New Vic Theatre Spring 2019

What’s On Nov 2018 – Apr 2019

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Fri 8 February - Sat 2 March

Box Office 01782 717962 newvictheatre.org.uk

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Why we do what we do We are unique. The New Vic was the first purpose-built theatre-in-the-round in the whole of Europe.

We believe in the power of theatre to change lives.

Everyone should have access to great theatre.

We combine the work we do on stage with a community and education programme that is ground-breaking. As a thriving charity, we want our theatre to have an impact on the lives our audiences lead – however they engage with us.

We were named

MOST WELCOMING THEATRE 2018 – WEST MIDLANDS at this year’s UK Theatre Awards; the only nationwide awards that honour and celebrate outstanding achievements in regional theatre across the country.

Thank you for voting for us!

Each year, we welcome more than 150,000 people through our doors to see shows on our stage, or take part in one of the many workshops and projects we run all year-round.

We want the widest possible audience, from our local area and beyond, at all ages and at all stages in their lives to experience the arts and feel welcome at the New Vic, and we work hard to create high-quality, inspiring theatre that tells stories our audiences can connect with.

We’re passionate about the work we do. Find out more about what you can see, get involved with, and how to support our work in this brochure or visit newvictheatre.org.uk

150,000

people through our doors each year Photography in this brochure by Andrew Billington, Nobby Clark, Mark Douet, Carolyn Eaton, Malcolm Hart, David Hughes, Clara Lou Photography and James Stewart.

Cover image shows Much Ado About Nothing. See page 14 for details.

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It’s official! The New Vic is the most welcoming theatre in the West Midlands.

The UK Theatre Awards shine a light on excellence all across the country. To theatres outside of London, they’re our Olivier Awards.

Last year, we were thrilled to win the award for Best Show for Children and Young People. This year, we’re turning somersaults in celebration of being awarded the region’s Most Welcoming Theatre – West Midlands.

This award recognises the audience’s experience of the entire event, from the welcome you get on the car park and when you enter the building, through those who help you with your ticket purchase, to the staff who cook your meal or serve you a drink. It acknowledges the Front-of-House Team who discreetly manage your visit; and the accessibility of the performance, including the captioned and audio interpretations we offer. Even the quality of the programme.

And of course, the unsung heroes like the housekeepers, who finish their day’s work before most of us have even arrived in the morning.

Backstage Tour Join us this season and go behind-the-scenes to find out more about how we create the shows you see on our stage.

This season: Thu 28 March 11.45am Tickets £10.00 (to support the educational work of the New Vic) To book call Box Office on 01782 717962

As you can tell, there are a lot of people involved in the process of welcoming an audience to a theatre, but special mention must go to our dedicated team of volunteers, the New Vic Vols, who take real pleasure in sharing their theatre with 150,000 guests every year.

The nicest thing about this award is that it’s voted for not by critics or industry insiders, but by you, our audience and participants who join us throughout the year. And by the visiting artists who come to North Staffordshire to perform on our stage. So a huge THANK YOU to you for taking time to place your vote, and for supporting, by your visit, the whole range of the New Vic’s work, including extensive programmes of work with schools, young people and the most disadvantaged members of our communities.

Theresa Heskins Artistic Director @TheresaHeskins

Keep up-to-date with all our news at newvictheatre.org.uk or follow us at: @NewVicTheatre NewVicTheatre Staffordshire new_vic_theatre

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Cyrano (2017)

Much ado about Broadsides When Much Ado About Nothing opens at the New Vic on Friday 8 February it will be almost 20 years to the day since Northern Broadsides first stepped over our threshold to perform in our unique in-the-round space.

On that first visit, they performed Shakespeare’s magical comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This year, we co-produce Shakespeare’s greatest romantic comedy with our longstanding partners and friends.

Formed in 1992 by Barrie Rutter, Northern Broadsides has established a formidable reputation, with a repertoire combining Shakespeare, English and European classics and new writing, and in all they do, the company’s distinctive northern voice shines through.

Following their first visit to the New Vic, we soon became firm friends, with Broadsides becoming a regular fixture in our programme. Across the years our relationship has strengthened, with our co-productions enabling us to develop our touring ventures, and allowing Northern Broadsides to work with permanent in-house designers and makers, all whilst building a loyal and enthusiastic audience here in North Staffordshire.

Highlights over the years have included our co-production of An August Bank Holiday Lark, a new commission by Deborah McAndrew marking the centenary of the start of World War I. A gentle and deeply moving drama poised at the tipping point of peace and war, it won Best New Play at the 2014 UK Theatre Awards. More recently, our co-production of Deborah’s swashbuckling adaptation of Cyrano breathed fresh life into Edmond Rostand’s tale of unrequited love. Premiering at the New Vic, Cyrano went on to tour the length and breadth of the UK like our previous co-productions before it.

And in addition to the work we’ve created together, we’ve welcomed other memorable Broadsides’ tours to our home across the years; from ludicrous romp She Stoops to Conquer to Lenny Henry in Othello; to the

An August Bank Holiday Lark (2014)

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A Winter’s Tale (2015)

Othello (2009)

exquisite celebration of the Bronte’s We Are Three Sisters, to Michael Hugo’s turn in The Grand Gesture - an adaptation of Nikolai Erdman’s The Suicide.

New Vic Artistic Director Theresa Heskins, said: “Our relationship with Northern Broadsides is a very special one. For more than a decade now we’ve been making and touring work together, and the longevity our partnership has been built on is down The to some important Grand shared values. We both Gesture want to make sure that (2013) people from all walks of life can access and have ownership of the arts. We both like to create dynamic, energetic theatre that has real guts. We have a shared love of live music. And of course, Broadsides’ commitment to the Northern voice has a profound relevance to us, placed as we are on the border of the Midlands and the North West.”

Conrad Nelson, Broadsides’ Artistic Director said: “Northern Broadsides has a long and very happy association with the New Vic Theatre.

The performance style of Broadsides sits well in-the-round and we love working in the space.

