NORWICH THEATRE WELCOMES BACK LONG-STANDING ARTISTIC PARTNERS NORTHERN BALLET, GLYNDEBOURNE AND RAMBERT AS PART OF ITS OPENING SEASON

Norwich Theatre has announced the return of three long-standing artistic partners, Glyndebourne and Northern Ballet to the Theatre Royal and Rambert2 to the Playhouse stage, with a programme of wonderful opera, ballet and contemporary dance as the organization prepares to re-open later this year.

Northern Ballet presents its latest ballet inspired by the world’s most famous wizard, Merlin, from 19-23 October. Presented by Rambert, Rambert2 is back on 20-21 October with yet more thrilling choreographers to showcase their breathtaking style of intense, exhilarating and fierce contemporary dance. Glyndebourne returns from 24-26 November with an incredible season featuring two beloved operas – Stravinsky’s The Rake’s Progress designed by David Hockney, and Donizetti’s exhilarating comic opera Don Pasquale – as well as their first ever Messiah concert. These are the first new additions to Norwich Theatre’s Autumn season, further programming will be announced soon.

Northern Ballet: Merlin
19 – 23 October | Norwich Theatre Royal
Priority Booking: Wed 5 May | General Public: Tue 11 May

Discover how the world’s most famous sorcerer mastered his magic to unite a warring kingdom in Northern Ballet’s enchanting Merlin.

Inspired by the story of the mythical wizard, Merlin will take you on a sweeping epic adventure of heartbreak, hope and more than a little magic. Choreographed by Olivier award-winning Drew McOnie (Broadway’s King Kong and Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom), this much-loved legend is reawakened through Northern Ballet’s unrivalled blend of classical ballet and dramatic storytelling.

Rambert2: Double Bill
20 & 21 October | Norwich Theatre Playhouse
General Public: Wed 5 May

Following the huge critical and popular success of their last visit, Rambert2 is back with an exhilarating and fierce dance programme featuring Home by Micaela Taylor and Killer Pig by Sharon Eyal.

Micaela Taylor is one to watch for 2021. Her undeniable brilliance is hard to categorise and always evolving. In her brand new piece Home, especially for Rambert2’s daring new talent, it’s fair to expect influences of hip hop, jazz, African dance and classical ballet to create a totally fresh feel.

In February 2020, 650 early career dancers attended open auditions to join the Rambert2 ensemble. 11 were chosen for their outstanding ability and individuality. This is their on-stage debut as a company, unleashing their creative forces with Sharon Eyal’s pulsating and uncompromisingly physical Killer Pig.

Glyndebourne: The Rake’s Progress by Igor Stravinsky
24 November | Norwich Theatre Royal
Priority Booking: Wed 5 May | General Public: Tue 11 May

A bearded lady, a small town boy and a deal with the devil: classic fairy tale meets modern morality play in Stravinsky and WH Auden’s exhilarating fusion of high drama and low comedy, beautifully designed by David Hockney.

When the mysterious Nick Shadow appears at his door, Tom Rakewell immediately abandons country life and his sweetheart Anne for the temptations of the city. But London’s glittering promise soon corrodes, and love, money and even sanity slip further and further from Tom’s grasp. Can true love save him, or will the Devil have the last laugh?

Hogarth’s paintings charting one man’s path from pleasure to ruin are the starting point for one of the most dazzlingly original works of the 20th century, a Mozart opera that has wandered into a musical hall of mirrors – at once elegant and anarchic. Comedy and tragedy are never far apart in this light-footed work that can break your heart with the broadest of smiles.

One of the Glyndebourne greats, John Cox’s much-loved production returns for the first time in a decade, bringing David Hockney’s iconic designs to a new generation.

Glyndebourne: Messiah (concert) by George Frideric Handel
25 November | Norwich Theatre Royal
Priority Booking: Wed 5 May | General Public: Tue 11 May

THE GLYNDEBOURNE PREMIERE OF HANDEL’S CHORAL MASTERPIECE

This autumn Glyndebourne stages Handel’s rousing oratorio about Jesus’ life, Handel’s Messiah, for the very first time. This is a rare opportunity to see – and hear – Glyndebourne’s exceptional chorus centre-stage. While most oratorios put the spotlight on the soloists, Handel’s Messiah has the chorus at its heart. As exhilarating now as it was then – this is a piece that wholeheartedly showcases its singers. With Glyndebourne’s long history of superb Handel stagings, this is one not to be missed.

Glyndebourne: Don Pasquale by Gaetano Donizetti
26 November | Norwich Theatre Royal
Priority Booking: Wed 5 May | General Public: Tue 11 May

THERE’S NO FOOL LIKE AN OLD FOOL…

Nimble and breathless, outrageous and exhilarating, Donizetti’s late comic masterpiece pits two generations against one another in a musical battle of wits and wills.

Miserly old bachelor Don Pasquale is fed up with his nephew Ernesto, and vows to get married and produce an heir, so he can cut the feckless young man out of his will. But when Ernesto and his beloved Norina get wind of the plan, they come up with their own scheme to outwit him. The trap is set, and romantic tangles, tussles and intrigue quickly ensue.

Described as ‘the most Mozartean of Donizetti’s comedies’, Don Pasquale is the culmination of a long career in the opera house, an irresistible blend of humour and romance spiced with just enough cruelty to keep things interesting. Wit and lyricism collide in a lively score that’s the engine of this fast-paced, tune-filled drama. Mariame Clement’s period staging combines 18th-century elegance with contemporary acuity to create a memorable and much-loved production.

Stephen Crocker, Chief Executive & Creative Director of Norwich Theatre, said: “As we begin to share details of our re-opening season in Autumn 2021, I am thrilled to confirm the return of three of our longest-standing partners. These three companies have collectively been performing in Norwich for more than 100 years and have delighted countless audiences through ballet, dance an opera. It is wonderful to have them back with us as we re-open and I look forward to sharing further partners, both returning and new, in the coming months as well.”

The long-standing artistic partnerships with Northern Ballet, Rambert and Glyndebourne, as well as others, are part of Norwich Theatre’s commitment to work with leading arts organisations to present world-class live performances across its stages.

Norwich Theatre has just launched its first ever touring production with Valid Productions featuring work conceived, directed and performed by legendary Cuban dancer Carlos Acosta CBE, touring the UK in July as theatre venues prepare for full-scale re-opening and the recovery of cultural life. 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.

Listings

Northern Ballet: Merlin
19 – 23 October | Norwich Theatre Royal
ON SALE Priority Booking: Wed 5 May | General Public: Tue 11 May

Rambert2: Double Bill
20 & 21 October | Norwich Theatre Playhouse
ON SALE General Public: Wed 5 May

Glyndebourne: The Rake’s Progress by Igor Stravinsky
24 November | Norwich Theatre Royal
ON SALE Priority Booking: Wed 5 May | General Public: Tue 11 May

Glyndebourne: Messiah (concert) by George Frideric Handel
25 November | Norwich Theatre Royal
ON SALE Priority Booking: Wed 5 May | General Public: Tue 11 May

Glyndebourne: Don Pasquale by Gaetano Donizetti
26 November | Norwich Theatre Royal
ON SALE Priority Booking: Wed 5 May | General Public: Tue 11 May

For information and to book tickets, call Norwich Theatre Box Office on 01603 630 000 or visit www.norwichtheatre.org/whats-on/