The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night – previous production at Theatre Norwich (supplied)

Norwich Theatre is thrilled to announce further additions to its re-opening season from September 2021. These include the return of a major tour from the National Theatre, a daring and timely production of a seminal classic, the return of the quick-witted queen of ventriloquism and live music from a legendary jazz club.

The National Theatre’s Olivier and Tony Award(R)-winning production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time will return to Norwich in spring 2022, following sold out runs in 2017 and 2015. Directed by award-winning Marianne Elliott, this ‘life-affirming and unmissable’ (Time) smash hit production brings Mark Haddon’s best-selling novel to thrilling life on stage.

Also in spring next year, Robert Icke’s re-imagining of George Orwell’s political novel Animal Farm comes to Norwich with a powerful production designed by four-time Olivier award-winner Bunny Christie with puppetry by Toby Olié (whose credits include War Horse). Adaptor and director Robert Icke, whose stage adaptation of George Orwell’s 1984 earned acclaim on Broadway and in London, said: “I’m thrilled to be working on another of Orwell’s seminal classics. I could not be more excited to bring this important and timely story to a broad and diverse audience across the UK, and work alongside two of the industry’s most talented artists, Bunny and Toby.” Presented by the Children’s Theatre Partnership, this dynamic, daring and contemporary take on a timeless story is not to be missed.

The Norfolk and Norwich Operatic Society returns to the Theatre Royal in January with a fresh new production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s much-loved musical, The Sound of Music.

Following the previously announced programme of performances and activities showcasing the amazing talent and diversity of women’s stories and voices, the fabulous Nina Conti leads a line-up of comedians that will warm your hearts, including Ivo Graham, Mark Watson and Mark Thompson – presenting his latest show inspired by spectacular science.

Music lovers will be treated to some truly world class live jazz as the Ronnie Scott’s Orchestra returns to Norwich in October with a brilliant show celebrating this legendary jazz club. Set amongst the dive bars and jazz joints of London’s Soho, we hear about the tales of the club’s past visitors, from pop stars, film stars and politicians to comedians and royalty, but above all, the musicians.

Families can look forward to Julia Donaldson’s irresistibly charming The Gruffalo, returning to the Playhouse in November, and Dragons & Mythical Beasts, from the creators of the West End smash hit Dinosaur World Live, returning to the Theatre Royal also in November.

Starting from September 2021, Norwich Theatre’s re-opening season features a programme of performances and activities bringing together an exceptional wealth of talent and shows to welcome back audiences and keep them entertained, inspired and enriched as the organisation re-opens its doors. The season also includes a celebration of women in theatre, showcasing the amazing talent and diversity of women’s stories and voices.

Listings:

SHOWS ON SALE FROM WEDNESDAY 9 JUNE, 10AM
Further programming will be announced soon.

For more information and to book visit norwichtheatre.org or call Box Office on 01603 630 000

Simply Dylan
09 October 2021 | Playhouse

‘A show every Bob Dylan fan should see’ Louder than War
‘Johnny is one of the most talented musicians I have come across and his Dylan set is effortlessly brilliant’ Peter Hooton, The Farm
‘Great songs performed by musicians at the top of their game’ Hub Review

Simply Dylan is as straightforward as the title suggests: no frills, no gimmicks and no pretence. Led by front man John O’Connell (formerly of Groundpig), the band delivers a tribute to Bob Dylan celebrating the rich and diverse work of the award-winning artist. It is their interpretations, precise playing and high energy renditions of some of Dylan’s back catalogue that has caught the attention of many Bobcats.
What started as a modest project in 2011, recognizing Dylan’s 70th Birthday, the success of the band has been nothing short of remarkable, from completing three UK tours promoted by SJM Concerts and selling out the legendary Cavern Club six times, to receiving fantastic reviews from audiences across the UK, and opening up the Isle of Wight Festival. Ten years on, 2021 will see the band celebrate Bob Dylan’s 80th Birthday, touring the UK and once again honouring one of the world’s most prodigious songwriters.

