Presented by Doubletake Theatre.
It takes star quality to get adopted… and Jonathan Mayor has it.
'I was chosen, you see. Right from the start. They weren’t prepared to leave the quality of their offspring to chance!'
In an explosion of sequins and songs, our prince of stage and screen is every inch the superstar.
It’s been a tough journey from the cobbled streets of Oldham to the glamour of Hollywood. Tougher still for a Scottish-Mauritian adopted son of white parents. But let’s not dwell on that… your fabulous host is here to entertain you!
Inspired by stand-up comedian Jonathan Mayor’s real life, Varnish is a blistering new play from Janet Taylor, exploring transracial adoption and the struggle for identity.
Snap up your hot ticket to join Jonathan's live, star-studded audience and buckle up for belly laughs in this darkly flamboyant, varnished version of the truth.
Studio
£16 I £14 Supporters
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Three women. A book. One unforgettable night.
Part Victorian thriller, part contemporary tale of friendship and rebellion. This time-travelling, genre-busting new show combines RedCape Theatre's unique blend of physical theatre, dark comedy and gripping storytelling.
As protestors gather outside the hospital where they work, three women meet up for a monthly book club. This month's book is Luminous. A dark delve into Victorian London, where lurid stories are brought to life for entertainment in the penny gaff theatres: tales of an anonymous killer haunting the city and women whose bones glow through their skin.
In the twenty-first century living room, the wine is flowing and the discussion is getting heated. Mighty thinks the book is outrageous, Mags thinks it's the best thing she's ever read, and Alice hasn't got past page three. As the women get drawn deeper into the story, memories surface, unexpected connections are made, and the worlds begin to blur.
Age recommendation: 14+ years
Content warning
This production explores sensitive themes of violence against women (physical and sexual), abortion, illness and grief, and includes scenes that some audience members may find upsetting. It contains references to childbirth, self-immolation and nuclear warfare. It also contains strong language, ableist and misogynistic language and an abstract depiction of an autopsy.
Funded by Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grant.
Commissioned by Corn Exchange Newbury with support from South Street Arts, Proteus Theatre and University of Exeter.
Courtyard Theatre
£16 I £14 Supporters
Back at Norden Farm by popular demand, Hundred Watt Club invites you to peek inside their cabinet of curiosities and celebrate Halloween with an evening of bizarre burlesque, queer cabaret and sublime circus entertainment.
Expect spinetingling striptease, madcap comedy, dizzying circus stunts and all manner of cabaret tomfoolery. You’ll never be the same after a glimpse into this topsy turvy world. Expect the unexpected, but come prepared for an unforgettable night of tongue in cheek, glamourous, grown-up fun!
Plus - dress up in your most glamorous vintage or Halloween inspired outfit to be in with a chance of winning a bottle of Prosecco!
Hundred Watt Club are proud to be one of the longest running burlesque revues in the UK.
The lowdown: not for the fainthearted, this show employs and embraces adult themes, strong language and partial nudity with gusto. Glamorous, vintage attire is encouraged (we love it when you dress up!) but not enforced; wear what you’re comfy in.
‘Old school mischief and timeless raunchiness collide at the Hundred Watt Club. Hats – and corsets – off to Lena Mae for an excellent night of entertainment’ Sussex Express
‘Harking back to the gin drenched halcyon days of a grimy Berlin nightclub in the 1930s, Hundred Watt Club sparkles, fizzles and shines brightly on a dark night’ Fringereview.co.uk
‘Righteous, radical…an absolute riot!’ Mardigrasmag.co.uk
Over 18s only
Courtyard Theatre
£22
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Four broken AI entities are trying to make sense of the world but no longer have the correct information. These are The Diviners.
In their fragmented state they explore a nether world, between the lines of stories and through unheard harmonics of music. Is this where the truth really lies?
An electrifying and strangely topical story, People Show 145: The Diviners plays out in an imaginary world not so far from our own. Powerfully visual, a colourful cuboid trap defines the parameters of the action.
The show is written and performed by Gareth Brierley, Sadie Cook, Fiona Creese and George Khan (in virtual form). Each night features a secret guest artist from the extended People Show family.
The Diviners premiered at Golden Goose Theatre, Camberwell, London in October 2023, running for three weeks.
'Humorous and somehow profound...great fun on the surface with great depth beneath' ★★★★ The Stage
'Witty, touching, and thought-provoking...this is a piece of theatre which has already wormed its way into my brain' ★★★★ Salterton Arts Review
'Intelligent and perceptive, and it’s short and sweet without being rushed or saccharine' ★★★★ London Theatre1
'Thoughtful, funny, romantic and philosophical…what may happen if AI is left to run without human intervention or guidance' TheReviewsHub
Suitable for ages 14+ years.
