I know, I know. We haven’t even got to summer yet and here I am talking about the New Wolsey Theatre’s autumn season which goes on sale tomorrow.
Headlining is a new production of the classic swingin’ 1960s musical Sweet Charity in September, directed by artistic director Peter Rowe.
Featuring brassy, toe tapping hits like Big Spender, If My Friends Could See Me Now and The Rhythm of Life and I’m A Brass Band, it’s the story of dance club hostess lovelorn Charity Hope Valentine who sure knows how to pick ‘em. It looks like she may have turned a corner when she meets sweet, unassuming Oscar.
The theatre’s actor-musician shows are always a spectacle, so my hopes are high.
Skipping to October and November, we have the futuristic tale The Edge which explores and poses vital questions about our future in a rapidly changing environment and the Olivier Award winning West End smash Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense.
Based on Terence Rattigan’s experiences as a tail gunner during the Second World War, Flare Path is an evocative portrait of life in wartime Britain for the RAF bomber crew, their wives and sweethearts, who were left awaiting their return.
The Silver Sword is a musical adaptation of Ian Serraillier’s novel set in the immediate aftermath of the Second World War, following the Polish Balicki children’s search for their parents in a divided Europe.
Maxine Peake’s witty, charming and critically acclaimed play Beryl celebrates the life of unsung sporting legend Beryl Burton – the greatest woman on two wheels. Alan Ayckbourn’s Absent Friends, first produced in 1974, explores friendship, marriage and what it ultimately means to be happy.
I’m particularly looking forward to seeing The New Wolsey Theatre’s acclaimed Young Company present Henry James’ The Turn of the Screw. A ghostly take of innocence and experience - what do children know, what do adults think children know and what do children think adults think they know.
The New Wolsey Youth Theatre follow up their production of Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland with Through the Looking Glass (And What Alice Found There), suitable for the whole family.
One of the highlights of the season for me is the theatre’s rock ‘n’ roll pantomime, which this year is The Sword in the Stone. If previous years are anything to go by, advanced booking is recommended as a fifth of tickets across 85 performances have already gone.
For younger theatre fans there’s Paper Dolls in December, with Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson’s acclaimed book brought to life through puppetry and music.
Check out the web gallery and visit www.wolseytheatre.co.uk for full programme details.
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