New at Curve
Page last edited: 25th June 2014.
25th June 2014
This summer, New York City comes to Leicester when a company of over 70 talented local performers join Curve’s professional team to present the Tony award-winning Broadway musicals: Annie and Rent.
As part of its on-going commitment to developing local talent, Curve provides an annual platform for aspiring performers from across the East Midlands with its Community Production. In the past five years, over 300 local people (and 3 dogs) have appeared on stage or worked backstage in a Curve Community Production performing to audiences of over 25,000.
Paul Kerryson commented:
“From the grimy Victorian streets of London in Sweeney Todd and Oliver!, we’re heading stateside this summer and converting both the Studio and main stage into one huge set to recreate Manhattan for Annie and Rent. It’s the first time we’ve staged two community productions back to back which is not only testament to the huge amount of creative talent in the region but also the popularity of our community productions with audiences. The Annie and Rent cast are now in rehearsals and we’re looking forward to recreating New York of the 1930s and 1990s for audiences this July.”
Annie, 26 July – 11 August 2014
This classic rags-to-riches tale follows plucky orphan-girl Annie as she leaves behind her friends and attempts to escape the Hard Knock Life, finding shelter with reluctant billionaire Mr Warbucks. The relationship of the unlikely pair soon begins to grow, but how long can Annie evade the evil clutches of the delightfully wicked Miss Hannigan?
Set against the backdrop of the American Great Depression, this uplifting tale features the well-known classics Tomorrow, Little Girls and Easy Street. Join Annie and her faithful companion, dog Sandy, on their heart-warming adventure to find the family they are longing for.
Rent, 31 July – 1 August and 4 – 7 August 2014
Set in the struggling Lower East Side of New York City, Jonathan Larson’s Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical follows the highs and lows of filmmaker Mark and his artist friends over the space of one year as they fight to keep the bohemian spirit alive.
As Mark and roommate Roger face the threat of losing their apartment, new girl Mimi arrives and falls straight into Roger’s arms, giving him a new lease of life. Together with Mark’s sassy ex Maureen, colourful street performer Angel and friends, the anarchic trio stand together in celebration of their lifestyle. But when the façade begins to slip and the friends are forced to confront their problems, everything begins to fall apart…
This vibrant and daring show features a soundtrack of much-loved songs, including La Vie Boheme, Rent, Take Me or Leave Me and Seasons of Love.
To book tickets visit www.curveonline.co.uk
CURVE ANNOUNCES FULL AUTUMN/WINTER SEASON
ON GENERAL SALE – MON 19 MAY
Paul Kerryson to reunite Chicago creative team in The Sound of Music
New Curve Production of Abigail’s Party directed by Associate Director, Suba Das
Two new dance pieces by Curve Associate Artist Aakash Odedra: Inked and Murmur
Frantic Assembly and The Theatre Royal Plymouth in association with Curve return to Leicester to present Shakespeare’s Othello
NEW Family Days featuring show child-friendly performances, workshops and activities
Leicester’s Curve theatre has today announced the full programme for its upcoming Autumn/Winter season – on general sale from Monday 19 May.
Paul Kerryson, Curve’s Artistic Director commented:
“This autumn Curve presents a dynamic programme of drama, musicals, comedy and dance with visits from some of the UKs most prominent theatre companies and artists. Following the success of Chicago last year, Curve’s Christmas musical is the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, The Sound of Music with choreography by Drew McOnie, who scored a hit last season with his scintillating choreography for Chicago and the premiere of Drunk. The Autumn season begins with another popular musical, Barnum which is presented at Curve by the world renowned producer, Cameron Mackintosh and Chichester Festival Theatre prior to a National Tour.
“Curve Associate Director, Suba Das, will direct a new ‘in the round’ version of the Mike Leigh cult comedy, Abigail’s Party and following our recent successful collaboration with Frantic Assembly, this thrilling company return with an electrifying version of Shakespeare’s Othello. The National Theatre also return to Leicester present their global hit, One Man Two Guvnors and Regents Park theatre will perform their hugely successful To Kill A Mocking Bird.
