Summer/Autumn 2011
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Watford Palace welcomes Rifco Arts to its new home Rifco Arts moves into its new home at the Palace from June this year. It will become a Resident Company with all its team working full time in Watford, making Rifco Arts the first British Asian theatre company to be based in a regional producing theatre in the UK. This award-winning company has been introducing a new kind of audience to the world of theatre both nationally and internationally for the past decade.
To celebrate, join us for two very special nights and experience memorable moments from favourite Rifco Arts hit shows – these include Britain’s Got Bhangra, The Deranged Marriage and There’s Something About Simmy – and be the first to see a sneak preview of the next show. If you haven’t seen Rifco Arts before, prepare to be amazed at this night of theatre, song, laughter and dance. Join the party and celebrate a decade of success and an exciting future. Thu 26–Fri 27 May 7.45pm £20 (conc: £18)
Watford Palace theatre producing • presenting • participating • partnering
Welcome to our 2011 Summer and Autumn season. Amongst the exciting new ventures coming up at the Palace over the next few months are the launch of regular film screenings, Imagine Watford – a town centre festival of extraordinary open air moments – and cultural celebrations created with members of our local community.
On offer again this season is the popular Multibuy package, enabling you to see three plays for the price of two (including a world premiere!): do take the opportunity to have a close look at our high quality and varied programme of excellent drama. We are delighted to be co-producing two productions for this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival and as ever there’s plenty of choice for families too – including Hertfordshire’s favourite pantomime made specially here at the Palace. Our newly launched website is home to a range of information about all of our work – do please join our email list or Facebook page to be the first to hear the latest exciting Palace news. Brigid Larmour Artistic Director & Chief Executive
3 tickets for the price of 2
Dusk Rings A Bell by Stephen Belber
By popular demand, we’re offering audiences the opportunity to book 3 plays from our high quality season of drama for the price of 2. Choose 3 plays from the list opposite (one from A , B and C ). Multibuy offers are available on all prices, including concessions and Circle Member discounts where applicable. All tickets must be purchased in one transaction by Sat 3 Sep. Free ticket exchange available if you need to swap dates. For B & C: all tickets in the same price band, excludes Previews and Saturday Evenings.
Box Office: 01923 225671
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Young Pretender by E V Crowe page 6
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Family Business by Julian Mitchell page 12
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Tartuffe by Molière page 15
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For two remarkable weeks, Watford Town centre will be transformed by incredible world class performance on our streets. Experience the unexpected – for free!
A festival of extraordinary open air moments open air moments A festival of extraordinary
Mon 20 Jun – Sun 3 Jul 2011
FREE
For dates and times, visit www.imaginewatford.co.uk Big Sing Hertfordshire Music Service
Massed choruses of Hertfordshire children will hit the high notes on the streets of Watford
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Take your seat under a transparent stage for ravishing dance overhead and new perspectives on Watford’s architecture
BBC Concert Orchestra Members of the BBC Concert Orchestra perform a selection of music from their wide repertoire
Programme and sites subject to change
Third Ring Out Metis Arts
Participate in planning for the worst case scenarios of climate change, the immediacy of theatre combined with the thrill of a disaster movie Created in partnership by the watford cultural leaders group
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Producciones Imperdibles
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La Mirada Transparente
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Spiralling overhead, an acrobat suspended from a giant balloon swoops down to meet you
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The Dream Engine
TOWN HALL
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The Heliosphere
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Let’s Get Wet Factoria Mascaro Witty, playful and sexy choreography in a pool of water from this Catalan dance company
The Three Belles Strange Fruit
Seductive, frivolous and charming sway pole choreography five metres in the air, from Australian masters of performance
Seasaw Tilted Productions
BEEC HEN GRO VE
An unusual and contemporary take on the seaside fair, dance theatre inspired by the sea
Herbert’s Dream Compagnie des Quidams Ethereal white figures on stilts emerge from the shadows in a magical rite of transformation from this extraordinary French company
Rifco Arts Promising to have you dancing in the streets, shaking your shoulders and twisting that light bulb, Rifco Arts are guaranteed to lift your spirits
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Chodzenie–Siberia 30 Bird Productions
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Inspired by the journey of Polish Captives from WWII, a mix of contemporary performance and film invites you to re-imagine a forgotten world
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Act without Words II by Samuel Beckett SJ Productions With two characters living in separate sacks, one of Beckett’s most universal plays, brought to the streets – literally
Deception in the Forest Foundation for Indian Performing Arts
Spectacular stilt performance as pan-Asian dancers and musicians create epic storytelling, from the magical tapestry of Ramayana myths
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best of the festival
Wed 31 Aug 7.45pm Thu 1 Sep 2.30pm & 7.45pm
Fri 2 Sep 8pm Sat 3 Sep 5pm & 8pm
HIGHTIDE festival theatre IN ASSOCIATION WITH WATFORD PALACE THEATRE PRESENT
NABOKOV, escalator east to edinburgh and hull truck theatre IN ASSOCIATION WITH WATFORD PALACE THEATRE AND MERCURY THEATRE COLCHESTER PRESENT
Dusk Rings A Bell Young by Stephen Belber Pretender
Director Steven Atkinson Designer takis / Lighting Matt Prentice Sound Steve Mayo / Music Tom Mills Casting Charlotte Bevan / Voice John Tucker Twenty-four years ago, the future was going to be different. Mol was going to be happy, older, smarter and married with kids. Ray was going to be a heart surgeon. When they meet again by chance – she divorced and childless, he a caretaker and gardener – they discover that their lives are even further from that future than they’d thought.
