Autumn 2015 brochure

Sep-Dec 2015 & THE PERFORMANCE HUB

BOX OFFICE (01902) 321 321 BOOK ONLINE arena.wlv.ac.uk

HELLO! Welcome to the autumn 2015 season at the Arena Theatre and The Performance Hub, University of Wolverhampton.

Eclectic as ever, our line-up includes theatrical adaptations of canonical texts, an abundance of disability-led performances and some exciting, new work for good measure. As always, we’ve made sure our audiences are spoilt for choice in a packed programme of theatre, music, comedy and events.

From the company who brought you Teechers, Blackeyed Theatre return with F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby and Fittings Multimedia Arts bring Edmund the Learned Pig – fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Let’s not forget Jazz at the Arena, boasting the award-winning Zoe Rahman Trio and Evan Christopher’s Django a la Creole – straight from the streets of New Orleans.

HIGHLIGH PERFORMANCES

p4-21

10 How To Be A Hero – The world is so confusing now. It’s getting harder to tell the heroes from the villains … Who is good, who is bad – and who gets to decide?

You won’t want to miss The ACT Collection as we celebrate 18 months of Arena Collaborative Theatremakers by bringing together some of the highlights of this project – for one night only.

We look forward to welcoming you soon!

Neil

Neil Reading Venue Manager + The Team

Talk to us! Keep up-to-date with our latest news, links and last-minute ticket deals, and get an occasional peek behind the scenes …

Follow @Arena_Theatre on Twitter Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/arenatheatre

11 Waiting For Godot – Samuel Beckett’s ground-breaking timeless masterpiece. An anarchic meditation on the meaning of life and death that moves between absurdist comic sketch and captivating philosophical drama.

CONTENTS 4

Performances

22 Arena Collaborative Theatremakers – Our initiative for emerging artists.

24 Learning + Participation 26 Independent + Amateur Productions 28 At A Glance – This season’s listings.

30 How To Book

THE LITTLE VENUE WITH BIG IDEAS

32 How To Find Us 34 The Performance Hub

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

BOX OFFICE (01902) 321 321

GHTS

Sep-Dec 2015 JAZZ

p7, 12, 17, 21

18 Crazy Glue (pictured on cover) – They have a car in the garage, a chicken in the pot and a child on the way. But is that enough to make true love stick?

LEARNING + PARTICIPATION

p24-25 7

Django a la Creole – Jazz clarinettist Evan Christopher and his flawless quartet pay tribute to the real roots of jazz, with an exhilarating melding of Django Reinhardt’s Hot Club guitar, the Crescent City’s famed Afro-Cuban ‘tinge’, and the visceral energy of Louis Armstrong.

ARENA COLLABORATIVE THEATREMAKERS

24 Young Arena Junior (ages 8-12) – Come along and join our new weekly youth theatre company, led by a director from Birmingham REP.

22 Are you an emerging artist based in Wolverhampton? Are you a student at the University of Wolverhampton studying the Performing Arts, or with an interest in any aspect of the performing arts? ACT is for you!

BECOME A FRIEND From just £10 a year, you can pledge your support for the Arena Theatre, helping us to continue our important outreach and development work. As a thank you, Friends benefit from a two-week priority booking period, and a £3 discount on standard tickets and a £1 discount on concessions*

To become a Friend, call us on (01902) 321 321 or pop into our Box Office on Wulfruna Street. *Except

for Independent + Amateur shows, and any shows priced under £8.

Performances with this icon are signed (BSL).

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

BOOK TICKETS ONLINE arena.wlv.ac.uk

4 PERFORMANCES

PERFORMANCES Vital Xposure

THE DISAPPEARANCE OF DOROTHY LAWRENCE Friday 11 September at 7.30pm / Saturday 12 September at 7.30pm

1914. England at war. The Suffragette movement gaining strength.

Journalist Dorothy Lawrence aspires to become a war correspondent; she cycles to the frontline in France. She was never seen in public again.

100 years on, a woman shouts a Punk Prayer in a cathedral. Her arrest triggers a storm of protest worldwide.

BOX OFFICE (01902) 321 321

A cast of four with integrated BSL investigates these remarkable stories of how history repeats itself; exposing the ways society deals with women who step out of line.

Tickets: £10 full price / £8 concessions

PERFORMANCES

5

Sheriff

OUR MAIN STORY TONIGHT Friday 18 September at 7.30pm Our Main Story Tonight is a brand new play inspired by whatever major story is dominating the news that week.

Working like a newsroom on a tight deadline, the play will be written and rehearsed in the days leading up to the show and will tackle the story everyone is talking about.

Our Main Story Tonight will also be looking to connect that story with something in Wolverhampton, so if there’s a local link, the play will find it.

Sheriff is run by Nick Walker.

Tickets: £10 full price / £8 concessions +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Seeta Patel

SOMETHING THEN, SOMETHING NOW Tuesday 22 September at 7.30pm Born and raised in the UK Seeta Patel has been championing the Indian classical dance style of Bharatanatyam for many years.

She has done so alongside forging a career in contemporary dance, performing with companies including DV8 Physical Theatre, presenting work at Southbank Centre and Sadler’s Wells and becoming one of the mentors in the South Asian finals of BBC Young Dancer 2015.

Something Then, Something Now is much more than a dance of devotion: it shows a mortal contemplating union with a god – both physical and spiritual; human and divine. The result echoes our own attempts to connect with others emotionally, and reminds us of the timelessness of this process.

