StageDirections56

www.mousetrap.org.uk

November/December/January 2013-2014

Stage Directions Issue 56

Image from Lost Boy @ Finborough Credit: Munah Ahmed N

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DEAR TEACHERS, Welcome to first online edition of StageDirections. We’ve come into the 21st century and are now digital! While we are happy to send a printed copy of this publication to members who don’t have an email address, we are hoping that the majority of you who have email will find this a much easier way to access the fantastic theatre offers, special events and articles about using productions in the classroom.

One of the advantages of this new format is that if there are updates, changes in telephone numbers, etc. we can amend them online so you will always have the most current information.

Please let us know how you find this new format and if there are ways we can improve its usefulness and usability.

This winter edition is packed full of great theatre offers including three brand new musicals: From Here to Eternity, The Duckhouse and Stephen Ward. For those of you interested in shows for younger children, we are offering The Gruffalo at the Lyric Theatre and The Snail and the Whale at the new St James Theatre. For a good laugh, you might want to attend Dickens Abridged, which is written by Adam Long who was one of the original writers for the brilliant Reduced Shakespeare Company.

We’re also hoping that you will put the date of Monday, 20th January 2014 in the diary to join us at The 39 Steps. In addition to seeing this classic 4-hander, you will receive an education pack and a post-show talk as well as have the chance to meet other TPC members over a glass of wine.

Happy theatregoing, Katherine Usher Editor

HOW TO BOOK  You are entitled to book two tickets per membership to preview productions.  All offers are subject to availability.  When booking your tickets, and often when collecting them at the box office, you will be asked

for your TPC membership number on your membership card. Tickets CANNOT be transferred or bought on behalf of others.  Please make sure we have your current email address so we can send changes and new offers.  To log on to the website, you will need your username (firstname.surname) and a password.

Unless you otherwise specify, your password will be set up automatically as ‘mousetrap’.  Your membership will expire exactly one year after you join, when we will write to you to re-

mind you to renew.  To request offers in hard copy, please email tpc@mousetrap.org.uk with PAPER POST TPC in the

title, with your full name, membership number and postal address.

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WEST END

39 Steps, The @ Criterion Theatre Take a daring leap into the world of espionage, high drama and riproaring comedy with The 39 Steps. The wonderfully inventive Olivier Award winning show is a brilliant stage recreation of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic spy thriller and features just 4 actors playing 139 roles in 100 minutes of fast-paced fun and thrilling action.

Educational resources available at Love39Steps.com/education Tickets Days Dates To Book Ages

BLAM!

£15 Monday to Thursday @ 8pm & Wednesday @ 3pm Monday 4th November - 11th January 2014 (Excl. 26th – 29th December 2013) 0844 871 7644 and quote ‘TPC39Steps’ 8+

@ Peacock Theatre

The massive comedy hit of the Edinburgh Festival, BLAM! sees four bored workers transform their dull office into a world of aliens, superheroes and movie villains using every piece of stationery imaginable! This wordless, high energy, action packed, smash-hit show is an unbelievable mix of death-defying stunts and breathtaking physical feats with heaps of attitude thrown in for good measure.

Tickets Days To Book Ages

£15 (Top Band)+ £2.50 transaction fee Sunday 3rd November @ 2.30pm 0844 412 4322 and quote ‘Teachers’ Preview Club offer’ 12 +

Dickens Abridged

@ Arts Theatre

Dickens (Abridged) is the brainchild of Adam Long, who was a founding member of The Reduced Shakespeare Company.

A high-speed comic journey through Dickens' Greatest Hits - in just ninety minutes, an absurdly talented cast of five Charles Dickens devotees from Santa Cruz, California, bring hundreds of Dickens' best loved characters to life.

Tickets Dates To Book Ages

£15 Wednesday 27th November— Friday 29th November & Tuesday 3rd—Friday 6th December 020 7836 8463 and quote ‘Teachers Preview’ 10 +

Duckhouse, The

@ Vaudeville Theatre

An outrageous new laugh out loud comedy set in a world of dodgy receipts, dodgier deceit, and pure Parliamentary panic.

