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The New Theatre is celebrating a centenary of entertainment with a sparkling season that covers the full spectrum of intriguing drama, stunning dance, riotous comedy, thrilling children’s theatre and a plethora of musicals - including something very special in the summer! The season kicks off with a tango and a quick step as 16 dance champions take to the New Theatre stage in SIMPLY BALLROOM. Dance lovers are well served with an international triple bill from DIVERSIONS, the return of Northern Ballet Theatre with I GOT RHYTHM, as well as talented local youngsters in POPSTARS DANCE SCHOOL. Those looking for the perfect romantic night are in for a treat as the world’s greatest love story William Shakespeare’s ROMEO AND JULIET comes to the New on St Valentine’s Day for a week. Love turns to murder later in the season with Agatha Christie’s THE HOLLOW and infidelity causes many a red face in Clwyd Theatr Cymru’s production of Alan Ayckbourn’s Olivier award winning comedy A CHORUS OF DISAPPROVAL. There are more laughs with top notch drama laced with the darkest of humours in FESTEN, a selection of moving and hilarious tales in THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES and a classic touch of Valleys humour in Frank Vickery’s all female comedy A KISS ON THE BOTTOM. The weird and wonderful THE CIRCUS OF HORRORS will also provide a macabre dose of mirth when it returns in February. Younger audience members will be thrilled with the exotic adventures in KENSUKE’S KINGDOM and the anarchic fun of Roald Dahl’s GEORGE’S MARVELLOUS MEDICINE. Feet with be tapping to some melodious new musicals and the return of a few old favourites. Direct from New York, I CAN’T STOP LOVING YOU – THE RAY CHARLES STORY celebrates the master of soul, Orbit Theatre present the Welsh premiere of THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK, the hit West End tribute to Frank, Sammy and Dean comes to Cardiff in THE RAT PACK: LIVE IN LAS VEGAS and after 5 years BUDDY – THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY makes a rocking return to the New. Willy Russell’s BLOOD BROTHERS will be packing houses in Spring and a new musical about dating from the creators of Friends, PERSONALS, arrives in June. Finally in the New Theatre’s centenary year it is appropriate that Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical masterpiece CATS, makes its South Wales debut on its 25th anniversary. Definitely not one to miss! The elegance, glitter and razzmatazz of the ballroom will light up the New Theatre as dance supremo Lionel Blair hosts SIMPLY BALLROOM from Monday 6 to Saturday 11 February. This lavish theatre show comes hot on the heels of BBC’s hugely successful TV show Strictly Come Dancing and features dazzling choreography from the show’s star dancers Anton Du Beke and Erin Boag, backed by a live orchestra. “Ancient grudge breaks to new mutiny” when Bill Bryden’s stylish and fast-paced interpretation of ROMEO AND JULIET bursts onto the New Theatre stage from Tuesday 14 to Saturday 18 February. This tragic tale of ill-fated star cross’d lovers, bound by love but separated by blood, opens rather appropriately on St. Valentine’s Day. Set in a violent 15th century Verona, passionate family allegiance drives the Capulets and Montagues into an open warfare with heart-breaking consequences. A burlesque barrage of the bizarre awaits the brave of heart as THE CIRCUS OF HORRORS rolls back into town with new shocks as well as old freakish favourites from Tuesday 21 to Thursday 23 February. Presided over by The Undead Ringmaster, Doktor Haze, and his live devil-driven rock ‘n’ roll band, The X Factor, expect lots of daredevil and downright dangerous circus acts, all performed with a forked tongue firmly in each cheek. Following the outstanding success of Horrible Histories last year, The Birmingham Stage Company return to the New Theatre from Tuesday 28 February to Saturday 4 March with KENSUKE’S KINGDOM, another superb piece of theatre for younger audiences. Winner of Children’s Book of the Year, this enthralling voyage of discovery is penned by Children’s Laureate Michael Morpugo. It follows the story of Michael, a young boy whose dream sailing trip around the world becomes a nightmare when he is shipwrecked during a terrific storm. Separated from his parents, he must fight for survival on an isolated