The Courtyard Hereford Live Guide September-December 2021

SEPTEMBER DECEMBER 2021

LIVE

BOX OFFICE 01432 340555 In partnership with

courtyard.org.uk

WELCOME

Back!

After 14 months of total closure and a further 3 months of social distanced performances and screenings, it is fabulous to welcome you all back.

We have been overwhelmed by the many warm wishes you have sent us since we had to close our doors on 17 March 2020. Your response has been amazing, and we thank you so much for your generous donations and for all the support you have given us during our closure. It’s wonderful to hear how important The Courtyard is to you all!

Access to the arts has been badly missed during lockdown. With many people turning to art, literature, music and drama to provide a much needed outlet for themselves and to spread positivity and messages of hope. This reinforces the importance of venues like The Courtyard as a powerful tool for wellbeing.

During lockdown we have been able to provide you with a digital programme of drama, workshops and youth theatre classes. We hope that we can now remain back in our beloved home, The Courtyard, and present a fabulous autumn programme for you.

When you return to The Courtyard, you will be greeted with a fabulous new look; a new Box Office and Retail space, extended and refurbished Café Bar, extended mezzanine Courtyard Chase Lounge and outdoor Roof Terrace and the amazing new Nell Gwynne Studio.

So, we’re back, bigger, better and bolder and although summer may be drawing to a close, there is so much to look forward to as we move into autumn. Fill your diary with the fantastic array of shows, concerts, comedy nights and much more that we have wating for you. Don’t forget Panto is back with Jack and the Beanstalk! Book now, as we expect a huge demand for tickets this year!

Welcome back to The Courtyard, it is great to be home again!

Best wishes, Ian Archer Chief Executive and Artistic Director 2 2

Front cover image: Birth by Theatre RE

THE COURTYARD CINEMA Cinema with soul.

Support local. Embrace independent. @TheCourtyardCinema

£5

All* cinema tickets just

throughout August 2021! *Offer excludes event cinema such as Live Screenings & singalongs.

In the case of memberships, the best offer will apply.

Icon Key R

O £8

FR PATIENDS RON & S

£10

Audio Description

FR PATIENDS RON & S

£10 ST please AD available, £8 OR

advise Box Office at time of booking

AD ST

Relaxed Performance courtyard.org.uk/ relaxed-performances

R

O £8

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FR PA IENDS

£10

TRO & NS Dementia Friendly DB Performance courtyard.org.uk/ FR dementia-friendly PA IEND 10 R

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£

TRO S & NS

DB

DB

Sign Language BSL British Performance

ST

Professional or HIRE community company hiring the venue

Friends and Patrons are from the DBexempt HIRE transaction fee, get 10% off marked shows in the HIRE brochure and 20% off in-house shows

Under 25 or a full time student? You can get £5 tickets for marked shows, £3 films and 20% HIRE off Café Bar Aged 13 or under?

HIREdon’t pay a You transaction fee and get £3 film tickets

thank you!

We want to express a huge thank you to our customers, community, supporters and funders who have helped us through this difficult time. Whether you have sent us a message of support, moved your tickets countless times, generously donated to our Covid Appeal, watched our digital events, supported us on social media or booked tickets for the future – everything you have done has kept us going! We value every one of the acts of kindness you have shown us.

As with everyone in the country, we’re so incredibly grateful to our NHS staff and the key workers who have kept this country running throughout the pandemic. We do not have the words to describe how incredible, and how appreciated, you are.

Through all of the hardship, communities have come together like never before. There are still challenges ahead, and the effects of the pandemic will be felt by us all for a long time to come. But if we can harness that same spirit and continue to work together to rebuild, recover and reignite; just think what we can achieve.

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GIVE MORE GET MORE We offer a host of memberships with something for everyone, whether you want to simply support The Courtyard, or benefit from some of our fantastic perks – join us!

courtyard.org.uk/ memberships

Summer Highlights MUSIC

TALK

Tuesday 10 August, 7.30pm MAIN HOUSE Legendary Status Quo lead singer Francis Rossi will share the secrets of his 50+ years in rock’n’roll when he takes to the stage for an intimate evening of chat and music.

Tickets £75 - £30 MUSIC

TRIBUTE

Saturday 14 August, 7.30pm MAIN HOUSE This stunning show celebrates the music of The Carpenters with superb vocals from Carole Gordon and outstanding talent from the brilliant Blue Jeans Band & Singers it will be a night to remember.

Tickets £25 VARIETY

Monday 23 August, 7.30pm MAIN HOUSE A rock show combined with amazing, bizarre & dare devil Circus acts, a stella light show and all performed with a forked tongue firmly in each cheek. It is a circus like no other!

Tickets £27 - £19

R

O £8

MUSICAL ST AD

£10

FR PATIENDS RON & S

COMMUNITY

DB HIRE

Friday 27 & Saturday 28 August, 7pm Saturday Matinee 2.30pm MAIN HOUSE LGDrama presents Disney’s “High School Musical”, a winner of a show for all ages that explores the importance of friendship and reaching for our goals!

Tickets £18, Concessions £16, Family £62

THEATRE £8

OR

£10

Tuesday 20 - Saturday 24 July 7.30pm Saturday Matinee 2.30pm AD ST

FR PATIENDS RON & S

DB HIRE

MAIN HOUSE

Hopeless Romantics R

O £8

£10

FR PATIENDS RON & S

DB

SPECIAL OFFER Book Hopeless Romantics & Marry Me a Little for £25! £12.50 per ticket

By Nick Lane & Fiona Wass. Co-Produced with Jason Marc-Williams.

HIRE Directed by Nick AD Lane.ST

Alan is very, very single. Not that that’s a problem – but when everyone’s on your back to know when you’ll be bringing someone home, the pressure tends to mount somewhat.

So with his family gathering for an anniversary dinner, Al does something rather reckless – he pays Zoe, a girl from work, to pose as his girlfriend for the night.

Unfortunately for Al, Zoe’s got romantic problems of her own… amongst other things!