We’re also similar folks. In fact, many of the actors who appear in a Broadsides’ show are also New Vic regulars. Behind the scenes too, you’ll find stage managers who have worked for both

organisations. All are terrific, creative people, with generous hearts. The New Vic is like a home from home for Halifax-based Broadsides, but it’s a real home for me. I’ve lived in Newcastle-under-Lyme with Deb (McAndrew) and our daughter, Liz, for the past 17 years. We love North Staffordshire and it’s always a special delight to be able to make work for our friends and neighbours.”

Much Ado About Nothing is the next chapter in this story. The production runs at the New Vic from Friday 8 February to Saturday 2 March, before touring the UK. For more information about Much Ado About Nothing, see page 14.

Hard Times (2018)

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See more and save!

Get the best value on your tickets this season with our package deals.

Available for our Play and Event programmes, see more and save money on selected shows in the season.

£50 Enjoy 3 one-night events* in our spring season and pay just £50.00. Simply pick the shows you want to see and get tickets at the best value prices *excl. An Evening with Eric and Ern, Sir Michael Parkinson and Steeleye Span

4 Friends for just

£68

See Much Ado About Nothing, The 39 Steps and Intemperance for just £50.00

£50 Valid on selected productions in our season, you and 3 friends can enjoy the very best of live theatre here at the New Vic for just £68.00 *Valid on Mon-Fri performances only. Max 8 tickets.

Excl. The Wind In The Willows.

For detailed ticket prices, see page 33.

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Plays New Vic Productions and Touring Productions

newvictheatre.org.uk

New Vic Production

New Vic

Production

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By Kenneth Grahame Adapted by Theresa Heskins Directed by Peter Leslie Wild

Sat 17 November 2018 Sat 26 January 2019 Tickets from £15.50 See page 33 for details Sign Language Interpreted Performance Wed 28 Nov 2.15pm Audio Described Wed 9 Jan 10.30am Sat 12 Jan 2.15pm Captioned Thu 17 Jan 2.15pm Sat 19 Jan 2.15pm Relaxed Performance Mon 14 Jan 6.00pm Mon 21 Jan 2.15pm Schools’ performances available

This year, join Rat, Mole, Badger and Mr Toad for an adventure on the river bank, as they navigate boat trips, intriguing new places and a succession of motor cars that will take them hurtling down winding country lanes. Performed by a large cast, featuring live music and filled with cunning, courage and friendship, The Wind In The Willows is an enchanting story that will capture the imaginations – and the hearts – of the whole family this Christmas!

When Mole emerges from her spring clean, she is thoroughly bored.

Setting off in search of something to cheer her up, she gets more than she bargained for when she meets some new friends.

As they each get to know each other, their misadventures take them to unexpected places and when Mr Toad’s obsession for fast motor cars lead him astray, they find themselves far from home.

But the group will stop at nothing to save their eccentric friend. Even if that means taking on the mysterious characters of the dark, Wild Wood.

See Diary for detailed performance schedule

Commissioned by New Vic Theatre

Funded by Arts Council England, and the Arts Council of Wales

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newvictheatre.org.uk

David Graham Productions present

Touring

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The ultimate 60s Christmas party!

Mon 3 - Sat 15 December Tickets from £19.00 See page 33 for details

For Christmas, Eric has emigrated to Australia on the Ten Pound Pom scheme (don’t worry, he doesn’t intend to stay. It’s just a wheeze for a cheap holiday). While he’s there an Australian television channel is filming a new programme about some minor UK celebrities stranded on a desert island and, guess what, Eric is mistaken for one of the celebrities.

However, when Eric, the celebrities and the Aussie producer really get stranded things start to go wrong very quickly. Think I’m A Celebrity crossed with Lord Of The Flies (does your head in, doesn’t it?).

Will he get out in time for Christmas dinner? Or will he be stuck eating witchetty grubs?

Whatever happens, there’ll be plenty of 60s music and loads of comedy to make this a fantastic festive night out!

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New Vic

Production

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New Vic Education Production

An interactive storytime adventure for young children and their families

By Jill Rezzano Directed by Katherine Hughes

Sat 8 - Sat 29 December Tickets £8.50 See page 33 for details Schools’ performances available See Diary for detailed performance schedule

From a deep and cosy burrow to a thrilling journey through the Wild Wood, join Ratty and Mole as they try to keep up with an adventurous Toad, prove their friendship, and of course, have a picnic along the way.

But they can’t do it without you! They need brave adventurers to help them follow Toad on this journey and save their friend from getting into any trouble. Can you help them?

A 45-minute, immersive theatre-experience, Tale Trail To The Wind In The Willows invites children aged 3-5 and their families to journey into the world of a classic children’s story. With storytelling actors leading the way, this magical experience is a perfect introduction to theatre for our youngest audience members.

Image from previous production, Tale Trail to Robin Hood & Marian

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newvictheatre.org.uk

New Vic and Northern Broadsides Co-Production

New Vic

Co-Production

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By William Shakespeare Directed by Conrad Nelson

Fri 8 February - Sat 2 March Tickets from ÂŁ15.00 See page 33 for details Captioned Tue 26 Feb 7.30pm Audio Described Sat 2 Mar 2.15pm Talk Back Tue 26 Feb

War is over and returning soldiers swap the battlefield for a landscape of love, masked balls and merriment. Two young dreamers fall head over heels, while two others resume their combative courtship.

As faithful friends plot romance and a vengeful brother plans destruction, can true love conquer all, or will gossip and rumour win out?

Filled with passion, humour and joy, this New Vic and Northern Broadsides co-production of Shakespeare’s glorious romantic comedy is sure to capture your heart this spring!

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newvictheatre.org.uk

New Vic Youth Theatre Production Part of National Theatre Connections

New Vic

Production

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By Luke Barnes Directed by Katherine Hughes With music by Adam Pleeth

Mon 25 February 7.30pm Tickets £9.00 See page 33 for details Please note: Contains strong language Recommended age 13+

“It’s ok. I know your head’s fallen off and I just want you to know everyone’s has.”

Life. Love. Family. Navigating the perils of growing up, young people have their own unique ways to figure out what it’s all about, eventually discovering we’re really all part of the same ‘Sad Club’.

A riotous piece of gig theatre, The Sad Club mixes live music, bold new writing and laugh-out-loud comedy to give a glimpse of what growing up is like for young people today.

Suitable for all those who have ever been teenagers, this play is performed by the New Vic Youth Theatre as part of Connections.

