Star Names In 200th Anniversary Spring Season 2007

Theatre Royal Brighton’s reputation for attracting star names in top quality shows is certainly in evidence this Spring.

Antony Sher’s charismatic stage presence will light up the stage in the title role of Kean, a memorable drama about the leading 19th century actor. Sher has had a distinguished career on stage and screen, with performances in Richard III, Cyrano de Bergerac, Stanley, Macbeth, Mrs Brown and The History Man.

Having captivated audiences in EastEnders and demonstrated his musical talents in Guys and Dolls, Nigel Harman stars alongside David Bradley and Con O’Neill in The Caretaker, Harold Pinter’s menacing study of psychological power games.

Neil Pearson, whose career includes roles in Bridget Jones and Closer, leads the cast of another Harold Pinter drama, the darkly erotic and intense Old Times, which also stars Janie Dee and Jemma Redgrave.

Other season highlights include Rik Mayall’s wicked alter ego, Alan B’Stard in The New Statesman: B’Stard’s 2nd Wind, a brand new installment of political intrigue and sexual shenanigans in Westminster.

Television favourite Jenny Seagrove stars in a gripping new stage adaptation of The Letter, a spine-tingling tale of murder, deception and revenge. Those in search of thrills will also not be disappointed by The Hound of the Baskervilles, the classic Sherlock Holmes tale starring Peter Egan and Philip Franks.

Among the wealth of comedy brightening up the winter gloom is The Seafarer, a darkly humorous and beautifully written National Theatre production by acclaimed writer and director Conor McPherson.

Susan Hampshire and Michael Pennington lead the cast of The Bargain, a sharp new comedy about a bizarre deal struck between newspaper tycoon Robert Maxwell and Mother Teresa. Comedy classic Charley’s Aunt stars popular TV actor Stephen Tompkinson in a hilarious tale of cross-dressing and mistaken identity, directed by Mel Smith.

Yet another comic highlight in February will be Acorn Antiques – The Musical! written and directed by Victoria Wood. Musical fans can also look forward to the return of the world’s favourite rock ‘n’ roll show Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show, starring
Olivier award-winning David Bedella.

Contemporary dance lovers will hotly anticipate a new world première by the celebrated Rambert Dance Company in February. The new work by Canadian choreographer André Gingras features his trademark breakneck, athletic movement.

THEATRE ROYAL BRIGHTON SPRING 2007 SEASON

Your-at-a-glance guide to what’s in the season brochure
Unless otherwise stated, all evening performances start at 7.45pm, with matinees at 2.30pm on Thursdays and Saturdays.

New Season

Tue 6 – Sat 10 Feb: The Seafarer
The acclaimed National Theatre production by award-winning writer and director Conor McPherson (The Weir, Shining City) is a darkly comic tale in which a group of men gathering to play cards end up playing for very high stakes indeed!

Mon 12 – Sat 17 Feb: Acorn Antiques The Musical!
Written by Victoria Wood and starring Sara Crowe (Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime, Four Weddings and a Funeral), this warm-hearted comic treat follows the fortunes of all the familiar characters from the popular TV series.

Mon 19 – Tue 20 Feb: The Nutcracker
Mon 7.30pm, Tue 2.30pm & 7.30pm
The Russian State Ballet of Siberia performs one of the most delightful traditional ballets with an enchanting score by Tchaikovsky.

Fri 23 – Sat 24 Feb: Rambert Dance Company
Eves 7.45pm, Sat mat 2pm
One of the UK’s most outstanding modern dance companies returns with an exciting world première by choreographer André Gingras to mark Theatre Royal Brighton’s 200th anniversary.

Tue 27 Feb – Sat 3 March: Old Times
This darkly erotic, intense and comic drama by Harold Pinter concerning a dangerous love triangle stars Neil Pearson and Janie Dee. Directed by Peter Hall.

Mon 5 Mar: Shakespeare 4 Kidz – The Tempest
10.30am & 1.30pm
A magical, musical romantic comedy of revenge and a father’s love, which is perfect for Key Stages 2 & 3.

Tue 6 – Sat 10 Mar: The Hound of the Baskervilles
Peter Egan and Philip Franks star in this stunning new interpretation of the classic Sherlock Holmes tale by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Mon 12 – Sat 17 Mar: Hay Fever
Television stars Stephanie Beacham (Dynasty, Bad Girls) and Christopher Timothy (All Creatures Great and Small) lead the cast of a sparkling classic comedy directed by Peter Hall.

Tue 20 – Sat 24 Mar: French Without Tears
English Touring Theatre return with a stylish revival of a delightful 1930s comedy by Terence Rattigan.

Sun 25 Mar at 7.30pm: Sing-A-Long-A-Abba
The perfect party night for Abba fans. The Swedish supergroup’s hits are performed live with on-screen lyrics so everyone can join in, plus party bags and fancy dress.

Tue 27 – Sat 31 Mar: Tracy Beaker Gets Real
Tue & Fri 7pm, Wed & Thu 1.30pm & 6.30pm, Sat 12pm & 5pm
The UK’s most popular and volatile teenager takes to the stage in a brand new show for all the family.

Sun 1 April at 7.30pm: Tony Stockwell
Living TV’s Tony Stockwell is one of the country’s most well-known and respected psychic mediums, who’ll be bringing messages from the spiritual world.

Mon 2 – Sat 7 April: Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show
Mon – Thu eves 7.45pm, Fri & Sat 6pm & 9pm
The biggest and baddest rock ‘n’ roll musical is back with the Olivier award-winning David Bedella.

Mon 9 – Sat 14 April: The New Statesman: B’Stard’s 2nd Wind
Following last year’s smash hit, Rik Mayall returns in a brand new tale of political intrigue and sexual shenanigans at Westminster by Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran.

Mon 16 – Sat 21 April: The Bargain
Susan Hampshire (The Lady in the Van, Monarch of the Glen, The Forsyte Saga) stars alongside Michael Pennington (The Best of Friends) in this sharp and sophisticated comedy by Ian Curteis about an astonishing and unlikely relationship.

Sun 22 April at 7.30pm: Pam Ann
Join Pam Ann, the A-list hostess to the stars, plus her crew, for the trip of a lifetime. Performed and created by Caroline Reid.

Tue 24 – Sat 28 April: Kean
Distinguished actor Antony Sher stars as Edmund Kean, the greatest romantic actor of the 19th century, in this unmissable portrait about the life of the theatre. Directed by Adrian Noble.

Mon 30 April – Sat 5 May: Charley’s Aunt
A new production of the cross-dressing comedy classic starring Stephen Tompkinson (Wild At Heart, Ballykissangel, Brassed Off), directed by comedy maestro Mel Smith.

Forthcoming Shows

Mon 28 May – Sat 2 June: Tosca & Aida
Eves 7.30pm, Thu & Sat mats 2pm
Aida Mon – Wed & Sat Tosca Thu & Fri
Verdi’s Aida tells a story of love, jealousy and revenge, while Puccini’s Tosca is a heady mix of passion and tragedy.

Mon 4 – Sat 9 June: Boogie Nights
Mon – Thu eves 7.45pm, Fri & Sat 5.30pm & 8.30pm
Antony Costa, a member of the chart-topping boy band Blue and 70s pop sensation Alvin Stardust star in the 10th anniversary tour of the hit musical.

Mon 18 – Sat 23 June: High Society
Wayne Sleep stars in Cole Porter’s classic musical about a society wedding featuring songs such as True Love, Swell Party and Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.

Box Office 08700 606 650 (bkg fee). theambassadors.com/theatreroyal