This is the European premiere production of Stephen Belber’s funny, poignant and heartbreaking play. Belber’s other credits include the film Tape and the co-writing of The Laramie Project. This marks the Palace’s first collaboration with HighTide following its recent productions of Stovepipe (National/Bush, Sunday Times), Ditch (Old Vic Tunnels), and the Fringe First award-winning Lidless (Edinburgh Fringe & Trafalgar Studios). ‘Bittersweet and quietly wonderful’ TIME OUT
Director Joe Murphy A young rebel. A brutal victory. A devastating defeat. Aged 25, the charismatic Bonnie Prince Charlie laid claim to the thrones of England, Scotland and Ireland in a series of stunning military victories. By the time he was 26, his dreams lay in ruins and he was fleeing for his life. Amidst the chaos of war, the Young Pretender is forced to decide how far he is willing to go for the cause. E V Crowe (Kin, Royal Court, 2010) brings the brilliant but flawed Prince to vivid life in this fast-paced new play, taking an irreverent look at Britain’s rebellious past against the backdrop of the world’s rebellious present. Watford Palace Creative Associate nabokov is an internationally acclaimed new writing company. Previous collaborations include Bunny (Fringe First winner), the critically acclaimed 2nd May 1997 and Is Everyone Ok? £12.50 60 mins FREE POST-SHOW Q&A: Fri 2 Sep
£12.50 70 mins FREE POST-SHOW Q&A: Wed 31 Aug Performed in ‘on-stage studio’
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by E V Crowe
in our green room bar:
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Free post-show entertainment, Fri 2 Sep
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Box Office: 01923 225671
Tue 6 Sep 7.45pm
Scattered was commissioned by Warwick Arts Centre, and created with support from Playbox Theatre Warwick
MOTIONHOUSE PRESENTS
Scattered conceived and directed by Kevin Finnan Designer Simon Dormon / Lighting Designer Natasha Chivers / Original music Sophy Smith UK favourite Motionhouse has been producing critically acclaimed and visually stunning dance theatre blockbusters since 1988. As they are the most theatrical dance company in the country, we’ve been keen to bring Motionhouse to the Watford stage, and here’s your chance to see their latest hit. Scattered explores the amazing in the everyday, in a meteor shower of unlikely moments, combining highly physical dance theatre and mesmerizing aerial imagery in a unique interaction between film and live performance.
Performed on a huge curved floor which disappears skywards, Scattered uses daring dancing to create an extraordinary world in which the dancers move seamlessly through projected images. ‘The performance is practically jetpropelled... the quicksilver cast almost never stops moving. Dazzling.’ THE TIMES ‘Shock and awe; eliciting gasps as the dancers bodysurf across the face of the wave or launch themselves from its vertiginous peak’ THE OBSERVER
Scattered delves into the majesty and savagery of water, as seven dancers plunge into an ocean, tumble down a waterfall, gasp with thirst under a scorching sun and slide on an avalanche to a frozen landscape of arctic beauty. £12.50 70 mins SCHOOL WORKSHOPS: Motionhouse offer an
extensive programme of workshops, contact participation@watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk or call 01923 810307 to find out more.
BoxOffice: Office: 01923 01923 225671 225671 Box
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Fri 16–Sat 24 Sep (see back cover for times) A RIFCO ARTS production, in co-production with WATFORD PALACE THEATRE AND WARWICK ARTS CENTRe
Britain’s Got Bhangra conceived and written by Pravesh Kumar Music Sumeet Chopra Lyrics Dougal Irvine Director Pravesh Kumar Designer Keith Khan
An exciting new production of the five-star hit Bhangra musical charting the rise of British Bhangra from the sequin clad 80s through to the RnB fusion of today’s charts. Twinkle arrives fresh from the fields of the Punjab with a song in his heart and no money in his pocket. Can his talent shine through or will the remixed bling of the 90s DJs ruin his dreams?
This award winning musical from Rifco Arts, a Palace Resident Company, is guaranteed to lift you from the Dhol Drums! Bring the family and move to the rhythm. Shake your shoulders, twist that light bulb, this is the story of how Britain Got Bhangra. ‘Go and watch this now because it’s five-star fabulous’ Eastern Eye
After a highly successful run at the Palace last summer, Britain’s Got Bhangra is back, remixed and remastered and better than ever, and features Shin, the lead singer of the popular Bhangra band DCS.