Will it be the start of a beautiful friendship or the end of the world as they know it?

Spend an evening with this mismatched pair and find out!

Kindly supported by

Tickets £16, Concessions £14 Please note: These shows will be sold at reduced capacity until social distancing advice changes. Wednesdays 6

THEATRE

Produced Off-Broadway By Diane De Mailly in Association with William B. Young.

Originally Produced by The Production Company.

Performed by Arrangement with MusicTheatre International (Europe) Limited.

MUSICAL R

O £8

£10

Tuesday 3 - Saturday 7 August 7.30pm Saturday Matinee 2.30pm AD ST

FR PATIENDS RON & S

DB HIRE

MAIN HOUSE

Marry me a little R

£10

Songs by stephen sondheim O £8

FR PATIENDS RON & S

DB

Conceived and Developed by Craig Lucas & Norman Rene. Co-Produced with Jason Marc-Williams.

HIRE AD ST Directed by Jason Marc-Williams.

A charming and bittersweet musical revue that features songs by Stephen Sondheim, the undisputed master of the contemporary Broadway musical.

Two single strangers, left alone in their studio apartments on a Saturday night, pass their time with sweetly secret, unshared fantasies, never knowing that they’re just a floor away from each other and the end of their lonely dreams.

Together, they breathe new theatrical life and meaning into a collection of trunk songs that were cut from the final productions of Anyone Can Whistle, Follies, Company, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and Kindly supported by A Little Night Music. A must for Sondheim aficionados.

Tickets £16, Concessions £14 will remain distanced for both, even if restrictions are lifted, for those who would find that more comfortable.

THEATRE

MUSICAL £10

FR PATIENDS RON & S

Tuesday 17 - Saturday 21 August 7.30pm Saturday Matinee 2.30pm AD ST R

O £8

DB HIRE

MAIN HOUSE

X-Entricity present

kinky boots

X-Entricity are back with the dazzling, fabulously sassy and uplifting Kinky Boots!

Charlie Price has reluctantly inherited his father’s shoe factory, which is on the verge of bankruptcy. Trying to live up to his father’s legacy and save his family business, Charlie finds inspiration in the form of Lola. A fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos, Lola turns out to be the one person who can help Charlie become the man he’s meant to be. As they work to turn the factory around, this unlikely pair finds that they have more in common than they ever dreamed possible…

This hilarious musical proudly proves that sometimes, the best way to fit in is to stand out!

Tickets £22, Concessions £20 8 8

Please note: Tickets will be sold at reduced capacity until social distancing advice changes.

Westons Cider

Comedy Clubs Come and unwind after a stressful week at one of The Courtyard’s hilarious Westons Comedy Clubs. Gather your friends, grab a drink from the bar and enjoy laugh out loud comedy from some of the hottest up-and-coming comedians on the circuit.

Previous Comedy Network acts include…

Russell Howard, Bill Bailey, Al Murray, Noel Fielding, Lucy Porter, Chris Ramsey, Roisin Conaty, Dave Gorman, Jenny Eclair and many more.

Ages 18+ only.

Check website for line up.

Tickets £12.50

Groups of 10+ get £10 tickets !

Friday 10 September

Christmas Comedy Clubs

Friday 24 September

Friday 10 December

Friday 22 October

Saturday 11 December

Friday 12 November

Friday 17 December

Friday 26 November

Saturday 18 December

Comedy Club start time: 8.30pm

Groups The bigger the better!

Bring a group of 10+ and enjoy great savings on participating shows!

Groups of...

10-19 £1 off per ticket 20-29 £2 off per ticket 30+ £3 off per ticket Options to reserve now & pay later (deposit required) Hospitality packages & private space available

To book for your group call

01432 340555

Pre-order interval drinks Dedicated group booking coordinator 9

SOUND EXPERIENCE

POETRY

Tuesday 31 August – Saturday 4 September

A Courtyard commission to celebrate reopening.

Join us for a sound experience like no other.

Travel with us from the airy chatter of the foyer to the hidden whispers of the backstage areas. Celebrate what has been and look to the horizons for what is yet to come in the spaces that collectively form… The Courtyard.

THE COURTYARD

Feral productions present

return

Written by Sara-Jane Arbury Composed and designed by Sophie Cooper Creatively directed by Estelle van Warmelo Performed by Madeleine MacMahon

Tickets Free Booking essential

VARIETY

Friday 3 September 7.30pm MAIN HOUSE

forbidden nights Get ready for your ultimate ‘Forbidden’ night out with two hours of breath-taking action, seductive choreography and comedian compere.

Abandon your inhibitions at the door as the talented cast of acrobats, live male vocalists, fire acts, aerial artists and world-renowned circus performers flip and spin across the stage in this high-octane show. Welcome to the Sexy Circus!

Ages 18+

Tickets £25.50 (first 5 rows) & £22 DANCE

COMMUNITY

NDS £10 Saturday 4 &PFARTIERSunday ON & DB 5 September 7pm £8 S OR

MAIN HOUSE

ST

Aspire Dance Showcase 2021

we made it!

HIRE

Aspires third visit to The Courtyard following sell out shows in 2018 and 2019, sees their return with a two night whole school production featuring some of the festival winning numbers from their competition dancers as well as a full variety of dance styles including Tap, Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Musical Theatre and Acro.

The Showcase is a celebration of being back in the theatre and finally being able to perform again!

Tickets £15, Concessions £12.50

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MUSIC

COMEDY

Wednesday 8 September 7.30pm MAIN HOUSE

fascinating aida MUSIC

Dillie Keane, Adèle Anderson and Liza Pulman are back, with a selection of old favourites. With three Olivier Award nominations and over 25 million YouTube and Facebook hits for ‘Cheap Flights’ and their incredibly rude Christmas song, how can you miss them?

