Theatre & Participation Brochure

Summer/Autumn 2011

Watford Palace welcomes Rifco Arts to its new homeRifco Arts moves into its new home at the Palace from June this year. It will become a Resident Company with all its team working full time in Watford, making Rifco Arts the first British Asian theatre company to be based in a regional producing theatre in the UK. This award-winning company has been introducing a new kind of audience to the world of theatre both nationally and internationally for the past decade.

more rifco arts News

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To celebrate, join us for two very special nights and experience memorable moments from favourite Rifco Arts hit shows – these include Britain’s Got Bhangra, The Deranged Marriage and There’s Something About Simmy – and be the first to see a sneak preview of the next show. If you haven’t seen Rifco Arts before, prepare to be amazed at this night of theatre, song, laughter and dance. Join the party and celebrate a decade of success and an exciting future.

Thu 26–Fri 27 May 7.45pm£20 (conc: £18)

Box office: 01923 225671 www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk 33

Watford Palace theatre PRoDUCInG • PReSenTInG • PARTICIPATInG • PARTneRInG

Box office: 01923 225671 www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk

Welcometo our 2011 Summer and Autumn season. Amongst the exciting new ventures coming up at the Palace over the next few months are the launch of regular film screenings, Imagine Watford – a town centre festival of extraordinary open air moments – and cultural celebrations created with members of our local community.

3 tickets for the price of 2By popular demand, we’re offering audiences the opportunity to book 3 plays from our high quality season of drama for the price of 2. Choose 3 plays from the list opposite (one from a , B and c ).

Multibuy offers are available on all prices, including concessions and Circle Member discounts where applicable. All tickets must be purchased in one transaction by Sat 3 Sep. Free ticket exchange available if you need to swap dates. For B & C: all tickets in the same price band, excludes Previews and Saturday evenings.

on offer again this season is the popular Multibuy package, enabling you to see three plays for the price of two (including a world premiere!): do take the opportunity to have a close look at our high quality and varied programme of excellent drama. We are delighted to be co-producing two productions for this year’s edinburgh Fringe Festival and as ever there’s plenty of choice for families too – including Hertfordshire’s favourite pantomime made specially here at the Palace.

our newly launched website is home to a range of information about all of our work – do please join our email list or Facebook page to be the first to hear the latest exciting Palace news.

Brigid larmour ARTISTIC DIReCToR & CHIeF exeCUTIve

Dusk Rings A Bellby Stephen Belber PAGe 6

Young Pretenderby e v Crowe PAGe 6

Family Businessby Julian Mitchell PAGe 12

Tartuffe by Molière PAGe 15

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For two remarkable weeks, Watford Town centre will be transformed by incredible world class performance on our streets. experience the unexpected – for free!

La Mirada Transparente ProduccioneS imPerdibleSTake your seat under a transparent stage for ravishing dance overhead and new perspectives on Watford’s architecture

The Heliosphere the dreAm engineSpiralling overhead, an acrobat suspended from a giant balloon swoops down to meet you

BBC Concert OrchestraMembers of the BBC Concert orchestra perform a selection of music from their wide repertoire

Big Sing hertfordShire muSic ServiceMassed choruses of Hertfordshire children will hit the high notes on the streets of Watford

A festival of extraordinary open air moments

Third Ring Out metiS ArtS Participate in planning for the worst case scenarios of climate change, the immediacy of theatre combined with the thrill of a disaster movie

creAted in PArtnerShiP by the wAtford culturAl leAderS grouP

A festival of extraordinary open air momentsMon 20 Jun – Sun 3 Jul 2011For dates and times, visit www.imaginewatford.co.uk

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Seasaw tilted ProductionS An unusual and contemporary take on the seaside fair, dance theatre inspired by the sea

Let’s Get Wet fActoriA mAScAroWitty, playful and sexy choreography in a pool of water from this Catalan dance company

The Three Belles StrAnge fruitSeductive, frivolous and charming sway pole choreography five metres in the air, from Australian masters of performance

Chodzenie–Siberia 30 bird ProductionS Inspired by the journey of Polish Captives from WWII, a mix of contemporary performance and film invites you to re-imagine a forgotten world

Rifco ArtsPromising to have you dancing in the streets, shaking your shoulders and twisting that light bulb, Rifco Arts are guaranteed to lift your spirits

Herbert’s Dream comPAgnie deS QuidAmSethereal white figures on stilts emerge from the shadows in a magical rite of transformation from this extraordinary French company

Act without Words II by Samuel Beckett SJ ProductionSWith two characters living in separate sacks, one of Beckett’s most universal plays, brought to the streets – literally

Deception in the Forest foundAtion for indiAn Performing ArtS Spectacular stilt performance as pan-Asian dancers and musicians create epic storytelling, from the magical tapestry of Ramayana myths

www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk Box office: 01923 2256716

Wed 31 Aug 7.45pmThu 1 Sep 2.30pm & 7.45pm hightide feStivAl theAtre in ASSociAtion with wAtford PAlAce theAtre PreSent

Dusk Rings A Bell by Stephen Belber Director Steven atkinson Designer takis / Lighting Matt Prentice Sound Steve Mayo / Music tom Mills Casting charlotte Bevan / voice John tucker

Twenty-four years ago, the future was going to be different. Mol was going to be happy, older, smarter and married with kids. Ray was going to be a heart surgeon. When they meet again by chance – she divorced and childless, he a caretaker and gardener – they discover that their lives are even further from that future than they’d thought.

