★★★ The Times
TUESDAY 17 APRIL
8.00PM
Metro
FRIDAY 20 AND SATURDAY 21 APRIL
8.00PM
Stewart Lee: Carpet Remnant World
The Barber of Seville
A new full length touring show from the acclaimed star of BBC2’s Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle. What can a sexless middle aged married man, whose life now consists mainly of watching Scooby Doo cartoons with a four year old boy, possibly find to write comedy about? Formerly standup’s youthful iconoclast, Lee now gawps blankly at News 24 as Britain burns
By Rossini Presented by OperaUpClose In a new English version by Robin Norton-Hale With piano accompaniment
down around him, and blinks weirdly at the vast wayside retail outlets during endless journeys to and from increasingly indistinct provincial theatres. Once he lived on the pleasure planet. Now he is trapped in Carpet Remnant World. And so are you.
Tickets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £18.50
‘A deeply unpleasant slimepit of bitterness.’ Jan Moir, Daily Mail
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The Barber of Seville has been transported to Jane Austen’s England, a world of eligible bachelors, feisty heroines and snobbish relations familiar from muchloved BBC costume dramas. Obsequious Doctor Bartleby has designs on his ward Rosina, but she is far more interested in a handsome stranger (actually a womanising Count in disguise).
‘Plucky and purposeful… a farcical romp.’ The Guardian
The whole affair is stage-managed by Figaro, the barber who knows everyone’s business and can fix your hair and your love life with ease. Tickets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £17.50 Concessions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £15.50 Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£15.00 Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£12.00
PRE-SHOW DISCUSSION ON WEDNESDAY
6.00PM
WEDNESDAY 25 – SATURDAY 28 APRIL
8.00PM
Spring 2012 ticket agency events
POST SHOW Q&A ON FRIDAY WITH KATHRYN HUNTER
We are proud to sell tickets for the following events:
‘Superb… Kathryn Hunter is extraordinary.’
ST SWITHUN’S SCHOOL
Works by Haydn, Mozart, Schubert and others
★★★★★ Time Out
Winchester City Festival Choir Saturday 28 January, 7.30pm Tickets: £14.00, students £7.00 ST SWITHUN’S SCHOOL
Beauty and the Beast
The only performances in the UK before an international tour.
Winchester School of Performing Arts (formerly Claire Goodwin Theatre Arts School) Thursday 16 to Sunday 19 February 7.00pm and matinée (Saturday) 2.00pm Sunday, 1.00pm matinée and 5.30pm Tickets: £16.00 premium, standard £14.00, restricted view £12.00, concessions available
Kafka’s Monkey A Young Vic Production
The 2009 sell-out production featuring Olivier award winner Kathryn Hunter returns after a hit world tour. ‘Esteemed members of the academy! You have done me the great honour of inviting me to give you an account of my
former life as an ape.’ Brutally imprisoned and desperate to escape, the ape-man reveals his rise through the ranks of the beasts to become a master of the ‘civilised world’ – a walking, talking, spitting, smoking, hard-drinking man of the stage. A witty, heart-rending and ironic tale of forced assimilation into an alien culture, Kafka’s Monkey places a startling mirror in front of a modern day audience.
The ape is played by the Olivier Award winner and Complicité founding member Kathryn Hunter (Mike Leigh’s All or Nothing, Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix).
Tickets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £21.00 Concessions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £19.00 Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £18.50 Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £12.00
DISCOVERY CENTRE, ST PAUL’S AND ST LAWRENCE CHURCHES
Photo © Simon Annand
Based on A Report to an Academy by Franz Kafka Adaptation by Colin Teevan Directed by Walter Meierjohann
Winchester Chamber Music Festival
Thursday 19 to Sunday 22 April Six concerts, a masterclass and much more presented by the London Bridge Ensemble Tickets: prices vary; festival pass and concessions available box office 01962 840 440 21
Exhibitions
13 FEBRUARY – 30 MARCH
2 APRIL – 11 MAY
Claire Vine – OutsideInside
Joe Low – Exposures
Textile designer Claire Vine is on a mission to reshape the traditional perception of knit. Using archival images of the theatre’s atrium space, Claire has designed and produced site specific pieces to bring alive the space’s original context: a back yard! Intrigued by the fact that not so long ago the space was integral to family life, Claire has reimagined its past to bring the outside in and create a space reminiscent
Joe Low runs a photography gallery in Winchester and is widely known for his creative and commercial work, as well as his participation in the artistic life of the city, documenting many of its events, performances and highlights over the years. He is a graduate of Winchester School of Art and has pursued a successful career in photography, with a particular passion for the arts, architecture, heritage and the landscape. Theatre Royal Winchester approached
of halcyon days when the sun always shone and we all scrumped for apples. Claire designs and produces brightly coloured, highly tactile knitted homeware with a strong sense of playful nostalgia. She graduated from Winchester School of Art with a first class honours degree in textile design in 2007. Her homeware label, Elsy&Vine is quietly gaining recognition and can now be found as far afield as America.
