The Little Theatre Autumn/Winter 23/24

AUTUMN/WINTER 23-24

The Little Theatre

The Little Brochure

10%

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT AVAILABLE UNTIL AUG 11

Hello

from

The Little Theatre

W

e’re excited to present our Autumn/ Winter season for 2023-24. We have some brilliant plays coming up, plus our annual family pantomime: Puss in Boots.

Miss Marple kicks off our new season in September for Agatha Christie’s A Murder is Announced. October sees Willy Russell’s Stags and Hens, followed by William Archibald’s The Innocents – a ghost story for Halloween. In November, we’ll have comedy from Noel Coward’s Fallen Angels.

Our traditional family pantomime this year is Puss in Boots, beginning in December and running into the new year. In January, this half-season concludes with John Godber’s April in Paris.

We’re also looking forward to return visits from our extended family of societies for their musical offerings, such as the I ♥ Musicals concert (LAOS), School of Rock: The Musical (IDOLs), and Nativity! The Musical (KPAOS).

November will see the return of our in-house One Act Play festival – an opportunity for new directors to showcase their talents.

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If that sounds like an expensive six months, remember there are a range of discounts available. The 5-for-4 season ticket allows you to watch the five LDS plays (excluding Puss in Boots) at 20% off the price. Alternatively, if you book your tickets before August 11, you’ll get 10% off through our early bird discount. Fully paid-up LDS members can get £10 tickets (one per member) for LDS shows (when booked within a month of the show), and under 25s can get £5 tickets (when booking on the day of the performance).

You may spot a few of our members ‘thesping about’ throughout this brochure, acting as representatives of our whole community.

It takes all 350+ members to create, crew, design, lead and welcome you to our shows.

Almost everyone you see working at The Little, whether it be on or off stage, is a member volunteering their time. If you’d like to know more about becoming a member and the benefits thereof, please call the box office on 0116 255 1302 or visit thelittletheatre.co.uk.

We look forward to welcoming you back to The Little Theatre this season!

WHAT’S ON

23 24 SEPTEMBER

A Murder Is Announced The Same Faces: Uncle Armando Inside stories of the Tour de France Fire in the Belly I ♥ Musicals

Date of production Page

Sept 11-16 Sept 17 Sept 18 Sept 20 Sept 23

6-7 8 8 8 9

Oct 2-7 Oct 10-14 Oct 23-28 Oct 29 Oct 30

10-11 13 14-15 16 16

Nov 1 Nov 2-3 Nov 4 Nov 13-18 Nov 26-Dec 2 Nov 21-25

17 17 12 18-19 20 21

Dec 14 - Jan 7

22-23

NOVEMBER

Legends of Motown The Carpenters Experience The Sooty Show Fallen Angels One Act Play Festival Nativity

DECEMBER

Panto: Puss In Boots

JANUARY

8 26-27

Leicester Drama Society Production

The Same Faces: Improvised Comedy Jan 13 April in Paris Jan 22-27

Society Production from Our Extended Family

Stags and Hens (The Remix) School of Rock The Innocents Art of Believing Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horrors

One-off Special

OCTOBER

DISCOUNTS

£%: Season Ticket

10% Early Bird Offer (when booked by August 11) U25: £5 tickets for under 25s (book on the day)

Group: Discount for group bookings of 10 or more Members: £10 tickets for paid up LDS members (booked within one month of the show)

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See Quality Theatre and Save with a Season Ticket!

This is your chance to see quality live theatre in Leicester ...at a discounted price!

Watch five great Leicester Drama Society shows for the price of four wiith our half-year season ticket See the following shows in our ‘5-for-4’ season ticket:

A Murder is Announced Stags and Hens (The Remix) The Innocents Fallen Angels April in Paris Standard seating season tickets are £66 (saving £16.50) Concession seating season tickets are £60 (saving £15.00) Premium seating season tickets cost £70 (saving £17.50) (Concession not applicable for premium seating) What’s more...

Choose the same seat for every show (subject to availability). If you can’t make a show or it’s not one for you, pass your season ticket to a friend or family member and treat them to a live performance!

