Beautiful new co-production musical for the summer

Buxton International Festival and Norwich Theatre launch a beautiful new co-production for 2023, The Land of MightHave-Been.

This bold new musical is built around Ivor Novello’s songs and is inspired by the early life of Buxton’s pioneering feminist and pacifist Vera Brittain and the intriguing loves and motivations of those closest to her, all change-makers in war-torn 1900s Britain.

Michael Williams, who has written the book and lyrics for the show, said: “This is such an extraordinary story of love, hope, resilience and the rebellious spirit of young people. It throws new light on stories we thought we knew and also brings together the parallel but separate lives of Ivor Novello, the most successful British musical theatre composer of the early 20th century and Vera Brittain, the author of the most powerful memoir of that time, Testament of Youth. Both young people were caught up in the tangles of forbidden love, war and terrible loss. It’s fitting and very poignant to be telling Vera’s story through Ivor’s beautiful songs.”

The story follows Vera, her soon-to-be fiancé Roland, and

Vera’s brother Edward and their close friend Bobbie over a long hot summer in Buxton in 1914. They all have their own ideas about their glittering futures but are faced with the prejudice and conventions of their time. The war in Europe shatters all their hopes and dreams when Vera’s “three musketeers” are lost, and she embarks on a life-long campaign for peace and equality.

Speaking about the show Chief Executive and Creative Director of Norwich Theatre, Stephen Crocker, said: “This is a story of resilience, hope and the promise of youth, themes which are still hugely relevant today. In a fairer world, what might have been for these inspirational characters? We are delighted to be working with Buxton International Festival to bring this beautiful story to the stage.”

The Land of Might-Have-Been premieres at Buxton International Festival on Friday, 7 July, then onto Norwich Theatre Royal between 25 - 30 July.

For more information or to book visit: norwichtheatre.org.

Norwich Moves at Norwich Theatre

From ballet and breakdance to physical theatre and everything in between, Norwich Theatre is celebrating all things movement based and encourages you to try something you might not have seen before.

Shows under its new Norwich Moves branding provide an opportunity to experience storytelling in a way where words are not the focus. They have been selected to feature world-class and celebrated choreographers, dancers and artists.

During April, Norwich Theatre Royal will welcome Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty (April 4th-8th). You will enter a wondrous world of magical fairies and vampires, where the timeless tale of good vs evil is turned upside-down, creating a supernatural love story that even the passage of time itself cannot hinder.

At Norwich Theatre Playhouse check out Joss Arnott’s Tin Man (Apr 14th-16th) and Rosie Kay’s award-winning show, norwichtheatre.org www.fishertheatre.org

5 Soldiers (April 20th-22nd). Tin Man is a visually stunning dance production for families and children aged 7+ and explores a re-imagined story seen through the rusty eyes of the Tin Man. Rosie Kay’s 5 Soldiers is a thrilling and humane portrait of army life, stories of four men and one woman serving on the front line, don’t miss the post-show discussion to explore the themes in more depth.

Norwich Theatre is particularly proud and excited to be hosting the world’s biggest hip-hop dance festival at Norwich Theatre Royal, May 27th. Breakin’ Convention is a complete takeover of the building, with jaw-dropping performances, DJs, graffiti artists and freestyle sessions.

If you want to get moving - Look out for the Norwich Moves sticker on Norwich Theatre’s website and brochure for more movement shows and activities to try.

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