Calendar Girls The Musical is among the latest shows announced in the new programme revealed by Norwich Theatre Royal today
The show - which is penned by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth - is based on the film of the same name and tells the story of a group of ordinary ladies who achieve something extraordinary. It will take to the Theatre Royal stage from February 5 to 16 and star Fern Britton (This Morning), Norwich-born Ruth Madoc (Hi-De-Hi and the Calendar Girls stage play), Denise Welch (Loose Women and Coronation Street), and Sara Crowe (How The Other Half Loves).
Meanwhile the moving drama Still Alice will be in Norwich from October 2 to 6. Based the Lucy Genova novel which also inspired an award-winning movie, it tells the story of Harvard academic Alice Howland as she battles early-onset dementia.
John Bultitude, of Norwich Theatre Royal, said: 'The power of the human spirit in tackling the challenges of life will be explored in a moving and upbeat way in both Still Alice and Calendar Girls. While very different productions, both are set to provide a not-to-be forgotten theatrical experience.'
About the rest of the season, he added: 'Two very different dance productions, lots of music and laughter, and the return of some prehistoric thrills and spills as dinosaurs stalk the stage make this a programme of new shows packed with variety.'
Black Ballet, which celebrates black and Asian dancers, will be making its Theatre Royal debut on October 25 with performances of Cathy Marston's new ballet based on Can Themba's moving fable The Suit, and Arthur Pita's Olivier-nominated A Dream Within A Midsummer Night's Dream. Meanwhile the Russian State Ballet of Siberia is making its return from January 14 to 16 with a programme featuring La Fille mal gardée, Giselle and Cinderella.
Families will be transported back to prehistoric times when Dinosaur World comes to Norwich on October 26 and 27.
There is lots for music fans too. A Beautiful Noise on October 8 celebrates singer-songwriter Neil Diamond meanwhile 1970s songsters Showaddywaddy will return to Norwich on October 21. Comedy highlights include US comedian Rich Hall on November 4, Jason Manford on January 17 and 18, and Paul Merton's Impro Chums on April 7.
Visit www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk
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