Hit musical Priscilla Queen Of The Desert is making its debut visit to Norwich as part of the Theatre Royal's new programme announced today.
Packed with iconic pop and disco tunes and lashings of outrageous costumes the show will have a two-week run at the theatre from November 25 to December 7. Based on the film of the same name, Priscilla Queen of the Desert follows the story of three people who jump aboard a battered bus searching for love and friendship on a trip that changes their lives. It features a host of well-known numbers including Boogie Wonderland, Hot Stuff, I Will Survive, and Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.
Meanwhile the musical Hairspray returns to the city in September with Waterloo Road actor Mark Benton playing the larger-than-life Edna Turnblad whose daughter is desperate both for fame and to win the hand of the boy she loves. Former Eastender Lucy Benjamin and X Factor finalist Marcus Collins also star on the show.
The National Theatre is bringing Alan Bennett's comedy People - the story of aristocrat Lady Stacpoole pondering the future of her stately home - to the theatre in October. Ahead of going to London's West End, the drama Twelve Angry Men will also be in Norwich in October. Starring actor Martin Shaw, it follows a jury deciding the fate of a troubled youth accused of murdering his father.
Tom Conti heads the Rough Justice cast in September, playing a top TV journalist who has made a career out of challenging the justice system only to find himself in the dock.
Meanwhile in October and November Lynda Bellingham stars in the comedy A Passionate Woman which sees Betty pondering her life on the morning of her son's wedding.
Slava's Snow Show brings a dream-like world of clowns, illusion and beauty to Norwich in November, and Glyndebourne will be presenting the fairy tale Hänsel Und Gretel by Humperdinck, Donizetti's comedy L'elisir d'amore, and Benjamin Britten's The Rape of Lucretia.
Northern Ballet brings A Christmas Carol to Norwich in October, and in the same month the Rambert Dance Company will also take to the Theatre Royal stage.
Irish dancing spectacle Spirit Of The Dance comes to Norwich in August, as does musical Dreamboats and Petticoats which celebrates the golden era of rock'n'roll, and the Agatha Christie Theatre Company return with psychological thriller Go Back For Murder in September.
Singer Daniel O'Donnell visits Norwich for two nights in October, and among the one-night shows are performances by orchestra Britten Sinfonia, pop band Deacon Blue, singer-songwriter Charlie Landsborough, and celebrity psychic Sally Morgan.
The Three Phantoms - starring performers who have played the iconic Andrew Lloyd Webber role – features songs from musicals, and a Bert Kaempfert Gala Concert celebrates the legendary songwriter.
Comedy fans can enjoy an extra appearance by Jimmy Carr, the stage production of The Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy,
Joe Pasquale's unique take on Sherlock Holmes, and Pam Ayres latest show.
The Peter Tatchell Foundation presents gala variety show A Night For Equality and Variety starring Marc Almond and Heather Peace, and compered by Christopher Biggins, meanwhile An Evening Of Burlesque presents a spectacle of corsets, killer heels and sultry vocals.
John Bultitude, from Norwich Theatre Royal, said: 'The outrageous and feelgood Priscilla Queen Of The Desert is sure to be a huge hit and will prove the perfect tonic for people aiming to escape the trials and tribulations of everyday life.
'Some top-class drama also makes up part of the new season with the chance to see a stunning National Theatre production in the city and a rare chance outside London to see the intense 12 Angry Men which is sure to feature a performance of great power from Martin Shaw.
'Add in some of the most respected companies from the opera and dance world plus lots of great comedians and one of Norfolk's favourite visitors Daniel O'Donnell makes 2013 a year to remember packed with a host of must-see shows and hot tickets.'
• Call the box office on 01603 630000 or visit www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk
• The theatre's free family open day is on August 24.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here