Tickets: £10 full price / £8 concessions

BOOK TICKETS ONLINE arena.wlv.ac.uk

6 PERFORMANCES

Fittings Multimedia Arts, Krazy Kat Theatre + The Royal Exchange Theatre

EDMUND THE LEARNED PIG Thursday 1 October at 1pm + 7.30pm / Friday 2 October at 1pm

★★★★ WHAT’S ON STAGE ★★★★ THE GUARDIAN

Bonaparte’s travelling circus and marvellous menagerie has hit the skids.

A zoo with just pigeons, an aerialist with vertigo and a Mr Memory who can’t remember his name.

No one was coming. And then into their lives came a pig …

Carved from a poem by Edward Gorey this darkly pleasant rip-snorter of a tail will tickle the palette of adults and young shavers alike.

BOX OFFICE (01902) 321 321

Gasp as Edmund proves he’s no ordinary porker. Thrill as he tries to save the Circus. Shiver as he goes in search of the ghastly fate of pigs.

Suitable for vegetarians, carnivores and the deaf.

Part of British Council Edinburgh Showcase 2015.

Tickets: £10 full price / £8 concessions / £5 matinees

PERFORMANCES

7

Jazz at the Arena

DJANGO À LA CRÉOLE Saturday 3 October at 8pm

Jazz clarinettist Evan Christopher and his flawless quartet pay tribute to the real roots of jazz, with an exhilarating melding of Django Reinhardt’s Hot Club guitar, the Crescent City’s famed Afro-Cuban ‘tinge’, the elegance of Duke Ellington and the visceral energy of Louis Armstrong.

“ONE OF THE WORLD’S FINEST.”

With tour guest Don Vappie, a brilliant New Orleans banjoist and vocalist, adding extra bona fides with his warm vocal renderings of authentic Creole jazz songs, this “earthy and passionate” (Downbeat Magazine) music is “timeless stuff” (Sunday Times).

Pre-concert Q&A at 6.30pm: Don Vappie and Evan Christopher discuss the prominence of the clarinet in New Orleans music and Django Reinhardt’s connection to the ‘Birthplace of Jazz’.

Tickets: £15 full price / £13 concessions

Financial Times

BOOK TICKETS ONLINE arena.wlv.ac.uk

8 PERFORMANCES

PILOT, Black Country Touring + Creative Black Country

PILOT NIGHT Thursday 8 October at 7.30pm

PILOT Nights provide a space where theatre-makers can develop their work and try out new ideas in front of a lively and supportive crowd; the pieces presented are all works-in-progress.

PILOT Nights has been running for over 10 years and remains an important part of the creative landscape for the independent theatre sector in the West Midlands. Open to artists from across the UK, PILOT Nights take place in venues across the West Midlands.

Thanks to funding from Arts Council England we are able to extend the PILOT Nights programme into 2015/16.

Tickets: £5

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Arena Theatre + Sampad Arts

ALL OUR HEROES Friday 9 October at 1pm + 7.30pm

Kaka wants to know where his father is … so does his mother. It has been months since they’ve last seen him.

Several weeks later, they receive a letter from the trenches of the northwest frontier in France where he has been fighting for the British Army … How did he get there? What was he doing there?

To mark the centenary of the First World War, All Our Heroes explores the stories and perspectives of men from the Indian sub-continent who left their homes and families to fight for the British Raj in continents far, far away.

BOX OFFICE (01902) 321 321

Performed by a talented cast who use physical theatre, verbatim accounts and vibrant story telling.

All Our Heroes gives a tangible connection to the British Asian history and heritage it discusses through a follow-up workshop that we offer after each performance.

It has been produced in association with Cranford Community College, New Art Exchange (Nottingham) and The Drum (Birmingham) with the same artistic team behind The Maharajah & Kohinoor.

Tickets: £10 full price / £8 concessions / £5 matinee

PERFORMANCES

9

Hagit Yakira Dance

… IN THE MIDDLE WITH YOU Tuesday 13 October at 7.30pm

A poignant piece of dance delving into the very nature of human experience.

At times heart-warmingly light and playful, at times stark and deeply entrancing, the choreography moves us in very personal ways. Live music and a cast of five dancers lure us in with personal stories of love, friendship, loss and life, energy and physicality to travel to a more muted and abstract experience that becomes highly intimate. Uplifting and inspiring, …In the middle with you makes an emotional poem of the every day life.

Tickets: £10 full price / £8 concessions

BOOK TICKETS ONLINE arena.wlv.ac.uk

10 PERFORMANCES

White Rabbit, The Albany + Birmingham Repertory Theatre

HOW TO BE A HERO Wednesday 14 October at 7.30pm

This is the story of Gamma Guild, desperado vigilantes who decide they know best and that it’s time to take the law into their own hands.

Using a combination of judo, mind rays, brute force and pepper spray, they patrol the streets of your town keeping you safe. Even if you don’t want them to.

Our story is inspired by real life vigilante groups who often cause more trouble than they prevent, whilst wearing badly fitted home made costumes. Yet from breaking up drunken fights to distributing out-of-date

BOX OFFICE (01902) 321 321

sandwiches to the homeless, they sincerely try to act with courage and integrity.

