Curve announces 5th birthday Autumn/Winter season now on sale
Leicester’s Curve theatre is celebrating its 5th Birthday this Autumn and has announced a packed programme for the season ahead – with five of Curve’s own productions and co-productions forming the centrepiece of the celebrations.
Artistic Director, Paul Kerryson commented:
“Our 5th birthday autumn/winter season showcases our produced work and also celebrates the creative relationships with other companies and artists that we have established over the past five years. Following Curve’s recent successful co-production of The Hired Man we are again joining with the Mercury Theatre Colchester to present Martin McDonagh’s award-winning play, The Beauty Queen of Leenane, which will be originated at Curve.
“We also are delighted to welcome directors Jack MacNamara and Keith Saha and to be working again with co-producing partners New Perspectives and 20 Stories High on two distinct and diverse new works for our Studio; The Lovesong of Alfred J Hitchcock and Melody Loses Her Mojo. We mark our birthday on 4 December in true style with a brand new production of the multi-award winning musical Chicago, continuing the traditional of our large scale musical productions over Christmas.”
To follow Curve’s recent successes with The Pillowman and The Lieutenant of Inishmore, Paul Kerryson directs the outrageous comedy thriller, The Beauty Queen of Leenane which will run in Curve’s Studio from 18 October – 9 November in a co-production with the Mercury Theatre Colchester, where it will play from 13 – 23 November.
From 27 September – 5 October, audiences will be taken on an unprecedented journey into the mind of one the most fascinating cultural icons with the new play The Lovesong of Alfred J Hitchcock written by David Rudkin and directed by Jack MacNamara and co-produced with New Perspectives Theatre Company.
Building on the success of Curve’s previous partnership for Ghost Boy in 2010, Curve will again be co-producing with innovative theatre company, 20 Stories High. Written and directed by 20 Stories High Co-Artistic Director, Keith Saha,Melody Loses Her Mojo is a newly devised piece of hip hop theatre, fusing spoken word, music, dance and puppetry playing in the Studio from 8 – 12 October.
Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, will once more be celebrated in style at Curve from 28 October – 2 November, with a programme of theatre and free events to mark 100 years of Bollywood. The week will culminate with Diwali Hangama, a co-production with Sabras Radio hosted by Kash Kurmar and Raj Baddhan.
A spectacular new production of the Tony Award-winning musical Chicago directed by Paul Kerryson opens on 29 November and runs until 11 January. Featuring some of the most famous song and dance numbers in musical theatre history including All That Jazz, Cell Block Tango and Razzle Dazzle – Chicago is the sure-fire Christmas hit not to be missed!
Visiting work from world-class theatre companies will also be presenting productions throughout Curve’s 5th Birthday Season.
The National Theatre return to Curve following its recent sell-out run of One Man, Two Guvnors with Alan Bennett’s acclaimed new comedy, People from 24 – 28 September. The all-star cast includes Olivier Award-nominated Siân Phillips, Selina Cadelland Michael Thomas.
Filter’s innovative new rendering of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night will excite audiences from 16 – 21 September, and in October Curve will be helping mark another birthday – the 40th Anniversary party tour of Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show from 7 – 12 October.
Dance highlights in season include the Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet, one of the world’s most exciting dance companies, which will be coming to Leicester with The Dance Consortium and Matthew Bourne continues his longstanding relationship with Curve with the return of Swan Lake from 4 – 9 November.
Finally for Curve’s younger audience members in October, Curve has organised a special celebratory week of half-term theatrical adventures including Dinosaur Zoo from 22 – 24 October and Hairy Maclary, based on the books by Lynley Dodd from 25 – 26 October.
Olivier award-winning writer, Mike Kenny’s brand new adaptation of Little Red Riding Hood also promises to be a magic Christmas treat for children in Curve’s Studio from 11 December – 4 January.
For more information on Curve’s 5th Birthday Autumn / Winter Season or to book tickets visit www.curveonline.co.ukor call the Ticket Office on 0116 242 3595.
ENDS
For further information and interview requests please contact:
Clair Horwood, Media Officer on 0116 242 357 or c.horwood@curveonline.co.uk
FULL 5th BIRTHDAY SEASON LISTINGS:
A Traverse Theatre & Wales Millennium Centre co-production
I’M WITH THE BAND
Thu 12 – Sat 14 Sep
PRESS PERFORMANCE: THU 12 Sep
An Englishman, a Northern Irishman, a Scotsman and a Welshman walked into a recording studio and created The Union. Commercially successful and critically acclaimed, the pioneering Indie-rock band is now on the verge of breaking-up. With live music from the four piece, I’m With The Band is a witty and timely response to our changing political landscape.