CLASSICAL

Tuesday 7 September 7.30pm MAIN HOUSE

Orchestra of the Swan present

henry v / Facade R

O £8

£10

FR PATIENDS RON & S

DB

Walton arr. Ted Watson - Henry V ST WaltonAD - Façade Conductor – Bruce O’Neil Soprano – Jennifer Witton

Tickets £22.50, Concessions £20.50 HIRE

Pre-sh ow talk 6.30pm

Henry V is the heroic score Walton provided for Laurence Olivier’s film of Shakespeare’s Henry V, stirring patriotic feelings during World War II. Tonight we get a rare chance to enjoy the chamber ensemble reduction by Ted Watson, a musician connected so strongly with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Tickets £18 MUSIC

TRIBUTE

Thursday 9 September 7.30pm MAIN HOUSE

The Illegal Eagles Celebrating the music of the legendary West Coast Country Rock Band, The Illegal Eagles return to The Courtyard in 2021 for another outstanding show promising more of their trademark musical prowess, acute attention to detail and incredible showmanship.

This critically acclaimed show features the very best from the Eagles’ catalogue of classics including Hotel California, Desperado, Take It Easy, New Kid In Town, Life In The Fast Lane and many more…

Tickets £27.50, Concessions £26.50

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TRO & NS

£8

MUSIC

AD ST

DB

TRIBUTE

Friday 10 September 7.30pm

HIRE

MAIN HOUSE

The Upbeat Beatles

The Upbeat Beatles are a rockin’ band with tight musicianship and powerhouse vocals!

Breathtaking harmonies and guitar solos all wrapped up in Scouse humour!

From the depths of the Cavern to the Apple roof top, through Beatlemania, America, Sergeant Pepper to Abbey Road, their attention to detail will draw you into the world of the Beatles like no other show.

Tickets £23 MUSIC

Saturday 11 September 7.30pm MAIN HOUSE

The Chicago Blues Brothers R

O £8

£10

FR PATIENDS RON & S

DB

Direct from London’s West End, join the ST AD Chicago Blues Brothers and their 11 piece band, for a brand new 2-hour all singing, all dancing hit parade bringing you the greatest movie anthems of all time, performed live in concert.

Dig out those trilbys, shades and polish your dancing shoes because we are bringing the party to you in this 2 hour spectacular of non–stop music and laugher. You’ll dance, you’ll sing, you’ll have the time of your life.

Tickets £26.50 COMEDY

Tuesday 14 September 7.30pm MAIN HOUSE

Al murray

‘Stand up Gold’ The Guardian

Last Few Tickets

The year is 2021. The world stands on the brink. Turmoil is the norm. Questions have been asked and none answered.

What we need is one man, to step forward, one man with all the answers.

Well you’re in luck, ladies and gentlemen – he’s here and touring the nation.

Tickets £29.50 12 12

THEATRE 10 Saturday 18 Thursday 16 £DB £8 September 7.45pm OR

FR PATIENDS RON & S

STUDIO THEATRE

AD ST

Exit fool productions present

HIRE

Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell Jeffrey Bernard, gambler, journalist, failed husband and fervent alcoholic.

Jeffrey Bernard has found himself locked in overnight at his favourite public house, The Coach and Horses, and uses the occasion to share anecdotes from his life with the audience.

Keith Waterhouse’s legendary play Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell has once again been brought to The Courtyard featuring its original star Robert Traynor as the leading lovable protagonist.

Tickets £12, Concessions £10 MUSIC

COMEDY

Saturday 18 September 7.30pm MAIN HOUSE

girls just wanna have fun From the writers of the hit comedy Hormonal Housewives comes Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, the brand-new musical comedy show.

Join our four refreshingly honest unreserved girls, the Legendary Maureen Nolan, X Factor Finalist Niki Evans, CBBC Creeped Out’s Stephanie Dooley and Olivier Award Winner Leanne Jones as they go on a riotous evening of laugh-out-loud sketches and classic pop anthems that define being a 21st Century woman.

Channel your inner diva because Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!

Tickets £27, Concessions £25

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MUSIC

TRIBUTE

Thursday 23 September 7.30pm MAIN HOUSE

country superstars

Last Few Tickets

This truly unique show is hosted by Sarah Jayne who has been performing as Dolly Parton for over 25 years and is Europe’s Leading Tribute to the Queen of Country – Dolly Parton. Sarah Jayne and Award Winning Vocal Impersonator Andy Crust 8 Sept 21 The Grand Theatre Lancaster TRIBUTE take us on a journey back through time 10 Sept 21MUSIC King George Hall Blackburn meeting some of the most influential icons 11 SeptFriday 21 Millfield Arts Centre Edmonton 24 September 7.30pm 12 Sept 21 Tivoli Theatre Wimborne who shaped Country music history.

Tickets £22, Concessions £20

15 Sept 21 The Playhouse Theatre Weston-super-Mare MAIN HOUSE 17 Sept 21 The Concorde Eastleigh 18 Sept 21 The Regent Centre Christchurch 19 Sept 21 The Harlequin Theatre Redhill 21 Sept 21 Thethemed Princes Theatre Clactonas From surf anthems such 23 Sept 21 The Lyric& Surfer Girl toCarmarthen Surfin’ Safari muscle car 24 Sept 21 The Courtyard Hereford memorable’s & Fun Fun 25 Sept 21 Cornbowlike Hall Shut DownHalesowen Fun, band an impressive 26 Sept 21 theThe Grovehave TheatregatheredDunstable 30 Sept 21 Royal Theatreharmony Eastbourne repertoire ofHippodrome west coast, laden

The Bootleg beach boys

songs, that evoke the spirit and essence of the pursuit of the 1960’s American dream.

This blend of 5 vocals and infectious sun soaked gems makes for a memorable night to celebrate some of the finest music committed to tape over four decades.

Tickets £24.50, Concessions £23.50 MUSIC

Saturday 25 September 7.30pm MAIN HOUSE

Music of the night Music of the Night is an enchanting musical spectacular, featuring highly acclaimed West End performers direct from the shows, a superb live band and a laugh-a-minute script.

Celebrating the world of musical theatre this production includes: Phantom of the Opera, Les Mis, Evita, Cats, Wicked, The Greatest Showman and many more. This enjoyable evening of beautiful music and melodies will leave you feeling charmed, uplifted, spirited, happy and exhilarated.