Alongside the show we’d like to find Wolverhampton’s real life heroes and tell their stories. We believe we need heroes now more than ever. We’re looking for the heroes we need for the 21st century, we’re celebrating the real life heroes who sometimes go unnoticed, and we’re encouraging everyone we meet to step up and become one.

Tickets: £10 full price / £8 concessions

PERFORMANCES

11

London Classic Theatre

WAITING FOR GODOT Thursday 15 October at 7.30pm / Friday 16 October at 1pm + 7.30pm A country road. A tree. Evening.

Vladimir and Estragon meet as dusk approaches.

Estragon tries to remove his boot. Vladimir examines his hat. A conversation begins, a joke is interrupted. A carrot is eaten. The two men quarrel, then embrace. Unannounced, two eccentric travellers arrive. Seemingly master and servant, one stands weighed down at the end of a long rope, the other carries a whip.

So begins Samuel Beckett’s 60-year-old masterpiece Waiting for Godot, a ground-breaking, anarchic meditation on the meaning of life and death. Part allegory, part burlesque, Beckett’s unique, timeless play moves seamlessly between absurdist comic sketch and captivating philosophical drama.

Waiting for Godot was first produced in Great Britain at the Arts Theatre, London in 1955, directed by Sir Peter Hall. In 1999, it was voted the most significant English language play of the 20th Century.

Samuel Beckett was an Irish playwright, novelist and theatre director who is widely regarded as among the most influential writers of modern times. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1969. His plays include Endgame, Krapp’s Last Tape and Happy Days. He died in 1989.

Directed by Michael Cabot. Designed by Bek Palmer.

Tickets: £10 full price / £8 concessions / £5 matinee

BOOK TICKETS ONLINE arena.wlv.ac.uk

12 PERFORMANCES

Frozen Light in association with The New Wolsey Theatre

An intriguing multi-sensory tale which immerses audiences in a world of new sights, sounds, smells and sensations.

THE FOREST

Trapped in lives filled with daydreams, Thea and Robin crave an escape from their everyday routines.

One day they are drawn into the dark and mysterious forest – finding themselves on journey of self-discovery, filled with surprising encounters and experiences that change their lives forever. The Forest is the unmissable new production from Frozen Light, for teenage and adult audiences with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD).

Wednesday 21 October at 11am + 1.30pm Thursday 22 October at 11am + 1.30pm

The development and tour of The Forest is supported by: Arts Council England, Stanley Thomas Johnson Foundation, Mercers Charitable Trust, Bruce Wake Foundation, Boshier Hinton Foundation, Eastern Counties Educational Trust, Hugh Fraser Charitable Trust, John Thaw Trust, D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust, Odin Charitable Trust

Tickets: £5 Very limited seats – early booking essential. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Jazz at the Arena

THE SIRKIS/BIALAS INTERNATIONAL QUARTET Thursday 22 October at 8pm Asaf Sirkis (drums, composition), Sylwia Bialas vocals, composition), Frank Harrison (piano, keyboards), Patrick Bettison (bass, chromatic harmonica).

A new collaboration between Israeli UK-resident Asaf Sirkis and Polish vocalist/composer Sylwia Bialas, with Patrick Bettison (USA) and Frank Harrison (UK).

Together they celebrate their wide ranging musical influences – from contemporary classical to Polish folk. Expect soulful melodies with strong grooves, and some uncommonly-used instruments.

Tickets: £15 full price / £13 concessions

BOX OFFICE (01902) 321 321

PERFORMANCES

13

Impulsive Collective

THE CANTERBURY TALES Friday 23 October at 1pm + 7.30pm

“… A FRESH AND EXCITING APPROACH TO STORYTELLING …

FULL OF SURPRISES.” Jonny Siddall, Redbridge Drama Centre Expect tales of love, lust, murder and mayhem as Impulse Collective bring their mischievous storytelling style to The Canterbury Tales.

A contemporary take on a 14th century classic, join the five performers on a journey from Southwark to Canterbury as they deliver their own anarchic twist on stories such as The Miller’s Tale, The Knight’s Tale, The Wife of Bath and many more.

Using a fast paced mix of physical theatre, live music and verbatim, The Canterbury Tales switches seamlessly between moments of laugh-out-loud silliness and serious questions about the extent to which society has really moved on since the time of Chaucer’s writing. Impulse Collective have adapted the text to suit a modern audience, but fans of Chaucer’s writing will find much to love in a whistle-stop tour through the stories.

Tickets: £10 full price / £8 concessions / £5 matinee

BOOK TICKETS ONLINE arena.wlv.ac.uk

14 PERFORMANCES

Penny Pepper

LOST IN SPACES Tuesday 3 November at 7.30pm

Award-winning writer, poet, performer and rights activist, Penny Pepper presents her highly anticipated, unique one-woman show.

Lost in Spaces interweaves the personal and the universal, drawing on long-kept journals mixed with poetry, spoken word and music. At times a painful journey, the wit, grit and gallows humour are never far away in Penny’s work Join Penny on her tumultuous, life-long quest to carve out her own unique space in our contrary world.

BOX OFFICE (01902) 321 321

Labels are subverted, barriers are broken. Spaces are redefined. Friends and lovers found – and lost.

From the haunting Hymn to Daddy, to the raging sarcasm of Handbagged – and a very personal invite to Cripplegate Town, her work provides a remarkable chronicle of our times.