ABBA MANIA
THE ORIGINAL FROM LONDON’S WEST END
Tue 17 – Sat 21 Sep
PRESS PERFORMANCE: Tue 17 Sep
ABBA Mania is widely regarded as the world’s number one touring ABBA production. Join in and enjoy all of your favourites including; Mamma Mia, Voulez Vous, Dancing Queen, Winner Takes It All, Super Trouper and many more. So dig out those platforms, dust down those flares and thank ABBA for the music.
FILTER THEATRE IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE ROYALSHAKESPEARE COMPANY PRESENT
TWELFTH NIGHT
BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
Mon 16 – Sat 21 Sep
PRESS PERFORMANCE: Mon 16 Sep
Two worlds collide in Filter’s explosive new take on Shakespeare’s lyrical Twelfth Night. This story of romance, satire and mistaken identity is crafted into one of the most exciting and accessible Shakespeare productions of recent years. Experience the madness of love in this heady world where riotous gig meets Shakespeare.
NATIONAL THEATRE ON TOUR
PEOPLE
A NEW PLAY BY ALAN BENNETT
Tue 24 – Sat 28 Sep
PRESS PERFORMANCE: Tue 24 Sep
Alan Bennett’s acclaimed new comedy comes to Leicester following a smash-hit run at the National Theatre, who last visited Curve with the sell-out One Man, Two Guvnors.The cast includes Olivier Award-nominated Siân Phillips as Dorothy Stacpoole, Selina Cadell as June Stacpoole and Michael Thomas as Lumsden.
Curve theatre and New Perspectives Theatre Company presents
THE LOVESONG OF ALFRED J HITCHCOCK
Fri 27 Sep – Sat 5 Oct
PRESS PERFORMANCE: Tue 1 Oct
Adapted for New Perspectives from his award-winning radio play, David Rudkin’s poetic new play takes a unique look at the way the great filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock developed the ideas of his most famous films, including Marnie, Vertigo, Psycho andStrangers on a Train. The result is a unique and haunting character study and an unprecedented journey into the mind of one our most fascinating cultural icons.
NO SWEAT
Fri 4 – Sat 5 Oct
No Sweat is a new creation by The Generating Company, a spectacularly physical show breaking down the barriers between circus, dance and theatre, about women by women. Ten daring female performers defy the laws of gravity on a soundtrack featuring the music and songs of iconic female artists including Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin, Florence and the Machine and Grace Jones.
RICHARD O’BRIEN’S
ROCKY HORROR SHOW
ALL NEW 40TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY PRODUCTION!
Mon 7 – Sat 12 Oct
PRESS PERFORMANCE: Mon 7 Oct
Bursting at the seams with timeless classics, including Sweet Transvestite, Damn It Janet and of course, the pelvic thrusting Time Warp, Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show is a guaranteed non-stop party! Ready to thrill you with its frothy fun and naughty moments, this is the boldest bash of them all, so sharpen those stilettos for the rockiest ride of your life!
Curve Theatre, 20 Stories High and Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse presents
MELODY LOSES HER MOJO
Tue 8 – Sat 12 Oct
PRESS PERFORMANCE: Tue 8 Oct
This unique piece of hip hop theatre, fusing spoken word, music, dance and puppetry brings together a remarkable artistic team including Sue Buckmaster (Theatre-Rites), Kwesi Johnson (Kompany Malakhi) and Hobbit (International Beatboxing Champion) with 20 Stories High’s Keith Saha, writer and director of the award-winning Ghost Boy.
SANDI TOKSVIG: MY VALENTINE
Mon 14 Oct
Sandi Toksvig– comedian, novelist, actor, broadcaster, university chancellor, show-off and international treasure continues her smash hit, sell-out solo tour.
ALEXEI SAYLE
Wed 16 Oct
The godfather of alternative comedy, Alexei Sayle, comes to Curve in his first full-length stand-up show in 17 years following two sold-out London seasons.
Dance Consortium presents
CEDAR LAKE CONTEMPORARY BALLET
Fri 18 – Sat 19 Oct
Founded in 2003, New York based Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet is one of the world’s most exciting dance companies. Following their enormously successful UK premiere at Sadler’s Wells in 2012, the company will perform three works which perfectly illustrate their daring, athletic movement style.