“Curve Associate artist Aakash Odedra presents two brilliant new dance pieces with Inked and Murmur and the studio season finishes at Christmas with Pinocchio, the perfect festive show for our younger audiences”.
For full listings information and to book tickets visit Curve website.
CAMERON MACKINTOSH AND CHICHESTER FESTIVAL THEATRE’S RECORD-BREAKING PRODUCTION
BARNUM
5 – 13 SEP
‘Barnum’s the name, P T Barnum, and I want to tell you that tonight, on this stage, you are going to see – bar none – every sight, wonder and miracle that name stands for!’
This exhilarating musical follows the irrepressible imagination and dreams of Phineas T Barnum, America’s Greatest Showman. The story of his life and his marriage to Chairy reveals a couple who looked at the world from opposite sides of the spectrum, and also reveals that she was the practical one who made his dreams come true. We follow the legendary showman’s life as he lit up the world with colour, warmth and the excitement of his imagination and finally teamed up with J A Bailey to create Barnum and Bailey’s Circus – the Greatest Show on Earth.
Barnum is a ‘BIG, SHARP, WITTY, BREATHTAKING, AND EMOTIONAL’ (The Observer) show starring Brian Conley (Oliver!, Hairspray, Jolson) in the title role and featuring Linzi Hateley as ‘Chairy’ (Mary Poppins, Mamma Mia!, Chicago, Les Misérables). Cy Coleman’s wonderfully exuberant score includes the hits Come Follow The Band, The Colours Of My Life and There Is A Sucker Born Ev’ry Minute.
A CAMERON MACKINTOSH / MICHAEL HARRISON PRESENTATION OF THE MARK BRAMBLE / MICHAEL STEWART / CY COLEMAN MUSICAL
EMILY BROWN AND THE THING
TUE 2 – WED 3 SEP, 1PM & 3PM STUDIO
Something is keeping Emily Brown awake… Tall Stories, creators of the much-loved Gruffalo stage show, present their brand new production, based on the hugely popular book by Cressida Cowell and Neal Layton. One evening, Emily Brown and her old grey rabbit Stanley hear a Thing crying outside their window. He just can’t get to sleep. Emily Brown and Stanley set off on incredible adventures to find the Thing’s cuddly, his bedtime milk and his medicine but nothing seems to help him settle. What’s really troubling the Thing – and will anyone ever get any sleep?
FARNHAM MALTINGS PRESENT
MAJOR TOM
FRI 5 SEP, 7.45PM STUDIO
Major Tom is the story of how an average 34 year old became a beauty queen and how her unruly pet basset hound, Major Tom, became a championship show dog. Major Tom and Victoria increasingly immerse themselves in the obsessive and confusing realm of personal scrutiny as they participate as genuine contestants, determined to win. Accompanied on stage by documentary film footage and her dog, Victoria tells this true story exploring the British fascination with celebrity, beauty and winning.
WENDY HOUSTOUN’S 50 ACTS
SAT 6 SEP, 7.45PM STUDIO
Written and Performed by Wendy Houstoun
Combining film and writing with her playful physicality, Wendy Houstoun brings her warm, intimate and affecting show to Curve. 50 Acts is a spirited retaliation against ageism and other modern rubbish involving manifestos, apologies and errors, random acts, small dances and big ideas, ghostly appearances, serious stupidity and much, much more.
BLIND HAMLET
TUE 9 – WED 10 SEP, 7.45PM STUDIO
Blind Hamlet transforms Shakespeare’s tragedy into an interactive theatrical battle and reimagines the bloody struggle for Hamlet’s Elsinore. Volunteers take to the stage to outwit each other as a different power-struggle unfolds at each performance, with Hamlet turned on its head and every spectator now a Player. Written by Iran’s leading playwright, Nassim Soleimanpour, Blind Hamlet reveals how nations and individuals trap each other, and themselves, in their frenzy to tell friend from foe.
