A tale of lost innocence, beginning with an argument over forbidden fruit
18-22 September 2018 The Studio Showtimes: Weekdays 19.30 Saturday 14.30 & 19.30
Directed by David Dunford Audition: 22 May 2018
REMEMBERED HILLS
BLUE
“
Into my heart an air that kills From yon far country blows: What are those blue remembered hills, What spires, what farms are those?” Contains strong language and disturbing scenes.
This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Samuel French Ltd.
by Dennis Potter
n a summer afternoon in wartime England, a group of seven-year-old classmates pass the time aimlessly and unsupervised in the countryside – chasing squirrels, playing with toys, gossiping, fighting, dreaming up schemes and challenging each other with dares. The affable Willie and bullish Peter are joined by levelheaded John, stuttering Raymond, melodramatic Angela, spiteful Audrey, and the hapless ‘Donald Duck’ who is usually the butt of their jokes. Their idle search for fun leads the children in and out of the woods, fields and an old barn, where their pranks and games lead to disastrous consequences. Dennis Potter’s BAFTA-winning television play is no sentimental portrait of childhood innocence. The boys and girls – played by adult actors – show all the playfulness, impulsiveness, rivalry and cruelty that children can be capable of.
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EQUUS
by Peter Shaffer
Auditorium
8-13 October 2018
The Auditorium Showtimes: Weekdays 19.30 Saturday 14.30 & 19.30
Directed by Chris Sims Audition: 5 June 2018
I see you. Always. Everywhere. Forever.
“
Equus the Godslave, Faithful and True. Into my hands he commends himself – naked in his chinkle-chankle.” Contains strong language, nudity, disturbing scenes, flashing lights and smoking. This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Samuel French Ltd.
artin Dysart, an overworked psychiatrist, reluctantly takes on a shocking case: a seventeen-year-old stable boy who has blinded six horses with a metal spike. The boy, Alan Strang, is surly and introverted, answering every question with a jingle from a TV advert. Through patient discussion with Alan, and his distraught parents, Dr Dysart gradually pieces together the truth about the boy’s childhood and his strange fascination with horses. As their therapy progresses, Alan must finally relive the events of that terrible night, while Dysart in turn confronts the existential crisis in his own life. Peter Shaffer’s haunting drama makes inventive use of the stage, actors and masks to conjure up real and abstract scenes, memories and dreams in a story which raises questions about the place of humanity, animals and gods, the mundane and the spiritual, in modern society.
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When your world collapses, you can still rely on your family. Can’t you?
23-27 October 2018 The Studio Showtimes: Weekdays 19.30 Saturday 14.30 & 19.30
Directed by Roger Watson Audition: 3 July 2018
THE
KNOTHEART
“
Lots of my friends do it. Like no one’s injecting or anything. It’s only a tiny bit of opium. And I’ve had such an awful day you wouldn’t believe it.”
Contains strong language, adult themes and scenes of drug use. This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Nick Hern Ltd.
OF THE
by David Eldridge
ucy has it all: a promising career as a children’s TV presenter, a loving mother, and a casual drug habit which she thinks she has under control. But after being caught smoking heroin in the studio, Lucy’s comfortable life begins to slip through her fingers and her habit spirals into a dangerous addiction which costs her not only her job but her friends, health and happiness. David Eldridge’s remarkable modern drama follows Lucy’s path through drug dens, hospital wards and treatment centres, while her well-meaning mother and resentful sister struggle to make sense of what is happening to her. This is not only a journey through addiction and recovery, but the story of a family struggling to regain the closeness and trust they have lost and to find redemption in each other.
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KING
CHARLES III 12-17 November
by Mike Bartlett
Auditorium
2018
The Auditorium Showtimes: Weekdays 19.30 Saturday 14.30 & 19.30
Directed by Sam Allison Audition: 17 July 2018
Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown
“
I’ll never give away the crown, for me It’s duty and my calling, things to do! I know, don’t ask me how, that I will be The greatest King of all.” Contains strong language.