The National Theatre’s nationwide youth theatre festival, Connections offers youth theatre groups across the country a unique chance to perform new plays written by some of theatre’s most exciting playwrights.

As part of Connections 2019, the New Vic Youth Theatre will join 5,000 other talented young people from right across the UK as they inspire and entertain audiences with plays for, and about, young people, that are current, challenging and relevant. Be one of the first to see this brand new play by Luke Barnes, performed by our own talented young people.

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New Vic

Production

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New Vic Production

By Arrangement with Edward Snape for Fiery Angel Limited John Buchan and Alfred Hitchcock’s THE 39 STEPS Adapted by Patrick Barlow from an original concept by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon Directed by Theresa Heskins

Fri 8 - Sat 30 March Tickets from £15.00 See page 33 for details Captioned Tue 26 Mar 7.30pm Audio Described Sat 30 Mar 2.15pm Talk Back Tue 26 Mar

Following on from our hugely successful productions of Around The World In 80 Days and Astley’s Astounding Adventures, thrilling spy drama The 39 Steps gets the New Vic treatment!

Richard Hannay, upstanding gent and all-round good guy, finds himself in a bit of a pickle when he wakes up to find a mysterious woman in his apartment. Dead.

Now on the run, pursued by all manner of suspicious characters, can Hannay evade capture and clear his name of murder before it’s too late?

Will he fall in love along the way? And what exactly are The 39 Steps?

A thrilling, inventive, fast-paced caper, four actors will play over 120 characters in this side-splitting comedy based on John Buchan’s famous spy novel.

Starring New Vic favourites: Rebecca Brewer (Playhouse Creatures), Gareth Cassidy (Treasure Island), Michael Hugo (Around The World In 80 Days) and Nicholas Richardson (Astley’s Astounding Adventures).

The 39 Steps is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH LTD

New Vic Production

New Vic

Production

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By Lizzie Nunnery Directed by Zoë Waterman

Fri 5 - Sat 20 April Tickets from £15.00 See page 33 for details Captioned Tue 16 Apr 7.30pm Audio Described Sat 20 Apr 2.15pm Talk Back Tue 16 Apr

Thirsty for change, Millie dreams of a better life – one with her own home and fresh water from her own taps. When her husband tells of his new job, her fortunes look set to change. Up against resentment from her teenage children, responsible for her aging father and with another baby on the way, will her dreams ever become a reality?

This moving drama, set to a backdrop of evocative Irish music, captures the camaraderie of living in a close-knit community, where love, laughter and hope blossom against the harshest of circumstances.

Award-winning playwright and singer-songwriter Lizzie Nunnery has enjoyed great critical acclaim for her work, including being shortlisted for the Meyer-Whitworth award for Intemperance. She has a keen understanding of how her characters speak to the world we live in now, increasingly weaving music into her work - her play with songs Narvik won Best New Play in the UK Theatre Awards 2017. She has written extensively for BBC radio; she is currently developing her first feature film; and her plays have been produced across the country at theatres including Liverpool Everyman, Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, and the National Theatre.

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newvictheatre.org.uk

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Do you want to put your business centre stage?

Place your brand in front of over 150,000 people and support the theatre and our charitable work with a New Vic Business Friends membership.

Book a place on a special Business Friends guest night to discover the benefits.

Email fundraising@newvictheatre.org.uk or call 01782 717954

Meet the experts

Want to tell a hard-edged spot from a gobo wash, or learn about the lighting design process? Find out how sound effects and sonic textures are developed, or learn about editing and remixing?

Join Lighting Designer Daniella Beattie and Sound Designer James Earls-Davis for a special two-hour technical tour of the New Vic’s Sound and Lighting Department.

This is an opportunity to gain an in-depth insight into all things technical at the New Vic. Drinks and snacks served in the lounge afterwards.

To book, call Box Office on 01782 717962

Thursday 14 February

12.00 – 2.00pm Tickets

£20.00

(to support the creative work of the New Vic)

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Visiting Events One-night Events and Exhibitions

newvictheatre.org.uk

Visiting Events

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Tickets £22.00 / £20.00 / £18.00 Cons available

The Albion Band Tue 18 December 7.30pm An Albion Christmas is widely regarded as one of the highlights of the festive season. Featuring the combined talents of Simon Nicol (Fairport Convention), Kellie While (The Albion Band), Simon Care (Edward II) and the Guv’nor himself, Ashley Hutchings, this show is a seasonal mixture of carols, spoken word, humorous readings and dance.

The perfect way to start your festivities, this year’s concert will see a collection of new material from their new album, alongside favourites from their back catalogue.

“The perfect antidote to the corporate Christmas” The Guardian

The Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir Sat 22 December 7.30pm Tickets £24.50 / £22.50 / £19.50 Cons available

They’ve appeared at the New Vic every Christmas for more than 30 years – a remarkable tradition that means as much to the Choir as it does to us. Join us to celebrate the festive season amongst friends with this unforgettable evening of spine tingling, moving and uplifting music.

The Pasadena Roof Orchestra Wed 9 January 7.30pm Tickets £24.50 / £22.50 / £19.50 Cons available

A vintage dance band in every sense of the word, for 50 years The Pasadena Roof Orchestra have been re-creating the sounds of a golden era of music from the 1920’s and 1930’s.

Enjoy beautifully arranged songs from Irving Berlin, Ray Noble, Cole Porter and their contemporaries and relive the electrifying hot jazz from Fletcher Henderson and Duke Ellington.

Presenting the show and putting on the top hat and tails, is the suave singer and band leader Duncan Galloway. So pack up your troubles, come on get happy, and experience an evening of superlative live music with more than a dash of wit and humour.

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In conjunction with Keele Concerts

Telemann Allegro Albeniz Leyenda arr. Jennings/Little Bach Chaconne from D minor Partita Bach Loure, Gavotte and Gigue from E major Partita Ysaÿe Ballade Roxanna Panufnik Hora Bessarabia Tasmin Little has firmly established herself as one of today’s leading international violinists. She has performed on every continent in some of the most prestigious venues in the world including Carnegie Hall, Philharmonie Berlin and the Royal Albert Hall.

