Opening the exciting autumn season at the New Theatre from 15-20 September is the inspiring and uplifting musical FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. Starring Joe McGann (The Upper Hand), this joyous and exhilarating tale of a man faced with choosing between his daughters’ happiness and his beloved traditions features classic songs including Tradition, Matchmaker Matchmaker, Sunrise Sunset and If I Were a Rich Man. An all star cast take to the stage in Peter Hall’s acclaimed production of Oscar Wilde’s AN IDEAL HUSBAND from 22-27 September. Written with Wilde’s usual wit and style, An Ideal Husband revolves around political corruption and blackmail amongst society’s highest ranking figures and stars Kate O’Mara, Michael Praed, Carol Royle, Robert Duncan, Fenella Fielding and Tony Britton. There’s a treat in store when Alison Steadman (Abigail’s Party, Gavin and Stacey) and David Troughton star in Alan Bennett’s rarely performed gem ENJOY from 30 September – 4 October as part of a short UK tour. This dark comedy laced with Bennett’s one-liners, tells the story of Wilf and Connie who, due to demolition in the area, are waiting to move into a new maisonette complete with a waste disposal unit and non-slip vinyl flooring! With the council’s initiative to preserve and continue the area’s community spirit, a sociologist comes to observe their every move and normality takes a decidedly atypical turn… It’s back! Direct from the West End comes the stage musical phenomenon FOOTLOOSE, here from 6–11 October. Based on the hit 80s movie starring Kevin Bacon, this high octane show is full of electrifying dance routines and classic songs such as Holding Out For a Hero, Let’s Hear it For The Boy and of course, the title song, Footloose. From 14-18 October the Wales Theatre Company presents an exciting new adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic love story, ROMEO AND JULIET. Jack Ryder (EastEnders) and Belonging’s Sara Lloyd-Gregory are the star-crossed lovers in this tragic tale of ill-fated love where family allegiance drives the Capulets and Montagues into conflict with heart-breaking consequences. The sharp, raucously funny romp that is NOISES OFF returns to the New Theatre for a much-anticipated visit from 21-25 October. A phenomenal hit wherever it tours, Michael Frayn’s multi-award winning comedy stars Colin Baker, Jonathan Coy, Ben Hull and Maggie Steed. On stage mess ups and backstage catastrophes combine to create one of the funniest British farces ever and leave audiences crying with laughter. There’s cosmic rock ‘n’ roll fun when Cardiff’s own Orbit Theatre takes on an intergalactic adventure in RETURN TO THE FORBIDDEN PLANET from 28 October – 1 November. Dodging asteroids and battling space monsters is all in a day’s work for Captain Tempest and his crew as they make their way to the mysterious planet D’Illyria. A heady mix of Shakespeare’s The Tempest and 1950s B-movies, and featuring classic songs including Great Balls of Fire, All Shook Up and Shake Rattle and Roll, audiences are guaranteed to be dancing in the aisles! For one night only witty Welsh raconteur VICTOR SPINETTI entertains audiences as he unlocks his very private diary on 2 November. An award-winning screen and theatre star, Spinetti recounts stories about The Beatles, Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor many more in this hilarious evening of comedy, gossip and revelations. From 4 – 8 November Frank Vickery’s trademark humour makes a welcome return to Cardiff in his ingenious comedy, EROGENOUS ZONES. A bittersweet web of sexual intrigue centering around five hormonally challenged individuals - Michael is in love with his flatmate Andrew, who in turn is having an affair with Lesley, whose husband Tom seeks respite from their failing marriage in the arms of Alison. Confused? So are they! Erogenous Zones stars Ian Watkins (H from Steps) and is suitable for ages 16 years +. From 10 – 22 November Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical masterpiece EVITA visits the New for 2 weeks. Boasting some of the most inspiring and famous stage music ever written, including Don’t Cry For Me Argentina and You Must Love Me, EVITA has over 20 major awards to its credit including the Academy Award for Best Music in the 1996 film starring Madonna. Bringing to life the extraordinary and ambitious Eva Peron is West End star Louise Dearman, who is joined by Any Dream Will Do finalist, Seamus Cullen as Che. EVITA has all the ingredients to be the theatrical event of the year. The Cardiff Scout & Guides are back when the GANG SHOW visits the Land of the Lost from 26 – 29 November. Bigger and