Theatre Royal Plymouth is the largest and best attended regional producing theatre in the UK and the leading promoter of theatre in the south west. There are two distinctive performance spaces, the Theatre Royal and the Drum Theatre, as well as TR2, their award-winning theatre production and education centre
Sutra is at the Theatre Royal Plymouth 9 & 10 April 2013
www.theatreroyal.com/sutra
Sutra, a "unique, profoundly imagined work" (The Guardian) is a collaboration between one of Europe's most exciting choreographers Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Turner Prize winning sculptor Antony Gormley and 17 practising Buddhist monks from the Shaolin Temple in China. It is a piece of dance that is at once deeply hypnotic, playful and breathtakingly athletic.
Aged between 10 and 26 years the monks performing in Sutra follow a strict Buddhist doctrine, with kung fu and t'ai chi martial arts forming a part of their daily ritual. Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui (who is a big Bruce Lee fan) spent several months at their Temple before devising his awe-inspiring piece. During Sutra the monks perform such spectacular, dare devil moves that you see them quite literally as leaps of faith.
Antony Gormley's stage setting consists of 21 wooden boxes which are carried or pushed around the stage by the monks, becoming walls, boats, beds, skyscrapers, toys, temples - whatever is needed. It is set to a specially commissioned score by Polish composer Szymon Brzóska for piano, percussion and strings, which is performed live.
The internationally acclaimed Propeller makes a triumphant return to the Theatre Royal Plymouth with Twelfth Night and The Taming of the Shrew from 12th - 16 Feb 2013
www.theatreroyal.com/twelfth
One of Shakespeare's best loved comedies of love and confusion, Twelfth Night tells a twisted tale of mistaken identity, transformation and deception. With a man playing a girl disquised as a boy, illusion and reality are almost indistinguishable on Propeller's island of Illyria. Dark and delightful, the play asks 'What happens when you fall in love with the wrong person?' and the answer is both beautiful and bittersweet.
One thing is certain - nobody does Shakespeare like Propeller.
Access Performances:
Audio Described: Sat 16 Feb 7.30pm
Driving Miss Daisy is at the Theatre Royal Plymouth from Monday 25th February - Saturday 2nd March.
Book online: www.theatreroyal.com/daisy
Having broken records on Broadway and played to sold out audiences in London's West End, David Esbjornson's award winning, smash hit production has dazzled audiences and critics alike. Winning the 2012 whatsonstage.com award for Best Revival, this heart warming play is now on tour across the UK.
Inspiration for the much-loved Oscar winning smash hit movie, Driving Miss Daisy is the charming, poignant and utterly compelling tale of the unlikely, long-lasting friendship that blossoms between a prickly, elderly southern matriarch, Daisy Werthan (Gwen Taylor) and her kind-hearted chauffeur, Hoke Colburn (Don Warrington) who is employed by Daisy's son, Boolie Werthan (Ian Porter).
As the wheels turn and the decades roll by against a backdrop of prejudice, inequality and civil unrest, the pair slowly transcend their differences and ultimately grow to rely on each other far more than either ever expected. Driving Miss Daisy is a heart warming comedy for all the ages.
Behind the scenes as Barbershopera pay a visit to BBC Radio Devon and record a song for the Shep & Jo show!
Barbershopera - The Three Musketeers is at the Drum Theatre until Sunday 23rd December 2012! www.theatreroyal.com/barbershopera
Barbershopera are back. And this time they have swords. Reinventing Alexandre Dumas' classic adventure story with some fresh four-part harmonies, the three guys and a girl sing you through the epic adventure of d'Artagnan and The Three Musketeers... Blackadder meets Gilbert & Sullivan.
With her village under threat of destruction at the hands of the villainous Cardinal Richtea, young Nicole d'Artagnan must dress up as a man and head to Paris in hope of joining the famous King's Musketeers. But murky happenings plague the progress of our heroine and her new-found trio of friends as they battle corruption, femme fatales and the cultural confusions brought on by a quest to England.