This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Nick Hern Ltd.
n a not too distant future, Prince Charles ascends the throne as Britain’s King, a role he has been preparing for all his life. But before the coronation formalities have even been completed, the new King’s idealistic principles and his insistence on his own royal prerogative put him in direct conflict with parliament. The resulting constitutional crisis divides opinions and loyalties across the nation, as well as within the royal household where Princes William and Harry, Duchess Kate and Charles’s advisors all urge him to reconsider his stance. Mike Bartlett’s acclaimed – and controversial – future history play premiered in 2014 with a TV adaptation following in 2017. Written in Shakespearean blank verse, it echoes the intrigues and follies of the Bard’s great history plays as the saga unfolds from royal funeral to coronation day.
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A barking spoof that will have you howling with laughter
10-15 December 2018 The Auditorium Showtimes: Weekdays 19.30 Saturday 14.30 & 19.30
Directed by Matt Huntbach Audition: 4 September 2018
THE
HOUND OF THE
BASKERVILLES
“
A big intricate puzzle. And it’s like we’ve got the corner pieces, but a lot of the middle pieces are missing, aren’t they?”
Contains strong language, flashing lights and smoke effects. This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Nick Hern Ltd.
adapted by Steven Canny & John Nicholson
ir Charles Baskerville lies dead on the moor, apparently the latest victim of a curse which has haunted his family for generations. And so the great detective Sherlock Holmes and his trusty sidekick Dr Watson embark for remote Baskerville Hall, determined to unmask the killer before another victim falls prey to the legendary Hound. Can Holmes and Watson unravel the mysteries of the prowling evil that lurks on the moor, the candle signalling in the window, the butler’s suspicious beard and Sir Henry’s vanishing trousers? This hilarious stage adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s most popular novel, written for the comedy theatre company Peepolykus with a three-man cast, is full of witty dialogue, comic absurdities, blood-curdling howls and lightning-fast costume changes. It celebrates and subverts the clichés of the genre, while never failing to remind its audience that all is an illusion.
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SEP
Mon 3rd Theatre opens Tue 11th Open Evening
DEC
Thu 6h Open evening Wed 19th Theatre closes
APR
Fri 19th Theatre closes Mon 22nd Theatre re-opens
If you have a passion for performing, the Lace Market Theatre is a great place to get on stage – whether you’ve been treading the boards for years or are curious about acting for the first time. We always welcome new talent at our auditions and you’ll be given all the guidance and support you need as you rehearse your role and get ready to perform with us.
The Lace Market Theatre is entirely run by our members volunteering in their free time – from the actors on stage and the backstage crew to the box office and bar staff. Here are some of the many ways you can contribute to our friendly theatre community.
SOCIAL EVENTS
As a Lace Market Theatre member, we’ll keep you updated via email and our social media pages on what’s happening in our thriving social scene throughout the season, such as quizzes, exhibitions and open mic events.
LUNCHTIME THEATRE
Our monthly Lunchtime Theatre event, held in our bar on a weekday lunchtime, includes a talk from some of our members or guest speakers on theatre, literature or music, followed by a lively discussion. Some sessions also include a performance or a workshop. Lunchtime Theatre is open to all theatre members and their guests. Contact: cynthia.marsh@nottingham.ac.uk
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AUDITIONS
Come along to an audition if you’re interested in performing in one of our plays. Our auditions are open to everyone so you don’t need to become a theatre member beforehand, but you will need to join the theatre if you accept a part. Audition dates are listed for each play in this brochure and we will publish more information on our website ahead of each audition to help you prepare.
OCT
Thu 4th Open Evening
JAN
NOV
OPEN EVENINGS
Thu 8th Open Evening
MAR
Wed 2nd Theatre re-opens Tue 15th Open Evening
Tue 5th Open Evening Sun 17th AGM (Members only)
MAY
JUL
Tue 14th Open Evening
Mon 29th Theatre closes for Summer
For details on how to become a member of the Lace Market Theatre see page 23
We provide a welcoming experience for our visitors, including a licensed bar and coffee bar, as well as managing ticket sales and ‘front of house’ duties on performance nights. We encourage all theatre members to assist us in these supporting roles and will provide you with full training.