Season tickets are on sale from the Box Office and online, until September 16, 2023

0116 255 1302 thelittletheatre.co.uk

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Standard: £15 LDS Members: £10

The Same Faces Friends of the theatre and Leicester’s longest running improvised comedy group, The Same Faces, return to our main stage following last season’s successful debut.

This season, the two-time Leicester Comedy Festival award finalists will be bringing two shows with completely different – but equally fun – formats.

Uncle Armando Sunday, September 17 - 6pm An improvised sketch show based on real stories.

Featuring a guest comedian who serves as a monologist, telling stories inspired by the audience’s one-word suggestions. The Same Faces will spin these tales into hilarious, fast-paced sketches before your very eyes. A favourite format of The Same Faces gang, this fun show is not to be missed.

Improvised Comedy Saturday, January 13, 2024 - 7:30pm TSF deliver their unique blend of sketches, songs, and one-liners – all made up on the spot and based on your suggestions! If you’ve ever seen Whose Line Is It Anyway?, you’ll know what to expect. This is The Same Faces flagship show that’s been running for close to 11 years; come and enjoy this night of improvised hilarity!

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A MISS MARPLE MYSTERY

A Murder is Announced

BY AGATHA CHRISTIE ADAPTED BY LESLIE DARBON

September 11-16 The Little Theatre

DIRECTED BY JOHN BALE BOX OFFICE: 0116 255 1302 THELITTLETHEATRE.CO.UK

THIS AMATEUR PRODUCTION OF “A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED” IS PRESENTED

BY ARRANGEMENT WITH CONCORD THEATRICALS LTD. ON BEHALF OF SAMUEL FRENCH LTD. CONCORDTHEATRICALS.CO.UKTHEATRICALS .CO.UK

A Murder is Announced

by Agatha Christie Directed by John Bale LDS Production Box Office 0116 255 1302 thelittletheatre.co.uk

September 11-16 - 7:30pm Saturday Matinée: 2:30pm Standard: £16.50 Premium: £17.50 Concessions: £15

A Miss Marple mystery.

“A murder is announced and will take place on Friday, 29 October, at Little Paddocks, at 6:30pm. Friends accept this, the only intimation.”

When this notice is posted in the local newspaper of Chipping Cleghorn, it surprises Letitia Blacklock, owner of Little Paddocks. Undeterred, she prepares for her guests’ arrival that evening. Some additional villagers turn up to the house, intrigued by the announcement.

As the clock strikes 6:30pm, the lights go out and a door swings open. Moments later, a man lies dead.

An investigation follows, but who will reach the truth in time? Inspector Craddock or Chipping Cleghorn’s very own sleuth, Miss Marple?

This amateur production of “A Murder Is Announced” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. concordtheatricals.co.uk

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Fire in the Belly: The Story & Times of Woody Guthrie

September 20 - 7:30pm Tickets: £15

F

ire in the Belly is a tribute to the life and stories of Woodrow ‘Woody’ Wilson Guthrie.

Dave Plimmer tells the story of the musician and the man, mixing biographical monologue in the voice of Guthrie with his music, celebrating his art and fire plagued story.

Tickets

£13

SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 AT 7:30PM

Live, in conversation

The Little Theatre

MATT RENDELL’s RENDELL’s INSIDE STORIES OF THE

TOUR DE FRANCE Box Office: 0116 255 1302 Page 8

thelittletheatre.co.uk

Saturday September 23, 2023 2:30pm & 7:30pm

Showcasing the incredible talent of our experienced multi-talented performers, Leicester Amateur Operatic Society presents an entertaining insight into all the elements we love in the world of musical theatre.