The 17th Century just got cool again. All for fun and fun for all!
A special message from Barbershopera, who we can't wait to welcome back to the Drum from Wednesday 5th to Sunday 23rd December! www.theatreroyal.com/barbershopera | 01752 267222
Barbershopera are back. And this time they have swords. Reinventing Alexandre Dumas' classic adventure story with some fresh four-part harmonies, the three guys and a girl sing you through the epic adventure of d'Artagnan and The Three Musketeers... Blackadder meets Gilbert & Sullivan.
With her village under threat of destruction at the hands of the villainous Cardinal Richtea, young Nicole d'Artagnan must dress up as a man and head to Paris in hope of joining the famous King's Musketeers. But murky happenings plague the progress of our heroine and her new-found trio of friends as they battle corruption, femme fatales and the cultural confusions brought on by a quest to England.
The 17th Century just got cool again. All for fun and fun for all!
Dove Tales - working with women
This project for isolated women was developed in response to an increasing awareness that many female refugees and asylum seekers in the city felt insecure in their surroundings and unable to access necessary support and services.
Dove Tales is run in partnership with the Plymouth and District Racial Equality Council. Weekly creative arts based sessions enable women to discuss and share experiences in a mutually supportive environment - to share skills, develop new ones, increase confidence, build knowledge about the city and coping with life in Britain.
Dove Tales recently created a film designed to help dispel some myths and break down barriers in Plymouth. This will be used as an information resource in their future contact with organisations across the city and beyond.
Dirty Dancing is at the Theatre Royal Plymouth from Jan 22nd to Feb 9th 2013
www.theatreroyal.com/dancing
Dirty Dancing is an unprecedented live experience, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance and sensationally sexy dancing.
Seen by millions across the globe this worldwide smash-hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds, who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. Featuring hit songs, including Hungry Eyes, Hey Baby, Do You Love Me? and the heart stopping I've Had The Time Of My Life.
Don't miss your chance to see the fastest selling show in West End history.
You'll have the time of your life!
Batsheva Dance Company comes to the Theatre Royal Plymouth on the 23rd & 24th Nov, with their younger wing, Batsheva Ensemble.
www.theatreroyal.com/batsheva
Israel's outstanding Batsheva Dance Company is one of the most exciting contemporary dance companies in the world, consistently winning praise for their fearless, full-bodied and energetic performances.
This autumn, Batsheva are touring the UK showcasing their new talent, The Batsheva Ensemble, for the first time. Consisting of 18 - 24 year old dancers from around the world who have been selected by Batsheva's choreographic supremo, Ohad Naharin, these urban, gritty and skilled dancers are the future of headline contemporary dance.
Deca Dance brings together memorable and favourite segments of Naharin's creations from the last 20 years and is set to a sensational compilation of music ranging from The Beach Boys to Vivaldi and from Goldfrapp to Dean Martin. The piece includes extracts from the widely popular Minus 16 which was last performed in Plymouth by Nederlands Dance Theatre 2 in 2009.
Stories from an Invisible Town - Tue 20 to Wed 24 Nov
When Hugh Hughes returned to his childhood home in Llangefni to help his mum pack and move house, a tapestry of memories from his past, his family and the town he once called home began to unfold...
Now audiences have the chance to join Hugh, his brother and his sister, as family skeletons leave their closets in this unpredictable and hilarious
evening of family stories. His memories have grown and grown - bursting from Hugh's head and into a website for us to explore and enjoy - www.invisibletownstories.co.uk
We're delighted to be welcoming back the inimitable Welsh artist to the Drum following recent shows Hugh Hughes in 360, Floating and Story of a Rabbit.
Recommended for everyone aged 14+
Stories From an Invisible Town is at the Theatre Royal Plymouth from the 20th to the 24th November 2012.
When Hugh Hughes returned to his childhood home in Llangefni to help his mum pack and move house, a tapestry of memories from his past, his family and the town he once called home began to unfold...
