EVENTS Diary

All Saints' Dramatic Society celebrates its 70th anniversary with a production of Oscar Wilde's most celebrated play.

Two young gents have taken to bending the truth in order to put some excitement into their lives. Jack Worthing has invented a brother, Ernest, whom he uses as an excuse to leave his dull life behind to visit Gwendolen in the town. Algernon Moncrieff decides to take the name Ernest when visiting Jack's young and beautiful ward, Cecily, in the country. Things start to go awry when they end up together in the country and their deceptions are discovered.

The cast includes Simon Trueick and Jon Cockeram as the young bounders, Jack and Algernon, with Susanna Greenwood and Lauren Turner appearing as their love interests, Gwendolen and Cecily. Mary Almeida features as the fearsome Lady Bracknell and additional support comes from Phil Vivian, Jenny Wise, Ian Bray and Mark Richards.

The Importance Of Being Earnest runs from 16 – 18 April 2020 at the De La Salle Theatre at St Peter's School, St Catherines Road, Southbourne, BH6 4AH.  Evening performances are at 7.30pm, Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Box office opens 2 March; tickets cost £10 and can be bought by phone - 07548 100770 - or online at  https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/asds (online booking fee applies).

Poole and Parkstone Players present...

Dead Guilty

A powerful revenge thriller written by Richard Harris and directed by Tony Hessey

When John Haddrell dies of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, the woman at his side is not his wife Margaret, but his lover, Julia.

Now months later, still recovering from the injuries she sustained in the ensuing crash, Julia is visited by Margaret, who apparently knows nothing of the affair.

Margaret begins to encroach on Julia’s life, engineering the dismissal of her home-help, Gary, and her estrangement from her counsellor, Anne, when events take a sinister turn and the audience are left to find out who is Dead Guilty...

Starring seasoned P&P performers Clare I'Anson as Julia, Veronica Ryder as Margaret, Simon Dade as Gary and Barbara Bone as Anne, this tense psychological study of revenge and obsession will have you on the edge of your seats.

Tickets are on sale now - £10 adults and £8 concessions - Contact the Barrington Box Office on 01202 849858 or book online:

www.ticketsource.co.uk/barringtontheatre

Venue: The Barrington Theatre, Ferndown

Dates: Thursday 27 – Saturday 29 February 2020

Times: Performances at 7:30pm with a Saturday Matinée at 2:30pm

Winchester Musical & Operatic Society; Concert - one night per venue; Tickets £10, available from www.wmos.org.uk

Bournemouth University and Arts University Bournemouth (BU and AUB); Tickets £12 / £9 concessions; Box Office: 01202 413 600

Showstoppers Presents their Spring Show Be More Chill. This production is the third amateur staging of this show in the UK and ties in beautifully with the West End debut.

“More than survive.” That’s all Jeremy Heere wants out of High School. However, looking up from the bottom of the social ladder, there’s little hope for the uncool Jeremy. But what if there was an easy way to change all that? Enter the SQUIP, a Japanese nanocomputer in the form of an easy-to-swallow pill. The SQUIP will implant itself in your brain and tell you what to wear, what to say, and how to act to achieve ultimate coolness. Seems like an easy choice, right? But when things with the SQUIP take an unexpected, darker turn, is Jeremy willing to lose his best friend, his crush, his classmates and the whole world, all in an effort to be more chill? Set to a hot pop-rock score by Joe Iconis, Be More Chill is a hilarious sci-fi tale of High School and one boy’s quest to fit in.

Tickets: £10 adults / £7 student; Ticket reservations online: http://showstoppers-soton.co.uk/book/73

Footlights Youth Theatre; Tickets: £13 / £11 concessions; Box Office: 023 8065 2333

Bournemouth Little Theatre presents Heisenberg: The Uncertainty Principle

Written by Simon Stephens

Heisenberg: The Uncertainty Principle is the first BLT Studio production and will run for FOUR nights ONLY from 11 – 14 March 2020 at 7.45pm.

In this uncertain world, who can predict what brings people together? When two strangers meet by chance amidst the bustle of a crowded London train station, their lives are changed forever.

