The new Autumn/Winter Season is packed with a tantalising array of shows to suit all tastes and interests, ranging from cutting-edge drama and top comedy acts to exciting and varied musical events.
The season starts with a stylish production of Jane Austen’s Persuasion on 9 September from the highly acclaimed Dot Productions. Bringing all the quick wit and sharp observation of Jane Austen’s final novel to the stage, this bold new adaptation is not to be missed.
More drama follows with the legendary John Godber’s Do I Love You? (27 to 29 September), a hilarious comedy that introduces Northern Soul to a new generation. There is also a welcome return from the popular Mikron Theatre Company with A Force to be Reckoned With (13 October) – an arresting tale of law and order that investigates pioneering women in the police. Reiver: Tales from the Borders (26 October) tells the gruesome stories of the lawless families that terrorised the Anglo-Scottish borders for over 400 years; and Sinatra: Raw (30 October) is set in 1971, the moment when Frank Sinatra prepares for his last pre-retirement intimate show.
Music lovers are set for a varied programme of performances with everything from rock and roll to country. Fresh from Glastonbury is award-winning singer-songwriter Hayley McKay (12 October) who has performed all over the world, including the UK’s biggest country festival C2C Festival at the O2 Arena. Bein’ Adams (19 October) celebrates the incredible career of Bryan Adams and Buddy Holly & the Cricketers (27 October) make a welcome return to the Georgian stage with a show that has rock and rolled audiences across the globe for over three decades. Popular local group Musicality (30 September) reaches across the pond for an evening of fabulous American tunes, featuring spirituals, Broadway hits and jazz.
The Georgian Theatre has an established reputation for stand-up comedy and the new season sees a brand-new show from Edinburgh Comedy Awards’ Best Newcomer nominee Josh Jones (3 October). Charlie Baker takes up the comedy mic on 20 October and a brand-new, totally bonkers Shakespeare play will be created by Shakeitup at The Improvised Shakespeare Show (6 October).
The Theatre is also hosting three events at the Richmond Walking and Book Festival. Lucy Adlington of the History Wardrobe presents her New York Times bestseller The Dressmakers of Auschwitz (18 September) which follows the fate of the brave women who displayed resilience and camaraderie in the most extreme circumstances. Fly Me! (19 September) tells the true story of the daredevil 18th century actress Letitia Sage who set out to become the first Englishwoman to fly a hot air balloon in 1785; and former Chief Executive of the British Red Cross Sir Nick Young (23 September) speaks about his fascinating part in the humanitarian response to some of the 21st century’s most dramatic and dangerous events.
A key part of the Theatre’s rich and varied repertoire is from the contributions from talented local community groups. The Barnard Castle-based Castle Players are performing the Pulitzer Prize-winning play Our Town on 3 and 4 November. This is followed by the comedy classic Whisky Galore presented by Richmond Amateur Dramatic Society (9 to 11 November) and Richmond Operatic Society’s production of new musical The Hunchback of Notre Dame (15 to 18 November) is based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney film.
The Georgian Theatre’s legendary pantomime rounds off the season. Rapunzel enjoys a festive run from 6 December to 7 January 2024. There will be the usual laugh-out-loud comedy, amazing musical routines and fantastic sets and costumes that will tell the age-old story of the lonely princess trapped in a tower but longing for a life of adventure in the outside world.
Details of all shows and events are given in the newly published programme brochure available at the Box Office, online or by calling the Box Office on 01748 825252.
We hope to welcome you to the Theatre soon!