Tickets: £10 full price / £8 concessions Suitable for ages 16+

PERFORMANCES

15

Arty Party + WOW

A WULFRUN HOME Friday 6 November at 1pm + 7.30pm Come and witness startling images, fleeting words, and powerful movement all exploring the theme of home.

An inclusive community cast of performers from Arty Party in Telford, WOW in Wolverhampton and children from local Wolverhampton schools share their ideas, thoughts and visions about home.

What does it take to make a home? What are the sounds of home? Is home the people that surround you? Is it the walls and roof over your head? Or is it something you carry in your heart?

Storyteller Peter Chand will weave together dance, theatre and film with stories of homecoming – and send you on your way a little more appreciative of the shelter and magic of your home.

Tickets: £10 full price / £8 conc. / £5 matinee

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

JUICE

COMEDY CLUB Saturday 7 November at 7.30pm Hosted by comedian and cartoonist, Wolverhampton’s own Paul Savage! Headlining tonight is Andy Kind – an accomplished and prolific stand-up, Andy has performed all over the country, supported Tim Vine on tour and written jokes for Live At The Apollo & Dave’s One Night Stand! Other acts include the cheeky Aaron Twitchen, the chaotic Liam Pickford and New York stand-up Kate McCabe.

Tickets: £10

BOOK TICKETS ONLINE arena.wlv.ac.uk

16 PERFORMANCES

New Old Friends

THE FALCON’S MALTESER Tuesday 10 November at 11am + 1.30pm

★★★★ WHAT’S ON STAGE ★★★★ CHILDREN’S THEATRE MAGAZINE A hilarious family film-noir pastiche following the adventures of hopelessly inept private detective Tim Diamond and his sharp-witted brother Nick.

The plot sees the Diamond Brothers Detective agency on a thrilling case to discover just what is so important about those titular Maltesers.

It features slapstick, comedy songs and a cast of four playing 20 brilliant characters like: The Fat Man (who has lost a lot of weight), Gott & Himmell, Lauren Barcardi, Beatrice von Falkenberg and Betty Cleaner.

BOX OFFICE (01902) 321 321

The show toured the country last year to sell-out houses and great reviews: “The wit and sheer pace is exhilarating, the barmy fun never failing to hit the spot. An absolute treat for old and young alike don’t miss it.” What’s On Stage “Falcon’s Malteser is ideal for family groups, children from 8+ especially boys, if you enjoy children’s theatre with style, an intelligent script and excellent acting.”

Children’s Theatre Magazine Tickets: £5 Suitable for ages 8+

PERFORMANCES

17

Always Love

INTESA Thursday 12 November at 7.30pm Friday 13 November at 7.30pm We’re not born mean, homophobic, racist or sexist – it’s our environment and the influence of those closest to us.

We’re too busy with our own lives to notice anyone else’s, but what if we knew their story? This hard-hitting new musical tells the untold stories of bullying, from people you’d least expect – a mother bullied by her teenage daughter; a businessman taunted at work; a girl just trying to fit in with her friends; a homeless guy who’s surviving but not really living.

Intesa – which means ‘understanding’ in Italian – takes you on an emotional rollercoaster as we discover how bullying and intimidation affect even the strongest people. If we understood what others were going through, would we still turn a blind eye?

Tickets: £10 full price / £8 concessions

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Jazz at the Arena

PARTISANS Saturday 14 November at 8pm Phil Robson (guitars), Julian Siegel (tenor sax, bass clarinet), Thaddeus Kelly (bass), Gene Calderazzo (drums) Since forming in 1996, Partisans have been thrilling audiences the world over with ferociously energetic performances of tightly knit themes. Hailed as breaking ground for the new wave of British jazz in the late ’90s, they were described by BBC Radio Jazz on 3 as “one of the most exciting all-star experimental groups” .

Partisans are a real band – known for bridging the gap between New York Swing, European Improv and UK Rock, the band has developed a distinctive sound – the combination of each member’s influences feeds a genuine creative spark, generating huge excitement and energy.

Tickets: £15 full price / £13 concessions

“FROM AFRICAN AND CARIBBEAN INFLUENCES TO MODERNISTIC EXPANSIONS OF THE JAZZ TRADITION … AN INIMITABLE STYLE THAT SEEMS TO GET BETTER EVERY TIME.” All About Jazz (live review of Ottawa Jazz Festival)

BOOK TICKETS ONLINE arena.wlv.ac.uk

18 PERFORMANCES

Single Shoe Productions

CRAZY GLUE Wednesday 18 November at 7.30pm

Mind the Gap

CONTAIN Thursday 19 November at 7.30pm Friday 20 November at 7.30pm

They have a car in the garage, a chicken in the pot and a child on the way. But is that enough to make true love stick?

Crazy Glue follows the comedic rollercoaster of a couple’s romance as they move from the blossoming of first love through to the thornier terrain of married life. Inspired by the physical comedy of Buster Keaton and the madcap absurdity of Looney Tunes, Single Shoe Productions create a fusion of silent film nostalgia and cartoon antics. The captivating cast of two blend vocal sound effects, quirky humour and an evocative 1930’s soundtrack to reveal the crazy, sticky, messy side of marriage.

Without using a single word Crazy Glue combines clowning, dance and mime into a universally accessible show guaranteed to enchant all ages and nationalities.

Tickets: £10 full price / £8 concessions

The head teacher looked at me and said “I’m afraid you have to leave this school.