There’s a lot that goes into a successful show besides the performers, and each of our productions needs a dedicated team of creative and technical volunteers working behind the scenes to develop the look and feel of the play and make sure everything runs smoothly. These are some of the offstage roles you could get involved in, and we’ll provide all the training you need.
Directing or assisting a director Stage managing or assisting backstage Set design, building and decoration Costumes – selecting or creating them Props – sourcing and making them Sound design and operation Lighting design and operation
Find out more about the Lace Market Theatre and meet some of our knowledgeable volunteers at one of our open evenings.
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ABOUT US
What Our Audiences Said
“Had a blast tonight watching #OtherwiseEngaged @LMTheatre The cast was amazing, the play hilarious”
The Bourgeois Gentleman: “Some terrific period costumes” - Alan Geary, Nottingham Post
“First time @LMTheatre and what a play to see. #FlarePath was excellent. Moving, funny and engaging.”
The Thrill of Love: “A very slick, dark, and intimate production.” - Matthew Smith, Left Lion
Our History We are an independent theatre in Nottingham city centre, staging a varied programme of amateur productions throughout the year in our cosy auditorium and our upstairs studio. Our origins date back to the 1920s but we’ve been the Lace Market Theatre since 1972 when we acquired the current theatre building, located in the city’s historic Lace Market district. The building dates back to 1760 and had been a chapel, a school and a paint store before it became our theatre. Take a look in our upstairs bar and studio to see the building’s old timber beams and gables. Our theatre is staffed entirely by our unpaid members and is a registered charity, with all proceeds from ticket sales going to the costs of productions and upkeep.
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There is no drug more powerful than love
8-12 January 2019
The Studio Showtimes: Weekdays 19.30 Saturday 14.30 & 19.30
Directed by Malcolm Todd Audition: 2 October 2018
THE
“
You know, the history of medicine is mostly just the history of the placebo since we know now almost none of it worked.”
Contains strong language and nudity. This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Samuel French Ltd.
EFFECT
by Lucy Prebble
clinical trial is under way for a new anti-depressant. For psychiatrist Dr James and pharmacologist Dr Sealey, this is a rigorous scientific exercise in monitoring brain activity and behaviour. For the volunteers taking the drug, it’s easy cash in exchange for a few weeks away from the outside world. But the routines and results of the trial are soon thrown into jeopardy when two of the participants – psychology student Connie and jack-the-lad Tristan – begin to fall for each other. Their innocent flirting escalates into an intense passion, complete with physical, mental and emotional symptoms which nobody expected. Lucy Prebble’s thoughtful and moving clinical drama blends psychology with humour and romance. What is causing the effect? Is it a natural attraction between two young lovers? Is it the drug shaping their moods and feelings? Or just a placebo effect?
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A
STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE
by Tennessee Williams
Auditorium
28 January2 February 2019 The Auditorium Showtimes: Weekdays 19.30 Saturday 14.30 & 19.30
Directed by Wayne Parkin Audition: 15 October 2018
Haven’t you ever ridden on that streetcar?
“
Desire! – the name of that rattletrap streetcar that bangs through the Quarter, up one old narrow street and down another.” Contains scenes of domestic and sexual violence, discriminatory language, smoking and flashing lights. This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Samuel French Ltd.
n a run-down tenement in New Orleans’ French Quarter, Stella Kowalski has made a new life for herself with her blue collar Polish American husband, Stanley. Unexpectedly, Stella’s sister, Blanche Dubois, arrives in town, claiming to have taken a leave of absence from her teaching job and to have “lost” the family’s country estate. Tensions flare as the hot Louisiana summer wears on, with the proud and resentful Stanley becoming increasingly hostile towards his flaky and judgmental sister-in-law, growing suspicious of her delusional stories and of the blossoming romance between Blanche and his buddy, Mitch. Tennessee Williams’ explosive 1947 domestic drama is as bluesy, boozy, fiery and passionate as a hot night in New Orleans, and was a sensation on stage and screen, immortalised in Marlon Brando’s legendary performance as Stanley Kowalski.