This is the european premiere production of Stephen Belber’s funny, poignant and heartbreaking play. Belber’s other credits include the film Tape and the co-writing of The Laramie Project. This marks the Palace’s first collaboration with HighTide following its recent productions of Stovepipe (national/Bush, Sunday Times), Ditch (old vic Tunnels), and the Fringe First award-winning Lidless (edinburgh Fringe & Trafalgar Studios).

‘Bittersweet and quietly wonderful’ TIME OUT

£12.50 70 minsfree PoSt-ShoW Q&a: Wed 31 AugPeRFORMeD In ‘On-STAGe STuDIO’

Fri 2 Sep 8pmSat 3 Sep 5pm & 8pmnAboKov, eScAlAtor eASt to edinburgh And hull trucK theAtre in ASSociAtion with wAtford PAlAce theAtre And mercury theAtre colcheSter PreSent

Young Pretender by e V crowe Director Joe Murphy

A young rebel. A brutal victory. A devastating defeat. Aged 25, the charismatic Bonnie Prince Charlie laid claim to the thrones of england, Scotland and Ireland in a series of stunning military victories. By the time he was 26, his dreams lay in ruins and he was fleeing for his life. Amidst the chaos of war, the Young Pretender is forced to decide how far he is willing to go for the cause.

e v Crowe (Kin, Royal Court, 2010) brings the brilliant but flawed Prince to vivid life in this fast-paced new play, taking an irreverent look at Britain’s rebellious past against the backdrop of the world’s rebellious present.

Watford Palace Creative Associate nabokov is an internationally acclaimed new writing company. Previous collaborations include Bunny (Fringe First winner), the critically acclaimed 2nd May 1997 and Is everyone ok?

£12.50 60 minsfree PoSt-ShoW Q&a: Fri 2 Sepin our green rooM Bar: Free post-show entertainment, Fri 2 Sep

BeST OF THe FeSTIvAL

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Box office: 01923 225671 www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk 7Box office: 01923 225671 www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk 7

Tue 6 Sep 7.45pmMOTIONHOUSE PRESENTS

Scatteredconceived and directed by Kevin finnanDesigner Simon dormon / Lighting Designer natasha chivers / original music Sophy Smith

UK favourite Motionhouse has been producing critically acclaimed and visually stunning dance theatre blockbusters since 1988. As they are the most theatrical dance company in the country, we’ve been keen to bring Motionhouse to the Watford stage, and here’s your chance to see their latest hit.

Scattered explores the amazing in the everyday, in a meteor shower of unlikely moments, combining highly physical dance theatre and mesmerizing aerial imagery in a unique interaction between film and live performance.

Scattered delves into the majesty and savagery of water, as seven dancers plunge into an ocean, tumble down a waterfall, gasp with thirst under a scorching sun and slide on an avalanche to a frozen landscape of arctic beauty.

Performed on a huge curved floor which disappears skywards, Scattered uses daring dancing to create an extraordinary world in which the dancers move seamlessly through projected images.

‘the performance is practically jet-propelled... the quicksilver cast almost never stops moving. dazzling.’ THE TIMES

‘Shock and awe; eliciting gasps as the dancers bodysurf across the face of the wave or launch themselves from its vertiginous peak’ THE OBSERVER

£12.50 70 mins

School WorKShoPS: Motionhouse offer an extensive programme of workshops, contact [email protected] or call 01923 810307 to find out more.

Scattered was commissioned by Warwick Arts Centre, and created with support from Playbox Theatre Warwick

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Fri 16–Sat 24 Sep (see back cover for times)A RIFCO ARTS PROdUCTION, IN CO-PROdUCTION wITH wATFORd PALACE THEATRE ANd wARwICK ARTS CENTRE

Britain’s Got Bhangraconceived and written by Pravesh KumarMusic Sumeet chopraLyrics dougal irvineDirector Pravesh KumarDesigner Keith Khan

£22.50, £19.50, £15, £12 Concessions: £2 off (excludes Premium) Senior citizens/under 18s: half price on matinee Small groups of 5+, Mon & Tue, £2 off per ticket

PreMiuM SeatS: £30 (Sat eve only)enjoy the best seats in the house, a complimentary programme and a drink in our Premium guest area

free PoSt-ShoW Q&a: Fri 23 Sep

adult theatre WorKShoP: Tue 13 Sep, see page 23

originally co-produced by Rifco Arts and Theatre Royal Stratford east in association with Warwick Arts Centre

An exciting new production of the five-star hit Bhangra musical charting the rise of British Bhangra from the sequin clad 80s through to the RnB fusion of today’s charts.Twinkle arrives fresh from the fields of the Punjab with a song in his heart and no money in his pocket. Can his talent shine through or will the remixed bling of the 90s DJs ruin his dreams?