There is no place for you here.”

Contained is a vibrant, compelling and personal new show from England’s largest professional learning-disabled theatre company: nine interwoven true stories about family and friendships, love and loss, the everyday and the extraordinary.

I introduced Zara to drumming lessons! She’s really good! She’s brilliant! She’s fantastic! She’s my girlfriend!

BOX OFFICE (01902) 321 321

PERFORMANCES

19

AINED

Arena Theatre presents

DIWALI UTSAV Saturday 21 November at 7.30pm Combining live performance, film, photography, music and dance, Contained explores those small moments in life that suddenly become meaningful: moments that teach us about ourselves, and the world that we live in.

Tickets: £10 full price / £8 concessions

Diwali is the Indian festival of lights, celebrating the joyous commencement of the New Year.

It marks the start of beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.

This globally celebrated festival is a time when families and friends come together for goodwill, feasting, fireworks and dancing. Come and join us to celebrate this fantastic diverse festival with lots of fun things to do and see.

Tickets: £10 full price / £8 concessions

BOOK TICKETS ONLINE arena.wlv.ac.uk

20 PERFORMANCES

Blackeyed Theatre

THE GREAT GATSBY Monday 23 November at 7.30pm Tuesday 24 November at 7.30pm Wednesday 25 November at 1pm + 7.30pm

By F. Scott Fitzgerald Adapted by Stephen Sharkey Immersing you in the decadence of America’s ‘Jazz Age’, The Great Gatsby is brought to life in this sizzling new stage adaptation from nationally acclaimed Blackeyed Theatre.

Recreating the sights, sounds and feel of America’s ‘Roaring Twenties’ as seen through the eyes of Nick Carraway, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece is a brilliant evocation of a society obsessed with wealth and status.

Adapted by Stephen Sharkey, whose work includes The May Queen (Liverpool Everyman) and The Resistible Rise Of Arturo Ui (Liverpool Playhouse/Nottingham Playhouse), this exciting new production features fabulous live music alongside the timeless language of Fitzgerald’s Great American Novel to create a truly fresh and inspiring theatrical experience.

Directed by Eliot Giuralarocca.

Musical Director Ellie Verkerk.

Tickets: £10 full price / £8 concessions / £5 matinee

BOX OFFICE (01902) 321 321

PERFORMANCES

21

Jazz at the Arena

ZOE RAHMAN TRIO Thursday 3 December at 8pm Zoe Rahman (piano), Alec Dankworth (bass), Gene Calderazzo (drums) Described in The Obsever as “a remarkable pianist by any standard”, Zoe Rahman has firmly established herself as one of the brightest stars on the contemporary jazz scene. A vibrant and highly individual pianist/composer, her style is deeply rooted in jazz yet it reflects her classical background, British/Bengali heritage and her very broad musical taste. Known for her powerful technique, wide-ranging imagination and exuberant performance, she has become a highly sought-after musician, working most recently with the likes of George Mraz, Courtney Pine and Jerry Dammers’ Spatial AKA Orchestra.

Tickets: £15 full price / £13 concessions

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Krazy Kat Theatre

THE SINGING RINGING TREE Friday 4 December at 10.30am + 1pm Saturday 5 December at 11am + 2pm A haughty Princess, a friendly Prince and an evil Troll combine to tell a tricksy tale of youthful optimism, fractured through the kaleidoscope of this famous German fable. This fast and funny family show features sign language, exquisite puppets and big laughs. Suitable for all audiences, Krazy Kat’s latest production showcases their mastery of visual storytelling, and bristles with creativity, humour and ingenuity.

Tickets: £5 Suitable for deaf and hearing children aged 3-7 and their families

BOOK TICKETS ONLINE arena.wlv.ac.uk

22

Are you an emerging artist based in Wolverhampton?

Are you a student at the University of Wolverhampton studying the Performing Arts, or with an interest in any aspect of the performing arts?

We are looking for writers, performers, devisers, directors and designers to join us as part of an exciting project from the Arena Theatre.

Arena Collaborative Theatremakers (ACT) is an initiative to allow students, recent graduates and emerging artists the space to develop their own work with support from industry professionals. The collective meets twice a month in the Tilstone Studio at the Arena, giving an opportunity for students to present ‘work in progress’ to a small audience allowing them to develop their projects in a safe, creative space.

Each evening will feature a ‘work in progress’, an interview with an industry professional and a featured piece from an invited performer. Feedback is actively encouraged and sessions are designed to be the perfect environment to network with local creatives.

ACT meeting dates this autumn:

Tuesday 6 October at 7pm +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Tuesday 20 October at 7pm +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Tuesday 10 November at 7pm +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Tuesday 17 November at 7pm +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Tuesday 1 December at 7pm +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

ACT meetings are FREE to attend and open to all.

If you would like to be involved, come along to one of the events listed above or contact Neil Reading at the Arena on neil.reading@wlv.ac.uk +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

THE CHANCE TO GET YOUR WORK SEEN IN WOLVERHAMPTON

ON

23

Arena Collaborative Theatremakers

ACT COLLECTION Tuesday 8 December at 7.30pm

FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY

In Autumn 2014 the Arena Theatre launched Arena Collaborative Theatremakers; a new development project aimed at engaging local theatremakers across a wide range of disciplines.

Over the last 18 months we have developed a lively creative community and have showcased work by a huge number of writers, actors, directors and theatremakers.