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Learning to live and love after loss
25 February2 March 2019
The Auditorium Showtimes: Weekdays 19.30 Saturday 14.30 & 19.30
Directed by Gill Scott Audition: 6 November 2018
THE
CEMETERYCLUB
“
One day you’re on your knee proposing, the next day you’re standing at a grave remembering how nervous you were. And somehow, before you know it, forty years have passed between the two days.”
This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Samuel French Ltd.
by Ivan Menchell
very month, New Yorkers Ida, Lucille and Doris meet up on a Sunday for tea, gossip and reminiscing before visiting the Jewish cemetery to pay their respects at their husbands’ graves. United by their decades-long friendship and their shared experiences of widowhood, the trio have very different attitudes to life after bereavement. Doris remains devoted to her late husband, believing that marriages are forever, while extrovert Lucille devotes herself instead to ‘playing the field’. Ida longs to start a new chapter in her life, but feels a little guilty at the idea of loving another man. A chance encounter at the cemetery with Sam, a widower, opens the possibility of a new romance for Ida, but can the relationship survive Doris and Lucille’s meddling? A touching and humorous exploration of friendship, loss and finding love again later in life.
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DAISY PULLS IT OFF
by Denise Deegan
Auditorium
27-30 March 2019 The Auditorium Showtimes: Weekdays 19.30 Saturday 14.30 & 19.30
Presented by the Lace Market Youth Theatre Directed by Sarah Ogando If treasure and glory you seek, Beware of bullies, snobs and sneaks
“
Daisy Meredith, daredevil, tomboy, possessed of a brilliant mind, exuberant, quickwitted, fond of practical jokes, honourable, honest, courageous, straight in all things.”
This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Samuel French Ltd.
lucky young Daisy arrives at the esteemed Grangewood School for Girls – a world of Latin mottos, hockey matches and midnight feasts. As the school’s first ever scholarship pupil, she is determined to prove herself worthy in the classroom and on the playing field – which won’t be easy when a couple of snooty school bullies are doing everything they can to undermine her. Meanwhile the school is in financial difficulties and close to ruin, unless the Beaumont family’s lost treasure can be found within its walls. Daisy and her eccentric chum Trixie go to work in secret, searching for clues to solve the riddle of the hidden treasure – before it falls into the wrong hands. This affectionate parody of boarding school adventure stories, performed by our Youth Theatre, will please fans of Enid Blyton or Harry Potter alike.
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If you want to see a stage full of energy and bursting with young talent, crafted with as much care and attention to detail as the adult plays, the Youth Theatre show is definitely not to be missed.
LACE MARKET
YOUTH THEATRE
Our theatre is home to one of the most highly regarded, creative and energetic youth theatres in Nottingham. Its reputation is one of pushing the boundaries and never doing the ordinary. We aim to inspire and challenge young people to explore all aspects of theatre through various techniques and approaches, whatever your experience. We work to a professional level and never settle for less.
ACTIVITIES
PERFORMANCES
We run a busy programme of activities including drama workshops every Saturday morning from 10.30am to 12.30pm, during term time. Workshops are aimed at giving practice and guidance on performance skills and theatrical understanding through practical activities, in a friendly social environment.
We put on one major public production in the main auditorium and other shorter pieces are put forward into various Youth Festivals.
Don’t miss our next LMT Youth performance: Daisy Pulls it Off
Membership is ÂŁ50 and open for anyone 11-18 years old. Next group audition: 15 September 2018 Youth Theatre Showcase: 30 June 2019 15
COMPLEAT FEMALE STAGE BEAUTY
by Jeffrey Hatcher
Auditorium
22-27 April 2019 The Auditorium Showtimes: Weekdays 19.30 Saturday 14.30 & 19.30
Directed by Colin Treliving Audition: 18 December 2018
Comedy, tragedy and backstage tat – London, 1660
“
Such eyes, such hair, such lips, and voice to stir... The player is Kynaston. And surely he is the most beautiful woman in the house!”