After a highly successful run at the Palace last summer, Britain’s Got Bhangra is back, remixed and remastered and better than ever, and features Shin, the lead singer of the popular Bhangra band DCS.

This award winning musical from Rifco Arts, a Palace Resident Company, is guaranteed to lift you from the Dhol Drums!

Bring the family and move to the rhythm. Shake your shoulders, twist that light bulb, this is the story of how Britain Got Bhangra.

‘go and watch this now because it’s five-star fabulous’ EASTERn EyE

‘a delight that brings the audience to its feet and introduces a new sound into the stale world of the British musical’ THE GUARDIAn



CuLTuRAL CeLeBRATIOnS

Fri 9 Sep 5pm

Celebrate eidenjoy an evening at the Palace celebrating eid, the end of the fasting month Ramadan. With food, workshops to join in, and music on our Green Room stage, experience the flavours of eid-ul-Fitr by joining us for this special family event.

free

Sun 18 Sep 6pm

Black History: A CelebrationFollowing the success of Windrush (october 2010), the Palace reunites with the Watford African Caribbean Association to bring you an evening of entertainment and festivities to celebrate the history of Watford’s Black community.

£6.50 (£5 for groups of 4 or more) including free food

Sun 13 nov 5pm

Diwali at the Palace Celebrating the Festival of Lights

Watford Palace, the Hare Krishna temple and the local community bring the tastes and colours of India to the Theatre, in a family experience of music and dance to celebrate Diwali, filling this unforgettable evening with joy, togetherness and hope.

£6.50 (£5 for groups of 4 of more) including free food

A new series of celebratory events marking key moments in the calendar of Watford’s local communities including Black History Month, Chinese new Year, vaisakhi, eid and DiwaliTo get involved in planning any of these events or to contribute your ideas, please email [email protected]

Box office: 01923 225671 www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk 11Box office: 01923 225671 www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk 11

Fri 30 Sep 1.30pmSat 1 Oct 1.30pm & 4.30pmSCAMP THEATRE ANd wATFORd PALACE THEATRE PRESENT

Friend Or Foeby Michael Morpurgo adapted and directed by daniel Buckroyd

£9 (under 16s £7.50)School groups: £7 (1 teacher free for every 10 students)

For ages 8+ / 70 mins

free PoSt-ShoW Q&a: Sat 1 oct, after 1.30pm performance

School WorKShoPS: This production will be supported by an education package and workshops for schools, looking at World War II, evacuation and themes of loyalty and friendship

The world premiere of the stage adaptation of Friend or Foe, written by Michael Morpurgo, the prize-winning author whose books include War Horse, Farm Boy and Private Peaceful.

An exciting tale of friendship set at the height of the Second World War, as two boys prepare to be evacuated from London. After settling into a new life in the countryside, the war seems a long way away. Then one night the skyline lights up with gun flashes and the distant sound of bombing, shattering their new-found peace. When a German plane crashes, the next stage of their adventure begins...

Watford Palace collaborates again with Creative Associate Scamp, following the international success and critical acclaim of Stick Man.

WHATSOnSTAGE.COM (On STICk MAn)

SUnDAy EXPRESS (On STICk MAn)

‘i’m thrilled to bits. i just think the quality of what Scamp do is amazing’ MICHAEL MORPURGO


Fri 7–Sat 22 Oct (see back cover for times)A wAtford PAlAce theAtre And oxford PlAyhouSe co-Production

Family Businessby Julian MitchellDirector Matthew lloydDesigner ruari Murchison

Palace PreVieWS (See BacK coVer): £10

WeeKdaY eVeningS and MatineeS: £20, £17.50, £11.50Concessions: £4 off Senior Citizens: half price on matinees

Sat eVe: £22.50, £19.50, £15, £12Concessions: £2 off (excludes Premium)


free PoSt-ShoW Q&as: Wed 12 oct & Tue 18 oct

adult theatre WorKShoP: Mon 3 oct, see page 23

filM at the Palace: Another Country by Julian Mitchell, Wed 17 Aug, 8pm

Retired entrepreneur William invites his four grown-up children to visit his beautiful converted barn in the Welsh Borders to celebrate his birthday. They all join with William’s carer Solomon to toast another year, but each of them has their own business in mind...

Warm, intelligent, witty and moving, Family Business is the world premiere production of Julian Mitchell’s new play, looking at the complex relationships that underpin family life.

Mitchell’s plays include Another Country (a West end hit, Best Play in 1981, later made into a film), Falling over england and After Aida. He was also a regular writer for the much loved Inspector Morse series and has written the screenplays for numerous films including Wilde and vincent & Theo.

Matthew Lloyd, previously Artistic Director at Manchester’s Royal exchange and Associate Director at Hampstead Theatre, has directed over twenty new plays, including for the Almeida, the Bush, Glasgow Citizens and off-Broadway. For Watford Palace he directed Blithe Spirit (2007) and Copenhagen (2006) and in 2010 Julian Mitchell’s The Good Soldier for Theatre Royal Bath.