The ACT Collection brings together some of the highlights of this project to share with you – for one night only!

We have handpicked some of our favourite pieces and hope you will join us to see what the emerging theatremakers of Wolverhampton have to offer.

Tickets: ÂŁ5

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Keep up to date with ACT:

@ArenaMakers

facebook.com/arenacollaborative BOOK TICKETS ONLINE arena.wlv.ac.uk

LEARNING + PARTICIPATION

Arena Theatre + Birmingham REP present

YOUNG ARENA JUNIOR FOR AGES 8-12YRS

Monday evenings: 21 September – 7 December at 4pm-5.30pm (excluding Monday 26 October) BOX OFFICE (01902) 321 321

Following the success of the Young Arena programme over the past two years, the Arena Theatre and the Birmingham Repertory Theatre are delighted to be launching Young Arena Junior, a youth theatre initiative for 8-12 year olds alongside the existing programme for older children.

To register a place, contact the Arena Theatre box office or book on-line.

Tickets: £45 Suitable for ages 8-12

25

Arena Theatre + Birmingham REP present

YOUNG ARTS ARENA AWARD FOR AGES 13-18YRS Monday evenings: 21 September – 7th December at 6pm-8pm (excluding Monday 26 October) These weekly youth theatre sessions will be led by a director from Birmingham Repertory Theatre and will give you the opportunity to develop devising and performance skills and to work towards taking part in Birmingham Young REP’s annual youth festival events in 2016.

This is a partnership between the Arena Theatre and Birmingham’s Young REP, an inclusive producing youth theatre working with young people across the West Midlands, which aims to engender a lifelong passion for theatre in its members..

Each year the company, led by professional staff from Birmingham Repertory Theatre, creates and produces a broad range of high quality theatrical experiences.

To register a place, contact the Arena Theatre box office or book on-line.

Tickets: £45 Suitable for ages 13-18

AT THE ARENA

Arts Award is a national qualification for 7-25 year olds, which supports young people’s development as artists and arts leaders.

It’s a great way to develop creative and leadership skills, whilst getting a qualification recognised nationally by employers and educators.

We offer Arts Award at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, and accept young people from ages 13-18.

Look for the Arts Award icon in this programme to find events and performances that may support your participation in Arts Award.

Visit the Arts Award website www.artsaward.org.uk or contact us to find out more.

Activity support by Arts Connect West Midlands as part of their Partnership Investment programme.

BOOK TICKETS ONLINE arena.wlv.ac.uk

26 INDEPENDENT + AMATEUR PRODUCTIONS

INDEPENDENT + AMATEUR PRODUCTIONS Wolverhampton Youth Music Theatre

Reach for the Stage

AVENUE Q

ANNUAL CONCERT

Tuesday 1 September at 7.30pm Wednesday 2 September at 7.30pm Thursday 3 September at 7.30pm Friday 4 September at 7.30pm Saturday 5 September at 2.30pm + 7.30pm Tickets: £11 full price / £8 concessions

Friday 27 November at 7pm Saturday 28 November at 11am, 3pm + 7pm Tickets: £8 full price / £6 concessions +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Flexus Dance Company

Alexis Southall Tribal Fusion

DANCE PLATFORM

INFUSION EMPORIUM Saturday 31 October at 7.30pm Infusion Emporium, a locally developed world fusion dance event, is in its fifth year. This performance showcases some of the most innovative contemporary choreographers and dancers to have emerged from this scene. The work fuses Middle Eastern dance with other cultural dances, as well as Western influences – from contemporary and jazz to street dance and waacking.

Performers include the legendary Heather Stants from San Diego, Piny Orichidaceae from Lisbon, Kari of Sacramento-based dance company UNMATA, and Yahna, Estonia’s first professional Tribal Fusion dancer, whose style embraces traditional Middle Eastern Dance, contemporary and dubstep.

Tickets: £18 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Wednesday 9 December at 7.30pm Celebrate the best new dance work from across Wolverhampton. Flexus’ new professional company will present work alongside the touring company and other new artists from the region.

Tickets: £5 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

WOW, No-Nonsense + The Discoverers

CHRISTMAS SHOWCASE Wednesday 16 December at 1.30pm + 7.30pm Once again, we welcome four talented and popular local theatre groups to help us celebrate Christmas.

The Discoverers, No-Nonsense, Take a Bow and WOW will delight us with comedy, drama, dance and music in a showcase of new work – a real treat for Christmas.

Tickets: £1 matinee / £5 evening performance

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

BOX OFFICE (01902) 321 321

HIRE THE ARENA AN IDEAL VENUE FOR PERFORMANCES, MEETINGS + CONFERENCES PERFORM IN OUR 150-SEAT AUDITORIUM

SEATS 30-50

All of our spaces have state-of-the-art equipment, with full technical support and our own tailored range of hospitality and catering.

The 150-seat main Auditorium forms the heart of the theatre. It is fully accessible and equipped for theatre, concerts and multimedia presentations.

Complete with in-built conference equipment, our Seminar Room can accommodate 30 in boardroom style, or up to 50 with seating in rows.

