HIGHLIGHTS SPRING 2024
01923 225671 FULL PROGRAMME AT: watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk 20 Clarendon Road, Watford, WD17 1JZ @WATFORDPALACE
Rifco Theatre Company, Watford Palace Theatre and HOME Mancheste
Concept & Book by Pravesh Kumar, Songs & Music by Niraj Chag, Song
THU 25 APRIL – SAT 11 MAY 2024; 7.30PM (M
From the makers of Britain’s Got Bhangra comes the world premiere of Rifco’s most ambitious musical yet, Frankie Goes to Bollywood is a breathtakingly colourful journey of romance, epic songs, and spectacular dance - inspired by real stories of British women caught in the spotlight of the biggest film industry in the world. Frankie never wanted to be a star, and after a chance encounter with a director, she finds herself transported to the ruthless world of Bollywood. As she climbs the sparkling staircase of stardom, Frankie must confront what she is
er present
gs & Lyrics by Tasha Taylor Johnson
MATINEES 2.30PM THURS & SAT, 3PM SUN)
f a new British musical. willing to do for fame and fortune. Can she stay in the Bollywood family and still be true to herself? Amidst the heroes and villains, ornate costumes and sweeping sets, get ready for this tale of being British in Bollywood. “A vibrant, exciting, lush, and very welcome addition to British Musicals” - Musical Theatre Review on Laila: The Musical
TICKETS PREVIEW PERFORMANCES Tickets from £15
STANDARD PERFORMANCES Tickets from £17
GOLD PERFORMANCES Tickets from £22.50 Concessions £2 off Groups rate: 10% off for groups of 10+ | 15% off for groups of 20+
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE APRIL 2024 Thu 25 Fri 26 Sat 27 Sun 28 Mon 29 Tue 30
7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 3pm 7.30pm 7.30pm
7.30pm
MAY 2024 Thu 2 Fri 3 Sat 4 Sun 5 Mon 6 Wed 8 Thu 9 Fri 10 Sat 11
2.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 3pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm
7.30pm 7.30pm
7.30pm 7.30pm
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THIS GUIDE CONTAINS JUST A FLAVOUR OF WHAT’S ON! SCAN THE QR CODE TO SEE THE FULL PROGRAMME & BOOK! ACCESS FOR ALL We’re an accessible building, with lift access to all levels, and toilets on the ground and second floors. We always have wheelchair spaces in the Stalls for all shows. If you’re accompanying a guest with disabilities you can get a free companion ticket for nearly all our shows. We have an infrared sound amplification system and offer headsets at our Box Office. Assistance animals are welcome in the auditorium.
MEMBERSHIPS BE OUR PAL AND UNLOCK EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS, REWARDS & OFFERS! We treat our friends well. When you become a Palace Pal for just £30 per year, you’ll save up to £60 on tickets, and receive premium extras reserved only for our very best friends!
WHAT’S THE DEAL? • £5 discount on tickets booked for up to 6 shows per year* – a saving of £60! • A members only Palace Pal keyring • Waived booking fees • 10% off all drinks and snacks at our café bar upon presentation of your keyring • A special Birthday treat from the Watford Palace Theatre family • Priority booking for selected shows • Free ticket exchange
BECOME A PALACE PAL TODAY! Your Palace Pal membership means that you’re helping us stage amazing work, from musicals and comedy to exciting new writing, and work in and alongside the local community, ensuring that everyone has a chance to experience the magic of live theatre. TERMS AND CONDITIONS *The £5 off tickets perk is limited to a maximum of 2 tickets per show. Membership lasts for 12 months from the date of purchase. Limited membership tickets are available per show, and are booked on a first come, first served basis. Membership tickets can be reserved for up to 2 weeks (unless the performance is sold out).
THE RONNIE SCOTT’S STORY Sat 13 January 2024, 3pm & 7.30pm Tickets: From £24 Direct from London’s world-famous jazz club and combining worldclass live jazz, narration, rare archive photos and video footage, The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars take to the stage to celebrate the ‘The Ronnie Scott’s Story’. Mixing classic music from the jazz greats who have performed at Ronnie Scott’s over its incredible 60+ year history, alongside tales of old Soho, miscreant musicians and police raids, this is a unique evening celebrating one of the world’s most famous jazz venues, its music, and history.
CHRIS MCCAUSLAND: YONKS! Fri 19 January 2024, 8pm Tickets: From £22.50 Age guidance: 16+ A brand-new show for 2024! You might have seen him on Scared of the Dark, Would I Lie to You, Have I Got News for You, The Royal Variety, QI, Blankety Blank, The Last Leg, and tons more as well. He’s been called an “overnight success” - Even though he’s been doing this for bloody yonks! Chris McCausland is hitting the road again with another masterclass in stand-up comedy that has literally been yonks in the making – The last tour was a sell-out, so get your tickets now!