‘A delight that brings the audience to its feet and introduces a new sound into the stale world of the British musical’ The Guardian
£22.50, £19.50, £15, £12
PREMIUM SEATS: £30 (Sat eve only)
Concessions: £2 off (excludes Premium) Senior citizens/under 18s: half price on matinee Small groups of 5+, Mon & Tue, £2 off per ticket
Enjoy the best seats in the house, a complimentary programme and a drink in our Premium guest area FREE POST-SHOW Q&A: Fri 23 Sep adult theatre workshop: Tue 13 Sep, see page 23 Originally co-produced by Rifco Arts and Theatre Royal Stratford East in association with Warwick Arts Centre
Box Office: 01923 225671
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Cultural Celebrations A new series of celebratory events marking key moments in the calendar of Watford’s local communities including Black History Month, Chinese New Year, Vaisakhi, Eid and Diwali To get involved in planning any of these events or to contribute your ideas, please email feedback@watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk Fri 9 Sep 5pm
Celebrate Eid Enjoy an evening at the Palace celebrating Eid, the end of the fasting month Ramadan. With food, workshops to join in, and music on our Green Room stage, experience the flavours of Eid-ul-Fitr by joining us for this special family event. Free
Sun 18 Sep 6pm
Black History: A Celebration Following the success of Windrush (October 2010), the Palace reunites with the Watford African Caribbean Association to bring you an evening of entertainment and festivities to celebrate the history of Watford’s Black community. £6.50 (£5 for groups of 4 or more) including free food
Sun 13 Nov 5pm
Diwali at the Palace Celebrating the Festival of Lights Watford Palace, the Hare Krishna temple and the local community bring the tastes and colours of India to the Theatre, in a family experience of music and dance to celebrate Diwali, filling this unforgettable evening with joy, togetherness and hope. £6.50 (£5 for groups of 4 of more) including free food
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Box Office: 01923 225671
Fri 30 Sep 1.30pm Sat 1 Oct 1.30pm & 4.30pm SCAMP THEATRE AND WATFORD PALACE THEATRE PRESENT
Friend Or Foe by Michael Morpurgo adapted and directed by Daniel Buckroyd The world premiere of the stage adaptation of Friend or Foe, written by Michael Morpurgo, the prize-winning author whose books include War Horse, Farm Boy and Private Peaceful. An exciting tale of friendship set at the height of the Second World War, as two boys prepare to be evacuated from London. After settling into a new life in the countryside, the war seems a long way away. Then one night the skyline lights up with gun flashes and the distant sound of bombing, shattering their new-found peace. When a German plane crashes, the next stage of their adventure begins...
Watford Palace collaborates again with Creative Associate Scamp, following the international success and critical acclaim of Stick Man.
WHATSONSTAGE.COM (on stick man) SUNDAY EXPRESS (on stick man) ‘I’m thrilled to bits. I just think the quality of what Scamp do is amazing’ MICHAEL MORPURGO
£9 (under 16s £7.50)
School groups: £7 (1 teacher free for every 10 students) For ages 8+ / 70 mins FREE POST-SHOW Q&A:
Sat 1 Oct, after 1.30pm performance SCHOOL WORKSHOPS:
This production will be supported by an education package and workshops for schools, looking at World War II, evacuation and themes of loyalty and friendship
Box Office: 01923 225671
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Fri 7–Sat 22 Oct (see back cover for times) A Watford Palace Theatre and Oxford Playhouse co-production
Family Business by Julian Mitchell Director Matthew Lloyd Designer Ruari Murchison
Retired entrepreneur William invites his four grown-up children to visit his beautiful converted barn in the Welsh Borders to celebrate his birthday. They all join with William’s carer Solomon to toast another year, but each of them has their own business in mind... Warm, intelligent, witty and moving, Family Business is the world premiere production of Julian Mitchell’s new play, looking at the complex relationships that underpin family life. Mitchell’s plays include Another Country (a West End hit, Best Play in 1981, later made into a film), Falling Over England and After Aida. He was also a regular writer for the much loved Inspector Morse series and has written the screenplays for numerous films including Wilde and Vincent & Theo.
Matthew Lloyd, previously Artistic Director at Manchester’s Royal Exchange and Associate Director at Hampstead Theatre, has directed over twenty new plays, including for the Almeida, the Bush, Glasgow Citizens and off-Broadway. For Watford Palace he directed Blithe Spirit (2007) and Copenhagen (2006) and in 2010 Julian Mitchell’s The Good Soldier for Theatre Royal Bath. ‘Julian Mitchell’s exemplary adaptation’ THE OBSERVER ON THE GOOD SOLDIER
‘Matthew Lloyd’s rich and nuanced production… is a noble and deeply moving piece of theatre’ Daily Telegraph on Duet For One
‘Ruari Murchison’s set almost steals the show’ The Observer on The Secret Garden
PALACE PREVIEWS (see back cover): £10 WEEKDAY EVENINGS AND MATINEEs: £20, £17.50, £11.50 Concessions: £4 off Senior Citizens: half price on matinees SAT EVE: £22.50, £19.50, £15, £12 Concessions: £2 off (excludes Premium) PREMIUM SEATS: £30 (Sat eve only)
Enjoy the best seats in the house, a complimentary programme and a drink in our Premium guest area FREE POST-SHOW Q&As: Wed 12 Oct & Tue 18 Oct ADULT theatre WORKSHOP: Mon 3 Oct, see page 23 FILM AT THE PALACE: Another Country by Julian Mitchell, Wed 17 Aug, 8pm
photo: chris gloag background: Getty images/David Toase
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www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk
Box Office: 01923 225671
Box Office: 01923 225671
www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk
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Fri 28 Oct 7.45pm Sat 29 Oct 2.30pm & 7.45pm WATFORD PALACE THEATRE PRESENTS A HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY YOUTH THEATRE PRODUCTION
