Civic and Cramphorn this spring

This spring at Chelmsford Theatres there is a huge range of fantastic shows to enjoy and a few famous faces to see too.

There is a stellar programme of great drama in the Civic theatre from highbrow to high-laughter. The magnificent Dylan Thomas play, Under Milk Wood (20 January) comes fabulously recreated in a stunning and hilariously funny one man adaptation. Bawdy and beautiful, the play follows the inhabitants of the fictional town of Llareggub.

Other highlights include I, Bertolt Brecht (20-21 March) which takes a look at the hugely influential playwright and theatre director’s plays, songs and poems. The performance is a thought-provoking, moving and laugh-out-loud funny drama documentary. For the ladies there’s All the Single Ladies (22-24 March) starring Men Behaving Badly famed Leslie Ash and recent MBE awarded Brooke Kinsella. Heartwarming and hilariously funny, this show will make for a great night out and a great opportunity to catch it locally before it goes to the West End. A true classic is brought to the stage in an adaptation of Sense and Sensibility on 18-20 April. Based on Jane Austen’s classic novel the play adaptation is brought to the stage with beautiful imagery, original music, humour and heartbreak. Joe Pasquale and Robert Powell will be doing their rounds in a fantastic stage show version of the classic sitcom Doctor in the House from 30 April – 5 May. This comedy farse will be just the cure if you need a prescription for laughter! Something wicked this way comes… The vicious, barbaric undercurrent in Shakespeare’s epic tragedy Macbeth surfaces in a kinetic bloody-thirsty production on 9 May.

A new comedy comes in the form of Raining Men (1-2 June), the story of Phil the bouncer, Doug the DJ and Colin the barman and a night where the Full Monty meets Priscilla, Queen of the Desert… featuring the music of Barbra Streisand, Shirley Bassey and Judy Garland.

Music is well featured at the theatre, with lots of large and small scale shows in the Civic and Cramphorn Theatres. The biggest show in town comes in the form of American Anthems (10 February). Featuring as star guest is John Parr (St Elmo’s Fire) playing some absolute anthems along with a cast of sensational performers playing hits such as Born To Run, Livin On A Prayer and Bat Out Of Hell. The music continues in the show Unforgettable (1 April) featuring a world class cast of talented vocalists and musicians playing songs from some of the most loved musical icons of the 1950s and 60s.

There’s a musical journey in Little Belter (11 February) as songs from the likes of Barbra Streisand, Judy Garland and Dusty Springfield are performed. A fantastic tribute is brought to audiences as Real Diamond (9 March) takes to the stage singing all of Neil Diamond’s hits in a stunning performance. There’s opera from Opera della Luna in their production of the Lehár classic operetta The Merry Widow (10 March).

Iconic band The Strawbs are moving gracefully into their fifth decade of music making but their successful international progressive folk-rock is still as unique as ever. Devoted fans can find them at the Civic theatre on 14 April.

Upcoming comic Andrew Lawrence (9 March) takes a visit to the Cramphorn with his award-winning comedy. He has been featured on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy showcase and Ask Rhod Gilburt. Catch this funny man on his way up! And further comedy comes from the long-standing broadcaster Mike Harding (18 March) who returns to comedy with a couple of guitars and forty years of material to draw on.

Spring also has an abundance of brilliantly entertaining shows for youngsters. Kick off is George’s Marvellous Medicine (14 – 18 February) making a welcome return with this adaptation of the popular Roald Dahl classic.

Then a spectacular science show with dangerous demonstrations and extraordinary experiments is up with Science Museum Live (24 – 25 February). A breathtaking ride that will entertain, inform and inspire!

And for all the family, come and join in the celebration with Little Princess (29-31 March). The theatrical premiere of the hit children’s book and favourite TV character features action and songs as Little Princess discovers the best way to celebrate. Age suitability 2 – 5 years. Audiences will continue to be delighted to see a well loved nursery rhyme come to life. There Was An Old Woman Who Swallowed A Fly (11-12 May) will relive the delights of this most charming tale with a feast of first class games, colourful animal characters and heart warming family fun. Age suitability: 4 years +.

For more information on all shows and to book tickets go to www.chelmsford.gov.uk.theatres

or call 01245 606505.