CARMEN Thu 8 - Sat 10 February 2024, 2.30pm (Sat only) & 7.30pm Tickets: From £10 For the first time in Watford Palace Theatre history, community company Abbots Langley Gilbert & Sullivan Society bring the searing opera ‘Carmen’ to its stage. Bizet‘s Spanish-inflected score is brimming with passionate melodies and famous numbers such as Carmen’s seductive ‘Habanera’ and Escamillo’s ‘Toreador song’. Set in the heat of Seville, ‘Carmen’ is an enduring story of passion, lust, jealousy, obsession, and revenge. ALGSS are delighted to be bringing Rory Bremner’s gritty translation of this work to the stage. Similar shows on our website: ROH As Live Screening: Rusalka | ROH Live Screening Madama Butterfly
SINDHU VEE: ALPHABET
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Thu 15 & Fri 16 February 2024, 8pm Tickets: From £18.50 Age guidance: 14+
Sindhu Vee brings her critically-acclaimed, sell-out tour show, Alphabet, to Watford Palace Theatre for two exclusive performances as she films the show for her next stand-up special. Sindhu has stormed Live at the Apollo (twice) and appeared on all of the top comedy TV shows, including: QI, Mock the Week, Have I Got News For You, The Last Leg and Would I Lie To You? You may also be interested in: Frankie Goes To Bollywood
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AN EVENING OF BURLESQUE Sat 17 February 2024, 7.30pm Tickets: From £28 Age suitability: 18+ only Roll up, roll up. . . the UK’s longest running burlesque show is back – and it’s bigger than ever. The ultimate variety show blends stylish cabaret, comedy, music, circus and burlesque featuring world-class entertainers and stars of the stage and screen in an extravaganza of glitz and glamour! Expect fun, feathers and fabulous costumes. It’s cocktails and cabaret o’clock!
CHINESE NEW YEAR CULTURE SHOW
中国新年文藝匯演 Sat 18 February 2024, 6pm Tickets: From £12
二零二四年 二月十八日 星期日 晚上六時正
Join us for an evening of stunning performances including traditional dances in colourful costumes, classical music and Chinese stylistic songs, to celebrate Chinese culture and the Year of the Dragon. Curated by Lijun Bi on behalf of the Watford Chinese Association. 與我们共赏一個精彩絕倫的夜演, 包括鮮艷服裝的傳統 舞蹈, 古典音樂和中國風歌曲，以慶祝中國文化和龍年. 由毕丽俊代表沃特福德华人协会策划.
FIREMAN SAM: THE GREAT CAMPING ADVENTURE Sat 24 February 2024, 12.30pm & 3pm Tickets: From £16.50 Brand New for 2024. Norman wants to go on an adventure to impress his friends, so when two famous animal explorers arrive in Pontypandy, he decides to follow them into the mountains. But when Norman discovers a rare red squirrel, one of the explorers decides to take the glory for themselves, leaving Norman stranded in a cave. Now it’s up to Fireman Sam to save the day and ensure everyone is safe on their camping adventure! More kids shows on our website!
SWINGING AT THE COTTON CLUB
Featuring The Lindy Hop Dance Company & The Harry Strutters Hot Rhythm Orchestra Fri 1 March 2024, 7.30pm Tickets: From £26 A spectacular visual and musical feast celebrating the dance and music of New York’s most celebrated 1920s nightclub: The Cotton Club! The show pays homage to the iconic Harlem hot spot, where legends like Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Count Basie had the crowd swinging, whilst dancers such as Bojangles Robinson and the Nicholas Brothers lit-up the stage with their breathtaking routines. Grab your dancing shoes!
WIFI WARS Sat 2 March 2024, 2.30pm & 7.30pm Tickets: From £14 Age guidance: 6+ (matinee) 12+ (evening) The live comedy game show where you play along! Log in with your smartphone/tablet and compete in games, puzzles and quizzes to win the show! Hosted by comedian Steve McNeil (team captain, “Dara O’Briain’s Go 8 Bit”). Different games/quizzes at each - come to both! “Not To Be Missed” - The Guardian Hot List - The Times Top Ten London Geek Nights Out - Metro
An imitating the dog and Leeds Playhouse Co-Production
FRANKENSTEIN
INSPIRED BY MARY SHELLY’S NOVEL
Wed 6 – Sat 9 March 2024, 1pm (Thu only), 2.30pm (Sat only) & 7.30pm Tickets: From £14 Age Guidance: 14+
A storm gathers outside as a couple pack up a room. Picking up a book, the woman reads aloud. It’s the story of Frankenstein. As they confront their own fears, the couple re-create a version of Frankenstein that erupts into life as everyday objects are transformed into glaciers, a ship at sea, a dissecting room, a house on fire… imitating the dog and Leeds Playhouse’s multimedia exploration of Mary Shelley’s classic novel is a psychological thriller which dares to ask the question – what is it to be human?