‘Julian Mitchell’s exemplary adaptation’ THE OBSERVER On THE GOOD SOLDIER

‘Matthew lloyd’s rich and nuanced production… is a noble and deeply moving piece of theatre’ DAILy TELEGRAPH On DUET FOR OnE

‘ruari Murchison’s set almost steals the show’ THE OBSERVER On THE SECRET GARDEn

PHoTo: CHRIS GLoAGBACKGRoUnD: GeTTY IMAGeS/DAvID ToASe



Fri 28 Oct 7.45pmSat 29 Oct 2.30pm & 7.45pmwATFORd PALACE THEATRE PRESENTS A HERTFORdSHIRE COUNTY YOUTH THEATRE PROdUCTION

The Legend of Sleepy Hollowby Washington irving

adapted for the stage by Jonathan clarkson Director James Williams

Can you keep your head when all about you are losing theirs?

A community of settlers arrive for a new life in a strange new world, where in dark woods superstitious locals scare the life out of each other with chilling myths and legends – all said to be true, of course.

Ichabod Crane is having none of it. As he battles the local bully for the hand of his sweetheart, the thud of hooves across the forest floor get ever closer. Then even Ichabod’s thoughts return to the blood-curdling tale of the headless horseman – a soldier whose decapitated body – it is claimed – refuses to die. Someone, or something, is coming...

A frighteningly dark and comic version of this classic short story, brought to life on stage by some of Hertfordshire’s most talented young performers.

£8 (under 18s £6 or £4 if booked by 30 Sep)

Suitable for brave over 10s and anyone not of a nervous disposition

free PoSt-ShoW Q&a: Fri 28 oct

adult theatre WorKShoP: Tue 1 nov, see page 23

in our green rooM Bar: Free post-show music, Sat 29 oct eve

To find out more about our Youth Theatres, see page 25

Watford Palace Theatre in partnership with HCC Standards and School effectiveness


Tue 1–Sat 5 nov 7.45pmThu & Sat matinees 2.30pmENGLISH TOURING THEATRE PRESENTS

Tartuffeby Molière adapted by roger Mcgough Director gemma Bodinetz

Tartuffe is a beacon of piety and has his feet firmly under the table in the home of wealthy merchant Orgon. But all is not as it seems - as Orgon becomes enraptured with Tartuffe, the whole city is chattering. Is he friend, fraud, miracle or hypocrite? The family smells a rat and amid the frills and frivolity of seventeenth century society, they hatch a cunning plan to outwit the wily deceiver before he brings their house crashing down…

Originally presented to massive acclaim in Liverpool, this fresh and vibrant translation of the classic comedy by Molière (The Misanthrope, The School for Wives, The Miser) reunites ETT with Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse following their hilarious joint production of Roger McGough’s version of Molière’s The Hypochondriac.

‘anarchic, irreverent and hysterically funny’ THE OBSERVER

‘comedy genius... fun, frivolous and fantastic’ METRO

WeeKdaY eVeningS and MatineeS: £20, £17.50, £11.50 Concessions: £4 off Senior Citizens: half price on matinees

Sat eVe: £22.50, £19.50, £15, £12Concessions: £2 off (excludes Premium)


free PoSt-ShoW Q&a: Wed 2 nov

filM at the Palace: Molière, Wed 12 oct, 2.30pm



Fri 25 nov–Sat 31 Dec (see back cover for times)A wATFORd PALACE THEATRE PROdUCTION

Jack & The Beanstalkby andrew Pollard

fee fi fo fum...

Join Jack, Dame Trott and Buttercup the cow on the most giant adventure of all in this brand-new show, packed with laughter, popular tunes and a never-ending beanstalk.

our most magical event of the year is lovingly created for you in Watford by the team behind Aladdin and Cinderella. The Palace’s Pantomime brings the festive season to life with stunning sets and costumes, first-rate musicians and actors, witty storytelling and all the lavish spectacle you have come to expect from us.

If you’re looking for a hilarious family show in a traditional setting, full of all the fun ingredients that the best pantos have, and packed to the brim with audience participation, head to the Palace. The ultimate Christmas treat – there’s nothing better to put you in an exuberant festive spirit!

‘it is very rare that a production ticks all the artistic boxes required to present a really special show but that’s the case with this aladdin.’ WATFORD OBSERVER On ALADDIn (2010)

WHAT’S On STAGE On ALADDIn (2010)

Director Kate SaxonDesigner cleo Pettitt

Choreographer Karen edwardsMusical Arranger dominic haslam

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green PerforManceS (See BacK coVer): £17.50 (conc £15), £15.50 (conc £12.50), £12 (conc £12)Box (4 seats): £50 School groups: £9.50 (1 teacher free for every 10 students) Groups 10+: £14.50, £11.50 Groups of 6–9: all tickets at concessionary price

Blue PerforManceS (See BacK coVer): £20 (conc £17.50), £18 (conc £15), £14 (conc £14)Groups 10+: £16, £14 Groups of 6–9: all tickets at concessionary price

red PerforManceS (See BacK coVer): £20 (conc £18), £18.50 (conc £16.50), £15.50 (conc £15.50)

Bringing a grouP of 10+: Ask our sales team about pre-ordering ice creams and programmes

chriStMaS BoX: Boxes seat up to 4 people. Served in your Box: confectionery, one ice cream each, merchandise and two programmes. £120 per box (Blue and Red performances only).