THE EVENTS
THU 11 – SAT 13 SEP, 7.45PM STUDIO
Voted the Best Play of 2013 by critics in The Guardian
David Greig’s daring new play asks how far forgiveness will stretch in the face of atrocity. Featuring a different local choir at each performance and a soaring soundtrack, The Events tells of tragedy, obsession and our destructive desire to fathom the unfathomable.
THE MAGIC OF QUEEN
THU 18 SEP, 7.30PM THEATRE
Performed by Rhapsody
The Magic of Queen has toured the world performing sell-out shows in theatres, concert halls and outdoor festivals. Although the world will never again see Queen perform with the great Freddie Mercury, The Magic of Queen will, with breath-taking accuracy, reproduce the same high energy show that became the trade-mark of the world’s greatest rock band.
SING-A-LONG-A DIRTY DANCING
FRI 19 SEP, 7.30PM THEATRE
This fully interactive screening of the classic film means you too can have the time of your life. The host will lead you through a vocal warm up, judge a fancy dress competition and show you how to use your magic moments fun packs. Then just sing-a-long and dance dirty with Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey and the gang. Fancy dress recommended
CERI DUPREE – FIT FOR A QUEEN
THU 18 – SAT 20 SEP STUDIO
Celebrating thirty years on stage, female impersonator and Hot Stuff star Ceri Dupree brings us his sensational new show, Fit For A Queen. Over two hours of musical parodies, dazzling quick changes and rapid-fire stand up, Ceri will pay homage to some of his favourite ladies. Expect side-splitting comedy and a visual feast of spectacular, eye popping and jaw dropping costumes. The first half celebrates stars from around the world and the second half pays tribute to the best of British.
STONES IN HIS POCKETS
The multi award-winning comedy by Marie Jones
MON 22 – TUE 23 SEP THEATRE
Following a sell-out run on Broadway, four and a half years in the West End and on tour, the worldwide sensation Stones in His Pockets comes to Curve with Ian McElhinney, the original director at the helm. Don’t miss this hilarious and moving tale of a quiet Irish community turned upside down by the arrival of a Hollywood movie shoot. Universally loved by all who see it, Stones in His Pockets is brought to life by two highly talented actors who play 15 characters between them – from the two cheeky lads intent on stardom to a Hollywood Goddess!
PROPELLER PRESENTS
POCKET DREAM
Directed by Edward Hall
THU 25 – FRI 26 SEP, 11AM & 2PM STUDIO
A Midsummer Night’s Dream for young audiences
All-male Shakespeare company Propeller present a sixty minute version of its award-winning production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, especially devised for young audiences and known as Pocket Dream. Combining a rigorous approach to the text with a modern physical aesthetic to create a production full of clarity, speed, poetry and imagination, Pocket Dream is a fresh and inspiring introduction to Shakespeare.
MAGIC OF THE BEATLES
GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY TOUR
FRI 26 SEP, 7.30PM THEATRE
Join the authoritative Beatles live concert show, celebrating the Golden Anniversary of A Hard Day’s Night. The film, album and hit single propelled John, Paul, George and Ringo to worldwide stardom. Their legendary live performances are recreated, and more… taking you from their mop top roots to the psychedelia of Sgt Pepper and beyond, from Love Me Do to Let It Be. Fantastic costumes, brilliant vocals and incredible musicianship Come Together in a lavish Magical Musical trip back to Yesterday. Magic of the Beatles is one of the most comprehensive and authentic Beatles tribute shows that you will see, and has been enjoyed by a host of worldwide stars.
KERRY ELLIS
SAT 27 SEP, 8PM THEATRE
Award-winning star of the West End and Broadway, Kerry Ellis will come to Curve as part of her first solo concert tour. As well as establishing herself as a rising star with lead roles in London and on Broadway, Kerry Ellis has achieved chart-topping success as a recording artist and has toured her debut album, Anthems with Queen legend Brian May. Previous theatre roles include originating the role of Meat in Queen’s We Will Rock You and she was the first British Elphaba in the West End smash hit, Wicked, for which she won a 2008 Whatsonstage.com Award and then immediately transferred to Broadway, where she won the Broadway.com Audience Award for Favourite Female Breakthrough Performance.