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving adapted for the stage by Jonathan Clarkson Director James Williams Can you keep your head when all about you are losing theirs? A community of settlers arrive for a new life in a strange new world, where in dark woods superstitious locals scare the life out of each other with chilling myths and legends – all said to be true, of course. Ichabod Crane is having none of it. As he battles the local bully for the hand of his sweetheart, the thud of hooves across the forest floor get ever closer. Then even Ichabod’s thoughts return to the blood-curdling tale of the headless horseman – a soldier whose decapitated body – it is claimed – refuses to die. Someone, or something, is coming... A frighteningly dark and comic version of this classic short story, brought to life on stage by some of Hertfordshire’s most talented young performers. £8 (under 18s £6 or £4 if booked by 30 Sep)
Suitable for brave over 10s and anyone not of a nervous disposition FREE POST-SHOW Q&A: Fri 28 Oct adult theatre workshop: Tue 1 Nov, see page 23 IN OUR GREEN ROOM BAR:
Free post-show music, Sat 29 Oct eve To find out more about our Youth Theatres, see page 25 Watford Palace Theatre in partnership with HCC Standards and School Effectiveness
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www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk
Box Office: 01923 225671
Tue 1–Sat 5 Nov 7.45pm Thu & Sat matinees 2.30pm ENGLISH TOURING THEATRE PRESENTs
Tartuffe by Molière adapted by Roger McGough Director Gemma Bodinetz Tartuffe is a beacon of piety and has his feet firmly under the table in the home of wealthy merchant Orgon. But all is not as it seems - as Orgon becomes enraptured with Tartuffe, the whole city is chattering. Is he friend, fraud, miracle or hypocrite? The family smells a rat and amid the frills and frivolity of seventeenth century society, they hatch a cunning plan to outwit the wily deceiver before he brings their house crashing down… Originally presented to massive acclaim in Liverpool, this fresh and vibrant translation of the classic comedy by Molière (The Misanthrope, The School for Wives, The Miser) reunites ETT with Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse following their hilarious joint production of Roger McGough’s version of Molière’s The Hypochondriac. ‘Anarchic, irreverent and hysterically funny’ The Observer
‘Comedy genius... fun, frivolous and fantastic’ metro WEEKDAY EVENINGS AND MATINEEs:
£20, £17.50, £11.50 Concessions: £4 off Senior Citizens: half price on matinees SAT EVE: £22.50, £19.50, £15, £12 Concessions: £2 off (excludes Premium) PREMIUM SEATS: £30 (Sat eve only)
Enjoy the best seats in the house, a complimentary programme and a drink in our Premium guest area FREE POST-SHOW Q&A: Wed 2 Nov film at the palace: Molière, Wed 12 Oct, 2.30pm
Box Office: 01923 225671
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Fri 25 Nov–Sat 31 Dec (see back cover for times) A WATFORD PALACE THEATRE PRODUCTION
Jack & The Beanstalk by Andrew Pollard Director Kate Saxon Designer Cleo Pettitt
Choreographer Karen Edwards Musical Arranger Dominic Haslam
Fee Fi Fo Fum... Join Jack, Dame Trott and Buttercup the cow on the most giant adventure of all in this brand-new show, packed with laughter, popular tunes and a never-ending beanstalk. Our most magical event of the year is lovingly created for you in Watford by the team behind Aladdin and Cinderella. The Palace’s Pantomime brings the festive season to life with stunning sets and costumes, first-rate musicians and actors, witty storytelling and all the lavish spectacle you have come to expect from us.
If you’re looking for a hilarious family show in a traditional setting, full of all the fun ingredients that the best pantos have, and packed to the brim with audience participation, head to the Palace. The ultimate Christmas treat – there’s nothing better to put you in an exuberant festive spirit! ‘It is very rare that a production ticks all the artistic boxes required to present a really special show but that’s the case with this Aladdin.’ WATFORD OBSERVER ON ALADDIN (2010)
WHAT’S ON STAGE ON ALADDIN (2010)
Green Performances (see back cover): £17.50 (conc £15), £15.50 (conc £12.50), £12 (conc £12)
Box (4 seats): £50 School groups: £9.50 (1 teacher free for every 10 students) Groups 10+: £14.50, £11.50 Groups of 6–9: all tickets at concessionary price Blue Performances (see back cover): £20 (conc £17.50), £18 (conc £15), £14 (conc £14) Groups 10+: £16, £14 Groups of 6–9: all tickets at concessionary price Red Performances (see back cover): £20 (conc £18), £18.50 (conc £16.50), £15.50 (conc £15.50) Bringing a group of 10+: Ask our sales team about pre-ordering ice creams and programmes CHRISTMAS BOX: Boxes seat up to 4 people. Served in your Box: confectionery, one ice cream each, merchandise and two programmes. £120 per box (Blue and Red performances only). school Workshops: Contact participation@watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk or call 01923 810307 to find out more Adult Theatre Workshop: Tue 6 Dec, see page 23 Media partner: Illustration: Cog Design
Sponsored by:
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Box Office: 01923 225671
The Palace Pantomime. It just wouldn’t be Christmas without it. Box Office: 01923 225671
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B film ringi cen back ng tre to wit of Wa the ho tf scr ver 2 ord een 50 a ye ings ar
We are now showing film alongside our extensive programme of live work • Great films for everyone • State of the art digital projection • Exceptional sound quality • Launching with Oscar-winning films • Beautiful Edwardian theatre setting • High quality food and drink • Affordable ticket prices • 3D experience for many family films • Easy parking in Palace-Charter car park
Eat and drink while you watch! Our film audiences can experience the same great cafe and bar offer as audiences for live work. Our licensed bar serves an extensive range of alcoholic and soft drinks, delicious Illy coffee, fresh smoothies, cakes, pastries, sandwiches, a selection of confectionery and quality dairy ice cream – all of which can be enjoyed in your theatre seat.