May 2009. Gordon Brown's Government is in meltdown and a General Election is just one year away. Labour backbencher Robert Houston loves being an MP and will do anything to save his seat including change sides. All is going well with his switch from red to blue until the Expenses Scandal breaks. As public fury mounts over taxpayers' millions being frittered away on second homes, hanging baskets, moat-cleaning and duck houses, Robert and his secretarial staff (aka wife Felicity, student son Seb, gorgeous girlfriend Holly and Russian housekeeper Ludmilla) find themselves in big, big trouble.

Tickets Dates To Book Ages

£15 27th November – 9th December & 6th January – 16th January @ 7.30pm 0844 412 4663 and quote TPC Offer or go to nimaxtheatres.com and enter code TPC KS4+ 3

WEST END

From Here To Eternity @ Shaftesbury Theatre The classic Pearl Harbor novel comes alive on stage. Don’t miss the world premiere production of Tim Rice’s magnificent new epic musical From Here To Eternity. Adapted from one of the greatest novels of the twentieth century, this gripping tale of illicit love and army life is a breathtakingly romantic original show.

Educational pack (currently in progress) Tickets Days Dates To Book Ages

£20 Monday - Friday @ 7:30pm and Wednesday @ 2:30pm Monday 4th November - Friday 31st January 2014 (Excl. Weeks of 23rd & 30th December) 020 7379 5399 and quote ‘Teachers Preview Club’ 13+

Gruffalo, The

@ Lyric Theatre

Based on the award-winning book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, Tall Stories’ uniquely physical production of The Gruffalo has entertained over a million people worldwide.

Follow the quick-thinking Mouse into the deep, dark wood in this magical and musical modern classic. The Gruffalo is an ideal introduction to theatre for pre and primary school children aged 3+ with songs, laughs and scary fun.

Tickets Dates To Book Ages

£9.50 Wednesday 20th November 2013 – Sunday 12th January 2014 (Excl. Sats & Suns @ 12pm) 0844 412 4661 and quote ‘StageDirections’ Enter code ‘StageDirections’ when booking online.

Early Years, Reception and Key Stage 1

One Man Two Guvnors

@ Theatre Royal Haymarket

The National Theatre presents Richard Bean’s award-winning play: a glorious celebration of British comedy. Owain Arthur is Francis Henshall in this unique, laugh-out-loud mix of satire, songs, slapstick and glittering one-liners.

Tickets Days Dates To Book Ages

£15 Monday – Friday @ 7.30pm & Wednesday @ 2.30pm 4th November 2013 – 14th February 2014 (Excl. Shows 21st December – 4th January) 020 7930 8800 and quote ‘Mousetrap Teacher Preview’ 12+

Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui, The @ Duchess Theatre Chicago in the 1930’s, the Great Depression—a time of unemployment, fear and corruption, and the perfect time for a small-fry crime boss and his henchmen to make it big, to seize power, an absolute power.

Arturo Ui by Bertolt Brecht is a funny, sharp and thrilling take on the rise of Hitler shot through with razor-sharp wit, with Henry Goodman in the title role.

Tickets Days Dates To Book Ages

£15 Monday -Thursday 4th November – 28th November @ 7.30pm 0844 412 4659 and quote TPC Offer www.artuoui.co.uk and enter code TPC KS4+ Particularly relevant for English, German, Drama and Theatre Studies.

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WEST END

Snowman, The

@ Peacock Theatre

When a young boy’s snowman magically comes to life, the two set off on a starry-skied adventure. Now in its record breaking 16th year, watch spellbound as the Snowman flies through the night sky above you in this heart-warming stage show based on Raymond Briggs’ much-loved book and featuring Howard Blake’s timeless Walking In The Air. Tickets Dates To Book Ages

Top price tickets for £15 (usually £32) + £2.50 transaction fee Wednesday 27th - Friday 29th November @ 7pm 0844 412 4322 and quote ‘Teachers’ Preview Club offer’ 2+

Stephen Ward

@ Aldwych Theatre

The new musical Stephen Ward charts the rise and fall from grace of the man at the centre of the Profumo scandal and one of the most famous trials of the 20th century. With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and book & lyrics by Christopher Hampton and Don Black.

