Swamp spectacular Shrek is among the new shows and events coming to Norwich Theatre Royal next year, it's been announced today.
Swamp spectacular Shrek is among the new shows and events coming to Norwich Theatre Royal next year, it's been announced today.
The hit musical will be returning to the city venue next June with its tale of Shrek the ogre's quest to rescue the moody Princess Fiona from her tower guarded by a fire-breathing but love-sick dragon.
Also newly announced for the 2018 line-up is Ruth Rendell classic Gallowglass, the award-winning play Art, a concert by the Britten Sinfonia and one-night shows Rumours of Fleetwood Mac and Champions of Magic.
Sir Michael Parkinson will also be taking to the stage in January after his original date was postponed due to the chat show king having minor surgery.
John Bultitude, from Norwich Theatre Royal, said: 'We are so excited to welcome Shrek back to the city. The gentle giant and his friends brought theatrical magic last time they were with us and are sure to put a smile on everyone's summer next year. The incredibly-talented cast and the stunning direction of Nigel Harman make this a must-see.
'Add in a multi-award-winning play featuring three of Britain's most highly-regarded and best-loved actors, a suspense thriller guaranteed to play on the emotions, musical performances from a range of genres and a jaw-dropping night of illusion, and 2018 is shaping up to be an exciting year at Norwich Theatre Royal.'
Below is the lowdown on each of the shows:
1. Shrek - June 26 to July 8
Shrek is set to delight audiences all 'ogre' again when it returns to Norwich Theatre Royal next summer. Shrek and the ever-loyal Donkey will embark on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona in the colourful tale which also features the vertically-challenged Lord Farquaad and a whole host of fairy-tale misfits.
Taking on the title role is Steffan Harri who played the role on the show's very first tour and has a string of West End credits including Les Misérables, Spamalot and Children of Eden. Also returning to the show is King's Lynn-born and bred Kevin Yates, who is part of the ensemble, and director Nigel Harman who is also known for playing the role of Dennis Rickman in EastEnders.
Co-producer Nick Salmon said: 'I am thrilled that the show will be reuniting many of the talented team members who have been involved in the production since day one. Nigel has gone from being Lord Farquaad in the West End to directing our touring production and Steffan, who was previously one of our hilarious Three Pigs, will be stepping into Shrek's ogre-sized shoes. We can't wait to bring this much-loved story to Norwich once more.'
2. Gallowglass - February 20 to 24
The Ruth Rendell classic, written under the name Barbara Vine, sees homeless youngster Joe snatched from the path of a tube train. His saviour Sandor tells him he owns his life now and begins telling him a fairy tale. As the lines of fantasy and reality blur, a chilling story of obsession emerges in this production presented by the Middle Ground Theatre Company.
3. Art - April 23 to 28
Nigel Havers, Denis Lawson and Stephen Tompkinson star as long-time friends Serge, Marc and Yvan in the award-winning comedy drama Art about what happens when Serge buys a large, expensive, and completely white, painting to indulge his love of art.
4. Britten Sinfonia - May 27
Britten Sinfonia and conductor Thomas Adés return to Norwich to perform Beethoven Symphonies 4 and 5, as part of the Norfolk and Norwich Festival. The concert will also feature Piano Concerto by Irish composer Gerald Barry.
5. An Evening with Sir Michael Parkinson - January 30
Chat show legend Sir Michael Parkinson will take to the stage in a night packed full of reminiscences and the chance to see some classic interviews from the Parkinson archive.
6. Rumours of Fleetwood Mac - March 21
Hit show Rumours of Fleetwood Mac features a live performance of Fleetwood Mac's Rumours album note for note in its entirety.
7. Champions of Magic - April 1
Masters of illusion the Champions Of Magic will make their Norwich Theatre Royal debut with a show full of mind-reading, disappearances, levitation, teleportation and a heart-stopping finale.
For more about Norwich Theatre Royal shows and to book tickets, visit www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk or call the box office on 01603 630000.
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