Preview Theatre Royal Wakefield's Autumn Schedule
Rebecca Shoemaker looks ahead to the theatre's exciting new season
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Wakefield’s Theatre Royal have recently announced their line-up for this year’s autumn season, and it’s looking as excellent as it is eclectic. Murray Edwards, executive director of the establishment, promises something for everyone, a vow that is virtually impossible to fall short of its mark with a schedule jam-packed with everything ranging from laugh-out-load comedy acts Andy Kirkpatrick and Gervase Phinn, Mamma Mia’s music to really get your feet dancing, The Cavern Beatles (who bear remarkable resemblance to the original 60s act), the always enjoyable Shakespeare as well as shows that’ll make you proudly proclaim your womanhood (provided that you are one).
The autumn season will open with nothing less than the smash hit West Side Story, a production by Wakefield Youth Music Theatre. The story will appear in its updated version this September, running through Thursday 2nd until Saturday 4th, and again from Tuesday 7th to Saturday 11th. Discounted offers are available to large groups as encouragement to bring their friends along to enjoy this 53 year-old classic which seems to only get better with age.
And if one classic isn’t enough for you, Sleeping Beauty will kick off just two months later and run through to next year. Beginning Monday 29th November, this pantomime will truly captivate young and old alike. You’ll have the chance to catch this age-old story of love conquers all any time until Sunday 2nd January.
If you’re looking for a story less often told but no less brilliant, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Don Black’s Tell Me On A Sunday is a wonderful and exceptionally down-to-earth alternative. This musical, open for two days only starting Tuesday 5th October, highlights the romantic misadventures of a young English woman living in New York City. As frustrations begin to pile up, the leading lady played by Claire Sweeney discovers her search for love may not be as simple as she expected.
Musical acts The Celtic Tenors and The Cavern Beatles will also make an appearance at the Wakefield Royal Theatre this autumn. Each representing their own bit of Ireland, The Tenors are three of the most successful and musically trained artists ever to have come from the island. The trio have performed everything from opera, classical and choral ballads as well as Bob Dylan tracks and other famous favourites. Former president Bill Clinton credited the group as playing “the finest version of Danny Boy I have ever heard”. Their show will be a one-off on Thursday 7th October. The Cavern Beatles will continue the trend the night after, charming the audience with spot-on Beatles imitation – everything from their sound, their accents (these guys are Liverpool natives, too!), and yes, even their haircuts will make you think you’ve been transported 40 years into the past and are watching the real thing.
And as for you, ladies – looking for an excuse to celebrate your womanhood? The worldwide sensation The Vagina Monologues will have you cheering with tales from Eve Ensler’s Vagina Interviews. Also, the sensational show Busting Out! will be on this season from Tuesday 14th September.
For those itching for a good laugh, fret not, Wakefield’s Royal Theatre hasn’t forgotten you. Several comedians will take the stage this season, including Felix Dexter, Andy Kirkpatrick, John Shuttleworth and Gervase Phinn. And many more shows will be on this season, so check theatre listings for show times and dates – you won’t be disappointed!
www.theatreroyalwakefield.co.uk
Posted on Monday 12th July 2010
Theatre Royal Wakefield
Drury Lane, Wakefield, WF1 2TE
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