Our upcoming programme. The return of Real, Live Theatre! 2021-22

Although it’s been an enforced quiet year since the curtain fell on Merrily We Roll Along, we’re delighted to announce our plans for next year and through to the start of 2022!Clearly, everything has a very large caveat against it, since we can’t know for sure at this stage when restrictions will be sufficiently relaxed for us to go ahead with the schedule – but we’re starting from a position of positive intent!

The hugely popular Touring Show will be first out of the traps – this time directed by Catriona Clarke, MD’d by Ana Sanderson and choreo’d by Laurie-Lee McDowell. Titled “Let the Sunshine In”, these are the songs the world needs right now. An uplifting, positive and life-affirming collection of tunes from a wide range of Musical Theatre sources.

Next we give you the regional premiere of the smash hit “Kinky Boots”’. Cyndi Lauper’s first ever foray into theatre songwriting, with book by Harvey Fierstein, became a Tony and Olivier award winning sensation. Telling the unlikely story of a Northampton shoe factory saved by the intervention of some fabulous drag-queen entertainers, this show is going to provide a huge celebration of performance, togetherness, stilettos and glitter! Emily Starr directs with choreography by David Mallabone and musical direction comes from Ana Sanderson.

Finally, we are absolutely delighted that we are able to still present “Kipps – The New Half a Sixpence Musical”, with the cast already in place and retaining the terrific creative team of Collette Parker directing, musical direction from James Harragan and choreography by Kirsty Smith. Moved from its original summer 2020 slot due to the current situation, we are now putting it on in January 2022. That might seem like a long way off – but it will be here before you know it!

Audition dates will be announced in due course, with the Touring Show likely to be Sep/Oct. More to follow when things become a little clearer for all of us!