MY NAME IS…
By Sudha Bhuchar
Directed by Philip Osment
MON 29 – TUE 30 SEP, 7.45PM STUDIO
A new play about love, family and ever-shifting identities
My Name is… tells the moving tale behind the story that hit headlines in 2006. When Gaby disappeared from her home in Scotland, it seemed that her Pakistani father, Farhan, had kidnapped her. The press were only momentarily silenced when it emerged that she had fled of her own accord. To her mother Suzy’s distress, she turned her back on ‘Gaby’, declaring “my name is Ghazala…”
PAUL CHOWDHRY
TUE 30 SEP, 7.30PM THEATRE
Following a sell-out show earlier this year, host of channel 4’s Stand Up for the Week and star of BBC1’s Live at the Apollo, Paul Chowdhry returns to Curve with his biggest tour to date, PC’s World. PC may be his initials, but the relentless world he lives in definitely isn’t. Why is one person’s offensive behaviour considered humorous by others? Paul will address this issue along with more diverse subjects as the art of attracting women, jokes cut from his TV appearances, non-existent customer service and the now infamous 1980’s in his own inimitable uncompromising style.
SIMON CALLOW IN
THE MAN JESUS
By Matthew Hurt
Directed by Joseph Alford
WED 1 OCT, 7.30PM THEATRE
This extraordinary play looks back two thousand years to witness key moments in the life of The Man Jesus, through the eyes of the people who knew him. Simon Callow, one of Britain’s best-loved actors, performs this fresh and moving account of biblical stories including the raising of Lazarus, the wedding at Cana and the journey to Jerusalem. His powerful portrayal of the tyrants, traitors and madmen in Jesus’ life asks people of all faiths and none: what sort of a man was able to inspire the history of the world? Thought-provoking, thrilling and full of wit, this production premiered to great acclaim at Belfast’s Lyric Theatre, and now embarks on a strictly limited UK tour.
PACK UP YOUR TROUBLES
The Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire’s concert to commemorate the centenary of the First World War
THU 2 OCT, 7.30PM THEATRE
This is the story of 1914 – 18, told through the music, songs, poetry, comedy and art of the time. From Gustav Holst to Irving Berlin; Jerusalem to Tipperary; Edward Elgar to Marie Lloyd. Bands, choirs, performers and dancers will join presenters from BBC Radio Leicester and Curve Young Company for a night of nostalgia and emotion. Telling the extraordinary tales of five people from Leicester during WW1; performers will include The Enderby Brass Band, Jazz saxophonist Ed Barker, Tenor David Morris, Soprano Jenny Saunders and Leicester performer Elaine Pantling plus many more. Presented by Applause in conjunction with Curve and BBC Radio Leicester for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.
ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS
MON 6 – SAT 11 OCT THEATRE
Following their last sell-out visit, the National Theatre’s award-winning comedy One Man, Two Guvnors returns to Curve. With a cast including Gavin Spokes (One Man Two Guvnors, London) in the lead role as Francis, Norman Pace (of comedy duo Hale and Pace) and Emma Barton (EastEnders), this acclaimed smash hit is a glorious celebration of British comedy – a unique, laugh-out-loud mix of satire, songs, slapstick and glittering one-liners. Fired from his skiffle band, Francis Henshall becomes minder to Roscoe Crabbe. But Roscoe is really Rachel, posing as her own dead brother – who’s been killed by her boyfriend Stanley Stubbers. Francis spots the chance of an extra meal ticket and takes a job with one Stanley Stubbers – but to prevent discovery, he must keep his two guvnors apart. Simple.
AN EVENING WITH PAM AYRES
FRI 3 OCT, 7.30PM THEATRE
Pam Ayres brings her latest show to Curve following the recent publication of her new book of poetry, You Made Me Late Again! Pam Ayres’ work is funny, and approachable. It sounds simple, as though dashed off, but this is deceptive. Her hair-trigger timing, her eye for the detail of everyday life, and for the absurdity therein, makes for an art that hides art.