Curve and Mercury Theatre, Colchester present
THE BEAUTY QUEEN OF LEENANE
Fri 18 Oct – Sat 9 Nov
PRESS PERFORMANCE: Tue 22 Oct
In true Martin McDonagh style, The Beauty Queen of Leenane is a wild blend of outrageous comedy thriller, horrifying violence and grand melodrama. Directed by Artistic Director Paul Kerryson, this is the third McDonagh play to be produced at Curve following the critically acclaimed The Pillowman in 2009 and The Lieutenant of Inishmore in 2010. This comedic, edge-of-your-seat play charts the life of Maureen Folan, a 40 year old virgin, her relationship with her manipulative mother, and her brush with romance in the mountains of County Galway, Ireland.
DINOSAUR ZOO
Tue 22 – Thu 24 Oct
Direct from Australia, Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo brings these awesome pre-historic creatures to the stage as you’ve never seen them before, up close and personal! Children can watch wide-eyed from a safe distance or dare to get right up close to the creatures as they observe and interact with these extraordinary life-like dinosaurs in this entertaining and highly imaginative live show.
Nonsense Room Productions Present
HAIRY MACLARY
Based on the books by Lynley Dodd
Fri 25 – Sat 26 Oct
‘Out of the gate and off for a walk, went Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy.’
Anyone with young children will recognise these immortal words instantly as the opening lines of the book Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy. With music, singing and several of your favourite Hairy Maclary stories, this show is a must for the whole family.
ADAM HILLS: HAPPYISM
Fri 25 Oct
Fresh from his triumph as host of Channel 4’s critically acclaimed entertainment show The Last Leg,
Australian funny man Adam Hills brings his highly anticipated new show, Happyism, to Leicester.
SHAKESPEARE SCHOOLS FESTIVAL
Thu 14 – Fri 15 Nov
Shakespeare Schools Festival is the UK’s largest youth drama festival, bringing together pupils from local secondary, primary and special schools to stage abridged Shakespeare productions at Curve.
Nupur Arts Present
IN THE LAND OF FAIRYPUR
DANCE, DHAMAAL AND DHOOM
Fri 1 Nov
One of Curve’s Affiliate Community Groups, Nupur Arts present a brand new show, In the Land of Fairypur, a magical story of love, loss and celebration.A new lyrical adaptation of the story of Cinderella with a glamorous Indian twist, featuring Bollywood dance as well as Street and Musical Theatre, with a few laughs along the way, this production promises to enlighten audiences with anew and enriching take on a story loved by all.
Curve and Sabras Radio Present
DIWALI HANGAMA
Sat 2 Nov
Building on the success of last year’s Diwali Hangama, Sabras Radio, the Midlands’ largest Asian radio station, joins Curve once more to present a spectacular evening of music, comedy and dance. With an all-star line-up to be announced, join us as Kash Kumar, Raj Baddhan and other Sabras personalities host an eclectic night of entertainment as the culmination of Curve’s Diwali celebrations.
MATTHEW BOURNE’S
SWAN LAKE
Mon 4 – Sat 9 Nov
PRESS PREFORMACE: Mon 4 Nov
Firmly crowned as a modern day classic, Matthew Bourne’s powerful, provocative and totally original interpretation of Swan Lake turned tradition upside down and took the dance world by storm, dazzling audiences in the West End and Broadway, and across Europe, Asia and Australia. Boldly shattering the traditional concept of swans in tutus, Matthew Bourne has created a passionate and contemporary Swan Lake for our times.
Phizzical in association with Belgrade Theatre Coventry present
CYMBELINE
Thu 14 – Sat 16 Nov
Based on the play by William Shakespeare, the improbable becomes probable in this epic, adventurous romance filled with heroic strangers, sinister villains, ghosts, gods and long-lost brothers. Will the kingdom have its happily ever after?
MIDLANDS BEST DANCE CREW
Sat 16 Nov
Join us in the search for Midlands Best Dance Crew 2013! This awesome urban dance competition will see the crews with the strongest moves battle it out to win this year’s trophy, as well as the massive £1,000 prize.
LEICESTER SCHOOLS’ GOT TALENT
Thu 21 Nov
The search is on for the most talented performers in Leicester as Leicester Schools’ Got Talent comes to Curve.