School WorKShoPS: Contact [email protected] or call 01923 810307 to find out more

adult theatre WorKShoP: Tue 6 Dec, see page 23

Sponsored by: Media partner:

17Box office: 01923 225671 www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk 17

the Palace Pantomime. it just wouldn’t be christmas without it.

Bringing film back to the

centre of Watford

with over 250 screenings a year

We are now showing film alongside our extensive programme of live work


• Great films for everyone

• State of the art digital projection

• exceptional sound quality

• Launching with oscar-winning films

• Beautiful edwardian theatre setting

• High quality food and drink

• Affordable ticket prices

• 3D experience for many family films

• easy parking in Palace-Charter car park

eat and drink while you watch!our film audiences can experience the same great cafe and bar offer as audiences for live work. our licensed bar serves an extensive range of alcoholic and soft drinks, delicious Illy coffee, fresh smoothies, cakes, pastries, sandwiches, a selection of confectionery and quality dairy ice cream – all of which can be enjoyed in your theatre seat.

our website www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk provides more information on all Palace screenings and the opportunity to sign up to receive our film brochure in the post, published six times a year.

A Turtle's Tale 3D (U)

Sat 30 Apr 11am Sun 1 May 11am Mon 2 May 11am

The King's Speech (12A)

Sat 30 Apr 5pm Sun 1 May 4pm Mon 2 May 4pm

True Grit (15)

Sat 30 Apr 9pm Sun 1 May 8pm

Black Swan (15)

Mon 2 May 8pm Thu 5 May 8pm

The Madness of King George (PG)

Wed 11 May 2pm

Hop (U)

Sun 15 May 11am Sun 22 May 11am

norwegian Wood (15)

Sun 15 May 4pm

The Tempest (PG)

Sun 15 May 8pm Mon 16 May 8pm

West is West (15)

Wed 18 May 8pm Thu 19 May 8pm

The eagle (12A)

Sun 22 May 4pm Mon 23 May 8pm

Benda Bilili! (PG)

Sun 22 May 8pm

Oranges and Sunshine (15)

Fri 27 May 2.30pm Sun 29 May 8pm

Winnie the Pooh 3D (U)

Sun 29 May 11am Wed 1 Jun 10.30am

Submarine (15)

Sun 29 May 4pm

Archipelago (15)

Wed 1 Jun 2pm

Rio (U)

Fri 3 Jun 11am Sun 5 Jun 11am Sun 12 Jun 11am

Life Goes On (12A)

Sun 5 Jun 3.30pm

Source Code (12A)

Sun 5 Jun 8.30pm Mon 6 Jun 8pm

Went the Day Well? (PG)

Tue 7 Jun 2.30pm

Route Irish (15)

Tue 7 Jun 8pm Thu 9 Jun 8pm

Patagonia (15)

Thu 9 Jun 2.30pm Fri 10 Jun 2.30pm

Cave of Forgotten Dreams 3D (U)

Fri 10 Jun 8pm

Little White Lies (15)

Sun 12 Jun 4pm Tue 14 Jun 6pm

essential Killing (15)

Sun 12 Jun 8pm

Live from the Royal Opera House: MacbethMon 13 Jun 7.15pm

M Hulot's Holiday (U)

Wed 15 Jun 2.30pm

You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger (12A)

Wed 15 Jun 8pm

Pina 3D (U)

Mon 20 Jun 8pm Thu 23 Jun 11am

Red Riding Hood (12A)

Mon 27 Jun 8pm Thu 30 Jun 8pm

My Dog Tulip (12A)

Tue 28 Jun 8pm

Great White Silence (U)

Thu 30 Jun 2.30pm

Attack the Block (15)

Sun 3 Jul 11am & 8.30pm

Chalo Dilli (CERT TBC)

Sun 3 Jul 3.30pm

FILM LISTInG APRIL–JUne 2011


TICKeTSMon–thu (before 5pm)

fri, Sat, Sun & Bank holidays (before noon)

£6 (conc: £4.50) 3D screenings: £7.20 (conc: £5.40)

Mon–thu (5pm or later)

£7.50 (conc: £5.50) 3D screenings: £9 (conc: £6.60)

fri, Sat, Sun & Bank holidays (from noon)

£8 (conc: £6.50) 3D screenings: £9.60 (conc: £7.80)

live Screenings: £15 (no concessions)

indePendent cinemA office client venue


Mon 7–Sat 12 nov 7.30pmSat Matinee 2.30pmcASSio oS PreSentS

Hello, Dolly!Book Michael Stewart

Music & Lyrics Jerry herman

Based on the play the Matchmaker by thornton Wilder

Glamorous and meddling match-maker Dolly Levi is out to make the most significant pairing of her career. Four couples head to the bright lights of new york and on the way, helped by Dolly, learn to lighten up, laugh, and of course, fall in love.

This popular Tony award-winning musical is given a new lease of life with this vivacious, colourful production from the team that brought you The Music Man (5 stars, Watford Observer) and Our House (4 stars). Experience some of the most uplifting numbers in musical theatre including Put On your Sunday Clothes and Before the Parade Passes By.