TANGOMOTION
FRI 3 OCT, 7.45PM STUDIO
Tangomotion is a breath-taking journey into the heart of Tango Argentino.
From dazzling displays of traditional tango dance in stunning costume to the exquisite songs of 1930’s Buenos Aires and the powerful nuevo tango music of Astor Piazzolla, Tangomotion features world class dancers and the musicians of the acclaimed tango ensemble Siempre.
The cast have previously appeared in hit West End show Midnight Tango and the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.
MIDLANDS BEST DANCE CREW
SAT 4 OCT, 7PM THEATRE
Join us in our search for the Midlands Best Dance Crew 2014! The sensational urban dance competition will see the crews with the fiercest moves battle it out to win this year’s trophy, as well as the massive £1000 prize.
Judged by a panel of special guests, we’ll see these dancers go head-to-head in an evening of amazing routines. The event will also feature a ‘Best Dancer in the Audience’ section. Look out for hip-hop, street and break dance, performed by the most talented non-professional artists from across the region, with energetic, breathtaking routines!
2FUNKY ARTS PRESENTS
BOTOWN: THE SOUL OF BOLLYWOOD
‘ALL IZ WELL’ TOUR 2014
SAT 4 OCT, 7.45PM STUDIO
One of the most exciting and engaging music acts of the last few years, Botown are an 8-piece band that have given lovers of Bollywood & Soul music a brand new groove. This concert will feature all your favourite Bollywood classics from legends like RD Burman, Kishore Kumar, AR Rahman, Asha Bhosle and Amitabh Bachchan fused into the Soul greats like Ray Charles, James Brown and Aretha Franklin. Enjoy an evening of classic Bollywood, Soul and funky grooves guaranteed to have you up dancing and singing along.
ONE MAN LORD OF THE RINGS™
MON 6 OCT, 7.45PM STUDIO
One Man to do it all. One Man to rule them all!
Be prepared to journey through the trilogy: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and Return of the King in 3600 seconds of unbelievable kinetic entertainment. Talented actor, Charles Ross will recreate the enchanting world of Middle-earth with nothing more than elbow pads and his outrageous imagination. With booming special effects, riveting stage fights and harrowing rescues, Ross does it all in this engaging, epic one man show.
SHHH!
THU 9 OCT, 7.45PM STUDIO
Books flying overhead, free-running on moving shelves and falling in love – all this in a library?
C-12 Dance Theatre’s exciting and explosive new show Shhh! is an entertaining contemporary dance story of a library that is closed down, but if the community come together, can they save it? With a set mostly recycled from the New Barnfield Library, five theatrical performers manipulate their surroundings to create an innovative and powerful piece of dance theatre.
DIRECT FROM LONDON’S WEST END
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
Adapted for the stage by Christopher Sergel Based on the novel by Harper Lee
MON 13 – SAT 18 OCT THEATRE
Set in the Deep South, Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel sees racial injustice envelop a small-town community. Through courage and compassion, lawyer Atticus Finch seeks the truth, and his feisty daughter, Scout – a young girl on the cusp of adulthood – brings new hope to a neighbourhood in turmoil. This utterly enchanting and enthralling production from London’s award-winning Regent’s Park Theatre captures the warmth and poignancy of this best-loved classic with genuine heart and emotional depth. A story as moving and magical as you could ever hope to find.
A CURVE PRODUCTION
ABIGAIL’S PARTY
BY MIKE LEIGH
FRI 17 OCT – SAT 8 NOV STUDIO
Directed by Suba Das
It’s 1977. Beverly, former beautician and devout Tom Jones fan, is throwing a little party for her neighbours: newlyweds Tony and Angela, and divorcee Sue. Down the road, Sue’s teenage daughter Abigail is throwing a party of her own, but could it be the grown-ups’ night which really spirals out of control? With little help from long-suffering husband Laurence, Beverly desperately attempts to hold the evening together, but as her guise as the perfect hostess starts to slip and tempers begin to flare, the evening descends into chaos with hilarious and tragic consequences. Curve’s first show to be staged in the round, this new production of Mike Leigh’s comedy will bring audiences intimately close to the action live on stage. Abigail’s Party is directed by Curve Associate Director Suba Das, who recently curated Curve’s Inside Out Festival and has previously directed for the National Theatre Studio, Theatre Royal Stratford East and The Young Vic.