LUISA OMIELAN: BITTER Fri 15 March 2024, 8pm Tickets: From £17.50 Age suitability: 18+ only Luisa has endured years of people telling her she’s too loud, too crass, and too emotional. But on the contrary her audiences tell her she’s incredible, hilarious, life changing and a fricking superstar. The world doesn’t make any sense. And working hard and doing the right thing no longer seems to cut it. Is this a comedy show? Absofrigginlutely. More great comedians on our website!
ILLEGAL EAGLES Sat 16 March 2024, 7.30pm Tickets: From £35 Celebrating over 50 years since the legendary US west coast country rock band The Eagles formed in 1971, The Illegal Eagles return to Watford for another outstanding show with the very best from the Eagles’ catalogue of classics, including ‘Hotel California’, ‘Desperado’, ‘New Kid In Town’ and many more…
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PAUL YOUNG: BEHIND THE LENS Fri 29 March 2024, 7.30pm Tickets: From £30 Paul Young broke into the big time 40 years ago when No Parlez went to number one and spawned iconic hits like Wherever I Lay My Hat (That’s My Home). More success followed with the number one album The Secret Of Association and the worldwide hit Everytime You Go Away, not forgetting an appearance at Live Aid and more. Paul sustained that success – while having fun in his tex-mex band, Los Pacaminos. Now, in this 40th anniversary tour, Paul will meet fans, sing songs and tell stories about his incredible career. More live music on our website!
Mark Thompson Productions in partnership with London Science Museum
SCIENCE MUSEUM: THE LIVE STAGE SHOW
Sun 7 April 2024, 12.30pm & 3pm Tickets: From £16.50 Join London’s world-renowned Science Museum as they bring you this brand-new stage production aimed at igniting your curiosity, fuelling your imagination, and inspiring you in new and exciting ways. This unmissable family show will ensure to capture the fascination of the whole family whilst learning something new and exciting too.
TINY DANCER: THE MUSIC OF ELTON JOHN Sat 18 May 2024, 7.30pm Tickets: From £26 Get ready for an electrifying night of pure musical magic with Tiny Dancer, The Music of Elton John - Starring Tom Weston! Join us for an unforgettable experience as Tom Weston channels the charisma of Elton John himself, bringing to life the greatest hits that have defined generations. This is your chance to dance, sing, and party with your loved ones to the infectious melodies that have made Elton John a global icon, and Watford’s most famous son! You may also be interested in: Lost in Music Check our website for details!
MORGAN & WEST: MASSIVE MAGIC SHOW FOR KIDS Fri 31 May 2024, 2pm Tickets: From £12 Age guidance: 5+ Roll up, roll up! Morgan & West are back with a massive magic show for kids (and their childish grown-ups)! Expect gawps, gasps, and guffaws in this relentlessly funny and fantastical magic filled extravaganza, guaranteed to delight those aged five and 105, and indeed everyone in between! “Hilarious and good for all ages” - Primary Times “hugely talented” - Daily Mirror “superbly crafted – The Stage
MILKSHAKE! LIVE ON HOLIDAY Sat 1 June 2024, 12:30pm & 3pm Tickets: From £16.50 Milkshake! Live is back with a brand-new show. Join your favourite Milkshake! friends on Holiday with Dora, Pip and Posey, Blue from Blues Clues and You!, Milo, Milkshake! Monkey plus two of your Milkshake! presenters for an all-new adventure! Pack your bags and jump aboard the Milkshake! train as we go on an all singing, all dancing holiday together. It’s a family show not to be missed.
HORRIBLE HISTORIES LIVE ON STAGE: ROTTEN ROYALS
Sat 27 July 2024, 2pm & 4.30pm Tickets: From £16 We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! So Horrible Histories is coming to Watford with revolting rulers and mad monarchs from Britain’s barmy past! Would you shaken or stirred by Richard III? See Mary Tudor knock the spots off Mary Queen of Scots! Can evil Elizabeth entertain England? Clap along with crazy King Charles and move to the groove with party Queen Victoria! It’s history with the nasty bits left in!
PALACE YOUTH THEATRE Our weekly term-time Palace Youth Theatre groups are tailored by age and led by industry professionals. Offering the chance to learn and take part in both onstage and backstage activities, the Palace Youth Theatre is a great way for young people aged 7 to 16 to build confidence, improve their communication skills and make new friends! For more information, visit our website.
HERTFORDSHIRE FILM FESTIVAL RETURNS! HFF provides an unmissable opportunity for Hertfordshire filmmakers aged 11 - 25 to develop their filmmaking skills at workshops, talks, and masterclasses delivered by leading film and TV experts in 2024. Young filmmakers are then encouraged to submit their work for review by an industry panel. Winning films will be showcased at Watford Palace Theatre in April 2025. The Festival once again partners Watford Palace Theatre with Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, the University of Hertfordshire, Watford Borough Council, and CathARTtic to give young people aged 11-25 who live, work or study in Hertfordshire the chance to learn new skills and share their work with a wider audience. For more information, please scan the QR code