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Joe asking him to produce a collection of images which reflect on the relationship between drama and the theatre of real life by asking people on the streets of Winchester to share some of the drama in their lives for the camera. In doing so, the participants begin to articulate what is important to them and create the opportunity to be liberated from their anxieties, showing that drama has a place in revealing and understanding human nature, whether it be on stage or in real life.
Workshops for adults
Puppetry and Object Theatre
Play readings and crumpets Ages: 16+
Ages: 16+
Working alongside professional puppeteer Claire Harvey, participants will explore object manipulation puppetry. Using a variety of different materials, discover how to give life to any object or puppet and how that can be directly applied to performance. SATURDAY 7 JANUARY
Auditioning for Theatre – A Masterclass
10.00AM – 5.00PM
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Costume Design Ages: 16+
This course will allow participants to learn the skills needed to design and create costumes for the stage, led by award-winning designer Siu Ping Wan. MONDAY 9 JANUARY – MONDAY 13 FEBRUARY (6 WKS) 2.30PM – 4.30PM
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HOW TO BOOK
Please call the Box Office on 01962 840440 or visit www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk
Join us during the dark winter months for hot tea and toasted crumpets in the theatre’s Back Garden Cafe and take part in group readings of favourite British plays from Noel Coward to John Godber and Alan Ayckbourn to David Hare. WEDNESDAY 22 FEBRUARY – WEDNESDAY 28 MARCH (6 WKS)
2.30PM – 4.30PM
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Script Engine
Ages: 16+
An audition gives you one minute to present yourself, so that one minute needs to count! From preparation to delivery, professional director Ed Simpson will take you through the steps of preparing for an audition. Covering vocal, physical and mental exercises, this is a must for any actor. MONDAY 9 APRIL
10.00AM – 5.00PM
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Ages: 16 to 25
Weekly workshops for young writers to develop their skills in writing for stage and radio. The course leads to a performance on stage as part of Theatre Royal’s Young People’s Festival in July. WEDNESDAY 22 FEBRUARY – WEDNESDAY 28 MARCH (6 WKS)
6.00PM – 8.00PM
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£36.00
box office 01962 840 440 23
Workshops for young people at Theatre Royal Winchester
Panto in a Day 2: Return of King Rat!
Street Dance Ages: 7 to 11
Ages: 7 to 11
King Rat is back and this time he means business! Following the huge success of last year, join us for Panto in a Day – the workshop that allows you to create your very own panto from scratch. Combining the best characters and the worst jokes from all your favourite pantomimes, this action packed experience will end with a fully costumed, fully lit, and fully rehearsed (well mostly) performance on the Theatre Royal stage. SATURDAY 7 JANUARY PERFORMANCE
10.00AM – 5.00PM
4.30PM
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This high energy workshop will introduce you to the world of hip hop and street dance. Throughout the workshop you will learn the coolest moves to your favourite songs. At the end of the day you will have the opportunity to showcase a performance on the Theatre Royal stage. SUNDAY 8 JANUARY PERFORMANCE
4.30PM
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Ghost Stories The theatre building has now stood for over 160 years. Ghostly encounters and strange goings-on have been a regular story throughout the theatre’s history. In this workshop you will transform a space usually closed to the public and create a unique storytelling experience. PERFORMANCE
Ages: 7 to 11
Delve into the hidden depths of the Theatre Royal’s wardrobes and see what’s there! Everything will then be slung together as we rush to create a performance based on whatever we find. SUNDAY 15 JANUARY PERFORMANCE
10.00AM – 5.00PM
4.30PM
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Creepy Tales
Ages: 12 to 16
SUNDAY 8 JANUARY
YOUNG THEATRE ROYAL
10.00AM – 5.00PM
Through the Royal Wardrobe
10.00AM – 5.00PM
4.30PM
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We run weekly term-time drama and street dance courses for young people aged 7 to 21 both in Winchester and throughout the district. To download an information pack visit theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk/participation or call Ryan Jones on 01962 844600 x 208 or email ryan.jones@theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk
Ages: 7 to 11
Spooky encounters and strange goings-on have been a regular story throughout the theatre’s history. Find out about the theatre’s resident ghosts before transforming a space usually closed to the public to create a scary storytelling experience. MONDAY 9 APRIL PERFORMANCE
10.00AM – 5.00PM
4.30PM
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Bishops Waltham – Priory Park Hall
Introduction to Street Dance