LES PETITS THEATRE COMPANY PRESENT
CAPTAIN FLINN AND THE PIRATE DINOSAURS
THU 23 OCT THEATRE
Based on the award-winning book by Giles Andreae and Russell Ayto
Winner of The Primary Times Children’s Choice Award
All aboard for a non-stop action packed theatrical experience with live music, puppetry, physical performance and dastardly dinosaurs! Join Captain Flinn as he discovers a Pirate hiding in a cupboard then hold on tight as the cupboard falls away and together we tumble into a real life adventure! Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs will ignite your child’s imagination through the magic of theatre and story-telling.
HENNING WEHN – EINS, ZWEI, DIY
THU 23 OCT, 7.30PM THEATRE
After more than a decade in Britain, the German Comedy Ambassador has ‘groan’ to like puns…. though he still couldn’t eat a whole one. As Henning’s assimilation is not yet complete he hasn’t lost his sense of Westphalian wonderment at the foibles of British society. Expect a crash course in personal accountability and have a right old laugh at the same time! Wunderbar!
MARK BRUCE COMPANY IN ASSOCIATION WITH TOBACCO FACTORY THEATRES, PAVILION DANCE SOUTH WEST AND WILTON’S MUSIC HALL PRESENT
DRACULA
TUE 21 – WED 22 OCT, 7.30PM THEATRE
“ Welcome to my house. Come freely. Go safely; and leave something of the happiness you bring.”
Jonathan Goddard plays the infamous Vampire Count, whose sinister and ruthless ambitions challenge the very fabric of Victorian society. As his victims and opponents rally against him they must face the darkness and savagery within themselves. Mark Bruce’s company of ten exceptional dancers bring Bram Stoker’s haunting, erotic tale to life in a heart wrenching and magical dance theatre production. With an eclectic mix of music from Bach and Mozart to Ligetti and Fred Frith, Bruce explores choreographic styles ranging from the subtlety of classical etiquette to contemporary dance. Winner of the prestigious South Bank Sky Arts Award for Dance, this critically acclaimed production is not to be missed.
DIWALI HANGAMA
SAT 25 OCT 7.30PM THEATRE
Following the resounding success of previous events, Curve will team up with Sabras Radio for the third annual Diwali Hangama. This star studded night will include a blend of Bollywoood entertainment, culture and exclusive performances.
This year’s Diwali Hangama is set to be the biggest yet with a range of stars from India and local artists to kick off your Diwali celebrations. The event will be hosted by Sabras Radio presenters Raj Baddhan, Kash Kumar and a few of your other favourites.
FAMILY DAYS
25 Oct; 15 Nov; 13 Dec
Brand new for autumn, Curve has introduced special Family Days featuring a range of activities for all to enjoy from child-friendly backstage tours, dance classes, puppetry and storytelling, and show-themed workshops. Highlights include: The Snowman Dance Workshop on Sat 17 Nov and The Sound of Music Family Workshop and Pinocchio Family Workshop on Sat 13 Dec.
A FRANTIC ASSEMBLY AND THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH PRODUCTION IN ASSOCIATION WITH CURVE THEATRE
SHAKESPEARE’S OTHELLO
Directed by Scott Graham
TUE 28 OCT – SAT 1 NOV THEATRE
This is a mating ground. There’s tension around the pool table, cues in hand. A world of broken glass and beatings in the car park. It’s dog eat dog. And it’s about to kick off… Othello’s passionate affair with Desdemona leaves him open to jealousy and attack – with devastating consequences. Here, violence is a way of life and reputation is everything. Frantic Assembly return to Curve with this electrifying take on Shakespeare’s thriller-tragedy of paranoia, jealousy, sex and murder. Fusing a taut adaptation of the classic text with its trademark hard-hitting choreography, Frantic Assembly takes a scalpel to 21st century Britain, exposing prejudice, danger and fear. Winner of the TMA Award for Best Direction, this unforgettable production from Frantic Assembly comes to Curve following the success of The Believers earlier this year.