Visiting Events

Tasmin Little Wed 23 January 7.30pm

Tickets £23.00 / £21.50 / £18.00 Students £8.00 Cons available U16s go free

Tasmin won a Classical Brit in 2011 for her album of Elgar’s Violin Concerto and she was awarded an OBE in 2012.

Martin Simpson Thu 31 January 7.30pm Nominated for ‘Musician of the Year’ at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2018, Martin Simpson is known as a guitarist of formidable talent, equally at home playing English traditional folk, American folk and blues and his own compositions.

Martin received the most nominations of any performer in the 18 years of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, winning ‘Musician of the Year’ twice and has collaborated with a dazzling array of people from across the musical spectrum including Jackson Browne, Martin Taylor, June Tabor, Richard Hawley, Bonnie Raitt, Danny Thompson, David Hidalgo, Danú, Richard Thompson and Dom Flemons.

This intimate solo performance is a chance to watch one of the finest ever acoustic and slide guitar players in the world at the very top of his game.

“One of the virtuoso instrumentalists of the English music scene” The Guardian

Tickets £22.50 / £20.50 Cons available

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Visiting Events

An Evening with Eric and Ern

Tickets £25.00

with Jonty Stephens and Ian Ashpitel

Fri 1 February 7.30pm Sat 2 February 2.15 & 7.30pm This Olivier-nominated duo bring you a brilliant homage crammed full of renditions of those famous comedy sketches that hit all the right notes! From Greig’s Piano concerto to Mr Memory and “Arsenal!”, it’s a show full of Morecambe and Wise’s most loved routines, songs and sketches and, of course, a musical guest.

This critically-acclaimed show evokes memories of times when whole families would huddle around the telly on Sunday evenings.

“You have the giddy out of time illusion that you are watching the legendary double-act live” Independent

An Evening with Sir Michael Parkinson Wed 13 February 7.30pm Tickets £30.00

An Evening with Sir Michael Parkinson celebrates the life and career of a man who has interviewed over 2000 of the most important cultural figures of the 20th and 21st centuries including Nelson Mandela, Marlon Brando, Dame Helen Mirren and Mohammed Ali. Showing highlights from the Parkinson archive, this is a unique opportunity to get an intimate, entertaining and informative look at his remarkable journey from a pit village in Yorkshire to the top of those famous stairs.

In conversation with his son, Mike, this will be a night of reflective and celebratory entertainment, which will undoubtedly bring the very best of a man who has shaped the perception of show business, popular culture and recent history for years to come.

Steve Harley Acoustic Trio

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with James Lascelles and Barry Wickens Steve Harley, the original Cockney Rebel, comes to the New Vic with his Acoustic Trio, playing an intimate, unique and atmospheric show with subtle lyricism, mingled with great improvisation and rocky rhythms.

The concert will feature tracks from Steve’s original albums, including alltime favourites like Mr Soft, Judy Teen, Mr Raffles, Sebastian, and the worldwide classic hit, Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me), plus more recent tracks from critically-acclaimed albums The Quality Of Mercy and Stranger Comes To Town.

Visiting Events

Mon 18 February 7.30pm

Tickets £22.50 / £20.50 Cons available

Steve will be accompanied by his Cockney Rebel band-mates, Barry Wickens (violin and guitar) and James Lascelles (piano and percussion).

“One of the finest lyricists Britain has ever produced” Rod Stewart

King for A Day – The Nat King Cole Story Wed 13 March 7.30pm This unique concert celebrates the centenary of the birth of one the greatest vocalists of the Twentieth Century: Nat King Cole.

Featuring acclaimed vocalist, Atila, accompanied by a world-class group of musicians, narration and projected archive images and footage, this thoughtful and entertaining new show takes a fresh look at the life and work of the timeless Nat King Cole.

His songs such as Nature Boy, Unforgettable and When I Fall in Love defined a golden era of music earning him a place in history as one of the most iconic vocalists of all time.

Tickets £22.50 / £20.50 Cons available

Juan Martín Mon 18 March 7.30pm Flamenco guitarist/composer Juan Martín returns to the New Vic as part of his brand new solo unplugged tour.

This evening of world-class music will feature Juan playing and introducing his compositions within the forms of the great tradition. His exquisite style will be enhanced through minimal amplification to capture his very pure flamenco sound: just Juan and his sublime guitar to lift and transport you to another dimension - melodic beauty and rhythmic passion.

Viva el arte!

“One of the top three guitarists in the world” Guitar Player, USA

Tickets £22.50 / £20.50 Cons available

Visiting Events

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Tickets £22.50 / £20.50 Cons available

Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham Mon 25 March 7.30pm Join us for a night of exceptional traditional music with supreme fiddle player Aly Bain and world-famous accordionist Phil Cunningham.

Having toured together since 1986 to packed concert halls all over the world, Aly and Phil continue to charm audiences with their stunning music and on-stage charisma that defies description.

Witty and humorous banter sit alongside tunes that tug at the heartstrings, and joyous reels and melodies that have feet tapping along all the way through the evening.

“Simply the best traditional musicians you are ever likely to hear” The Glasgow Herald

Steeleye Span Wed 10 April 7.30pm Tickets £25.50

Celebrating 50 years together, Steeleye Span mark this incredible milestone with a tour that will show they are still as creative and vital now as they were when they formed in 1969.

One of the most enduring bands in the folk world and beyond, Steeleye Span are led as ever by the iconic Maddy Prior, and this latest seven piece line-up will draw on the group’s incredible history to provide a night of favourites and surprises from down the decades.

Ensemble 360 Mon 15 April 7.30pm Tickets £23.00 / £21.50 / £18.00 Cons available U16s go free Join Ensemble 360 in the bar after the show for a Free Talkback

It’s 1862. A 29-year-old stout gentlemen steps onto stage with three colleagues. He sits at the grand piano and magic happens. It’s the first time Brahms’ piano quartet has been heard and it’s being played by the composer himself.

The work was, and remains, one of his most popular works.

157 years later, Ensemble 360 perform this, alongside quartet’s by Brahms’s contemporaries, Strauss and Mahler.