island in the Pacific. However he soon makes a startling discovery. This island is already home to one man – and this is Kensuke’s Kingdom! Clwyd Theatr Cymru brings laughter from one of Britain’s most popular playwrights from Tuesday 7 to Saturday 11 March. Alan Ayckbourn’s Olivier Award winning comedy A CHORUS OF DISAPPROVAL is full of his legendary wry wit. Featuring High Hopes’ Robert Blythe and Julian Lewis Jones from Where The Heart Is, this is a comedic take on the scheming and love triangles of local amateur dramatics, as a newcomer’s progression from walk-on part to leading man, via most of the female company, ruffles more than a few feathers! Prior to a Broadway transfer, the Almeida Theatre’s multi Olivier-award nominated FESTEN plays at the New Theatre from Monday 13 to Saturday 18 March. Based on the acclaimed cult movie that kick-started the Dogme film movement, FESTEN is a compelling and intense drama offset with riotously black humour. Centred around a family meal for patriarch Helge Klingenfelt’s 60th birthday, his son Christian reveals a sinister secret that shatters the silence surrounding the family’s dark past. The explosive consequences set the tone for a celebration no one will forget! Suitable for age 15 and up. Celebrating the genius of soul, I CAN’T STOP LOVING YOU – THE MUSIC OF RAY CHARLES comes to the New Theatre direct from New York from Monday 20 to Saturday 25 March. Georgia on My Mind, Hit the Road Jack, You Are My Sunshine – the hits keep coming as a dazzling ensemble of Broadway singers and dancers, backed by a fabulous orchestra, take audiences on a wild journey through the blues, Big Band and jazz tunes that Ray Charles made legendary. Linda Nolan returns to her critically acclaimed role as Mrs Johnston, the mother with a tragically dark secret, in Willy Russell’s musical phenomenon BLOOD BROTHERS at the New from Monday 27 March to Saturday 8 April. This captivating tale of twin brothers separated at birth and reunited by a cruel twist of fate has touched millions worldwide and continues to be a firm favourite. Early booking is advised as performances always sell out. Intrigue and mystery abound in Agatha Christie’s thriller THE HOLLOW from Monday 10 to Saturday 15 April. A group of friends hope for a restful retreat at a country estate, however their peace is shattered when one of the group is found murdered. As old romances and hidden agendas emerge, everyone becomes a suspect… Kate O’Mara (Dynasty) and Tony Britton (Don’t Wait Up) feature in this gripping drama from the pen of the greatest whodunit writer in the world. Cardiff’s own Orbit Theatre return to the New with the Welsh premiere of devilishly wicked musical comedy THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK from Tuesday 18 to Saturday 22 April. Based on John Updike’s novel and the cult movie of the same name, The Witches of Eastwick centres on three women living humdrum lives in a small town who conjure a horny devil in the shape of the charismatic Darryl Van Horne. All hell literally breaks loose in this witty and spectacular show! From Monday 24 to Saturday 29 April the New Theatre will whisk audiences back to the era of glamour and showbiz via the magnificent careers of three timeless crooners. THE RAT PACK – LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS charts the illustrious talents of twentieth century icons Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jnr and Dean Martin through a magnificent collection of their most unforgettable songs. Set in Las Vegas, the glitzy playground of the stars that hosted many of the notorious late night Rat Pack parties, this first-class show has played to packed houses in the West End for over 4 years. The next generation of Beyoncés, Ushers and Pussycat Dolls will display their talents in POPSTARS DANCE SCHOOL on Sunday 30 April. Following sold out shows at St David’s Hall, local youngsters will have feet tapping as they strut their stuff to the latest chart superstars. The award-winning Dance Company of Wales, DIVERSIONS, return to the New Theatre from Wednesday 3 to Saturday 6 May with a triple bill of sumptuous dance from around the world. Featuring contemporary work by the finest choreographers from Quebec, Spain and the United States, this show will take audiences’ breath away with its beauty and vitality. A story of love at first sight and tragic heartbreak set against