Stephen Ward contains strong language with references to sex and some nudity. Education Notes available.

Tickets Days Dates To Book Ages

£20 Monday - Thursday @ 7.30pm 3rd December – 18th December & 6th -16th January 0844 847 2379 and quote ‘Teachers Preview Club’ 14+ (KS5)

STOMP @ Ambassadors Theatre The multi-award winning show has a universal language of rhythm, theatre, comedy and dance. Eight performers use everything from Zippo lighters, plastic bags, bin lids and even the kitchen sink to hammer out an explosively feel good rhythm.

Tickets Days Dates To Book Ages

£20 Mondays and Thursdays @ 8pm & Sundays @ 3pm 4th November 2013 – 30 thJanuary 2014 (Excl. 16th December 2013 – 5th January 2014) 0844 8112 334 quote ‘Teacher Preview Club’ Valid membership ID required when collecting tickets.

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Woman In Black

@ Fortune Theatre

Now celebrating 25 Years of Horror in the West End with over 7 million people having lived to tell the tale, The Woman in Black is of one of the most exciting, gripping and successful theatre events ever staged.

Tickets Days Dates To Book Ages

£20 (Upper Circle) Tuesday—Thursday @ 8pm & Tuesdays @3pm 3rd November—12th December 7th—30th January 2014 0844 871 7626 quote ‘Teacher Preview Club’ www.atgtickets.com use code ‘TPC’ 12+

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WEST END

Join us at the next special teacher’s event....

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FEATURES

An Interview with the Artistic Directors of Tall Stories Family favourites The Gruffalo and The Snail and the Whale based on the picture books by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler and adapted for the stage by Tall Stories Theatre Company come to the West End this Christmas. Olivia Jacobs and Toby Mitchell, Joint Artistic Directors of Tall Stories talk about the challenges they faced when bringing these well-loved books to life.

So what made you want to adapt these acclaimed picture books for the stage?

The Gruffalo and The Snail and the Whale are both just such charming stories.

The Gruffalo is a David and Goliath tale, the story of a little guy versus a big guy – and it’s the little guy who wins – by using brains and not brawn. So it has immediate appeal for little people, but is also really satisfying if you’re big. The Snail and the Whale has a similar theme – it’s about a tiny creature who with the help of a much bigger one gets to see the world, but when the bigger creature gets into trouble, it’s the very small one who does something really big. So both shows have great messages for young children.

What were the challenges – production wise – you faced in bringing these beloved children’s books to the stage?

Before we decided to adapt The Snail and the Whale, we had to work out how to depict a snail and a whale together on stage. Then we read an article about Storybook Soldiers and how they helped parents serving abroad in the armed forces to record bedtime stories onto CDs for their kids at home. We thought we could tell this story through a little girl (the snail) at home and her dad (the whale) away on an aircraft carrier. So you get two stories for the price of one!

Similarly for The Gruffalo, the initial challenge was how to develop the characters, whether we should add further rhymes, how to create a convincing Gruffalo costume, but once in rehearsal we soon found out what worked best for us. The characters developed quite organically, growing from the movement of the animal that the actor was portraying. So Fox, based on a fox’s gentle trot, had quite a bounce when he moved, which turned him into a bit of a ducking and diving wheeler dealer... Snake’s slither turned into a type of undulation in the hips – so Snake became a Ricky Martin-type party animal. It was great fun to develop – though not always easy!

From your experience, what do the kids enjoy about the shows?

They love seeing their favourite stories come alive on stage. With The Snail and the Whale they love the relationship between the dad and the daughter.

And they love joining in – helping the dad find his daughter when she’s hiding, quacking like penguins, singing the whale’s song... and being squirted with water pistols by the fire brigade! With The Gruffalo, it’s watching the little guy win through – and of course seeing the Gruffalo himself.