Our prices are very competitive, and we’re conveniently located, close to plenty of parking, and rail, tram and bus links, right in the centre of Wolverhampton.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Contact Neil Reading to discuss hiring the Arena for your production or business event: (01902) 321 321 / neil.reading@wlv.ac.uk

28 AT A GLANCE DATE

WHAT’S ON

1-5 Sep

Avenue Q – Wolverhampton Youth Music Theatre

11-12 Sep

The Disappearance of Dorothy Lawrence – Vital Xposure

4

18 Sep

Our Main Story Tonight – Sheriff

5

21 Sep

Young Arena + Young Arena Junior – Arena Theatre + Birmingham REP

22 Sep

Something Then, Something Now – Seeta Patel

28 Sep

Young Arena + Young Arena Junior – Arena Theatre + Birmingham REP

1-2 Oct

Edmund the Learned Pig – Fittings Multimedia Arts, Krazy Kat Theatre + The Royal Exchange Theatre

6

3 Oct

Django a la Creole – Jazz at the Arena

7

5 Oct

Young Arena + Young Arena Junior – Arena Theatre + Birmingham REP

6 Oct

Arena Collaborative Theatremakers

8 Oct

PILOT Night – PILOT, Black Country Touring + Creative Black Country

8

9 Oct

All Our Heroes – Arena Theatre + Sampad Arts

8

12 Oct

Young Arena + Young Arena Junior – Arena Theatre + Birmingham REP

13 Oct

…In the middle with you – Hagit Yakira Dance

14 Oct

How To Be A Hero – White Rabbit, The Albany + Birmingham Repertory Theatre

10

15-16 Oct

Waiting for Godot – London Classic Theatre

11

19 Oct

Young Arena + Young Arena Junior – Arena Theatre + Birmingham REP

20 Oct

Arena Collaborative Theatremakers

22

21-22 Oct

The Forest – Frozen Light in association with The New Wolsey Theatre

12

22 Oct

The Sirkis/Bialas International Quartet – Jazz at the Arena

12

23 Oct

The Canterbury Tales – Impulsive Collective

13

31 Oct

Infusion Emporium – Alexis Southall Tribal Fusion

26

2 Nov

Young Arena + Young Arena Junior – Arena Theatre + Birmingham REP

3 Nov

Lost in Spaces – Penny Pepper

14

6 Nov

A Wulfrun Home – Arty Party + WOW

15

7 Nov

Comedy Club – JUICE

15

9 Nov

Young Arena + Young Arena Junior – Arena Theatre + Birmingham REP

BOX OFFICE (01902) 321 321

PAGE 26

24/25 5 24/25

24/25 22

24/25 9

24/25

24/25

24/25

AT A GLANCE

29

DATE

WHAT’S ON

PAGE

10 Nov

The Falcon’s Malteser – New Old Friends

16

10 Nov

Arena Collaborative Theatremakers

22

12-13 Nov

Intesa – Always Love

17

14 Nov

Partisans – Jazz at the Arena

17

16 Nov

Young Arena + Young Arena Junior – Arena Theatre + Birmingham REP

17 Nov

Arena Collaborative Theatremakers

22

18 Nov

Crazy Glue – Single Shoe Productions

18

19-20 Nov

Contained – Mind the Gap

18

21 Nov

Diwali Utsav – Jai Jashn Dance

19

23 Nov

Young Arena + Young Arena Junior – Arena Theatre + Birmingham REP

23-25 Nov

The Great Gatsby – Blackeyed Theatre

20

27-28 Nov

Annual Concert – Reach for the Stage

26

30 Nov

Young Arena + Young Arena Junior – Arena Theatre + Birmingham REP

1 Dec

Arena Collaborative Theatremakers

22

3 Dec

Zoe Rahman Trio – Jazz at the Arena

21

4-5 Dec

The Singing Ringing Tree – Krazy Kat Theatre

21

7 Dec

Young Arena + Young Arena Junior – Arena Theatre + Birmingham REP

24

8 Dec

ACT Collection – Arena Collaborative Theatremakers

23

9 Dec

Dance Platform – Flexus Dance Company

26

16 Dec

Christmas Showcase – WOW, No-Nonsense + The Discoverers

26

24/25

24/25

24/25

KEY: Performances Learning + Participation Jazz Independent + Amateur Productions

BOOK TICKETS ONLINE arena.wlv.ac.uk

30 HOW TO BOOK Book online

arena.wlv.ac.uk Book by phone

(01902) 321 321 Book in person

Arena Theatre, Wulfruna Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 1SE Box Office opening times: Monday to Friday – 10am until 5pm We’re also open one hour before each show.

Booking fees When you book in person or over the phone there are no booking fees and we will post your tickets to you for free. For online bookings there is a booking fee of £1 and postal charge of 50p. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Concessions Details of concessions tickets prices are included within each show listing. They are available if you are under 16, a student in full time education, over 60, a recipient of Job Seekers Allowance, University of Wolverhampton staff and/or alumni. Please bring proof of status.

Please note that for Independent and Amateur productions, concessions and discounts may vary. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Refunds Tickets are not normally refundable, but may be exchanged – subject to availability. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Thank you to our Patrons!

TICKET OFFERS Friends From just £10 a year you can become a Friend of the Arena, helping us continue our important development and outreach work. As a thank you, our Friends receive a number of benefits, including discounts on tickets to all Arena Theatre shows, except for Independent + Amateur events, or any shows priced under £8. Visit the Arena website for full terms and conditions.

Schools and colleges Teacher-led school and college groups are entitled to free tickets for accompanying teachers. Please call the Box Office for full details.