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Tickets £24.50, Concessions £22.50

“Ravishingly beautiful, spellbinding piece”

THEATRE



Wednesday 29 September 7.30pm

The Arts Desk

MAIN HOUSE

Theatre re present £10 DB £8

birth OR

FR PATIENDS RON & S

acclaimed HIRE AD ST After the success of its critically international hit The Nature of Forgetting, Theatre Re returns with ‘a rich tapestry of ongoing humanity’ (The Scotsman) about the evolution of family and life.

Emily is eight months pregnant when she reads her grandmother’s journal. As she delves into the depths of her family history, its pages unveil a legacy of courage, unspoken tragedies and unconditional love.

Tickets £15.50, Concessions £12.50 MUSIC

TRIBUTE

Thursday 30 September 7.30pm MAIN HOUSE

buddy holly & the cricketers R

O £8

£10

FR PATIENDS RON & S

DB

This breathtaking show has rock ’n’ rolled audiences AD ST to have across the globe and is guaranteed everyone singing along and dancing in the aisles.

The hits just keep on coming - That’ll Be The Day, Peggy Sue, Heartbeat, It Doesn’t Matter Anymore, Raining In My Heart, Oh Boy! – and much more.

Whatever the season, whatever the excuse to party, make your Heartbeat a little faster with the show that has fans saying: “I can’t believe it’s not Buddy!”

HIRE

Tickets £24.50, Concessions £23.50 MUSIC

TRIBUTE

Friday 1 October 7.30pm MAIN HOUSE

Dire streets In 1985 Dire Straits released what would become one of the best-selling albums of all time; delivering a stream of classic songs and propelling the band into global superstar status.

To celebrate the release of Brothers in Arms, Dire Streets – Europe’s most critically acclaimed Dire Straits tribute act – will be playing the album live in its entirety. Join Dire Streets as they celebrate one of the greatest British rock albums of all time.

Tickets £21.50, Concessions £20.50

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BLU EJAYS PRO DUC TIO

MUSIC

NS PRE SEN TS

Saturday 2 October 7.30pm MAIN HOUSE

the bluejays - Rave on

TH E RI SE OF RO CK AN

D RO LL

STARRING

Rave On is the 50’s & 60’s Rock and Roll sensation sweeping the nation. Featuring multiple award winning band The Bluejays, a group comprised of stars from West End Productions.

Rave On transports you back to the fabulous 50’s and the swinging 60’s in stunningly authentic style. Charting the meteoric rise of Rock and Roll, Rave On is a thrilling tour through music’s most revolutionary decades.

AS SEEN ON

Tickets £23, Concessions £21 MUSIC

'THECOMEDY GREATEST 50 S & 60 S SHOW ON EARTH'

"JUST LIKE BUDDY" "GREAT" Wednesday 6 October 7.30pm DUANE EDDY MARIA ELENA HOLLY

"FANTASTIC"

BRIAN MAY

MAIN HOUSE

ALISTAIR MCGOWAN THE PIANO SHOW

Following the success of his Sony album, which reached No 1 in the UK Classical Album charts, comes Alistair McGowan’s new show, combining his talents as master impressionist and comedian with his newfound talent as a classical pianist! Beautiful music and more than a sprinkling of Alistair’s trademark impressions.

Tickets £26 THEATRE

SCREENING £10

FR PATIENDS RON & S

DB Thursday 7 October 7.30pm R

O £8

MAIN HOUSE

AD ST

COLD

HIRE

Turtle Key Arts in partnership with The Courtyard present an Open Sky Production COLD. This dark fairy tale for adults begins with a couple attending an ante-natal hospital appointment before being mysteriously transported to a stark frozen forest.

Addressing themes of love, grief, madness and redemption COLD combines physical theatre with cutting edge filming techniques to create a uniquely dramatic audience experience. Filmed on the The Courtyard’s Main Stage.

16 Tickets £10, Concessions £9

MUSIC

TRIBUTE

Friday 8 October 7.30pm MAIN HOUSE

take that experience Wowing audiences everywhere they go with their amazing vocals, replica costumes and electrifying dance routines, they continue to successfully recreate the magic of Take That with the ‘Greatest Hits Tour’. The Take That Experience bring you all the classic songs you know and love from the 90s through to the present.

The boys don’t just give you a night you’ll Never Forget… they give you The Take That Experience!

Tickets £24, Concessions £22

MUSIC

TRIBUTE

Saturday 9 October 7.30pm MAIN HOUSE

Bowie experience Bowie Experience is a spectacular concert celebrating the sound and vision of David Bowie. A must see for all Bowie fans, the latest production features all the hits from A to Ziggy.

Bowie Experience continues to amaze audiences with an astounding attention to detail, bringing the golden years of David Bowie to theatres across the globe. So, put on your red shoes and Let’s Dance!

Tickets £25 MUSIC

TRIBUTE

Thursday 14 October 7.30pm MAIN HOUSE

Arrival - The hits of abba This award-winning show brings to life the extraordinary song-writing talents of Benny and Bjorn. With fantastic harmonies, authentic costumes and first-class vocals and musicians, the high-energy production features ABBA’s best loved hits including Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen, Super Trouper, Voulez Vous, Waterloo, plus many more!

Tickets £25.50, Concessions £24.50

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MUSIC

CLASSICAL Pre-sh ow talk 6.30pm

Friday 15 October 7.30pm MAIN HOUSE

orchestra of the swan present £10 £8

Canticles of the Sky OR

Jessie Montgomery AD ST John Luther Adams Copland Gallot Respighi Ravel Conductor/Soloist

FR PATIENDS RON & S

DB

HIRE Starburst Four Suns from Canticles of the Sky Clarinet Concerto Pieces de Luth Suite The Birds Suite Tombeau de Couperin Michael Collins

Futuristic Americana and Inspiration from a European Past. Three generations of engaging Americana are represented in this concert from The Courtyard’s resident Orchestra.