There is something totally unique about going to the theatre, the fact that the performers and the characters can speak directly to the audience gives each show a liveness that no other medium can match.

Anything can happen and often does. The performers are able to respond directly to the audience, answering a question or a heckle or adapting the tone of the performance to deal with a younger and more nervous audience or a rowdy crew! This sense of involvement, is something that the younger audiences really enjoy.

What can audiences expect to experience from watching the upcoming shows?

Audiences will have a ball at both shows! The Gruffalo is a great big monster of a show with imaginative physical, storytelling theatre with songs and a generous sprinkling of laughs for the whole family.

With The Snail and the Whale they will get something a little bit magical. A great story, told in an unusual and satisfying way – with lots of live music, adventure and silliness.

They can also expect an environment where the whole family can have fun together. Hopefully there’s just as much for the grown up as there is for younger audiences. Sometimes grown-ups forget how good it is to be told a great story really well.

The Snail and the Whale (suitable for ages 4+) @ St James Theatre, Victoria. 10th December - 5th January. www.stjamestheatre.co.uk Tel: 0844 264 2140 The Gruffalo (for ages 3+) @ The Lyric, Shaftesbury Avenue. 20 November to 12th January.

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TPC Offers on Pg’s 4 & 12

FEATURES

The Resistible Rise Of Arturo Ui Written by Hazel Kyte, September 2013 , Hampstead Institute Bertolt Brecht wrote Arturo Ui at breakneck speed, whilst in exile in Finland in the spring of 1941. Brecht had previously reached renown with his collaboration with Kurt Weill on the Beggar’s Opera, which was later adapted as the Threepenny Opera, and then the Seven Deadly Sins (his last collaboration with Weill.) He also wrote the Caucasian Chalk Circle, Mother Courage and the Life Of Galileo, all of which ensured his lasting place in European literature.

In this production (a translation by George Tabori, revised by Alistair Beaton, in blank verse, the style in which it was originally written) Jonathon Church who originally directed at Chichester, and after a second season there brings Henry Goodman heading the original cast to the Duchess Theatre until December.

Goodman brilliantly portrays a ‘little man’ with big ideas, as Arturo Ui from Brooklyn tries to break into the Chicago gangster scene – where the ‘big boys’ dominate the ‘cauliflower trade’ by force and bribery, disposing of anyone who comes between them and their ‘protection racket’.

The production is first class, showing with humour and then spine-chilling dread how evil can prevail over good. Before your eyes, Goodman depicts Arturo changing from ‘idiot’ to ‘power leader’.

I think this is a thought provoking piece, from which any school group over the age of 13 would benefit .

It can be studied as history, showing how Hitler rose to power. It can be studied looking at the American gangster scene in Chicago in the 20’s. But taking my favourite scene, when Arturo takes lessons from an old Shakespearian actor, in order to improve his style of speech and movement, you could invite the class to offer scenes with other political or powerful figures learning how to present themselves as Napoloeon, Caesar, even the Queen, or younger members of the royal family.

This is an outstanding production, to which I would urge any teacher to take their students.

The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui plays at The Duchess Theatre Until 7th December

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TPC Offer on Page 4

AROUND TOWN

@ Chicken Shed Theatre. 290 Chase Side, Southgate, London, N14 4PE Tube: To Book:

Oakwood 020 8292 9222 or email: bookings@chickenshed.org.uk

The Night Before Christmas The Night Before Christmas is fondly remembered as one of Chickenshed’s best shows ever, bringing Christmas alive in a completely fresh and festive way. Be prepared to be mesmerized by the wonderful story, beautiful music and songs, amazing dance and a feast of memorable characters. Education Pack available.

Tickets Dates Ages

£5 Wednesday 27 November – Thursday 5th December @ 1pm & 7pm Tuesday 7th January – Thursday 9th January 5+

@ Finborough Theatre Tube: To Book:

Earl’s Court 0844 847 1652 or book online at www.finboroughtheatre.co.uk

Unscorched Tom works in child protection, as an archivist in digital forensics. Faced with watching recordings of the most unforgivable crimes on a daily basis, in a job that barely anyone can endure, Tom struggles to retain his humanity.

