8 shows you have to see this winter in the East Midlands
The winter evenings aren’t coming to an end anytime soon, but that doesn’t mean that we all need to lock ourselves away on an evening, says Bethan Tolley. Check out these shows right on your doorstep that you will love this Winter.
The Woman in Black – Curve Theatre, Leicester
January 30 – February 4
Now celebrating 25 years in the West End, The Woman In Black follows the story of a lawyer obsessed with a curse that he believes has been cast over him and his family by the spectre of a woman in black, engages a sceptical young actor to help him tell his terrifying story. As they reach further into his darkest memories, they find themselves caught up in a world of eerie marshes and moaning winds.
Educating Rita – Derby Theatre
February 17 – March 11
Frank has almost given up completely. Given up on his ambition to be a poet and bored of teaching undergraduate English students. That is until Rita walks in. The 26-year-old married hairdresser has decided to take control of her life and earn herself an education. With Rita’s brash honesty and Frank’s deep intellect, each inspires the other as they both begin to wake up to life in their own way.
Henceforward – Royal and Derngate Theatre, Northampton
February 6 –11
Sometime in the not too distant future composer Jerome struggles vainly to complete his life’s masterwork about love. With the help of a deranged android childminder, Jerome hatches a cunning plan to retrieve his source of artistic inspiration, his beloved daughter Geain, from her mother, his hostile estranged ex-wife.
Sister Act – Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
January 30 – February 11
Sister Act tells the hilarious story of disco diva Deloris Van Cartier, played by X Factor star Alexandra Burke, whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she won’t be found, a convent. Disguised as a nun and under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own.
Hamlet – New Theatre Royal Lincoln, Lincoln
March 14 -15
Hamlet follows the story of a vengeful son during the turmoil of Denmark in 1601. The King is dead and Prince Hamlet, consumed with grief, devotes himself to avenging his father’s death with devastating consequences.
RENT – Curve Theatre, Leicester
March 28 – April 1
The multi-award-winning rock musical RENT is celebrating its 20th anniversary and arriving in Leicester in March. Featuring Layton Williams and Lucie Jones, the musical tells the captivating story of a group of young artists struggling to survive in New York City’s East Village in the thriving days of Bohemian excess. The show features the unforgettable Seasons of Love and Take Me or Leave Me.
Cats – Derby Theatre
January 25 – 27
With incredible music and choreography, Cats tells the story of when Jellicle cats meet at the Jellicle Ball one night of the year, where Old Deuteronomy, their wise and benevolent leader, makes the Jellicle choice and announces which of them will go up to The Heaviside Layer and be reborn into a whole new Jellicle life.
Touched – Nottingham Playhouse
February 17 – March 4
Starring Nottingham’s very own BAFTA award-winning actress Vicky McClure, Touched is set in World War II during the 100 days between VE and VJ Day, and is centred on the lives of a family of working‑class Nottingham women. The promise of a brave new world has arrived with peace in Europe and the election of the first ever Labour government. But the fighting is not yet over.