the finest rock ‘n’ roll the 50s produced, BUDDY – THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY is back at the New from Monday 8 to Saturday 13 May. Buddy tracks the astounding but tragically short career of Buddy Holly from his first recording contract to that last fatal flight. This rocking musical celebrates the legacy of over 30 of Holly’s timeless hits including Peggy Sue and That’ll Be The Day. A celebrity cast in Eve Ensler’s THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES come to the New from Monday 15 to Saturday 20 May. Having attracted a glittering array of talented actresses and comedians The Vagina Monologues is a chorus of lust, outrageous, poignant, brave and thoroughly human stories. Fans of Sex and The City and Desperate Housewives will not want to miss this night of satirical, witty and thought-provoking entertainment. The prestigious Northern Ballet Theatre return to the New with the stunning I GOT RHYTHM from Tuesday 23 to Saturday 27 May. Big Band favourites such as An American in Paris and Summertime will sizzle as NBT fuses ambitious and exuberant dance with the vibrant live music of George and Ira Gershwin, replete with live vocal performances and a full swinging orchestra! Watch out Grandma! Roald Dahl favourite GEORGE’S MARVELLOUS MEDICINE will be served up at the New Theatre from Tuesday 30 May to Saturday 3 June. This perfect half-term treat follows the adventures of George who concocts a marvellous new medicine in the hope of curing his grumpy grandmother’s bad temper. However when Granny drinks the mixture the most incredible and unexpected things start to happen… This fantastically fun children’s tale is adapted by The Birmingham Stage Company, who have previously triumphed with raucously enjoyable productions of Dahl’s The Witches and James and the Giant Peach. The creators of Friends bring a mad-cap musical romp through the perils and pitfalls of modern-day dating to the New from Monday 5 to Saturday 10 June. PERSONALS is a cheeky, colourful and witty musical comedy about 6 thirtysomethings who endure speed-dating, on-line profiling and personals columns in the search for the perfect partner. Featuring Gary Wilmot, Personals boasts a score from the composers of Little Shop of Horrors and Beauty and the Beast, and will provide the perfect night out for a first date! Wales’ favourite comic playwright is back with another hysterical slice of Welsh wit as Frank Vickery’s A KISS ON THE BOTTOM comes to the New from Tuesday 13 to Saturday 17 June. Marlene, known as ‘gob of the valleys’, is in hospital for tests but hopes to be out for her daughter’s wedding. It isn’t long however, before she’s embroiled herself in all the other patients’ affairs to hilarious effect. This heart-warming all-female comedy will simultaneously have audiences in tears of poignancy and laughter. And finally for something extra special, for the first time in South Wales the New Theatre is proud to present Andrew Lloyd Webber’s blockbuster musical CATS from Tuesday 20 June to Saturday 15 July. A magical musical interpretation of T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, CATS boasts spectacular set designs, stunning costumes, awesome choreography and a score that will live in the Memory forever. Performances interpreted in British Sign Language are KENSUKE’S KINGDOM (Saturday 4 March, 2.00pm), BLOOD BROTHERS (Saturday 1 April, 2.30pm), THE HOLLOW (Saturday 15 April, 2.30pm) and CATS (Saturday 8 July, 2.30pm). Performances that carry a live Audio Description are A CHORUS OF DISAPPROVAL (Saturday 11 March, 2.30pm), FESTEN (Saturday 18 March, 2.30pm), BLOOD BROTHERS (Saturday 8 April, 2.30pm) and CATS (Saturday 15 July, 2.30pm). There is a Captioned Performance of A CHORUS OF DISAPPROVAL on Saturday 11 March at 2.30pm. Tickets for all these shows are on sale now from the New Theatre Box Office on Cardiff (029) 2087 8889 or online at www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk. Ends. Issued 13/01/2006 Further information and electronic images from: Chris Williams, Marketing Department, New Theatre, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3LN Telephone (029) 2087 8887, E-mail chwilliams@cardiff.gov.uk |
| New Theatre Cardiff web site: |
| Chris Williams, Marketing Assistant e-mail: CHWilliams@cardiff.gov.uk |
Monday, January 16, 2006 |
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