Unscorched tackles an important and taboo subject with sensitivity, humour and courage.

Tickets Dates Ages

£12 29th and 30th October 2013 @ 7.30pm 16+

The White Carnation From the writer of one of the 20th century's most acclaimed plays, Journey’s End, The White Carnation is a ghostly tale of one man’s chance to do things differently as Britain rebuilds itself after the war. This rediscovery marks the first production since its premiere, which starred Sir Ralph Richardson, in 1953.

Tickets Dates Ages

£16 26th and 27th November 2013 @ 7.30pm 12+

Lost Boy A stirring, controversial and unexpected opening to a year commemorating the centenary of the Great War. A dark sequel to Peter Pan reuniting J. M. Barrie's characters as young adults on the eve of the First World War. How has their extraordinary childhood equipped them for reality? And how much does the child we were inform the adult we become?

Tickets Dates Ages

£12 31st December and 1st January 2014 @ 7.30pm 12+

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AROUND TOWN

Carthage Piecing together a boy’s life and death in care, Carthage asks who should raise our children when the systems designed to protect them can be as abusive as the situations from which they were rescued.

Tickets Dates Ages

£12 28th and 29th January 2014 @ 7.30pm 12+

@ Lyric, Hammersmith Tube: To Book:

Hammersmith 020 87416850 and quote JATBMT

Jack and The Beanstalk Magic beans, a journey to an enchanted kingdom in the clouds, an evil giant, and some zumba, Jack and the Beanstalk has all the ingredients of a classic panto. The Lyric panto is back with regular favourite Steven Webb who played Buttons in last year's record-breaking hit Cinderella.

Tickets Dates Ages

£5 Friday 29th November @ 7.30pm **Please note when booking online, discount will only be attached after you have logged in.

6+

@ Polka Theatre, Tube: To Book:

240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London, SW19 1SB Wimbledon, South Wimbledon 020 8543 4888 and quote ‘Mousetrap Teachers’ Preview’

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Based on the much-loved children’s classic, Lewis Carroll’s charming characters spring to life in an enchanting show full of music, madness and mystery. Take tea with the Mad Hatter, meet the White Rabbit and play croquet with the Queen of Hearts, but whatever you do…don’t lose your head!

Tickets Dates Ages

1 free ticket per teacher 22nd—30th November 6 – 11 (KS1 & KS2) An ideal show to support KS1 and KS2 Music, Citizenship

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AROUND TOWN

@ Richmond Theatre Tube: To Book:

Richmond 0844 871 7651 or online www.atgtickets.com/richmond

The Butterfly Lion Adapted from the novel by Michael Morpurgo, this production is an inspiring tale of enduring friendship, stretching from the African veld to the battlefields of the First World War. An education pack is available to download from thebutterflylion.co.uk For details of The Butterfly Lion Lighting Design Masterclass for 13 – 19 year olds, please contact nicolaward@theambassadors.com Tickets Dates Ages

£10 (Bands A – D) Monday 4th – Saturday 9th November @ 7.30pm Quote ‘StageDirections £10 Tickets’ or use code ‘SD10POUNDTICKETS’ online Recommended for adults, and families with children aged 7+

Nabucco Ellen Kent returns with a new production of the first opera she ever produced, bringing to life this classic biblical tale with Verdi’s magnificent music. Not only a masterclass in operatic performance, Nabucco’s powerful story of revenge, destruction and jealousy is an equally perfect example of spectacular stagecraft and storytelling for English and Drama students alike.

Tickets Dates Ages

£15 (Bands B – D) Wednesday 27th November @ 7.30pm Quote ‘StageDirections £15 Tickets’ Use code ‘SD15POUNDTICKETS’ online At parents’ discretion

La Boheme One of the most romantic operas ever written, Ellen Kent’s brand new production offers your students the opportunity to hear many famous arias, including Your Tiny Hand is Frozen and They Call Me Mimi. Essential for those studying music, La Boheme also offers rich material for classroom discussion as a classic tragic narrative that has inspired numerous new interpretations since.

