Musicals old and new are the flavour of the season at both the Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall this summer. The world’s sunniest musical, Mamma Mia, kicks off the fun in June. Set on a Greek island paradise, this international smash hit story of love, friendship and identity is cleverly told through the timeless songs of ABBA.
Fans of Green Day’s powerful and moving musical style will welcome the thrilling new Tony Award-winning musical, American Idiot, to Nottingham. Starring Newton Faulkner and Amelia Lily (X-Factor), American Idiot tells the story of three boyhood friends each searching for meaning in a post 9/11 world.
For traditionalists, one of the greatest ‘golden age’ musicals of all time comes to Nottingham direct from the West End. Guys and Dolls, a sizzling New York tale of gamblers, gangsters and nightclub singers, will star Richard Fleeshman (Coronation St, Ghost The Musical) as Sky Masterson and Maxwell Caulfield (The Colbys, Grease 2, Chicago) as Nathan Detroit.
Showcasing over forty of The Beatles’ greatest hits, Let It Be charts the band’s meteoric rise from their humble beginnings at Liverpool’s Cavern Club to the height of Beatlemania. Or why not travel on a nostalgic, feel-good journey back in time to the summer of 1963 with Save The Last Dance For Me, starring Anthony Costa (Blue) and Lola Saunders (X-Factor), and featuring all the chart hits of the period.
Two of the biggest musicals giants of the West End and Broadway return to the Royal Concert Hall in the summer. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking musical CATS returns direct from its sell-out seasons at the London Palladium. Set on the night that the Jellicle Cats meet for the Jellicle Ball, this breath-taking musical comes together in a sparkling fusion of music, dance and song. The hottest musical in town, Chicago, also returns to Nottingham this summer, starring John Partridge (Celebrity Big Brother, Eastenders) as lawyer Billy Flynn. Based on events in the roaring 1920s, nightclub singer Roxie Hart and double-murderess Velma Kelly fight to keep from death row. Created by John Kander, Fred Ebb and legendary choreographer Bob Fosse, Chicago’s sexy, sassy score includes All That Jazz and Razzle Dazzle.
And now for something completely different … Showstopper! The Improvised Musical comes direct from a critically acclaimed run as London’s Apollo Theatre. This Olivier Award-winning comedy troupe packs each unique performance with drama, dazzling dance routines, musical theatre and spontaneity.
Many different genres of music continue to entertain throughout the season with a range of classical, pop and variety concerts on offer. Opera North presents the entirety of Wagner’s epic masterpiece, The Ring Cycle, for the very first time, just as Wagner himself did in 1876. With over 15 hours of unforgettable music performed by 100 musicians, this production offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience this music in the stunning acoustics of the Royal Concert Hall. The Halle orchestra return with a lively concert featuring music from Chabrier, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov and Dukas with performances by Romanian virtuoso pianist Alexandra Dariscu. Miss the traffic jams and catch some classical music with the Drive Time Concert, a fast-paced, family-friendly concert featuring the Halle orchestra and the hundreds-strong Drive Time Choir. The world famous Black Dyke Band returns to Nottingham for the first time since 2003 with a charity concert in aid of the Urostomy Association.
Seven-time Grammy Award-winning icon of soul music, Gladys Knight, will perform all her classic hits at the Royal Concert Hall in July. Glen Matlock, founder member of the Sex Pistols, brings his own solo acoustic show to the intimate setting of the Theatre Royal.
Relive the decadent delights of the Jazz Age with the 12-piece Alex Mendham Orchestra performing vintage Hollywood classics from Cole Porter, Gershwin and Duke Ellington, with stunning close-harmony singing from the glamorous Dunlop Sisters. Popular variety show, That’ll Be The Day, returns once again with a new show filled with classic gold hits, hilarious comedy and live music from the 1950s to the 1980s.
Alongside the music, drama still plays a major role this summer with the return of the popular Colin McIntyre Classic Thriller Season. The season promises an ever-increasing body count with four successive weeks of spine-chilling murder mysteries; Arsenic and Old Lace, House Guest, Father Brown – The Curse of the Invisible Man and Mindgame. Be afraid … be very afraid!
Families looking for something a little different to do in July will enjoy Mimika Theatre’s Landscapes. Set within a beautiful white dome on the Theatre Royal’s stage this gentle show with amaze and delight. For ballet lovers English Youth Ballet’s production of Giselle promises sumptuous costumes, enchanting scenery and, of course, spectacular dancing.
Direct from a sell-out West End season, the multi-award winning master of psychological illusion, Derren Brown, returns to Nottingham with his most provocative live stage show yet, entitled Miracle.
Drama fans won’t find a more epic piece of theatre than The James Plays in June. Written by acclaimed playwright Rona Munro, this modern trilogy of history plays brings three generations of Stewart kings, James I, II and III, compellingly to life using contemporary language and fast-moving action. See all three plays in one riveting weekend at the Theatre Royal in June.
Spoken word and music events on the Theatre Royal’s Dress Circle foyer continue throughout the summer with a programme of free Live at Lunch performances and Third Stage evening shows.
For more information or to book tickets, visit www.trch.co.uk or call the box office 0115 989 5555.
ENDS
