There is so much in theatre-land for April – from sea shanty sessions to historic stories about decay, a smidgen of Christie-inspired fun, Sinatra songs forming a backdrop on an emotive drama and some truly stalwart comedians. And much more.
Pulse’s Sammy Jones takes you through the best of the bunch…
Strictly star turned judge, and all round nice fella Anton Du Beke visits the Derngate with his new show At The Musicals (April 1), which brings together an exemplary band, guest singer and dancers.
We’ve seen a few of Anton’s solo shows, and they are akin to a cosy cuddle with a glass of fizz on the side. It’ll be great.
Dara O Briain’s Re:Creation (April 3) will see the funnies cut loose, before more Strictly business, this time courtesy of Karen & Gorka, in Speakeasy (April 4).
Rhod Gilbert (April 9) and the Giant Grapefruit is ‘hilariously dark, passionate and way too personal.’ Bouncing back after some very difficult times, this show finds him feeling remarkably zesty.
Nice to see Kerry Godliman back on the stage (April 11, Royal) too, and the affable star of Afterlife, Whitstable Pearl and Trigger Point will be bringing straight talking charm and quick wit to the fore in Bandwidth.
I hated science at school, all bunsen burners, chemistry and stuff that was oh-so-yawnsome. But Mark Thompson is out to challenge the idea that the subject need always be that way, with this show that works just as well for kids as it does for adults.
Exploding elephant’s toothpaste, vortex-generating dustbins and howling jelly babies all get stage time in Mark’s daytime Spectacular Science Show (April 12, Royal).
The team of terribly clever actors at play in Murder, She Didn’t Write (April 14-17, Royal), will be creating a classic murder mystery on-the-spot in this improvised comedy, and they’ll be stirring your suggestions into their pot.
Horrible Histories – Terrible Tudors & Awful Egyptians (April 16-19) is a chance to step back in time and learn what the past was really like; you’ll learn about Henry VIII’s punch-up with the Pope, and survive the Spanish Armada as it sails your way!
When it came to the Egyptians, things were far from fragrant, and the show will lift the lid on the foul facts of death and decay.
Seven Drunken Nights – The Story of the Dubliners (April 20) can only be bettered with an accompanying pint of the black stuff, while at the Royal, There’s a Monster in Your Show (April 21 & 22) will appeal to little folks. The high-energy 50 minute attraction from McFly’s Tom Fletcher will deliver plenty of playful fun and interactive moments.
Stewart Lee will go Vs The Man-Wulf (April 22 & 23) and ‘fampton fella Andrew Bird (April 26) brings A Ticklish Mind to The Royal.
Sometimes, you just feel like kicking the computer, losing your inhibitions and cutting loose in a manner akin to a drunken sailor, don’t you? Unless that’s just us. Those of you who feel the same might like to board the Sailorette and join its crew, The Old Time Sailors for an evening of old folk and shanty songs (April 26).
Sail back to the 19th century for an immersive experience of traditional seafaring music. Dress the part, and get ready for clashing tankards and even more drunken debauchery.
In Other Words (April 28, Royal) is being called an ‘intimate, humorous and deeply moving drama’ which examines the power of music, memory, and the nature of enduring love, all connected by the songs of Sinatra.
Over at The Old Savoy, Fireman Sam is back in the brand new delivery, The Great Camping Adventure (April 9, midday & 3.30pm). Little ‘uns will love joining Sam, Ellie, Station Officer Steele and Norman to become Pontypandy Pioneers exploring the mountains. The Enchanted Princess Ball (April 11, 1pm & 4.30pm) is a fast-paced, high energy toe tapping adventure which certainly doesn’t scrimp on the sparkle, but while that works for the whole family, The Anglia Comedy Allstars (April 25, 7.30pm) certainly won’t.
It’s a super strong bill with Sarah Keyworth, Nick Helm and Steve Bugeja joining headliner, Simon Amstell. He’s done plenty in his career, but Simon’s cutdowns of pompous popstars on Never Mind The Buzzcocks remain among our very favourite TV moments of all time.
Before we sign off, we’ve just time to mention the town’s Gilbert & Sullivan Group who bring The Pirates of Penzance to town (from April 30). More about that in the next issue.
Book your seat:
Royal & Derngate: royalandderngate.co.uk
The Old Savoy: theoldsavoy.co.uk