Tickets Dates Ages

£15 (Bands B – D) Thursday 28th November @ 7.30pm Quote ‘StageDirections £15 Tickets’ Use promo code ‘SD15POUNDTICKETS’ online At parents’ discretion

Aida Featuring the Chisinau National Opera & National Philharmonic, this stunning, Ellen Kent-directed production brings to life an incredible story of war, jealousy and revenge. A brilliant chance to see how a traditional opera can be presented on stage in spectacular fashion, with the show featuring a magnificent wall of fire which once your students have seen, they won’t forget!

Tickets Dates Ages

£15 (Bands B – D) Friday 29th & Saturday 30th November @ 7.30pm Quote ‘StageDirections £15 Tickets’ Use promo code ‘SD15POUNDTICKETS’ online At parents’ discretion 11

AROUND TOWN

Peter Pan Take flight to Neverland this festive season as Richmond Theatre presents this swashbuckling spectacular of a pantomime, starring legendary actor Henry Winkler (OBE). As well as being an adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s unsurpassable stories, sure to inspire literary discussion back in the classroom, this fun-filled adventure is also the perfect end-of-year treat to reward your hardworking students with.

For details of workshops please contact nicolaward@theambassadors.com Tickets Dates

Ages

£15 (Bands A – D) 6th, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 19th & 30th December @ 7pm 9th & 10th December @ 1.30pm 31st December @ 1.30pm & 5.30pm Quote ‘StageDirections £15 Tickets’ Use promo code ‘SD15POUNDTICKETS’ online 5+

@ Rose Theatre, Kingston Train: To Book:

Kingston Railway Station 08444 821556 or online at rosetheatrekingston.org

The Snow Gorilla Join Sunny on the adventure of a lifetime and experience African Acrobats, Spanish Flamenco, jugglers, contortionists and death defying aerialists in the land of sawdust and dreams. Captivated by the spectacular sights and sweet smells of the circus, Sunny finds an unlikely friend in The Mighty Gor and strives to win the heart of the Ring Mistress’ beautiful daughter as he is embraced by this new, eccentric family of performers. But when he stumbles upon the circus’ dark secret, a mysterious figure threatens Sunny’s newfound happiness…

Circus and storytelling collide on the Rose Theatre stage to create a hugely entertaining spectacle for the whole family!

Tickets Dates Ages

£10 (Best available—Booking fees apply) Friday 29th @ 7pm, Saturday 30th November & Sunday 1st December @ 5pm (TEACHER1) Monday 2nd December @ 7pm, Wednesday 4th December @ 5pm, Thursday 5th December @ 1.30pm & 5pm, Fri day 6th December @ 7pm (TEACHER2) All ages

@ St. James’ Theatre Tube: To Book:

Victoria 0844 264 2140, quote Mousetrap

The Snail and The Whale Tall Stories (creators of The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom) are proud to present their latest exciting collaboration with Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. A tiny snail longs to see the world, so she hitches a lift on the tail of a humpback whale. But when the whale gets beached, how will the snail save him? Follow the tiny snail’s amazing journey, as seen through the eyes of an adventurous young girl and her seafaring father… Storytelling, live music and lots of laughs.

Tickets Dates Ages

£9 10th December 2013 - 5th January 2014 Perfs @10am, 11am, 12pm, 1.30pm & 2pm— go to stjamestheatre.co.uk for details 4+

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AROUND TOWN

@ Unicorn Theatre Tube: To Book:

London Bridge 020 7645 0560 and quote 'MT Teacher Preview'.

Henry the Fifth A brilliantly entertaining and inventive response to Shakespeare’s Henry V, performed in modern English. This classic play, exploring kingship, power and responsibility, will be brought to life for audiences new to Shakespeare.

‘This territorial tantrum is as sharp a stage image as you’ll see in ages – and it’s in a kids show. How brilliant is that?’ ★★★★ Telegraph '...A clever and engaging show, and another triumph for the unicorn which, under Purni Morell, is making a real mark on the theatrical map.’ ★★★★' Guardian Free teacher resource pack available on line at unicorntheatre.com/primary-schools.