Pirate Training Clamber aboard you scurvy dogs! Make sure you’re shipshape as we train you to be a fearsome pirate. By the end of the day, you’ll look like a pirate, sound like a pirate and even act like one too. So grab your eye patch, prepare your best toothy grin and join us for a day of mayhem. PERFORMANCE
Introduction to Street Dance
Ages: 7 to 11
Ages: 7 to 11
WEDNESDAY 11 APRIL
Denmead – Denmead Community Centre
10.00AM – 500PM
4.30PM
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Ages: 8 to 16
This high energy workshop will introduce you to the world of hip hop and street dance. Throughout the workshop you’ll learn the coolest moves to your favourite songs. At the end of the day you will have the opportunity to showcase a performance to friends and family. SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY
PERFORMANCE
10.00AM – 5.00PM
4.45PM
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£20.00
Introduction to Street Dance
10.00AM – 5.00PM
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PERFORMANCE
10.00AM – 5.00PM
4.45PM
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£20.00
Ages: 8 to 16
This highly popular urban dance form has caught the imagination of millions of people across the nation and this is your chance to give it a go. This workshop is designed to teach you the tools of the trade before giving you the opportunity to showcase your new moves in a performance to friends and family. PERFORMANCE
SUNDAY 8 JANUARY
Make a Play in a Day
Ages: 12 to 18
MONDAY 16 FEBRUARY
This high energy workshop will introduce you to the world of hip hop and street dance. Throughout the workshop you’ll learn the coolest moves to your favourite songs. At the end of the day you will then get the opportunity to showcase a performance to friends and family.
Exactly as it says on the tin, start the day with an idea and end with a performance! Roll out the story, chop up the characters and carefully mix. Finally throw in some costume, sprinkle in a few props and you’re ready to see what comes out the oven. SUNDAY 15 JANUARY PERFORMANCE
10.00AM – 5.00PM
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4.30PM
£20.00
4.45PM
HOW TO BOOK
£20.00
Please call the Box Office on 01962 840440 or visit www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk box office 01962 840 440 25
Choose your seats Reservations Reservations can be held for three working days. However, reservations cannot be made one week or less before a show. If payment is not received within this time, reservations will be released for general sale. Exchanges and Resales The exchange of tickets to a different performance of the same show is subject to a charge of £1.00 per ticket. If you are unable to attend a performance for which you have booked, the box office will try to re-sell your tickets, although the selling of any unsold seats must take priority. There is a service charge of £1.00 for each ticket resold. Exchanges and refunds are free of charge to Friends. We regret that refunds cannot be made. Concessions Reductions are usually available for students, under 16s, benefit claimants and senior citizens. Concessionary customers receive £2.00 reduction on most tickets. All relevant vouchers must be presented and concessions requested at the time of booking and discounts may not be applied to tickets already purchased.
CIRCLE 22 22
FF
S TA L L S 22 22
M M
23 23
LL
22 22
KK
23 23
JJ
23 23
DD
23 23
CC
22 22
BB 19 19
AA
22 22
HH
23 23
GG
22 22
FF
BBOX OX 66
BBOX OX 55
23 23
EE
22 22
DD 20 20
CC BB
17 17
AA
17 17
BBOX OX 33
BBOX OX 44
BBOX OX 11
BBOX OX 22
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Groups For groups of eight or more a 10% discount is available on most performances. Schools and Colleges School ticket prices are listed in the brochure for selected performances. Where no group price is shown the standard concession applies. A maximum of one free teacher ticket for every eight tickets purchased is available on any school or college booking. Payment must be made four weeks prior to the performance. If reservations are cancelled or reduced less than four
26 book online theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk
19 19
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weeks prior to the performance/event booked, a charge of 50% of the total value will be made. For packages including workshops, please discuss your requirements with Participation & Learning on 01962 844 600. Family Tickets On selected shows, family tickets are available at a reduced price for groups of four, of which at least one must be an adult and one a child.
Data Protection When processing your booking the box office will ask for your name, address, telephone number and email. This information is required for administration purposes and may be used to keep you informed of forthcoming events. We may pass your details on to carefully selected arts organisations. Live Theatre Royal Winchester Trust Limited is a registered charity and we occasionally contact our audiences as part of our fundraising activities. Please let us know if you don’t want your details to be used.