Our website www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk provides more information on all Palace screenings and the opportunity to sign up to receive our film brochure in the post, published six times a year.
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www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk
Box Office: 01923 225671
Film listing April–June 2011 A Turtle's Tale 3D (U) Sat 30 Apr 11am Sun 1 May 11am Mon 2 May 11am The King's Speech (12A) Sat 30 Apr 5pm Sun 1 May 4pm Mon 2 May 4pm True Grit (15) Sat 30 Apr 9pm Sun 1 May 8pm
Benda Bilili! (pg) Sun 22 May 8pm Oranges and Sunshine (15) Fri 27 May 2.30pm Sun 29 May 8pm Winnie the Pooh 3D (U) Sun 29 May 11am Wed 1 Jun 10.30am Submarine (15) Sun 29 May 4pm
Black Swan (15) Mon 2 May 8pm Thu 5 May 8pm
Archipelago (15) Wed 1 Jun 2pm
The Madness of King George (pg) Wed 11 May 2pm
Rio (U) Fri 3 Jun 11am Sun 5 Jun 11am Sun 12 Jun 11am
Hop (U) Sun 15 May 11am Sun 22 May 11am
Life Goes On (12a) Sun 5 Jun 3.30pm
Norwegian Wood (15) Sun 15 May 4pm
Source Code (12a) Sun 5 Jun 8.30pm Mon 6 Jun 8pm
The Tempest (pg) Sun 15 May 8pm Mon 16 May 8pm
Went the Day Well? (pg) Tue 7 Jun 2.30pm
West is West (15) Wed 18 May 8pm Thu 19 May 8pm The Eagle (12a) Sun 22 May 4pm Mon 23 May 8pm
Cave of Forgotten Dreams 3D (U) Fri 10 Jun 8pm
Pina 3D (U) Mon 20 Jun 8pm Thu 23 Jun 11am
Little White Lies (15) Sun 12 Jun 4pm Tue 14 Jun 6pm
Red Riding Hood (12A) Mon 27 Jun 8pm Thu 30 Jun 8pm
Essential Killing (15) Sun 12 Jun 8pm
My Dog Tulip (12A) Tue 28 Jun 8pm
Live from the Royal Opera House: Macbeth Mon 13 Jun 7.15pm
Great White Silence (U) Thu 30 Jun 2.30pm
M Hulot's Holiday (U) Wed 15 Jun 2.30pm
Attack the Block (15) Sun 3 Jul 11am & 8.30pm Chalo Dilli (Cert TBC) Sun 3 Jul 3.30pm
You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger (12a) Wed 15 Jun 8pm
Tickets Mon–Thu (before 5pm) Fri, Sat, Sun & Bank Holidays (before noon)
£6 (conc: £4.50) 3D screenings: £7.20 (conc: £5.40) Mon–Thu (5pm or later)
Route Irish (15) Tue 7 Jun 8pm Thu 9 Jun 8pm
£7.50 (conc: £5.50) 3D screenings: £9 (conc: £6.60)
Patagonia (15) Thu 9 Jun 2.30pm Fri 10 Jun 2.30pm
£8 (conc: £6.50) 3D screenings: £9.60 (conc: £7.80)
Box Office: 01923 225671
Independent Cinema Office Client Venue
Fri, Sat, Sun & Bank Holidays (from noon)
Live Screenings: £15 (no concessions)
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LOCAL GROUPS
Eating & Drinking If you’re seeing a show or film, taking part in a workshop or just looking for somewhere to catch up with friends – you’re always welcome at the Palace!
Cafe Open Mon–Sat, 9.30am–2.30pm and also from 1 hour before performances and screenings.
Mon 7–Sat 12 Nov 7.30pm Sat Matinee 2.30pm CASSIO OS PRESENTS
Hello, Dolly! Book Michael Stewart Music & Lyrics Jerry Herman Based on the play The Matchmaker by Thornton Wilder
Our Cafe is the ideal place to meet for a coffee and a cake or a bite to eat.
Green Room Bar Whether or not you’re coming to a show, the bar is the perfect place to meet your friends, or just come and join us for a relaxing drink. Our Green Room Bar hosts a programme of free events.
Glamorous and meddling match-maker Dolly Levi is out to make the most significant pairing of her career. Four couples head to the bright lights of New York and on the way, helped by Dolly, learn to lighten up, laugh, and of course, fall in love. This popular Tony award-winning musical is given a new lease of life with this vivacious, colourful production from the team that brought you The Music Man (5 stars, Watford Observer) and Our House (4 stars). Experience some of the most uplifting numbers in musical theatre including Put On Your Sunday Clothes and Before the Parade Passes By. With smart & sassy banter and witty, comic songs, Hello, Dolly! is a celebration of life lived to the full. £18–£8.50
This amateur production is by arrangement with MusicScope and Stage Musicals Limited of New York
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Box Office: 01923 225671
Be part of Watford Palace Circle Membership
Sponsorship
Enjoy an even more special relationship with Watford Palace by becoming a Circle Member.
Supporting Watford Palace offers your company the opportunity to be associated with a local theatre with a national reputation. We develop successful, mutually rewarding, tailored packages to suit your company’s needs and CSR commitments.