Contains strong language, nudity and sexual scenes. This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Samuel French Ltd.
n 1660s London – the era of King Charles II, Nell Gwynn and Samuel Pepys – the English theatre is making a triumphant revival after a decade of Puritan rule. One of its greatest stars is Edward Kynaston, a male actor renowned for playing leading ladies. But Kynaston’s world is about to be turned upside-down when a female rival, Margaret Hughes, takes to the stage. Soon Kynaston finds himself rejected by his audience, abandoned by his theatre, and even spurned by his secret lover, the Duke of Buckingham. Can he return from the gutter and find glory once again in the changing world of the theatre? Jeffrey Hatcher’s very modern take on restoration drama combines comical and bawdy dialogue with a tale of intrigue, betrayal, jealousy and revenge recalling the tragedy of Othello and Desdemona, the signature role which links the sparring thespians.
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If you love deeply, you’re going to get hurt badly – but it’s worth it
7-11 May 2019
The Studio Showtimes: Weekdays 19.30 Saturday 14.30 & 19.30
Directed by Marcus Wakely Audition: 22 January 2019
SHADOWLANDS
“
We are like blocks of stone, out of which the sculptor carves the forms of men. The blows of his chisel, which hurt us so much, are what makes us perfect.”
This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Samuel French Ltd.
by William Nicholson
n 1950s Oxford, C.S. Lewis is a respected academic and theologian as well as a world-famous children’s author, who lives the quiet life of a middle-aged bachelor. Enter Joy Gresham (née Davidman), an American poet and admirer of Lewis’s work, visiting Oxford with her young son. Lewis, known to his friends as Jack, strikes up a literary correspondence with Joy, which grows into a deep friendship and then a platonic marriage to support her British visa. But it is only when Joy is taken seriously ill that Jack realises the true extent of their feelings for each other, facing for the first time forms of love and pain he never expected to know. William Nicholson’s acclaimed biographical drama is a moving tribute to Lewis and Davidman, as well as a thoughtful discourse on faith, bereavement and unexpected love.
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THE
STEPMOTHER 27 May-1 June
by Githa Sowerby
2019
The Auditorium Showtimes: Weekdays 19.30 Saturday 14.30 & 19.30
Directed by Cynthia Marsh Audition: 19 February 2019
Life as a stepmother is no fairytale
“
I know nothing – I don’t even know what my own money’s invested in... You don’t know what it’s like for me to go on working in the dark, spending everything I make, as I make it.” Contains smoking.
This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Samuel French Ltd.
ustace Gaydon is a reckless investor, barely keeping up appearances of affluence. When his wealthy sister passes away, he naturally expects this to be the solution to his money problems, but instead discovers that she has left her fortune to Lois Relph, a naive orphan of nineteen. The only way for Eustace to get his hands on the money is by marrying the girl. Ten years later, Lois is Eustace’s wife, a devoted stepmother to his daughters, and runs a successful business as a dressmaker. But her determination to provide for the family’s future and secure a good marriage for the eldest daughter is threatened by her husband’s precarious finances and manipulative attitude. Githa Sowerby’s 1924 family drama explores the struggles of an independent-minded woman within the economic and moral restraints expected of a conventional marriage.
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Love isn’t always neatly organised
24-29 June 2019
The Auditorium Showtimes: Weekdays 19.30 Saturday 14.30 & 19.30
Directed by Dan Maddison Audition: 19 March 2019
DESIGNLIVING FOR
“
Our lives are diametrically opposed to ordinary social conventions... we’ve got to find our own solutions for our own peculiar moral problems.”