Now audiences have the chance to join Hugh, his brother and his sister, as family skeletons leave their closets in this unpredictable and hilarious
evening of family stories. His memories have grown and grown - bursting from Hugh's head and into a website for us to explore and enjoy - www.invisibletownstories.co.uk
We're delighted to be welcoming back the inimitable Welsh artist to the Drum following recent shows Hugh Hughes in 360, Floating and Story of a Rabbit.
Recommended for everyone aged 14+
www.theatreroyal.com/stories
We're delighted to be welcoming back the country's favourite pantomime Dame, Christopher Biggins, who will be dishing out huge helpings of comedy aided and abetted by the loveable icon of children's television, Basil Brush, as Alderman Foxwarren. Will the Spirit of the Bells, played by Hilary O'Neil, be able to help our handsome hero, Dick Whittington? There's only one way to find out!
Dick Whittington is with us from Friday 14th December 2012 to Saturday 19th January 2013! Book your tickets now on our website - www.theatreroyal.com/panto
All That Is Wrong is at the Drum Theatre Plymouth Tue 06 Nov - Sat 17 Nov
www.theatreroyal.com/wrong
2012 Scotsman Fringe First Award Winner
2012 Total Theatre Award Winner
It's wrong. Everything is wrong. The big stuff, the little stuff and everything in between. The world is messed up and there is nothing anyone can do about it.
How must all of this look through the eyes of a teenager? Especially when the adults seem to have no idea how to fix things. Well, come and find out. Maybe teenagers can do better.
Our Belgian friends, Ontroerend Goed, return with their latest show, All That is Wrong direct from the Edinburgh Festival. If you've seen any of their recent shows at the Drum, you'll know to expect all the big ideas, the wit, the humour and the mischief. If not, come and see what you're missing. Come and see All That is Wrong.
Ontroerend Goed return to the Drum Theatre following A History of Everything, Audience, Teenage Riot and Under the Influence.
Recommended for everyone aged 16+
Rambert is at the Theatre Royal Plymouth Wed 24 - Fri 26 October
www.theatreroyal.com/rambert
Contemporary dance favourites Rambert will be returning to the Theatre Royal this autumn with the Labyrinth of Love Tour 2012, which will comprise of four separate dance pieces:
Labyrinth of Love
Glimpses of love's ups and downs tangle and untangle in the magical and surreal world of a many-faceted labyrinth. Marguerite Donlon's choreography, known for its fluid yet dynamic energy, captures not only the romantic moments of love but its humour and surprise. The specially-commissioned score by Michael Daugherty uses popular love poems from different eras, and features a soprano singer live on stage.
Roses
A rare opportunity to see the work of American choreographer Paul Taylor, described by Martha Graham as the 'naughty boy' of dance. Serene, flowing and unexpected, this gorgeous work is a tribute to love and romance.
Dutiful Ducks First created for Michael Clark in 1982, Richard Alston's short, sharp and witty solo is set to a tongue-twisting soundtext by Charles Amirkhanian.
Sounddance
Made in 1975 by the late master of contemporary dance, Merce Cunningham, this "ecstatic opus" (Washington Post) was inspired by the words of writer James Joyce and the tiny racing life seen under a microscope.
Live music will be provided by the Rambert orchestra featuring soprano Kirsty Hopkins.
Matthew Bourne's Sleeping Beauty is at the Theatre Royal Plymouth Mon 5th - Sat 10th November
www.theatreroyal.com/beauty
Matthew Bourne's Sleeping Beauty - A Gothic Romance
Music by Tchaikovsky
New Adventures' 25th Birthday culminates with the world premiere of Matthew Bourne's latest re-imagining of a ballet classic.
Sleeping Beauty sees Bourne return to the music of Tchaikovsky to complete the trio of ballet masterworks that started with Nutcracker! and the international smash hit, Swan Lake.
This timeless fairy tale, about a young girl cursed to sleep for 100 years, was turned into a legendary ballet in 1890. We meet our heroine, Aurora, at her Christening, when fairies and vampires fed the gothic imagination, before the story moves forward a century to the modern day.