Written by multi-award-winning playwright Simon Stephens – author of The Curious Incident of The Dog in The Night-Time – the Broadway and London West End hit play comes to Bournemouth for the first time.

“Brimming with blazing theatrical life it explores the uncertain and often comical sparring match that is human connection” Drama Online

“Heisenberg will inspire you and give you hope. It’s a tender, quirky, terrific play.” Broadway World

Heisenberg will run for approximately 80 minutes without an interval. The bar will be open afterwards when the audience will be invited to meet the cast and discuss the play.

Bournemouth Little Theatre; Tickets available via Box Office: 01202 513361 or online: www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/dorset/bournemouth-little-theatre

Arts University Bournemouth (AUB); Tickets available via Box Office: 01202 280000 or online: www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/whats-on/2020/arts-university-bournemouth-treasure-island

Romsey Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society (RAODS); Tickets £14: available online: www.ticketsource.co.uk/plazatheatre/silly-cow/e-vookao

University Of Southampton

Arena Theatre; Tickets: £12 / £10 concessions; Box Office: 01202 413600

Arts University Bournemouth (AUB); Tickets: £12 / £10 concessions; Box Office: 01202 413600

Studio Theatre; Tickets £12 / £8 (under 16s); Box Office: 01722 342860 or online: www.ticketsource.co.uk/studiotheatresalisbury

The Thrill of Love by Amanda Whittington

Studio Theatre, Ashley Road, Salisbury

Ruth Ellis works hard and plays hard in Soho's nightclubs. She yearns for a movie-star lifestyle, but then she meets David Blakely, a wealthy, womanising racing-driver, and makes headline news in a way she never previously dreamed of. Amanda Whittington's tense thriller sheds light on the life of the last woman to be hanged in Britain.

The Thrill of Love runs at Studio Theatre in Ashley Road, Salisbury, from March 23 – 28 at 7.30pm each evening. Tickets at £12, 16s and under £8, are available from Salisbury Information Centre in Fish Row, Salisbury (01722 342860) or online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/studiotheatresalisbury

KCA Players; Tickets: £8.50; Box Office: 01202 572826

I Will Always Love You – Celebrating Female Songwriters and Lyricists

Waterside Musical Society invite you to a trio of Spring Concerts dedicated to celebrating the work of female songwriters. This will include: Dolly Parton, who wrote the iconic song made famous by Whitney Houston and which WMS have chosen as the title for the concert; Carole King, who wrote so many popular songs, including ‘Locomotion’ and ‘You’ve Got a Friend’; Dorothy Fields’ amorous ‘A Fine Romance’; and many more, such as Kirsty McColl, Lady Gaga, Carol Bayer Sager and Victoria Wood, female songwriters who have been at the forefront of music.

With the concert being formed at a different location on each of the three evenings, there are ample opportunities to enjoy WMS’s Spring offering:

Thursday 26 March at 7.30pm   

Cornerstone, Hythe United Reform Church, Hythe, Southampton

Friday 27 March at 7.30pm

The Stage @ Noadswood, Southampton

Saturday 28 March at 7.30pm

Trinity Church, Totton

Tickets are £8 and available online: www.ticketsource.co.uk/watersidemusicalsociety (with a small additional booking fee), via phone: 07900 556584 or via email: WMSsales@mail.com

Chesil Theatre presents Dracula

At the close of the nineteenth century, a freak storm in Whitby brings more than bad weather. Count Dracula has arrived to sate his lust for blood. From the remote Yorkshire coast to the crowded streets of London, the struggle to stop his vampiric reign has begun.

This modern adaption by renowned poet and playwright Liz Lochhead stays unnervingly close to Bram Stoker’s original gothic tale. A stunning version of this classic tale packed with theatricality and energy.

Contains strong language and adult themes.