Standard: £16, Premium: £18 Box Office: 0116 255 1302 thelittletheatre.co.uk The Little Theatre, Dover Street, Leicester Page 11

&

By Willy Russell Directed by Simon Dickens

HENS (the remix)

October 2-7 2023 BOX OFFICE: 0116 255 1302

THELITTLETHEATRE.CO.UK

This amateur production of “Stags and Hens (The Remix)” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. concordtheatricals.co.uk

Stags and Hens (The Remix)

by Willy Russell Directed by Simon Dickens LDS Production Box Office 0116 255 1302 thelittletheatre.co.uk

October 2-7 - 7:30pm Saturday Matinée: 2:30pm Standard: £16.50 Premium: £17.50 Concessions: £15

D

o you remember 1978, your stag/hen party or the feelings you had when trying to plan your future?

This exuberantly cynical play combines the comedy of wedding nerves, club toilets and young love with bitter truth.

Willy Russell portrays a young, engaged couple, unwittingly rolling up at the same seedy Liverpool venue for their stag and hen nights. Mayhem ensues for both parties.

We are left wondering whether the bride to be will choose to endure the expectations of her peers and the confines of her social class or escape the speeding current of dayafter-day dissatisfaction.

Content Warning: Strong language, sexual themes

This amateur production of “Stags and Hens (The Remix)” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. concordtheatricals.co.uk

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The Sooty Show 75th Birthday Spectacular!

November 4 11:00am & 2:30pm Adults: £15 Children: £12 Family Ticket (2 adults + 2 children): £42

C

elebrating 75 amazing years in show business, Sooty, Sweep and Soo are planning a very special birthday party and you’re all invited. However, in true Sooty style, nothing goes to plan!

The party preparations are well underway: Sooty and Sweep are busy baking a cake (what could go wrong?), Soo’s trying to find the perfect party dress, and Sweep’s practising his dance moves and needs some boys and girls to join in with musical statues! Sooty is planning his biggest magic trick yet, but will Richard survive when he is placed in the box of doom? Oh, and watch out for Sooty’s new water pistol. It’s turbocharged to reach right to the back of the theatre, so don’t forget your raincoat!

The special guests are on their way: Butch the bulldog, Ramsbottom the snake and circus superstar Michael Jordan who joins us direct from Blackpool’s famous Tower Circus to stun us with his jaw-dropping juggling!

With buckets of audience participation and gallons of giggles, this spectacular celebration of the longest-running children’s television show in the world will delight Sooty fans old and new and is a must-see treat for the whole family.

Plus – join us after the show to meet Richard and Sooty!

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T h e st ory of u n s p e a k a b l e h or ror

The Little Theatre

THE

By William Archibald

October 23-28, 2023 Directed by Diani Gatenby Davies

BOX OFFICE: 0116 255 1302 THELITTLETHEATRE.CO.UK This amateur production of “The Innocents” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. concordtheatricals.co.uk

The Innocents

by William Archibald Adapted from Henry James’ The Turn of the Screw

Directed by Diani Gatenby Davies LDS Production Box Office 0116 255 1302 thelittletheatre.co.uk

October 23-28 - 7:30pm Saturday Matinée: 2:30pm Standard: £16.50 Premium: £17.50 Concessions: £15

G

overness, Miss Giddens, arrives at an English estate to look after an orphaned brother and sister. There’s also a motherly cook, however the four aren’t alone they’re haunted by fears and phantoms and ghastly shadows.

The perfect ghost story to get you ready for Halloween.

“In a lifetime of play going, I do not recall a single play which held me as spellbound.”

- New York Journal American

This amateur production of “The Innocents” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. concordtheatricals.co.uk

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Art of Believing E xperience vibrant and authentic flamenco music and dance from the spectacular Daniel Martinez Flamenco Company.

The production recently won the prestigious Herald Angel Award and is bursting with truly stunning flamenco music, bringing to Leicester the passion and fire of Andalucía.

October 29 - 7:30pm

All Tickets: £30

Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horrors T he original horror film with a brand-new score.

Nosferatu (1922) is notable as the first cinematic interpretation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Its combination of expressionistic acting and unforgettable images render it just as powerful and unsettling today as when it first thrilled cinema goers 100 years ago.

Chris Green’s new score was commissioned

by English Heritage. The music is a haunting blend of electronic and acoustic instruments performed live by the composer, and makes for a genuinely remarkable and unique cinematic experience.