CIRCA: WUNDERKAMMER
WED 5 – SAT 8 NOV, 7.30PM THEATRE
In this exquisite cabaret of the senses, a diva melts into a rope, balloons and bubble wrap. Discover their artistic souls while bodies twist and fly. Seven performers of unbelievable ability bend the very fabric of reality. Sexy, funny and explosive, Circa’s Wunderkammer is a breathless cocktail of new circus, cabaret and vaudeville. Control and abandon, skill and humour, lyricism and anarchy all meld into a sinuous fugue of profound beauty. Circa is world-renowned for creating startling new ways to experience circus. Combining seemingly impossible physical feats with a poetic sensibility, its creations move, amaze and astonish.
CURVE THEATRE, AAKASH ODEDRA COMPANY AND SKY ACADEMY ARTS SCHOLARSHIPS PRESENT
MURMUR & INKED
MON 10 – TUE 11 NOV, 7.45PM STUDIO
Murmur and Inked is a new double bill from the Aakash Odedra Company. Curve Associate Artist, Aakash Odedra is one of Britain’s most sought after dancers. He has developed a distinctive movement style following intensive training with some of the most prestigious choreographers in the world. In Murmur, Aakash and Australian choreographer Lewis Major delve into the idea of warped and exaggerated realities. In a major collaboration with Arts Electronica Futurelab, the piece explores how the misconceptions of dyslexia can be revealed through visual design, light, sound, movement. Inked, choreographed by Olivier Award-winner, Damien Jalet, explores how the body becomes a place of transformation. The figures and drawings made on his own body reveal the inner duality of the dancer, who enters through a series of transformative stages in a self-seeking quest; an exploration of the body’s limits and powers.
CARDINAL BURNS
SAT 15 NOV, 7.45PM STUDIO
Following their second series on Channel 4, British Comedy award-winning and BAFTA nominated duo Cardinal Burns, are ready to unleash a torrent of never-before-seen characters and familiar faces from the series.
Previous live shows have sold out in London, Edinburgh and Melbourne, and now the boys are ready to sell out all over again with their absurd, anarchic and unpredictable tapas of character comedy.
SCAMP THEATRE AND FIERY ANGEL PRESENTS
PRIVATE PEACEFUL
By Michael Morpurgo
Adapted & Directed by Simon Reade
FR1 21 NOV, 7.45PM STUDIO
Winner of the Blue Peter Book of the Year, Private Peaceful is by third Children’s Laureate, Michael Morpurgo, award-winning author of War Horse. 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; the accident in the forest that killed his father; his adventures with Molly, the love of his life; and the battles and injustices of war that brought him to the front line. Private Peaceful is a moving experience that tells the story of a young soldier’s final day in World War One and conveys the strength of human spirit.
THE BIRMINGHAM REPERTORY THEATRE PRODUCTION OF
THE SNOWMAN™
WED 12 – SUN 16 NOV •THEATRE
The stage show based upon the book by Raymond Briggs and the film directed by Dianne Jackson and produced by John Coates
MUSIC AND LYRICS BY HOWARD BLAKE
Directed by Bill Alexander
When a young boy’s snowman comes to life on Christmas Eve, the two set off on a night-time quest for adventure. They meet Father Christmas, dancing penguins, reindeer and crowds of The Snowman’s friends, but will they escape evil Jack Frost and get back home for Christmas morning? Based on Raymond Brigg’s much-loved book and featuring Howard Blake’s classic song Walking InThe Air, this enchanting live show has thrilled audiences throughout the world.
SHAKESPEARE SCHOOLS FESTIVAL
MON 17 – THU 20 NOV, 7PM STUDIO
Curve is delighted to mark Shakespeare’s 450th birthday by throwing him the biggest party he has ever seen with the largest Shakespeare Schools Festival to date. The Shakespeare Schools Festival is the UK’s largest youth drama festival and enables over 1,000 primary, secondary, and special schools to stage abridged Shakespeare productions in their local professional theatre. Each night local schools will perform a variety of different Shakespeare plays.