Tim Horton piano; Benjamin Nabarro violin; Ruth Gibson viola; Gemma Rosefield cello MAHLER Piano Quartet in A minor STRAUSS Piano Quartet in C minor BRAHMS Piano Quartet in A

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The Wind In The Willows schools’ exhibition Mon 12 November - Sat 26 January Our annual exhibition of artwork from local children, based on our Christmas show.

Russell Gregory: The Unveiling of Guillaume Mon 28 January - Sat 2 March Russell Gregory describes his exhibition as an ode to a legend: My Nemesis, Messiah, mentor and imp, Guillaume le Bonquereur; exotic guardian angel and conduit for the desperate and lowly of my city’s public arenas. Through him they manifest. And I merely document. Now he desires recognition, and who am I to argue?

Kornelia Herms, Peter Smith, Cristiana Cappelletti, Stuart Porter, Khadijah Sahraoui: Reproduction Mon 4 - Sat 30 March Echoes of the past, electrical charges, glimpses of memories.

Reproducing layers of truth, fragments of reality.

Borderlines: Celebrating 20 Years of Positive Impact Mon 1 - Sat 27 April 2019 marks the 20th anniversary of our award-winning Borderlines programme. To celebrate this milestone year, this exhibition will tell the story of Borderlines through the people who have been involved across the years.

Exhibitions

Exhibitions

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New Vic Borderlines Our award-winning Borderlines programme places the local community at the heart of its work.

Engaging with individuals, groups and communities facing challenges – social and economic disadvantages, young people at risk of offending, adults with learning difficulties and others marginalised – through Borderlines we use theatre to help people find new and positive ways to understand themselves, their communities and their responsibilities.

Find out more about New Vic Borderlines at newvictheatre.org.uk/ education-and-community/borderlines Supported by the Denise Coates Foundation

This season look out for: Creativity Community Change New Vic Borderlines creates projects which bring about positive change. We respond to our communities and partners by working together on issues which affect them and use interactive workshops and conferences to create positive changes together. Past projects include Hungry 4 Change with food banks, Community Animation Social Innovation Centre, Keele University, Liverpool University and North Staffordshire Community Food Network; Message Not Delivered with Staffordshire Fire and Rescue, Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire Safer Roads Partnership and Newcastleunder-Lyme Borough Council; Mind Wide Open with North Staffs MIND and Younger Minds and Alone Again? with Stoke-on-Trent City Council tackling isolation.

Andrew Lloyd Webber Project Young people across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire are working together with New Vic Borderlines, Director Ellie Taylor and Musical Director Paul Rogerson to create and perform a new musical. Young people are involved in writing, designing and performing this brand new work, and there is still an opportunity to get involved. The project is open to children and young people aged from 10 to 25 and is funded by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation.

Free to participants.

Building Stronger Communities New Vic Borderlines has a range of themed workshops available to organisations including businesses, community groups, colleges, schools and universities.

These initial workshops can be specially designed for your group with taster workshops held in your community or at the theatre.

These workshops can lead to developing a larger project together which we will help in identifying funding for.

If you would like to talk in more detail about getting involved in any of our projects, contact rreddihough@newvictheatre.org.uk or amahmood@newvictheatre.org.uk

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New Vic Education Our Education Team provide creative learning for everyone – pre-school aged and upwards – through theatre-based opportunities and activities.

With a wide range of Drama Clubs, Youth Theatre and projects available, young people can enjoy opportunities to work with professionals to develop their personal skills, build confidence and have fun.

School groups can take part in an extensive year-long programme of cross-curricular workshops using drama as a means of learning for Key Stages 1 and 2. As a Regional Theatre Partner for the RSC’s Associate Schools Programme, we introduce younger audiences to accessible versions of Shakespeare’s well-known works through First Encounters productions and offer chances for children to perform the plays themselves in the annual Schools’ Festival.

For older adults, our Ages and Stages programme encourages people of all ages to participate in, and enjoy drama and creative work.

This season look out for...

The Royal Shakespeare Company come back to Newcastle-under-Lyme with their First Encounters with Shakespeare series, this time with one of his funniest plays - The Comedy of Errors.

Using Shakespeare’s original language, these engaging adaptations are a fantastic first experience for anyone who is apprehensive about the Bard’s work, and are particularly suited for children, families and schools. Taking audiences into the heart of the story, First Encounters make the plays easy to follow, understand and enjoy.

Performing at Springhead Primary on Thursday 6 December at 7pm, tickets are available from the New Vic Box Office on 01782 717962.

New Vic Education have also teamed up with Libraries Live to bring fun and creative activities to young children and their families.

These free workshops are taking place at Glascote Library until the end of November.

For more details about what else is coming up for New Vic Education this season, visit newvictheatre.org.uk/education-andcommunity/education/

newvictheatre.org.uk

#LibrariesLive

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Look back at an out of this world summer in Stoke Summer 2018 saw our Appetite programme bring another programme of delicious world-class shows and events to the area.

In July, Spanish outdoor arts company Voalá CNY brought their stunning show Voalá Station to Central Forest Park in Hanley. A display of beautiful aerial performance and live music over the audience’s heads, Voalá Station told the story of a group of businessmen bewitched by sirens.

More than 9000 visited Museum of the Moon at the King’s Hall.

In August, Appetite served up out-of-thisworld installation Museum of the Moon as part of The Big Feast Festival at the King’s Hall in Stoke. A spectacular sevenmetre-wide, floating moon sculpture with detailed NASA imagery on its surface with a surround sound composition by a BAFTA-winning composer, Museum of the Moon left visitors amazed: 46% of Museum of the Moon visitors would consider themselves non-regular arts attenders.

“I was awestruck as soon as I entered the building… I lay on the floor and just stared in wonder… Thank you Appetite”

As well as gazing up at the lunar artwork, audiences enjoyed a programme of events including a tea dance, space rocketbuilding workshop and a film screening under moonlight.

80% of The Big Feast 18 visitors came into the City Centre specifically for the Festival.