FESTIVAL OF CHOIRS III
Sat 23 Nov 2pm & 7pm
This year Curve hosts two performances as part of Festival of Choirs III celebrations.The matinee performance will feature gospel choirs from primary and secondary schools in Leicester and LeicestershireThe evening showcase will be an elevating evening of traditional and gospel songs featuring performances from Kainé Gospel Choir, Leicester Women’s Gospel Choir, Curve Gospel Choir, Amika Choir and for the first time since launching in 2012, Leicester University Voices (LUV).
2FUNYCOMEDY SHOW
Fri 22 Nov
Tickle your funny bone with comedians of the highest calibre as 2Funy Comedy Show brings you the energetic, anecdotal Junior Simpson, who has gigged everywhere from Edinburgh to Oz. Felix Dexter – a previous Time Out Comedian of the Year award-winner, and when you add to that mix Mr Frazier, their buddy from The Real McCoy days, you have the perfect ingredients for a very funny night out! Oh, and
Mr Ceejoins them too – a favourite from The Comedy Store, Hackney Empire and Jongleurs!
Michael Morpurgo’s
TORO! TORO!
Tue 26– Wed 27 Nov
Young Antonito lives an idyllic life on his parents’ bull-rearing farm in southern Spain. But the peace is shattered when he realises that his favourite bull-calf, brave Paco, is destined to fight in the bullring. From the creators of Private Peaceful and the author ofWar Horse.
PHOENIX DANCE THEATRE: PARTICLE VELOCITY
Thu 28 Nov
Following the success of 2011’s Declarations, Phoenix Dance Theatre return to Curve with a bill that is alive with music and sound.
Pickled Image Presents
THE SHOP OF LITTLE HORRORS
A Co-Production with The North Wall
Fri 29 – Sat 30 Nov
The Shop of Little Horrorsis a dark and twisted show with a wicked sense of humour. It features a macabre collection of characters and uses extraordinary puppets, masks and props.
Kenny Wax Ltd Presents the world premiere of
WHAT THE LADYBIRD HEARD
Tue 3 – Sat 7 Dec
Join the woollysheep, the hairy hog, the fat red hen and the dainty dog in this brand new stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson &Lydia Monks’
colourful farmyard adventure. With live music, puppetry, plentyof audience participation and lots of laughs!
A Curve Production
CHICAGO
Fri 29 Nov – Sat 11 Jan
PRESS PERFORMANCE: Tue 4 Dec
This Christmas we are excited to present a fabulous brand new production of the sensational Tony Award-winning musicalChicago, packed with wicked fun and includes some of the best song and dance numbers in musical theatre including; All That Jazz, Cell Block Tango, Nowadays andRazzle Dazzle. Originally created by John Kander, Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, Chicago is a magnificent Broadway and West End Classic. And now this spectacular new production, directed by Paul Kerryson, is set to take Leicester by storm.
Engine House and Lakeside present
RED RIDING HOOD
Wed 11 Dec – Sat 4 Jan
Join the intrepid twosome on a night to remember in Olivier award-winning writer, Mike Kenny’s brand new adaptation of the classic children’s tale. With music and songs from Julian Butler (Charlie and Lola), Red Riding Hood directed by Matt Ashtonpromises to be a magical treat for children and their families.
LITTLE CURVE
POETRY JOE Sat 7 Sep, 10.30am & 12.30pm
THE FLYING MACHINE Sat 14 Sep 10.30am, 11.45am, 1.30am & 2.45pm
YUMMM! Sat 26 Oct 11am & 1pm
THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE Sat 2 Nov 11am & 1pm
SHINY Sat 18 Jan 11am & 1pm
5TH BIRTHDAY GALA CONCERT
Sun 12 Jan
Join Curve for a glittering charity night at the musicals. Curve’s Artistic Director Paul Kerryson directs the Chicago cast and orchestra, along with special guest stars. The final event marking Curve’s 5th Birthday, the concert will celebrate the international reputation of musicals created in Leicester including the critically acclaimed productions in our first five years at Curve: The Light in the Piazza, The King and I, West Side Story, 42nd Street, Gypsy, Oliver!, Hello, Dolly!, Sweeney Todd and of courseChicago!
Ticket Prices:
£80 includes ticket, dinner, welcome drink, programme and exclusive meet the Cast after the show
£50 includes ticket, invitation to a drinks reception and programme
£30Gala Concert ticket only