With smart & sassy banter and witty, comic songs, Hello, Dolly! is a celebration of life lived to the full.

£18–£8.50

This amateur production is by arrangement with MusicScope and Stage Musicals Limited of new York

LOCAL GROuPS eATInG & DRInKInG

If you’re seeing a show or film, taking part in a workshop or just looking for somewhere to catch up with friends –you’re always welcome at the Palace!

Cafeopen Mon–Sat, 9.30am–2.30pm and also from 1 hour before performances and screenings.

our Cafe is the ideal place to meet for a coffee and a cake or a bite to eat.

Green Room BarWhether or not you’re coming to a show, the bar is the perfect place to meet your friends, or just come and join us for a relaxing drink. our Green Room Bar hosts a programme of free events.


Be PART OF WATFORD PALACe

SponsorshipSupporting Watford Palace offers your company the opportunity to be associated with a local theatre with a national reputation. We develop successful, mutually rewarding, tailored packages to suit your company’s needs and CSR commitments.

Corporate Hire & TrainingWatford Palace is the ideal place to host your business event, and can provide unique spaces for meetings, conferences and AGMs. We are able to offer exciting training opportunities tailored to the specific needs of your business. Using theatre-based skills for training is an ideal way to add something different to your staff development.

Donations and Legacies As a local charity we welcome donations of any size, which go directly to support the work of the theatre and to maintain our listed building. You can donate online on our website or in person at the Box office. Alternatively, a legacy or endowment can make a huge difference to the future of the Palace.

for further details please contact lynne Misner, development Manager, on 01923 257472 or email [email protected]

Circle Membershipenjoy an even more special relationship with Watford Palace by becoming a Circle Member.

Palace Circle £20 (£30 for two people with the same address)• 10% off top price tickets• 20% off ‘Palace Tuesdays’• Priority brochure mailing • Regular Circle newsletter• no charge for postage on tickets

bought by phone• no exchange fee when changing

tickets to another performance of the same show

Directors’ Circle £175All Palace Circle benefits plus• Private backstage tours• Acknowledgement in our show

programmes• Invitations to special events with artists

working on productions

Corporate Membership ClubJoin to enable your company to share our success whilst enjoying an extensive range of benefits. Introductory membership costs £500 +vAT per annum.

21Box office: 01923 225671 www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk


Why not get more involved with your local Palace?Take a peek backstage, join a choir, develop your playwriting or theatre skills, watch free performances in our Green Room Bar or sign up for a fun-packed Summer School. We have something for everybody, whatever your age and interests.

to book, call the box office on 01923 225671To find out more, call the participation team on 01923 810307 or email [email protected]

Box office: 01923 225671 www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk 2323Box office: 01923 225671 www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk

Theatre Workshopseveryone is welcome at our popular workshops for adults, whether it’s your first venture into theatre or you’ve been many times before. Workshops are inspired by this season’s productions.

Bhangra for BeginnersBRITAIn’S GoT BHAnGRA

tue 13 Sep 7.30–9pm

A fun introduction to this popular style of dancing

£9

technical BusinessFAMILY BUSIneSS

Mon 3 oct & Mon 17 oct 7pm–9pm

A chance to explore lighting, sound and stage management

£18

chilling theatreSLeePY HoLLoW

tues 1 nov 7pm–9pm

Creating suspenseful or downright scary theatre

£9

there is nothing like a dameJACK AnD THe BeAnSTALK

tue 6 dec 7pm–9pm

A foray into the world of playing cross-gender in panto (for men and women)

£9

Post Show Q&AsFind out more about our work at informal sessions with playwrights, directors and casts. For details, see individual show pages.

free

Writing Workshops

found in translationthurs 29 Sep, 10 nov & 1 dec 7pm–9pm

Adapting prose fiction for the stage from first commission to rehearsed reading

£32

Community ChoirWeds 21 Sep–7 dec 7.30–9pm

Regular weekly sessions, open to all adults, regardless of skills and experience. You do not need to audition or be able to read music.

£55 (conc £45)

never sung in a choir before? free trials available – call us to arrange

Backstage Toursour backstage tours take you behind the scenes of the Palace, giving you an insight into the Theatre’s history. Tours last around an hour. See back cover for dates. We are happy to tailor special tours for groups.

£3 per person or £30 for a group of up to 20

nAboKov And wAtford PAlAce theAtre PreSent

Present : Tense The toughest creative challenge in town. A group of playwrights, directors, film-makers, poets, musicians and more, convene to select the most momentous story on the news agenda. They each have seven days to create a performance in response, before it is publicly performed.

Performance: Sun 19 Jun 7.45pm

£10

FOR ADuLTS


FOR SCHOOLS

Resource PacksThere is a wide selection of resources free to download from our website, including student and teacher packs for some shows at the Palace.

School GroupsWe do everything we can to help make school visits as easy for organisers as possible. our sales team can pre-order ice creams and programmes, help book coaches, and are happy to talk through the various group offers we have available. Generally we can offer group organisers a free ticket for every 10 tickets booked.