And over the August Bank Holiday weekend over 11,100 people enjoyed two days of entirely free outdoor performances popping up all over the City Centre in The Big Feast 18. Returning for its sixth serving, audiences enjoyed two operas from the Royal Opera House, including La Traviata performed down Piccadilly, a juggling-meets-drumming show in the back of a van, and astounding new acrobatic dance piece BLOCK, by our friends NoFit State in collaboration with Motionhouse, which saw performers flinging themselves over a giant jenga tower outside B&M. Find out more about Appetite and what’s coming up in 2019 by visiting appetitestoke.co.uk @appetitestoke appetite.stoke appetite_stoke

Ticket prices Much Ado About Nothing, The 39 Steps and Intemperance Mon – Thu Eves

£23.00 £21.50 £15.50

Fri & Sat Eves

£24.50 £23.00 £17.50

Matinees

£15.00

The Wind In The Willows Sat 17 November

£15.50

Family performances

£24.50 £23.00 £18.00

Schools’ performances

£20.50

Schools’ groups

£11.50

Family of Four Ticket

£68.00

Don’t forget First Night Fever: Join us for the first night of New Vic Productions for just £16.50 (£15.50 for The Wind In The Willows). Call Box Office for details.

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I’m Eric, Get Me Out Of Here!

Mon & Tues Eves

£19.00

Wed – Sat Eves

£24.00 £22.50 £19.50

No concessions

Tale Trail To The Wind In The Willows All performances

£8.50

Schools’ performances

£165 (class of 30)

Connections (The Sad Club) All tickets

£9.00

Please note: a £1.00 transaction fee per ticket applies online

Concessions Under 16s, Over 60s, Students and those in receipt of Employment and Support allowance can claim a £2.00 discount on New Vic Productions and other selected events.

Concessions are available on performances Mon – Fri (Mon – Sat for The Wind In The Willows). Please let us know if you are eligible for a concession at the time of booking.

U16s go free with a paying adult on selected New Vic Productions and one-night events (excludes The Wind In The Willows and I’m Eric, Get Me Out of Here!).

Four Friends for £68 Valid on selected productions in our season, take advantage of our Four Friends for £68 ticket offer.

Valid on Mon - Fri performances for selected plays, this is a great value way to enjoy a night out with friends.

Max 8 tickets. Excl. The Wind In The Willows.

16-25?

Our Under 26 Go Free Scheme makes 50 free tickets available to anyone in this age group on most New Vic Productions. And once they’re gone, we offer tickets at just £8.00.

Find out more at newvictheatre.org.uk or at our Box Office.

Excl. The Wind In The Willows and I’m Eric, Get Me Out Of Here!

Disabled Patrons in receipt of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Attendance Allowance (AA) can claim a free companion ticket.

For Disabled Patrons not in receipt of DLA, PIP or AA, companion tickets are available at the lowest advertised price.

Schools Tickets for school groups are available for £11.50 on selected productions in our season.

Groups Groups 10+ receive £2.00 off top two prices, plus an 11th ticket free for the organiser on selected productions in our season. Ask Box Office for details.

I’m Eric, Get Me Out Of Here!

Groups 4+ £16.50 per ticket.

Groups 10+ £16.50 per ticket, an 11th ticket free for the organiser, plus receive a free bottle of Prosecco for your party.

Season Play Package Deal See Much Ado About Nothing, The 39 Steps and Intemperance for just £50.00.

Season Event Package Deal Choose ANY THREE one-night events from The Albion Band, Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir, The Pasadena Roof Orchestra, Tasmin Little, Martin Simpson, Steve Harley Acoustic Trio, The Nat King Cole Story, Juan Martín, Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham or Ensemble 360 for just £50.00

34

How to book Call our Box Office Team 01782 717962 Our phone lines are open from 10.00am until 30 minutes before the start of the show on performance nights.

We can accept payment by cash, cheques, credit and debit cards (excl. Electron, Amex and Diner’s cards). Tickets booked over the phone can be posted to you for 60p or collected from the Box Office at any time.

Come in person and say hello Our Box Office Team are available to help Mon – Sat, between 10.00am and the start of the performance (we close at 6.00pm if there is no evening show).

Book online

newvictheatre.org.uk (A £1 transaction fee per ticket applies online).

Reservations We can reserve tickets for three working days or until an hour before the performance (whichever is earliest).

Exchanges, Refunds & Reprints We are happy to exchange tickets for another performance of the same production for 50p per ticket if they are returned to our Box Office Team up to 24 hours before the original performance. This service is free for package

buyers. All tickets are non-refundable, except in the event of cancellation. If you lose your tickets, don’t worry – simply let our Box Office know and we’ll reprint them for you free of charge.

Data Protection We are committed to protecting your personal information and being transparent about what information we hold about you and how we use it, in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulations 2018 (EU).

At the time of booking, our Box Office Team will ask you if you wish to be kept informed of future events, news, offers and fundraising activities at the theatre, and your preferred method of contact. We will also ask if you would like to receive information from touring organisations whose work you are seeing.

Your data is held securely and you can change your preferences at any time by contacting us on 01782 717962 or emailing data@newvictheatre.org.uk .

To read more about our privacy policy, please visit http://www.newvictheatre.org.uk/privacypolicy/

Get in touch We’d love to hear from you about what you think of our shows and the work we do. If you have any comments about your visit, or have any recommendations as to how we can improve your future visits, please email comments@newvictheatre.org.uk

Terms & Conditions Concessions are subject to availability. Only one concession applies per ticket. Proof of status may be asked for. Concessions are not available for Saturday performances unless otherwise stated. All information is correct at time of going to print.

We reserve the right to make alterations to the programme, performers, times, ticket prices and opening hours. Should any changes occur, we will make every effort to advertise these online via our website, social media and where possible, in the local press.

Late Admissions Please note that latecomers will be admitted once there is a suitable break in the performance.

We reserve the right to use alternative seats if it is not possible to allow audience members to reach their booked seats.

Customers may take their original seats at the interval.

For full terms and conditions; newvictheatre.org.uk

35

Auditorium Maps

Access The New Vic welcomes all customers and is committed to providing access to the arts for all.

If you require any assistance or support during your visit, please let us know when booking, or speak to one of our staff members on arrival.

