HELLO Welcome to the new season at the Rose Theatre, featuring drama of the highest quality alongside family productions, comedy and music. We’re pleased to present two Rose productions in the early part of 2016. Peter Whelan’s The Herbal Bed is produced in partnership with English Touring Theatre and Royal & Derngate Northampton and tells the scandalous story of the secret life of Shakespeare's daughter. For the Easter holidays, families can look forward to a suitably scary production of Roald Dahl’s The Witches, produced with Curve Leicester. Our co-production of Jacqueline Wilson's Hetty Feather returns for the Spring half term. Having premiered here last year, it has gone on to have great success in the West End, where it was nominated for an Olivier Award, as well as on tour both nationally and internationally. We’re very proud of Hetty and delighted that she’ll be ‘coming home’ soon! Following our epic production of The Wars of the Roses, drama continues to be well-represented in our new season. Olivier Award nominated Matthew Kelly plays in Richard Bean’s Toast in February and the criticallyacclaimed savage comedy about family and faith, Bad Jews, plays in April. The ever-popular Northern Broadsides returns with its joyful production of The Merry Wives, with Barrie Rutter directing as well as playing Falstaff. Ockham's Razor also makes a welcome return with Tipping Point, an intimate yet extreme circus show performed in the round. Of course our usual selection of music, comedy and children’s productions will play across the season, genuinely promising something for everyone. With so much on offer, why not experience more with our season saver or through the benefits of a Friends’ loyalty card (see p31). And please don’t forget that our café and bar are open throughout the day and into the evening offering a wide range of drinks, snacks, cakes and pastries. We look forward to welcoming you to the Rose soon.
Robert O’Dowd Chief Executive 1
Jerry Gunn Executive Producer