Studio
£16 | £14 conc
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Presented by Lost Dog.
A one man staging of Milton’s epic poem Paradise Lost and not like whatever came into your head when you read the first bit of that sentence. combining theatre, comedy and movement. This is a journey through the story of the creation of everything, condensed into 75 minutes.
It is a show which brings you the highlights of this well-known but often forgotten story
beginning with Lucifer’s rebellion and ending with Adam and Eve’s expulsion from the Garden of Eden. A single man plays all the characters, creates all the scenes and, despite his best efforts, falls a little short of perfection. A show for anyone who has created anything (child, garden, paper aeroplane) and then watched it spiral out of control.
‘The comedy is divine, but the images of love and loss are achingly human’ ★★★★★ The Independent
‘A heavenly new take on Milton’ ★★★★★ Evening Standard
Studio
£16 I £14 Supporters
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Eshaan Akbar is back doing jokes on tour! His previous tour was described by The Times as 'pretty sick' (not an actual quote) so this one is likely to be mad good.
Eshaan has supported some of the biggest acts in the UK, including Micky Flanagan, Jason Manford and Kae Kurd.
He's been seen on Netflix's Sex Education, BBC's Mock The Week, QI and Live At The Apollo, Comedy Central Live and many more. Forthcoming TV includes Channel 4's The Last Leg and BBC's Pilgrimage. He's also been heard on award-winning podcasts Have A Word, Ninetwentynine and Spitting Image, as well as LBC, Times Radio, and BBC Radio 4.
‘An artfully pointed, refreshingly funny hour that suggests a big talent in the making' ★★★★ The Times
'A fine comic entertainer, an intelligent maker of points and a wealth of fascinating facts' ★★★★ The Scotsman
'Genius stand-up comedy' Edinburgh Festivals Magazine
'A story that’s likely to go far' Chortle
Courtyard Theatre
£18.50
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A poignant exploration of comedy intertwined with the essence of life's ups and downs.
Justin's unparalleled ability to blend side-splitting humour with touching insights offers a rare glimpse into the human condition through the lens of a comedian.
This performance is more than just a series of jokes - it's a heartfelt journey through the joys, sorrows, and hilarity of life, delivered with Justin's characteristic charisma and warmth. Prepare to laugh, reflect and connect deeply with every story, making this evening an unforgettable highlight in your cultural calendar.
'What sets him apart is the craft. Lightning fast wit, masterful delivery' ★★★★ Chortle
'If joke-telling is your thing, then Justin Moorhouse is your man...very high gag rate' ★★★★ Fest
'Skilful crafting... he keeps the laughs coming' ★★★★ British Theatre Guide
'He charms the pants off the crowd' Sunday Times
'The amount of first-rate comic craft that goes into his routines is worthy of admiration' Guardian
'Simultaneously down-to-earth and out of this world' The List
Suitable for ages 14+ years.
Courtyard Theatre
£16 | £6 unwaged with proof of JSA
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The critically acclaimed comedian is back on the road with a brand new tour show.
Expect Jamali's trademark brutally honest and unflinching perspectives on the world at large.
His last tours have sold out shows across the globe, playing the UK, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America. He is a regular on Sky's Nevermind the Buzzcocks and was one of the most anarchic Taskmaster contestants the show has ever seen. Alongside this he was a regular contributor for BBC2's Frankie Boyle's New World Order and has been seen on BBC2's Live at the Apollo, More4's 8 Out of 10 Cats, CBS's The Late Late Show with James Corden as well as many others.
Courtyard Theatre
£22
This event goes on sale to Members on Thursday 29 August and on general sale on Friday 30 August. Find out more about becoming a Member by clicking here. Members can click here to login for priority booking.
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Tumble down the rabbit hole in this ballet adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s famous family story.
Join us for a live screening of Christopher Wheeldon’s unique theatrical interpretation direct from the Royal Opera House.
At a garden party on a sunny afternoon, Alice is surprised to see her parents’ friend Lewis Carroll transform into a white rabbit. When she follows him down a rabbit hole, events become curiouser and curiouser…
As Alice journeys through Wonderland, she encounters countless strange creatures. She’s swept off her feet by the charming Knave of Hearts, who’s on the run for stealing the tarts. Confusion piles upon confusion. Then Alice wakes with a start. Was it all a daydream?
Courtyard Theatre Cinema
£16
Running time: 205 minutes, two intervals
Guidance: There are optical illusions that may affect those with epilepsy. There is also a gunshot in Act I.
Royal Opera & Ballet's website
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