Featuring designs by Olivier Award winners Lez Brotherston (Set and Costumes), Paule Constable (lighting) with sound design by Paul Groothuis, which will take the audience into the heart of Tchaikovsky's magnificent score in specially recorded surround sound.
Matthew Bourne's haunting new production is a Gothic Romance for all ages; a supernatural love story that even the passage of time cannot hinder.
1 Beach Road is at the Drum Theatre Plymouth from Tue 30 Oct - Sat 03 Nov
Book online - www.theatreroyal.com/beach
1 Beach Road is a tale of friendship, defiance, a shrinking island, synchronized swimming and trying to turn back the tide.
With the unrelenting encroachment of the shoreline, the sea swallows the row of bungalows, the road, the garage and finally eats its way to the back door of 1 Beach Road, where the inhabitants refuse to budge. Victoria and Jane are left standing at the edge of a precipice.
Drawn from true stories, 1 Beach Road explores the metaphorical connections between Coastal Erosion and Alzheimer's and asks, "what is it like to lose everything - your home and your memories?"
The Astronaut's Chair author, Rona Munro talks of her influences, ideas and thought processes behind the play.
Drum Theatre Plymouth Thu 20 Sep - Sat 06 Oct
She's the gritty, glamorous aviator; the fastest, highest, bravest woman in the world, but with one last race to go: to dream the impossible dream, to reach the unreachable stars. If NASA will let her -- and Congress plays ball.
"We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard...because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one that we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win"
President Kennedy, 1961.
The Astronaut's Chair, specially commissioned by the Drum Theatre, is Rona Munro's second 'space' play following Little Eagles, about the space race in Russia, produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company last year.
The Astronaut's Chair is directed by Simon Stokes, who most recently directed the hugely popular Drum productions, Horse Piss For Blood by Carl Grose and Chekhov In Hell by Dan Rebellato.
www.theatreroyal.com/astronaut
A timelapse of the get-in for 'The Ladykillers', opening it's national tour with us at the Theatre Royal Plymouth on Friday 14th through to Saturday 22nd September 2012.
The set is on an 8 degree angle with a compound raked floor, and uses forced perspective (making it very tricky to draw and build!). The touring set has been built at our production and education centre, TR2, with props and dressing from the original production.
The Astronaut's Chair is at the Drum Theatre, Plymouth from Thursday 20th September - Saturday 6th October
Book Online: www.theatreroyal.com/astronaut
She's the gritty, glamorous aviator; the fastest, highest, bravest woman in the world, but with one last race to go: to dream the impossible dream, to reach the unreachable stars. If NASA will let her -- and Congress plays ball.
"We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard...because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one that we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win"
President Kennedy, 1961.
The Astronaut's Chair, specially commissioned by the Drum Theatre, is Rona Munro's second 'space' play following Little Eagles, about the space race in Russia, produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company last year.
The Astronaut's Chair is directed by Simon Stokes, who most recently directed the hugely popular Drum productions, Horse Piss For Blood by Carl Grose and Chekhov In Hell by Dan Rebellato.
www.theatreroyal.com/burnout
Frantic Assembly's Beautiful Burnout is at the Theatre Royal from Wed 3 Oct - Sat 6 Oct.
By Bryony Lavery
Directed and Choreographed by Scott Graham and Steven Hoggett
Featuring the music of Underworld
Cameron Burns is going places. He's fighting for his club, his Mum, his place in the world. And this boy is a natural. He has an affinity with the violence, the balance, the ritual, the grace, and the power of the most controversial sport of our time.
Bryony Lavery's heart-wrenching and deeply human story follows five young fighters as they aim for the bright lights, far from Glasgow's mean, grey streets.
This is knockout production is spectacularly staged, drawing its audience into the heart of the action, where every jab, hook and uppercut feels flinchingly realistic.
Featuring a stunning backdrop of glittering video screens and a pulsating soundtrack by electronic heavyweights Underworld, Beautiful Burnout packs an almighty, and unforgettable punch.