WorkshopsWe offer a wide variety of subsidised workshops for students and tailored InSeT sessions for teachers. These are available in schools or here at the Palace, for Primary, Secondary, Further and Higher education. We can create bespoke workshops for you, for example on puppets, practitioners or performing. For more information visit our website or contact us.

Steering GroupsIn partnership with Hertfordshire County Council Standards and School effectiveness, Watford Palace Theatre provides drama support to schools across the county. our Primary and Secondary Steering Groups let us know what you think of our work and what we can do to ensure we’re meeting your needs. To join a Steering Group, contact us.

Mailing ListKeep up to date with all the latest offerings from the participation programme by joining our exclusive Teachers’ Mailing List. We send out a regular newsletter packed with news. To join, send your name and email address to [email protected]

Teachers’ eveningsTeachers have the chance to see some Watford Palace productions for free! Come and meet the participation team and other teachers to discover ways we can work together. To sign up to a Teachers’ evening, or find out more, contact us.

Touring ProductionWe create a touring production for Secondary schools each Spring term, allowing Hertfordshire students to see high quality professional theatre in or close to their school – we will be announcing our 2010 production on the website soon.

Watford Palace Theatre in partnership with HCC Standards and School effectiveness

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Box office: 01923 225671 www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk 2525Box office: 01923 225671 www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk

FOR YOunG PeOPLe

Holiday ActivitiesIntensive and fun packed weeks, working with theatre professionals, leading up to performances.

getting the Show on! (ages 11–14)Mon 1–fri 5 aug 10am–4pm

Love theatre? Want to create an exciting piece of theatre in just one fun-packed week? Then this is the project for you. Tons of games and creativity culminating in a site-specific performance out and about in Watford.

£85

Welcome to Spookesville! (ages 7–11)Mon 8–fri 12 aug 10am–4pm

Help create your own spooky performance. Join us on this creepy adventure using drama, voice and movement. Fun and games included!

£85

Hertfordshire County Youth Theatre If you’re aged 13–18, live or go to school in Hertfordshire and love theatre, then why not join HCYT? Twice a year we run our action packed audition workshops in schools across the county, looking for a talented cast to perform and work alongside our professional team at the Palace.

not into acting? You can also join our Young Production Team and get involved with Stage Management, Lighting or Sound.

Find out more about HCYT by joining our page at www.facebook.com/HertsCYT, speaking to your Drama Teacher or contacting us for more information.

Palace Youth TheatreSpecialist training for young theatre makers aged 7–18, led by theatre professionals.

Potted Panto (ages 7–11) Sat 10 Sep–Sat 10 dec (excl 22–29 oct) 10am–noon

A chance to plant your magic beans of imagination and grow your own panto

Panto Jacked (ages 11–14) Sat 10 Sep – Sat 10 dec (excl 22–29 oct) 12.30–2.30pm

Keep the cow, rob the beans and uproot the beanstalk as you take panto in a different direction.

not for the nervous (ages 14–18) Mon 19 Sep–Mon 12 dec (excl 24 oct) 6.15–8.15pm

Creating theatre for the very brave out of urban myths and legends.

all courses: £60 each (includes ticket to Sleepy Hollow and Jack and the Beanstalk)

HCYT is run in partnership with HCC Standards and School effectivenessP

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Palace CharterCar Park


Only £2.50 for up

to 4 hours**£4.50 for up to 5 hours

Improved car parking – making your visit easier than everThe Palace Charter Car Park is less than 5 minutes walk and behind the Theatre. By parking on Level 1 or 2 with other theatre goers, you will benefit from:

• Well lit parking and walkways

• easy to follow signage

• over 400 parking spaces

• Accessible parking bays

• Lift access to ground floor

• A Park Mark certified safer car park

Watford Palace theatre 20 Clarendon Road Watford, WD17 1JZ

Working in partnership:

PARKInG AT THe PALACe

27Box office: 01923 225671 www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk

accessibility The theatre is fully accessible to all patrons. A lift and easily accessible toilets are available. 5 wheelchair spaces are situated in the stalls. Please notify Box Office at the time of booking if you need a wheelchair space. Assistance dogs are welcome.

Our friendly sales team can provide all the information you need to help you plan your visit.

captioned and audio described performances See back cover for dates. Tickets for caption and audio description users cost £10 and can be booked through the Box Office.

Parental guidance Parents are advised to check suitability with our sales staff at time of booking. Under 12s must be accompanied by an adult. Film admission is restricted by the film’s certification (listed on our website), proof of age may be required.

theatre tokens valid at 225 Uk theatres, can be purchased and redeemed at our Box Office

Booking conditions Refunds & Exchanges: Tickets and fees are non refundable. We are unable to apply discounts or concessionary prices retrospectively.

Subject to availability and return of original tickets, we can exchange tickets for another performance of the same production. A 10% handling fee is charged for this service. Where the new performance is of a higher cost, the price difference will be charged, but if lower we regret we will not be able to offer a refund.

Ticket Return: Once all tickets are sold out, we are happy to offer, without guarantee, customer tickets for resale. A 10% fee is charged for this service. Any monies owed to customers are available as a credit for use against a future Watford Palace Theatre ticket purchase.

Offers and discounts are subject to management discretion and may be limited to selected seats only. Only one discount can be used.