Palace Circle £20 (£30 for two people with the same address) • 10% off top price tickets • 20% off ‘Palace Tuesdays’ • Priority brochure mailing • Regular Circle Newsletter • No charge for postage on tickets bought by phone • No exchange fee when changing tickets to another performance of the same show Directors’ Circle £175 All Palace Circle benefits plus • Private backstage tours • Acknowledgement in our show programmes • Invitations to special events with artists working on productions
Corporate Membership Club Join to enable your company to share our success whilst enjoying an extensive range of benefits. Introductory membership costs £500 +VAT per annum.
Box Office: 01923 225671
Corporate Hire & Training Watford Palace is the ideal place to host your business event, and can provide unique spaces for meetings, conferences and AGMs. We are able to offer exciting training opportunities tailored to the specific needs of your business. Using theatre-based skills for training is an ideal way to add something different to your staff development.
Donations and Legacies As a local charity we welcome donations of any size, which go directly to support the work of the theatre and to maintain our listed building. You can donate online on our website or in person at the Box Office. Alternatively, a legacy or endowment can make a huge difference to the future of the Palace. For further details please contact Lynne Misner, Development Manager, on 01923 257472 or email development@watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk
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Why not get more involved with your local Palace? Take a peek backstage, join a choir, develop your playwriting or theatre skills, watch free performances in our Green Room Bar or sign up for a fun-packed Summer School. We have something for everybody, whatever your age and interests. To book, call the box office on 01923 225671 To find out more, call the participation team on 01923 810307 or email participation@watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk
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www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk
Box Office: 01923 225671
for adults Theatre Workshops Everyone is welcome at our popular workshops for adults, whether it’s your first venture into theatre or you’ve been many times before. Workshops are inspired by this season’s productions.
Bhangra for Beginners Britain’s Got Bhangra
Writing Workshops Found in Translation Thurs 29 Sep, 10 Nov & 1 Dec 7pm–9pm Adapting prose fiction for the stage from first commission to rehearsed reading £32
Tue 13 Sep 7.30–9pm
Community Choir
A fun introduction to this popular style of dancing
Weds 21 Sep–7 Dec 7.30–9pm
Technical Business
Regular weekly sessions, open to all adults, regardless of skills and experience. You do not need to audition or be able to read music.
Family Business
£55 (conc £45)
Mon 3 Oct & Mon 17 Oct 7pm–9pm
Never sung in a choir before? Free trials available – call us to arrange
£9
A chance to explore lighting, sound and stage management £18
Backstage Tours
Chilling Theatre Creating suspenseful or downright scary theatre
Our backstage tours take you behind the scenes of the Palace, giving you an insight into the Theatre’s history. Tours last around an hour. See back cover for dates. We are happy to tailor special tours for groups.
£9
£3 per person or £30 for a group of up to 20
Sleepy Hollow Tues 1 Nov 7pm–9pm
There is Nothing Like a Dame
NABOKOV and watford palace theatre PRESENT
Present : Tense
Jack and the Beanstalk Tue 6 Dec 7pm–9pm A foray into the world of playing crossgender in panto (for men and women) £9
Post Show Q&As Find out more about our work at informal sessions with playwrights, directors and casts. For details, see individual show pages.
The toughest creative challenge in town. A group of playwrights, directors, filmmakers, poets, musicians and more, convene to select the most momentous story on the news agenda. They each have seven days to create a performance in response, before it is publicly performed. Performance: Sun 19 Jun 7.45pm £10
Free
Box Office: Office: 01923 01923 225671 225671 Box
www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk
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FOR schools Steering Groups
Resource Packs
In partnership with Hertfordshire County Council Standards and School Effectiveness, Watford Palace Theatre provides drama support to schools across the county. Our Primary and Secondary Steering Groups let us know what you think of our work and what we can do to ensure we’re meeting your needs. To join a Steering Group, contact us.
There is a wide selection of resources free to download from our website, including student and teacher packs for some shows at the Palace.
School Groups
Keep up to date with all the latest offerings from the participation programme by joining our exclusive Teachers’ Mailing List. We send out a regular newsletter packed with news. To join, send your name and email address to participation@watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk
We do everything we can to help make school visits as easy for organisers as possible. Our sales team can pre-order ice creams and programmes, help book coaches, and are happy to talk through the various group offers we have available. Generally we can offer group organisers a free ticket for every 10 tickets booked.
Teachers’ Evenings
Workshops
Teachers have the chance to see some Watford Palace productions for free! Come and meet the participation team and other teachers to discover ways we can work together. To sign up to a Teachers’ Evening, or find out more, contact us.
We offer a wide variety of subsidised workshops for students and tailored inset sessions for teachers. These are available in schools or here at the Palace, for Primary, Secondary, Further and Higher Education. We can create bespoke workshops for you, for example on puppets, practitioners or performing. For more information visit our website or contact us.
Mailing List
Touring Production
Watford Palace Theatre in partnership with HCC Standards and School Effectiveness
Photo: Alex Rumford
We create a touring production for Secondary schools each Spring term, allowing Hertfordshire students to see high quality professional theatre in or close to their school – we will be announcing our 2010 production on the website soon.
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www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk
Box Office: 01923 225671
FOR YOUNG PEOPLE Palace Youth Theatre
Holiday Activities
Specialist training for young theatre makers aged 7–18, led by theatre professionals.