Group bookings We offer one free ticket for every ten purchased by a group, for the same show. Please call the Box Office for full details.

We reserve the right to make discounted ticket offers to selected customers at any time. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

GIFT VOUCHERS Dave Holland Arena Theatre Patron Michael Mansfield QC Jazz at the Arena Patron Zoe Rahman Jazz at the Arena Patron

BOX OFFICE (01902) 321 321

Give the gift of theatre with our Arena Theatre gift vouchers. Usable on all Arena Theatre shows (apart from Independent + Amateur productions), gift vouchers are the perfect present for theatre fans and are available to the value of your choice.

HOW TO BOOK

31

SEATING PLAN Reserved seating is in place for our shows, so when booking your tickets you can also pick where you’d prefer to sit (subject to availability) – simply choose from the Seating Plan below.

There are selected shows during the season where reserved seating is not available, and this will be made clear when you book.

ENJOY DINNER + A SHOW Book one of these meal offers at the Arena Theatre Box Office when you book your show tickets: Looking for somewhere to eat before the show?

Our friends at The Bilash, Wolverhampton’s only Michelin-rated restaurant, have a pre-show meal offer for Arena audiences. The Bilash offers Bangladeshi and South Indian modern fine dining and is within walking distance of the Arena, in the pedestrianised area of Cheapside. Arena Theatre patrons can book a set menu 2-course meal for £15 per person when buying tickets from our Box Office.

Please see website for menu details.

No. 2 Cheapside, Wolverhampton WV1 1TU www.thebilash.co.uk

Located in Wolverhampton City Centre, The Hungry Bistro aims to provide its customers with great homecooked food at reasonable, honest prices. If you’re looking to have a meal that you can really enjoy, you’ll struggle to find a better place in the city! If you’re dining with a friend or loved one, choose a 2-course meal for £30 which includes a bottle of house wine.

Alternatively, individual diners can have a 2-course meal and large glass of wine for £15.

81 Lichfield Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 1EQ (Close to the railway and bus stations.) www.hungrybistro.com

BOOK TICKETS ONLINE arena.wlv.ac.uk

32 HOW TO FIND US Arena Theatre, Wulfruna Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 1SE

GETTING HERE By car The Arena is in the middle of Wolverhampton, easily accessible by road. Signs to ‘University (South)’ will lead you to Wulfruna Street. Limited street parking is available outside, and the nearby Broad Street car park is open 24 hours a day.

By train Wolverhampton train station is just a 5-minute walk away from the Arena Theatre. See map for directions.

By bus and Metro Wolverhampton is served by bus companies who link all the surrounding towns in the area. Wolverhampton bus and Metro stations are just a 5 minute walk away. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

ACCESS INFORMATION Arena Theatre is committed to being accessible to everybody.

We recommend that disabled audience members book their tickets in advance so that we can provide assistance if needed.

We offer free tickets to companions, and access features include:

Lift access to all levels Sennheiser Infrared Enhanced Hearing System (Please reserve your headset at the Box Office when booking your ticket) Assistance dogs are welcome All areas and rooms have Grade 2 Braille signs

This brochure is also available in large print or on audio CD – call 01902 321 321 to request a copy.

BOX OFFICE (01902) 321 321

HOW TO FIND US

33

BOOK TICKETS ONLINE arena.wlv.ac.uk

34 THE PERFORMANCE HUB

THE PERFORMANCE HUB University of Wolverhampton (Walsall Campus), Gorway Rd, Walsall WS1 3BD

General enquiries: 01902 323 200

THE PERFORMANCE HUB

35

B The Performance Hub is The University of Wolverhampton’s performing arts centre at Walsall Campus, and sister venue to the Arena Theatre.

Not only does The Performance Hub have a varied programme of classes and live performances on offer, but it’s also the perfect place to create, rehearse and perform shows and to host meetings and events.

PERFORMANCES, MEETINGS, CONFERENCES + EVENTS The Performance Hub has a number of rooms that can be used to host meetings and conferences. The Black Box Theatre has seating for up to 108 delegates and a number of breakout rooms around the building can be used for workshops, seminars and presentations.

The Performance Hub is equipped with the latest technology to allow you to make the most of facilities on offer. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

MUSIC As well as several rehearsal rooms, The Performance Hub has recording facilities, with two computer suites equipped with iMacs running Protools, Logic, Cubase and Sibelius software and two recording with analogue and digital recording equipment. The University is proud to be an All Steinway School and home to 17 Steinway pianos.

DRAMA The Performance Hub has a range of rehearsal studios of different sizes for drama, with the Black Box Theatre available for performances. For critical analysis of drama, we have a range of data projectors, televisions, video recorders, DV cameras and DVD players. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

DANCE The Performance Hub has dance studios with sprung and semi-sprung floors and offers state-of-the-art recording and playback facilities, virtual daylight and air-conditioning. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

To find out more please contact Neil Reading on (01902 322 297) or email Neil.Reading@wlv.ac.uk

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

BOOK TICKETS ONLINE www.wlv.ac.uk/tph

& THE PERFORMANCE HUB

Follow @Arena_Theatre on Twitter www.facebook.com/arenatheatre BOX OFFICE (01902) 321 321 BOOK ONLINE arena.wlv.ac.uk EMAIL arena@wlv.ac.uk

Arena Theatre, Wulfruna Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 1SE Designed by www.supercooldesign.co.uk