Tickets £22 COMEDY

MUSIC

Saturday 16 October 7.30pm MAIN HOUSE

max boyce Due to overwhelming public demand, Max Boyce is returning to the stage.

Max Boyce has been entertaining audiences for more than 40 years. With his ability to paint pictures in word and song, Max has toured the most prolific concert halls in the world, and even hosted his own prime-time, television show. This stage and screen star has certainly become a legend in his own lifetime. Don’t miss out on the unique experience of seeing Max Boyce live!

Tickets £25.50, Concessions £24.50

MUSIC

TRIBUTE

Tuesday 19 October 7.30pm MAIN HOUSE

the music of carole king A celebration of the music of one of the world’s greatest songwriters Carole King.

With a cast of the UK’s finest singers, dancers and musicians this wonderful homage takes you on an incredible journey through the music that defined an era. Featuring not only songs from the Carole King Songbook but songs from some of the greatest songwriting partnerships of the 50’s and 60’s.

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Tickets £26

MUSIC

OPERA 10

£ £8 Wednesday 20 October 7.30pm OR

FR PATIENDS RON & S

DB

MAIN HOUSE

AD ST mid wales opera present

Puccini's Il tabarro

HIRE

This one act opera tells the short story of the barge owner Michele who suspects his young wife Giorgetta of being unfaithful. With alluring melodies and incisive pace, Il tabarro sees the great opera composer at the very pinnacle of his powers. The opera will be followed by a second half continuing the Parisian theme with a mix of entertaining musical items featuring all the MWO talented singers and musicians.

Tickets £16.50, Concessions £15.50 MUSIC

FOLK

£10 Wednesday 20 October 7.45pm DB £8 OR

FR PATIENDS RON & S

STUDIO THEATRE

AD ST

Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage

HIRE

Huddled round a single microphone, singing intimate duets with just mountain dulcimer, dobro and guitar, Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage are an acoustic duo that sound classically timeless, yet their music is unique. Their unique unplugged presentation creates a widescreen, cinematic soundscape with open spaces and atmosphere, giving their beautifully pure vocals room to share the songs’ emotion and narrative.

Tickets £15.50, Concessions £13.50 MUSIC

TRIBUTE

Friday 22 October 7.30pm MAIN HOUSE

Mercury Mercury has established itself as one of the world’s most authentic tribute bands to Freddie Mercury and Queen.

Including the most popular Queen hits, such as Bohemian Rhapsody, Radio Ga Ga, We Will Rock You and many more. Featuring Joseph Lee Jackson as Freddie, together with excellent musicianship, beautiful harmonies and intricate guitar work from Glenn Scrimshaw as Brian May, this show will captivate any audience.

Tickets £24

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MUSIC

Saturday 23 October 7.30pm MAIN HOUSE

Rock for heroes Performed by a full live rock band and incredible singers, complete with hilarious comedy value this is a night out unlike any other. With music from artists such as Queen, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Van Halen, Toto, Bon Jovi, Guns N Roses, AC/ DC, Prince, Dire Straits & so many more.

You won’t see a bad wig here, this isn’t a tribute act this is simply paying tribute, the way Rock For Heroes do it.

Tickets £22

MUSIC

Tuesday 26 October 7.30pm MAIN HOUSE

Seven Drunken Nights

R

O £8

FR PATIENDS RON & S

£10

MUSICAL

DB

COMMUNITY

ST AD Sunday 24 &

HIRE

Monday 25 October 7.30pm

MAIN HOUSE

LG Drama presents

Disney's moana jr This musical adaptation of the 2016 Disney animated film, brings the adventures of Moana and her village of Motunui to life onstage. Moana JR. features all the beloved songs from the film. This thrilling and heartwarming coming-of-age story follows the strongwilled Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage.

Tickets £18, Concessions £16, 20 Family £62

Direct from the West End and having sold out venues worldwide, Seven Drunken Nights - The Story of the Dubliners returns to theatres in 2021 with a brand new production for its incredible 5th Anniversary tour. This hugely talented cast of musicians and singers bring the music of this iconic group back to life and will have you singing and dancing in the aisles. It is without doubt the ultimate feel good Irish show.

Tickets £25.50, Concessions £24.50

MUSIC

TRIBUTE

Thursday 28 October 7.30pm MAIN HOUSE

someone like you A stunning live concert performance, celebrating the music of one of our generations’ finest singer-songwriters.

Hand-picked by Adele herself on Graham Norton’s BBC Special, the outstanding Katie Markham leads a talented six piece band through all your favourite Adele hits in this internationally acclaimed show.

Tickets £22, Concessions £21 COMEDY

Friday 29 October 7.30pm MAIN HOUSE

Last Few Tickets

An Evening with Brian Blessed

Larger than life actor, writer and presenter Brian Blessed is known for his hearty, kingsized portrayals on film and television. A giant of a man accompanied by an eloquent wit and booming, operatic voice, he is also an avid explorer and climber and ‘An Evening with Brian Blessed’ will combine anecdotes from his illustrious acting career with tales of his adventuring.

Tickets £27.50 MUSIC

EVENT CINEMA

Friday 29 October 7.45pm STUDIO THEATRE

Nosferatu with live score Nosferatu (1922) is arguably the film that gave birth to the horror genre. Notable as the first cinematic interpretation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Chris Green’s new score was commissioned by English Heritage for an outdoor screening of the film at Dracula’s spiritual home of Whitby Abbey. The music is a haunting blend of electronic and acoustic instruments performed live by the composer and, combined with FMurnau’s iconic images, makes for a genuinely remarkable and unique cinematic experience.

Tickets £13, Concessions £12

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Herefordshire's

Family Tuesday 26 October 11am STUDIO THEATRE

NORWICH PUPPET THEATRE COMPANY present

Beastly belle

Be charmed and surprised by a new twist on an old tale.

A journey of discovery which explores perceptions of physical beauty and how two strangers can overcome their differences.

Will Beauty come to understand and accept the Beast?

Featuring a skilful mix of puppetry, film projections and an original musical score. For children aged 4+ and their families.