See you ringside.
"This is stunning. Literally and metaphorically" Independent on Sunday - Five stars
"Beautiful Burnout is spectacular, lyrical and thought-provoking"
The Scotsman -- Four stars
"a brilliantly acted exploration of what makes boxers box and what happens when a shooting star shimmers, shines brightly and falls to earth"
The Guardian -- Four stars
Beautiful Burnout contains strong language, an age guide of 14+ is recommended.
Tender Napalm is at the Drum Theatre from Tue 29 May - Sat 02 Jun
Please click here for more info and tickets: http://www.theatreroyal.com/prod-productions_details.asp?pid=1832
Directed by David Mercatali
A man. A woman. They kiss. They scream. What is this thing... called love?
One of the most acclaimed London premieres of 2011, Time Out and Evening Standard Award winner Philip Ridley's extraordinary new play Tender Napalm arrives at the Drum Theatre as part of a UK tour.
Tender Napalm is an explosive story of the relationship between two people and the violent world that surrounds them. It is an exploration of love in the face of catastrophe.
Starring Evening Standard Award nominee Tom Byam Shaw (Foxfinder, Finborough; The Tempest, Theatre Royal Haymarket; Salome, Hampstead Theatre/Tour) and rising star Lara Rossi (13, Emperor and Galilean, National Theatre).
'Magnificent... A fine, fiery romance' Observer
'Heart-stopping... Wildly intoxicating' **** The Times
'Viciously funny...sensationally staged' **** The Guardian
Wonderful Town is at the Theatre Royal Plymouth from Tue 26 - Sat 30 Jun
For more information and tickets go to: http://www.theatreroyal.com/prod-productions_details.asp?pid=1834
From Leonard Bernstein, the composer of West Side Story and one of the greatest musical talents in American history, comes the sensational Broadway classic Wonderful Town.
Recreating the vibrant energy of 1930s New York City, this major new production promises fantastic dance numbers choreographed by Andrew Wright - Olivier Award nominee for Singin' in the Rain - sumptuous songs, fabulous sets, stunning costumes and an effervescent cocktail of comedy, adventure, love and romance.
Connie Fisher, star of The Sound of Music, double Olivier Award nominee Michael Xavier (Love Story, The Phantom of the Opera) and Lucy Van Gasse (Love Never Dies) lead a company of over 40 actors, dancers and musicians.
Connie plays aspiring writer Ruth Sherwood who arrives in New York City fresh from Ohio with her beautiful younger sister Eileen and together they create comedy chaos in their search for love and success.
Wonderful Town won five Tony Awards including Best Musical when it premiered on Broadway in 1953 and has since won countless more awards.
Don't miss this stunning musical, hailed by the critics as the must-see show of 2012!
'Sensational. A theatrical cocktail to blow your socks off!'
Mail on Sunday, 15 April 2012
The Girl with the Iron Claws is at the Drum Theatre Plymouth from Wed 06 - Sat 09 Jun
For more tickets and information, go to: www.theatreroyal.com/ironclaws
A half term treat for the whole family!
Growing up isn't easy, especially when you're in love with a bear. This is a story about a girl who dares to follow her longing. The youngest daughter of a king, she feels like a misfit. Then, one night, a compelling dream leads her deep into the forest, where a chance encounter sets her on a fateful path she could never have anticipated.
Following a critically acclaimed, sell out success at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2011, The Wrong Crowd bring you this captivating dark fairytale, which shares its roots with Beauty and the Beast. Stunning puppetry, enchanting music and deft humour combine to dazzling effect in this coming-of-age tale to enthral audiences young and old. Fall in with The Wrong Crowd for their inventive, playful, unique brand of storytelling theatre.
'a show with claws that proves Kneehigh hasn't cornered the market in putting wonder back into fairytales' **** Lyn Gardner, The Guardian
Mayday Mayday is at the Drum Theatre from Tuesday 12 - Saturday 16 June
For more tickets and information go to: www.theatreroyal.com/mayday
On the eve of May 2004, Kneehigh Theatre's Tristan Sturrock broke his neck falling off a wall in Padstow as part of the May Day celebrations. Paralysed in hospital and about to become a father for the first time, he was told he may never walk again.