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October 30 - 8:00pm

All Tickets: £11

Legends of Motown U ndoubtedly the golden era of music, this show pays tribute to the legendary artists that appeared on the Motown label.

Get ready to be wowed with a song list that won’t fail to have you out of your seats and dancing in the aisles.

A night to remember with the music of such artists as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Smokey Robinson, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, The Temptations, Jackie Wilson and many more!

November 1 - 7:30pm

All Tickets: £20

The Carpenters Experience November 2-3 - 7:30pm

All Tickets: £22

T

he UK’s leading Carpenters show captures the sights and sounds of the amazing talents of Richard and Karen Carpenter. The Carpenters Experience features the amazing voice of Maggie Nestor and eight top-class musicians.

Karen’s silky contralto is combined with Richard’s delightful piano and seamless harmonies in this big production that brings Close To You, We’ve Only Just Begun, Top of the World, Rainy Days and Mondays, Solitaire, Goodbye to Love, Please Mr Postman, For All We Know, Only Yesterday and dozens more classic songs to the stage.

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FALLEN ANGELS November 13-18, 2023 Directed by Jordan Handford

The Little Theatre BOX OFFICE: 0116 255 1302 THELITTLETHEATRE.CO.UK This amateur production of “Fallen Angels” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. concordtheatricals.co.uk

Fallen Angels

by Noël Coward Directed by Jordan Handford LDS Production Box Office 0116 255 1302 thelittletheatre.co.uk

November 13-18 - 7:30pm Saturday Matinée: 2:30pm Standard: £16.50 Premium: £17.50 Concessions: £15

F

allen Angels is the comedic story of Julia and Jane, two upper-class women in England in the early 1900s. They are married to Fred and Willy, two respectable Englishmen.

When Maurice, a former French lover, shows up in England while the two women’s husbands are away on a golf trip, he reminds the two housewives what they might be missing.

Coward at his inimitable best, the story is a champagne cocktail of wit and charm.

Content Warning: Occasional sexual references

This amateur production of “Fallen Angels” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. concordtheatricals.co.uk

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One Act Play Festival T

he long-awaited return of our one act play festival provides an opportunity for new directors to start their journey towards the main stage.

Taking place in the Haywood Studio, the festival will feature a handful of short plays – a fantastic opportunity to see several new works in one week.

If successful, one of the plays may also be chosen to represent The Little Theatre at the National One Act Play Festival in 2024.

Details of the selected plays and directors will be available from August 1, once tickets go on sale.

Visit thelittletheatre.co.uk for more information.

November 26 - December 2 £7 per session

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PROUDLY PRESENTS

BOOK & LYRICS BY DEBBIE ISITT

MUSIC BY DEBBIE ISITT & NICKY AGER

ORCHESTRATIONS BY GEORGE DYER

21ST - 25TH NOVEMBER, 2023 THE LITTLE THEATRE 0116 0116 255 255 1302 1302 THELITTLETHEATRE.CO.UK THELITTLETHEATRE.CO.UK

THIS AMATEUR PRODUCTION IS PRESENTED BY ARRANGEMENT WITH MUSICAL THEATRE INTERNATIONAL. ALL AUTHORISED PERFORMANCES ARE ALSO SUPPLIED BY MTI WWW.MTISHOWS.CO.UK

Puss in Boots A traditional family pantomime

Devised and directed by John Bale Musical direction by Paul Timms Choreography by Caroline Walsh LDS Production Box Office 0116 255 1302 thelittletheatre.co.uk

W

December 14 - January 7, 2024 Various times Standard: £18.50 Premium: £19.50 Concessions: £16 Premium concessions: £17

hen the miller’s sons inherit the family mill – along with all its pets and debts – they could never have imagined all the adventures that await them.

Queen Camilla is feeling the pinch too and must cook the Princess’s birthday cake herself. What could possibly go wrong?