Tickets £7.50 Thursday 28 October 11am STUDIO THEATRE

lyngo THEATRE present

tom thumb

One night tiny Tom overhears Mum and Dad talking - there’s nothing left to eat so they are going to leave him and his six brothers in the forest! Outwitting his parents and the ogre Tom shows everybody that even though he is small he is still mighty as he protects his brothers and finds the treasure. This classic story is brought to life in a playful and fascinating show full of Lyngo’s magic. Join tiny Tom on his very big adventure!

Tickets £7.50 Friday 29 October 11am STUDIO THEATRE

lyngo THEATRE present

puss in boots

Would you trust a talking cat? You never know, he might turn you from a pauper to a prince just like the hero of this story.

Using smoke and mirrors and hidden trapdoors you’ll see how this sure-footed feline fools both the King and the Ogre to take his master all the way to the top. With a host of puppets and a working windmill, come and see this classic furry tail, it’s the cat’s whiskers!

Tickets £7.50 22

Festival Half Term 25 - 30 October 2021

HEREFORDSHIRE'S FAMILY FESTIVAL FUN DAY

MOVIE MAGIC THEME! ORCHESTRA OF

The Swan

Wednesday 27 October 2021 Get out your Harry Potter costumes, practise your Frozen songs and perfect your best Micky Mouse impression as you join us for a day packed full of family film fun.

This year’s Movie Magic themed Family Festival (as voted for by you in 2019), will be full of magical activities, wonderful workshops & film-inspired performances, with inclusive events for everyone to join in with!

Fancy dress is encouraged!

courtyard.org.uk/familyfestival

All events will be low cost or free, with activities throughout the day.

Ticketed activities will go on sale in September, follow our Facebook page @CourtyardHereford for the latest updates.

Wednesday 27 October 1pm & 3pm MAIN HOUSE

Orchestra of the Swan present

Family Concert: Film Favourites Join The Swan for a family feast of movie magic featuring themes from your favourite films including: Raiders of the Lost Ark, Star Wars, Harry Potter and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Narrated by the incredible Alasdair Malloy, this performance will be suitable for movielovers of all ages.

Movie Magic Medley: Raiders March Musical Highlights from Moana Cartoon Character Quiz The Incredibles A Frozen Fantasy Everything is Awesome Happy Star Wars Under the Sea

Tickets £7.50

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COMEDY

Saturday 30 October 8pm MAIN HOUSE

Omid Djalili: The Good Times Tour After experimenting with a Zoom gig where he got muted by 639 people and a drive-in gig where Omid witnessed an audience member get out his car, attach a hose pipe to his exhaust and feed it through the window; multi award-winning comedian and actor Omid Djalili is now where he belongs, on a stage and bringing back the Good Times.

“So hysterically funny and at the same time so poignant and powerful that calling it stand-up barely does it justice.” – Huffington Post

Tickets £27

DANCE

DANCE

Tuesday 2 November 7.30pm

Wednesday 3 November 7.30pm

MAIN HOUSE

MAIN HOUSE

Russian National Ballet Present

Russian National Ballet Present

The charming fairy tale, The Nutcracker, is one of the jewels of Tchaikovsky’s repertoire. This eternal seasonal favourite is an ideal introduction to audiences of any age to the magic that is classical ballet. A wonderful treat full of glitter for the whole family!

Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake is full of mystery and romance and has captured the imagination of generations over the years and it continues to attract worldwide audiences, young and old. A wonderful evening out and memories which you will cherish long after the final curtain.

Tickets £26 - £20

Tickets £26 - £20

The nutcracker

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swan lake

MUSIC

TRIBUTE

Friday 5 November 7.30pm MAIN HOUSE

genesis connected Genesis Connected celebrates the Hits of Genesis and the biggest selling acts connected: Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins and Mike & the Mechanics. This show has an incredible mix of material, from atmospheric anthems to chart toppers that will get the crowd dancing in the aisles. The frontman, Pete Bultitude, is not only a versatile vocalist, he is also a truly gifted drummer, just like Phil Collins.

Tickets £21

FAMILY

Saturday 6 November 11am STUDIO THEATRE

The Fetch theatre company present

Pedlars Tales

An intriguing, fun and interactive performance featuring a host of beautiful puppets! The storyteller weaves a magical spell and draws you into a fantastical world bringing past local events bursting into life. Bite-sized stories have been inspired by fascinating historical documents and objects from Herefordshire Archives and the incredible Folk-Lore of Herefordshire gathered by Ella Mary Leather.

Tickets £7.50 MUSIC

FOLK

Saturday 6 November 7.45pm STUDIO THEATRE

POETRY

Saturday 6 November 8pm

Katie O'Malley

MAIN HOUSE

A voice that pours with emotion and fills a venue, Katie O’Malley and her Americana band have played across the country at shows and festivals.

Hailing from Manchester these rockabillies have received radio airplay from BBC Introducing and country stations throughout the UK, America and Australia supporting top ten album selling Beth Rowley and country star Kimmie Rhodes.

Describing their sound as a mix of Country, Folk, Soul and Blues, playing a mix of originals and covers including Dolly Parton, Creedence Clearwater and Johnny Cash.

John’s new show is a breath-taking showcase of poetry and spoken work, sharing stories from his incredible life and hugely successful career.

Tickets £15, Concessions £12

john cooper clarke

Tickets £28 & £24 This performance has been moved from The Shirehall.

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THEATRE

Monday 8 - Saturday 13 November 7.30pm Saturday Matinee 2.30pm MAIN HOUSE

Dead Lies R

O £8

£10

FR PATIENDS RON & S

DB

Dead HIRE political English thriller from No.1 Best STis a fast-moving, hard-hitting ADLies Selling Crime Novelist Hilary Bonner.

Offering a feast of murder, scandal, sexual indiscretion and political intrigue, this World Premiere of Dead Lies stars Olivier Award nominee Clive Mantle (Casualty, Holby City, Game of Thrones); Kimberly Wyatt (The Pussycat Dolls); Harriet Thorpe (Absolutely Fabulous); John Lyons (Touch of Frost); Jacqueline Leonard (Doctors, EastEnders, Peak Practice), Patrick Pearson (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) and Ashford Campbell (9to5, Dreamgirls).