Since his incredible recovery in Derriford Hospital's spinal unit where he was put back together again, he has performed all over the world, most recently on Broadway playing the lead role in Kneehigh's Brief Encounter.
After a sell out run at Bristol Old Vic, he brings his poignant and life-affirming true story to Plymouth as part of a UK tour.
"A disarmingly honest piece of theatre which celebrates human resilience whilst at the same time reminds us of the frailty of existence" ***** 5 Stars Venue
"Beautifully crafted and beautifully executed... life affirming theatre at its very very best" ***** 5 Stars The Cornishman
"..poignant...funny..wittily inventive..utterly inspired...genuinely moving." **** 4 Stars Exeunt
42nd Street is at the Theatre Royal Tue 31 Jul until Sat 04 Aug
Tickets and information: http://www.theatreroyal.com/prod-productions_details.asp?pid=1858
Winner of the 1980 Tony Award for Best New Musical and the 2001 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical, 42nd Street is the timeless, inspiring tale of small town Peggy Sawyer's rise from chorus girl to Broadway star. Featuring the well-known songs Lullaby of Broadway, We're in the Money, Shuffle Off To Buffalo, Keep Young and Beautiful, I Only Have Eyes For You and the spectacular title number, famously danced down a glowing flight of steps - audiences will find out what it's like to float up to musical comedy heaven.
Starring Dave Willetts (The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Cats, Ragtime and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers), Marti Webb (Blood Brothers, Tell Me On A Sunday, Song and Dance, Evita, Cats, Thoroughly Modern Millie), and directed by the show's author and Broadway Director Mark Bramble, 42nd Street features the stunning sets and costumes from the US production.
Ontroerend Goed return to the Drum Theatre this spring to present you with a history of everything, from the present day all the way back to the Big Bang. Based on evolutionary theory, cosmology and the infinite beauty of the physical world, they will attempt to reach a completeness of the ungraspable astronomical history of the universe. In one evening. In their own unique way. This is our fourth production with Ontroerend Goed following Audience, Teenage Riot and Under the Influence, and comes to us direct from the Sydney Festival, Australia.
Thursday 12th - Saturday 28th April 2012
Box Office 01752 267222 | www.theatreroyal.com/history
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Sutra at the Theatre Royal Plymouth
Propeller's Twelfth Night at the Theatre Royal Plymouth
Driving Miss Daisy, Theatre Royal Plymouth
Barbershopera - The Three Musketeers visit BBC Radio Devon!
A Special Message from Barbershopera!
Dove Tales at the Theatre Royal Plymouth
Dirty Dancing at Theatre Royal Plymouth
Batsheva Ensemble Theatre Royal Plymouth
A Special Message from Hugh Hughes!
Hugh Hughes: Stories From an Invisible Town - Theatre Royal Plymouth.mp4
Dick Whittington - The Magical Pantomime Adventure! 14 Dec - 19 Jan!
All That Is Wrong Drum Theatre Plymouth
Rambert Labyrinth of Love Tour 2012 Theatre Royal Plymouth
Matthew Bourne's Sleeping Beauty at the Theatre Royal Plymouth
1 Beach Road, Theatre Royal Plymouth
Interview with playwright Rona Munro, The Astronaut's Chair, Theatre Royal Plymouth 2.mp4
The Astronaut's Chair Trailer, Theatre Royal Plymouth
Beautiful Burnout at the Theatre Royal Plymouth
Tender Napalm at the Drum Theatre Plymouth
Wonderful Town starring Connie Fisher at the Theatre Royal Plymouth
The Girl with the Iron Claws at the Drum Theatre Plymouth
Mayday Mayday at the Drum Theatre
42nd Street at the Theatre Royal Plymouth
A History of Everything - Teaser Trailer