Facilities include: Free parking available close to the theatre entrance for Blue Badge holders (reserve a space with our Box Office) Automatic doors and level access into the foyer, ramped access to the auditorium on the ground floor and lift access to the first floor Wheelchair spaces available on both the ground and first floor Disabled toilets available on both levels of the theatre An induction loop (not available for amplified performances) and an infra-red assisted hearing system Baby-changing facilities available. You are welcome to breastfeed in any of our Front-of-House areas. If you would like a private space, please speak to our Box Office Team Assistance Dogs are welcome, and water will be provided. If you wish to take your dog into the auditorium, please let Box Office know when booking Please note: our balcony seating is accessible by stairs only, is approximately 30ft above the main stage and is not recommended for very young children and those with mobility concerns For details of our Accessible Performances, please see individual show pages and the diary on pages 36/37 or visit newvictheatre.org.uk for full details.

36

Diary

NOVEMBER Sat 17 The Wind In The Willows 7.30 Mon 19 The Wind In The Willows 2.15* Tue 20 The Wind In The Willows 10.30* / 2.15* Wed 21 The Wind In The Willows 10.30*

Pam Ayres 7.30 Thu 22 The Wind In The Willows 10.30* Fri 23 The Wind In The Willows 10.30* Sat 24 The Wind In The Willows 2.15 / 7.30 Mon 26 Jasper Carrott &

Alistair McGowan 7.30 Tue 27 The Wind In The Willows 10.30*

Jasper Carrott &

Alistair McGowan 7.30 Wed 28 The Wind In The Willows 10.30* / 2.15* SP Thu 29 The Wind In The Willows 10.30* / 2.15* Fri 30 The Wind In The Willows 10.30* DECEMBER Sat 1 The Wind In The Willows 2.15 / 7.30 Mon 3 I’m Eric, Get Me Out Of Here! 7.30 Tue 4 The Wind In The Willows 10.30* / 2.15* I’m Eric, Get Me Out Of Here! 7.30

Wed 5 The Wind In The Willows 10.30* / 2.15* I’m Eric, Get Me Out Of Here! 7.30

Thu 6 The Wind In The Willows 10.30* / 2.15* I’m Eric, Get Me Out Of Here! 7.30

Fri 7 The Wind In The Willows 10.30* I’m Eric, Get Me Out Of Here! 7.30

Sat 8 Tale Trail...

11.15 / 1.00 / 3.00

The Wind In The Willows 2.15 I’m Eric, Get Me Out Of Here! 7.30

Mon 10 Tale Trail...

11.15* / 1.00*

The Wind In The Willows 2.15* I’m Eric, Get Me Out Of Here! 7.30

Tue 11 Tale Trail...

9.30* / 11.15* / 1.00*

The Wind In The Willows 10.30* / 2.15* I’m Eric, Get Me Out Of Here! 7.30

Wed 12 The Wind In The Willows 10.30* / 2.15*

Tale Trail...

11.15* / 1.00* I’m Eric, Get Me Out Of Here! 7.30

Thu 13 The Wind In The Willows 10.30* I’m Eric, Get Me Out Of Here! 7.30

Fri 14 The Wind In The Willows 10.30*

Tale Trail...

11.15* / 1.00* I’m Eric, Get Me Out Of Here! 7.30

newvictheatre.org.uk

Sat 15 Tale Trail...

11.15 / 1.00

The Wind In The Willows 2.15 I’m Eric, Get Me Out Of Here! 7.30

Mon 17 Tale Trail...

11.15* / 1.00* The Wind In The Willows 2.15* Tue 18 The Wind In The Willows 10.30*

Tale Trail...

11.15* / 1.00*

The Albion Band 7.30 Wed 19 The Wind In The Willows 10.30* / 2.15*

Tale Trail...

11.15* / 1.00* Thu 20 The Wind In The Willows 10.30* / 2.15*

Tale Trail...

11.15* / 1.00* Fri 21 Tale Trail...

11.15 / 1.00

The Wind In The Willows 7.30 Sat 22 The Wind In The Willows 10.00 / 2.15

Tale Trail...

11.15 / 1.00

The Froncysyllte Choir 7.30 Mon 24 The Wind In The Willows 10.00 / 2.15

Tale Trail...

11.15 / 1.00 Tue 25 Theatre Closed Wed 26 Theatre Closed Thu 27 Tale Trail...

11.15 / 1.00

The Wind In The Willows 2.15 / 7.30 Fri 28 Tale Trail...

11.15 / 1.00 / 3.00

The Wind In The Willows 2.15 / 7.30 Sat 29 Tale Trail...

11.15 / 1.00 / 3.00

The Wind In The Willows 2.15 / 7.30 Mon 31 The Wind In The Willows 2.15 JANUARY Tue 1 Theatre Closed Wed 2 The Wind In The Willows 2.15 / 7.30 Thu 3 The Wind In The Willows 2.15 / 7.30 Fri 4 The Wind In The Willows 2.15 / 7.30 Sat 5 The Wind In The Willows 2.15 / 7.30 Mon 7 The Wind In The Willows 2.15* Tue 8 The Wind In The Willows 10.30* / 2.15* Wed 9 The Wind In The Willows 10.30* AD

The Pasadena Orchestra 7.30 Thu 10 The Wind In The Willows 10.30* Fri 11 The Wind In The Willows 10.30* / 7.30 Sat 12 The Wind In The Willows 2.15 AD / 7.30 Mon 14 The Wind In The Willows 6.00 RP Tue 15 The Wind In The Willows 10.30* Wed 16 The Wind In The Willows 10.30* Thu 17 The Wind In The Willows 10.30* / 2.15* CAP

37

Fri 18 The Wind In The Willows 10.30* / 7.30 Sat 19 The Wind In The Willows 2.15 CAP / 7.30 Mon 21 The Wind In The Willows 2.15* RP Tue 22 The Wind In The Willows 10.30* Wed 23 The Wind In The Willows 10.30*