Directed by critically acclaimed director Joe Harmston, the action takes place during a fiercely fought election campaign. The story follows Peter George (Clive Mantle), a politician who promises a new kind of politics beyond sleaze and spin. He is welcomed as a messiah by the British public and expected to restore trust in a broken political system. But a shocking secret lies in the past of our country’s hero.

As buried truths rise from the ashes, will his rise to power be destroyed by ghosts from another time?

Personal and political influences begin to shake the faith of those closest to him, and a media cascade threatens to bring down Britain’s new saviour. How far will he go to save his own career, and how far will those around him go to save their own skins?

Expect the unexpected. No one is safe.

Dead Lies is a roller-coaster ride of a play, packed with twists and turns until the very last scene.

Tickets £33 - £24

“Hilary does that rare thing writing a thriller for the stage: like Agatha Christie, she puts psychology first, making Dead Lies the best sort of whydunnit” Kimberly Wyatt - Harmston The Pussycat Dolls

Clive Mantle Casualty, Holby City, Game of Thrones

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FRIDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2021 – SATURDAY 9 JANUARY 2022 The GIANT family pantomime!

Directed by Estelle van Warmelo Written by Lyndsay Maples

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The larger than life family pantomime!

Fee! Fi! Fo! FUN! Have the climb of your life at The Courtyard’s GIANT family pantomime for 2021-22, Jack and the Beanstalk.

Jack and his poor old Mum are down on their luck… when Jack sells his beloved cow, all he gets is a measly bag of beans. But these are no ordinary beans!

When a huge beanstalk appears in the garden, Jack realises his extraordinary adventures are about to begin…

So join us for a giant journey at Hereford’s biggest pantomime, featuring all the ingredients for the perfect Christmas family treat! Complete with a dastardly villain, a hapless comic and hilarious panto dame, as well as bags of slapstick fun!

NOVEMBER 2021 Friday 26 Saturday 27 2pm Sunday 28 2pm Tuesday 30 10am DECEMBER 2021 Wednesday 1 10am Thursday 2 1pm Friday 3 1pm Saturday 4 2pm Sunday 5 2pm Tuesday 7 10am Wednesday 8 10am Thursday 9 1pm Friday 10 2pm Saturday 11 2pm AD Sunday 12 2pm Tuesday 14 10am Wednesday 15 10am Thursday 16 1pm

7pm 7pm 6.30pm

7pm 7pm 7pm 6.30pm 2pm 2pm 7pm 8pm ST 7pm 6.30pm BSL 2pm 2pm 7pm R

O £8

FR PATIENDS RON & S

£10

OR £8

Audio AD ST

Relaxed Performance

BSL

S chools £11

(£12 after Oct half-term)

Super Save £12 £19/£18 Concessions £1 off *Family £69/£65

2pm 2pm 2pm 2pm 2pm 2pm 10.30am 2pm 2pm 2pm 2pm 2pm 1pm

8pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 2.30pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 5pm

JANUARY 2022 DB Sunday 2 HIRE3 Monday Tuesday 4 Thursday 6 Friday 7 Saturday 8

2pm 10.30am 2pm 1pm 2pm 2pm

6.30pm 3pm 7pm 7pm 8pm 7pm

FR PATIENDS RON & S

£10

Dementia Friendly

Friday 17 Saturday 18 Sunday 19 Tuesday 21 Wednesday 22 Thursday 23 Friday 24 Sunday 26 Monday 27 Tuesday 28 Wednesday 29 Thursday 30 Friday 31

DB

Description

HIRE

GROUPS

Signed Performance

BUY 10 TICKETS & GET THE

21/£20 £ Concessions £1 off *Family £77/£73 Adult Nights £23 (over 18’s only) R

O £8

£10

FR PATIENDS RON & S

DB

1 1 TH F R E E !

*(Family price is for 4 tickets, at least 1 adult)

AD ST

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SATURDAY 4 – FRIDAY 31 DECEMBER 2021

Written by Nick Lane Directed by David Durant

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Come on an epic adventure at The Courtyard this Christmas with an enchanting new version of Hans Christian Andersen’s timeless story, The Snow Queen.

Best friends Gerda and Kay are inseparable, but when the Snow Queen steals Kay away and threatens to turn his heart into a lump of ice, Gerda sets off on an extraordinary adventure to save her best friend.

On her way, she meets lots of magical and mysterious characters, who help her discover her true strength.

Featuring original songs and interaction aplenty, this energetic and exciting show celebrates the things that make us different and the value of true friendship.

Tickets £10 | Concessions ££9 10 DB £8 School & Nursery groups £8.50 *Courtyard Family Saturdays AD ST£7.50 including free pre-activity from 10.30am OR

FR PATIENDS RON & S

HIRE

Perfect for children too little for panto!

4 - 31 December 2021 Sat 4 Mon 6 Tue 7 Wed 8 Thu 9 Fri 10 Sat 11 Mon 13 Tue 14 Wed 15 Thu 16 Fri 17

11am* 9.30am 9.30am 9.30am 9.30am 9.30am 11am* 9.30am 9.30am 9.30am 9.30am 9.30am

2.30pm 1.30pm 1.30pm 1.30pm 1.30pm 1.30pm 2.30pm 1.30pm 1.30pm 1.30pm 1.30pm 1.30pm

“One of the best children’s studio shows I’ve seen. Funny, slick, energetic & so cute.”

- Audience Member

Sat 18 Mon 20 Tue 21 Wed 22 Thu 23 Fri 24 Sun 26 Mon 27 Tue 28 Wed 29 Thu 30 Fri 31

11am* 11am 11am 11am 11am 11am 2.30pm 11am 11am 11am 11am 11am

2.30pm 2.30pm 2.30pm 2.30pm 2.30pm 2.30pm 4.30pm 2.30pm 2.30pm 2.30pm 2.30pm 2.30pm

“A perfect introduction to live theatre... beautifully paced and packed full of fun and laughter.”