However, never fear, as the Good Spirit of Catland is on hand to steer their fortunes beyond anyone’s wildest dreams. With the aid of a pair of magical boots, the Millers’ faithful moggy is transformed into a very clever, walking, talking cat. Our very own Puss in Boots!

Surely, not even the Evil Wizard can stand in their way? Join us as Puss talks the talk and walks the cat-walk.

This traditional pantomime treat is full of fun, laughter, sparkle and shine to guarantee the purr-fect family treat!

BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT.

Start times: 1pm – Dec 17, 23, 30, 31, Jan 7 2:30pm – Dec 16, Jan 6 5:30pm – Dec 17, 23, 30, 31, Jan 7 7pm – Dec 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, Jan 2, 5, 6

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Acting Workshops O

ur Thursday night workshops help you develop key acting skills, such as projection and articulation (voice), the Stanislavsky technique, emotional memory, embodiment of a character, animal acting, and much, much more.

N EW M EM BE RS AR E ALWAY S W EL CO M E

Beginners and advanced level workshops are available.

No matter your expereince, we have a class available for you.

Members discount will activate at checkout when signed in.

Beginners: 6:30-8:00pm Advanced: 8:15-9:45pm

20% Discount when purchasing 5 sessions in a single transaction.

Non-members: £8 per session LDS members: £4 per session

Book online to ensure your space.

Check website for term times.

LDS Youth Theatre T

he LDS Youth theatre offers acting workshops that lead to an annual main house production (such as last season’s James and the Giant Peach).

Youth Theatre takes place on term-time Saturdays For more details and term dates, please visit thelittletheatre.co.uk or contact the box office on 0116 255 1302

Juniors (8-12 years) – 9am-10:30am Seniors (13-18 years) – 11am-12:30pm Page 24

Tuesday Connection I nterested in being a member of our theatre and to get a glimpse behind the scenes?

Our Tuesday Connection open evenings offer the chance to meet other new members, tour the theatre, get a sneak peek of rehearsals, and learn about our history.

You can also discover opportunities to get involved in from acting, front of house, stage management, lighting, sound through to helping in the bar... to name but a few.

Call the box office to book.

(0116 255 1302)

Held the week before our main house shows open, we’ll host Tuesday Connections (and rehearsal drop ins) on the following dates:

September 5 - 7:30pm September 26 - 7:30pm October 17 - 7:30pm November 7 - 7:30pm December 5 - 7:30pm January 16 - 7:30pm

Authentic Italian cuisine 10% off our evening food menu with your show ticket or LDS membership card

romaleicester.co.uk | 11 Halford Street, LE1 1JA | 0116 251 5959

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A Comedy dber

by John Go

igh White

Le Directed by

22 – 27 JAN 2024 Box Offi ce: 0116 255 1302

This amateur production of “April in Paris” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. concordtheatricals.co.uk

thelittlet

heatre.co .uk

April in Paris

by John Godber Directed by Leigh White LDS Production Box Office 0116 255 1302 thelittletheatre.co.uk

January 22-27, 2024 - 7:30pm Saturday Matinée: 2:30pm Standard: £16.50 Premium: £17.50 Concessions: £15

A

l and Bet have been married for several years and the cracks in their marriage are beginning to show. Al has lost his job and loves to paint.

Bet works in a shoe shop, and dreams of a better life.

When Bet wins a romantic night for two in Paris, the city of love, Al wonders who she’ll take with her. Resigned to taking her husband, Paris reignites their relationship as never before…

This amateur production of “April in Paris” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. concordtheatricals.co.uk

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Seating Plan and Access Mobility

Hearing impaired

Wheelchair spaces are shown on the seating plan (row D coloured purple) with provision for escorts’ seats (D4 and E1 in blue). Seats C1–3 are removed for access.

A service is provided for LDS Main House shows which makes theatre going a rewarding experience for the visually impaired. A CD with detailed descriptions of the cast, characters and costumes is sent by post in the week of the performance. On Saturday at 1pm, a touch tour of the set and costumes takes place, with the opportunity to meet the cast, after which patrons can enjoy the matinée performance. Call the box office on 0116 255 1302 for more details and to book.