Accompanying pre-show in-school workshops available.

Tickets Dates

Ages

£5 Thursday 7th November @ 7pm Saturday 9th November @ 2pm Sunday 10th November @ 2pm Thursday 14th November @ 7pm 8+ (School Years 4-7)

Cinderella: A Fairytale Nominated for an Olivier Award in 2013, Cinderella: A Fairytale’s quirky visual style, crystal-clear storytelling and original live music bring this classic tale of reversed fortunes imaginatively to life.

'A funny, heart-warming and beautiful piece of stage craft, this Cinderella is a treat' ★★★★★ The Independent Tickets Dates Ages

FREE Thursday 28th November @ 7pm Email schools@unicorntheatre & include the name of your school.

6+ (School years 2+)

The Pardoner's Tale The mischievous and mysterious Pardoner has a few theatrical tricks up his sleeve, he’ll tell you the tale of three men who set out on a journey to kill Death and get rich quick, a tale that quickly turns sour once temptation stands in their path. Accompanied by live music and song, Tangere Arts bring their honest charm and wit to Chaucer’s ancient tale.

Free accompanying teacher CPD day: Mon 18 Nov 10am-4pm. Free teacher resource pack full of practical and accessible ways to explore the play before and after your visit, as well as interview with the director: https://www.unicorntheatre.com/primary-schools Accompanying pre-show in-school workshops available.

Tickets Dates Ages

£5 Saturday 18th January @ 11am or 2pm Wednesday 22nd January @ 7pm Age 7+ (School Years 3-7)

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FURTHER AFIELD

@ The Capitol, Horsham To Book:

01403 750220 quote Teachers Preview Club offer

Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain A brand new Horrible Histories show, Barmy Britain, tours from January including all new amazing 3D effects. It’s the horrible history of Britain from the Romans to the First World War but with the nasty bits left in!

Full details & free teachers notes at birminghamstage.com Tickets Dates Ages

2 for 1 (£13.50). Valid ID require when collecting Thursday 30th January @ 7pm 5+

@ Birmingham Repertory Theatre To Book:

0121 236 4455 and quote TEACHEROFFER or visit birmingham-rep.co.uk

A Christmas Carol Charles Dickens’ much-loved Christmas classic bursts on to The REP stage to provide the perfect festive treat! On a cold, bleak, biting Christmas Eve seven years after the death of his business partner Jacob Marley, London’s meanest miser Ebenezer Scrooge is his usual grumpy old self. But as the clock strikes midnight his world will be turned upside down. Three ghosts are visiting him to offer visions of a happy past, a harsh present and a horrific future. Can they convince Scrooge to change his wicked ways in time for Christmas?

In-school drama workshops available and an accompanying REP Insight resource pack.

Tickets Dates Ages

£5 Wednesday 27th November— Monday 2nd December @ 7.30pm & matinees @2.30pm 7+

@ Wycombe Swan To Book:

01494 512000 and quote the promo code MTP offer

A Midsummer Night’s Dream The Wycombe Swan is proud to present Propeller’s beautifully lyrical and multiaward-winning production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Propeller’s all-male production of Shakespeare’s most magical play offers students of KS3, 4 and A-Level a unique and fresh opportunity to view the play and its text. One thing is certain – nobody does Shakespeare like Propeller.

Propeller have prepared a full Education pack, titled Pocket Dream, which is available to download from their website. Schools workshops available for an additional cost.

Contact David Swain (01494 552895) Tickets Dates Ages

£10 (Booking fees apply) Tuesday 26th November @ 7.30pm Wednesday 27th November @ 2.30pm & 7.30pm 11+

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SUPERBREAK is pleased to offer all Teacher’s Previews Club members a 10% discount on all UK & European Short Breaks This includes great low prices at over 5000 hotels and discounts on a full range of London theatre and event breaks.

To see the huge range of options available to members, please visit www.superbreak.com To book call 0871 221 1199 and quote ‘REWSD’ to claim savings 15

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