Intensive and fun packed weeks, working with theatre professionals, leading up to performances.
Potted Panto (ages 7–11) Sat 10 Sep–Sat 10 Dec (excl 22–29 Oct) 10am–Noon A chance to plant your magic beans of imagination and grow your own panto
Panto Jacked (ages 11–14) Sat 10 Sep – Sat 10 Dec (excl 22–29 Oct) 12.30–2.30pm Keep the cow, rob the beans and uproot the beanstalk as you take panto in a different direction.
Not for the Nervous (ages 14–18) Mon 19 Sep–Mon 12 Dec (excl 24 Oct) 6.15–8.15pm Creating theatre for the very brave out of urban myths and legends. All courses: £60 each (includes ticket to Sleepy Hollow and Jack and the Beanstalk)
Getting the Show on! (ages 11–14) Mon 1–Fri 5 Aug 10am–4pm Love theatre? Want to create an exciting piece of theatre in just one fun-packed week? Then this is the project for you. Tons of games and creativity culminating in a site-specific performance out and about in Watford. £85
Welcome to Spookesville! (ages 7–11) Mon 8–Fri 12 Aug 10am–4pm Help create your own spooky performance. Join us on this creepy adventure using drama, voice and movement. Fun and games included! £85
Hertfordshire County Youth Theatre If you’re aged 13–18, live or go to school in Hertfordshire and love theatre, then why not join HCYT? Twice a year we run our action packed audition workshops in schools across the county, looking for a talented cast to perform and work alongside our professional team at the Palace.
Photo: Alex Rumford
Not into acting? You can also join our Young Production Team and get involved with Stage Management, Lighting or Sound.
Box Office: 01923 225671
Find out more about HCYT by joining our page at www.facebook.com/HertsCYT, speaking to your Drama Teacher or contacting us for more information. HCYT is run in partnership with HCC Standards and School Effectiveness
www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk
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Parking at The Palace
£2 Onl . y to 50 fo 4h ru ou p *£4 rs* .5 to 0 fo
Improved car parking – making your visit easier than ever
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The Palace Charter Car Park is less than 5 minutes walk and behind the Theatre. By parking on Level 1 or 2 with other theatre goers, you will benefit from: • Accessible parking bays
• Easy to follow signage
• Lift access to ground floor
• Over 400 parking spaces
• A Park Mark certified safer car park
ST ALBA NS RD
• Well lit parking and walkways
Watford Junction
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www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk
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Watford Palace Theatre
SHADY LANE
Watford High St
Box Office: 01923 225671
Booking and information Box Office: 01923 225671 • Group Sales Line (10+ tickets): 01923 810308 sales@watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk You can book 24 hours a day at www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk Payment We accept Maestro, MasterCard, Visa, Cash and Theatre Tokens. Electron cards can also be used by phone and in person. Credit and Debit card transactions are subject to a £1.50 handling fee per booking. Reservations Unpaid reservations will be released after four days, or 45 minutes before the start of a performance, whichever is sooner. Concessions Where concessions are advertised, discounted prices are generally available to: under 16s, registered unemployed, people with a disability and students in full time education. Senior Citizens enjoy discounted tickets on many of our shows. Our sales team are happy to advise the cheapest available ticket price. If cost would prevent you from being involved in our Participation programme, contact the Participation team on 01923 810307 to discuss in strict confidence ways we can help. Public transport Our nearest rail station, Watford Junction, is a 10 minute walk and is only 20 minutes from London Euston (via fast through-trains only). Bus & train Information: 0871 200 22 33. Groups bookings Thinking of having an outing for your colleagues, society or even just your group of friends? Group visits to the Palace are a special experience. As well as getting a free ticket for every ten that you buy, you can enjoy some of our optional add-ons; such as pre-ordering your drinks, getting a platter of hors d’oeuvres or even exclusively booking the hospitality room. To find our more, visit our website or contact the sales team, who will help make the group booking process as easy and convenient as possible.
Box Office: 01923 225671
Accessibility The theatre is fully accessible to all patrons. A lift and easily accessible toilets are available. 5 wheelchair spaces are situated in the stalls. Please notify Box Office at the time of booking if you need a wheelchair space. Assistance dogs are welcome. Our friendly sales team can provide all the information you need to help you plan your visit. Captioned and audio described performances See back cover for dates. Tickets for caption and audio description users cost £10 and can be booked through the Box Office. Parental guidance Parents are advised to check suitability with our sales staff at time of booking. Under 12s must be accompanied by an adult. Film admission is restricted by the film’s certification (listed on our website), proof of age may be required. Theatre Tokens valid at 225 UK theatres, can be purchased and redeemed at our Box Office
Booking conditions Refunds & Exchanges: Tickets and fees are non refundable. We are unable to apply discounts or concessionary prices retrospectively. Subject to availability and return of original tickets, we can exchange tickets for another performance of the same production. A 10% handling fee is charged for this service. Where the new performance is of a higher cost, the price difference will be charged, but if lower we regret we will not be able to offer a refund. Ticket Return: Once all tickets are sold out, we are happy to offer, without guarantee, customer tickets for resale. A 10% fee is charged for this service. Any monies owed to customers are available as a credit for use against a future Watford Palace Theatre ticket purchase. Offers and discounts are subject to management discretion and may be limited to selected seats only. Only one discount can be used.