Jenny Eclair: Sixty! (FFS!)
15 October 2021 | Playhouse

Having hit 60 (but still a year younger than Madonna), Jenny Eclair AKA ‘The Face of Vagisan’ confronts a new decade of decrepitude. Now that it takes 20 minutes of scrolling down to find her DOB when she’s filling in forms online, should she celebrate or crawl into a hole? What will her 60’s hold for this 1960’s babe and is it a legal requirement to buy Nordic walking poles?
PS ‘I’m carrying quite a lot of excess lock down weight, which you can feel free to discuss behind my back during the interval’.
Love Jenny x

Ivo Graham: The Game of Life
22 October 2021 | Playhouse

★★★★ “A hugely enjoyable hour of stand-up comedy” The Times
★★★★ “a fine hour of standup” The Guardian

The time for faff is over: has Big Daddy Graham got the skillz (anecdotes/banter/topical asides) to pay da billz (gas/water/electric)? More hilariously anxious blather from one of the most hilariously anxious blatherers in the business.
Most recently nominated for Dave’s Edinburgh Comedy Award after a sell-out run at the 2019 Fringe Festival. Also spotted on Live At The Apollo, Mock The Week, Live from the BBC, Cats Does Countdown, Richard Osman’s House of Games, Roast Battle, Hypothetical, The Stand Up Sketch Show, The Now Show, Fighting Talk.

Mark Thompson’s Spectacular Science Show
29 October 2021 | Playhouse

★★★★★ ‘A truly spectacular and explosive show full of drama and some really cool science too!’ Primary Times
You think science is boring, think again; this is science like you have never seen it before. Designed for children and adults alike, Mark’s Spectacular Science Show explores the strange and magical properties of matter with exploding elephant’s toothpaste, vortex-generating dustbins and even howling jelly babies!
Awarded ‘Best Kid’s Show at Edinburgh Fringe’ by The Derek Awards, this interactive show promises to entertain and educate in the most spectacular way!

Ronnie Scott’s Orchestra
05 November 2021 | Playhouse

‘Outstanding players. For poise, balance and swing they’re a joy to listen to’ The Observer
‘Full-on brilliance’ The Guardian
Direct from London’s world-famous jazz club and combining world class live jazz, narration and rare archive photos and video footage, The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars, led by the club’s musical director, celebrate The Ronnie Scott’s Story.
Set amongst the dive bars and jazz jook joints of London’s Soho, we hear about the desperate hand-to-mouth finances of the early years and the frequent police raids. We hear how Ronnie’s became neutral ground within rife gang territory and their scrapes with gangsters including the Krays who were rumoured to have taken Ronnie and Pete “for a little drive”! Life at Ronnie’s is evocatively reimagined through tales of the club’s past visitors, from pop stars, film stars and politicians to comedians and royalty, but above all, the musicians…
Mixing classic music from the jazz greats who have performed at Ronnie Scott’s over it’s incredible 60+ year history, alongside tales of old Soho, miscreant musicians and police raids, this is a unique evening celebrating one of the world’s most famous jazz venues, its music and history.

Dragons & Mythical Beasts
9 – 11 November 2021 | Theatre Royal

Calling all brave heroes! Enter into a magical world of myths and legends in this fantastical new interactive show for all the family.
Unveil a myriad of dark secrets and come face to face with some of the most magnificent monsters and terrifying beasts ever to walk the earth. Discover the colossal Stone Troll, the mysterious Indrik and Japanese Baku; the Tooth Fairy (not as sweet as you’d think), an adorable Unicorn and majestic Griffin. Take your place among legendary heroes, just don’t wake the Dragon…
From the creators of the West End smash hit Dinosaur World Live, who bring spectacular puppets to life, don’t miss this brand new spell-binding adventure, live on stage!