better than ever, the talented cast is transported to a magical, mystical world as they search for Robert, Sophie’s missing teddy bear. Encountering the evil Mulberry the Merciless and his growing army of evil left-footed socks along the way, the show features songs from some of the most popular musicals including Hairspray and Mary Poppins - a fun night out for all the family! David Essex returns to Cardiff from 1 – 6 December in ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR, a roller coaster ride of romance and rock and roll accompanied by all his hits and album favourites. Set in a travelling funfair, David Essex takes the role of owner, Levi Lee, who is coming to terms with the loss of his wife, a rebellious teenage son, and the attentions of a newly divorced woman. Filled with crafty cons, action packed sequences and great music, this contemporary love story including songs Winter’s Tale, Hold Me Close and Silver Dream Machine. Festive fun starts at the New Theatre from 13 December when the spectacular family pantomime ALADDIN comes to town. Taking audiences on a magical journey to the Far East this Christmas are Coronation Street’s Chris Gascoyne as the evil Abanazar, Antony Costa from boy band Blue in the title role, Cardiff panto regular and funny man Andy Jones as Wishee Washee and the one and only Ceri Dupree who makes his New Theatre panto debut as the outrageous Widow Twankey. Joining this wonderful line-up, and for the first time in Wales, is the amazing 3D Genie! Audiences can expect the usual panto ingredients of comedy, music and dancing in this classic story of good versus evil. To ensure every audience member gets the full 3D Genie effect, 3D glasses will be handed out at every performance! Runs until 24 January 2009. Kicking off the New Year in spectacular fashion is the CHINESE STATE CIRCUS from 6 – 8 February. Joining them for the first time ever are the world famous masters of martial arts, the Shaolin Wushu Warriors. Combining their impressive and unique array of acrobatics and gymnastics, this jaw-dropping demonstration includes contortionists, Chinese pole balancing and a lusciously costumed performance of the Lion Dance. Great drama for the spring comes in the form of Emily Brontë’s classic story of passion, love and revenge, WUTHERING HEIGHTS. A tale of the all encompassing, destructive, and thwarted love between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw, Wuthering Heights is here 10 – 14 February. The perfect half term treat – THE JUNGLE BOOK swings in from 17 – 21 February. Ideal for ages 6 and above, Mowgli’s adventure with his friends Baloo and Bagheera as they battle against the dangerous Shere Khan is great family fun. Musicals fans have plenty to choose from as also on sale are the show stopping, hand-clapping romp of a musical, SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS (23–28 February) featuring classic songs including Bless your Beautiful Hide and Goin’ Courtin’ and the hilarious and wacky Olivier award nominated West End LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (16-21 March). The sparkling, stylish musical SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN starring Tim Flavin is here from 23-28 March, as is the world’s most successful Rock ‘n’ Roll musical, BUDDY (30 March – 4 April) which will have the audience dancing to his greatest hits including That’ll Be the Day, Peggy Sue and Heartbeat. Autumn performances interpreted in British Sign Language are FOOTLOOSE (Saturday 11 October, 4.00pm), EVITA (Thursday 13 November, 7.30pm), ALADDIN (Thursday 15 January 2009, 7.00pm, Sunday 18 January, 1.00pm and Tuesday 20 January, 1.30pm) and BUDDY (Saturday 4 April, 5.00pm). On Saturday 20 September at 2.30pm FIDDLER ON THE ROOF will carry a live Audio Description for visually impaired theatre-goers, as will AN IDEAL HUSBAND (Saturday 27 September, 2.30pm), EVITA (Thursday 20 November, 7.30pm), ALADDIN (Thursday 22 January 2009, 7.00pm and Saturday 24 January, 2.30pm), THE JUNGLE BOOK (Saturday 21 February, 2.00pm) and SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN (Saturday 28 March, 2.30pm) These performances are interpreted or described by Erika James. 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. Further information and electronic images from: Liz Brillante, Marketing Department, New Theatre, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3LN. Telephone 029 2087 8797, E-mail ebrillante@cardiff.gov.uk |
| web site: www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk |
| e-mail: ebrillante@cardiff.gov.uk |
Saturday, September 6, 2008 |
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