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Car Parking Parking in the city centre is free after 6:00pm. Travelling on the M3 from Southampton, take Exit 11, travelling from Basingstoke and London, take Exit 9 and follow signs to the city centre.
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We endeavour to give warnings about the D ROA SEY content of performances, notably strong ROM language and noise. However, as many shows are in rehearsal when booked, full details are not always available.
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Please Note The information contained in this brochure is correct at time of going to press. However, Theatre Royal Winchester reserves the right to vary the advertised programme and facilities if deemed necessary and apologises for any inconvenience this may cause. Please contact box office to confirm details.
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Wheelchair Users We can accommodate wheelchairs in the stalls, and rows A and B can be removed to accommodate group bookings for disabled customers. According to the terms of our licence, wheelchair users must be accompanied during a performance. If you wish to bring a friend along, their ticket will be available at a 50% discount.
Toilet Facilities Adapted facilities are available on the ground floor in the atrium.
By coach‌ Passengers may be dropped off outside the theatre. Parking for coaches is available at the coach park, Worthy Lane. This coach park is Pay and Display.
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Lift Access There is lift access to all levels.
Parking There is limited parking at the Discovery Centre. Use Tower Street for alternative parking.
AN DO VER
Hearing Impaired Theatre Royal Winchester has an induction loop system in the auditorium, please ask at the box office either when booking or before the performance. We offer sign language interpreted performances for BSL users whenever possible. Please contact the box office on 01962 840 440 for information on selected performances.
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Access
Assistance Dogs Assistance dogs are welcome in all areas of the building. Please talk to box office staff about any special requirements when booking. No other animals are permitted beyond the entrance foyer.
By train‌ Theatre Royal Winchester is a short walk from Winchester station along City Road. Trains run directly from London Waterloo (55 mins) Basingstoke (20 mins) and Southampton (15 mins) and many other main line stations. Train information 08457 48 49 50.
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Latecomers Latecomers will be admitted during a suitable break in the performance.
Please call the box office to discuss booking for larger groups and we will do our utmost to help with any requests.
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Interval Drinks Avoid queuing at the interval by ordering drinks in advance from one of our three licensed bars. To be able to take your drinks into the auditorium please ask for plastic glasses.
How to find us
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box office 01962 840 440 27 P EBR
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See you at TRW If you come down to the theatre there are signs of things changing. 2012 is shaping up to be an auspicious, recession-beating year. Here’s what our customers think. ‘It’s so nice to have a local theatre that shows such good productions within walking distance of home. It’s a huge asset to the community.’ Ali, proprietor of The Clothes Line
‘…it’s a really impressive theatre. The building itself is lovely and it has a great professional programme as well as being open to amateur productions.’ Kimberley, Charity Worker
‘Given the amount of culture in Winchester, the city would be superficial without a theatre. It’s been here for years and Winchester wouldn’t be Winchester without it.’ John, architect
‘I came to see my girlfriend in High School Musical. I haven’t been to many theatres but TRW was really nice, warm and welcoming.’
‘It is an intimate cosy theatre – it has the same feel as the city.’
‘I recently came to see Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. I laughed a lot, it was a great way to wind down after work.’
‘Our whole family enjoys coming to TRW and our children have participated in youth theatre events over the years. It is a wonderful resource in Winchester. We are so lucky.’ Naomi, church administrator
‘I came to see Shappi Khorsandi. Anything that helps expand Winchester’s ever growing cultural landscape is a fantastic thing.’
Luca, delicatessen manager
Kiki, barman
28 book online theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk
Michael, estate agent
Ric, City Mill assistant manager
‘ The varied performances enhance anyone’s visit to the city and the feedback we get from customers is great. I love it too – especially the comedians!’ Sarah, Tourist Information Centre team leader
We look forward to seeing you here soon!
Winchester Theatre Trust acknowledgements Patrons Lady Bland – Principal Patron Lord Ashburton KG Colin Firth MBE Sir Christopher Ondaatje CBE, OC Richard Steel Janet Suzman DBE Alan Titchmarsh MBE
Major sponsors, donors and supporters Charitable Trusts & Foundations 29th May Charitable Trust de Laszlo Foundation Esmée Fairbairn Foundation Equity Trust Fund Foundation for Sports & The Arts Garfield Weston Foundation Headley Trust Linbury Trust Manifold Trust Monument Trust Thornton Foundation Trusthouse Charitable Trust Vivian Duffield Foundation Walter Guinness Charitable Trust Wolfson Foundation
With special thanks to Sir Christopher & Lady Bland Viscount & Viscountess Bridgeman of Leigh Richard Chisnell Russell Fairchild Richard & Corin Cotton Lord & Lady Gavron Eric & Brenda Johnson Malcolm & Sarah Le May Tom Lynch Richard Morse Sir Christopher Ondaatje CBE, OC The Earl & Countess of Portsmouth Lord & Lady Sainsbury of Preston Candover Peter & Jan Scott Richard Steel Simon Ward Principal Corporate Sponsor Arqiva Grateful thanks also to Cazenove John Lewis Partnership Mackarness & Lunt Solicitors Stefan Lipa Consultancy Ltd Wessex Insurance Workhouse Ltd
Five simple ways to make your booking Online
Visit our website at www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk for details. Additional charges apply for online bookings.