BOOKInG AnD InFORMATIOn

Box Office: 01923 225671 • Group Sales Line (10+ tickets): 01923 [email protected] you can book 24 hours a day at www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk

STAGE

auditorium seating plan

Payment We accept Maestro, MasterCard, Visa, Cash and Theatre Tokens. Electron cards can also be used by phone and in person. Credit and Debit card transactions are subject to a £1.50 handling fee per booking.

reservations Unpaid reservations will be released after four days, or 45 minutes before the start of a performance, whichever is sooner.

concessions Where concessions are advertised, discounted prices are generally available to: under 16s, registered unemployed, people with a disability and students in full time education. Senior Citizens enjoy discounted tickets on many of our shows. Our sales team are happy to advise the cheapest available ticket price.

If cost would prevent you from being involved in our Participation programme, contact the Participation team on 01923 810307 to discuss in strict confidence ways we can help.

Public transport Our nearest rail station, Watford Junction, is a 10 minute walk and is only 20 minutes from London Euston (via fast through-trains only). Bus & train Information: 0871 200 22 33.

groups bookings Thinking of having an outing for your colleagues, society or even just your group of friends? Group visits to the Palace are a special experience. As well as getting a free ticket for every ten that you buy, you can enjoy some of our optional add-ons; such as pre-ordering your drinks, getting a platter of hors d’oeuvres or even exclusively booking the hospitality room. To find our more, visit our website or contact the sales team, who will help make the group booking process as easy and convenient as possible.


auguStMon 1 getting the Show on! (until 5 Aug)

Mon 8 Welcome to Spookesville! (until 12 Aug)

Wed 31 dusk rings a Bell 7.45

SePteMBerThu 1 dusk rings a Bell 2.30 7.45

Fri 2 Young Pretender 8.00

Sat 3 Young Pretender 5.00 8.00

Tue 6 Scattered 7.45

Fri 9 celebrate eid 5.00

Sat 10 Potted Panto (until 10 Dec)

Sat 10 Panto Jacked (until 10 Dec)

Tue 13 Bhangra for Beginners

Fri 16 Britain’s got Bhangra 7.30

Sat 17 Britain’s got Bhangra 7.30

Sun 18 Black history: a celebration 6.00

Mon 19 Britain’s got Bhangra 7.30

Mon 19 not for the nervous (until 12 Dec)

Tue 20 Britain’s got Bhangra 7.30

Wed 21 Britain’s got Bhangra 7.30

Wed 21 community choir (until 7 Dec)

Thu 22 Britain’s got Bhangra 7.30

Fri 23 Britain’s got Bhangra 7.30

Sat 24 Backstage tour 10.00

Sat 24 Britain’s got Bhangra 2.30 7.30

Thu 29 found in translation (until 1 Dec)

Fri 30 friend or foe 1.30

octoBerSat 1 friend or foe 1.30 4.30

Mon 3 technical Business (until 17 oct)

Fri 7 family Business 7.45

Sat 8 family Business 7.45

Mon 10 family Business 7.45

Tue 11 family Business 7.00

Wed 12 family Business 7.45

Thu 13 family Business 2.30 7.45


Sat 15 family Business 2.30 7.45

Mon 17 Backstage tour 6.00

Tue 18 family Business 7.45

Wed 19 family Business 2.30 7.45

Thu 20 family Business 7.45


Sat 22 family Business 2.30 7.45

Fri 28 Sleepy hollow 7.45

Sat 29 Sleepy hollow 2.30 7.45

noVeMBerTue 1 tartuffe 7.45

Tue 1 chilling theatre

Wed 2 tartuffe 7.45

Thu 3 tartuffe 2.30 7.45

Fri 4 tartuffe 7.45

Sat 5 tartuffe 2.30 7.45

Mon 7 hello, dolly! 7.30

Tue 8 hello, dolly! 7.30

Wed 9 hello, dolly! 7.30

Thu 10 hello, dolly! 7.30

Fri 11 hello, dolly! 7.30

Sat 12 Backstage tour 10.00

Sat 12 hello, dolly! 2.30 7.30

Sun 13 diwali at the Palace 5.00

Fri 25 Jack & the Beanstalk 7.00

Sat 26 Jack & the Beanstalk 3.00

Mon 28 Jack & the Beanstalk 2.00

Tue 29 Jack & the Beanstalk 7.00

Wed 30 Jack & the Beanstalk 2.00

deceMBerThu 1 Jack & the Beanstalk 10.30 2.00

Fri 2 Jack & the Beanstalk 2.00 7.00

Sat 3 Jack & the Beanstalk 2.30 7.00

Mon 5 Jack & the Beanstalk 2.00

Tue 6 Jack & the Beanstalk 10.30 2.00

Tue 6 there is nothing like a dame

Wed 7 Jack & the Beanstalk 10.30 2.00

Thu 8 Jack & the Beanstalk 10.30 2.00



Mon 12 Jack & the Beanstalk 10.30 2.00




Fri 16 Jack & the Beanstalk 7.00














Watford Palace Theatre Summer/Autumn 2011

Box office: 01923 225671 www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk

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Documents

Theatre & Participation Brochure