Tasmin Little 7.30 Thu 24 The Wind In The Willows 10.30* Fri 25 The Wind In The Willows 10.30* / 7.30 Sat 26 The Wind In The Willows 2.15 / 7.30 Thu 31 Martin Simpson 7.30 FEBRUARY Fri 1 Eric and Ern 7.30 Sat 2 Eric and Ern 2.15 / 7.30 Fri 8 Much Ado About Nothing 7.30 Sat 9 Much Ado About Nothing 7.30 Mon 11 Much Ado About Nothing 7.30 Tue 12 Much Ado About Nothing 7.30 Wed 13 Sir Michael Parkinson 7.30 Thu 14 Much Ado About Nothing 7.30 Fri 15 Much Ado About Nothing 7.30 Sat 16 Much Ado About Nothing 7.30 Mon 18 Steve Harley Acoustic Trio 7.30 Tue 19 Much Ado About Nothing 7.30 Wed 20 Much Ado About Nothing 7.30 Thu 21 Much Ado About Nothing 7.30 Fri 22 Much Ado About Nothing 7.30 Sat 23 Much Ado About Nothing 2.15 / 7.30 Mon 25 Connections “The Sad Club” 7.30 Tue 26 Much Ado About Nothing 7.30 CAP / TB Wed 27 Much Ado About Nothing 7.30 Thu 28 Much Ado About Nothing 2.15 / 7.30 MARCH Fri 1 Much Ado About Nothing 7.30 Sat 2 Much Ado About Nothing 2.15 AD / 7.30 Fri 8 The 39 Steps 7.30 Sat 9 The 39 Steps 7.30 Mon 11 The 39 Steps 7.30 Tue 12 The 39 Steps 7.30 Wed 13 The Nat King Cole Story 7.30 Thu 14 The 39 Steps 7.30 Fri 15 The 39 Steps 7.30 Sat 16 The 39 Steps 7.30 Mon 18 Juan Martín 7.30 Tue 19 The 39 Steps 7.30 Wed 20 The 39 Steps 7.30

Thu 21 Fri 22 Sat 23 Mon 25 Tue 26 Wed 27 Thu 28 Fri 29 Sat 30 APRIL Fri 5 Sat 6 Mon 8 Tue 9 Wed 10 Thu 11 Fri 12 Sat 13 Mon 15 Tue 16 Wed 17 Thu 18 Fri 19 Sat 20

The 39 Steps 7.30 The 39 Steps 7.30 The 39 Steps 2.15 / 7.30 Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham 7.30 The 39 Steps 7.30 CAP / TB The 39 Steps 7.30 The 39 Steps 2.15 / 7.30 The 39 Steps 7.30 The 39 Steps 2.15 AD / 7.30 Intemperance Intemperance Intemperance Intemperance Steeleye Span Intemperance Intemperance Intemperance Ensemble 360 Intemperance Intemperance Intemperance Theatre Closed Intemperance

7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 2.15 / 7.30 7.30 TB 7.30 CAP / TB 7.30 2.15 / 7.30 2.15 AD / 7.30

KEY First Night Fever TB – Talkback CAP – Captioned Performance AD – Audio Described Performance RP – Relaxed Performance SP – Sign Language Interpreted Performance * Schools’ Performance

38

How to get here New Vic Theatre, Etruria Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 0JG.

By Car We are located just two minutes from the A500 – the main route through the area connecting to routes into the city from all directions, including the M6, A53, A52, A50 and A34.

Using SatNav? Use ST5 0JG to locate the theatre on your device – check it’s directing you to Etruria Road in Basford.

streets to minimise inconvenience to our neighbours.

Blue Badge holders can arrange to reserve a space in our car park, free of charge.

Spaces are limited and pre-booking is essential.

Please call our Box Office Team on 01782 717962 to reserve your space.

Reserved free parking for coaches can also be arranged – call Box Office for details.

Parking

By Public Transport

Onsite parking is available at the theatre (a charge of £1.00 applies from 6.00pm).

Stoke-on-Trent train station is a 10-minute drive from the theatre, and has services connecting to Birmingham, Manchester, Derby, Stafford, Crewe and London. There is a taxi rank directly outside the train station entrance.

On busy performances where our car park is full, alternative parking is available on King Street Car Park, approx. a 5 minute walk from the theatre; charges apply.

As we are located in a residential area, we kindly ask customers to park in the recommended car parks and not on adjacent KIDSGROVE J16

A500

A34

First Potteries bus routes 4 and 4a, serving Newcastle and Hanley, stop directly outside the theatre, a short walk to our main entrance.

A527

TUNSTALL A53

M6

HANLEY NEWCASTLE STOKE

KEELE

NEWCASTLEUNDER-LYME

J15

A500

Vue Cinemas

Staffordshire University

A525

KEELE

Royal Stoke University Hospital

Keele University

A52

STOKE-ONTRENT

A34 A53

M6 A50

39

Our Business Supporters We’ve been creating excellent theatre-in-the-round for over 30 years at our home in Newcastle-under-Lyme and, as a registered charity, our Supporters, Sponsors and Business Friends are crucial to our continued success.

Charitable Donation The New Vic Theatre would like to gratefully acknowledge the generous donation given by: Sponsors The New Vic Theatre gratefully acknowledges the following for their generous support:

Business Friends

We welcome over 150,000 people through our doors each year to see world-class theatre, and participate in life-changing projects with the community.

Find out more about how you can work with one of the region’s outstanding success stories and add your business support to the culture of the local area.

Contact Fiona Wallace, New Vic Managing Director, on 01782 717954 or email: fwallace@newvictheatre.org.uk

Theatre Café Homemade food. Relaxing setting.

Warm welcome.

Open throughout the day serving wholesome food from hearty breakfasts to light snacks and pre-show meals, tempt your taste buds with a trip to our theatre café.

Whether you’re looking for somewhere for a relaxing lunch, a meal with friends or a quick cuppa and a piece of cake, our varied menu features a range of options that all your party will enjoy.

And if you’re bringing a little one, we have a range of children’s choices available too – see our new menu for more details.

Vegetarian choices are always available, but if you have special dietary needs then please just get in touch with us.

Join us for a Christmas meal during The Wind In The Willows. £13.95 for 2 courses.

Find out more at newvictheatre.org.uk

Open from 10.00am – 3.30pm, and pre-show from 5.30pm.

Reserve your evening table on 01782 717954 ext 325 or email catering@newvictheatre.org.uk

newvictheatre.org.uk

Tableware generously supplied by:

Box Office 01782 717962 newvictheatre.org.uk The New Vic Theatre operates thanks to a unique partnership between Arts Council England, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Staffordshire County Council and Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

Charity Registration Number: 253242

Registered Office: Etruria Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 0JG