The Gruffalo
17 – 28 November 2021 | Playhouse

★★★★ ‘An irresistibly charming tale told with refreshing simplicity’ The Times
★★★★ ‘A fine piece of children’s theatre’ Sunday Times
★★★★ ‘This zesty show is just the ticket!’ Daily Express
Based on the picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, A mouse took a stroll through the deep dark wood…
Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
Searching for hazelnuts, Mouse meets the cunning Fox, the eccentric old Owl and the high-spirited Snake. Will the story of the terrifying Gruffalo save Mouse from ending up as dinner for these hungry woodland creatures? After all, there’s no such thing as a Gruffalo – is there?
Songs, laughs and monstrous fun for children aged 3 and up and their grown-ups, in the much-loved show that’s toured Britain and the world!

Mark Watson: This Can’t Be It
18 & 19 November 2021 | Playhouse

★★★★★ ‘Quite unlike anything else I’ve seen in almost 20 years of covering the Fringe…witty, warm, perfectly judged’ Telegraph
★★★★ ‘his is a stand-up operating at the very top of his game’ Independent
★★★★ ‘A quick-fire hour of fun’ Metro
We’ve all had some pondering to do about the fragility of life recently, but don’t worry, skinny national treasure Mark Watson has it covered. At 41, he’s halfway through his days on earth, according to the life expectancy calculator app he paid £1.49 for. That life is in the best shape in living memory… but one problem remains, and it really is a huge one.
Spiritual enquiry meets high-octane observational comedy as the ‘Taskmaster’ survivor, multi-award-winner and “No More Jockeys” cult leader attempts to cram a couple of years of pathological overthinking into an evening of stand-up. Maybe we’ll even solve the huge problem. Doubt it, though.

Nina Conti: The Dating Show
12 January 2022 | Theatre Royal

★★★★★ ‘Put simply, Nina Conti is a genius’ Daily Mirror
★★★★ ‘Richly entertaining… A plate-spinning feat, a hoot’ The Guardian
★★★★ ‘Gut-bustlingly funny’ The Telegraph
British Comedy Award winner Nina Conti is back on tour! The quick-thinking queen of ventriloquism brings you her pioneering new dating show. She’ll be like Cilla Black with masks. Derailed. Not so much a Blind Date as a re-voiced one. There’s no promise that true love will be found, but a firm guarantee that big laughs will be had in the reign of this ‘voice-throwing queen’ (London Evening Standard).
Conti has stormed Live at the Apollo, made a BAFTA-nominated film and enjoyed sell-out shows across the world – all without moving her lips.

The Sound of Music
18 – 22 January 2022 | Theatre Royal

Following their highly acclaimed production of Made in Dagenham in 2020 the Norfolk and Norwich Operatic Society returns to the Theatre Royal with a fresh new production of this much loved Rodgers and Hammerstein musical.
A timeless classic, The Sound of Music is packed with perennial favourites including Do-Re-Mi, Climb Ev’ry Mountain, My Favourite Things, Sixteen Going on Seventeen and Edelweiss, and will captivate the whole family with its heart-warming story of how postulant nun Maria becomes governess to widowed Captain Von Trapp’s seven children and brings music and love back into his home.
With its revitalised direction and choreography by Chris Cuming (Top Hat, Guys and Dolls and Made in Dagenham) this production will delight new audiences and bring a huge dose of nostalgia to its greatest fans.

Genesis Connected
28 January 2022 | Playhouse

Genesis Connected is a tribute show celebrating the music of Genesis and the biggest selling acts connected: Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins and Mike & the Mechanics.
This show has an incredible mix of material, from atmospheric anthems to chart toppers that will get the crowd dancing in the aisles. Hits spanning from the late 70s onwards including: Turn It On Again, Sledgehammer, In The Air Tonight, Over My Shoulder, Against All Odds, That’s All, Solsbury Hill, You Can’t Hurry Love, The Living Years and many more.
The frontman, Pete Bultitude, is not only an incredibly versatile vocalist, he is also a truly gifted drummer just like Phil Collins. So expect the show to include the iconic “double drums” element as featured on every Genesis and Phil Collins tour.