Tickets: £14 adult / £10 under 18s and students; Tickets available via https://www.chesiltheatre.org.uk

For Group bookings of 10 or more contact tickets@chesiltheatre.org.uk to book. (No group discount on 28th or 29th March)

Maskers Theatre Company; Double bill of one act plays; Tickets: 03336 663366 or online: www.ticketsource.co.uk/maskerstheatrecompany

Bournemouth Little Theatre; Ticket information & Box Office: 01202 513361

Written by: Andrew Bovell
Directed by: Hayley Tucker

What do we talk about with our family? What do we keep hidden? What secrets do we share to protect ourselves and which do we hid to protect the ones we love?

The play follows the Price family as the children try to discover who they are as adults away from the family home whilst their parents redefine who they are now their children are grown.

Funny, poignant and heartbreaking, Things I Know To Be True examines the dynamics of a family and how they understand truth in the face of modern life.

New Forest Players presents Curtain Up!

Written by Peter Quilter and directed by Len Reid

1 – 4 April 2020, 7.30pm each evening

In this all female comedy, Theresa's father has died, leaving a derelict theatre to the five most important women in his life: mother, daughter, ex-wife, current wife and secretary. Despite the differences that exist between them, they plan to bring it back to life again. They try various fund-raising schemes but the most ambitious is to hold a concert featuring local talent and a world famous star who agrees to appear for no fee. However, their plans go awry and it's a race to keep their audience from guessing the truth of the matter.

This amateur production of Curtain Up! is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French Ltd, a Concord Theatricals Company.

Adults: £12; Concessions: £10; Book online at www.newforestplayers.com or phone the box office on 01425 542414

Swanage Musical Theatre Company; Tickets: £14 / £13 concessions; £8 child; Box Office: 01929 422239

Blitz! is Lionel Bart’s follow up to the hit musical Oliver! based on his own childhood experiences in the East End during the Second World War.

It’s 1940 and the East End of London is taking a terrible pounding from Hitler’s bombs. Life, however, goes on, centring around Mrs Blitztein and her large family, especially her petty-criminal son Harry and her beautiful daughter Carol. They are all fighting their own particular battles with neighbours and authorities alike but whatever life throws at them, they never get down hearted. A story full of character, humour, good old fashioned 'stiff upper lip' and people’s refusal to be beaten.

In the year we reflect on and commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day, come along and join Swanage Musical Theatre Company on this journey.

ImpAct Theatre to stage intense drama Nightfall

(NO performances 9 - 13 April 2020)

Nightfall, a powerful drama penned by acclaimed Australian playwright Joanna Murray-Smith, is to be staged by ImpAct for their 2020 Spring Production.

The doorbell rings. Emily and Edward Kingsley open the door. On the porch stands a young woman. They have dreamt of this night for seven years. At the same time, however, they have shared the dread that their dream may turn into a nightmare. But nothing has prepared them for the decision they must face which will change the nature of their relationship forever.

Acclaimed playwright Joanna Murray-Smith is renowned for writing stories that closely examine family, love and commitment with compassion and sharp insight, making Nightfall a natural fit for ImpAct Theatre.

Director Patricia Richardson says, “Nightfall is a powerful and intriguing play that explores the complex and often unspoken facets of family relationships that we can all relate to. Our production will draw out all its resonance and promises to be an enthralling and captivating evening of live theatre.”

Nightfall can be seen at two Bournemouth venues:

Bournemouth Little Theatre, Jameson Road, Winton
Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 April at 8.00pm
Telephone 01202 513361 or visit www.bournemouthlittletheatre.co.uk

The Shelley Theatre, Beechwood Avenue, Boscombe
Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 April at 8.00pm
Telephone 01202 413600 or visit www.shelleytheatre.co.uk

All performances commence at 8.00pm.
Tickets costing £12 (£11 concessions) are available from the venues now.

DISCO COMES TO BOURNEMOUTH

Saturday Night Fever is coming to the Pavilion Theatre in Bournemouth for the very first time this April! Featuring all your favourite Bee Gees' songs, it’s the perfect way to put a smile on your face and get your feet dancing again! Running from 8-11 April there will be 6 chances to catch this iconic disco-fuelled show. Told through the eyes of a talented streetwise kid from Brooklyn who attempts to escape his dead-end life through dancing, Saturday Night Fever explores relationships on and off the dance floor with humour, conflict, style and unforgettable swagger. Powered by the legendary hits of the Bee Gees, the pulsating score includes ‘Stayin’ Alive’, ‘If I Can’t Have You’, ‘Boogie Shoes’ and ‘Disco Inferno’. A musical treat not to be missed!

