Television actor Martin Shaw will be taking the title role in Hobson's Choice, while Norfolk's own Nimmo Twins will be returning for a 20th anniversary show for the newly-announced season at Norwich Theatre Royal.
Henry Horatio Hobson is one of the great characters in English drama – and his tale, Hobson's Choice, spearheads a range of comedy, dance, drama and opera during the 2016 spring season.
Taking the helm as the self-made skinflint and boozer Hobson will be Norfolk-based Shaw, last seen on the Theatre Royal stage in Twelve Angry Men and whose numerous television roles include George Gently and Judge John Deed.
He is joined in the cast by Christopher Timothy, the former television 'vet' James Herriot and acclaimed stage actor, whose last appearance at the theatre was in Dial M For Murder in 2014.
The show, visits Norwich from April 12-16, prior to a transfer to the West End, giving local audiences the chance to enjoy it ahead of London theatre-goers.
The Nimmo Twins will return with their Normal For Norfolk 20th Anniversary Show. Owen Evans, Karl Minns and the lovely Nigel on lights and sound, will bring a new show of rural ribaldry with a mix of songs, monologues and sketches, plus some favourite characters from the past two decades, from August 10-13.
Owen Evans will also take on the role of Bottom in the RSC's A Midsummer Night's Dream Play For The Nation at the theatre from April 26-30.
Also offering laughs aplenty with one-night shows will be Russell Kane on April 3 in his new show Right Man, Wrong Age; firm favourite with Norfolk audiences Ken Dodd returns on March 20 with The Happiness Show; and Adam Hills, the man with a Clown Heart, appears on February 16.
The already-announced Priscilla Queen of the Desert, returning to Norwich from February 8-13, has confirmed that the original West End star Jason Donovan will be taking the lead role in this fresh and funny hit musical, appearing in all shows in Norwich except opening night.
Music and dance also feature in the programme with English Youth Ballet's production of Sleeping Beauty, on June 24 and 25, which will see more than 100 young dancers giving local dance students the chance to perform in a professional setting with international principals dancing the leading roles.
Ellen Kent Opera is bringing two of the opera greats to Norwich on May 9 and 10 with Puccini's Tosca and Bizet's Carmen. Tosca will be sung in Italian and stars the international sopranos Maria Tonina and Alyona Kistenyova with baritone Vladimir Dragos; while Carmen, sung in French, stars the critically-acclaimed Romanian mezzo Liza Kadelnik. Surtitles will be provided for both operas.
The Norfolk and Norwich Festival brings an eclectic mix of performers to the Theatre Royal stage from May 13-29. Aurélien Bory 's Sans Objet (May 17 and 18) sees acrobats presenting a spectacular dance between man and machine; electro-acoustic artist Max Richter and his ensemble (May 19) will perform selections from his landmark work SLEEP; and Lisa Fischer (May 21), known for appearances with the Rolling Stones and as the star of the Oscar-winning Twenty Feet From Stardom, appears in her first UK concert.
Norwich Theatre Royal Youth Company will be performing their summer production of High School Prom Queen from August 3-6. The new musical comedy will be written by Arts Course Director David Lambert and is ideal for all the family.
And for younger family members, Peppa Pig will return from August 31 to September 1 with a brand new show promising a Surprise!, and the popular Milkshake! Live will be back at the theatre on February 17 with a dancing journey exploring some of the world's favourite fairy tales.
There will be evenings of music with The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain on its Gigasecond Tour on April 5; That'll Be The Day 30th Anniversary Special on April 6; the Buddy Holly and The Cricketers tribute show on May 8; Charlie Landsborough on June 5; Britten Sinfonia Ian Bostridge Directs on June 19; the Bowie Experience on June 22 and The Joe Ringer Band singing Swingin' With Bublé on August 9.
Britain's Got Talent magician Jamie Raven Live appears on June 21 and the Irish National Dance Company presents Rhythm of the Dance on June 20.
Judy Foster, communications officer at Norwich Theatre Royal, said: 'We have lots of superb entertainment lined up for our audiences, ranging from top quality drama through to must-see musicals, hugely popular comedians and music and dance treats, with some shows ideal for younger audiences too.'
•Tickets for Adam Hills, Ken Dodd, Russell Kane and the Ukulele Orchestra are all on sale now.
•Tickets for I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue will be on sale from November 19 to Friends and from November 20 to the public.
•All other newly-announced shows go on sale from the dates below:
Tuesday November 24 – Gold Friends and Corporate Club booking opens.
Wednesday November 25 – Friends, postal, fax and online from 9.30am.
Monday November 30 – Friends booking in person and by phone.
Tuesday December 8 – Public booking by post, fax, and online from 9.30am.
Monday December 14 – Public booking in person and by phone.
Tickets will be available from the box office on 01603 630000 or online from www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk
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