Animal Farm
8 – 12 March 2022 | Theatre Royal

The animals of Manor Farm drive out the farmer and run the farm themselves. A revolution. And then what? Then freedom. Every animal will be free.
Old Major, the prize boar, calls the animals of Manor Farm together. He has had a strange dream of a better future.
George Orwell’s world-famous fable tells the story of a revolution and its aftermath. Re-imagined by an award-winning creative team, Animal Farm is a dynamic, daring and contemporary take on a timeless story.
Animal Farm is directed by Robert Icke, whose version of 1984 (co-adapted and directed with Duncan Macmillan) was a smash-hit in the West End and on Broadway, and designed by four-time Olivier award-winner Bunny Christie with puppetry by Toby Olié (whose credits include War Horse). The Children’s Theatre Partnership creates bold and imaginative theatre for young people, engaging new audiences and aiming to inspire a life-long love of theatre.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
3 – 7 May 2022 | Theatre Royal

The National Theatre’s Olivier and Tony Award(R)-winning production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time returns to Norwich in Spring 2022.
Director Marianne Elliott’s ‘life-affirming and unmissable’ (Time) smash hit production brings Mark Haddon’s best-selling novel to thrilling life on stage.
Fifteen-year-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain. He is exceptional at maths, while everyday life presents some barriers. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched and he distrusts strangers. When he falls under suspicion for killing his neighbour’s dog, it takes him on a journey that upturns his world.
Hailed as ‘a phenomenal combination of storytelling and spectacle’ (The Times) The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a theatrical event not to be missed.

Norwich Theatre is a leading arts organisation in the UK and the largest in the East of England, presenting a vibrant programme of live performance and creative engagement activities to entertain, enrich and inspire audiences of all ages and backgrounds;
It is a creative force and culture hub at the heart of Norwich and Norfolk, working with local, national and international partners to create and share extraordinary theatre experiences as well as host the best touring productions the UK and the world have to offer;
The organisation comprises three venues, Theatre Royal, Playhouse and Stage Two, welcoming more than 500,000 visitors each year;
It recently added a fourth (digital) stage to its portfolio, a brand new streaming platform that will open up elements of its creative programmes to a wider and more diverse audience, and allow collaborations with a broader range of artists;
As the largest stage in the East of England, Norwich Theatre Royal is the ‘Eastern Home’ to many world-renowned companies and regular touring partners including Glyndebourne, Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, National Theatre, Northern Ballet, Rambert & Royal Shakespeare Company;
Norwich Theatre Playhouse is a key part of the national mid-scale and fringe theatre touring network and an award-winning venue for comedy, having helped to launch the careers of many major performers;
Norwich Theatre Stage Two is a purpose-built home for the organisation’s smaller scale work and community engagement programme;
The organisation offers an extensive and award-winning Take Part programme for people of all ages, using creative activity to achieve solid outcomes linked to social isolation, positive mental health and wellbeing as well as training and skills development opportunities;
Each year Norwich Theatre produces its own large-scale pantomime which plays to more than 60,000 people every Christmas. Its growing portfolio of producing and co-producing work includes work with Norwich-based companies curious directive, Glass House Dance and Lost in Translation Circus as well as Carlos Acosta’s internationally-acclaimed company, Acosta Danza;
· Norwich Theatre has just launched its first ever touring production featuring work conceived, directed and performed by legendary Cuban dancer Carlos Acosta CBE, touring the UK in July 2021 as theatre venues prepare for full-scale re-opening. This first touring production is a bold statement of intent for the organisation’s future ambitions not just to present but also to originate and produce small and large-scale work itself, whilst working in new ways with regional peers;
· Norwich Theatre is governed by an independent charitable trust and receives no regular public subsidy generating all of its own income through tickets sales, commercial activities and fundraising.

BOX OFFICE 01603 630000

WEBSITE norwichtheatre.org