Saturday Night Fever runs for 6 performances at the Pavilion Theatre (8–11 April 2020 with Matinees on Thursday and Saturday). Tickets (£20.50 – £22.50 with concessions available) are on sale at the bhlivetickets box office online at www.BBLOC.co.uk/Tickets

Milton Musical Society; Tickets: £16 / £15 concessions; Special offer - Wednesday 22 April, all tickets £14 Box Office: 01202 489199

South Pacific is one of the most well-known musicals, with popular classics such as: ‘Some Enchanted Evening’, ‘Bali Ha’I’, ‘There Is Nothing Like A Dame’, ‘I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair’, ‘Younger Than Springtime’, ‘Happy Talk’ and ‘I’m In Love With A Wonderful Guy’.

Adapted from the 1948 Pulitzer Prize winning novel Tales of the South Pacific by James Michener, with music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, it was controversial at the time and still ringing chords today, as it candidly explores the issue of racial prejudice, but doesn’t let that overpower the comedy and emotion that characterises this musical.

Set in French Polynesia during the American/Japanese conflict in World War II, two parallel love stories are threatened by the dangers of prejudice and war. Nellie, a feisty nurse from Arkansas, falls in love with a mature French planter, Emile. Nellie learns that his children’s late mother was an island native and, unable to turn her back on the prejudices with which she was raised, refuses Emile's proposal of marriage. Meanwhile, young Lt. Joe Cable denies himself the fulfilment of a future with an innocent Tonkinese girl with whom he's fallen in love out of the same fears that haunt Nellie. When Emile is recruited to accompany Joe on a dangerous mission that claims Joe's life, Nellie realizes that life is too short not to seize her own chance for happiness, thus confronting and conquering her prejudices.

The show premiered on Broadway in 1949 and ran for 1,925 performances. To date there have been countless professional and amateur renditions. Milton Musical Society aims to maintain its award-winning standard, bringing you this lively, colourful & thought-provoking show. Making his debut as a director for the Society is the very experienced actor and singer Mark Ward, supported by a highly skilled team comprising Ieuan Davies as Musical Director, Lucy Kelleher as Choreographer and Jonathan Shiner as Producer.

Spot On Productions; Tickets: £14.50 / £11.50 concessions; Early Bird Deal: 10% discount on tickets when buying before 30 March; Box Office: 023 8065 2333

BMT Productions present 9 To 5 The Musical

Based on the classic 1980’s movie, 9 To 5 is the story of three strong and independent women fighting for a fair working environment under a sexist, egotistical boss. This hilarious comedy is filled with high-energy numbers from the queen of country herself, Dolly Parton, and packs a real punch.

The musical premiered in Los Angeles in September 2008 and opened on Broadway in April 2009. It received 15 Drama Desk Award nominations, the most received by a production in a single year, as well as four Tony Awards nominations. Straight off the back of a hit West End run, BMT are thrilled to be bringing this hilarious comedy to Christchurch.

Don’t miss this amazing new production from the company that brought you Monty Python’s Spamalot and Starlight Express.

This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe).

Full Price £18.50, Concessions £16.50 (includes a £1 donation to Regent Centre Development Fund)

Bournemouth Little Theatre; Ticket information & Box Office: 01202 513361

Written by: April de Angelis
Directed by: Lindsay Jones

The year is 1669 a bawdy and troublesome time. Theatres have just reopened after seventeen years of Puritan suppression. There is a surge in dramatic writing and the first English actresses appear on stage. Playhouse Creatures focuses on five of the most famous (Nell Gwyn, Elizabeth Farley, Rebecca Marshall, Doll Common and Mary Betterton) to provide a moving and often comic account of the precarious lives of Restoration actresses.