- Hereford Times

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MUSIC

COMMUNITY

Sunday 14 & Monday 15 November STUDIO THEATRE

All Together now!

An intimate 60 minute performance with toe tapping routines and songs you’ll be humming for weeks.

If you love Musical Theatre then this is the show for you! Featuring Hereford’s Theatre Groups coordinated

by Jack Ludwig from Ludwig Theatre Arts. The show Tickets £10 arranged by MTI comprises of much loved Musical hits.

Friday 10 December

Sponsored by

Saturday 11 December Friday 17 December Saturday 18 December Friday 7 January 8.30pm MUSIC

Tickets £12.50

FOLK

Tuesday 14 December 7.45pm STUDIO THEATRE

Greenmatthews' Present

midwinter revels Spanning several centuries, GreenMatthews’ Midwinter Revels is a celebration of Yuletide Past guaranteed to warm the cockles of the most Scrooge-like heart. Featuring Christmas carols, winter folk songs, toe-tapping tunes and a plethora of weird and wonderful instruments, the show is brought to life with their trademark wit and humour.

Tickets £13, Concessions £12

THEATRE

Wednesday 15 & Thursday 16 December 7.45pm STUDIO THEATRE

european arts company Present

a christmas carol

Actor John O’Connor delightfully recreates Dickens’s famous performance of his best-loved ghost story. A Christmas Carol was the first public reading Charles Dickens gave of his own work. He enacted it over 150 times and the effect on the public was phenomenal. This Christmas, you can experience what it must have been like to be in the audience! Come and enjoy a seasonal treat in the spirit of Christmas past, present and future.

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Tickets £15, Concessions £12

FOOD &DRINK

FESTIVE FEAST

CHRISTMAS AT THE COURTYARD

A delicious Christmas feasting menu for groups of 6+ who are looking for a Christmas party with a difference!

Available Tuesday - Saturday, 12pm, 2pm, 5pm or 8pm (plus 12pm & 2pm on Mondays) £16.50pp (£18.50pp on Adult Panto nights) For more information or to book, visit courtyard.org.uk/festivefeast or call 01432 340555.

Drinks offers available for Festive Feast bookers!

Exhibitions VISUAL ARTS

Friday 3 September - Saturday 2 October GALLERY

H.Art - Herefordshire Open

Herefordshire Open and Young Open Exhibition 2021 Supported by h.Art and Apple Store Gallery.

Framework Herefordshire, a support network for young and emerging artists, have arranged an exhibition of artworks by local artists. Invitations to submit were extended to artists living, working or studying in Herefordshire and entries selected.

VISUAL ARTS

Wednesday 6 - Saturday 23 October GALLERY

Patrick Boyd - Micro mayhem Micro Mayhem by Patrick Boyd is a series of fun, thought-provoking images that catch the eye with bright colour and social commentary - and appear to live in 3 dimensions. The technical term for the medium is ‘lenticular’ which means these pictures have depth and dimension as opposed to an ordinary photograph. Boyd infuses his work with visual style, so they’re pleasing to the eye, but they also include a bit of (often quite humorous) social commentary, so they’re relatable too.

VISUAL ARTS

Friday 5 November - Saturday 8 January GALLERY

HACS: THe Great Outdoors

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Herefordshire Arts and Craft Society (HACS) present their latest Exhibition in The Courtyard Galleries. Members have been given three briefs to work from, “What Makes me Smile”, “Wish you Were Here” and “The Great Outdoors”.

It will be very interesting to see what the artists’ come up with!

fundraising for the future Now that The Courtyard is open again, it’s lovely to see audiences keen to get back and enjoying performances. However, the impact of the long closure during the pandemic is going to be felt for a long time by arts organisations like ourselves. We are going to need your financial backing more than ever as we look ahead.

We’d like to encourage our supporters to think about ways they can help, through regular giving, topping up donations on ticket purchases, and supporting our Christmas Appeal. This year we’re going to be using the money raised to help us continue our award-winning community arts programme. Children and older people are the mainstay of our work in Herefordshire and many have missed out on a year of live events and activities.

Visit the website to find out more about how you can give us a bright future through your giving even a small amount – it all makes a difference!

Thank you for your support.

courtyard.org.uk/supportus

sponsor a seat Support The Courtyard in a special way by dedicating a seat in our Main House or Studio.

The perfect gesture to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or in memoriam for someone close to you who loved the Arts.

You can choose the seat, subject to availability and create your own dedication for the plaque.

For more information visit

courtyard.org.uk/sponsor-a-seat 35

OUR FUTURE… YOUR COURTYARD During the lockdown closures of 2020, we were busy in the background with our Capital Expansion Project to Transform The Yard.

The project was part-funded by a grant from Arts Council England, supported by Herefordshire Council and delivered by C J Bayliss.

Transform The Yard was an exciting project that set the stage for the future. Transforming our much-loved venue and improving customer experience, increasing accessibility and enabling us to reach even more people with our community work.

What’s changed?

There have been significant changes to the building including a more accessible entrance and Box Office, a multi-purpose space to allow more workshops and hires as well as a retail space for local arts and crafts. We also extended and transformed the Café Bar areas, including creating a beautiful outdoor terrace.

The Nell Gwynne Studio

This brand new multi-purpose room, pictured above, is the pinnacle of our Transformation! From workshops, to screenings and small scale theatre, so many exciting things are set to happen in this amazing new space.

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To find out more visit courtyard.org.uk/arts-award

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MONDAY 26 - FRIDAY 30 JULY | ONLINE

Tuesdays 9.15am £5 FILM MAKING CLUB Wednesdays 5.15pm & 6.45pm £73 per term

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supporters & funders

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Hopeless Romantics Saturday 24 July 2.30pm Marry Me A Little Saturday 7 August 2.30pm Kinky Boots Saturday 21 August 2.30pm Jack & The Beanstalk Saturday 11 December 2pm

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