In Person
During the box office opening hours. Monday – Friday: 10.00am – 6.00pm Saturday: 10.00am – 5.00pm Box Office is also open two hours before Sunday performances (or until 15 minutes after ‘curtain up’ on performance days).
Telephone
Call the box office, an answerphone is available outside opening hours or during busy periods. Telephone bookings can be paid for by debit or credit card.
Card
All card transactions over the telephone or in person incur a £1.50 card charge per transaction. (This service is free to Ovation Friends).
Tokens and Vouchers
We accept payment by theatre tokens.
Theatre Royal Winchester is supported by Winchester Theatre Trust registered charity no 1099252. Registered in England 03696681. Live Theatre Winchester Trust registered charity no 1077139. VAT no 744 8764 89.
box office 01962 840 440 29
Arts Angels Theatre Royal Winchester Arts Angels Protecting the cultural heritage of Winchester for future generations. If you would like to protect the cultural heritage of Winchester for future generations then why not pledge your support to the theatre today and become a Theatre Royal Winchester Arts Angel. Arts Angels pledge at least £150 per year to the theatre enabling us to continue playing an active role in developing quality of life in this area, keep ticket prices affordable and the theatre accessible to all. Like many other arts organisations today, we juggle a budget of earned income, grants and sponsorship. Box office income and public funding only covers a portion of our annual expenditure and as government cuts bite deeper into arts funding we need to seek alternative sources of funding. 30 book online theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk
For further information: contact Katelin Prince, Development Manager on 01962 844 600 x 206 or marketing1@theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk To donate: cheque, cash or card payments can be left with your contact details at the box office.
JUST TEXT GIVING
If you would like to support us but can only spare a few pounds then please text TROW12 now with a donation of either £5 or £10 to 70070 to give immediate support to the 2012 season. All texts are free of charge and Theatre Royal Winchester will receive 100% of your donation
Sponsors and supporters
Entry level starts at just ÂŁ200 plus VAT (for companies with less than 20 staff members.)
IN GOOD COMPANY
TRW Company Friends If you are a local business looking for ways to become more involved in community activities why not associate yourself with the work and success of Theatre Royal Winchester by becoming a TRW Company Friend? For further information contact Katelin Prince at marketing1@theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk or call 01962 844 600 ext 206
box office 01962 840 440 31
TUESDAY 7 FEBRUARY
PAGE 6
Thirsty
‘Terrifically sharp, vibrantly choreographed and sensitively paced, poignant without getting preachy.’ The Independent on Sunday
WEDNESDAY 8 FEBRUARY
PAGE 6
MONDAY 12 – SATURDAY 17 MARCH
PAGE 14
Less than Kind
At once a sparkling comedy of manners and a psychosexual drama, Less Than Kind has astounded critics. FRIDAY 23 AND SATURDAY 24 MARCH
PAGE 15
Simon Callow/Dickens Bette & Joan ‘… fantastic pieces of storytelling… they break your heart, but in a terrific kind of way.’ Simon Callow
FRIDAY 9 MARCH
PAGE 12
Russell Kane ‘Manscaping, confirms his status as one of the most stimulating comedians around.’ The Times
SUNDAY 11 MARCH
PAGE 13
Turn Back the Clock ‘A delightful show to touch the heart as well as tickle the funny bone.’ London Metro
‘Foursight’s clever two-hander allows its lead actors to display a non-stop, scenery-chewing wit.’ The Times
TUESDAY 27 – SATURDAY 31 MARCH
PAGE 16
Waiting for Godot
‘Ian Brown has pulled off something remarkable.’
The Observer on Ian Brown’s King Lear FRIDAY 20 AND SATURDAY 21 APRIL
PAGE 20
The Barber of Seville ‘Cosy, goofy fun.’ The Independent
‘Plucky and purposeful… a farcical romp.’ The Guardian