A lift between the ground floor and the auditorium may be used by wheelchair users and those with walking difficulties.

Accessible toilets are available on both levels of the theatre.

Wheelchair patrons are requested to be in the foyer half an hour before the performance begins to ensure Front of House staff are available to assist you.

Wheelchair spaces can only be booked in person or over the phone during box office opening hours.

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An infra red amplification system is provided in the Main House. Please ask Front of House staff in the foyer if you wish to borrow a headset.

Vision impaired

Plan Your Visit

The City Council has closed off the entrance to the Dover Street car park from Dover Street. This change is NOT shown on Google Maps or most Satnavs.

Box Office

0116 255 1302 or book online: thelittletheatre.co.uk

The Little Theatre

Dover Street, Leicester, LE1 6PW hello@thelittletheatre.co.uk

The Little Gallery

Work by local fine artists and photographers is displayed in the theatre’s public areas.

The Bar Lounge

Our fully licenced lounge bar is open from an hour before curtain up until after the performance. Interval drinks may be ordered before curtain up.

Parking

24-hour pay-and-display parking opposite the theatre in Dover Street (vehicle access via Dunkirk Street). NCP multi-storey car park in East Street. Please allow plenty of time for parking – the nearest car park may not always have spaces available.

Keep In Touch

To join our email list, visit our website: thelittletheatre.co.uk Page 29

Booking Information Online: thelittletheatre.co.uk Telephone: 0116 255 1302 Email: hello@thelittletheatre.co.uk Box Office hours:

Weekdays: 10:00-18:00 Saturday: 10:00-13:00 Plus ticket desk at FOH before shows.

A £1 transaction fee applies to all bookings.

Tickets can be collected at the box office or an e-ticket can be sent to you. Alternatively, tickets can be posted to you for an extra £1.

E-tickets must be presented upon entry.

They can either be printed at home, or shown on a mobile device. Reservations must be paid for within 48 hours or tickets will be offered for resale.

All payments in the venue are card only.

Refunds and exchanges: No refunds are made. A £1 transaction fee will be applicable for exchanges.

Concessions for LDS main house shows (proof of status may be requested): ● Disabled patrons. Free carer

companion tickets if required (contact box office) ● Students, jobseekers and under 16s ● Over 65s ● No concessions available on premium seats

Gift vouchers are available to purchase at the Box Office and on our website.

Full terms and conditions can be read at thelittletheatre.co.uk/terms-and-conditions or a paper copy may be obtained from the Box Office.

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Season Ticket: For LDS main house* shows, a discounted price (20% off) is offered to patrons buying tickets for five LDS mainhouse shows.

Patrons can also reserve specific seats for the next half season’s offer by contacting the box office.

Early Bird Discount: Get 10% off a ticket price for any regular LDS mainhouse show* if booked prior to August 11 (cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer).

Theatre-Goers Under 25: For LDS main house* shows we offer £5 tickets on the day of performance to those under 25. Contact the Box Office on the day to check availability (proof of status may be requested).

Group Bookings: For LDS

Mainhouse shows, including pantomime and our Easter musical there is a 10% discount for groups of 10+.

Group reservations can be made by contacting the box office. A nonreturnable deposit of 10% is payable at time of booking with balance to be paid four-weeks before the performance (or

by November 1 for Pantomime.)

Content Warning: This play contains language that some viewers may find offensive Please note that each theatre-goer, regardless of age, must be in possession of a valid ticket. *Not including our Easter musical or panto.

L IF E IS B U R rIT OF UL SíGA GANNO S

0116 332 0006 44 BELVOIR ST, LEICESTER LE1 6QL

Present your show ticket or LDS membership card for a 10% discount at either of these establishments

ANGUS BURGERS CHICKEN PATTIES LOADED FRIES WRAPS SHAKES 0116 247 1918

PAPAFRITES.COM

82 GRANBY STREET, LEICESTER, LE1 1DJ

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The Little Theatre

FULL OF CHARACTER Box Office: 0116 255 1302

thelittletheatre.co.uk