From dinosaurs and terrific tales to comedy and jazz, the curtain is set to go up on an eclectic mix of shows and entertainment at Norwich Playhouse this summer.
The St George's Street venue has just released its May to September brochure which features a packed programme full of comedy, music, cabaret, children's shows and more.
Among some of the highlights, jazz singer Jacqui Dankworth will mark the 400th anniversary year of William Shakespeare's death with a night of music on April 16. Called Shakespeare and All That Jazz, the show will feature some of the Bard's most famous poetry set to music composed by her father Sir John Dankworth.
Other music treats include The Floyd Effect playing the iconic music of Pink Floyd in The Dark Side of the Moon and Beyond on August 13 and The Ronnie Scott's All Stars presenting 1959: The Year That Shaped Jazz on September 9. Threshold Theatre Company will present 9 to 5 The Musical from May 31 to June 4 and Mixed Voice will perform West Side Story from August 23 to 27.
Meanwhile Gossamer Thread's Curious Cabaret is heading to Norwich on June 18 with a show featuring burlesque from Lena Mae, silent clowning from The Boy With Tape on His Face, and performances from two Norwich-based acts - aerialist Daisy Black and mindreader Alex McAleer.
Comedy includes Sara Pascoe (June 24) and Gyles Brandreth (July 4), as well as the return of the Grumpy Old Women - Jenny Eclair, Susie Blake and Kate Robbins - with their show Fifty Shades of Beige on June 29 and 30.
The Nimmo Twins are back from August 2 to 9 with their 20th anniversary show The Country Members, meanwhile fans of the TV series Game of Thrones should enjoy taking their seats on June 9 for the parody show Graeme of Thrones, and actor Charles Ross is returning from a galaxy far, far away to bring his One Man Star Wars Trilogy to Norwich on September 23.
There is lots to entertain younger theatre fans too, including the prehistoric spectacle Dinosaur Zoo from August 10 to 12, which will see baby dinosaurs, a terrifying T-Rex and other creatures take to the stage.
Other children's shows include: Hairy Maclary And Friends, a show all about the scruffiest pooch in town and his canine chums, on July 30 and 31; explosive science fun from Greg Foot, on May 7; and Tiddler And Other Terrific Tales, which combines several stories by The Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson, from July 7 to 10.
Norwich Playhouse director Caroline Richardson said: 'We're hoping to see lots of families coming to enjoy the theatre this summer. We have handpicked some of the most exciting shows out there - we are particularly looking forward to seeing the Playhouse being taken over by dinosaurs!'
For more details on shows at Norwich Playhouse, including how to book tickets, visit www.norwichplayhouse.co.uk or call 01603 598598.
Do you have a Norwich arts story? Email arts correspondent Emma Knights at emma.knights@archant.co.uk
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