This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Samuel French Ltd.
by Noël Coward
hree fashionably bohemian socialites are united – and divided – by their tangled love lives: Gilda, an interior designer; her lover Otto, a painter; and her other lover Leo, a successful playwright. Their story unfolds in a series of passionate encounters, bitter quarrels and rocky love affairs spanning several years and across the romantic cities of Paris, London and New York. Lifelong friends Otto and Leo are torn apart by their jealous rivalry for Gilda and sense of betrayal, but ultimately the trio are drawn together again by bonds of love and friendship that are as strong and fulfilling as they are unconventional. Debuting on Broadway in 1933, this comedy was controversial for its themes of sexual and romantic liberation, while its dialogue is packed with Noël Coward’s characteristically acerbic wit.
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STEPPINGOUT 22-27 July
by Richard Harris
Auditorium
2019
The Auditorium Showtimes: Weekdays 19.30 Saturday 14.30 & 19.30
Directed by Claire Choubey Audition: 6 April 2019
Shambolic amateurs putting any foot forward
“
Sway, sway, arm up, hat down... and let’s get into this big tap routine you’ve all been waiting for!” Contains strong language.
This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Samuel French Ltd.
small class of amateur dancers meets for evening tap lessons each week in a run-down church hall. The ever-patient Mavis – who has retired from a career as a professional dancer – teaches the class, while the grouchy Mrs Fraser provides piano accompaniment and sarcastic remarks. The group’s dancing skills are as varied as their clashing personalities, but the prospect of performing in a local charity gala prompts the ladies (and the class’s one man) to step up their game, put aside their differences and put their dancing skills to the test. This Evening Standard Award winning comedy drama by acclaimed playwright and TV writer Richard Harris follows the friendships, insecurities, laughter and quarrels of the group as they prepare to face to music and dance.
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When you come to see one of our shows why not treat yourself to an early evening meal out in the city centre, with one of the following offers. We’ve teamed up with a number of cafés and restaurants who offer the following discounts. When redeeming an offer be sure to present your Lace Market Theatre show ticket or confirmation email valid for a performance that day. 10% off at the Cross Keys Please book in advance quoting the Lace Market theatre food discount www.crosskeysnottingham.co.uk £5 for a slice of cake + hot drink Edin’s Deli Café
20% off at the Pitcher and Piano, Nottingham Terms and conditions apply
www.edinsnottingham.co.uk
www.pitcherandpiano.com 20% off at Copper City Centre, Nottingham Not valid throughout December www.coppercafe.co.uk
EXHIBITION SPACE We invite local artists to display their work in our small gallery during the run of an auditorium production. Paintings, sculptures and photographs are welcome. For further information contact Doreen Hunt via our website.
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YOUR VISIT Getting Here
Accessibility
The Lace Market Theatre Halifax Place, Nottingham, NG1 1QN
We can accommodate assistance dogs and have a loop hearing system in both of our performance spaces. Unfortunately we are as yet unable to provide wheelchair access. Please contact our box office in advance with any special requirements.
Find us in the heart of Nottingham’s former lace-making district just east of the city centre shopping area, less than a 5-minute walk from Lace Market tram stop and Lace Market car park. ria Victo
Long Row
St
te
r Ga Warse
Bottle Ln
Old Market Sq. (100m)
Nottingham Rail Station (500m)
Fletch
Pilcher Gate
Lace Market Theatre
Refreshments
l.
Middle Pavement
Lace Market
P Car Park
e St Marys Gat
Byard Ln
St Marys Pl
Halifax P
s Gate
Bridlesmith
Cross Keys
er Gate
Lace Market tram stop
Some of our performances may include flashing light effects. We have noted this on the play pages where this information was available at the time of publication, but in some cases this may not be confirmed until later so please check our website for any updates or contact us if you have concerns about lighting effects.
Hi gh
Pa ve m en t Pit
che r & Pia no
Parking Offer Nottingham City Council offers our theatregoers a special parking rate of £3 for 4 hours at the Lace Market Car Park. You can validate your parking ticket at our Box Office desk. Terms and conditions apply – see our website for details.
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Upstairs at the theatre you will find our fully licensed bar, open from 7pm to 10.30pm on performance nights and from 2pm for matinée performances. You can take your drinks into the theatre – just ask for a plastic glass – and you can also pre-order drinks for the interval. Our tea and coffee bar is also open for auditorium performances.