SONG and laughter and a whole lot more are heading to Warwick Arts Centre.
The spring/summer season at the University of Warwick venue features entertainment for young and old alike.
For younger audiences, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Tall Stories present an adaptation of The Smeds And The Smoos (June 1 to 4). On a far off planet, a red Smed falls for a blue Smoo in a warming tale inspired by Romeo and Juliet.
Other shows for families include Dinosaur World Live (Feb 25 and 26), while Ian Nicholson and Sam Wilde bring their viral lockdown hit based on Jon Klassen’s I Want My Hat Back (February 12), prior to the arrival of Peut-Être Theatre’s The Dark (March 5) – an adaptation of the story by Lemony Snicket, and illustrated by Jon Klassen, in which the young Laszlo journeys to meet the dark.
Also heading to WAC’s stages are a revival of Abigail’s Party (March 14 to 18), an adaptation of Mike Leigh’s classic study of ’70s suburban life by London Classic Theatre, and a new take on Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights (May 16 to 18) courtesy of Inspector Sands and China Plate, while a returning Rifco Theatre Company present Happy Birthday Sunita (20-24 Jun 2023) – a new comic drama from the creators of hits such as Dishoom!, Glitterball, and The Deranged Marriage.
Elsewhere, James Wilton Dance reveal their fourth full evening work, The Four Seasons (March 7 and 8), which is set to Max Richter’s recomposed version of Vivaldi’s famed concertos.
Having previously visited WAC with trio Yorkston/Thorne/Khan, musician James Yorkston returns with members of The Second Hand Orchestra and former Cardigans vocalist Nina Persson (February 9), while other notable gigs include appearances from pianist and soundtrack composer Riopy (February 10), Dublin popsters Hothouse Flowers (May 5), The Proclaimers unveil songs from their 12th album Dentures Out (May 19), Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra (May 21, and Warwickshire singer/songwriter Ellie Gowers (June 15).
A comedy programme is headed by Coventry’s own stand-up Guz Khan (February 4), plus Maisie Adam (February 12), long-running radio panel show I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue (March 2), rising newcomers Colin Hoult (March 11) and Eshaan Akbar (April 30), and presenter/comic, Judi Love (May 27).
Also making their way to the venue over the coming months are plant-based chef sensations Bosh! (May 3), ‘The Body Coach’ Joe Wicks (May 7), Great Pottery Throw Down’s Keith Brymer Jones (May 25), and Countdown wordsmith Susie Dent (May 21).
In the Mead Gallery, British artist Katrina Palmer presents her largest commission, What’s Already Going On (January 12 to April 2), transforming the space, while the centre’s three cinemas screens will be showing Steven Spielberg’s semi-autobiographical The Fabelmans, the Cate Blanchett-starring Tár, and Civil Rights Movement-era biopic Till.
There’s also free stuff for all ages, including Jazz Fridays (weekly jazz gigs), Family Sundays (free creative workshops), Workshop Wednesdays (drop-in free creative sessions), and free music-making workshops covering such themes as songwriting and tech.
WAC director Doreen Foster said: “We’re making sure our spaces continue to buzz, with events and activities to not just entertain you, but also get you talking, and get you creating too.
“Our spaces will be filled with celebs and familiar faces – from Judi Love to Jools Holland – but also surprising performances, and even more free activities, including jazz gigs and creative workshops.”
Visit www.warwickartscentre.co.uk for full details.