FESTIVAL OF CHOIRS IV
WED 12 NOV, 6PM & SAT 22 NOV, 7PM STUDIO
Festival of Choirs returns to Curve for the fourth year and brings two great evenings for all to enjoy.
On Wed 12 Nov, The Children Sing Gospel – will bring gospel choirs from local primary schools together to share their repertoires of gospel and inspirational music. Funded by Youth Music the event will form part of the Oh Happy Days Singing Programme which will also see the development of Curve Children’s Gospel Choir. On Sat 22 Nov, Festival of Choirs will feature local gospel and community choirs presenting uplifting and inspiring performances.
SEABRIGHT PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS
ERIC AND LITTLE ERN
THU 27 – FRI 28 NOV, 7.45PM STUDIO
This affectionate, moving and fantastically funny homage to the greatest comedy double act that Britain has ever seen vividly brings back warm memories of a bygone era. Recreating some of the finest moments of Eric and Ernie’s television and stage performances, cherished moments from the archives sit alongside new material created by the performers. Together they make a brilliant comedy that recreates the all-ages appeal of Morecambe and Wise in their heyday.
2FUNKY ARTS PRESENTS
2FUNY COMEDY SHOW
SAT 29 NOV, 7.45PM STUDIO
2Funy Comedy presents a night of laughs with some of the UK’s comedy circuit favourites! First on the menu is Will-E, who has appeared live at The Apollo, and as part of P. Diddy’s Bad Boys of Comedy. Then there’s Kane Brown. Fearless, bold and energetic, Kane has graced the stage of Hackney Empire and The Comedy Store, to name a few. Previously voted ‘Best Female Comedienne,’ UK circuit favourite Glenda Jaxson is an extraordinary talent. Last but not least, Dane Baptiste has an unmistakable stage persona that has seen him perform at venues such as Just the Tonic and Glee Club.
A CURVE PRODUCTION
THE SOUND OF MUSIC
FRI 28 NOV – SAT 17 JAN THEATRE
Over the past five years Curve’s Christmas musicals have become increasingly popular, receiving widespread critical acclaim and attracting audiences from all over the UK. This Christmas, Artistic Director Paul Kerryson reunites the talented team behind its 5-star production of Chicago, with Choreographer Drew McOnie and Musical Director Ben Atkinson returning for brand new version of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic The Sound of Music from 28 November – 17 January.
Originally a hit Broadway and West End musical, then followed by the beloved 1965 movie version, The Sound of Music remains one of the most popular musicals of all time. Set against the idyllic landscape of the Austrian Alps, this heart-warming tale based on a true story follows spirited young nun Maria and her relationship with the Von Trapp family. With a timeless score including Do-Re-Mi, My Favorite Things and Climb Ev’ry Mountain, this global phenomenon continues to enchant audiences across the world.
WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT
Direct from a smash-hit West End season and international tour
TUE 2 – SAT 6 DEC STUDIO
Michael Rosen’s award-winning book We’re Going On A Bear Hunt is brought vividly and noisily to the stage in director Sally Cookson’s fun-filled adaptation set to Benji Bower’s versatile lively score. Join our intrepid adventurers on their quest to find a bear; as they wade through the gigantic swishy swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and the thick oozy, squelchy mud! Expect catchy songs, interactive scenes and plenty of hands-on adventure – plus a few special surprises!
HICCUP THEATRE PRESENT
PINOCCHIO
A new version by Michael Rosen
WED 10 DEC – SAT 3 JAN STUDIO
A magical festive adventure for families
Follow Pinocchio and his grasshopper friend as they set out on an adventure – to find some fun! Now…if only his nose would just stay still! Hiccup Theatre join forces with acclaimed writer for children Michael Rosen (We’re Going on a Bear Hunt) to bring Carlo Collodi’s classic tale to life in a sparkling new version, using puppetry, guaranteed to fill you with festive joy!