Norwich Arts Centre is planning to see in the New Year in style with a theatrical extravaganza that will transform the city into a downtown speakeasy.
The St Benedict's Street venue has in the past been closed on December 31, but this year has decided to open its doors for The Guilty Party - a new event by Norwich-based Hocus Pocus Theatre which will combine music, theatre, cabaret, circus and more.
Taking centre stage will be international showgirl Talulah Blue who, as Big Ben chimes midnight, will welcome in the new year with her 1940s vaudevillian burlesque showgirl act.
And throughout the evening there will also be a secret cinema, live music and dancing, and the chance to meet an intriguing array of characters in the Prohibition era-inspired night of underworld glamour.
Lucy Enskat, from Hocus Pocus Theatre, said: 'We'll transform the St Benedicts Street venue, re-imagining it as a downtown, sleazy speakeasy styled nightclub dive on the wrong side of the tracks, transforming it from top to bottom with sparkling décor, drapery and slightly suspect glamour.'
On the Thursday and Friday before New Year's Eve, Hocus Pocus Theatre will also be presenting slightly different versions of the Guilty Party.
Norwich Arts Centre director Pasco-Q Kevlin said: 'Norwich Arts Centre hasn't hosted a New Year's Eve party for many years, if at all. But the idea of The Guilty Party was just too good not to do. It combines all the things we do throughout the year – live music, theatre, live art, comedy, film and circus – with added mystery, cabaret and burlesque.
'And it gives everyone the chance to dress up! We like to think of it as the alternative end of year event.'
Hocus Pocus Theatre and Norwich Arts Centre are presenting three nights of Guilty Party. The events are for over 18s.
The preview night on Thursday, December 29 costs £15 (concessions £12.50). A cocktail night on Friday, December 30 costs £20 (concessions £17.50). The New Year's Eve Special costs £25 (concessions £22.50).
For more information and to book, visit www.norwichartscentre.co.uk
Do you have a Norwich arts story? Email arts correspondent Emma Knights at emma.knights@archant.co.uk
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