Auditorium seating plan
STAGE
www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk
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Watford Palace Theatre Summer/Autumn 2011 August
Thu 3 Tartuffe
2.30
7.45
Mon 1 Getting the Show on! (until 5 Aug)
Fri 4 Tartuffe
7.45
Mon 8 Welcome to Spookesville! (until 12 Aug)
Sat 5 Tartuffe
Wed 31 Dusk Rings A Bell
7.45 QA
september Thu 1 Dusk Rings A Bell
2.30
7.45
Fri 2
Young Pretender
Sat 3
Young Pretender
5.00
8.00
Tue 6
Scattered
7.45
Fri 9 Celebrate Eid
gr 8.00 QA
5.00
Sat 10 Potted Panto (until 10 Dec)
7.45
Mon 7 Hello, Dolly!
7.30
Tue 8 Hello, Dolly!
7.30
Wed 9 Hello, Dolly!
7.30
Thu 10 Hello, Dolly!
7.30
Fri 11 Hello, Dolly!
7.30
Sat 12
Tue 13 Bhangra for Beginners Britain’s Got Bhangra
7.30
Sat 17 Britain’s Got Bhangra
7.30
Sun 18 Black History: A Celebration
6.00
Mon 19 Britain’s Got Bhangra
7.30
Backstage Tour
10.00
Sat 12 Hello, Dolly!
2.30
Sun 13 Diwali at the Palace
5.00
Fri 25
Sat 10 Panto Jacked (until 10 Dec) Fri 16
2.30
Jack & The Beanstalk
Sat 26 Jack & The Beanstalk
3.00
Mon 28 Jack & The Beanstalk
2.00
Tue 29 Jack & The Beanstalk Wed 30 Jack & The Beanstalk
7.30 7.00
7.00 PN
2.00
december Thu 1
Jack & The Beanstalk
10.30
2.00
Tue 20 Britain’s Got Bhangra
7.30
Fri 2
Jack & The Beanstalk
2.00
7.00
Wed 21 Britain’s Got Bhangra
7.30
Sat 3
Jack & The Beanstalk
2.30
7.00
Mon 5
Jack & The Beanstalk
2.00
Jack & The Beanstalk
2.00
Mon 19 Not for the Nervous (until 12 Dec)
Wed 21 Community Choir (until 7 Dec)
10.30
Thu 22 Britain’s Got Bhangra
7.30 C
Tue 6
Fri 23
7.30 QA
Tue 6 There is Nothing Like a Dame
Britain’s Got Bhangra
Wed 7
Jack & The Beanstalk
10.30
2.00
Thu 8
Jack & The Beanstalk
10.30
2.00
Thu 29 Found in Translation (until 1 Dec)
Fri 9
Jack & The Beanstalk
10.30
2.00
Fri 30 Friend Or Foe
Sat 10
Jack & The Beanstalk
Sat 24 Backstage Tour
10.00
Sat 24 Britain’s Got Bhangra
2.30
7.30
1.30
october Sat 1 Friend Or Foe
1.30 QA Mon 3 Technical Business (until 17 Oct)
4.30
Fri 7 Family Business
7.45 P
Sat 8 Family Business
7.45 P
Mon 10 Family Business
7.45 P
Tue 11 Family Business
7.00 PN
Wed 12 Family Business
7.45 QA
Thu 13 Family Business
2.30
7.45
Fri 14 Family Business
7.45
Sat 15 Family Business
7.45
2.30 AD
Mon 17 Backstage Tour
6.00
Tue 18 Family Business
7.45 QA
Wed 19 Family Business
7.45
2.30
Thu 20 Family Business
7.45 C
Fri 21 Family Business
7.45
Sat 22 Family Business
7.45
Fri 28
2.30
Sleepy Hollow
Sat 29 Sleepy Hollow
2.30
7.45 QA 7.45 gr
November Tue 1 Tartuffe
7.45
Tue 1 Chilling Theatre Wed 2 Tartuffe
2.30
Mon 12 Jack & The Beanstalk
10.30
2.00
Jack & The Beanstalk
7.00
10.30
2.00
Wed 14 Jack & The Beanstalk
2.00
7.00
Thu 15 Jack & The Beanstalk
2.00
7.00 C
Tue 13
Fri 16
Jack & The Beanstalk
7.00
Sat 17
Jack & The Beanstalk
2.30 AD
7.00
Mon 19 Jack & The Beanstalk
2.30
7.00
Tue 20 Jack & The Beanstalk
2.30
7.00
Wed 21 Jack & The Beanstalk
2.30
7.00
Thu 22 Jack & The Beanstalk
2.30
7.00
Fri 23
Jack & The Beanstalk
2.30
7.00
Sat 24
Jack & The Beanstalk
11.30
3.00
Mon 26 Jack & The Beanstalk
3.00
7.00
Jack & The Beanstalk
2.30
7.00
Wed 28 Jack & The Beanstalk
2.30
7.00
Thu 29 Jack & The Beanstalk
2.30
7.00
Fri 30
Jack & The Beanstalk
2.30
7.00
Sat 31
Jack & The Beanstalk
3.00
Tue 27
C Captioned
11.30
gr Green Room Bar Events
QA Q&A / talk
P palace preview
PN press night
AD Audio described
Shaded: participation
C 7.45 QA
•••
Jack & The Beanstalk pricing (see inside)
www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk Box Office: 01923 225671 Box Office: 01923 225671 www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk